July 15, 2026 15:04

Based on preliminary second-quarter financial figures, BASF has raised its full-year outlook and now expects EBITDA before special items of €6.9 billion to €7.7 billion.
This compares with its previous forecast of €6.2 billion to €7.0 billion and the €6.6 billion reported for full-year 2025.

Nevertheless, the company remains cautious about the second half of the year amid geopolitical tensions and developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

Second-quarter sales rose by 16% year on year, from €14.8 billion to €17.2 billion, supported by a recovery in both average prices, which increased by 11%, and volumes, which rose by 7%. Currency and portfolio effects each reduced sales growth by one percentage point.

EBITDA before special items is expected to reach €2.4 billion, up from €1.6 billion in the second quarter of 2025. The result exceeded financial analysts’ expectations of €2.1 billion.

The German chemicals group said earnings improved across all segments except Surface Technologies, with Materials, Industrial Solutions and Agricultural Solutions performing considerably better than expected.

Second-quarter net income is expected to reach €4.1 billion. However, this includes a €3.9 billion pre-tax disposal gain from the sale of the Coatings business to Carlyle, which was completed on June 30. In the second quarter of 2025, when no such special item was recorded, net income was just €79 million.

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