BASF reported a 54% increase in EBITDA before special items to EUR2.4 billion in the second quarter of 2026, driven by volume growth and higher specific margins. Net income improved by EUR4.2 billion to EUR5.1 billion, including a EUR3.5 billion disposal gain from the completed Coatings transaction with Carlyle, which brought in cash consideration of EUR5.8 billion. Free cash flow turned negative to minus EUR1.6 billion in the first half, impacted by higher working capital and restructuring spending, while net debt declined by EUR4.2 billion to EUR17 billion. The company is on track to achieve its annual cost savings target of around EUR2.3 billion by year-end, with a current run rate of EUR2 billion, and has reduced around 7,000 positions since January 2024. Full-year 2026 EBITDA before special items is forecast between EUR6.9 billion and EUR7.7 billion, with free cash flow expected between EUR1.5 billion and EUR2.3 billion.
BASF SEBASF reported a 54% increase in EBITDA before special items to EUR2.4 billion, driven by volume growth and higher margins, and net income improved by EUR4.2 billion.
Carlyle Group IncCarlyle completed the Coatings transaction with BASF, receiving EUR5.8 billion cash consideration, which is a positive capital event.