Successful Zhanjiang-Verbund Site Start‑Up
All 32 key production lines at the Zhanjiang site were started on time and below budget; steam cracker started without lost time and is flexible on feedstock. Management expects a slightly negative earnings contribution in the first year of operation but positive earnings contribution from 2027.
Agricultural Solutions Strong Performance and IPO Path
Agricultural Solutions delivered an EBITDA margin before special items of 22%; separation work (legal entity and ERP) on track for completion by early 2027 and IPO readiness targeted for 2027. Acquisition of AgBiTech (complementary biologicals) expected to close H1 2026.
Major MDI Capacity Expansion in the U.S.
Geismar MDI expansion is on track with total investment of USD 1 billion — BASF's largest U.S. investment — doubling Geismar MDI capacity to ~600,000 metric tons/year with start-up planned for Q3 2026.
Portfolio Realizations and Coatings Transaction
Divestment of Decorative Paints completed; agreement with Carlyle for Coatings values the business at an enterprise value of EUR 8.7 billion and is on track to close in Q2 2026. BASF to retain 40% equity stake, creating upside potential.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Improvements
Free cash flow improved by around EUR 600 million to EUR 1.3 billion; cash flow from operating activities was EUR 5.6 billion. Net debt reduced to EUR 18.3 billion and equity ratio remained solid at 45.1%.
Cost Savings and Organizational Streamlining
Achieved an annual cost reduction run rate of ~EUR 1.7 billion by end‑2025 (EUR 100 million above original target for that date); target for end‑2026 raised to EUR 2.3 billion (from EUR 2.1 billion). Senior executives reduced by 11%; overall headcount reduced by 4,800 (excluding ~1,000 hires at Zhanjiang).
Capital Discipline: Lowered CapEx Guidance
Group plans capex of EUR 13 billion for 2026–2029 (20% lower than prior 4‑year forecast and >30% lower than 2024–2027 planning). 2026 capex expected at EUR 3.3 billion versus EUR 4.0 billion in 2025 (≈‑17.5%).
Shareholder Returns
Proposal to pay a dividend of EUR 2.25 per share (≈5.1% yield based on year‑end price) and share buybacks initiated (≈EUR 355 million repurchased by year‑end 2025).