BASF stock outlook rises as earnings strengthen, Evonik talks gain focus
Published on 10/31/2026 at 10:20 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSBASF combines earnings and strategic signals
- BASF raised the lower and upper ends of its 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook after broad-based third-quarter growth.
- Cash generation remained an investor focus as higher raw-material prices tied up funds in inventories.
- Chief Executive Markus Kamieth renewed BASF's case for a potential Evonik combination while stressing financial discipline.
BASF raised its 2026 earnings outlook after reporting stronger third-quarter operating performance on October 28. The company said higher prices and volume gains across its core businesses lifted sales and adjusted operating earnings, while cash generation remained under pressure from inventory investment. The results and outlook were detailed in BASF's October 28 release.
BASF now expects EBITDA before special items of between 7.4 billion euros and 7.8 billion euros for 2026, compared with its previous range of 6.9 billion euros to 7.7 billion euros. Third-quarter sales rose to 16.4 billion euros, while EBITDA before special items increased to 1.6 billion euros. BASF attributed the improvement primarily to higher prices and slightly higher volumes.
Cash flow tempers earnings strength
Operating cash flow reached 1.1 billion euros in the quarter, 275 million euros below the year-earlier level. BASF said 507 million euros was tied up in inventories, largely because of higher raw-material prices. Free cash flow nevertheless rose to 523 million euros, and the company kept its full-year free-cash-flow forecast at 1.5 billion euros to 2.3 billion euros.
The quarter also showed uneven performance across the portfolio. Chemicals, Nutrition and Care, Materials and Industrial Solutions increased adjusted earnings, while Agricultural Solutions and Surface Technologies declined. BASF reported net income of 155 million euros and adjusted earnings per share of 0.72 euros.
Evonik remains a strategic option
Separately, BASF renewed its interest in a potential combination with Evonik. As reported by Yahoo Finance, Chief Executive Markus Kamieth called a merger a logical option for the European chemical industry but said BASF would proceed only if it made economic sense for shareholders. He gave no timetable and said negotiations would remain confidential.
BASF stock traded at 53.31 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 10:18 CET on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Investors can follow the real-time quote of BASF stock.
BASF stock at a glance
- Company: BASF SE
- ISIN: DE000BASF111
- Ticker: BAS.DE
- Home exchange: Frankfurt Stock Exchange
- Lang & Schwarz quote: 53.31 euros, October 31, 2026, 10:18 CET
- Sector: Chemicals
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