BASF Hands Mining Chemicals Unit to France's SNF as Jefferies Cuts Stock to Underperform
Published on 11/12/2026 at 18:10 | Editorial boerse-global.de
BASF has agreed to sell its global mining solutions business to French specialty chemicals group SNF, a divestment that covers the company's mining chemicals operations, including its production site in Cork and roughly 140 employees. The transaction is expected to close in 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
The disposal comes as the Ludwigshafen-based group faces a more skeptical reception from the equity market. Jefferies downgraded BASF from "Hold" to "Underperform" on Tuesday, keeping its price target at 44 euros — a level implying below-average performance for the shares. The stock was up 0.6% today.
Margin Pressure and a 2027 Earnings Gap
Analyst Priyanka Patel cited declining margins, persistent overcapacity, higher gas prices and a lack of demand recovery as the rationale behind the downgrade. For 2027, she projects operating earnings 5% below consensus. Patel also weighed the prospect of a BASF takeover of Evonik, judging it strategically appealing but not attractive enough overall.
Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying BASF?
On the takeover question, Evonik is holding firm. Reuters reported on Monday, citing insiders, that the chief executives and finance chiefs of both companies met on 7 November. According to a person familiar with the matter, Evonik maintained its rejection of BASF's offer even after that exchange, and no further meetings are planned. Evonik had previously turned down a BASF bid of 24 euros per share and has said it will not enter takeover negotiations; the November exchange was described as purely informational and separate from any deal talks.
$1 Billion Bet on Louisiana MDI
Alongside the portfolio moves, BASF has been expanding its production footprint in the United States. The company officially commissioned a new MDI plant at its Geismar integrated site in Louisiana yesterday, following an investment of around $1 billion. Annual MDI capacity at the site now stands at roughly 600,000 tonnes.
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BASF Stock: New Analysis - 12 November
Fresh BASF information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.
