BASF Sets November 2026 Date for $1 Billion Geismar MDI Plant as Portfolio Reshapes
Published on 11/10/2026 at 12:41 | Editorial boerse-global.de
BASF has circled 11 November 2026 on the calendar for the official opening of its new MDI production facility at the Geismar integrated site. The roughly $1 billion investment is designed for an annual capacity of about 600,000 metric tons, underscoring the Ludwigshafen-based group's push to anchor its polyurethane business in the US Gulf Coast.
News of the ceremony lands alongside a flurry of corporate activity. On the portfolio front, BASF has signed a contract with ALTA Performance Materials for the sale of its Palatal business in Chile, a deal disclosed on Friday. ALTA would take over the unit as buyer, with BASF on the selling side. Completion hinges on customary conditions, including the necessary regulatory approvals, and Palatal remains part of BASF until then. The announcement did not include financial terms.
Evonik Talks Reach the Top Floor
Merger speculation has also intensified. According to Reuters, the chief executives and finance chiefs of BASF and Evonik met on Saturday to discuss BASF's interest in acquiring its smaller rival. The news agency reported the meeting yesterday, citing two sources. Evonik had previously turned down BASF's offer of €24 per Evonik share.
Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying BASF?
Elsewhere in the group, Soeren Bauermann took charge of Corporate Legal, Compliance, Insurance & Security on 1 November, a remit spanning legal affairs, compliance, insurance and security. The stock was up 0.7% in pre-market trading today.
Buyback Grinds On
BASF's share repurchase programme continues to run in the background. In its interim report on the buyback published yesterday, the company disclosed the acquisition of around 352,000 of its own shares in the past week, covering purchases made from 2 to 6 November inclusive. Since the programme began on 3 August, BASF has bought back a total of roughly 7.95 million shares, a figure reflecting the position through last Friday.
The operational and deal news arrives shortly after BASF once again raised its earnings guidance for 2026 and published third-quarter figures. Revenue climbed 14% year on year to €16.4 billion, while EBITDA before special items advanced 15% to €1.6 billion. Both figures came in above the prior-year quarter, according to the company.
Investors will have to wait some time for the next set of hard numbers: BASF has scheduled the release of its 2026 annual report for 26 February 2027.
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BASF Stock: New Analysis - 10 November
Fresh BASF information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.
