BASF SE is the world's largest chemical company, founded in 1865 and based in Germany. The company operates as a comprehensive chemical manufacturer with products spanning the full chemical spectrum from commodity to specialty chemicals, and maintains a strong position in agricultural crop protection chemicals and emissions control catalysts for cars and trucks.
BASF is headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and employs approximately 111,408 people globally. The company has established itself as a market leader with a top-three market position in approximately 70% of its businesses, demonstrating its extensive reach and competitive strength across multiple chemical segments.
BASF operates through six primary business segments that showcase its diversified portfolio: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. Each segment serves distinct markets and customer needs, from basic petrochemicals to specialized agricultural solutions.
The company has built a robust global manufacturing network with 90% of sales in Europe and North America coming from locally manufactured products, enhancing resilience. This strategic approach reduces supply chain risks and ensures closer proximity to key markets.
As of June 2025, BASF has a market capitalization of $42.73 billion USD, making it the world's 497th most valuable company according to market cap data. The company's financial performance reflects both its market leadership and the challenges facing the chemical industry.
For the full year 2024, BASF Group's sales were €65.3 billion compared to €68.9 billion in 2023. The company's EBITDA before special items for 2024 was €7.9 billion, demonstrating operational resilience despite market headwinds.
In Q1 2025, the company reported mixed results. Revenue stood at €17.4 billion, nearly unchanged from the previous year, while EBITDA before special items was €2.6 billion, decreased by €87 million compared to Q1 2024. However, net income saw a sharp decline, dropping by €560 million to €8 million, primarily due to market challenges and operational adjustments.
BASF has maintained a consistent dividend payment history, having paid dividends every year for the past 26 years. Over the past 12 months, BASF paid a dividend of 3.4 EUR, which corresponds to a dividend yield of about 7.98%.
The company has recently adjusted its dividend strategy as part of its transformation efforts. The proposed annual dividend of at least 2.25 euros is down from the 3.40 euros paid in the previous year. Despite this reduction, BASF remains committed to combined distribution to shareholders - dividends and share purchases - of at least 12 billion euros through 2028.
BASF is undergoing a significant transformation to optimize its business portfolio. The company is divesting the surface technologies and agricultural solutions businesses over the next several years, with these two segments combining to generate nearly 35% of total revenue. The company is targeting readiness for a potential IPO, with listing of a minority share in the agriculture unit as a midterm option.
The company has set ambitious financial targets for 2028. BASF forecasts 2028 EBITDA before special items of 10 billion to 12 billion euros, contingent on midcycle to upcycle business conditions. Analysts on average expect the company to achieve a 2028 EBITDA of about 11 billion euros.
BASF's global presence continues to show regional variations in performance. Sales volumes increased in Asia Pacific by 2% and in Greater China by 7%, indicating growth momentum in these key markets. Conversely, volume declined in North America and US by 9% compared with the prior year quarter, reflecting regional market challenges.
The company is strategically investing in growth markets, with the new Zhanjiang site in China largely expected to be completed in 2025, positioning BASF for enhanced presence in the Asian market.
BASF maintains a strong financial foundation with an equity ratio of 45.9%, which remains unchanged and very healthy. The company enjoys good credit ratings, particularly when compared to competitors in the chemical sector, and maintains a single A credit rating, ensuring favorable financing conditions.
The company's balance sheet reflects seasonal business patterns, with total assets rising by €1 billion to €81.4 billion as of March 2025, mainly due to seasonality in the Agricultural Solutions segment.
BASF's strategic focus on operational efficiency, portfolio optimization, and geographic expansion positions it well for long-term growth despite near-term market challenges. The company's commitment to sustainable chemistry and innovation continues to drive its market leadership in the global chemical industry.
