BASF maintains good biz performance in Q3 in tough time

Sales in Europe were 12% higher than the level of the third quarter of 2011. As a result of the continuous production of crude oil in Libya, volumes in the Oil & Gas segment increased considerably. The Chemicals segment also posted significant sales growth, which was largely attributable to portfolio effects. EBIT before special items was significantly boosted thanks to the higher contribution from the Oil & Gas and Agricultural Solutions segments: At €1.4 billion, this represented a year-on-year increase of €214 million.

 

After a solid first half, BASF maintained good business performance overall in the third quarter. Sales rose by 8% to €19 billion, particularly due to#

In North America, sales decreased by 9% in U.S. dollars and rose by 3% in euro terms. This development was supported by positive currency effects and demand-driven higher sales volumes in the Plastics segment. Lower sales prices weakened sales growth, however. At €229 million, earnings were €72 million lower than in the third quarter of 2011 particularly owing to unscheduled plant shutdowns in the Petrochemicals division.

 

After a solid first half, BASF maintained good business performance overall in the third quarter. Sales rose by 8% to €19 billion, particularly due to#

Sales in Asia Pacific fell by 6% in local-currency terms while growing by 5% in euro terms. Positive currency effects were able to more than offset declining sales prices. Sales volumes in the region improved thanks primarily to a considerable volumes growth in the Chemicals segment. Earnings declined by €23 million to €236 million despite the significantly increased contribution from the Polyurethanes division. This was mostly due to higher depreciation and amortization on investments and increased spending on research and development.

 

After a solid first half, BASF maintained good business performance overall in the third quarter. Sales rose by 8% to €19 billion, particularly due to#

In South America, Africa, Middle East, sales increased by 1% in local currency terms and 3% in euro terms. Thanks to high sales volumes and currency effects, the Agricultural Solutions segment made a substantial contribution to sales growth. By contrast, sales declined in the Catalysts division and the Oil & Gas segment. At €157 million, earnings were €13 million below the level of the previous third quarter, largely as a result of lower earnings contribution from the Oil & Gas segment.