BASF raises 2026 outlook after strong second quarter

BASF, the global chemical giant, is projecting a more optimistic financial future for 2026 following a stronger-than-anticipated second quarter. The company announced it is now targeting earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), excluding special items, to be between 6.9 and 7.7 billion euros. This upward revision surpasses its previous forecast of 6.2 to 7.0 billion euros and marks an increase from the 6.6 billion euros achieved in the prior year.

The company's operational performance in the second quarter significantly exceeded market expectations, with preliminary calculations showing earnings at 2.4 billion euros. This is a substantial jump from the 1.6 billion euros recorded in the same period last year. Revenue also saw a healthy increase of 16 percent, reaching 17.2 billion euros, driven by higher prices and increased sales volumes.

BASF's net profit attributable to shareholders surged to 4.1 billion euros, a dramatic improvement from the 79 million euros reported a year ago. This significant boost was largely attributed to the lucrative sale of its coatings business to the U.S. financial investor Carlyle, a deal valued in the billions. The company is scheduled to release its full financial results and further details for the second quarter on July 29.