BASF reports weaker cash flow as BASF stock gains 1.86 percent

Published on 10/29/2026 at 14:25 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Third-quarter sales rose 14.2 percent to EUR 16.36 billion. BASF stock's adjusted earnings per share reached EUR 0.72, up from EUR 0.52.

What changed for BASF

Operating cash flow fell to EUR 1.10 billion in the third quarter from EUR 1.37 billion a year earlier.
BASF lifted its 2026 EBITDA before special items range to EUR 7.40 billion to EUR 7.80 billion.
Adjusted earnings per share rose to EUR 0.72 from EUR 0.52 in the prior-year quarter.

BASF, DE000BASF111, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

BASF (ISIN DE000BASF111) saw its stock trade 1.86 percent higher as the third-quarter report paired stronger operating earnings with weaker cash generation. The company raised its 2026 earnings outlook in its October 28, 2026 release, but the cash-flow split adds a new test for the market reaction.

Cash generation adds a warning

According to BASF, cash flows from operating activities fell 20.1 percent year over year to EUR 1.10 billion in the third quarter of 2026. The decline was mainly linked to EUR 507.00 million tied up in inventories as raw-material prices increased.

That weaker conversion contrasts with adjusted earnings per share of EUR 0.72, up from EUR 0.52 in the third quarter of 2025. Free cash flow still improved to EUR 523.00 million from EUR 398.00 million, helped by lower investment spending.

Higher earnings outlook

BASF lifted its 2026 EBITDA before special items range to EUR 7.40 billion to EUR 7.80 billion from EUR 6.90 billion to EUR 7.70 billion. Third-quarter EBITDA before special items rose 14.9 percent to EUR 1.64 billion, while sales increased 14.2 percent to EUR 16.36 billion.

The figures show a split outcome. Core businesses delivered higher prices and volumes, yet operating cash flow weakened and EBIT fell to minus EUR 98.00 million from EUR 232.00 million because of special items and higher depreciation.

Stock reaction after results

The stock was trading intraday at EUR 53.82 at Lang & Schwarz on October 29, 2026 at 2:12 p.m. CET, up 1.86 percent versus the Xetra close of October 28, 2026 at EUR 52.84. The positive reaction therefore places more weight on the improved earnings outlook than on the cash conversion setback.

The further course of trading is shown by the continuously updated real-time quote of BASF stock.