BASF stock slips as stronger Q3 meets a cash-flow test
Published on 10/30/2026 at 15:11 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSStronger Earnings, Tighter Cash Test
- BASF raised the lower and upper ends of its 2026 EBITDA-before-special-items forecast.
- Third-quarter operating performance improved across the core businesses, while special items weighed on reported EBIT.
- Operating cash flow declined as inventories absorbed funds, keeping cash conversion in focus.
BASF reported stronger third-quarter operating performance on October 28, 2026, and raised its 2026 earnings range. The company said higher prices and increased volumes across its core businesses supported the improvement, according to the BASF release.
The real-time quote of BASF stock traded at 53.20 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 15:04 CET on Friday, October 30, 2026, 0.24 percent below the Xetra close of Thursday, October 29, at 53.33 euros.
Operating Momentum Meets Cash Pressure
Third-quarter sales rose 14 percent year over year to 16.4 billion euros. EBITDA before special items increased 15 percent to 1.6 billion euros, with BASF citing higher prices and volume growth across the core businesses.
The reported figures were less uniform. EBITDA included 437 million euros of special items, while EBIT was negative 98 million euros compared with positive 232 million euros a year earlier. Net income reached 155 million euros, and reported earnings per share came to 0.18 euros. Adjusted earnings per share, excluding special items and amortization of intangible assets, rose to 0.72 euros from 0.52 euros.
Cash conversion remains the main counterweight to the stronger operating result. Cash flow from operating activities fell to 1.1 billion euros, as 507 million euros was tied up in inventories, mainly because of higher raw-material prices. Free cash flow nevertheless increased to 523 million euros, helped by lower investment spending.
Higher 2026 Earnings Range
BASF now expects EBITDA before special items of 7.4 billion to 7.8 billion euros for 2026, compared with its previous range of 6.9 billion to 7.7 billion euros. The company left its free-cash-flow forecast unchanged at 1.5 billion to 2.3 billion euros and maintained its macroeconomic assumptions amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
BASF SE Stock Facts
- Company: BASF SE
- ISIN: DE000BASF111
- Primary exchange: Xetra
- Lang & Schwarz price: 53.20 euros on October 30, 2026, at 15:04 CET
- Change versus Xetra close: 0.24 percent below the October 29, 2026 close of 53.33 euros
Germany's wider equity market provides the relevant backdrop for BASF stock through current DAX market reports.
For investors, the raised earnings range strengthens the operating case, but the inventory build leaves cash generation as a key execution test. More news and analyses on BASF stock.
