BASF: Acquisitions strengthen profitable growth

03-Nov-2006

BASF - The Chemical Company is continuing on its profitable growth path: The third quarter of 2006 is the thirteenth quarter in succession in which the company has posted an increase in sales. "We have achieved a new earnings level, and in doing so, three things are important: First, our chemicals businesses were again very successful in the third quarter. Second, the newly acquired businesses have met our expectations. And third, we are continuously improving our sites and business processes," said Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF Aktiengesellschaft.

Sales climbed 28 percent to EUR13.3 billion. The newly acquired businesses - Engelhard, Degussa Construction Chemicals and Johnson Polymer - contributed EUR1.8 billion to this dynamic growth. Income from operations (EBIT) before special items rose by 22 percent to EUR1.6 billion in the third quarter.

Cumulative sales in the first nine months of 2006 increased by 23 percent to more than EUR38 billion. EBIT before special items increased by 19 percent to EUR5.4 billion in the same period. BASF confirms optimistic outlook for full-year 2006

In the fourth quarter, BASF expects demand for its products to remain strong. Despite an easing in the oil price, raw material costs remain high and margins are therefore still under pressure. Geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts are continuing to result in highly volatile raw material prices, which are now also impacting agricultural products.

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