AI Terminal

MODULE: AI_ANALYST
Interactive Q&A, Risk Assessment, Summarization
MODULE: DATA_EXTRACT
Excel Export, XBRL Parsing, Table Digitization
MODULE: PEER_COMP
Sector Benchmarking, Sentiment Analysis
SYSTEM ACCESS LOCKED
Authenticate / Register Log In

BASF SE

Earnings Release Apr 28, 2017

44_10-q_2017-04-28_d603c1bf-91ec-44ee-9018-e05d9718fb12.pdf

Earnings Release

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

Quarterly Statement 1st Quarter 2017

Sales and earnings considerably above prior first quarter

  • Sales grow 19% to €16.9 billion; higher volumes in all segments
  • EBIT before special items increases by 29% to €2.5 billion
  • Outlook for 2017 confirmed

Key Figures BASF Group 1st Quarter 2017

1st Quarter
2017 2016 Change in %
Sales million € 16,857 14,208 19
Income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items million € 3,507 2,843 23
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) million € 3,502 2,812 25
Amortization and depreciation1 million € 1,051 946 11
Income from operations (EBIT) million € 2,451 1,866 31
Special items million € (6) (40) 85
EBIT before special items million € 2,457 1,906 29
Financial result million € (152) (188) 19
Income before taxes and minority interests million € 2,299 1,678 37
Net income million € 1,709 1,387 23
EBIT after cost of capital million € 987 571 73
Earnings per share 1.86 1.51 23
Adjusted earnings per share 1.97 1.64 20
Research and development expenses million € 424 455 (7)
Personnel expenses million € 2,641 2,445 8
Number of employees (March 31) 113,873 112,272 1
Assets (March 31) million € 79,074 73,727 7
Investments including acquisitions2 million € 806 959 (16)
Equity ratio (March 31) % 43.7 41.9 4
Net debt (March 31) million € 14,933 12,745 17
Cash provided by operating activities million € 833 1,046 (20)
Free cash flow million € 66 45 47

1 Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including impairments and write-ups)

2 Additions to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

Contents

Business Review

BASF Group 3
Results of Operations, Net Assets, Financial Position 3
Outlook 4
Significant Events 4
Chemicals 5
Performance Products 6
Functional Materials & Solutions 8
Agricultural Solutions 10
Oil & Gas 11
Other 12
Regions 13

Selected Financial Data

Statement of Income 14
Balance Sheet 15
Statement of Cash Flows 16
Additional Key Figures 17

Business Review BASF Group 1st Quarter 2017

Results of Operations

Compared with the first quarter of 2016, sales grew by €2,649 million to €16,857 million. We were able to increase sales volumes in all segments and raise prices, especially in the Chemicals segment. Currency effects and the Chemetall business acquired from Albemarle in December 2016 also had a positive impact on sales.

Factors influencing sales BASF Group 1st Quarter 2017

Volumes 8%
Prices 8%
Portfolio 1%
Currencies 2%
Sales 19%

Income from operations (EBIT) before special items1 grew by €551 million to €2,457 million, primarily as a result of the substantially improved contribution from the Chemicals segment. EBIT before special items also rose considerably in the Oil & Gas and Functional Materials & Solutions segments, while Performance Products and Agricultural Solutions posted a slight decline. Earnings in the chemicals business2 contained an initial insurance payment of €100 million for the accident at the North Harbor of the Ludwigshafen site in October 2016, an amount which predominantly pertained to the Chemicals segment.

Special items in EBIT totaled minus €6 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared with minus €40 million in the same period of 2016. Expenses for restructuring measures, integration costs, and other expenses and income were partly offset by gains from divestitures.

EBIT grew by €585 million to €2,451 million compared with the first quarter of 2016.

Year-on-year, income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items (EBITDA before special items)1 increased by €664 million to €3,507 million and EBITDA1 increased by €690 million to €3,502 million. At minus €152 million, the financial result was €36 million better than in the first quarter of 2016.

Income before taxes and minority interests rose by €621 million to €2,299 million. The tax rate grew from 15.4% to 22.9%, mainly due to higher taxes in Norway.

Net income rose by €322 million to €1,709 million.

Earnings per share were €1.86 in the first quarter of 2017, compared with €1.51 in the same quarter of 2016. Adjusted for special items and amortization of intangible assets, earnings per share1 amounted to €1.97 (first quarter of 2016: €1.64).

Net Assets

Compared with the end of 2016, total assets rose from €76,496 million to €79,074 million. At €50,399 million, noncurrent assets matched the level of December 31, 2016. Growth of €2,729 million in current assets, which totaled €28,675 million, resulted primarily from the increase in trade accounts receivable that accompanied the considerable rise in sales.

Financial Position

Equity increased from €32,568 million to €34,564 million compared with December 31, 2016. The equity ratio grew from 42.6% to 43.7%.

Noncurrent liabilities rose from €28,611 million to €29,778 million. This was largely the result of the increase in noncurrent financial indebtedness due to the issue of bonds with a nominal value totaling €1.9 billion. Among these were bonds of \$600 million with nondilutive warrants due in 2023. Upon exercise, the warrants will be cash-settled only; no new shares will be issued, nor will existing shares of BASF SE be

delivered. As a hedge, BASF has purchased corresponding call options.

Current liabilities declined from €15,317 million to €14,732 million. This was mainly the result of lower current financial indebtedness, brought about primarily by the scheduled repayment of short-term bonds as well as the scaling back of the U.S. dollar commercial paper program.

Total financial indebtedness rose by €498 million to €16,810 million. Net debt1 grew by €532 million to €14,933 million compared with December 31, 2016.

1 For more on this figure, see page 17.

2 Our chemicals business comprises the Chemicals, Performance Products and Functional Materials & Solutions segments.

In the first quarter of 2017, cash provided by operating activities amounted to €833 million, €213 million below the first quarter of 2016. This was largely due to the higher amount of cash tied up in net working capital compared with the previous first quarter, especially in trade accounts receivable.

Cash used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2017 amounted to €1,215 million, compared with €1,258 million in the first quarter of 2016. This was the result of lower payments made for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, which, at €767 million, were €234 million below the level of the previous first quarter. Contrasting this was, primarily, the €159 million increase in payments made for financial assets and other items.

Cash provided by financing activities declined from €1,997 million in the first quarter of 2016 to €831 million. The first quarter of 2017 saw a cash inflow of €811 million resulting from an increase in financial indebtedness as well as in other financing-related liabilities. The same quarter of the previous year had contained cash inflow arising primarily from the greater use of BASF SE's U.S. dollar commercial paper program as well as from issuing a new bond.

Free cash flow1 amounted to €66 million, compared with €45 million in the same quarter of 2016.

Our ratings have remained unchanged since the publication of the BASF Report 2016. Rated "A1/P-1/outlook stable" by Moody's, "A/A-1/outlook stable" by Standard & Poor's and "A/S-1/outlook stable" by Scope, BASF enjoys good credit ratings, especially compared with competitors in the chemical industry.

Outlook

Our expectations for the global economic environment in 2017 remain unchanged:

  • Growth in gross domestic product: 2.3%
  • Growth in industrial production: 2.3%
  • Growth in chemical production: 3.4%
  • An average euro/dollar exchange rate of \$1.05 per euro
  • An average oil price for the year of \$55 per barrel

The statements on opportunities and risks made in the BASF Report 2016 remain valid.

For more, see the BASF Report 2016, Opportunities and Risks Report, pages 111 to 118

Significant Events

BASF and the Stahl group of companies signed an agreement on March 22, 2017, to combine BASF's leather chemicals business with the Stahl group. The transaction comprises BASF's global leather chemicals business, as well as the leather chemicals production site in L'Hospitalet, Spain, with around 210 positions, 110 of which in Asia. Subject to the approval of relevant authorities, the transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017. With their complementary strengths, BASF and Stahl will create a leading provider of leather chemicals with a clear focus on innovation. Under the terms of the agreement, BASF will receive a 16% minority stake in the Stahl group as well as a payment; this will result in special income. Furthermore, in the medium to long term, BASF will supply Stahl with significant volumes of leather chemicals from remaining plants.

We confirm the sales and earnings forecast2 for the BASF Group made in the BASF Report 2016:

  • Considerable (i.e., at least 6%) sales increase
  • Slight (i.e., up to 10%) increase in EBIT before special items and in EBIT
  • Significant premium on cost of capital with considerable decline in EBIT after cost of capital3
  • For more, see the BASF Report 2016, Outlook 2017, page 122

On April 24, 2017, BASF Group company Wintershall Nederland Transport & Trading B.V., based in Rijswijk, Netherlands, signed financing agreements for the Nord Stream 2 project. The project is being conducted by Nord Stream 2 AG, a company based in Zug, Switzerland, which is a 100% subsidiary of PAO Gazprom, headquartered in Moscow, Russia. BASF will finance up to 10% of the project costs, which are estimated at €9.5 billion.

1 For more on this figure, see page 17.

2 With reference to sales, "slight" represents a change of 1–5%, while "considerable" applies to changes of 6% and higher. "At prior-year level" indicates no change (+/–0%).

For earnings, "slight" means a change of 1–10%, while "considerable" is used for changes of 11% and higher. "At prior-year level" indicates no change (+/–0%).

3 For an explanation of this figure, see the BASF Report 2016, page 28.

Chemicals

Segment data Chemicals1 (million €)

1st Quarter
2017 2016 Change in %
Sales to third parties 4,105 3,019 36
Thereof Petrochemicals 1,654 1,196 38
Monomers 1,699 1,177 44
Intermediates 752 646 16
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 1,239 719 72
Amortization and depreciation2 265 259 2
Income from operations (EBIT) 974 460 112
Special items 16 3 433
EBIT before special items 958 457 110
Assets (March 31) 13,468 12,148 11
Investments including acquisitions3 183 276 (34)
Research and development expenses 29 36 (19)

1 On January 1, 2017, the Monomers and Dispersions & Pigments divisions' activities for the electronics industry were combined into the global Electronic Materials business unit and allocated to the Dispersions & Pigments division. For better comparability, the affected figures for 2016 have been adjusted accordingly.

2 Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including impairments and write-ups)

3 Additions to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

1st Quarter 2017

Sales in the Chemicals segment considerably exceeded the level of the previous first quarter, largely as a result of higher prices in the Petrochemicals and Monomers divisions. Sales were furthermore supported by the higher level of sales volumes in all divisions. Currency effects slightly boosted sales. Due to higher margins and volumes, income from operations (EBIT) before special items grew considerably compared with the first quarter of 2016, especially in the Monomers division. The negative impact on earnings in the first quarter of 2017 caused by the accident at the North Harbor of the Ludwigshafen site was offset by an initial insurance payment for the damages occurring in the fourth quarter of 2016. Fixed costs were up year-on-year, due primarily to the startup of new plants.

Factors influencing sales, Chemicals 1st Quarter 2017

Petrochemicals

The Petrochemicals division raised its sales considerably compared with the previous first quarter. A sharp increase in prices for raw materials such as naphtha, along with solid demand, led to higher sales prices – especially for steam cracker products. Volumes were slightly up compared with the previous first quarter. Margins improved for steam cracker products in all regions as well as for acrylic monomers in Asia. The first insurance payment for the accident at the North Harbor resulted in lower fixed costs. EBIT before special items grew considerably as an effect of the higher margins and a significantly increased earnings contribution from our share in BASF-YPC Company Ltd., based in Nanjing, China.

Monomers

Compared with the first quarter of 2016, sales in the Monomers division increased considerably. This was mainly the result of higher prices, especially for isocyanates. Sales volumes rose sharply, primarily for isocyanates and polyamides. EBIT before special items grew considerably as a consequence of increased margins. Earnings were also positively influenced by the restructuring of our caprolactam production in Europe. Predominantly on account of maintenance measures, fixed costs were higher than in the previous first quarter.

Intermediates

Sales in the Intermediates division also rose considerably yearon-year, mostly through substantial volumes growth in all regions and product lines. Overall, sales prices matched the level of the previous first quarter. EBIT before special items fell considerably, largely dampened by higher fixed costs arising from the startup of new facilities in all regions as well as from shutdowns. The ongoing intensely competitive environment and increased raw material prices both weighed down margins, especially for butanediol and derivatives.

Performance Products

Segment data Performance Products1 (million €)

1st Quarter
2017 2016 Change in %
Sales to third parties 4,260 3,913 9
Thereof Dispersions & Pigments 1,399 1,266 11
Care Chemicals 1,362 1,204 13
Nutrition & Health 486 488 0
Performance Chemicals 1,013 955 6
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 714 758 (6)
Amortization and depreciation2 215 215
Income from operations (EBIT) 499 543 (8)
Special items (16) (12) (33)
EBIT before special items 515 555 (7)
Assets (March 31) 15,404 14,558 6
Investments including acquisitions3 213 180 18
Research and development expenses 93 99 (6)

1 On January 1, 2017, the Monomers and Dispersions & Pigments divisions' activities for the electronics industry were combined into the global Electronic Materials business unit and allocated to the Dispersions & Pigments division. For better comparability, the affected figures for 2016 have been adjusted accordingly.

2 Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including impairments and write-ups)

3 Additions to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

1st Quarter 2017

In the Performance Products segment, sales were considerably up compared with the first quarter of 2016. This was mainly the result of increased volumes in the Dispersions & Pigments, Care Chemicals and Performance Chemicals divisions. We experienced positive currency effects in all divisions and slightly raised sales prices overall. Portfolio effects dampened sales development. Income from operations (EBIT) before special items declined slightly compared with the solid level of the previous first quarter due to lower margins and higher fixed costs.

Factors influencing sales, Performance Products 1st Quarter 2017

Volumes 7%
Prices 2%
Portfolio (2%)
Currencies 2%
Sales 9%

Dispersions & Pigments

In the Dispersions & Pigments division, we achieved considerably higher sales than in the previous first quarter. This was mostly attributable to significant volumes growth in all business areas. Currency effects and slightly elevated prices also had a positive impact on sales. Sales were slightly dampened by the divestiture of the photoinitiator business in August 2016. EBIT before special items was considerably below the high level of the prior first quarter, owing to lower margins and slightly higher fixed costs. The margin decline was mainly brought about by rising raw material prices as well as the larger proportion of sales from the lower-margin dispersions business for paper coatings.

Care Chemicals

Sales in the Care Chemicals division considerably exceeded the level of the previous first quarter, primarily through increased volumes of ingredients for the detergents and cleaners industry as well as the stronger demand for oleochemical surfactants and fatty alcohols. Higher prices in connection with increased raw material prices, together with currency effects, also supported sales growth. EBIT before special items declined slightly compared with the first quarter of 2016. This was predominantly the result of lower margins in the hygiene business – driven downward by ongoing intense competition – as well as higher maintenance costs.

Nutrition & Health

Sales in the Nutrition & Health division matched the level of the previous first quarter. Portfolio effects dampened sales development. Volumes fell slightly: Increased volumes in the animal nutrition business were only partly able to offset declines in the other business areas. Sales were supported, however, by higher prices overall – especially for vitamins in the animal nutrition business – as well as by positive currency effects. EBIT before special items improved considerably on account of stronger margins.

Performance Chemicals

Sales in the Performance Chemicals division rose considerably compared with the first quarter of 2016. This was largely due to higher volumes in all business areas, especially plastic additives, as well as fuel and lubricant additives. Sales volumes increased in all regions, with Asia showing the fastest growth rates. Currency effects also provided a slight boost to sales, while slightly declining prices slowed sales development. EBIT before special items was considerably down yearon-year; the solid volumes growth was only partly able to compensate for lower margins.

Functional Materials & Solutions

Segment data Functional Materials & Solutions (million €)

1st Quarter
2017 2016 Change in %
Sales to third parties 5,198 4,408 18
Thereof Catalysts 1,689 1,467 15
Construction Chemicals 560 533 5
Coatings 999 738 35
Performance Materials 1,950 1,670 17
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 688 594 16
Amortization and depreciation1 167 142 18
Income from operations (EBIT) 521 452 15
Special items (10) (4)
EBIT before special items 531 456 16
Assets (March 31) 17,730 13,462 32
Investments including acquisitions2 163 130 25
Research and development expenses 99 96 3

1 Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including impairments and write-ups)

2 Additions to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

1st Quarter 2017

Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, sales grew considerably in the Functional Materials & Solutions segment. This was predominantly the result of a sharp rise in sales volumes, primarily driven by higher demand from the automotive industry. Sales development was also supported by the Chemetall business acquired from Albemarle in December 2016, along with slight price increases and currency effects. We considerably raised our income from operations (EBIT) before special items compared with the previous first quarter, thanks in particular to the volumes growth and the Chemetall acquisition.

Factors influencing sales, Functional Materials & Solutions 1st Quarter 2017

Volumes 8%
Prices 3%
Portfolio 4%
Currencies 3%
Sales 18%

Catalysts

The Catalysts division achieved considerable sales growth compared with the first quarter of 2016. This was largely attributable to higher volumes, especially in the businesses with mobile emissions catalysts and chemical catalysts. Sales were additionally supported by price increases – especially for precious metals – and by currency effects. The divestiture of the polyolefin catalysts business in June 2016 had a slightly negative impact on sales. In precious metal trading, sales rose to €627 million due to the higher price levels and positive currency effects (first quarter of 2016: €499 million). EBIT before special items grew considerably, mainly as a result of increased volumes.

Construction Chemicals

Sales rose slightly in the Construction Chemicals division. This was primarily the result of acquiring the Henkel Group's western European building material business for professional users at the beginning of 2017, in addition to the slight increase in volumes. Prices declined slightly. In Europe, the aforementioned acquisition allowed us to considerably boost sales. Sales grew slightly in North America and considerably in Asia. In the region South America, Africa, Middle East, we posted a considerable sales decline due to reduced volumes in the Middle East and to negative currency effects. EBIT before special items was considerably below the first quarter of the previous year. This resulted in part from lower margins on account of higher raw material prices.

Coatings

Sales in the Coatings division grew considerably compared with the first quarter of 2016. This was predominantly attributable to the Chemetall business acquired from Albemarle in December 2016, as well as a sharp increase in sales volumes, primarily of automotive OEM coatings. We experienced positive currency effects and slightly lower prices overall, with price developments varying by region. In the automotive OEM coatings business, volumes growth in Asia, Europe and North America led to a considerable increase in sales. Sales were also considerably up in the automotive refinish coatings and decorative paints businesses. We were able to considerably increase EBIT before special items as a result of the acquired Chemetall business and the growth in sales volumes.

Performance Materials

In the Performance Materials division, sales were considerably above the level of the first quarter of 2016. This was mostly the result of higher sales volumes arising from stronger demand from both the automotive industry and the consumer goods sector in Europe and Asia. In Asia, volumes also increased to the construction sector; higher demand in North America came from the automotive industry in particular. Worldwide, business development was especially positive for polyurethane systems, engineering plastics, thermoplastic polyurethanes and styrene foams. Rising raw material prices led to sales price increases; currency effects, too, helped support sales development. Year-on-year, we slightly raised EBIT before special items as a result of this volumes growth.

Agricultural Solutions

Segment data Agricultural Solutions (million €)

1st Quarter
2017 2016 Change in %
Sales to third parties 1,855 1,780 4
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 595 645 (8)
Amortization and depreciation1 64 55 16
Income from operations (EBIT) 531 590 (10)
Special items (2) (1) (100)
EBIT before special items 533 591 (10)
Assets (March 31) 10,012 9,316 7
Investments including acquisitions2 36 77 (53)
Research and development expenses 109 114 (4)

1 Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including impairments and write-ups)

2 Additions to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

1st Quarter 2017

Compared with the first quarter of 2016, sales in the Agricultural Solutions segment grew slightly despite a market environment that remained difficult. The main drivers here were higher volumes and positive currency effects, with prices stable.

Factors influencing sales, Agricultural Solutions 1st Quarter 2017

Volumes 2%
Prices 0%
Portfolio 0%
Currencies 2%
Sales 4%

Sales in Europe nearly matched the level of the previous first quarter. We raised volumes considerably in central and eastern Europe, especially for herbicides. By contrast, western Europe posted a volumes decline.

Positive currency effects and increased demand led to considerable sales growth in North America. Higher volumes arose primarily from solid business development for herbicides, especially the new solutions EngeniaTM und Zidua® PRO.

Sales rose considerably in Asia. This was largely attributable to higher volumes of fungicides due to earlier demand in China and the launch of the new Seltima® formulation in India, as well as to solid sales volumes for herbicides in Indonesia and Australia.

In the region South America, Africa, Middle East, a considerable increase in sales was mainly the result of positive currency effects from the Brazilian real. Higher volumes of herbicides in Argentina and of insecticides in Africa and the Middle East contributed to the increase, while lower prices dampened sales development.

Income from operations before special items declined slightly compared with the strong first quarter of 2016. This was the result of lower average margins due to a different product mix. Fixed costs rose slightly, due in part to the startup of new plants.

Oil & Gas

Segment data Oil & Gas (million €)

1st Quarter
2017 2016 Change in %
Sales to third parties 829 611 36
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 482 307 57
Amortization and depreciation1 313 241 30
Income from operations (EBIT) 169 66 156
Special items (1)
EBIT before special items 170 66 158
Assets (March 31) 12,667 12,147 4
Investments including acquisitions2 180 280 (36)
Research and development expenses 9 10 (10)
Exploration expenses 10 33 (70)
Net income 140 47 198

1 Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including impairments and write-ups)

2 Additions to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

1st Quarter 2017

Sales in the Oil & Gas segment increased considerably yearon-year, mainly driven by higher prices. The price of a barrel of Brent blend crude oil averaged \$54 in the first quarter of 2017 (first quarter of 2016: \$34). Gas prices on European spot markets also rose sharply compared with the previous first quarter. Production volumes matched the level of the previous first quarter, while sales volumes, especially of gas, exceeded the level of the first quarter of 2016.

Factors influencing sales, Oil & Gas 1st Quarter 2017

Volumes 12%
Prices/currencies 24%
Portfolio 0%
Sales 36%

Income from operations before special items also improved considerably. This was largely attributable to the rise in prices. Net income grew significantly.

Other

Data on Other (million €)

1st Quarter
2017 2016 Change in %
Sales 610 477 28
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) (216) (211) (2)
Amortization and depreciation1 27 34 (21)
Income from operations (EBIT) (243) (245) 1
Special items 7 (26)
EBIT before special items (250) (219) (14)
Thereof Costs for cross-divisional corporate research (81) (99) 18
Costs of corporate headquarters (52) (55) 5
Other businesses 5 18 (72)
Foreign currency results, hedging and other measurement effects (31) 68
Miscellaneous income and expenses (91) (151) 40
Assets (March 31)2 9,793 12,096 (19)
Investments including acquisitions3 31 16 94
Research and development expenses 85 100 (15)

1 Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including impairments and write-ups)

2 Contains assets of businesses accounted for in Other as well as reconciliation with assets of the BASF Group

3 Additions to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

1st Quarter 2017

Sales in Other rose considerably year-on-year, mainly as a result of increased prices in raw materials trading. Income from operations before special items fell considerably. This was predominantly a consequence of valuation effects for our long-term incentive program.

Regions

Regions (million €)

Sales
Location of company
Sales
Location of customer
Income from operations
Location of company
2017 2016 Change
in %
2017 2016 Change
in %
2017 2016 Change
in %
1st Quarter
Europe 8,332 7,106 17 7,920 6,766 17 1,421 1,161 22
Thereof Germany 5,235 4,479 17 2,208 1,904 16 825 583 42
North America 4,371 3,756 16 4,230 3,677 15 513 444 16
Asia Pacific 3,317 2,572 29 3,530 2,723 30 496 199 149
South America, Africa, Middle East 837 774 8 1,177 1,042 13 21 62 (66)
16,857 14,208 19 16,857 14,208 19 2,451 1,866 31

1st Quarter 2017

Sales at companies located in Europe grew by 17% compared with the first quarter of 2016. This was mainly the result of substantially higher volumes and prices. We were able to significantly increase sales volumes in all segments of the chemicals business1 as well as in the Oil & Gas segment. Prices especially boosted sales development in the Chemicals segment. At €1,421 million, income from operations exceeded the level of the previous first quarter by €260 million, primarily because of the considerable increase in the chemicals business and in the Oil & Gas segment.

In North America, sales improved year-on-year by 13% in local currency terms and 16% in euros. The main drivers here were higher sales prices and volumes, especially in the Chemicals segment. The greater contribution from the Chemicals segment led to a €69 million increase in income from operations, to €513 million.

Sales in Asia Pacific rose by 26% in local currency terms and 29% in euros. All segments were able to substantially improve their volumes, and prices rose sharply in the Chemicals segment in particular. We raised income from operations by €297 million to €496 million compared with the first quarter of 2016. This was due to the sharp increase in the Chemicals segment.

In South America, Africa, Middle East, sales in euros saw a primarily currency-related increase of 8%. In local currency terms, sales were down by 3%. Volumes especially declined in the Functional Materials & Solutions segment, while sales prices rose overall. At €21 million, income from operations was €41 million short of the previous first quarter's level. All segments except for Chemicals posted a decline.

Selected Financial Data

Statement of Income

Statement of Income (million €)

1st Quarter
2017 2016 Change in %
Sales revenue 16,857 14,208 19
Cost of sales (11,482) (9,530) (20)
Gross profit on sales 5,375 4,678 15
Selling expenses (2,017) (1,868) (8)
General administrative expenses (343) (326) (5)
Research and development expenses (424) (455) 7
Other operating income 307 428 (28)
Other operating expenses (598) (666) 10
Income from companies accounted for using the equity method 151 75 101
Income from operations (EBIT) 2,451 1,866 31
Income from other shareholdings 10 3 233
Expenses from other shareholdings (5) (7) 29
Net income from shareholdings 5 (4)
Interest income 74 47 57
Interest expenses (153) (146) (5)
Interest result (79) (99) 20
Other financial income 19 26 (27)
Other financial expenses (97) (111) 13
Other financial result (78) (85) 8
Financial result (152) (188) 19
Income before taxes and minority interests 2,299 1,678 37
Income taxes (527) (258)
Income before minority interests 1,772 1,420 25
Minority interests (63) (33) (91)
Net income 1,709 1,387 23
Earnings per share
Basic
1.86 1.51 23
Diluted
1.86 1.51 23

Balance Sheet

Assets (million €)

March 31, 2017 March 31, 2016 Change in % Dec. 31, 2016 Change in %
Intangible assets 15,091 12,166 24 15,162 0
Property, plant and equipment 26,104 24,858 5 26,413 (1)
Investments accounted for using the equity method 4,764 4,452 7 4,647 3
Other financial assets 618 527 17 605 2
Deferred tax assets 2,565 2,309 11 2,513 2
Other receivables and miscellaneous assets 1,257 1,292 (3) 1,210 4
Noncurrent assets 50,399 45,604 11 50,550 0
Inventories 10,218 9,602 6 10,005 2
Accounts receivable, trade 13,123 10,685 23 10,952 20
Other receivables and miscellaneous assets 3,457 3,779 (9) 3,078 12
Marketable securities 34 21 62 536 (94)
Cash and cash equivalents1 1,843 4,036 (54) 1,375 34
Current assets 28,675 28,123 2 25,946 11
Total assets 79,074 73,727 7 76,496 3

1 For a reconciliation of the amounts shown in the Statement of Cash Flows with the Balance Sheet item "cash and cash equivalents," see page 16.

Equity and liabilities (million €)

March 31, 2017 March 31, 2016 Change in % Dec. 31, 2016 Change in %
Subscribed capital 1,176 1,176 1,176
Capital surplus 3,130 3,141 0 3,130
Retained earnings 33,227 31,508 5 31,515 5
Other comprehensive income (3,808) (5,557) 31 (4,014) 5
Equity of shareholders of BASF SE 33,725 30,268 11 31,807 6
Minority interests 839 632 33 761 10
Equity 34,564 30,900 12 32,568 6
Provisions for pensions and similar obligations 7,590 8,322 (9) 8,209 (8)
Other provisions 3,660 3,329 10 3,667 0
Deferred tax liabilities 3,280 2,920 12 3,317 (1)
Financial indebtedness 14,309 10,335 38 12,545 14
Other liabilities 939 862 9 873 8
Noncurrent liabilities 29,778 25,768 16 28,611 4
Accounts payable, trade 4,882 3,831 27 4,610 6
Provisions 3,128 2,860 9 2,802 12
Tax liabilities 1,361 1,239 10 1,288 6
Financial indebtedness 2,501 6,467 (61) 3,767 (34)
Other liabilities 2,860 2,662 7 2,850 0
Current liabilities 14,732 17,059 (14) 15,317 (4)
Total equity and liabilities 79,074 73,727 7 76,496 3

Statement of Cash Flows

Statement of Cash Flows (million €)

1st Quarter
2017 2016
Net income 1,709 1,387
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and financial assets 1,051 946
Changes in net working capital (1,985) (1,248)
Other items 58 (39)
Cash provided by operating activities 833 1,046
Payments made for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (767) (1,001)
Acquisitions/divestitures (22)
Financial assets and other items (426) (257)
Cash used in investing activities (1,215) (1,258)
Capital increases/repayments and other equity transactions 14 5
Changes in financial liabilities 811 1,996
Dividends 6 (4)
Cash provided by financing activities 831 1,997
Net changes in cash and cash equivalents 449 1,785
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of year and other changes 1,394 2,251
Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter 1,843 4,036

Additional Key Figures

Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and special items (million €)

1st Quarter
2017 2016 Change %
EBIT1 2,451 1,866 31
– Special items (6) (40) 85
EBIT before special items2 2,457 1,906 29
+ Amortization, depreciation and valuation allowances on
intangible assets and property, plant and equipment before special items 1,050 937 12
EBITDA before special items3 3,507 2,843 23

EBITDA (million €)

1st Quarter
2017 2016 Change %
EBIT1 2,451 1,866 31
+ Amortization, depreciation and valuation allowances on intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 1,051 946 11
EBITDA3 3,502 2,812 25

Adjusted earnings per share

1st Quarter
2017 2016
Income before taxes and minority interests million € 2,299 1,678
– Special items million € (6) (40)
+ Amortization and valuation allowances on intangible assets million € 141 132
– Amortization and valuation allowances on intangible assets contained in special items million €
Adjusted income before taxes and minority interests million € 2,446 1,850
– Adjusted income taxes million € 578 313
Adjusted income before minority interests million € 1,868 1,537
– Adjusted minority interests million € 63 32
Adjusted net income million € 1,805 1,505
Weighted average number of outstanding shares thousands 918,479 918,479
Adjusted earnings per share3 1.97 1.64

Free cash flow (million €)

1st Quarter
2017 2016
Cash provided by operating activities 833 1,046
– Payments made for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 767 1,001
Free cash flow 66 45

Net debt (million €)

March 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016
Noncurrent financial indebtedness 14,309 12,545
+ Current financial indebtedness 2,501 3,767
Financial indebtedness 16,810 16,312
– Marketable securities 34 536
– Cash and cash equivalents 1,843 1,375
Net debt4 14,933 14,401

1 The calculation of income from operations (EBIT) is shown in the Statement of Income on page 14.

2 For more information on this figure, see the BASF Report 2016, page 28.

3 For more information on this figure, see the BASF Report 2016, page 53.

4 For more information on this figure, see the BASF Report 2016, page 56.

Annual Shareholders' Meeting 2017

May 12, 2017

Half-Year Financial Report 2017

July 27, 2017

Quarterly Statement 3rd Quarter 2017

October 24, 2017

Full-Year Results 2017

February 27, 2018

Quarterly Statement 1st Quarter 2018 / Annual Shareholders' Meeting 2018

May 4, 2018

Forward-Looking Statements and Forecasts

This quarterly statement contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current estimates and projections of the Board of Executive Directors and on currently available information. These forward-lookings statements are not guarantees of the future developments and results outlined therein. Rather, they depend on a number of factors, involve various risks and uncertainties, and are based on assumptions that may not prove to be accurate. Such risk factors particularly include those discussed on pages 111 to 118 of the BASF Report 2016. The BASF Report is available online at basf.com/report. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly statement.

Further information Contact

Published on April 27, 2017

You can find this and other publications online at www.basf.com/publications

General inquiries Headquarters, phone: +49 621 60-0

Media Relations Juliana Ernst, phone: +49 621 60-99123

Investor Relations Dr. Stefanie Wettberg, phone: +49 621 60-48002

Internet www.basf.com

BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany

Talk to a Data Expert

Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.