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BASF SE

Quarterly Report Apr 29, 2010

44_10-q_2010-04-29_fb05aa76-977c-4dcd-8362-d653d208399c.pdf

Quarterly Report

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Interim Report 1st Quarter Results 2010 (January – March)

Strong start to 2010

  • Business recovery continues
  • Considerably higher sales and earnings in the industrial business
  • Sustainable increase in earnings in Performance Products
  • Full year 2010: Sales growth and significantly improved earnings

BASF Group 1st Quarter 2010

Million € 1st Quarter
2010 2009 Change in %
Sales 15,454 12,219 26.5
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 2,627 1,587 65.5
Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 1,954 985 98.4
Income from operations (EBIT) 1,840 928 98.3
Financial result (80) (202) 60.4
Income before taxes and minority interests 1,760 726 142.4
Net income 1,029 375 174.4
Earnings per share (€) 1.12 0.41 173.2
Adjusted earnings per share (€) 1 1.32 0.55 140.0
EBITDA as a percentage of sales 17.0 13.0
Cash provided by operating activities 1,012 2,084 (51.4)
Additions to long-term assets 2 380 525 (27.6)
Excluding acquisitions 380 525 (27.6)
Amortization and depreciation 2 787 659 19.4
Segment assets (March 31) 3 43,602 37,429 16.5
Personnel costs 1,950 1,542 26.5
Number of employees (March 31) 103,632 96,069 7.9

1 For further information see page 31

2 Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment (including acquisitions)

3 Intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, inventories and business-related receivables

Contents

Interim Management's Analysis

1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Interim Financial Statements

Consolidated Statements of Income 14
Consolidated Balance Sheets 15
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 16
Consolidated Statements of Recognized Income
and Expense 17
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity 18
Segment Reporting 19
Notes to the Interim Financial Statements 20
Calculation of Adjusted Earnings per Share 31
Important Dates 32
1

This section is not part of the interim management's analysis

Change compared with 1st quarter of 2009

1st Quarter

2010 +26% +98%

Sales EBIT before special items

Cover photo: BASF's Swiss employees Stephanie Acker and Marcel Schnyder examine UV filters in the cosmetics laboratory.

BASF's Segments

Chemicals

Page 5

In the Chemicals segment, we supply products to customers in the chemical, electronics, construction, textile, automotive, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries as well as many others. Furthermore, we ensure that other BASF segments are supplied with chemicals for the production of higher value products. Our portfolio ranges from basic chemicals, glues and electronic chemicals for the semiconductor and solar cell industries, to solvents and plasticizers, as well as starting materials for products such as detergents, plastics, textile fibers, paints and coatings and pharmaceuticals.

Plastics Page 6

The Plastics segment includes a broad range of products, system solutions and services. We offer a number of engineering plastics for the automotive and electric industries as well as for use in household appliances and sports and leisure products. Our styrenic foams are used as insulating materials in the construction industry and in packaging. Our polyurethanes are extremely versatile: as soft foams, for example, they improve car seats and mattresses, and as rigid foams they serve as highly efficient insulation in refrigerators.

Performance Products Page 7

Performance products help our customers to improve their products and processes. They give special characteristics to countless everyday products: from diapers, paper, vitamins for food supplements or UV filters for sunscreen to products for the oil, automotive and coatings industries as well as for the production of textiles and leather. The acquisition of Ciba strengthens the existing businesses and extends the portfolio to include plastic additives and products for water treatment and mining applications.

Functional Solutions

Page 8

In the Functional Solutions segment we bundle system solutions and innovative products for specific customers and industries, in particular for the automotive and construction sectors. Our portfolio comprises automotive and industrial catalysts, automotive and industrial coatings, as well as concrete admixtures and construction systems such as tile adhesives and architectural coatings.

Agricultural Solutions

Our crop protection products guard against fungal diseases, insects and weeds and they increase quality and secure crop yields. Our research in plant biotechnology concentrates on plants for greater efficiency in agriculture, healthier nutrition and for use as renewable raw materials.

Oil & Gas Page 10

As the largest German producer of oil and gas, we focus our exploration and production on oil and gas-rich regions in Europe, North Africa, South America, Russia and the Caspian Sea region. Together with our Russian partner Gazprom, we are active in the trading, transport and storage of natural gas in Europe.

BASF Innovations

Elastopave

Porous surfaces with polyurethane

A few years ago, BASF developed Elastocoast®, an innovative solution for coastal protection that uses polyurethane to preserve and reinforce dikes without sealing the ground below. Now BASF researchers have developed this principle further to create a new innovation called Elastopave®. This polyurethane system provides a stable, flexible and porous covering layer for surfaces such as sidewalks and cycle paths, parking lots and schoolyards.

Both Elastocoast and Elastopave are based on the idea of using polyurethane mixed with gravel or stones to construct a stable surface instead of using concrete or tar. The advantage: the high proportion of large and small stone pieces creates many connected cavities which prevents the ground below from being sealed in. Since it can breathe through this porous cover, the ground can take in around 4,000 liters of water per hour and square meter, preventing the formation of puddles and patches of ice.

Elastopave is quick and simple to install, easy to maintain and can be subjected to weight again after only twelve hours. In urban areas, it is the ideal surface for wheelchair users and those who have trouble walking as the material can be laid completely smoothly.

Elastocoast has been used in places such as the endangered north-western corner of the German island of Sylt while Elastopave can be found in places such as the center of Munich. Around 3,000 square meters of the area in front of Munich's Giesinger train station have already been coated with the product. Elastopave can even be used for private paths since BASF is working together with customers who sell Elastopave applications for private gardens through home improvement stores. Overall, this new construction material costs roughly the same as ordinary asphalt.

Elastopave can be laid completely smoothly, making it an ideal surface for people who have trouble walking, such as in this seniors' residential care home in Zurich.

The mixture of polyurethane with gravel or stones creates a large number of connected cavities in the Elastopave surface so the ground is not sealed and water can flow through.

Innovations in the chemical industry – Elastopave

  • Elastopave: a stable, flexible and porous coating for sidewalks and cycle paths, parking lots or schoolyards
  • The idea: polyurethane is mixed with gravel or stones; the high proportion of large and small stone pieces creates many connected cavities
  • The advantages: The ground is not sealed and can breathe; the porous covering surface is water permeable; Elastopave is quick to install and easy to maintain; the material can be laid completely smoothly
  • Success: Around 3,000 square meters of the area in front of Giesinger station in Munich, Germany, have already been coated with Elastopave

BASF Group Business Review

1st Quarter 2010

Our business developed favorably in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same quarter of 2009. In conjunction with the recovery of the economy and some restocking of inventories by our customers, demand rose strongly in almost all divisions. At the same time, some chemical products were in short supply. Thanks to these improvements in the market environment, sales increased by 26% to €15.5 billion. Income from operations before special items also rose by 98% to €1,954 million, primarily as a result of higher capacity utilization. Earnings improved significantly in almost all divisions. Our measures to reduce costs and increase efficiency, as well as synergies from the Ciba integration, also contributed to improved earnings. Sales and earnings also increased further compared with the fourth quarter of 2009.

Compared with the first quarter of 2009, sales volumes rose sharply in almost all segments. Overall, prices were marginally below the level of the same quarter of 2009: some prices increased significantly, mainly in the Petrochemicals, Performance Polymers and Catalysts divisions, while natural gas prices were considerably lower in the Oil & Gas segment. Portfolio measures led to a 6% increase in sales; this was the last quarter in which this consolidation effect from the Ciba acquisition in April 2009 will be seen.

Factors influencing sales (% of sales)

1st Quarter
Volumes 24
Prices (2)
Portfolio measures 6
Currencies (2)
26

In the Chemicals segment, sales in all divisions increased considerably. This was not only due to significantly improved demand, but also to higher sales prices, for example for our cracker products in the Petrochemicals division. Earnings, too, were higher than in the same quarter of 2009 thanks to significantly improved volumes and high capacity utilization.

The business environment in the Plastics segment has been recovering steadily since the start of 2009. Sales were substantially higher in comparison with the first quarter of 2009, primarily as a result of increased volumes. Earnings also increased markedly thanks to stronger demand. In the Performance Polymers division, increased raw materials prices – due in part to limited product availability – could largely be passed on to the markets.

Chemicals 2010 2,588 66%
2009 1,556
Plastics 2010 2,197 50%
2009 1,463
Performance 2010 2,871 71%
Products 2009 1,677
Functional 2010 2,090 33%
Solutions 2009 1,568
Agricultural 2010 1,145 0%
Solutions 2009 1,145
Oil & Gas 2010 3,225 (17%)
2009 3,894
Other 2010 1,338 46%
2009 916

First-quarter sales (million €)

In the Performance Products segment, demand also improved considerably in all divisions. The segment posted a clear increase in sales in the first quarter of 2010. This was the last quarter that the effect from the inclusion of the Ciba businesses, which have now been integrated, will be seen. The main reasons for the significantly improved earnings were increased volumes and the successful realization of synergies from the Ciba integration.

BASF Group 1st Quarter 2010

  • Favorable business development in first quarter: higher demand for chemical products, also due to some inventory restocking by customers; some product shortages on the market
  • Sales rise by 26% to €15.5 billion; strong increase in sales volumes in almost all segments while prices generally lie marginally below the level of the first quarter of the previous year
  • Earnings improve substantially by 98% to €1,954 million; significantly higher earnings in almost all divisions; earnings in the Oil & Gas segment negatively impacted by lower natural gas prices
  • Agricultural Solutions maintains excellent level of sales and earnings

Thanks to the renewed rise in demand from the automotive industry and higher prices for precious metals, sales in the Functional Solutions segment clearly exceeded the very weak level of the first quarter of 2009. In contrast, the business environment in the construction industry remained difficult. Despite the varying business trends in our customer industries, all divisions increased their earnings and made a positive contribution to the segment's earnings.

In the Agricultural Solutions segment, we had a successful start overall to the season, with sales at the level of the excellent first quarter of 2009. In North and South America in particular, sales volumes increased. Negative currency effects had an unfavorable impact on earnings, which were slightly below the level of the first quarter of the previous year. There was strong demand for the herbicide Kixor™, which was recently launched on the U.S. market.

Sales in the Oil & Gas segment were lower than in the first quarter of 2009. This was mainly due to significantly lower natural gas prices, which could not be offset by increased sales volumes in gas trading. The negative time-lag effect was detrimental to margins in both business areas. Overall, earnings did not match those of the same quarter of the previous year.

Other experienced significant sales growth, primarily as a result of increasing volumes in the styrenics and fertilizer businesses. Earnings improved in the Styrenics division. Overall, expenses for the BASF option program resulting from the share price development led to a reduction in earnings, which were lower than in the first quarter of 2009.

Special items of minus €114 million (first quarter of 2009: minus €57 million) primarily resulted from the integration of Ciba.

EBIT at €1,840 million increased by 98% compared with the first quarter of the previous year. EBITDA grew by €1,040 million to €2,627 million. The EBITDA margin rose to 17% (first quarter 2009: 13%).

First-quarter EBIT before special items (million €, absolute change)

Chemicals 2010 461 +377
2009 84
Plastics 2010 279 +308
2009 (29)
Performance 2010 419 +296
Products 2009 123
Functional 2010 111 +157
Solutions 2009 (46)
Agricultural 2010 321 (23)
Solutions 2009 344
Oil & Gas 2010 629 (96)
2009 725
Other 2010 (266) (50)
2009 (216)

The financial result was minus €80 million, an improvement of €122 million compared with the same quarter of the previous year. The earnings of OAO Severneftegazprom, which is accounted for using the equity method, improved primarily as a result of currency gains.

Income before taxes and minority interests was up €1,034 million in the first quarter to €1,760 million. At 34.7%, the tax rate was lower than in the first quarter of 2009. This was due to the lower earnings contribution of the highly taxed Oil & Gas segment.

Net income increased by €654 million to €1,029 million. Earnings per share were €1.12 in the first quarter compared with €0.41 in the same period of 2009. Adjusted for special items and amortization of intangible assets, this amounted to €1.32 (first quarter of 2009: €0.55).

See page 31 for details on the calculation of adjusted earnings per share

BASF Group special items (million €)

2010 2009
1st quarter (114) (57)
2nd quarter (368)
3rd quarter (277)
4th quarter (473)
Full year (1,175)

Adjusted earnings per share (€)

2010 2009
1.32 0.55
0.79
0.61
1.06
3.01

BASF on the Capital Market

Overview of BASF shares

1st Quarter 2010 Full Year 2009
Performance (with dividends reinvested)
BASF % 5.7 67.3
DAX 30 % 3.3 23.9
DJ EURO STOXX 50 % (1.0) 25.5
DJ Chemicals % 3.3 53.7
MSCI World Chemicals % 3.4 44.5
Share prices and trading (XETRA)
Average 42.50 31.62
High 45.92 43.95
Low 39.43 20.71
Close (end of period) 45.92 43.46
Average daily trade Million shares 4.0 5.0
Outstanding shares (end of period) Million shares 918.5 918.5
Market capitalization (end of period) Billion € 42.2 39.9

Market trend

BASF shares closed the first quarter at €45.92 per share, around 5.7% higher than at the end of 2009. The BASF stock thus outperformed the German and European stock markets: Over the same period, the DAX 30 rose by 3.3% while the DJ EURO STOXX 50 index decreased by 1.0%. The global industry indices DJ Chemicals and MSCI World Chemicals also only grew by 3.3% and 3.4% respectively compared with the closing price for 2009.

Proposed dividend of €1.70 per share

We stand by our ambitious dividend policy even in very difficult economic times and propose a dividend of €1.70 per share for 2009, representing a payout of €1.6 billion to our shareholders. Based on the year-end share price for 2009, BASF shares offer a high dividend yield of 3.91%. We still aim to increase our dividend each year, or at least maintain it at the previous year's level.

Registered shares promote dialogue with shareholders

In order to facilitate improved communication with shareholders, we will propose a switch from bearer shares to registered shares at the Annual Meeting. This complies with the wishes of many shareholders for simplified registering and issuing of proxies for the Annual Meeting.

Continued good credit ratings

With an "A+/A-1 outlook negative" rating from rating agency Standard & Poor's and "A1/P-1 outlook stable" from Moody's, BASF continues to have good credit ratings, also compared with its competitors in the chemical industry.

1 Adjusted for two-for-one stock split conducted in the second quarter of 2008.

BASF on the capital market

  • BASF share outperforms overall market in the first quarter of 2010
  • Proposed dividend of €1.70 per share represents a high dividend yield of 3.91%
  • Proposal to switch from bearer shares to registered shares
  • You can reach our investor relations team by phoning +49 621 60-48230 or by e-mailing [email protected]

Significant Events

On March 2, 2010, the European Commission approved Amflora, BASF's genetically optimized starch potato, for commercial application in Europe. The potato can now be used for the production of industrial starch, which is utilized in the paper, textile and adhesives industries. Amflora produces pure amylopectin, a type of starch that has an extremely good adhesive effect, among other properties. During the approval process, which lasted more than 13 years, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirmed on several occasions that Amflora is safe for humans, animals and the environment. Commercial cultivation has now started.

The structural integration of the businesses acquired from Ciba in the second quarter of 2009 was successfully concluded in April 2010. All major Ciba systems and processes have been converted to BASF standards. Most of the operating facilities and business structures have already been consolidated. The aim of future integration measures will be an even better positioning of the combined business with a focus on optimized business models as well as a reduced but more powerful product portfolio.

BASF is restructuring its global pigments business. Thanks to the Ciba acquisition, the company has the world's broadest pigment range and color spectrum. After a comprehensive analysis of the combined businesses, BASF plans to drop individual products and adapt production capacities to market developments. The consolidation will eliminate overlaps in the joint pigments portfolio and reduce overcapacities. This will result in the reduction of 500 of the current 2,900 jobs in the global pigment production business. These measures, which will primarily affect azo pigments and phthalocyanines, will start in 2010 and should be completed by 2013.

In February 2010, BASF started construction of a new sodium methylate plant in Guaratinguetá, Brazil, the largest BASF site in South America. The plant, which will have an annual capacity of 60,000 metric tons, will primarily serve the regional market. Sodium methylate is a key chemical for the efficient production of biodiesel, an important and increasingly significant alternative to diesel fuels. BASF estimates that by 2015, approximately 15% of the annual global demand for biodiesel, which is around 30 million metric tons, will come from South America.

Significant events

  • The European Commission approved the genetically optimized starch potato Amflora for commercial application in Europe on March 2, 2010; cultivation has now started
  • Structural integration of Ciba successfully completed in April 2010: all major Ciba systems and processes have been converted to BASF standards
  • BASF is restructuring its global pigments business following the Ciba acquisition to eliminate overlaps in the joint portfolio of pigments and reduce overcapacities
  • Construction of a new sodium methylate plant in Guaratinguetá, Brazil; sodium methylate is used in the production of biodiesel

Chemicals Excellence in the Verbund, technology and cost leadership

Segment data Chemicals (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009 Change in %
Sales to third parties 2,588 1,556 66
Thereof Inorganics 282 223 26
Petrochemicals 1,723 910 89
Intermediates 583 423 38
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 626 238 163
Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 461 84 449
Income from operations (EBIT) 461 83 455
Assets 6,334 5,922 7
Research expenses 31 34 (9)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 87 102 (15)

1st Quarter 2010

In the Chemicals segment, demand rose sharply in all divisions compared with the exceptionally weak first quarter of 2009. Increased sales prices, particularly for cracker products, also contributed to the strong sales growth (volumes 38%, prices 33%, portfolio 0%, currencies –5%). Thanks to improved demand and continued cost discipline, income from operations before special items was substantially higher than in the first quarter of 2009. Demand also continued to revive in comparison with the fourth quarter of 2009, leading to improvements in both sales and earnings in all divisions.

Inorganics

In the Inorganics division, sales grew as a result of a strong increase in volumes compared with the same quarter of 2009. Almost all business areas benefited from the improved demand, especially electronic chemicals as well as inorganic salts and metal systems. Sales prices generally remained stable. Thanks to improved sales volumes and capacity utilization, earnings were considerably higher than in the same quarter of 2009.

Petrochemicals

In comparison with the first quarter of 2009, there was an exceptionally high increase in sales volumes and prices in the Petrochemicals division in all regions and business areas. Capacity utilization at our plants was high. Both economic recovery and scarce supply, such as for cracker products, had a positive impact on margins, which is reflected in our strong earnings growth.

Intermediates

Sales in the Intermediates division were significantly higher than in the first quarter of 2009, thanks largely to strengthened demand from the textile, coatings and plastics industries. In some of our markets, for example for butanediol, demand was higher than the available supply. Improved capacity utilization also contributed to the significant increase in earnings. Compared with the fourth quarter of 2009, both sales and earnings rose, which was also due to seasonal developments in the agricultural sector.

Chemicals

  • High demand leads to strong sales and volume growth compared with very weak first quarter of 2009
  • Strong increase in earnings thanks to improved capacity utilization and continued cost discipline
  • Improved sales and earnings in all divisions, also compared with the fourth quarter of 2009

1st Quarter 2010 Change compared with 1st quarter 2009

Sales EBIT

+66% +377

before special items (million €)

Plastics Energy-efficient materials, innovative solutions

Segment data Plastics (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009 Change in %
Sales to third parties 2,197 1,463 50
Thereof Performance Polymers 977 597 64
Polyurethanes 1,220 866 41
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 381 78 388
Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 279 (29)
Income from operations (EBIT) 277 (30)
Assets 5,034 4,634 9
Research expenses 35 32 9
Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 41 63 (35)

1st Quarter 2010

After the extremely weak first quarter of 2009, the business environment in the Plastics segment has been recovering steadily in all regions. This allowed us to increase sales volumes substantially in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. Prices rose, particularly in the Performance Polymers division (volumes 44%, prices 9%, portfolio 0%, currencies –3%). Both demand-driven higher capacity utilization rates and our successful restructuring measures led to noticeably improved income from operations before special items. We were also able to increase our earnings compared with the fourth quarter of 2009.

Performance Polymers

In the Performance Polymers division, we experienced strong demand from almost all customer industries. Only sales volumes of foams for the construction sector remained relatively low due to adverse weather conditions. Increases in raw materials prices, which were hefty in some cases, could largely be passed on to customers. This was due in part to supply shortages for engineering plastics as a consequence of the limited availability of polyamide intermediates combined with a simultaneous significant increase in demand. The positive business environment and our cost reduction measures are also reflected in the

Plastics

  • Significantly increased volumes and sales in both operating divisions
  • Considerable rise in earnings, primarily as a result of improved demand
  • Increased earnings compared with the fourth quarter of 2009 thanks to positive developments in the Performance Polymers division

division's earnings: Following a loss in the same quarter of the previous year, the division made a positive contribution to the segment's profit. Earnings also increased compared with the fourth quarter of 2009.

Polyurethanes

Sales prices in the Polyurethanes division were almost at the level of the first quarter of 2009. Sales volumes increased considerably in all business areas; only demand from the construction industry remained weak for seasonal reasons. The significant improvement in earnings is primarily due to increased volumes as well as our successful cost reduction measures. Despite seasonal influences, we were able to increase sales volumes further compared with the fourth quarter of 2009. Our business with specialties in particular benefitted from increased demand from the automotive industry in the first quarter of 2010. We nearly matched the earnings level of the previous quarter.

1st Quarter 2010 Change compared with 1st quarter 2009

Sales EBIT

before special items (million €)

+50% +308

Performance Products

Innovative and high-growth specialties

Segment data Performance Products (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009 Change in %
Sales to third parties 2,871 1,677 71
Thereof Dispersions & Pigments 723 445 62
Care Chemicals 1,003 798 26
Paper Chemicals 420 197 113
Performance Chemicals 725 237 206
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 538 216 149
Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 419 123 241
Income from operations (EBIT) 341 123 177
Assets 9,693 5,626 72
Research expenses 74 49 51
Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 47 74 (36)

1st Quarter 2010

In Performance Products, demand increased noticeably in all divisions. Compared with one year earlier, sales increased sharply (volumes 27%, prices –2%, portfolio 47%, currencies –1%). This was due to the inclusion of the now-integrated Ciba businesses; the consolidation effect will be seen for the last time in the first quarter 2010. The upturn in the business environment and the realization of synergies from the Ciba integration were the main reasons for the significantly improved EBIT before special items. Overall, demand increased compared with the fourth quarter of 2009. Especially in the Dispersions & Pigments and Performance Chemicals divisions, this was also due to inventory restocking by our customers. Sales and earnings continued to improve and the adverse impact of integration costs was noticeably lower than in previous quarters.

In the Dispersions & Pigments division, sales volumes increased even excluding the effects of the Ciba acquisition. Demand revived in all business areas even beyond the seasonal upturn, particularly in Asia. Despite higher raw materials costs, we were able to maintain our margins. Our strict cost management and synergies also contributed to the improvement in earnings.

Performance Products

  • Revival of demand in all divisions; substantial rise in sales
  • Volume-driven increase in earnings strengthened by the realization of synergies; reduction of integration costs
  • Sales and earnings improve compared with fourth quarter of 2009

The positive business development of the Care Chemicals division continued in the first quarter of 2010. Significantly higher volumes in almost all business areas led to record sales. Thanks to stronger demand and improved capacity utilization, earnings exceeded the high level of the first quarter of 2009.

The Paper Chemicals division saw growing demand in all regions. However, margins remained at an unsatisfactory level. Nevertheless, thanks to noticeable cost reductions and synergies, we were able to achieve positive earnings, which were above the levels of both the first and fourth quarters of 2009.

In addition to the effects of the Ciba acquisition, sales in the Performance Chemicals division rose primarily due to increased volumes. Demand for our products recovered gradually. After a loss in the first quarter of 2009, we made a profit again in this quarter and also clearly exceeded the earnings of the fourth quarter of 2009.

1st Quarter 2010 Change compared with 1st quarter 2009

Sales EBIT

before special items (million €)

+71% +296

Functional Solutions

Customer-specific products and system solutions

Segment data Functional Solutions (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009 Change in %
Sales to third parties 2,090 1,568 33
Thereof Catalysts 1,064 651 63
Construction Chemicals 432 448 (4)
Coatings 594 469 27
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 202 47 330
Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 111 (46)
Income from operations (EBIT) 111 (45)
Assets 8,799 8,383 5
Research expenses 38 44 (14)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 28 36 (22)

1st Quarter 2010

Demand from the automotive industry continued to recover in the first quarter of 2010. For this reason, sales volumes in the Functional Solutions segment were much higher than in the very weak first quarter of 2009. The business environment in the construction industry, on the other hand, remained weak. Prices had a positive influence on sales, primarily due to higher prices for precious metals (volumes 22%, prices 12%, portfolio 0%, currencies –1%). Despite the varying trends in our customer industries, all divisions increased their EBIT before special items compared with both the first and fourth quarters of 2009, thanks also to a considerable contribution from our cost reduction measures.

Catalysts

Higher precious metal prices and a substantial increase in sales volumes of mobile emission catalysts were the main reasons for the positive sales development in the Catalysts division. Precious metals trading made a contribution of €547 million to sales (first quarter of 2009: €244 million); adjusted for this influence, we increased sales by 27%. As a result of the overall improved business environment, the division's earnings exceeded those of both the first and fourth quarters of 2009.

Functional Solutions

  • Increased sales thanks to rising demand from the automotive industry
  • Positive contribution to earnings from all divisions, sharply increased profits
  • Business environment in the construction industry remains difficult

Construction Chemicals

The business environment in the construction industry remained difficult in almost all regions. Due to the weak demand, volumes decreased and sales fell to below the level of the first quarter of 2009. However, we were able to signficantly improve earnings thanks to a reduction in fixed costs and improved margins, thus making a profit.

Coatings

Sales volumes in the Coatings division increased markedly as a result of rising demand from the automotive industry in all regions and our good business with architectural coatings in South America. Furthermore, the exchange rate of the Brazilian real had a positive influence on sales. Following a loss in the first quarter of 2009, this division posted significantly increased earnings as a result of higher volumes and our continued restructuring measures.

1st Quarter 2010 Change compared with 1st quarter 2009

Sales EBIT

before special items (million €)

+33% +157

Agricultural Solutions

Innovations for the health of crops

Segment data Agricultural Solutions (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009 Change in %
Sales to third parties 1,145 1,145
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 369 388 (5)
Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 321 344 (7)
Income from operations (EBIT) 321 340 (6)
Assets 5,397 5,049 7
Research expenses 84 81 4
Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 26 45 (42)

1st Quarter 2010

In the Agricultural Solutions segment, we had a successful start to 2010, again achieving the very high sales level of the previous year's first quarter (volumes 2%, prices –1%, portfolio 0%, currencies -1%). Increased sales volumes in North and South America made a major contribution to this. Negative currency effects, particularly the weaker U.S. dollar, could be offset through higher volumes.

In Europe, the season started late due to adverse weather conditions. The resulting lower volumes led to a decrease in sales, which was partially offset by positive currency effects.

The new growing season got off to a particularly successful start in North America, primarily due to high demand for herbicides. The introduction of our innovative herbicide Kixor™ had a particularly positive effect on sales. Kixor can be used on broadleaf and difficult-to-control weeds, including those that have developed resistance to the herbicide glyphosate. Sales of our plant health products declined due to lower prices for corn (maize).

Sales in Asia decreased compared with the first quarter of 2009, due mainly to lower sales volumes for insecticides. In contrast, sales volumes of fungicides grew.

In South America, the good business development seen in the fourth quarter of 2009 continued. Weather-related high disease pressure and the recovery of the sugarcane market led to increased demand for fungicides and insecticides. The rise in sales volumes more than offset negative currency effects.

As a result of the weaker U.S. dollar, EBIT before special items was slightly below the high level of the first quarter of 2009. We increased expenditures for marketing and sales as well as for research and development.

  • Sales at the very high level of the first quarter of 2009 thanks to good volume trends in North and South America
  • Decline in earnings primarily as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar
  • Strong demand for our new herbicide Kixor

1st Quarter 2010 Agricultural Solutions Change compared with 1st quarter 2009

Sales EBIT before special items (million €) ±0% –23

Oil & Gas

Exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas; Trading, transportation and storage of natural gas

Segment data Oil & Gas (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009 Change in %
Sales to third parties 3,225 3,894 (17)
Thereof Exploration & Production 1,025 1,037 (1)
Natural Gas Trading 2,200 2,857 (23)
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 767 839 (9)
Thereof Exploration & Production 587 548 7
Natural Gas Trading 180 291 (38)
Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 629 725 (13)
Thereof Exploration & Production 484 471 3
Natural Gas Trading 145 254 (43)
Income from operations (EBIT) 629 725 (13)
Thereof Exploration & Production 484 471 3
Natural Gas Trading 145 254 (43)
Assets 8,345 7,815 7
Thereof Exploration & Production 5,068 4,840 5
Natural Gas Trading 3,277 2,975 10
Exploration expenses 47 20 135
Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 134 192 (30)
Income taxes on oil-producing operations non-compensable with German corporate income tax 227 154 47
Net income 273 213 28

1st Quarter 2010

In the Oil & Gas segment, sales decreased compared with the first quarter of 2009 (volumes 17%, prices/currencies –34%, portfolio 0%). The main reason for this was the significant decline in natural gas prices. This price decline also had a negative impact on margins for gas production and trading. EBIT before special items was therefore lower than in the first quarter of 2009.

Sales in Exploration & Production nearly matched the level of the first quarter of 2009. Lower volumes in oil production due to the reduction of the OPEC supply quota in Libya and decreasing natural gas prices were offset by higher natural gas production volumes and increased oil prices. The average price for

Oil & Gas

  • Lower natural gas prices lead to sales decline
  • Margins in natural gas production and trading
  • adversely impacted by negative time-lag effect – Earnings below the level of the same quarter of
  • 2009 due to low prices More information on net income in the Oil & Gas segment can

be found in the Notes on page 22

Brent crude oil, at \$76 per barrel, was around \$32 per barrel (+72%) higher than the price in the first quarter of 2009. In euro terms, the oil price rose by 62% to €55 per barrel. Earnings improved slightly.

In the Natural Gas Trading business sector, we increased sales volumes despite the difficult market environment. However, this was not sufficient to offset the decline in natural gas prices. Margins deteriorated due to the contractually delayed adjustment of sales prices to purchase prices, among other things. Compared with the excellent first quarter of 2009, we posted a significant decline in earnings.

1st Quarter 2010

Change compared with 1st quarter 2009

Sales EBIT before special items (million €) –17% –96

Regional Results

1st Quarter 2010

Overview of regions (million €)

Sales
Location of company
Sales
Location of customer
EBIT
before special items
2010 2009 Change
in %
2010 2009 Change
in %
2010 2009 Change
in %
1st Quarter
Europe 8,957 8,007 12 8,402 7,644 10 1,251 799 57
Thereof Germany 6,466 6,065 7 3,280 3,239 1 918 428 114
North America 3,167 2,151 47 3,212 2,171 48 329 70 370
Asia Pacific 2,556 1,481 73 2,749 1,609 71 310 52 496
South America, Africa, Middle East 774 580 33 1,091 795 37 64 64
15,454 12,219 26 15,454 12,219 26 1,954 985 98

Sales in Europe were 12% higher than in the same period of the previous year. EBIT before special items rose by €452 million to €1,251 million. Against the backdrop of the economic recovery, product demand rose compared with the first quarter of 2009; this was reflected, in particular, by substantial sales and earnings growth in the Chemicals, Plastics, Performance Products and Functional Solutions segments. The Oil & Gas segment recorded a decrease in sales and earnings due to the sharp decline in natural gas prices. Synergies resulting from the Ciba integration made a positive contribution to the region's earnings.

Sales in North America grew by 55% in U.S. dollars and 47% in euro terms. Earnings rose by €259 million to €329 million. For Chemicals, Plastics, Performance Products and Functional Solutions, sales and earnings improved considerably as a result of increasing demand, which led to noticeably higher capacity utilization at our plants. Margins were also higher in some areas, in particular in the Petrochemicals division. In the Agricultural Solutions segment, we had a successful start to the new growing season: Following a strong first quarter of 2009, we were able to increase sales volumes once again.

Sales in the Asia Pacific region rose by 77% in local-currency terms, and by 73% in euro. At €310 million, earnings also grew by €258 million. Demand for our products continued to increase in the region. Nearly all business sectors were able to increase sales and earnings significantly year-on-year. The Chemicals and Plastics segments, in particular, posted substantial rises in earnings; in the Petrochemicals division, this was primarily a result of higher prices for cracker products. In the Polyurethanes division, rising volumes were one reason for the strong increase in earnings.

Sales in South America, Africa, Middle East were up year-onyear by 26% in local-currency terms and by 33% in euro. In the Agricultural Solutions segment, sales in South America grew, due in part to weather-related high disease pressure. However, as a result of negative currency effects, the higher sales level did not lead to increased earnings. At €64 million, earnings were at the level of the previous year. Thanks to good business with architectural coatings, the Coatings division achieved higher earnings.

1st Quarter 2010

  • Europe: sales and earnings increase, thanks especially to the positive business development in Chemicals, Plastics, Performance Products and Functional Solutions segments; sales and earnings in Oil & Gas decline due to lower prices
  • North America: significant improvement in sales and earnings in nearly all segments; successful start to the growing season for Agricultural Solutions, sales volumes increase further compared with strong first quarter of 2009
  • Asia Pacific: substantial rise in sales and earnings, especially in Chemicals and Plastics segments; demand for our products increased further
  • South America, Africa, Middle East: sales growth, earnings match level of previous year; no increase in earnings despite higher sales due to negative currency effects

Overview of Other Topics

Research and development

BASF and Linde-KCA-Dresden (LKCA), a subsidiary of the Linde Group, have contractually agreed to jointly market licenses and plants for the capture of carbon dioxide from flue gases in the future. Within this collaboration, BASF will be responsible for the chemical processes of capturing CO2 while LKCA will provide engineering and design expertise and build the facilities. The collaboration will focus mainly on the Middle East region, where the demand for purified CO2 is increasing, for example to raise yields in crude oil production and in urea production.

BASF Plant Science and KWS SAAT AG, a global leader in crop breeding, announced that they will be collaborating in the field of plant biotechnology for sugar beet. In doing so, BASF Plant Science is expanding its biotechnology activities to include the sugar beet industry. The long-term project aims to raise sugar yields and develop drought-tolerant varieties for the global market. With the new sugar beet varieties, which should be available from 2020, the partners are aiming for yield increases of 15%.

BASF, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, Philips and AIXTRON received commitment for funding of the new joint project "TOPAS 2012". This represents the second phase of the OLED 2015 initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), which aims to develop lighting systems based on organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this project, the consortium partners will focus on developing innovative material and component architectures as well as new production machines for lighting solutions with OLEDs. In the first phase of the initiative, diodes with lifetimes of several thousand hours were developed; now the research partners have raised their goal to over 10,000 hours, which is approximately ten times longer than the life of a lightbulb.

Employees

Compared with the end of 2009, the number of BASF Group employees decreased by 1,147 to a total of 103,632 as of March 31, 2010, primarily in the course of the Ciba integration. On this date, 65% of BASF Group employees worked in Europe, 15% in North America, 14% in Asia Pacific and 6% in South America, Africa, Middle East.

Personnel costs in the first quarter of 2010 rose year-onyear by 26.5% to €1,950 million, mainly due to the acquisition of Ciba as well as higher expenses for the BASF option program as a consequence of the share price developments.

Research and development

  • BASF and Linde-KCA-Dresden will jointly market licenses and plants for the capture of carbon dioxide from flue gases
  • BASF Plant Science and KWS SAAT AG are collaborating in the field of plant biotechnology for sugar beet
  • Commitment for funding for the new joint project "TOPAS 2012" granted by BMBF; BASF and partners continue to develop lighting systems based on OLEDs

Employees by region

March 31,
2010
Dec. 31,
2009
Change in %
Europe 67,011 67,621 (1)
North America 15,787 15,945 (1)
Asia Pacific 14,471 14,817 (2)
South America, Africa, Middle East 6,363 6,396 (1)
103,632 104,779 (1)

Outlook

Global economic recovery continued in the first quarter of 2010. Some inventory restocking among our customers resulted in increased demand, which met with supply shortages for some chemical products. For this reason, our business developed favorably in the first quarter of 2010.

For the remainder of 2010, we expect the economic recovery to be slower and increasingly uneven. There continue to be risks regarding a self-sustaining, lasting upturn. However, following an exceptionally difficult year in 2009, overall we expect sales to increase and earnings to improve considerably. We anticipate that we will earn a premium on our cost of capital again in 2010.

Opportunities and risks

Despite the expected economic recovery, risks remain for 2010. These are primarily associated with:

  • the continuing financial and debt crisis, which is intensifying in some areas,
  • the winding down of national stimulus programs,
  • volatile raw materials markets,
  • excess capacities,
  • growing geopolitical tensions, and
  • protectionism.

We see opportunities in consistently implementing our strategy and further improving our operational excellence. Therefore, we will continue to concentrate on portfolio improvements, restructuring and increasing efficiency as well as on product innovations and expanding our business in growth markets. We will keep our research and development expenditures at the high level of previous years.

In April 2010, we completed the structural integration of the businesses acquired from Ciba as planned. The costs for the Ciba integration will thus decrease sharply over the current year. By the end of 2010, we expect the combined businesses to generate synergies of €350 million, which should increase to over €450 million a year by the end of 2012.

Scheduled plant shutdowns for maintenance will have a negative impact on sales and earnings in the second quarter of 2010. For example, in the second quarter the entire Nanjing site will be shut down for a general overhaul and expansion.

The statements on opportunities and risks made in the BASF Report 2009 including the forecast for 2010 remain valid.

Current information can be found in the BASF Report 2009, in the Risk Report on pages 103-111

We expect our sales to grow again in 2010 and outpace global chemical production. We anticipate that the income from operations before special items will improve considerably and that we will again earn a premium on our cost of capital.

Outlook for 2010

  • Economic recovery will continue over the course of the year, however, it will be slower than in the first quarter of 2010 and increasingly uneven; risks still remain
  • Continued concentration on portfolio improvements, restructuring, greater efficiency and product innovations are decisive for our actions
  • Ciba integration costs will decrease significantly compared with 2009; synergies of €350 million to be achieved by the end of 2010
  • Second quarter will be negatively impacted by plant shutdowns for maintenance
  • We expect sales growth that outpaces global chemical production as well as a considerable improvement in earnings and a premium on cost of capital

Interim Financial Statements Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Income BASF Group (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009 Change in %
Sales 15,454 12,219 26.5
Cost of sales 11,028 9,118 20.9
Gross profit on sales 4,426 3,101 42.7
Selling expenses 1,495 1,293 15.6
General and administrative expenses 275 258 6.6
Research expenses 350 325 7.7
Other operating income 219 420 (47.9)
Other operating expenses 685 717 (4.5)
Income from operations 1,840 928 98.3
Income from companies accounted for using the equity method 66 (44)
Other income from participations 12 4 200.0
Other expenses from participations 2 1 100.0
Interest income 28 21 33.3
Interest expense 178 138 29.0
Other financial result (6) (44) 86.4
Financial result (80) (202) 60.4
Income before taxes and minority interests 1,760 726 142.4
Income taxes 611 269 127.1
Income before minority interests 1,149 457 151.4
Minority interests 120 82 46.3
Net income 1,029 375 174.4
Earnings per share (€)
Undiluted 1.12 0.41 173.2
Diluted 1.12 0.41 173.2

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Assets (million €)

March 31, 2010 March 31, 2009 Change in % Dec. 31, 2009 Change in %
Intangible assets 10,756 9,854 9.2 10,449 2.9
Property, plant and equipment 16,408 15,241 7.7 16,285 0.8
Investments accounted for using the equity method 1,427 1,082 31.9 1,340 6.5
Other financial assets 1,787 1,909 (6.4) 1,619 10.4
Deferred tax assets 1,076 1,003 7.3 1,042 3.3
Other receivables and miscellaneous short-term assets 693 548 26.5 946 (26.7)
Long-term assets 32,147 29,637 8.5 31,681 1.5
Inventories 7,207 5,863 22.9 6,776 6.4
Accounts receivable, trade 9,674 7,485 29.2 7,738 25.0
Other receivables and miscellaneous short-term assets 3,516 2,976 18.1 3,223 9.1
Marketable securities 15 45 (66.7) 15
Cash and cash equivalents 2,041 3,568 (42.8) 1,835 11.2
Short-term assets 22,453 19,937 12.6 19,587 14.6
Total assets 54,600 49,574 10.1 51,268 6.5

Stockholders' equity and liabilities (million €)

March 31, 2010 March 31, 2009 Change in % Dec. 31, 2009 Change in %
Subscribed capital 1,176 1,176 1,176
Capital surplus 3,229 3,241 (0.4) 3,229
Retained earnings 13,772 13,482 2.2 12,916 6.6
Other comprehensive income 817 (123) 156 423.7
Equity of shareholders of BASF SE 18,994 17,776 6.9 17,477 8.7
Minority interests 1,218 1,150 5.9 1,132 7.6
Stockholders' equity 20,212 18,926 6.8 18,609 8.6
Provisions for pensions and similar obligations 2,463 1,777 38.6 2,255 9.2
Other provisions 3,373 2,721 24.0 3,289 2.6
Deferred tax liabilities 2,092 2,060 1.6 2,093
Financial indebtedness 12,527 10,394 20.5 12,444 0.7
Other long-term liabilities 930 894 4.0 898 3.6
Long-term liabilities 21,385 17,846 19.8 20,979 1.9
Accounts payable, trade 3,674 2,598 41.4 2,786 31.9
Provisions 3,597 3,019 19.1 3,276 9.8
Tax liabilities 1,218 1,031 18.1 1,003 21.4
Financial indebtedness 2,014 3,369 (40.2) 2,375 (15.2)
Other short-term liabilities 2,500 2,785 (10.2) 2,240 11.6
Short-term liabilities 13,003 12,802 1.6 11,680 11.3
Total stockholders' equity and liabilities 54,600 49,574 10.1 51,268 6.5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009
Net income 1,029 375
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and financial assets 788 675
Changes in net working capital (1,036) 996
Miscellaneous items 231 38
Cash provided by operating activities 1,012 2,084
Payments related to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (392) (570)
Acquisitions/divestitures 17 3
Financial investments and other items (79) 8
Cash used in investing activities (454) (559)
Capital increases/repayments, share repurchases
Changes in financial liabilities (323) (622)
Dividends (78) (105)
Cash used in financing activities (401) (727)
Net changes in cash and cash equivalents 157 798
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of year and other changes 1,884 2,770
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 2,041 3,568

In the first quarter of 2010, cash provided by operating activities was €1,012 million. The considerable upturn in business led to higher net working capital, in particular trade accounts receivable.

Cash used in investing activities amounted to €454 million compared with €559 million in the same period of the previous year. Payments related to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets were again clearly below depreciation and amortization.

Cash used in financing activities amounted to €401 million. Dividends amounting to €78 million were paid out to minority shareholders in Group companies. The amount used to repay financial liabilities was €323 million.

Cash and cash equivalents were €2,041 million on March 31, 2010, compared with €1,835 million at the end of 2009. At the end of the first quarter of 2010, net debt decreased to €12,500 million, compared to €12,984 million on December 31, 2009.

Consolidated Statements of Recognized Income and Expense

Consolidated statements of recognized income and expense (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009
Income before minority interests 1,149 457
Actuarial gains/losses from pensions and other obligations; asset ceiling (263) (190)
Foreign currency translation adjustment 569 27
Fair value changes in available-for-sale securities 98 (81)
Cash flow hedges 8 47
Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation (5)
Revaluation due to acquisition of majority of shares (1) (1)
Deferred taxes 83 31
Minority interests 43 23
Total income and expense recognized in equity 532 (144)
Total income and expense for the period 1,681 313
Thereof BASF 1,518 208
Thereof minority interests 163 105

Development of income and expense recognized directly in equity (million €)

Retained
earnings
Other comprehensive income Total income
and expense
recognized
directly in
equity
Actuarial
gains/ losses;
asset ceiling
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment
Fair value
changes in
available
for-sale
securities
Cash flow
hedges
Hedges
of a net
investment
in a foreign
operation
Revalua
tion due to
acquisition
of majority of
shares
Total of other
comprehen
sive income
As of January 1, 2010 (1,425) (555) 698 5 8 156 (1,269)
Additions (263) 98 8 (5) 101 (162)
Releases 569 (1) 568 568
Deferred taxes 91 (8) (1) 1 (8) 83
As of March 31, 2010 (1,597) 6 795 14 (5) 7 817 (780)
As of January 1, 2009 (1,511) (637) 668 (137) 10 (96) (1,607)
Additions (190) (190)
Releases 27 (81) 47 (1) (8) (8)
Deferred taxes 50 1 (20) (19) 31
As of March 31, 2009 (1,651) (610) 588 (110) 9 (123) (1,774)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

1st Quarter 2010 (million €)

Outstanding
shares
Subscribed
capital
Capital
surplus
Retained
earnings
Other com
prehensive
income 1
Equity of
sharehol
ders of
BASF SE
Minority
interests
Total
stock
holders'
equity
As of January 1, 2010 918,478,694 1,176 3,229 12,916 156 17,477 1,132 18,609
Net income 1,029 1,029 120 1,149
Dividends paid (78)2 (78)
Change in income and expense
recognized directly in equity
(172) 661 489 43 532
Changes in scope of consolidation
and other changes
(1) (1) 1
As of March 31, 2010 918,478,694 1,176 3,229 13,772 817 18,994 1,218 20,212

1st Quarter 2009 (million €)

As of January 1, 2009 918,478,694 1,176 3,241 13,250 (96) 17,571 1,151 18,722
Net income 375 375 82 457
Dividends paid (105)2 (105)
Change in income and expense
recognized directly in equity
(140) (27) (167) 23 (144)
Changes in scope of consolidation
and other changes
(3) (3) (1) (4)
As of March 31, 2009 918,478,694 1,176 3,241 13,482 (123) 17,776 1,150 18,926

1 Details are provided in the "Consolidated Statements of Recognized Income and Expense" on page 17.

2 Including profit and loss transfers

Segment Reporting BASF Group

1st Quarter (million €)

Sales EBITDA Income from operations
(EBIT) before special items
Income from operations
(EBIT)
2010 2009 Change
in %
2010 2009 Change
in %
2010 2009 Change
in %
2010 2009 Change
in %
Chemicals 2,588 1,556 66.3 626 238 163.0 461 84 448.8 461 83 455.4
Plastics 2,197 1,463 50.2 381 78 388.5 279 (29) 277 (30)
Performance Products 2,871 1,677 71.2 538 216 149.1 419 123 240.7 341 123 177.2
Functional Solutions 2,090 1,568 33.3 202 47 329.8 111 (46) 111 (45)
Agricultural Solutions 1,145 1,145 369 388 (4.9) 321 344 (6.7) 321 340 (5.6)
Oil & Gas 3,225 3,894 (17.2) 767 839 (8.6) 629 725 (13.2) 629 725 (13.2)
Other 1,338 916 46.1 (256) (219) (16.9) (266) (216) (23.1) (300) (268) (11.9)
15,454 12,219 26.5 2,627 1,587 65.5 1,954 985 98.4 1,840 928 98.3

1st Quarter (million €)

Research expenses Assets Additions to
long-term assets 1
Amortization and
depreciation 2
2010 2009 Change
in %
2010 2009 Change
in %
2010 2009 Change
in %
2010 2009 Change
in %
Chemicals 31 34 (8.8) 6,334 5,922 7.0 87 102 (14.7) 165 155 6.5
Plastics 35 32 9.4 5,034 4,634 8.6 41 63 (34.9) 104 108 (3.7)
Performance Products 74 49 51.0 9,693 5,626 72.3 47 74 (36.5) 197 93 111.8
Functional Solutions 38 44 (13.6) 8,799 8,383 5.0 28 36 (22.2) 91 92 (1.1)
Agricultural Solutions 84 81 3.7 5,397 5,049 6.9 26 45 (42.2) 48 48
Oil & Gas 1 2 (50.0) 8,345 7,815 6.8 134 192 (30.2) 138 114 21.1
Other 87 83 4.8 10,998 12,145 (9.4) 17 13 30.8 44 49 (10.2)
350 325 7.7 54,600 49,574 10.1 380 525 (27.6) 787 659 19.4

1 Investment in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

2 Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Other 3 (million €)

2010 2009 Change in %
1,338 916 46.1
792 517 53.2
546 399 36.8
(266) (216) (23.1)
(51) (54) 5.6
(82) (81) (1.2)
(136) (193) 29.5
101 109 (7.3)
(34) (52) 34.6
(300) (268) (11.9)
1st Quarter

3 More information about Other can be found in the notes to the Interim Financial Statements on pages 21 and 22.

Notes to the Interim Financial Statements of BASF Group

1 – Basis of presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the BASF Group for the year ending December 31, 2009 were prepared according to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) valid as of the balance sheet date. The Interim Financial Statements as of March 31, 2010 have been prepared in line with the rules of International Accounting Standard 34 in abbreviated form and using the same accounting policies. The Interim Financial Statements and Interim Management's Analysis have been neither audited nor subject to an auditor's review.

The BASF Report 2009 containing the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2009 can be found on the Internet at: basf.com/report

The appreciation of important currencies against the euro since December 31, 2009 led to a balance sheet expansion of around €1.4 billion. Shareholders' equity increased by €561 million due to exchange rate effects.

Selected exchange rates

Closing rates Average rates
1st Quarter
1 € equals March
31, 2010
Dec. 31,
2009
Current
year
Previous
year
Argentina (ARS) 5.23 5.46 5.31 4.62
Brazil (BRL) 2.40 2.51 2.49 3.02
China (CNY) 9.20 9.84 9.44 8.91
Great Britain (GBP) 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.91
Japan (JPY) 125.93 133.16 125.48 122.04
Malaysia (MYR) 4.40 4.93 4.66 4.73
Mexico (MXN) 16.66 18.92 17.66 18.73
The Russian Federation (RUB) 39.70 43.15 41.27 44.42
South Korea (KRW) 1,525.11 1,666.97 1,581.41 1,847.59
United States (USD) 1.35 1.44 1.38 1.30

2 – Scope of consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include BASF SE, as well as all material subsidiaries on a fully consolidated basis. Material jointly operated companies are proportionally consolidated. The development of the number of fully and proportionally consolidated companies is shown in the table.

There have been two first-time consolidations since the beginning of 2010 due to the increasing importance of these companies.

Since the beginning of 2010, 23 companies have been deconsolidated as a result of mergers with other BASF companies, sale to third parties or decreased significance. These restructuring measures were primarily a consequence of the Ciba integration.

Scope of consolidation

2010 2009
As of January 1 345 293
Thereof proportionally consolidated 19 19
First-time consolidations 2 2
Thereof proportionally consolidated
Deconsolidations 23 4
Thereof proportionally consolidated
As of March 31 324 291
Thereof proportionally consolidated 19 19

3 – Acquisitions/Divestitures

On March 31, 2010, BASF divested major parts of the Ciba Expert Services business to Intertek Group plc. The Ciba Expert Services unit has been owned by BASF since the Ciba acquisition in April 2009 and was allocated to the Other segment. The divested business offers regulatory environmental, safety and materials testing services to clients in a range of industries and employs 200 staff in Switzerland, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, India, Brazil, Italy and Japan. Furthermore, on January 19, 2010, BASF sold its businesses with the pigments bismuthvanadate and indanthrone blue to the Dominion Colour Corporation. European and American antitrust authorities imposed these divestitures on BASF as part of the Ciba acquisition.

Apart from these two transactions, BASF did not make any material acquisitions or divestitures in the first quarter of 2010.

4 – Segment reporting

BASF's worldwide business is managed by operating divisions that are aggregated into six segments for reporting purposes.

Chemicals consists of the Inorganics, Petrochemicals and Intermediates divisions. Its portfolio ranges from basic chemicals, glues and electronic chemicals to solvents and plasticizers, as well as starting materials for products such as detergents, plastics, textile fibers, paints and coatings and pharmaceuticals.

Plastics is composed of the Performance Polymers and Polyurethanes divisions.

Performance Products, which is made up of the Dispersions & Pigments, Care Chemicals, Paper Chemicals and Performance Chemicals operating divisions, primarily offers customer-specific specialties alongside standard products.

Functional Solutions comprises the Catalysts, Construction Chemicals and Coatings divisions.

Agricultural Solutions contains the Crop Protection division.

Oil & Gas is composed of the Oil & Gas division with the Exploration & Production and Natural Gas Trading business sectors.

Activities not allocated to a particular division are reported under Other and include, in particular, Styrenics as well as our fertilizer activities. In addition, the sale of raw materials, engineering and other services, rental income and leases are reported under Other. Group corporate costs consist of the expenses for steering the BASF Group and are not allocated to the segments but reported under Other.

With our cross-divisional corporate research, which is also reported under Other, we develop growth clusters and ensure the long-term competence of BASF with regard to technology and methods.

Earnings from currency conversion that are not allocated to the segments are reported under Other as are earnings from the hedging of raw materials prices and foreign currency exchange risks. Expenses and revenues from the BASF option program are also reported under Other.

Transfers between the segments are almost always executed at market-based prices. The allocation of assets and depreciation to the segments is based on economic control. Assets used by more than one segment are allocated based on the percentage of usage.

Assets of Other (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009
Assets of business included under Other 2,655 2,690
Financial assets 3,214 2,990
Deferred tax assets 1,076 1,003
Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities 2,056 3,613
Defined benefit assets 230 75
Miscellaneous receivables/prepaid expenses 1,767 1,774
10,998 12,145

Reconciliation reporting for Oil & Gas (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009
Income from operations 629 725
Income from participations 65 (49)
Other income ( )
8
(117)
Income before taxes and minority interests 686 559
Income taxes 345 273
thereof income taxes on oil-producing operations non-compensable with German corporate income tax 227 154
Income before minority interests 341 286
Minority interests 68 73
Net income 273 213

In the reconciliation reporting for Oil & Gas, the income from operations of the Oil & Gas segment is reconciled to the contribution of the companies in this segment to the net income of the BASF Group.

Other income includes all expenses and income not included in income from operations of the segment, the interest result and the miscellaneous financial result.

The increase in income from participations in the first quarter resulted chiefly from foreign currency gains on loans denominated in U.S. dollars and euro at OAO Severneftegazprom (which is accounted for using the equity method) due to the appreciation of the Russian ruble.

5 – Other operating income

Million € 1st Quarter
2010 2009
Income from currency conversion and foreign currency transactions 84 104
Disposal of property, plant and equipment 9 7
Reversal/usage of provisions 1 54
Reversal of allowances for doubtful receivables 20 11
Revenue from miscellaneous business activities 6 14
Miscellaneous 99 230
Other operating income 219 420

The income from currency conversion and foreign currency transactions in the first quarter of 2010 was mainly a result of the appreciation of the U.S. dollar. The reversal of provisions in the first quarter of 2009 was primarily due to the decreased market value of options from the BASF option program. The decrease in Miscellaneous resulted primarily from lower income from hedging for raw materials price risks.

6 – Other operating expenses

Million € 1st Quarter
2010 2009
Losses from currency conversion and foreign currency transactions 110 299
Oil and gas exploration expenses 47 20
Miscellaneous 528 398
Other operating expenses 685 717

Losses from currency conversion and foreign currency transactions were primarily a result of the appreciation of the U.S. dollar and the Russian ruble. In the first quarter of 2009, losses arose from hedging for the U.S. dollar and British pound. In the first quarter of 2010, due to the increased market value of the option rights, additions to the provision for the BASF option program were made under Miscellaneous. Provisions were also recognized for other personnel obligations and for credit risks from receivables.

7 – Financial result

Million € 1st Quarter
2010 2009
Income from companies accounted for using the equity method 66 (44)
Income from participations in affiliated and associated companies 1 1
Income from profit transfer agreements 10 2
Income from tax allocation to participating interests 1 1
Other income from participations 12 4
Losses from loss transfer agreements (1)
Write-downs/losses from the sale of participations (1) (1)
Other expenses from participations (2) (1)
Interest income from cash and cash equivalents 20 14
Interest and dividend income from securities and loans 8 7
Interest income 28 21
Interest expense (178) (138)
Expected income from plan assets to cover pensions and similar obligations 187 148
Income from plan assets to cover other long-term personnel obligations 5 8
Income from construction interest 15 13
Other financial income 9
Other financial income 216 169
Write-downs/losses from the disposal of securities and loans (1)
Interest accrued on pension obligations and similar obligations (199) (166)
Expenses from other long-term personnel obligations (12) (14)
Interest accrued on other long-term liabilities (11) (10)
Other financial expenses (22)
Other financial result (222) (213)
Financial result (80) (202)

Due to the appreciation of the Russian ruble, gains on loans denominated in U.S. dollars and euro at OAO Severneftegazprom had a positive influence on income from companies accounted for using the equity method. In the previous year, on the other hand, there were currency losses as a consequence of the depreciation of the Russian ruble.

Interest income and expenses relate to expenses and income from interest-bearing liabilities and financial investments, including dividend income on securities. In addition, these items take into account the ongoing interest expenses and income from interest rate and currency swaps with banks. The decline in the interest result was due in particular to the increased net debt compared with the first quarter of 2009.

The higher level of expected income from pension plan assets can be attributed to the increase in pension plan assets compared with the previous year.

Additional pension obligations occurred due to the acquisition of Ciba in April 2009. As a result, expenses for interest accrued on pension obligations and similar obligations increased.

8 – Income taxes

Income before taxes and minority interests (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009
Germany 532 25
Foreign oil production branches of German companies 288 197
Other foreign 940 504
1,760 726

Income taxes (million €)

1st Quarter
2010 2009
Germany 131 25
Foreign oil production branches of German companies 270 183
Thereof non-compensable 227 154
Other foreign 210 61
611 269
Tax rate (%) 34.7 37.1

Foreign income taxes for oil production increased as a result of the higher oil price. The lower contribution to earnings from the highly taxed Oil & Gas segment led to a reduction in the tax rate.

9 – Minority interests

Million € 1st Quarter
2010 2009
Minority interests in profits 128 87
Minority interests in losses (8) (5)
120 82

Minority interests in profits resulted primarily from natural gas trading companies as well as Gazprom's stake in the German Wintershall subsidiary that holds production and exploration rights in Libya. In particular, the companies BASF PETRONAS

Chemicals, based in Malaysia, Shanghai BASF Polyurethane, China, and BASF Fina Petrochemicals, United States, contributed to higher minority interests in profits than in the previous year.

10 – Earnings per share

1st Quarter
2010 2009
Net income
million €
1,029 375
Number of outstanding shares (weighted average)
1,000
918,479 918,479
Earnings per share
1.12 0.41

The calculation of earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The calculation of diluted earnings per common share reflects all possible outstanding common shares and the resulting effect on income of the BASF incentive share program "Plus".

In the first three months of 2010, and in the corresponding period of 2009, there was no dilutive effect; undiluted earnings per share were the same as the diluted value per share.

11 – Long-term assets

Development (million €)

1st Quarter 2010
Intangible
assets
Property, plant
and equipment
Investments
accounted for
using the equity
method and other
financial assets
Acquisition costs
Balance as of January 1 13,303 51,943 3,220
Additions 12 368 16
Disposals (50) (114) (21)
Transfers (3) 12 205
Exchange differences 456 997 48
Balance as of March 31 13,718 53,206 3,468
Amortization and depreciation
Balance as of January 1 2,854 35,658 261
Additions 152 635 1
Disposals (46) (84) (8)
Transfers (68) 12
Exchange differences 70 577
Balance as of March 31 2,962 36,798 254
Net book value as of March 31 10,756 16,408 3,214

Development (million €)

1st Quarter 2009
Intangible
assets
Property, plant
and equipment
Investments
accounted for
using the equity
method and other
financial assets
Acquisition costs
Balance as of January 1 12,408 49,147 3,424
Additions 38 487 105
Disposals (326) (118) (107)
Transfers 33 45 (140)
Exchange differences 62 535 (4)
Balance as of March 31 12,215 50,096 3,278
Amortization and depreciation
Balance as of January 1 2,519 34,115 331
Additions 130 529 16
Disposals (325) (102) (60)
Transfers 1 11
Exchange differences 36 302
Balance as of March 31 2,361 34,855 287
Net book value as of March 31 9,854 15,241 2,991

Additions to property, plant and equipment from January to March 2010 arose from a number of investments. The most significant investments in the first quarter were the expansion of the synthesis gas plants in Ludwigshafen, the construction of natural gas pipelines in Europe and a polyol plant in Geismar, Louisiana.

The increase in amortization and depreciation is primarily a result of long-term assets taken over as part of the Ciba acquisition.

12 – Inventories

Million € March 31,
2010
Dec. 31,
2009
Raw materials and factory supplies 2,048 1,845
Work-in-process, finished goods and
merchandise
5,002 4,860
Advance payments and services-in-process 157 71
7,207 6,776

Work-in-process and finished goods and merchandise are combined into one item due to the production conditions in the chemical industry. Services-in-process relate primarily to services not invoiced at the balance sheet date. Inventories are valued using the weighted average cost method.

Currency effects resulted in a €193 million increase in inventories compared with year-end 2009.

13 – Stockholders' equity

Authorized capital

At the Annual Meeting of April 30, 2009, shareholders authorized the Board of Executive Directors to increase subscribed capital by issuing new shares in an amount of up to €500 million against cash with the approval of the Supervisory Board through April 30, 2014. The Board of Executive Directors is empowered, following the approval of the Supervisory Board, to decide on the exclusion of shareholders' subscription rights for these new shares. Up till now, this option has not been exercised and no new shares were issued.

Retained earnings

Transfers to Other retained earnings increased legal reserves by €17 million in the first quarter. The offsetting of actuarial gains and losses, as well as the asset ceiling, resulted in a reduction in retained earnings of €172 million in the first quarter of 2010 and a reduction of €140 million in the first quarter of 2009.

Reserves (million €)

March 31,
2010
Dec. 31,
2009
Legal reserves 439 429
Other retained earnings 13,333 12,487
13,772 12,916

14 – Provisions for pensions

Assumptions used to determine the defined benefit obligation (weighted average in %)

Germany Foreign
March 31, 2010 Dec. 31, 2009 March 31, 2010 Dec. 31, 2009
Discount rate 5.00 5.50 5.02 5.17
Projected increase of wages and salaries 2.75 2.75 3.91 3.91
Projected pension increase 2.00 2.00 0.92 0.92

Assumptions used to determine expenses for pension benefits (from January 1 through March 31 of the respective year; weighted average in %)

Germany Foreign
March 31, 2010 Dec. 31, 2009 March 31, 2010 Dec. 31, 2009
Discount rate 5.50 6.00 5.17 5.59
Projected increase of wages and salaries 2.75 2.75 3.91 3.82
Projected pension increase 2.00 2.00 0.92 0.76
Expected return on plan assets 5.13 5.42 6.28 6.60

The assumptions regarding the overall expected long-term rate of return are based on the target asset allocation and the weighted average rate of expected returns of each individual asset class. The forecasts are based on long-term historical average returns and take into consideration the current yield level and the inflation trend.

In the first quarter of 2010, developments in the capital markets led to a reduction of the average weighted discount rate for existing pension obligations which are denominated in euro and U.S. dollars.

15 – Other provisions

Million € March 31, 2010 March 31, 2009 Dec. 31, 2009
Other long-term provisions 3,373 2,721 3,289
Short-term provisions 3,597 3,019 3,276
6,970 5,740 6,565

In the first quarter of 2010, other provisions increased compared with the end of 2009. This increase primarily affects provisions for variable compensation and the BASF option program.

16 – Liabilities

Liabilities (million €)

March 31, 2010 March 31, 2009 Dec. 31, 2009
Short-term Long-term Short-term Long-term Short-term Long-term
Accounts payable, trade 3,674 2,598 2,786
Bonds and other liabilities to the capital market 1,080 11,411 2,849 9,307 1,491 11,351
Liabilities to credit institutions 934 1,116 520 1,087 884 1,093
Financial indebtedness 2,014 12,527 3,369 10,394 2,375 12,444
Tax liabilities 1,218 1,031 1,003
Advances received on orders 110 146 116
Liabilities on bills 58 25 21 29 52 23
Liabilities related to social security 156 31 155 13 156 30
Miscellaneous liabilities 1,944 675 2,262 682 1,801 663
Deferred income 232 199 201 170 115 182
Other liabilities 2,500 930 2,785 894 2,240 898

Financial indebtedness (million €)

Carrying amounts based on effective
interest method
Nominal
value
Effective
interest
rate
March 31,
2010
Dec. 31,
2009
March 31,
2009
3.5% Euro Bond 2003/2010 of BASF SE 1,000 3.63% 1,000 999 998
4% Euro Bond 2006/2011 of BASF SE 1,000 4.05% 999 999 999
3.375% Euro Bond 2005/2012 of BASF SE 1,400 3.42% 1,399 1,399 1,398
3.75% Euro Bond 2009/2012 of BASF SE 1,350 3.97% 1,343 1,343
4.5% Euro Bond 2006/2016 of BASF SE 500 4.62% 497 497 497
4.25% Euro Bond 2009/2016 of BASF SE 200 4.40% 198 198
5.875% GBP Bond 2009/2017 of BASF SE 400 6.04% 446 446 425
4.625% Euro Bond 2009/2017 of BASF SE 300 4.69% 299 299
3-Month EURIBOR Bond 2006/2009 of BASF SE 500 variable 500
3.25% CHF Bond 2008/2011 of BASF Finance Europe N.V. 300 3.39% 210 202 197
6% Euro Bond 2008/2013 of BASF Finance Europe N.V. 1,250 6.15% 1,244 1,244 1,243
5% Euro Bond 2007/2014 of BASF Finance Europe N.V. 1,000 5.09% 996 996 996
5% Euro Bond 2007/2014 of BASF Finance Europe N.V. 250 4.83% 252 252 252
3.625% CHF Bond 2008/2015 of BASF Finance Europe N.V. 200 3.77% 139 134 131
5.125% Euro Bond 2009/2015 of BASF Finance Europe N.V. 1,500 5.30% 1,488 1,488 1,486
5.125% Euro Bond 2009/2015 of BASF Finance Europe N.V. 500 4.38% 517 517
4.5% Euro Medium Term Note 2009/2016 of BASF Finance Europe N.V. 150 4.56% 150 149 150
USD Extendible Floating Rate Notes of BASF Finance Europe N.V. 0.33% 3 3 345
3.25% CHF Bond 2006/2012 of Ciba Spezial. Finanz AG 225 3.32% 154 147
4.875% Euro Bond 2003/2018 of Ciba Special. Chem. Finance Luxembourg S.A. 477 4.88% 395 393
USD Commercial Paper 102 75 487 1,897
Other bonds 687 650 642
Bonds and other liabilities to the capital market 12,491 12,842 12,156
Liabilities to credit institutions 2,050 1,977 1,607
14,541 14,819 13,763

17 – Related-party transactions

Material supply relationships exist for the supply of oil and gas between companies of the BASF Group and the proportionally consolidated joint venture companies Wintershall Erdgas Handelshaus GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin, and Wintershall Erdgas Handelshaus Zug AG, Zug, Switzerland. These transactions are conducted at arm's length prices and business terms. The unconsolidated portion of these supplies amounted to €283 million in the first quarter of 2010 and €250 million in the same period of 2009.

In addition, there are material supply relationships with Ellba C.V., the Netherlands, and Ellba Eastern Private Ltd., Singapore. The unconsolidated portion of these supplies amounted to €108 million in the first quarter of 2010 and €50 million in the same period of 2009.

There were no reportable related party transactions with members of the Board of Executive Directors or the Supervisory Board. BASF has not issued loans to members of the Board of Executive Directors or the Supervisory Board.

Calculation of Adjusted Earnings per Share

1st Quarter
million € million €
2010 2009
Income before taxes and minority interests 1,760 726
Special items 114 57
Amortization of intangible assets 152 130
Amortization of intangible assets contained in the special items (5)
Adjusted income before taxes and minority interests 2,021 913
Adjusted income taxes 686 322
Adjusted income before minority interests 1,335 591
Adjusted minority interests 122 84
Adjusted net income 1,213 507
Weighted average number of outstanding shares
in thousands
918,479 918,479
Adjusted earnings per share
1.32 0.55

The earnings per share figure adjusted for special items and amortization of intangible assets has become internationally established as a key figure that can be compared over the course of time and is particularly suitable for forecasts of future earnings.

The special items are primarily the result of the integration of acquired businesses, restructuring measures, impairment losses and gains or losses resulting from divestitures. This involves expenses and income that do not arise in conjunction with ordinary business activities. Intangible assets primarily result from purchase price allocation following acquisitions. The amortization of intangible assets is therefore of a temporary nature.

The calculation of earnings per share in accordance with IFRS is presented in the Notes on page 25. The adjusted income before taxes and minority interests, the adjusted net income and the adjusted earnings per share are not defined in IFRS. They should not be viewed in isolation, but rather treated as supplementary information.

Interim Report 1st Half 2010 July 29, 2010 Interim Report 3rd Quarter 2010 Oct. 28, 2010 Full Year Results 2010 Feb. 24, 2011 Annual Meeting 2011 / Interim Report 1st Quarter 2011 May 6, 2011

Forward-looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current estimates and projections of BASF management and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of BASF to be materially different from those that may be expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include those discussed from pages 103 to 111 in the BASF Report 2009. The BASF Report can be found on the Internet at: basf.com/report. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this report.

Further Information Contact

Published on April 29, 2010

You can find this and other BASF publications on the internet at corporate.basf.com

You can also order the reports:

• by telephone: +49 621 60-91827 • online: basf.com/mediaorders

General inquiries Phone: +49 621 60-0, Fax: +49 621 60-42525

Corporate Media Relations Jennifer Moore-Braun, Phone: +49 621 60-99123, Fax: +49 621 60-92693

Investor Relations Magdalena Moll, Phone: +49 621 60-48230, Fax: +49 621 60-22500

Internet www.basf.com

BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany

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