Chemicals

3rd Quarter 2017

Sales in the Chemicals segment were up significantly on the prior-year quarter. This was largely due to higher prices in all divisions, especially in Monomers. We also significantly increased sales volumes. Currency effects slightly dampened sales in all divisions. Income from operations (EBIT) before special items rose considerably. This was mainly a result of higher margins, especially in the Monomers division. The negative impact on earnings in the third quarter of 2017 caused by the North Harbor accident at the Ludwigshafen site was compensated by insurance payments. Fixed costs rose slightly.

Factors influencing sales, Chemicals
3rd Quarter 2017

Factors influencing BASF Group sales, 2nd Quarter 2017 (bar chart)

Petrochemicals

In the Petrochemicals division, sales considerably exceeded the prior-year figure due to higher prices and volumes. Contributing significantly to this development were steam cracker products in Europe, where we achieved higher sales prices and volumes. EBIT before special items increased considerably. This was largely due to a decrease in fixed costs resulting primarily from insurance payments in connection with the accident at the North Harbor. Margins improved worldwide, particularly for acrylic monomers and steam cracker products in Europe.

Monomers

Sales in the Monomers division rose considerably compared with the third quarter of 2016, mostly as a result of strong price increases in the isocyanates business. The isocyanates business also drove considerable volumes growth, largely through our new production facilities. There was a considerable increase in EBIT before special items. This was mainly due to higher margins, particularly for isocyanates. Earnings were also positively impacted by the restructuring of our caprolactam production in Europe. Fixed costs were above the level of the prior-year quarter.

Intermediates

We also achieved considerable sales growth in the Intermediates division. This was due to price increases on the back of higher raw materials prices, particularly in the butanediol and derivatives business. Volumes were on a level with the prior-year quarter. Negative currency effects and the divestiture of the Evans City, Pennsylvania, site in the first quarter of 2017 slightly dampened sales growth. EBIT before special items rose considerably, mainly as a result of improved margins. This was contrasted by higher fixed costs from new plants and the expansion of capacities in the United States, Asia and Europe.

Segment data Chemicals1 (million €)

 

 

3rd Quarter

January – September

 

 

2017

2016

Change %

2017

2016

Change %

1

On January 1, 2017, the Monomers and Dispersions & Pigments divisions’ activities for the electronics industry were merged 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

Sales to third parties

 

4,023

3,227

25

12,173

9,482

28

Thereof Petrochemicals

 

1,525

1,310

16

4,759

3,828

24

Monomers

 

1,770

1,255

41

5,177

3,666

41

Intermediates

 

728

662

10

2,237

1,988

13

Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)

 

1,430

761

88

4,054

2,197

85

Amortization and depreciation2

 

341

271

26

872

789

11

Income from operations (EBIT)

 

1,089

490

122

3,182

1,408

126

Special items

 

(13)

2

.

2

5

(60)

EBIT before special items

 

1,102

488

126

3,180

1,403

127

Assets (September 30)

 

12,743

12,520

2

12,743

12,520

2

Investments including acquisitions3

 

232

253

(8)

645

845

(24)

Research and development expenses

 

31

34

(9)

91

106

(14)