BASF expands agricultural results in the second quarter

BASF's Agricultural Solutions division reported sales of €2,210 billion in the second quarter of 2026, a 0,6% increase over the same period in 2025. EBITDA before special items reached €448 million, a 7,5% increase. The segment's cash flow totaled €881 million, an 8,5% increase. The figures show a recovery in profitability during the quarter, despite the effects of currency exchange rates and the price reductions observed year-to-date.

In the first half of the year, the agricultural sector generated €5,315 billion in revenue. This figure was 1,6% lower than the €5,401 billion recorded a year earlier. EBITDA before special items reached €1,550 billion, a decrease of 4,4%. The corresponding margin reached 29%, compared to 30% in the first half of 2025.

Increase in volumes

Commercial performance was supported by increased volumes in all regions. BASF highlighted advances in fungicides, herbicides, and seed treatment. Total volume grew 3,2% in the first half of the year. Prices fell 1,3%. Currency fluctuations reduced sales by 3,6%. Portfolio effects added 0,1%.

Herbicides accounted for 32% of the division's sales during the period. Fungicides represented 30%. Seeds and genetic traits accounted for 23%. Insecticides accounted for 10%. Seed treatment accounted for the remaining 5%.

The next strategic step for the agricultural segment involves achieving the conditions for an initial public offering of shares by mid-2027. According to management, the process is on schedule.

The acquisition of AgBiTech also had a positive effect on the portfolio. BASF completed the transaction in March 2026. The acquired company operates in biological solutions for insect control. The impact on consolidated sales remained small during the period.

BASF Group

At BASF Group, second-quarter sales totaled €17,206 billion, a 16,4% increase. EBITDA before special items grew 53,6% to €2,449 billion. The margin increased from 10,8% to 14,2%. This result was supported by higher prices, volume growth, and reduced fixed cash costs.

The group raised its EBITDA forecast before special items for 2026. The new range is between €6,9 billion and €7,7 billion. The previous estimate was between €6,2 billion and €7 billion. The free cash flow forecast remained between €1,5 billion and €2,3 billion.

BASF attributed the revision to better-than-expected performance in the first half of the year. The company also maintained a difference of €800 million between the projection limits. The decision takes into account the geopolitical uncertainties mentioned by management during the presentation of the results.