Shaping the Future. BASF Group Annual Press Conference Report

Transcription

1 Shaping the Future BASF Group Annual Press Conference Report Published on February 22, 2007

2 BASF Group 2006 Million in % Sales 52,610 42, Income from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 9,723 8, Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 7,257 6, Income from operations (EBIT) 6,750 5, Income before taxes and minority interests 6,527 5, Net income 3,215 3, Earnings per share ( ) Income from operations (EBIT) in percent of sales Cash provided by operating activities 5,940 5, Additions to long-term assets 1 10,039 2, Excluding acquisitions 2,425 1, Amortization and depreciation 1 2,973 2, Segment assets (as of December 31) 2 38,599 29, Personnel costs 6,210 5, Number of employees (as of December 31) 95,247 80, Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment (including acquisitions) 2 Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, inventories and business-related receivables 3 Before external financing of pension obligations Contents 1 BASF Group Business Review 4 Chemicals 6 Plastics 8 Performance Products 10 Agricultural Products & Nutrition 12 Oil & Gas 14 Segment Reporting 15 Regions 16 Balance Sheet 18 Statements of Cash Flows 20 Outlook Inside front cover: BASF Group 2006 BASF s segments Key data Inside back cover: Ten-year Summary Important dates Contacts ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FOR THIS REPORT This report has not been attested by the external auditors. The Financial Report including the Consolidated Financial Statements of BASF Group will be published on March 14, Registered trademarks of BASF Aktiengesellschaft and BASF Corporation: Ultramid is a registered trademark of BASF Aktiengesellschaft; Ultrason is a registered trademark of BASF Aktiengesellschaft Cover photo: Juan Antonio Gomez Hernandez (right), and Juan Carlos Galindo Carrizales at BASF s polymer plant in Altamira, Mexico

3 BASF s Segments Chemicals The synergy potential of our Verbund ensures our competitiveness in producing organic and inorganic basic chemicals and intermediates. Integrated production plants, innovative processes and the advantages of modern large-scale plants help us achieve our goal of cost leadership. We participate in the major growth markets by constructing new Verbund sites. We enhance our portfolio with higher-value products through innovations and acquisitions. Plastics BASF is a globally leading supplier of plastics the eco-efficient materials of the future. In standard plastics, we have a portfolio of focused product lines and highly efficient marketing processes. In our business with specialties, we offer a wide range of high-value products, system solutions and processes. In close cooperation with our customers, we constantly extend this range and add new applications. Performance Products Our innovative systems from performance chemistry contribute to the comfort and safety of many everyday products, from cars, paper and construction materials to detergents and babies diapers. We want to be the key contact for our customers. Our success is based on new products, system solutions and applications that we develop in close cooperation with our customers. Here, the key to success is our powerful research and development organization that aims to solve our partners problems quickly, flexibly and in line with their needs. Agricultural Products & Nutrition Products from this segment protect crops and thus safeguard harvests. We are strengthening our competitiveness with innovative crop protection products. Our broad range of highvalue products for health, nutrition and beauty makes us a preferred partner for customers in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and in the areas of human and animal nutrition. Our research in plant biotechnology focuses on plants for more efficient agriculture, healthier nutrition and for use as renewable raw materials. Oil & Gas As the largest German producer of oil and gas, we benefit from our many years of experience in exploration and production and our focus on areas that are rich in oil in Europe, North Africa, South America as well as Russia and the Caspian Sea area. Together with our partner Gazprom, we are making use of the opportunities that are arising from increasing demand and from the liberalization of the European gas markets. CHANGE IN SALES BY SEGMENT COMPARED WITH PRIOR YEAR CHEMICALS +43% PLASTICS +9%

4 Segment key data Sales by division Million in % Sales 11,572 8, Million % 1 Inorganics 1, Catalysts 2, Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 1,704 1, Income from operations (EBIT) 1,380 1, Petrochemicals 5, Intermediates 2, , Million in % Million % 1 Styrenics 4, Sales 12,775 11, Performance Polymers 2, Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 1,216 1, Income from operations (EBIT) 1,192 1, Polyurethanes 4, , Million in % Sales 10,133 8, Million % 1 Construction Chemicals 1,120 11,0 2 Coatings 2, Income from operations (EBIT) before special items (4.7) Income from operations (EBIT) (22.5) 3 Functional Polymers 3, Performance Chemicals 3, , Million in % Sales 4,934 5,030 (1.9) Million % 1 Agricultural Products 3, Fine Chemicals 1, Income from operations (EBIT) before special items (37.2) 4, Income from operations (EBIT) (38.8) Million in % Million % Oil & Gas 10, Sales 10,687 7, Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 3,245 2, Income from operations (EBIT) 3,250 2, PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS & NUTRITION OIL & GAS +23% 2% +40%

5 BASF Group Business Review 2006 was a record year for the BASF Group. Both sales and income from operations increased compared with the previous year. This was due both to acquisitions and to organic growth in the existing businesses. We improved income from operations by 920 million, thus exceeding the previous record year of 2005 by 15.8%. We largely offset raw material costs, which remained high, by increasing the sales prices of our products. At 2,126 million, we again earned a high premium on our cost of capital (2005: 2,354 million). The financial result decreased by 319 million to (223) million. Interest expenses increased due to acquisition financing. Moreover, the financial result of the previous year contained a tax-free special gain from the sale of our 50% stake in Basell N.V. Net income increased by 208 million to 3,215 million. Earnings per share in 2006 were 6.37, compared with 5.73 in the previous year. Consolidated statements of income Million Sales 52,610 42,745 Cost of sales 37,698 29,567 Gross profit on sales 14,912 13,178 Selling expenses 4,995 4,330 General and administrative expenses Research and development expenses 1,277 1,064 Other operating income (997) (1,174) Income from operations 6,750 5,830 Expenses/income from financial assets Interest result (372) (170) Other financial result 77 (82) Financial result (223) 96 Income before taxes and minority interests 6,527 5,926 Income before minority interests 3,466 3,168 Net income 3,215 3,007 Earnings per share ( ) RECORD YEAR 2006 Significant increase in sales due to acquisitions and organic growth in the existing businesses Special charges due to acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs Income from operations at a record high Further increase in net income 1

6 Sales Sales in 2006 rose by 23.1% compared with the previous year to 52,610 million. The sales growth was due to the following factors: Factors influencing sales Million 2006 Contribution to sales growth in % Volumes 2, Prices 3, Currencies (96) (0.2) Acquisitions and additions to the scope of consolidation 4, Divestitures (167) (0.4) 9, Higher sales volumes were achieved in almost all areas of our portfolio. Additionally, sales increased due to higher prices, especially in the Oil & Gas segment, as a result of higher crude oil and natural gas prices. At 4,230 million, acquisitions significantly contributed to the increase in sales. Important acquisitions included: Engelhard Corp., acquired on June 6, 2006, with businesses in particular in the fields of catalysts, precious metals trading and pigments The construction chemicals business of Degussa AG, acquired on July 1, 2006 Johnson Polymer, which was also acquired on July 1, 2006, with activities primarily in water-based resins Additions to the scope of consolidation contributed 10 million to the increase in sales. Divestitures reduced sales by 167 million, particularly as the result of the sale of parts of our business with generic crop protection products in North America (NAFTA) in 2006 and the divestiture of the polystyrene business in the United States and Canada in Income from operations Compared with the previous year, we increased income from operations by 920 million to 6,750 million. Income from operations as a percentage of sales was 12.8% compared with 13.6% in the previous year. We largely offset raw material costs, which continue to be high, by increasing our sales prices. At 2,126 million, we again earned a high premium on our cost of capital (2005: 2,354 million). In particular, higher prices in the oil and gas business as well as increases in volumes and prices in the Plastics segment contributed to this improvement. Earnings in the Agricultural Products division were significantly lower than in This was a result of lower volumes and margins in Brazil and lower volumes for fungicides in Europe due to unfavourable weather conditions. The integration of the acquired businesses is progressing according to plan. All acquired businesses contributed to income before acquisition-related special items. Future synergies of approximately 290 million per year, which we intend to reach by the year 2010, are higher than originally expected. These effects arise primarily from the reduction of overlapping functions and processes, for example in administration, marketing and sales, and logistics as well as savings in purchasing and the use of precursors supplied by other BASF divisions. Sales Million , ,745 Income from operations Million , ,830 2

7 Special items Income from operations was significantly impacted by special charges of 507 million in 2006, compared with 308 million in the previous year. 562 million was incurred for restructuring measures, predominantly in the Fine Chemicals and Intermediates divisions. In the Intermediates division, the special charges related to restructuring measures in the butanediol value-added chain, especially the mothballing of a THF plant in Caojing, China. These measures are part of our program to increase efficiency, which will save 300 million annually, starting in The integration of Engelhard, the construction chemicals business of Degussa, and Johnson Polymer were associated with special charges in the amount of 175 million in These charges were incurred for restructuring measures, severance payments for employees leaving the company and the use of step-up on inventory from the acquired businesses. Special gains in 2006 resulted primarily from divestitures associated with portfolio optimization in the Agricultural Products division, as well as the reduction of a fine imposed by the E.U. for anti-trust violations related to vitamins in 2001, and the reversal of provisions made for risks associated with the pharmaceuticals business that we divested in Income before taxes and minority interests Compared with the previous year, income before taxes and minority interests increased by 601 million to 6,527 million. The financial result decreased by 319 million to (223) million. Interest charges increased due to acquisition financing. The financial result of the previous year contained a tax-free special gain from the sale of our 50% stake in Basell N.V. Although assets increased due to the acquisitions, the return on assets in 2006 reached a very satisfactory 17.5%, in comparison with 17.7% in the previous year. Net income/earnings per share In 2006, we achieved a net income of 3,215 million. This is an increase of 208 million, or 6.9%, compared with the previous year. Minority interests in the amount of 251 million concerned primarily, as in the previous year, our partners in natural gas trading companies and in the steam cracker in Port Arthur, Texas. At 46.9%, the tax rate remained approximately at the same level as in The noncompensable foreign income taxes on oil production increased from 1,072 million to 1,282 million. The capitalization of the remaining income tax credit in Germany lowered income taxes. In 2005, the tax-free earnings from the sale of our stake in Basell, N.V. contributed to the reduced tax rate. Earnings per share in 2006 increased by 11.2% to 6.37, compared with 5.73 in Special items 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Full Year Million Included in income from operations (16) (64) (113) (70) (177) (65) (201) (109) (507) (308) Included in the financial result (16) (64) (113) (70) (177) 157 (201) (109) (507) (86) 3

8 Chemicals The Chemicals segment consists of the Inorganics, Catalysts, Petrochemicals and Intermediates divisions. Segment data 4th Quarter Full Year Million in % in % Sales to third parties 3,448 2, ,572 8, Thereof Inorganics , Catalysts 1, , Petrochemicals 1,449 1, ,754 5, Intermediates ,273 2, Income from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ,235 1, Income from operations (EBIT) before special items ,704 1, Income from operations (EBIT) ,380 1, Assets 10,473 6, ,473 6, Research and development expenses Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets , Fourth-Quarter Business Review Sales reached 3,448 million (volumes 6%, prices 4%, portfolio 50%, currencies 4%). Higher sales volumes and prices, as well as the acquired catalysts business, contributed to the strong increase. Income from operations before special items of 592 million was also significantly higher than in the fourth quarter of Inorganics Sales increases were registered especially for inorganic specialties and basic chemicals. Income from operations before special items was at the level of the same period in Significantly higher natural gas prices reduced margins for methane-based products, but earnings for inorganic specialties and basic chemicals increased. Catalysts The positive development in sales was primarily due to growing demand for diesel and chemical catalysts. In the Materials Services business, increased volumes and higher precious metal prices led to higher sales. Income from operations before special items exceeded our expectations. Petrochemicals Sales were higher than the same quarter last year, helped above all by business in Europe and Asia. Income from operations before special items improved significantly, especially for cracker products and solvents. The capacity utilization rates of the plants we put into operation at our Verbund site in Nanjing, China, in 2005 were again high. Intermediates The strong volume and sales situation continued in all regions. Income from operations before special items was significantly higher than in the fourth quarter of This was largely due to the high capacity utilization rates of our plants and our restructuring measures. FOURTH-QUARTER BUSINESS REVIEW Strong increase in sales particularly due to catalysts Significant increase in earnings 2006 BUSINESS REVIEW Rapid integration of the catalysts business from Engelhard Corp. Increase in sales driven by acquisitions, volumes and prices; pressure on earnings from special charges in particular in the Intermediates division 4

9 2006 Business Review Compared with 2005, we increased sales by 3,469 million in 2006 to 11,572 million (volumes 9%, prices 6%, portfolio 29%, currencies 1%). The first-time inclusion of the Catalysts division as a result of the acquisition of Engelhard Corp. made a particularly significant contribution to this positive trend. Sales in the existing divisions grew due to increased sales volumes and prices. Income from operations increased by 4.1% to 1,380 million compared with the previous year. Earnings were reduced by costs for the integration of the catalysts business from Engelhard Corp. and for mothballing the THF plant in Caojing, China. Inorganics We increased sales by 189 million in 2006 to 1,134 million. High demand in all business units of the division contributed to this increase. Moreover, sales included the first full year of sales from the electronic chemicals business from Merck KGaA acquired in Income from operations in 2006 was below the previous year s results, as significantly higher natural gas prices reduced margins, particularly for methane-based products. This could not be offset by the improved earnings from inorganic specialties and basic chemicals. The former catalysts business of the Inorganics division was assigned to the new Catalysts division retroactive to January 1, The previous year s figures have been adjusted accordingly. Catalysts We achieved sales of 2,411 million in The strong demand for catalysts in the emerging markets primarily contributed to this positive business trend. In addition, the global business for diesel catalysts for use in heavy utility vehicles also developed well. New government directives on emissions have also supported our business. Sales of emission-control catalysts for internal combustion engines in North America (NAFTA) declined due to lower production of SUVs and trucks. The global demand for chemical catalysts and catalysts for oil refining developed well. In the Materials Services business, sales increased due to larger trade volumes and higher precious metal prices. The trend in earnings exceeded expectations made before the acquisition of Engelhard. Petrochemicals We significantly improved sales by 670 million in 2006 to a total of 5,754 million. Higher volume demand enabled us to increase our selling prices for our cracker products as well as alkylene oxides/glycols, plasticizers and solvents. Income from operations exceeded the previous year s very strong level. In addition to plant turnarounds, we also had unplanned shutdowns in Antwerp, Belgium; Port Arthur, Texas; and Tarragona, Spain, caused by power outages and flooding. Overall, however, our production facilities continued to operate at high capacity utilization rates. Intermediates Business was characterized by high demand in all product lines and regions. We increased sales by 271 million in 2006 to a total of 2,273 million. We were largely able to offset significantly increased prices of important raw materials by increasing our sales prices. The restructuring introduced in 2005 led to lower fixed costs and higher capacity utilization. However, the special charge relating to the mothballing of the THF plant in Caojing, China, had a negative impact on income from operations. As a result, income from operations did not reach the level of the previous year. OUTLOOK We expect a further increase in sales for 2007, with a significant contribution from the Catalysts division, and stable business in all other divisions. Earnings will be adversely impacted by the integration costs of Engelhard, plant turnarounds in the second half of the year and the expansion of the steam cracker in Antwerp, Belgium. We are nevertheless confident of exceeding the previous year s strong earnings in

10 Plastics The Plastics segment consists of the Styrenics, Performance Polymers and Polyurethanes divisions. Segment data 4th Quarter Full Year Million in % in % Sales to third parties 3,260 3, ,775 11, Thereof Styrenics 1,314 1, ,994 4, Performance Polymers (2.8) 2,932 2, Polyurethanes 1,222 1, ,849 4, Income from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ,715 1, Income from operations (EBIT) before special items ,216 1, Income from operations (EBIT) ,192 1, Assets 6,911 6, ,911 6, Research and development expenses Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets Fourth-Quarter Business Review Sales rose again in the fourth quarter due to higher prices and volumes (volumes 3%, prices 8%, currencies 4%). Income before special items improved thanks to larger sales volumes and higher prices. The Styrenics divisions especially increased earnings. Styrenics Despite the slight increase in raw material prices, robust volumes and sharply increased prices led to an improvement in earnings compared with the weak fourth quarter of Above all, our measures to increase efficiency contributed to this. The production of polystyrene in Tarragona, Spain was shut down as planned at the end of the year. Performance Polymers Thanks to higher sales prices, we were able to increase our earnings despite lower volumes. Higher raw material costs increased the pressure on margins toward the end of the year. With the commissioning of a new compounding plant for Ultramid PA in Altamira, Mexico, we are continuing to expand our global engineering plastics business. Polyurethanes Although volumes increased and prices were stable, rising raw material prices negatively impacted earnings. Moreover, the temporary reductions in our global production capacities, due to scheduled maintenance work, meant that we could not quite match the earnings of the fourth quarter of FOURTH-QUARTER BUSINESS REVIEW Increase in sales and earnings due to strong demand for plastics Higher earnings contribution from Styrenics and Performance Polymers 2006 BUSINESS REVIEW Increase in sales due to higher volumes and prices Improved earnings in all divisions 6

11 2006 Business Review Sales increased in 2006 by 1,057 million over the previous year to 12,775 million (volumes 5%, prices 4%). Compared with the previous year s strong earnings, we increased income from operations by 177 million to 1,192 million. All three divisions increased earnings. However, pressure on our sales prices increased towards the end of the year. ca (NAFTA) started operations in Altamira, Mexico. In 2007, we will start operations of a compounding plant, as well as a Technical Center for engineering plastics, in Shanghai, China. We also plan to increase capacities for our engineering plastic Ultrason in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Our U.S. polyamides production in Freeport, Texas will be optimized with the commissioning of a new world-scale plant. Styrenics In the Styrenics division, we achieved sales of 4,994 million in Sales were therefore significantly higher than in The largest increases were reported in Europe; business also grew in Asia. In North America (NAFTA), increased imports from Asia led to sustained price pressure. Thanks to higher prices and volumes and lower costs, earnings were significantly higher than in The polystyrene plant in Tarragona, Spain, was closed at the end of the year. This step was necessary due to falling demand for polystyrene and the resulting excess capacity in Western Europe. The styrene copolymers business, which we acquired without production facilities from Lanxess and Repsol, has been successfully integrated. Performance Polymers At 2,932 million, sales in 2006 were slightly higher than in the previous year. We increased sales prices and successfully integrated Leuna-Miramid GmbH and the engineering plastics business of LATI USA, Inc. in North America, both of which were acquired in We succeeded in increasing earnings despite a further rise in raw material prices. Price increases in all product lines, as well as worldwide growth in the volume of engineering plastics, contributed significantly to this result. At the BASF Verbund site in Kuantan, Malaysia, we jointly started operations at a PBT plant together with our partner, Toray Industries Inc., Japan. A compounding plant to support our engineering plastics business in North Ameri- Polyurethanes Due to strong demand, we increased sales by 558 million in 2006 to 4,849 million. All of the regions contributed to this growth. In particular, we are exploiting the strong market growth in Asia and have started operations of world-scale plants for MDI and TDI in Caojing, China, together with our partners. We again increased income from operations, despite higher prices for raw materials and energy. BASF and Dow Chemical have laid the cornerstone at the BASF Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium, for a production facility to manufacture propylene oxide (PO) based on hydrogen peroxide (HP), using the new HPPO process. It is the first plant of its kind in the world. BASF and Dow jointly developed the HPPO technology, and the Belgian-based Solvay Group is involved in the production of the raw material hydrogen peroxide. In Asia Pacific, we are expanding our business through the construction of a production site for polyurethane specialties in Shanghai, China. We are working with Dow to study the economic feasibility of a new world-scale TDI plant in Europe. Our MDI plant in Antwerp, Belgium, will also be expanded to be the largest in the world. OUTLOOK In 2007, we are endeavoring to at least match the high level of earnings as in We want to further improve earnings in the Styrenics division, successfully bring to market increased production volumes for polyurethanes and expand the position of engineering plastics in the Performance Polymers division. 7

12 Performance Products The Performance Products segment consists of the Construction Chemicals, Coatings, Functional Polymers and Performance Chemicals divisions. Segment data 4th Quarter Full Year Million in % in % Sales to third parties 2,830 2, ,133 8, Thereof Construction Chemicals 538 1,120 Coatings ,337 2, Functional Polymers ,387 3, Performance Chemicals ,289 2, Income from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) (19.0) 1,177 1,227 (4.1) Income from operations (EBIT) before special items (14.1) (4.7) Income from operations (EBIT) (77.7) (22.5) Assets 9,727 4, ,727 4, Research and development expenses Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets , Fourth-Quarter Business Review We significantly increased sales, primarily through acquisitions (prices 1%, portfolio 34%, currencies 4%). Income from operations before special items decreased despite the positive contribution from acquisitions. Margins in the Performance Chemicals division were significantly lower than in the same period of Construction Chemicals The positive business performance was maintained in the fourth quarter as a result of strong volumes in both Admixture Systems and Construction Systems. Income from operations before special items increased despite the usual seasonal decline in construction activity. Coatings Sales reached the same level as in the fourth quarter of A decline in business in North America (NAFTA) and negative currency effects were offset by rising sales in the other regions. The slowdown in U.S. car production had an adverse impact. Income from operations before special items remained at the same level as in the fourth quarter of the previous year. Functional Polymers Sales were higher than in the same period of 2005 due to the inclusion of parts of the pigments business acquired from Engelhard Corp. Margins were adversely affected by persistently high raw material costs, particularly for acrylic monomers, coupled with pricing pressure due to oversupply. This meant that income before special items was below the strong level recorded in the same period in Performance Chemicals Sales increased significantly compared with the fourth quarter of 2005, largely due to the contribution of the businesses acquired from Engelhard and Johnson Polymer. Income from operations before special items increased, particularly due to the strong performance of the existing businesses. FOURTH-QUARTER BUSINESS REVIEW Increase in sales primarily due to acquisitions Positive earnings in Construction Chemicals and Performance Chemicals 2006 BUSINESS REVIEW Rapid integration of new businesses Lower earnings in Performance Polymers due to a difficult market environment for acrylic monomers and paper chemicals 8

13 2006 Business Review In 2006, we increased sales by 1,866 million compared with the prior year to 10,133 million (prices 2%, volumes 2%, portfolio 19%). A significant portion of this increase came from the newly acquired businesses. The construction chemicals business acquired from Degussa AG will be managed as a new division. All divisions posted higher volumes. Special charges resulted from various restructuring measures and the integration of the acquired businesses. Income from operations was negatively impacted by higher depreciation and amortization charges related to the acquisitions. Overall, income from operations declined to 669 million, 194 million below the previous year s strong level. Construction Chemicals Sales and earnings developed very positively in 2006 and exceeded our expectations, primarily as a result of the contributions from Admixture Systems in Europe and the Middle East, and Construction Systems in Europe and North America (NAFTA). In Asia, the weak construction market in Taiwan and Korea as well as the negative currency effect in Japan, were offset by strong volume growth in Southeast Asia and Australia. The integration is proceeding rapidly; the synergy potential arising from the acquisition has been identified and will be systematically realized. Coatings Sales increased by 157 million to 2,337 million. Earnings also rose. All units and regions contributed to the strong sales and earnings situation. In the area of automotive coatings, our business in China, Eastern Europe and South America grew, whereas business in Japan, Western Europe and the United States declined. In automotive refinishing, we were able to expand our business with the paint shops of major automotive manufacturers. In industrial coatings, the business with coil coatings in Europe was firmer. Functional Polymers We achieved sales of 3,387 million in 2006, which represents an increase of 189 million over the previous year. The inclusion of parts of Engelhard s pigments business contributed to this result. The performance of the individual business units was mixed: Sales of acrylic monomers were approximately at the same level as in 2005, while sales of polymers for adhesives and construction chemicals rose significantly. Sales of superabsorbents also increased. Income from operations failed to meet the strong level of the previous year, primarily due to margin pressure for acrylic monomers and paper chemicals. The business environment for acrylic monomers was characterized by overcapacity, while consolidation in the paper industry is adversely impacting our business in paper chemicals. Performance Chemicals Sales increased by 400 million to 3,289 million. Of this amount, 275 million was due to the inclusion of Johnson Polymer and parts of the pigments business of Engelhard Corp. We increased sales in the existing business thanks to broad volume growth. In particular, performance chemicals for coatings, plastics and specialties, as well as for the automotive and oil industries posted higher sales than last year. We also significantly increased earnings from the existing business compared with The earnings for performance chemicals for detergents and formulators were at the high level of the previous year, while earnings from textile chemicals were lower. In performance chemicals for leather, our restructuring measures allowed us to improve earnings. OUTLOOK In 2007, we want to increase sales and earnings despite the challenging market situation. We plan to achieve this by strengthening our portfolio through innovations and accelerating the expansion of our business in Asia. 9

14 Agricultural Products & Nutrition The Agricultural Products & Nutrition segment consists of the Agricultural Products and Fine Chemicals divisions. Agricultural Products Division data 4th Quarter Full Year Million in % in % Sales to third parties (0.3) 3,079 3,298 (6.6) Income from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) (35.9) (26.9) Income from operations (EBIT) before special items (56.5) (43.7) Income from operations (EBIT) (50.8) (34.4) Assets 4,458 5,156 (13.5) 4,458 5,156 (13.5) Research and development expenses Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets Fourth-Quarter Business Review Sales remained at the same level as in the previous period (volumes 11%, prices/currencies 10%, portfolio 1%). Our strict management of receivables restricted sales of products used in soybean cultivation in Brazil. All other regions registered an increase in sales due to growing demand for our innovative products. Income from operations before special items declined largely as a result of the situation in Brazil, where the valuation allowances on receivables additionally impacted negatively on earnings Business Review At 3,079 million, sales were 219 million lower than in 2005 (volumes 1%, prices/currencies 3%, portfolio 3%). Lower prices for agricultural produce and increased energy costs negatively impacted our business in important growing regions. Additionally, weather conditions limited the use of fungicides. Sales in Europe declined by 2% to 1,389 million. A late start to the season in Northern Europe and the effects of the previous year s drought in Southern Europe reduced demand for fungicides. The development of our business in the growth markets of Central and Eastern Europe was encouraging. In North America (NAFTA), sales to customers declined by 7% to 887 million as a consequence of the sale of parts of our generics business. Sales from our ongoing product portfolio were stronger than in A good share of this was contributed by our newly developed fungicide Boscalid. In Asia, we increased sales by 8% to 274 million. In South America, sales declined by 21% to 529 million, however. This was mainly due to conditions in Brazil, where the appreciation of the Brazilian real led to a decrease in demand and prices, in particular for soybean fungicides. Income from operations fell by 234 million to 447 million. This was primarily due to unfavorable developments in Europe and Brazil. Since our sales prices are partly denominated in U.S. dollars, the appreciation of the Brazilian real put additional pressure on our margins. In addition, bad debts in Brazil adversely affected our earnings. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS FOURTH-QUARTER BUSINESS REVIEW Sales remain at previous year s level; earnings lower due to challenging market situation in Brazil AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS OUTLOOK With improved seasonal conditions, we expect higher sales and earnings in BUSINESS REVIEW Significant decline in earnings in Brazil and Europe 10

15 Fine Chemicals Division data 4th Quarter Full Year Million in % in % Sales to third parties (1.0) 1,855 1, Income from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 36 (7) Income from operations (EBIT) before special items 20 (6) Income from operations (EBIT) (113) (60) (88.3) (66) (58) (13.8) Assets 1,596 1, ,596 1, Research and development expenses (5.9) Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (87.9) Fourth-Quarter Business Review At 478 million, sales remained at the strong level recorded in the same period of the previous year (volumes 1%, prices 1%, portfolio 5%, currencies 4%). The newly acquired business from Engelhard Corp. contributed 24 million. On a comparable basis, sales decreased by 6%. Sales were down primarily due to weak sales of lysine and carotenoids as well as a weaker custom synthesis business. Aroma chemicals continued to enjoy stable growth; sales of sunscreens increased significantly. Income from operations before special items at 20 million was significantly higher than the weak fourth-quarter earnings in 2005, largely due to reductions in fixed costs Business Review Sales rose by 123 million to 1,855 million in 2006 (volumes 2%, prices 3%, portfolio 8%). The acquisitions of Engelhard Corp. and the Orgamol Group contributed significantly to this result. As part of the acquisition of Engelhard we acquired two business areas, Effect Pigments and Personal Care Materials. The custom synthesis business of Orgamol, acquired in 2005, has been integrated. In October 2006, we announced measures to achieve more cost-efficient marketing structures, which will be implemented by year-end These measures included the combination of the Human Nutrition and Animal Nutrition businesses to form the unit Nutrition. Additional steps to restructure our lysine business in Gunsan, Korea, are being prepared. Earnings were negatively impacted by special charges due to restructuring measures. Despite the partial reduction of a fine imposed by the E.U. in 2001 for anti-trust violations related to vitamins, earnings declined significantly. We improved earnings in the aroma chemicals business which was expanded by the startup of the geraniol and linalool plants in early Starting our own production of feed enzymes in 2006 allowed us to extend our value-adding capacity and achieve cost advantages. In addition, a reduction in fixed costs, especially for marketing and sales, helped to improve earnings. FINE CHEMICALS FOURTH-QUARTER BUSINESS REVIEW Sales at high level of previous year; earnings increase 2006 BUSINESS REVIEW Sales growth from acquired businesses, special charges due to restructuring FINE CHEMICALS OUTLOOK As a result of our measures, we aim to improve the efficiency of our structures and processes and increase earn ings in

16 Oil & Gas The Oil & Gas segment involves the exploration for and production of oil and gas as well as natural gas trading. Segment data 4th Quarter Full Year Million in % in % Sales to third parties 3,105 2, ,687 7, Thereof natural gas trading 1,970 1, ,132 4, Income from operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ,766 2, Thereof natural gas trading Income from operations (EBIT) before special items ,245 2, Thereof natural gas trading Income from operations (EBIT) ,250 2, Thereof natural gas trading Assets 5,434 4, ,434 4, Research and development expenses (3.5) Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (34.0) (12.7) Fourth-Quarter Business Review We improved sales (volumes 7%, prices/currencies 15%) and earnings compared with the fourth quarter of Above all, this was a result of the development of the business in natural gas trading. Nord Stream AG, in which BASF has a stake through Wintershall, has approved the technical concept for the construction and operation of a pipeline through the Baltic Sea. Exploration and Production We slightly increased the production of oil and gas. We were unable, however, to achieve the same high level of earnings as in the fourth quarter of 2005, due to the lower price of oil in euros in the fourth quarter in comparison with the same period in the previous year. Natural Gas Trading Our natural gas trading business sector generated significantly higher sales and earnings compared with the same period of This was due to two reasons: Firstly, due to higher margins in natural gas trading, among other things as a result of favorable procurement conditions on spot markets, and secondly, due to higher sales volumes. WINGAS and EWE will cooperate on the planning and approval procedures for the development of the planned cavern storage facilities for natural gas in Leer, Germany Business Review Sales rose by 3,031 million to 10,687 million in 2006 (volumes 7%, prices/currencies 33%). The significant increase in oil and gas prices as well as the expansion of our natural gas trading business contributed to this. Income from operations rose by 840 million to 3,250 million. In the exploration and production business, net sales increased by 1,056 million compared with the previous year to 4,555 million. The price of Brent crude rose by $11 per barrel to an average of $65 per barrel. On a euro basis, this represents an increase of 8 per barrel to 52 per barrel. Despite a planned maintenance shutdown in 2006 BUSINESS REVIEW Sales and earnings improve due to prices and volumes Natural gas trading shows a considerable increase in earnings 2006 BUSINESS REVIEW Records levels for sales and earnings Oil production nearly at prior year s high level Natural gas production higher, especially in Argentina Expansion of infrastructure in natural gas trading 12

17 Libya, oil and gas production, was almost as high as in 2005 at 111 million barrels of oil equivalent. Natural gas production was increased primarily in Argentina. Income from operations in the exploration and production business sector increased by 551 million to 2,645 million, as a result of higher prices. Included in this amount are 1,282 million of income taxes on oil production in North Africa and the Middle East that are noncompensable with German corporate income taxes. These taxes are reported as income taxes. The additions to property, plant and equipment in the exploration and production business sector concerned projects in Germany, the Netherlands, Libya, and Argentina as well as the development of the ZAO Achimgaz joint venture with Gazprom in Western Siberia. In 2006, 32 wildcat and appraisal wells were drilled in the search for new oil and natural gas deposits, 14 of which were successful. We replenished 48% of the volumes produced in At 6,132 million, our natural gas trading business generated significantly higher sales than in the previous year. Higher prices and volumes contributed to this result. In total, natural gas volumes increased by 6.3% to billion kilowatt-hours. Income from operations in our natural gas trading business rose by 289 million to 605 million. Compared with the unsatisfactory situation of the previous year, our margins improved noticeably. Spot market trading and the extremely persistent cold weather at the beginning of 2006 had an additional positive impact on earnings. In natural gas trading, we invested primarily in the further expansion of our infrastructure. In 2005, we decided to extend our cooperation with our Russian partner Gazprom. Wintershall will hold a stake of 25% minus one share in Severneftegazprom (SNG), which holds the license to the Yuzhno Russkoye natural gas field in western Siberia. In addition, Wintershall will receive non-voting preferred shares and will thus hold an economic interest in SNG of 35% minus one share. With more than 600 billion cubic meters of recoverable natural gas reserves, the Yuzhno Russkoye field is approximately three times the size of Achimgaz. In return, Gazprom will increase its stake in WINGAS from 35% to 50% minus one share and hold a 49% interest in a BASF Group company with onshore exploration and production interests in Libya. The contractual closing is expected to take place in the first half of 2007 and will significantly increase the reserve-to-production ratio of the natural gas reserves. The technical concept for natural gas pipeline through the Baltic Sea, Nord Stream (formerly North European Gas Pipeline NEGP), was completed and the approval process was initiated. Wintershall holds a 24.5% stake in Nord Stream AG, which could be reduced to 20% through the inclusion of an additional partner. In the Achimgaz joint venture for the production of natural gas and condensate from the Achimov deposit of the Urengoy field, two of the six wells for the first project phase were completed successfully. The construction of the above-ground facilities has progressed far enough such that the start of production is planned for mid OUTLOOK For 2007, we expect the favorable conditions that marked both business sectors in 2006 to weaken. To a certain extent, this will be offset by the ongoing good operating business in natural gas trading. Sales and earnings are thus expected to remain strong; however, we do not expect to achieve the peak values recorded in

18 Segment Reporting Million Sales EBITDA EBIT before special items EBIT 4th Quarter in % in % in % in % Chemicals 3,448 2, Plastics 3,260 3, Performance Products 2,830 2, (19.0) (14.1) (77.7) Agricultural Products & Nutrition 1,196 1,203 (0.6) (12.6) (37.3) (55) 58 (194.8) Agricultural Products (0.3) (35.9) (56.5) (50.8) Fine Chemicals (1.0) 36 (7). 20 (6). (113) (60) (88.3) Oil & Gas 3,105 2, Other* (57) ,474 11, ,580 2, ,867 1, ,666 1, Full Year Chemicals 11,572 8, ,235 1, ,704 1, ,380 1, Plastics 12,775 11, ,715 1, ,216 1, ,192 1, Performance Products 10,133 8, ,177 1,227 (4.1) (4.7) (22.5) Agricultural Products & Nutrition 4,934 5,030 (1.9) (15.0) (37.2) (38.8) Agricultural Products 3,079 3,298 (6.6) (26.9) (43.7) (34.4) Fine Chemicals 1,855 1, (66) (58) (13.8) Oil & Gas 10,687 7, , ,245 2, ,250 2, Other* 2,509 1, (17) (295) 94.2 (191) (374) 48.9 (122) (407) ,610 42, ,723 8, ,257 6, ,750 5, th Quarter Research and development expenses Assets** Additions to long-term assets*** Amortization and depreciation*** Chemicals ,473 6, (6.0) Plastics ,911 6, Performance Products ,727 4, , Agricultural Products & Nutrition ,054 6,637 (8.8) (71.9) Agricultural Products ,458 5,156 (13.5) (7.9) Fine Chemicals (5.9) 1,596 1, (87.9) Oil & Gas... 5,434 4, (34.0) Other* ,692 6, (20.7) ,291 35, Full Year Chemicals ,473 6, , Plastics ,911 6, Performance Products ,727 4, , Agricultural Products & Nutrition ,054 6,637 (8.8) Agricultural Products ,458 5,156 (13.5) (4.4) Fine Chemicals ,596 1, Oil & Gas. 1 (100.0) 5,434 4, (12.7) Other* ,692 6, (6.3) 1,277 1, ,291 35, ,039 2, ,973 2, * Other includes the fertilizers business and other businesses as well as expenses, income and assets not allocated to the segments. This item also includes foreign currency results from financial indebtedness that are not allocated to the segments as well as from currency positions that are macro-hedged [ 23 million in the fourth quarter (previous year: 23 million) and 86 million in 2006 (previous year: (97) million)]. ** Other includes, in addition to the assets of the fertilizers business and other businesses, assets that are not allocated to the segments (financial assets, cash and cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, financial receivables, deferred tax assets: December 31, 2006: 4,642 million; December 31, 2005: 4,755 million). *** Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, adjusted as of September 30, 2006 following the purchase price allocations relating to the acquisitions of Engelhard Corp. and the construction chemicals business. 14

19 Regions Regions Sales by location of company Sales by location of customer Income from operations (EBIT) Million in % in % in % 4th Quarter Europe 8,733 7, ,141 6, ,343 1, Thereof Germany 6,365 4, ,277 2, North America (NAFTA) 2,852 2, ,904 2, Asia Pacific 2,108 1, ,309 1, (6). South America, Africa, Middle East , (14.3) 14,474 11, ,474 11, ,666 1, Full Year Europe 31,444 25, ,529 23, ,485 4, Thereof Germany 22,963 17, ,062 8, ,125 3, North America (NAFTA) 11,415 9, ,522 9, Asia Pacific 7,450 6, ,102 6, (39.1) South America, Africa, Middle East 2,301 2, ,457 3, (26.6) 52,610 42, ,610 42, ,750 5, Europe Group companies in Europe increased sales by 6,351 million in The Oil & Gas segment made the largest contribution as a result of the high oil price. The first-time consolidation of the new Catalysts and Construction Chemicals divisions also contributed substantially. Our income from operations was 1,100 million higher than in the previous year. The Oil & Gas and Plastics segments contributed significantly to this result. North America (NAFTA) Sales rose by 19.6% to 11,415 million. The new Catalysts and Construction Chemicals divisions made the greatest contribution to the increased sales. Income from operations amounted to 869 million, which was 1.6% above the high level of Our goal of reducing fixed costs by 320 million ($400 million) per year by 2007 was achieved ahead of schedule. Asia Pacific We increased sales by 23.3% to 7,450 million, benefiting from full capacity utilization at the Verbund site in Nanjing, China. In Caojing, China, we started operations at the integrated isocyanate complex for MDI/TDI. Although sales grew significantly, income from operations was lower than in This was primarily a result of plant closures in line with our global program to increase efficiency. The mothballing of the THF plant in Caojing, China, negatively impacted earnings. South America, Africa, Middle East In 2006, sales increased by 11.3% to 2,301 million compared with the previous year. Income from operations declined from 293 million in 2005 to 215 million in This was largely a consequence of lower margins for crop protection products, negative currency effects and increased fixed costs in euro terms. REGIONAL REVIEW Europe: Significant increase in sales; Oil & Gas increases contribution North America (NAFTA): Sales growth in all segments; large contribution from the new Catalysts and Construction Chemicals divisions Asia Pacific: Growth driven by startup of new plants South America, Africa, Middle East: Sales increase compared with previous year 15

20 Consolidated Balance Sheet Assets Million Long-term assets Intangible assets 8,922 3,720 Property, plant and equipment 14,902 13,987 Investments accounted for using the equity method Other financial assets 1, Deferred taxes 622 1,255 Other receivables and other long-term assets ,899 20,543 Short-term assets Inventories 6,672 5,430 Accounts receivable, trade 8,223 7,020 Other receivables and miscellaneous short-term assets 2,607 1,586 Marketable securities Cash and cash equivalents ,392 15,127 Total assets 45,291 35,670 Stockholders equity and liabilities Million Stockholders equity Subscribed capital 4,420 4,417 Retained earnings 13,302 11,928 Other comprehensive income Minority interests ,578 17,523 Long-term liabilities Provisions for pensions and similar obligations 1,452 1,547 Other provisions 3,080 2,791 Deferred taxes 1, Financial indebtedness 5,788 3,682 Other liabilities 972 1,043 12,733 9,762 Short-term liabilities Accounts payable, trade 4,755 2,777 Provisions 2,848 2,763 Tax liabilities Financial indebtedness 3, Other liabilities 1,824 1,699 13,980 8,385 Total stockholders equity and liabilities 45,291 35,670 16

21 BASF s total assets increased by 9,621 million primarily due to the acquisitions. Excluding this effect, there would have been a slight decrease. Effect of acquisitions on BASF Group assets* Million 2006 Long-term assets 8,502 Thereof Goodwill 2,775 Other intangible assets 3,085 Property, plant and equipment 1,754 Short-term assets 3,719 Thereof Inventories 999 Accounts receivable, trade 1,040 Other receivables and miscellaneous short-term assets 1,350 Assets 12,221 * Values at time of acquisition Long-term assets increased significantly by 6,356 million to 26,899 million. The ratio of long-term assets to total assets increased from 57.6% in 2005 to 59.4% in Intangible assets increased in particular as a result of the acquisitions. Inventories increased by 1,242 million to 6,672 million as a result of acquisitions and further increased raw material prices. Days of inventory invested were slightly reduced in comparison with the previous year s level. Trade accounts receivable rose by 1,203 million; excluding acquisitions, there would have been a decrease. Their share of total assets decreased by 1.5 percentage points compared with the previous year. We managed to noticeably reduce days of sales outstanding. Stockholders equity increased by 1,055 million, mainly due to our high net income. Moreover, we took actuarial gains from the valuation of our pension obligations of 112 million to stockholders equity. These effects were partially offset by the payment of dividends and the repurchase of 14.7 million shares for a total of 938 million as well as negative foreign currency translation effects in the amount of 448 million. The equity ratio was 41.0% compared with 49.1% in Net debt increased significantly as a result of the financing of acquisitions. Net debt Million Cash and cash equivalents Financial indebtedness 9,483 3,941 Net debt 8,649 3,033 Long-term liabilities increased by 2,971 million to 12,733 million. This was primarily due to the issuance of bonds to finance the acquisitions as well as the accrual of deferred tax liabilities from the revaluation of assets relating to the acquisitions. Short-term liabilities increased significantly due to the addition of short-term liabilities from the acquisitions as well as the issuance of commercial paper. This led to an increase in short-term liabilities as a percentage of total assets from 23.5% in 2005 to 30.9%. Assets by region Property, plant and equipment Inventories Receivables Percent Europe North America (NAFTA) Asia Pacific South America, Africa, Middle East

22 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Statements of cash flows Million Net income 3,215 3,007 Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and financial assets 2,994 2,427 s in working capital Miscellaneous items (279) (434) Cash provided by operating activities before external financing of pension obligations 5,940 5,250 External financing of pension obligations (CTA) (3,660) Cash provided by operating activities 5,940 1,590 Payments related to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (2,411) (1,948) Acquisitions/divestitures (6,240) 995 Financial investments and other items Cash used in investing activities (8,414) (706) Capital increases/repayments (920) (1,425) s in financial liabilities 4, Dividends (1,233) (982) Cash used in financing activities 2,421 (2,108) Net changes in cash and cash equivalents (53) (1,224) Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of year and other changes 887 2,132 Cash and cash equivalents as of end of year Cash flow Billion ** 2003** Cash provided by operating activities Payments related to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets Free cash flow* * Cash provided by operating activities less payments for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets and in 2005 before the Contractual Trust Arrangement (CTA) ** According to German GAAP 18

23 Cash provided by operating activities In 2006, cash provided by operating activities was 5,940 million due to the significant rise in cash-effective earnings. This represents an increase of 13.1% over the previous record year of 2005, without taking into account the external financing of pension obligations in Despite the significantly higher volume of business, working capital decreased slightly. Miscellaneous items primarily reflects the reclassification of gains on the sale of securities, which is included as part of cash inflows in cash used in investing activities. Cash used in investing activities Net expenses increased to 8,414 million compared with 706 million in This significant increase was primarily due to the acquisitions, whereas in 2005 there was special gain from the sale of our stake in Basell N.V. We invested a total of 2,411 million in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. That was 23.8% more than in Capital expenditures were again below the level of depreciation and amortization. Expenditures for acquisitions totaled 6,397 million and were primarily related to the acquisition of Engelhard Corp., the construction chemicals business of Degussa AG and Johnson Polymer. We generated proceeds of 157 million from divestitures. This primarily resulted from cash inflows related to further portfolio optimization measures in the Agricultural Products division. On a regional basis, these expenditures were as follows: Capital expenditures by region Percent Europe North America (NAFTA) Asia Pacific South America, Africa, Middle East We spent 201 million on financial assets, marketable securities and financial receivables. The disposal of longterm assets and the sale of securities generated proceeds of 438 million. Cash used in financing activities In 2006, cash used in financing activities was 2,421 million compared with (2,108) million in We spent a total of 938 million to buy back 14.7 million shares at an average price of per share. 1,233 million was paid in dividends and profit transfers in Of this amount, 1,015 million, or 2.00 per share, was for dividend payments to shareholders of BASF Aktiengesellschaft for fiscal year Minority interests of fully or proportionally consolidated companies received 218 million. In order to finance acquisitions, bonds with a total value of 2 billion as well as commercial paper were issued in the second quarter of Financial indebtedness increased by 140.6% compared with 2005 and amounted to 9,483 million. Net debt increased by 5,616 million to 8,649 million. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Cash provided by operations of 5,940 million at record high 6,397 million for acquisitions 2,411 million for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets Share buyback program Million

24 BASF Group Outlook Since the beginning of 2007, our business has continued to develop successfully. Given the economic assumptions described below, we expect BASF Group s business to continue to develop positively in Economic Environment 2007 We have based our business planning on the following assumptions: Global economic growth of 3.2% and an increase in global chemical production (excluding pharmaceuticals) of 3.3% in 2007 Average oil prices of about $55 per barrel in 2007 with a downward trend in the following years An average euro/dollar exchange rate of $1.30 per euro Moderately higher interest rates in the course of 2007, primarily in Europe Risks are posed by: An escalation in geopolitical trouble spots, notably the Middle East and North Korea A sharp correction of global economic imbalances Volatile raw material prices and exchange rates We expect the following developments for the BASF Group: In addition, we are expanding our oil and gas activities and plan to invest around 3.5 billion in this area by Dividends and share buybacks We want to offer our shareholders an attractive dividend yield. We therefore aim to increase our dividend annually or at least maintain the level of the previous year. We plan to continue to buy back shares. Research and development In 2007, we will further increase our research and development expenditures, likely by 10%, to approximately 1.4 billion. Capital expenditures and financing Planned capital expenditures in 2007 amount to 2.2 billion and will therefore likely be below the level of depreciation and amortization. We expect a comparable level of capital expenditures in We aim to finance these planned expenditures from cash provided by operating activities. Continuation on our path of valued-adding growth We aim to further extend our position as the world s leading chemical company. Our goal is to continue to increase BASF s value and earn an attractive premium on our cost of capital. In 2006, we strengthened our portfolio by acquisitions in high-growth and innovative areas, thus further reducing our dependency on the cyclicality of the chemical industry. We will continue with our measures to optimize our portfolio. Together with partners, we intend to invest more than $500 million in the expansion of the new Verbund site in Nanjing, China. In our chemicals business, we want to generate 10% of our sales in China by SALES We expect significantly higher sales in 2007 compared with This will be driven by both the acquisitions made in 2006 and organic growth in our existing businesses. EARNINGS Despite the significant decline in the price of oil, we have set ourselves the ambitious goal of at least matching the record level of income from operations before special items that we posted in Portfolio changes and greater efficiencies have strengthened our earnings power. We are therefore confident of earning at least our cost of capital in any given year. 20

25 Ten-year Summary Sales and Earnings 1 Million Sales 28,520 27,643 29,473 35,946 32,500 32,216 33,361 37,537 42,745 52,610 Income from operations (EBIT) 2,731 2,624 2,009 3,070 1,217 2,641 2,658 5,193 5,830 6,750 Income from ordinary activities 2,726 2,771 2,606 2, ,641 2,168 4,347 5,926 6,527 Extraordinary income 6,121 Income before taxes and minority interests 2,726 2,771 2,606 2,827 6,730 2,641 2,168 4,347 5,926 6,527 Income before minority interests 1,639 1,664 1,245 1,282 5,826 1, ,133 3,168 3,466 Net income 1,654 1,699 1,237 1,240 5,858 1, ,004 3,007 3,215 Capital expenditures and depreciation 1 Additions to tangible and intangible assets 2,964 4,131 3,800 8,637 4,053 3,289 3,541 2,163 2,523 10,039 Thereof property, plant and equipment 2,229 2,899 2,764 3,631 3,037 2,677 2,293 2,022 2,188 4,068 Depreciation of tangible and intangible assets 2,048 2,280 2,681 2,921 2,945 2,501 2,682 2,492 2,403 2,973 Thereof property, plant and equipment 1,732 1,843 2,018 2,245 2,307 2,012 1,951 2,053 2,035 2,482 Number of employees At year-end 104, , , ,273 92,545 89,389 87,159 81,955 80,945 95,247 Annual average 105, , , ,784 94,744 90,899 88,167 85,022 80,992 88,160 Personnel costs 1 5,790 6,010 6,180 6,596 6,028 5,975 5,891 5,615 5,574 6,210 Key data 1 Earnings per share ( ) Cash provided by operating activities 3,291 3,744 3,255 2,992 2,319 2,313 4,878 4,634 5, ,940 Return on sales (%) Return on assets (%) Return on equity after taxes (%) Number of shares as of December 31 (in thousands) 4 622, , , , , , , , , ,680 1 Starting in 2005, the accounting and reporting of the BASF Group is performed in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The previous year s figures have been restated in accordance with IFRS. The figures for years up to and including 2003 were prepared according to German GAAP. 2 Including extraordinary income 3 Before external financing of pension obligations 4 After deduction of repurchased shares intended to be cancelled FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This report contains forward-looking statements under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of These statements are based on current expectations, 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 in BASF s Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Annual Report 2006 on Form 20-F will be available on the Internet at corporate.basf.com as of March 14, We do not as sume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this report.

26 IMPORTANT DATES Financial results 2006: March 14, 2007 Interim Report First Quarter 2007: April 26, 2007 Interim Report Second Quarter 2007: August 1, 2007 Interim Report Third Quarter 2007: October 30, 2007 Annual Meetings: April 26, 2007, Mannheim April 24, 2008, Mannheim CONTACTS Corporate Media Relations Michael Grabicki: Phone: , Fax: Investor Relations Magdalena Moll: Phone: , Fax: General inquiries Phone: , Fax: FURTHER INFORMATION You can find this and other BASF reports on the Internet at corporate.basf.com You can also order the reports by telephone: by fax: on the Internet: corporate.basf.com/mediaorders Internet corporate.basf.com/pcon-report BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, Germany ZOAC 0711 E