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Who we are
Our Strategy

Our Strategy

Chemistry is our passion. Our ambition is to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. With our “Winning Ways” strategy, we aim to grow profitably and create value for our shareholders based on a broad portfolio as well as our product and process innovations. Simultaneously, we are further developing our performance culture.

Our ambition: to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation.

CEO Statement
Strategy Launch

Vorsitzender des Vorstands (CEO) der BASF SE, verantwortlich für die Bereiche Corporate Development; Corporate Legal, Compliance & Insurance; Corporate Human Resources; Corporate Communications & Government Relations; Corporate Investor Relations.
We have the right playbook to tackle short term challenges, and, in the long term, we have the right strategy to shape a futureproof BASF.“
 
Dr. Markus Kamieth

Markus Kamieth

CEO BASF SE

We rely on four levers to successfully implement our strategy: Focus, Accelerate, Transform and Win. We are systematically integrating sustainability topics into our strategy and business as well as into our assessment, steering and compensation systems. This principle is embedded in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future.

Focus

A hand is holding a lens in front of a mountain, focusing on the summit
Our strategy sets a clear focus on the management of BASF’s portfolio. Going forward, we will differentiate between our core businesses, consisting of the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions and Nutrition & Care, and our industry-specific standalone businesses Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions, Battery Materials, Coatings and Agricultural Solutions. We will apply different value-creation levers to strengthen and profitably grow our chemical core and to unlock the value of our standalones. A new approach to capital allocation based on clear portfolio roles of our businesses will improve capital discipline and cash generation. Enhancing the footprint of our core businesses in China, India and ASEAN will contribute to our future success.

Learn how our strategy sets a clear focus on the management of BASF’s portfolio.

Accelerate

We will simplify and accelerate how we get things done – for example by sharpening roles, by establishing flatter hierarchies, and by dissolving the regional divisions of our matrix organization. To improve our performance, we will further increase the entrepreneurial freedom of our businesses – and with it their accountability for business success. Harnessing AI across the company and in all functions will drive productivity, improve profitability and accelerate innovation.
Four ice skaters accelerating

Learn how we use artificial intelligence to make our systems more efficient and safer.

Transform

Two hands transforming clay into a vase
We remain fully committed to our climate protection targets and the green transformation of our operations and product portfolio. Going forward, we will focus even more on products with sustainability attributes, where we see customer demand ramping up most. Building on the unique advantages and opportunities of our Verbund, we will increase volumes of recycled and bio-based feedstocks to drive Sustainable-Future Solutions and net-zero measures at scale. Like BASF as a whole, our largest site in Ludwigshafen will benefit from the change and growth momentum connected to the green transformation. Our goal: To transform Ludwigshafen into a leading, sustainable chemical site for Europe and a strong pillar for BASF’s success.

Win

We have the best team in our industry – with great competencies, strong shared values and mutual respect. To ensure BASF’s long-term success, we will further develop our company culture. Stepping up accountability, increasing speed and nurturing a mindset of continuous improvement are at the heart of our Winning Culture.
Two female soccer players celebrate their win

Our financial targets

EBITDA before special items 
2028
€9bn-€11bn

Free cash flow
(cumul. 2025-2028)
>€11bn

ROCE 
2028
~10%

Capital Markets Day 2024
More information about our new strategy, can be found on our Capital Markets Day 2024 page.
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