Surface Technologies
The Surface Technologies segment comprises the Catalysts and Coatings divisions. The segment bundles the chemical surface solution businesses. Its portfolio includes coatings, surface treatments, catalysts and battery materials for the automotive and chemical industries. The aim is to drive organic growth by leveraging our portfolio of technologies and establishing BASF as a leading and innovative solution provider in fields such as battery materials.
Divisions

At the BASF Engine Lab in Union, New Jersey, two employees replace a catalyst in a heavy duty diesel truck exhaust system for the next drive cycle evaluation.

Factors influencing sales
EBIT before special items


Million € |
2019 | 2018 |
Sales to third parties | 13,142 | 11,199 |
Share of total BASF sales (%) | 22 | 19 |
of which Catalysts |
9,396 | 7,469 |
Coatings |
3,746 | 3,730 |
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) before special items | 1,173 | 995 |
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) | 1,120 | 953 |
EBITDA margin (%) | 9 | 9 |
Income from operations (EBIT) before special items | 722 | 617 |
EBIT before special items margin (%) | 5 | 6 |
Income from operations (EBIT) | 663 | 574 |
EBIT margin (%) | 5 | 5 |
Return on capital employed (ROCE) (%) | 5.7 | 5.3 |