ROUTING inspired by communication technology Redefined palettes with new nuances to reds, blacks, metallics, and more Sustainability and functionality at the core SOUTHFIELD, Mich. , Oct. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year, designers from BASF's Coatings division create a new collection of colors to inspire automotive designers around the globe. "ROUTING", the title of the 2024-2025 Automotive Color Trends, refers to the concept of "routing" in communication technology which signifies how information is tr ...

Group 1: Product Development - BASF SE's Personal Care business is expanding its range of natural-based emulsifiers with the introduction of Emulgade Verde 10 OL and Emulgade Verde 10 MS, targeting trends in the personal care market [1] - Emulgade Verde 10 OL is designed for cold production processes, offering cost, time, and energy savings, and can be used as a single-use emulsifier for sprayable products [1] - Emulgade Verde 10 MS is a versatile and strong emulsifier, suitable for various applications [1] Group 2: Environmental and Safety Standards - Both emulsifiers are made from 100% renewable feedstock and are easily biodegradable, receiving COSMOS and NATRUE approval [2] - They are classified as derived natural ingredients with a Natural Origin Index (NOI) of 1, making them suitable for vegan and cruelty-free formulations [2] - Both emulsifiers adhere to the "Principles of Green Chemistry" and are compatible with a range of cosmetic components [2] Group 3: Dermatological Testing and Skin Compatibility - Emulgade Verde 10 OL and Emulgade Verde 10 MS have undergone dermatological testing, proving suitable for sensitive and delicate skin [3] - Tests indicate that these emulsifiers support microbiome-friendly properties by maintaining the natural balance of microbial communities on healthy skin [3] - Both emulsifiers were shown to be non-comedogenic after a four-week facial skin test [3] Group 4: Market Performance - BASF's shares have increased by 12.9% over the past year, outperforming the industry average rise of 5.5% [5] - BASF currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a stable position in the market [6]

Analyst's Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BASFY either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. While this article may sound like financial advice, please observe that the author is not a CFA or in any way licensed to give financial advi ...

BASF SE (BASFY) recently unveiled new product lines at Automechanika 2024, the leading global trade show for the automobile aftermarket. Its new clearcoats feature ChemCycling technology, promoting sustainability in the refinish industry. The product lines, which are made from recycled feedstock and marketed under BASF's premium brands Glasurit and R-M, will increase body shop efficiency and productivity. The products not only help to promote the circular economy but also reduce CO2 emissions. Using BASF's ...

BASF SE's (BASFY) Performance Materials unit recently outlined its plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and highlighted critical milestones on the path to a circular economy. With this, the division, which brings together all of BASF's materials know-how for innovative and tailored plastics, positions itself at the forefront of the much-needed plastics sustainability transition. BASF's Strategic Roadmap BASF has established specific targets to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2030 compared with 2018 ...

BASF SE (BASFY) announced the cessation of production for adipic acid, cyclododecanone (CDon) and cyclopentanone (CPon) at its Ludwigshafen site. The production facilities for CDon and CPon are scheduled to shut down in the first half of 2025, while the remaining adipic acid production at the site will be discontinued later in the same year. This decision is part of BASF's ongoing strategic review of its production setup at Ludwigshafen to maintain competitiveness amid evolving market conditions. BASF's Str ...

Market Overview - The VIX (S&P volatility index) has an average of 19.5 since its introduction in 1990, indicating an implied daily volatility of plus or minus 1.22% [2] - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite experienced significant fluctuations in July and August 2024, with the S&P 500 down 2.4% and the Nasdaq Composite down 6.1% since July 1 [3] - Following a period of low volatility, stocks have seen a rapid increase, with the Nasdaq up 11% and the "Magnificent Seven" ETF up 12% during an eight-day winning streak [6] Earnings Growth Projections - The S&P 500 is expected to see a 10% EPS growth in 2024, driven by strong performance from big tech companies [11] - For 2025, EPS growth is projected to be as high as 21% in certain sectors, although Goldman Sachs is less optimistic, forecasting only 6% growth [12][13] Economic Indicators - The Conference Board's leading index has declined to its lowest level since 2016, indicating potential economic weakness [25] - Goldman Sachs anticipates a downward revision in payrolls for 2024, estimating a reduction of 600,000 to 1 million jobs [17] - Retail sales are performing well, suggesting that the economy is stronger than the two-year rolling average [19] Volatility and Market Recovery - Stocks have shown a remarkable recovery after a 9.7% decline, marked by the third-highest spike in volatility ever recorded [7] - Historically, following periods of intense volatility spikes, stocks tend to deliver exceptional returns, averaging a 40% increase within the following year [8] Valuation Insights - The S&P 500's cyclically-adjusted price-to-earnings ratio indicates that stocks have become pricier over the long term, raising concerns about potential overvaluation [27] - Despite high valuations, there are opportunities for value investors to find blue-chip stocks yielding 7% to 8% with strong fundamentals [29][40] Investment Opportunities - Five blue-chip companies are highlighted for their potential to deliver an 8% yield, with strong growth forecasts and low-risk profiles [36][40] - These companies are expected to provide a total return potential of 16% annually, significantly higher than the S&P 500's historical returns [40]

BASF SE (BASFY) has launched Fourtiva, a new Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalyst for gasoil to mild resid feedstock. Fourtiva uses BASF's newest Advanced Innovative Matrix (AIM) and Multiple Frameworks Topology (MFT) technologies to maximize butylene yields and selectivity over propylene while improving naphtha octane, LPG olefinicity and minimizing coke and dry gas. This enables refiners to make more valuable products, boost profitability, and minimize the carbon footprint of their FCC units. BASF, a p ...

Core Viewpoint - BASF SE will transition to bio-based ethyl acrylate production starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, aiming to support global sustainability goals with a product that has a 40% bio content and a 30% reduced carbon footprint compared to fossil-based ethyl acrylate [1][4]. Group 1: Product Details - The new bio-based ethyl acrylate (EA) will be produced at Ludwigshafen using bioethanol as the exclusive alcohol source, maintaining identical chemical and technical parameters to traditional fossil-based EA [3]. - BASF also offers a variant called bio-based Ethyl Acrylate BMB ISCC Plus, which has a further reduced carbon footprint through the biomass balance approach [2]. - The bio-based EA is suitable for various applications, particularly in the coatings and adhesive sectors, and is made from sustainable bioethanol sourced primarily from Europe [5]. Group 2: Sustainability Commitment - The company is committed to sustainability by exclusively offering bio-based ethyl acrylate and phasing out fossil-based EA by the fourth quarter of 2024 [4]. - BASF ensures that the bioethanol used does not compete with food production, sourcing it from starch residues, low-quality grains, or molasses not used in food [5]. Group 3: Market Performance - BASF's shares have declined by 10.7% over the past year, slightly worse than the 9.9% decline of its industry [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The explosion at the Ludwigshafen plant has significantly impacted the production capacity of key products, particularly Vitamin A and E, which are critical to the company's operations [1][2] - Prior to the explosion, Vitamin A's operating rate was around 55%-58%, while Vitamin E oil and powder were operating at 30% and 40%-45% respectively [2][5] - The company anticipates that the production recovery for Vitamin A and E will be uncertain for the remainder of the year due to the incident [2][3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The explosion primarily affected the production of olefins and precursors for Vitamin E, while the production of Vitamin A was less impacted initially [1][2] - The operating rate for Vitamin A is expected to remain low, with significant delays in fulfilling customer orders due to supply chain disruptions [3][4] - The company has a global market share of approximately 27% for Vitamin A and 12% for Vitamin E, indicating its significant role in the market [2][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The explosion has led to a sharp increase in Vitamin A prices, which have risen from around 100 to as high as 180-200, while Vitamin E prices have also surged [4][5] - The market is experiencing volatility, with prices fluctuating daily based on supply and demand dynamics [4][5] - The company expects that the impact of the explosion will lead to a significant supply shortage in the short term, particularly affecting the Chinese market [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is currently focused on completing the accident investigation report, which is expected to take 6-8 weeks [3] - There are two potential strategies being considered: maintaining the force majeure declaration to avoid liability for delayed deliveries or attempting to resume production sooner [3][4] - The company is also exploring options to purchase inventory from exclusive distributors to mitigate supply shortages [3] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management has indicated that the current operating environment is challenging due to the explosion and its aftermath, with uncertainty surrounding production recovery timelines [2][3] - The company is preparing for potential price increases in the market, with forecasts suggesting that Vitamin A prices could reach as high as 300-500 under extreme conditions [4] - Historical data from previous incidents suggests that market panic could lead to even higher price spikes, emphasizing the need for careful management of supply and customer relations [4] Other Important Information - The explosion has also affected the production of menthol, which is a key raw material for various products, including sunscreens [6] - The company has a significant share of the menthol market, and any reduction in production capacity could lead to supply shortages [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the significance of the German plant and the impact of the explosion on the vitamin business? - The Ludwigshafen plant is crucial for the production of olefins and vitamins, with the explosion affecting key production areas, although some vitamin production areas were initially unaffected [1] Question: What are the current operating rates for Vitamin A and E post-explosion? - Vitamin A's operating rate was around 55%-58% before the explosion, while Vitamin E oil and powder were at 30% and 40%-45% respectively [2] Question: How will the explosion affect the supply of raw materials like citral? - The explosion has impacted the transportation of raw materials, which could lead to further delays in vitamin production [3] Question: What is the expected impact on the Chinese vitamin market? - The explosion is expected to cause significant price fluctuations in the Chinese vitamin market, with prices for Vitamin A and E already rising sharply [4] Question: What are the plans for production recovery and customer orders? - The company is assessing inventory levels and customer orders, with a focus on managing supply chain disruptions and fulfilling outstanding orders [3]