Despite higher feedstock prices, Europe's subdued economy and hurricanes in the USA, BASF achieve record earnings in 2005, aided by increased sales and price hikes. BASF reported an overall sales increase of 14% to €42.7 bn, and a sales earnings growth of 12%, although profit margins remained flat compared to 2004's performance. Sales grew 11% in Europe, 17% in the US and 23% in Asia Pacific. Sales in South America, Africa, Middle East rose 7%.
A strong performer in 2005 was BASF's Oil & Gas segment growing due to a rise in oil prices, increased oil and gas production and the expansion of the natural gas trading business. Another solid performer was the company's Chemicals segment. In the Chemicals segment, the Petrochemicals subdivision saw a 21% increase in sales to €5084m, attributed to strong product demand and the startup of plants in Nanjing, China.
23-Feb-06 
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