Mwb Lifts BASF Rating, Price Target as Preliminary Q2 Earnings Top Forecasts

05:46 AM EDT, 07/17/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Mwb Research lifted its rating on BASF (BAS.F) to buy from hold, following the German chemicals group's upgraded full-year 2026 outlook and better-than-expected preliminary second-quarter results. "BASF's Q2 prelims showed a strong pricing-led earnings beat, supported by sustained volumes and supply-chain dislocation rather than a broad-based recovery in underlying demand. While the segment mix remained uneven and higher raw-material prices continued to weigh on cash conversion, management's guidance upgrade confirms stronger near-term earnings momentum," analysts said Thursday, bumping up the stock's price target to 55 euros from 52 euros. The research firm also increased its 2026 sales and EBIT estimates by 2.4%, while the EPS forecast was raised by 2.9%. For 2027 and 2028, all three metrics were upwardly revised. "H2 visibility remains low, but we believe that BASF should continue to benefit if supply disruptions persist, as its local-for-local footprint, flexible crackers and global procurement platform allow it to maintain supply when competitors face constraints. However, weaker demand and further working-capital absorption remain the key risks," analysts added.