BASF SE has approved a share buyback programme of up to €1 billion, scheduled to commence in August 2026 and conclude by April 2027, as part of its previously announced €4 billion share repurchase plan through 2028.
Approved by the Board of Executive Directors on July 29, 2026, the programme is based on shareholder authorization granted at the company’s Annual General Meeting on April 30, 2026. Repurchased shares will be cancelled, reducing BASF’s share capital.
The buyback forms part of BASF’s “Winning Ways” strategy, under which the company aims to return at least €12 billion to shareholders between 2025 and 2028 through dividends and share repurchases. The plan includes annual dividends of at least €2.25 per share, amounting to around €8 billion, alongside €4 billion in share buybacks.
Between November 2025 and June 2026, BASF repurchased shares worth approximately €1.5 billion and will cancel 31.6 million shares, representing about 3.5% of its share capital.
The company said the buyback will enhance shareholder returns, optimise its capital structure, and improve earnings per share.
In addition, BASF plans to strengthen its balance sheet by significantly reducing net debt. The company will repay €1.6 billion in bonds and loans ahead of maturity during the third quarter of 2026 and continues to target a single-A credit rating, supported by stable ratings from Fitch (A/F1), Moody’s (A3/P-2) and S&P Global (A-/A-2).
