Citi maintains neutral on BASF with steady price target By Investing.com

Citi reiterated a Neutral rating on BASF SE (BAS:GR) (OTC: OTC:) with a price target of EUR44.00. BASF announced plans to rebase its dividend to “at least €2.25,” a decrease from the current €3.40. This adjustment comes prior to the company’s Capital Markets Day (CMD). Alongside the dividend change, BASF intends to support shareholder returns through buybacks, with a commitment to €4 billion in buybacks starting in 2027.

These buybacks are part of a broader strategy that includes actively exploring options for its Agriculture, Coatings, and Battery Materials businesses, aligning with previous leaks about the company’s strategic direction.

The company’s management has also pledged a cumulative dividend payment of €8 billion until 2028, which, when combined with the planned buybacks, is expected to keep the total cash return to shareholders relatively stable. This move is anticipated to address the ongoing debate about the company’s free cash flow and dividend coverage.

Additionally, BASF’s management has set an EBITDA target of €10-12 billion for 2028, assuming mid-to-upcycle conditions, which aligns with Citi’s projection of €10 billion mid-cycle EBITDA.

The strategic measures announced by BASF are seen as a positive step towards addressing longstanding investor concerns. The company’s commitment to a rebased dividend and share buybacks, as well as its clear EBITDA targets for the coming years, are expected to be well-received by the market.

These initiatives are part of BASF’s efforts to implement significant changes to enhance shareholder value and address the issues that have been a focus for investors.

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