Status as world's leading integrated chemicals producer, with an expanding presence in Asia and North America. "Verbund" integrated strategy that offers cost savings through logistics, energy, and infrastructure advantages. Diversification benefits of producing commodity and specialty chemicals, complemented by a significant share of agrochemicals and oil and gas. Solid profitability. Cyclicality of the chemicals industry. Moderate debt. High free cash flow generation. High capital expenditures. Historically high shareholder payouts, which have reduced financial flexibility. The stable outlook on Germany-based chemicals producer BASF SE reflects Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' expectation that BASF's credit metrics will remain commensurate with the current ratings in 2015. This primarily stems from expected higher contributions from the functional materials and solutions, performance products, combined with
