In 2010, the aggregate profit margin for the firms in Chemical & Engineering News’ survey of the top 50 chemical companies was 11.4%, the highest profit margin in 15 years. Sales at the 49 firms showing similar year-over-year figures grew 25.3% to $857 billion in 2010. Operating profits for the 47 firms with similar year-over-year figures soared 80.4% to $93.6 billion. Sales for only two firms, Sasol and Mosaic, dropped last year; only one, Eni, declared a loss. Borealis, Arkema and Showa Denko grew more than 1000%. There are few changes in the rankings versus prior years, including BASF, Dow and Sinopec’s hold on the top three spots. BASF led the list in chemical sales, with $70.4 billion, 83.1% of total sales, and in R&D chemical spending, with $1.9 billion. Few large acquisitions took place in 2010. Braskem jumped 15 positions to number 22 on the list as a result of its acquisitions. Planned purchases by Solvay, Clariant and Ashland should affect rankings next year. Rather than focusing on acquisitions, petrochemicals firms are investing in capital projects.

Source: Chemical & Engineering News