BASF's rating level will depend on the ultimate prices paid, plans for future share buybacks and dividends mitigated by the cash flow benefits of current strong petrochemical market conditions and operating cash flows, which may help it to reduce the increased debt load more quickly. |
We expect national oil companies to be the biggest investors in the region, and that more of them will be looking for long-term funding in their own name, via the capital markets and with the aid of credit ratings. Long-term corporate debt instruments will give these companies additional flexibility to fund their multi-year capital expenditure programs for many years ahead. |