** Exane BNP Paribas takes a differentiated view on German chemical companies as the sector feels cyclical pressures
** The broker says that survey data for European chemicals points to the risk of another guidance and consensus cuts for the sector
** It sees Evonik EVKn.DE as "relatively insulated" from downside risks due its superior cash generation and cost-savings plans
** The broker says Evonik is its preferred German cyclical name and initiates it at "outperform"
** In contrast, it starts Wacker Chemie WCHG.DE at "underperform" as it sees earnings pressures in the company's three out of four business line arising, among other factors, from Chinese competition
** The broker starts Lanxess LXSG.DE at "neutral" due to its overall high sensitivity to economic conditions and relatively inefficient cash flow generation
(Reporting by Simon Ferdinand Eibach)
((Simonferdinand.eibach@thomsonreuters.com))