13 May 2026, Leverkusen: Bayer AG reported group sales of €13.4 billion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 4 percent increase on a currency- and portfolio-adjusted basis, while confirming its full-year outlook despite continued geopolitical and foreign exchange pressures.
Speaking during Bayer’s Q1 media update, Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO Bill Anderson said the company’s businesses were “performing in line with our expectations” as Crop Science, Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Health delivered mixed but stable results during the quarter.
Bayer reported core earnings per share of €2.71, up from the same period last year, while free cash flow stood at negative €2.3 billion due to litigation-related payments made during the quarter.
In Crop Science, sales increased nearly 7 percent year-on-year. Bayer said the result included around €450 million in additional soy licensing resolution revenue disclosed previously. Excluding this impact, the division recorded 1.4 percent operational growth, supported by strong corn sales while crop protection sales declined as anticipated. EBITDA margin for the division was around 40 percent, aided by higher-margin sales and operational efficiencies.
Anderson highlighted Bayer’s focus on agricultural innovation and regulatory clarity in the United States, particularly around crop protection technologies. Referring to the company’s insecticide Plenexos™, he said Bayer wants to bring low-dose crop protection products to U.S. farmers but warned that litigation risks could affect future innovation investments.
He also said Bayer continues to pursue a “multi-pronged strategy” to address glyphosate litigation in the U.S. The company is awaiting further developments related to a class settlement agreement announced earlier this year, while also monitoring legal proceedings at the U.S. Supreme Court concerning federal pre-emption arguments linked to glyphosate-related cases.
Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals business reported sales broadly in line with the prior year. Growth from products including Kerendia™ and Nubeqa™ offset declines in Xarelto™ and Eylea™ sales. The division posted an EBITDA margin of 29.2 percent. Bayer also announced an agreement to acquire Perfuse Therapeutics, strengthening its ophthalmology portfolio.
Consumer Health sales rose 5 percent during the quarter, supported by growth across multiple categories including Dermatology and Nutritionals. Bayer said its Nutritionals business benefited from continued expansion in e-commerce channels.
Chief Financial Officer Wolfgang Nickl said Bayer remains on track to deliver its full-year guidance at constant currencies across all businesses. However, he cautioned that foreign exchange volatility and geopolitical developments continue to create uncertainty for the remainder of 2026.
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
