27 April 2026, Leverkusen: Bayer said it is accelerating the transformation of its Crop Science business by reshaping its portfolio around higher-margin and more innovative products, as part of a broader company-wide turnaround strategy aimed at improving performance, cash generation, and long-term flexibility.
Speaking at the company’s virtual Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, CEO Bill Anderson said Bayer had made significant progress over the past two years, adding that the company is now leaner, faster, and better positioned for future growth. He noted that Crop Science is actively executing its performance improvement plan while the wider group has lowered debt and delivered its 2025 targets across nearly every metric.
Within Crop Science, Bayer said it has taken steps to rationalize both its portfolio and operational footprint. In crop protection, the company is prioritizing products that offer stronger margins and greater innovation potential. One example is the insecticide Plenexos™, which was launched in Colombia in late 2025 and is expected to receive registration in Brazil later this year. Bayer said the product requires only small application quantities while providing effective pest control for crops.
Looking ahead, the company said it is preparing a pipeline of major agricultural innovations expected to gain momentum from 2027 onward. For 2026, Bayer said improving business performance, increasing cash generation, and strengthening the operational foundation of Crop Science remain key priorities.
At the group level, Bayer reported fiscal 2025 sales of €45.6 billion, core earnings per share of €4.91, free cash flow of €2.1 billion, and net financial debt reduced to €29.8 billion. Management said it expects a solid year ahead across its businesses following a positive start to 2026.
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