What drove Bayer's better-than-expected first-quarter earnings, and how much did adjusted EBITDA reach?

Bayer's better-than-expected first-quarter earnings were primarily driven by a robust performance in its crop science unit, especially strong growth in the soybean seed and traits business — where sales doubled due to a €448 million licensing payment tied to a seed-technology dispute and recovery in prices following the re-approval of the herbicide Dicamba. Adjusted first-quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose to €4.45 billion ($5.2 billion), exceeding the €3.9 billion consensus forecast from a Bloomberg analyst survey.

What is Bayer's current status regarding the Roundup litigation, and what key developments are investors watching?

Bayer remains deeply entangled in mass litigation tied to its Roundup weedkiller, a legacy issue stemming from its 2018 acquisition of Monsanto that has already cost over $10 billion. Investors are closely monitoring two critical near-term developments: a US Supreme Court decision expected by the end of June that could weaken the 'failure-to-warn' legal theory underpinning most Roundup claims, and the June 4 deadline for claimants to opt in or out of Bayer’s $7.25 billion settlement — whose success depends on achieving broad participation.

Bayer Earnings Top Estimates on Crop Science, Soybean Gains

May 11, 2026

Bayer AG reported Q1 earnings beating estimates, driven by crop science gains from soybean seeds and herbicide approvals. Despite pharmaceutical sales declines, the company upheld its full-year outlook while monitoring potential raw material cost increases.

bloomberg

2026-05-11

Bayer Earnings Top Estimates on Crop Science, Soybean Gains

Bayer Earnings Top Estimates on Crop Science, Soybean Gains

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