Bayer AG Returns to Profit in Second Quarter

Bayer AG returned to profitability in the second quarter ending in June, reporting a net income of €219 million. This marks a significant recovery from the €199 million loss recorded during the same period the previous year. The turnaround resulted primarily from a sharp decline in litigation costs and other operating expenses, which fell to €172 million from €981 million.

Performance was bolstered by the Crop Science division, which saw a 30% increase in core earnings and a 12.6% rise in glyphosate-based herbicide sales, particularly across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In contrast, the Pharmaceutical and Consumer Health divisions experienced slight declines in core earnings.

The company continues to navigate thousands of legal cases involving the weedkiller Roundup, a product from Monsanto, which Bayer acquired in 2018. CEO Bill Anderson stated that the company's containment strategy is in a strong position. Following these results, Bayer reaffirmed its 2026 guidance, projecting annual sales between €45 billion and €47 billion.