Bayer boosts results in the first quarter with growth in Crop Science

Bayer reported a 4,1% increase in group sales in the first quarter of 2026, on an adjusted basis for exchange rates and portfolio. Revenue reached €13,405 billion. EBITDA before special items advanced 9% to €4,453 billion. The company maintained its exchange rate-adjusted annual forecast for 2026.

The Crop Science division drove the performance. Sales in the agricultural business grew 6,8%, on an adjusted basis for currency and portfolio, to €7,558 billion. EBITDA before special items rose 17,9% to €3,014 billion. The margin increased from 33,7% to 39,9%.

The advance came from seeds and traits. Soybean sales doubled on the same basis of comparison. Bayer attributed part of the result to the resolution of a licensing agreement with Corteva in North America. This effect added €448 million to revenue. The business also saw a recovery in prices after the re-registration of dicamba in the United States.

Corn also grew. Sales of Corn Seed & Traits advanced 7,1%. The company cited higher volumes at the start of the harvest in North America and growth in other regions.

Crop protection sales declined, as expected by the company. Herbicides fell by 10,2%. Glyphosate-based products dropped by 15,1%. Fungicides declined by 10,7%.

Within the group, net profit reached €2,763 billion. This figure more than doubled compared to the same period in 2025. Adjusted earnings per share rose 12,9% to €2,71. Bayer reported a negative currency impact of €886 million on sales and €321 million on EBITDA.

Free cash flow was negative at €2,320 billion. The company attributed the result to payments to settle legal proceedings, mainly related to PCBs and glyphosate. Net financial debt totaled €32,518 billion as of March 31, 2026.