Bayer AG beat earnings estimates for the second quarter, posting better-than-expected profit. The results were helped by a strong performance in its crop science business.
According to a source, the company also lowered its debt outlook.
Bayer tops Q2 estimates on Crop Science strength, lowers debt outlook
The company's second-quarter profit exceeded expectations, supported by its crop science division, while it also revised its debt forecast.
Tom Fisk
Updates
Bayer's Q2 2026 net profit reached €219 million, rebounding from a loss of €199 million in the previous year's corresponding quarter. The company's free cash flow also saw a significant shift, dropping to -€371 million from +€125 million a year earlier, a decline attributed to litigation settlement payments. Additionally, Bayer lowered its year-end 2026 net financial debt outlook to €29-30 billion from the previous €32-33 billion estimate, following a planned €3 billion capital contribution from Apollo-managed funds into its long-acting contraception unit.
Bayer reported a net profit of €219 million for Q2 2026, a significant recovery from the €199 million loss recorded in the same quarter last year. This turnaround was supported by a drop in special items to €172 million from €981 million a year earlier, alongside a rise in EBIT to €827 million from €13 million. However, free cash flow declined to -€371 million from +€125 million in the previous year, a drop attributed to litigation settlement payments.
Bayer's Q2 2026 net profit reached €219 million, a significant turnaround from the €199 million loss reported in the same period last year. While special items fell to €172 million from €981 million, free cash flow dropped to -€371 million from +€125 million a year earlier due to litigation settlement payments. Additionally, the company lowered its year-end 2026 net financial debt outlook to €29-30 billion from the previous €32-33 billion, following a planned €3 billion capital contribution from Apollo-managed funds to its long-acting contraception unit.
