Bayer AG shares are currently experiencing significant fluctuations amidst ongoing market challenges and legal issues. On March 21, 2025, Bayer shares were reported down 0.23 percent, trading at 23.94 Euro. This minor dip occurred in the context of a greater downturn in the DAX index, which fell by 1.02 percent to 22,763 points.
Interestingly, while Bayer's shares have faced their challenges, they are not at their lowest point historically. The stock reached its all-time high on October 1, 2024, closing at 31.03 Euro, only to plummet to a low of 18.41 Euro by November 27, 2024. According to reports, Bayer's performance has been characterized by a loss of approximately 2.55 billion Euro in the most recent reporting period, with total sales standing at 46.61 billion Euro.
Analysts have offered various insights into Bayer's current status, with Bernstein Research maintaining a "Market-Perform" rating, but setting a price target of 30 Euro. Analyst Florent Cespedes noted that following Bayer's recent annual report, expectations for the company's pharmaceutical and agricultural divisions had been adjusted downwards due to a more challenging business environment. He indicated, "Analysts believe clarity on legal issues regarding Glyphosate may not be achieved until next year."
On the other hand, JPMorgan has a "Neutral" rating with a lower price target set at 25 Euro. Analyst Richard Vosser emphasized that focus has reverted back to the ongoing legal disputes in the United States, stating, "The current focus remains on the ongoing legal disputes in the United States." The ambiguity surrounding these legal matters only adds to the uncertainty that currently surrounds Bayer’s stock.
This month has seen Bayer's stock navigating through a rocky trading period. Just yesterday, on March 20, 2025, the shares saw a slight drop, crossing below the 200-day moving average; they fell from an opening price of 23.73 Euro to as low as 23.64 Euro before stabilizing around the same mark. The trading volume on that day reached over two million shares—a sign of high liquidity but also investor caution.
Investors have received dividends in past years, with Bayer shareholders receiving 0.110 Euro in 2024, and expectations for this year hover around a modest increase to 0.111 Euro.
Looking ahead, Bayer's upcoming financial report for the first quarter of 2025 is anticipated to be released on May 13, 2025—this could provide vital indicators on sales and earnings as experts predict a potential profit of 4.44 Euro per share for the year. Bayer previously reported an earnings per share (EPS) loss of -0.34 Euro in its last quarter, which is a stark decline compared to an earnings of 1.36 Euro per share in the same quarter the previous year. Total sales of 11.73 billion Euro were recorded, marking a 1.12 percent reduction from the prior year's quarter sales of 11.86 billion Euro.
Overall, Bayer AG navigates a precarious position in the market, influenced by external pressure from the broader DAX environment, ongoing legal disputes, and fluctuating investor confidence levels. The path ahead seems uncertain, with analysts urging caution until clearer signals emerge from both legal landscapes and financial results. Until then, Bayer remains in a holding pattern as market players weigh their investment strategies carefully.
