Bayer raises 2026 profit forecasts following strong pharmaceutical growth

Bayer has raised its full-year 2026 earnings guidance following third-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations. The company now expects adjusted EBITDA to fall between 9.8 billion and 10.3 billion euros, up from the previous forecast of 9.6 billion to 10.1 billion euros.

Growth was primarily driven by the pharmaceutical division, which reported quarterly revenue of 4.68 billion euros. Key drivers included the drugs Nubeqa and Kerendia. Consequently, Bayer increased its margin forecast for the pharmaceutical sector to a range of 25% to 27%.

Despite the operational strength, the company reported a net loss of 672 million euros for the third quarter, a decrease from the 963 million euro loss in the same period last year. This loss was impacted by asset impairments related to the Xofigo and Claritin brands, as well as legal expenses.

In the agricultural sector, Crop Science saw a decline in EBITDA, reflecting higher costs and regulatory challenges. However, Bayer improved its free cash flow outlook by 1 billion euros and lowered its net financial debt projection to between 28 billion and 29 billion euros.