Bayer Wins Twin Brokerage Upgrades as China Approves Cancer Drug and Missouri Jury Backs Monsanto
Published on 11/07/2026 at 11:01 | Editorial boerse-global.de
Two of Wall Street's most closely watched research houses have turned more bullish on Bayer, lifting their price targets within a day of each other. UBS raised its target to EUR 66 from EUR 62 on Tuesday, keeping a "Buy" rating, according to media reports. Goldman Sachs followed on Wednesday, moving its target to EUR 66.00 from EUR 63.50, also with a "Buy" rating. The stock, meanwhile, slipped 0.7% on Friday.
The upgrades landed in a busy week for the German drugs and agriculture group, which reported third-quarter 2026 results, secured a Chinese approval for a lung-cancer therapy and logged a courtroom win in the long-running glyphosate litigation.
Sales and earnings edge higher
Group revenue for the third quarter of 2026 came in at EUR 10.053 billion, a nominal increase of 4.1%. On a currency- and portfolio-adjusted basis, sales grew 1.9%, according to company figures. EBITDA before special items rose 6.9% to EUR 1.615 billion.
The bottom line was less flattering. Adjusted earnings per share fell to EUR 0.31, and Bayer posted a net loss of EUR 672 million. Even so, the company raised its full-year 2026 guidance on Tuesday for both EBITDA before special items and free cash flow.
Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Bayer?
China clears two medicines
Bayer said Wednesday that China's NMPA had approved Sevabertinib as a first-line treatment for adults with HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, covering unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic disease. The nod applies to the start of treatment in a patient group defined by that mutation.
It marked the second Chinese approval in quick succession. On 26 October, Bayer announced the clearance of Asundexian, designed to cut stroke risk after a non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or a high-risk TIA. The drug will be sold in China under the brand name Sunharbo and is the first factor XIa inhibitor approved in the country, according to Bayer.
No split on the table
Chief executive Bill Anderson used Tuesday's update to address the group's direction. A breakup is not currently on the agenda, he said, according to media reports. Bayer is instead focused on innovation and reducing debt.
Bayer at a turning point? This analysis reveals what investors need to know now.
Monsanto prevails in Missouri
On the legal front, Bayer reported a unanimous jury verdict in favor of its Monsanto unit in Missouri. The company said the decision, announced 29 October, covered claims of alleged product defects, intentional misrepresentation and negligence. Bayer described it as the first glyphosate trial since the US Supreme Court's ruling, and said it is still awaiting a court decision on the proposed settlement.
Ad
Bayer Stock: New Analysis - 7 November
Fresh Bayer information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.
