Bayer (BAYN) AGM 2025 summary

Opening remarks and agenda

• The meeting was held virtually to maximize shareholder participation and included interactive features for engagement, such as live reactions and multilingual support.

• Formalities included legal compliance for convocation, publication of all relevant documents, and instructions for voting and submissions.

• Attendance represented 51.95% of registered capital, with over 500 shareholders electronically present and additional public viewers.

Financial performance review

• 2024 saw group sales grow 1% (currency and portfolio-adjusted), core EPS at EUR 5.05, and free cash flow of EUR 3.1 billion, exceeding guidance.

• Pharmaceuticals outperformed expectations, offsetting pressures in Crop Science and Consumer Health; net financial debt reduced to EUR 32.6 billion.

• 2025 is projected as the most challenging year, with sales flat and earnings/cash flow expected to decline; recovery anticipated from 2026 onward.

Board and executive committee updates

• New appointments included Julio Triana as Consumer Health Division head and changes among Supervisory Board members, with a focus on legal and governance expertise.

• The Supervisory Board convened seven times, with increased training and committee work, especially on legal risk.