Bayer is facing significant challenges that are prompting the company to consider strategic options, according to analysts at Jefferies. The halt of a late-stage clinical trial of experimental cardiovascular drug asundexian has increased financial risk for the German pharmaceutical and agricultural group, while falling share prices have made the company more sensitive to rising provisions and potential trial losses in a legal battle over its Roundup weedkiller. These challenges suggest that Bayer may need to sell assets and scrap dividends in order to buy time. However, this may not be enough to enable the large-scale investments needed in its pharma business, Jefferies warns. As a result, Jefferies has cut its recommendation on the stock from buy to hold. Despite this setback, shares are trading 0.3% higher following Monday’s heavy losses. (adria.calatayud@dowjones.com) Copyright ©2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8.
