Analysts at Jefferies have stated that Bayer is facing multiple challenges that are urging the company to explore strategic options. The halt of a late-stage clinical trial for experimental cardiovascular drug asundexian has pushed financial risk to the edge, while declining share prices increase sensitivity to rising provisions and potential trial losses in a legal battle over its Roundup weedkiller. This suggests that the German pharmaceutical-and-agricultural group might need to sell assets and scrap dividends to buy time. However, this may not be enough to enable large-scale investments needed in its pharma business, according to Jefferies. As a result, the firm has downgraded its recommendation on the stock from buy to hold. Despite this, shares traded 0.3% higher following Monday’s heavy losses. (adria.calatayud@dowjones.com) Copyright ©2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8.
