Bayer shares slipped by over 3% on Tuesday following a report that Inclusive Capital Partners is aiming to sell part of its holding in the German agriculture and healthcare group.
The investment firm, which is run by activist investor Jeff Ubben, is reportedly offering about 8.5 million Bayer shares in a placing. That quantity represents approximately 0.9% of Bayer's share capital and, using Monday's closing price, amounts to a valuation near 327 million euros ($378.67 million).
A local trader cited in the report suggested the planned disposal could be interpreted as a sign that Ubben believes the upside for the stock is "maxed out." Inclusive Capital established its stake in Bayer in early 2023 and was involved in the push that led to the departure of former CEO Werner Baumann.
Ubben has been among the more prominent activist investors pressing for changes at Bayer, including advocating for a possible breakup of parts of the business. The potential placement from Inclusive Capital adds another dimension to investor scrutiny of Bayer's strategic outlook.
Investor attention has also been focused on the company's earnings outlook. Earlier this month, Bayer issued guidance for 2026 that was lower than market expectations. The group forecast EBITDA before special items in a range between 9.1 billion euros and 9.6 billion euros, using exchange rates at the end of 2025. The top end of that guidance was slightly under the company website's consensus estimate of 9.67 billion euros.
By comparison, reported EBITDA before special items for 2025 stood at 9.67 billion euros, a figure that was marginally above market expectations. The lower-range guidance for 2026, together with ongoing litigation costs and a substantial debt load, remains part of the backdrop investors are weighing.
Included in market commentary around the stock is a direct question about whether investors should be buying the Bayer ADR, referenced as BAYGN. An AI-driven stock-picking service mentioned in market materials evaluates BAYGN across numerous financial metrics and highlights its process for generating stock ideas. The same material cited prior winners from that approach, naming Super Micro Computer (+185%) and AppLovin (+157%), and invited readers to check whether BAYGN features in current strategies or if alternative opportunities exist in the sector.
Contextual note: The article reflects reported market moves, the planned share offering by Inclusive Capital, and Bayer's most recent guidance and reported EBITDA figures as presented.