1326 GMT - Bayer's fourth-quarter results showed some positive surprises, but challenges to the company's underlying performance remain, Deutsche Bank analysts write. Fourth quarter sales, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS exceeded expectations, largely due to slightly better-than-expected sales in all three units, along with lower corporate costs. However, underlying results reveal a different picture, with flat organic sales, a 22% decline in adjusted EBITDA and a 43% drop in adjusted EPS. 2025 guidance is not particularly encouraging, but the company's longer-term outlook and plans to address key issues offer some hope for future improvement, they add. "Investors will likely need to exercise patience as these measures take time to yield results." Deutsche Bank has a hold rating and 23 euro target price for Bayer's shares. Shares rise 3.5% at 24.35 euros. (dominic.chopping@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 05, 2025 08:26 ET (13:26 GMT)

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