Bayer posted a first‑quarter net profit of 2.76 billion euros ($3.25 billion), more than double the 1.30 billion euros a year earlier. The surge stems from a 324 million‑euro special gain tied to the sale of its Avelox antibiotics unit and stronger underlying earnings in the crop‑science segment. Investors greeted the results as a very clear turnaround after a litigation‑laden 2023.

Quarterly revenue climbed 4.1% to 13.405 billion euros, just shy of the €13.42 billion consensus forecast from Vara Research. Excluding currency and portfolio effects, the growth reflects robust demand for seeds and digital farming tools, offsetting pressure from the ongoing Roundup lawsuits. Bayer said it will aim to contain those legal costs through 2026 and aim to preserve shareholder value.

Analysts see the profit jump as validation of Bayer’s pivot toward its agricultural franchise, which now accounts for the bulk of earnings. The Avelox divestiture trims the pharma portfolio and frees cash for R&D in crop protection. With earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation up 9%, the German group strengthens its balance sheet ahead of a challenging regulatory environment to for sustain long‑term growth.