German drugmaker Bayer cuts dividends to legal minimum to reduce debt
Frankfurt: German drugmaker Bayer said that it was amending its dividend policy to pay the legal minimum for a period of three years to reduce debt, in a decision it said it did not take lightly.The company said it was facing high debt and interest rates, as well as a "challenging free cash flow situation"."One of our top priorities is reducing debt and increasing flexibility," Chief...
Login or Register to read the full article
Frankfurt: German drugmaker Bayer said that it was amending its dividend policy to pay the legal minimum for a period of three years to reduce debt, in a decision it said it did not take lightly.
The company said it was facing high debt and interest rates, as well as a "challenging free cash flow situation".
"One of our top priorities is reducing debt and increasing flexibility," Chief Executive Bill Anderson said.
"Our amended dividend policy, which considered investor input and was not taken lightly, will help us do so."
Bayer said it will propose a dividend of 0.11 euro for 2023. That compares with 2.40 euros a year earlier, and expectations for a dividend of 1.92 euros, according to a consensus published on its website.
Analysts at Jefferies said the move "highlights the extent of the challenges (both operational and financial) facing the business" and that "further major strategic actions are required to restore the balance sheet".
In January, Bayer announced job cuts and in November it had said it was weighing options to break apart the maker of prescription drugs, consumer health products, crop chemicals and seeds, in a bid to revive a battered share price.
Original news source: https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/bayer-amends-dividend-policy-pay-minimum-reduce-debt-2024-02-19/#:~:text=FRANKFURT, Feb 19 (Reuters),it did not take lightly.
Read also: Bayer CEO says company stands behind glyphosate
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This site is primarily intended for healthcare professionals. Any content/information on this website does not replace the advice of medical and/or health professionals and should not be construed as medical/diagnostic advice/endorsement/treatment or prescription. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use, privacy policy, advertisement policy. © 2024 Minerva Medical Treatment Pvt Ltd