FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - What Bayer investors had been hoping for since at least early December 2025 has now materialized: On Friday evening, Central European Time, the United States Supreme Court officially agreed to review the "Durnell" glyphosate case. This development increases the likelihood of a landmark ruling in the long-running legal battle over the weedkiller.
Such a decision could set a precedent for approximately 67,000 additional cases, which were included in the 6.5 billion euro provision reported in Bayer's latest quarterly report, wrote Chris Counihan of the investment bank Jefferies on Sunday afternoon. Bayer is seeking clarification on whether federal law regarding warning labels for weedkillers takes precedence over state law.
Bayer shares reacted with a 6 percent jump above the Xetra closing price to 44.13 euros on the Tradegate trading platform on Friday evening, following the Supreme Court's decision to take up the case.
Back in early December, shares had soared by as much as 15 percent when the Solicitor General—a kind of chief legal officer for the U.S. government—supported Bayer's petition for Supreme Court review of the "Durnell" case. At that time, Bayer shares climbed above 35 euros for the first time since early 2024. Since then, the stock has extended its recovery rally by another 19 percent, with the stabilization of its price base becoming increasingly firm after years of decline.
The glyphosate saga has weighed on Bayer ever since its acquisition of U.S. agrochemical company Monsanto in 2018. Legal disputes over alleged cancer risks have already cost the company billions of euros and have put significant pressure on its share price./ag/zb
