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Bayer AG
Annual Report 2015

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FY2015 Annual Report · Bayer AG
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Annual Report

2015

Augmented Version

Five-Year Summary: Bayer on Track for Success

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Cover picture // Bayer is focusing exclusively on its Life Science businesses.  
Our cover picture shows scientists Dr. Wen Chang from Crop Science and  
Dr. Daniel Forler (right) from Pharmaceuticals with a projected image of DNA. 

 You can read more about Life Sciences  
in the Magazine section of this  
Annual Report beginning on page 10.

 
 
Five-Year Summary 

Bayer Group 

Sales 

EBIT 

1 

EBIT before special items 

2 

EBITDA3 

EBITDA before special items 

4 

EBITDA margin before special items 

5 

Income before income taxes 

Net income 

Earnings per share (€) from continuing and  
discontinued operations 

6 

Core earnings per share (€) from continuing operations 

7 

Gross cash flow 

8 

Net cash flow from continuing and  
discontinued operations 

9 

Net financial debt 

Capital expenditures as per segment table 

Research and development expenses 

Return on equity 

Equity ratio 

Bayer AG 

Net income 

Allocation to (withdrawal from) retained earnings 

Total dividend payment 

Dividend per share (€) 

Employees 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

36,528 

39,741 

40,157 

41,339 

46,324 

4,149 

5,025 

6,918 

7,613 

3,928 

5,639 

6,916 

8,280 

4,934 

5,773 

7,830 

8,401 

5,395 

5,833 

8,315 

8,685 

6,250 

7,069 

9,583 

10,266 

20.8% 

20.8% 

20.9% 

21.0% 

22.2% 

3,363 

2,470 

2.99 

4.83 

3,176 

2,403 

2.91 

5.30 

4,207 

3,189 

3.86 

5.61 

4,414 

3,426 

4.14 

5.89 

5,245 

4,110 

4.97 

6.83 

5,172 

4,556 

5,832 

6,707 

6,999 

5,060 

7,013 

1,666 

2,932 

4,530 

7,022 

2,012 

3,013 

5,171 

6,731 

2,155 

3,406 

5,810 

6,890 

19,612 

17,449 

2,484 

3,537 

2,556 

4,281 

13.0% 

13.0% 

16.2% 

16.8% 

17.9% 

36.5% 

36.1% 

40.5% 

28.8% 

34.4% 

 Change 
from 2014 
(%) 

+ 12.1 

+ 15.8 

+ 21.2 

+ 15.2 

+ 18.2 

+ 18.8 

+ 20.0 

+ 20.0 

+ 16.0 

+ 4.4 

+ 18.6 

– 11.0 

+ 2.9 

+ 21.0 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

1,125 

(239) 

1,364 

1.65 

889 

(682) 

1,571 

1.90 

2,498 

761 

1,737 

2.10 

2,454 

593 

1,861 

2.25 

1,361 

(706) 

2,067 

2.50 

– 44.5 

. 

+ 11.1 

+ 11.1 

Number of employees 

10 (Dec. 31) 

111,800 

110,000 

112,400 

117,400 

116,800 

– 0.5 

Personnel expenses (including pension expenses)  
(€ million) 

Proportion of women in senior management (%) 

Number of nationalities in the Group Leadership Circle   

Proportion of employees with health insurance (%) 

Proportion of employees covered by collective agreements 
on pay and conditions (%) 

Safety 

11 

8,726 

9,194 

9,430 

9,693 

11,203 

+ 15.6 

22 

22 

94 

54 

23 

23 

94 

53 

25 

31 

95 

54 

26 

35 

96 

52 

28 

33 

96 

53 

– 5.7 

Recordable Incident Rate for Bayer employees (RIR) 

0.56 

0.49 

0.47 

0.43 

0.42 

– 1.6 

Lost Time Recordable Incident Rate for Bayer employees 
(LTRIR) 

Loss of Primary Containment Incident Rate (LoPC-IR) 

12 

0.31 

– 

0.27 

0.38 

0.26 

0.35 

0.22 

0.23 

0.21 

0.22 

– 6.4 

– 7.7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental Protection11 

Primary energy consumption (petajoules13/ a)  

Secondary energy consumption (petajoules13/ a)  

Energy efficiency (MWh  /  t) 

14 

Direct greenhouse gas emissions  
(CO2 equivalents in million t) 

15 

Indirect greenhouse gas emissions  
(CO2 equivalents in million t),  
according to the market-based method 

15 

Specific greenhouse gas emissions  
(CO2 equivalents in t /  manufactured sales volume in t), 
according to the market-based method 

15,16 

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) (thousand t /  a) 

17 

Total organic carbon (TOC) (thousand t / a) 

Hazardous waste generated (thousand t / a) 

Water use (million m³/  a) 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

Change 
from 2014 
(%) 

50.10 

34.85 

3.63 

49.05 

34.14 

3.50 

47.58 

33.27 

3.44 

45.57 

39.74 

3.37 

43.00 

40.19 

3.34 

– 5.7 

+ 1.1 

– 0.6 

4.23 

4.24 

4.09 

4.02 

4.41 

+ 9.7 

– 

– 

2.69 

1.50 

474 

411 

4.72 

4.91 

5.53 

5.30 

– 4.1 

1.06 

2.60 

1.42 

603 

384 

1.09 

2.27 

1.53 

467 

361 

1.12 

2.12 

1.20 

487 

350 

1.19 

1.61 

1.16 

541 

346 

+ 6.0 

– 24.0 

– 3.3 

+ 11.1 

– 1.1 

2014 figures restated; figures for 2011 – 2013 as last reported. 
1   EBIT = income after income taxes, plus income taxes, plus financial result. 

This indicator is not defined in the International Financial Reporting  
Standards. 

2   EBIT before special items = EBIT plus special charges, minus special gains. 
This indicator is not defined in the International Financial Reporting Stan-
dards. See also Combined Management Report, Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of 
EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 

3   EBITDA = EBIT plus the amortization of intangible assets and the deprecia-
tion of property, plant and equipment, plus impairment losses and minus 
impairment loss reversals, recognized in profit or loss during the reporting 
period. This indicator is not defined in the International Financial Reporting 
Standards. See also Combined Management Report, Chapter 14.2 “Calcula-
tion of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 

4   EBITDA before special items = EBITDA plus special charges, minus special 
gains. This indicator is not defined in the International Financial Reporting 
Standards. For details, see Combined Management Report, Chapter 14.2 
“Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.”   

5   The EBITDA margin before special items is calculated by dividing EBITDA 

before special items by sales. This indicator is not defined in the Internation-
al Financial Reporting Standards. For details, see Combined Management 
Report, Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 

6   Earnings per share as defined in IAS 33 = net income divided by the average 
number of shares. For details, see Note [16] to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements. 

7   Core earnings per share = earnings per share, plus / minus amortization and 
impairment losses / impairment loss reversals of intangible assets, impair-
ment losses / impairment loss reversals on property, plant and equipment, 
plus special charges, minus special gains (other than amortization and im-
pairment losses / impairment loss reversals), plus / minus the related tax ef-
fects and the share of the adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interest.  
This indicator facilitates the comparability of performance over time. It is not 
defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards.  
For details, see Combined Management Report, Chapter 14.3 “Core Earn-
ings Per Share.” 

8   Gross cash flow = income after income taxes, plus income taxes, plus 

financial result, minus income taxes paid or accrued, plus depreciation, 
amortization and impairment losses, minus impairment loss reversals,  
plus / minus changes in pension provisions, minus gains / plus losses on  
retirements of noncurrent assets, minus gains from the remeasurement of 
already held assets in step acquisitions. The change in pension provisions 
includes the elimination of noncash components of EBIT. It also contains 
benefit payments during the year. Gross cash flow is not defined in the 
International Financial Reporting Standards. For details, see Combined 
Management Report, Chapter 14.5 “Liquidity and Capital Expenditures of 
the Bayer Group.” 

9   Net cash flow = cash flow from operating activities according to IAS 7 
10   Full-time equivalents 
11   Percentage changes not based on rounded figures 
12   LoPC-IR: rate of incidents in which chemicals leak from their primary 

container, such as pipelines, pumps, tanks or drums, per 200,000 working 
hours in areas relevant to plant safety 

13   1 petajoule = 1015 joules  
14   Energy efficiency: quotient of total energy consumption and manufactured 

sales volume. For Covestro, only manufactured sales volumes that also form 
the basis for calculating Covestro-specific emissions are taken into account.  

15   Portfolio-adjusted in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol 
16   Specific Group emissions are calculated from the total volume of direct 

emissions and indirect – calculated using the market-based method of the 
new Scope 2 GHG Protocol – emissions of the subgroups, including the 
emissions at the Belford Roxo site and emissions from the vehicle fleet, both 
reported for the Group as a whole, divided by the manufactured sales vol-
ume of the three subgroups in metric tons. Quantities attributable to the 
supply of energy to external companies are deducted from the direct and 
indirect emissions. At Covestro, neither the by-products sodium hydroxide 
solution and hydrochloric acid generated during production nor trade prod-
ucts are included in the manufactured sales volume. 
17   Volatile organic compounds (VOC) excluding methane 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN’S LET TER

MAGAZINE

ABOUT THIS REPORT

TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS

01

COMBINED MANAGEMENT  

REPORT OF THE BAYER GROUP  

AND BAYER AG

02

CONSOLIDATED  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

OF THE BAYER GROUP

RESPONSIBILIT Y STATEMENT

AUDITOR’S REPORT

03

FURTHER INFORMATION

Life Science company 
For the heart 
Fit in old age  
Defying the weather 
Living with dengue 
Covestro on the stock market 

Board of Management 
Report of the Supervisory Board 
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Bayer at a Glance 
Strategies of the Segments 
Economic Environments of the Subgroups 
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Sustainability Management and Governance 
Employees  
Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution 
Product Stewardship 
Safety 
Environmental Protection 
Social Commitment 

Report on Economic Position  
Overview of Sales, Earnings and Financial Position 
Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region 
 Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of the Bayer Group 
 Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of Bayer AG 

Corporate Governance Report 
Events After the End of the Reporting Period 
Future Perspectives 
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Bayer Group Consolidated Income Statements 
Bayer Group Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
Bayer Group Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 
Bayer Group Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
Bayer Group Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 

Governance Bodies 
Organization Chart 
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Glossary 
Financial Calendar 

1

10
12
16
20
26  
29

30

32
34
(cid:22)(cid:28)

46
58
62
63
79
86
97
112
123
131
143

148
153
168
178

182
208
209
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230
231
232
233 
234

337

338

343
346 
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362 
366

COVER

Five-Year Summary 
Masthead, Disclaimer

 
 
 
Chairman’s Letter

Investment in the future

2015 marked a decisive year in the history of our company. We suc-
cessfully executed all the necessary steps to transform Bayer into 
an integrated Life Science company. For more than 150 years, the 
core of Bayer’s business model has been to invent new molecules 
and turn them into innovative products. Now we are focusing solely 
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living organisms.

With the enormous and ongoing progress being made in the Life 
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ucts and solutions continues to grow. We are harnessing this poten-
tial to improve the health of humans, animals and plants. As a Life 
Science company, we can now sharpen the focus of our entire orga-
n(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:190)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:102)(cid:29)(cid:60)(cid:84)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:46)(cid:62)(cid:68)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:33)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:3)(cid:29)(cid:64)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:68)(cid:65)(cid:64)(cid:9)(cid:103)(cid:3)

(cid:42)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:64)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)
(cid:75)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:190)(cid:79)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:67)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:64)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:63)-
ing leadership positions in their markets. And our focused busi-
(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:65)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:68)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:3)
across the board – from research to product approval processes 
and from operations to talent development. It is important to  
sustain this momentum and continue reaping the fruits of our 
strategy.

In order to leverage our focus, we have given our organization a 
clear, integrated and more operations-based structure. Since Jan-
uary 2016, the heads of our new divisions – Pharmaceuticals, Con-
sumer Health and Crop Science – have been members of the Board 
of Management of Bayer AG. This enhances operational account-
ability and accelerates decision-making, which are important for 
an innovation company. In this connection, I’m proud of the exten-
sive measures we have taken to broaden Bayer’s diversity in terms 
(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:66)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:67)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:78)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:191)(cid:64)(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:64)(cid:72)(cid:61)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:68)(cid:75)(cid:3)
of the Board of Management. 

Bayer’s transformation into a pure Life Science company has  
(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:64)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:62)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:61)(cid:80)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:73)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:68)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)
(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:66)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:73)-
strates the strength of our company and the commitment of our 
employees.

In 2015, revenues from continuing operations rose to a record  
level of more than €46 billion. On a currency- and portfolio- 
adjusted basis, this is an increase of 2.7 percent. Our clean ebitda 
rose substantially by more than 18 percent to €10.3 billion, and 
core earnings per share advanced by 16 percent to €6.83. Our in-
novative new products especially contributed to this success and 
also played a substantial role in making 2015 another record year 
for Bayer. All three new divisions posted above-market growth.

2

Dialogue at a pharmacy in Germany: Bayer CEO Dr. Marijn Dekkers meets pharmacist Valeska Pritz-Gottschall from Cologne.

Sales of our Pharmaceuticals segment climbed by 9.9 percent on a 
(cid:62)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:84)(cid:238)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:238)(cid:60)(cid:63)(cid:69)(cid:80)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:80)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)
products – Xarelto™, Eylea™, Stivarga™(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:74)(cid:190)(cid:66)(cid:74)™ and Adempas™ – 

3

again contributed to this pleasing performance with combined sales 
of €4.2 billion, compared with €2.9 billion in 2014. 

At Consumer Care (now called Consumer Health), currency-  
and portfolio-adjusted sales growth was 6.1 percent. During the 
past year, we successfully integrated the business acquired from 
Merck & Co., Inc. 

Despite a weaker market environment, CropScience raised sales  
by 1.7 percent on a currency- and portfolio-adjusted basis. Of the 
regions, Europe showed the strongest growth, which was driven by 
the positive development of crop protection products and seeds.

Thanks to the ongoing support of our investors, Bayer continued to 
have the highest market capitalization of all the dax companies in 
2015. And despite a challenging market environment, we success-
(cid:65)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:191)(cid:74)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:46)(cid:62)(cid:68)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:80)(cid:61)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:62)(cid:70)(cid:3)
market in October 2015 – nine months before the end of our origi-
nal roadmap. It is now a legally and economically independent 
(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:30)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:80)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:64)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:80)(cid:62)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:3)
for the future!

In addition to the ipo of Covestro, we undertook further transactions 
in support of our strategy. In June 2015, we signed an agreement to 
sell the Diabetes Care business to Panasonic Healthcare Holdings 
Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. In July 2015, we closed the acquisition of 
SeedWorks India Pvt. Ltd., based in Hyderabad, India. 

Over the years, our portfolio strategy has consistently enhanced our 
(cid:75)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:190)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:68)(cid:65)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:46)(cid:62)(cid:68)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:62)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)
the consumer health businesses of Merck and Dihon in 2014 gave 
our Consumer Health business the necessary critical mass to oper-
ate as a separate division.

4

Being successful as a Life Science company requires a pronounced 
innovation culture that is the breeding ground for new ideas and 
facilitates their translation into successful products. It often all 
starts in the laboratory which is why, between 2011 and 2015, we 
increased our annual research and development spending by €1.4 
billion to €4.3 billion. This is a substantial investment in our future. 
At the same time, we have become better and faster at bringing 
our innovations to market. 

At the end of 2015, we established our new Bayer Life Science 
Center. This strategic innovation unit has been designed to help 
uncover, encourage and unlock breakthrough cross-species tech-
nologies and know-how for Bayer by enabling collaborations with 
(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:75)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:238)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:238)(cid:62)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:77)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:79)-
nerships is a joint venture with crispr Therapeutics AG, a compa-
ny specialized in utilizing the new crispr-cas9 gene editing tech-
nology. Together we aim to discover, develop and commercialize 
groundbreaking therapeutics to cure blood disorders, blindness 
(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:66)(cid:74)(cid:3)
beyond these three indications in nonhuman applications as well – 
for example, in agriculture.

(cid:46)(cid:80)(cid:62)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:65)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:190)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:238)
ment of processes and partnerships. The freedom to experiment 
and the determination to execute with precision must be well bal-
anced. Today, Bayer is one of the most innovative companies in 
our industry. As a Life Science company, we are in very good shape 
(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:80)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:190)(cid:79)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:9)

With our innovations we address major societal challenges on a 
global scale. Around 9.7 billion people will be living on our planet 

5

by 2050. How can humankind succeed in feeding so many people, 
(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:64)(cid:62)(cid:68)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:66)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:62)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:65)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:79)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:29)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)
better seeds and new products to protect crops, Bayer is helping to 
ensure an adequate food supply for the world’s population.

At the same time, average life expectancy continues to increase. 
How can humankind ensure that a high quality of life is preserved 
(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:63)(cid:81)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:64)(cid:26)(cid:3)(cid:29)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:82)(cid:3)
medications, Bayer is helping people tackle diseases and lead an 
active life longer. 

But it’s not just through our innovations, but also through our activ-
ities, that we are helping people lead a better life. We seek to achieve 
economic growth in harmony with ecological and social responsi-
bility. As evidence of this commitment, we adhere to the fundamen-
tals of sustainable development and the ten principles of the United 
Nations Global Compact.

In this context, it is essential to maintain an open and active dia-
logue with all our stakeholders. We act responsibly, have good ar-
guments and need not shun controversy. Ultimately, no one can 
(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:66)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:190)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:60)-
tories. In the life science industry, it’s all too easy to overlook the 
(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:75)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)
the societal acceptance and appreciation to continue to contribute 
(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:74)(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:190)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:9)

The best ambassadors for our company are our employees. With 
their passion to innovate, they live our mission each and every day. 
On behalf of the entire Board of Management, I would like to thank 
them for their dedication. Their daily efforts are what make Bayer a 
great company and a good investment.

6

  
This is my last Chairman’s Letter to you as ceo of Bayer. I am thank-
ful for your continued trust and support. It has been an extremely 
rewarding experience for me to have the opportunity to lead such a 
fantastic company to new heights. I have enjoyed working with so 
many great colleagues, and while I contributed with my know-how 
to our joint success, I feel I learned just as much in turn.

Bayer is an iconic brand, offering an endless source of innovation. 
With its solid foundation and a deep management bench in place,  
I am convinced that Bayer can continue its journey as one of the 
most innovative companies in our industry.

Sincerely,

Dr Marijn Dekkers
Dr. Marijn Dekkers
Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer AG

7

magazine

li fe  s cie nce

Bayer:
Science
For A
Better Life

Our
Products

Our broad product portfolio includes many 
world-famous brands which have shaped the 
iconic Bayer brand. Some of them have been 
helping our customers for decades, others only
recently came out of our labs. Their active 
(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78) (cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:64) (cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:63) (cid:79)(cid:74) (cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:191)(cid:80)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:64) (cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64) (cid:61)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:238)
chemical processes in living organisms. As 
different as people, animals and plants might 
seem, common rules govern the molecular 
mechanisms in all life forms. The active ingre-
dients promote or enable positive processes 
or they prevent or suppress negative processes. 
That’s what Life Science is all about. And 
with our innovative products, we help to make 
life better.

*
S
D
N
A
R
B

E
C
N
E
I
C
S

E
F
I
L

R
E
T
T
E
B

Reducing  
pest infestation

Controlling  
nematodes

Protecting against  
fungal infestation

* Not all products are marketed by Bayer in all countries.

Seed with improved  
properties

 
 
Science For               A Better Life

Protecting companion  
animals from infections  
and parasites

Protecting  
against weeds

Protecting and  
treating farm animals

P

R

E

V

E

N

T

O

R

S

U

P

P

R

ESS NEGATI V E   P R O C E S

  P

S  

E

S

R O M O T E   O R   E NABLE POSITIV

E 

P

R

O

C

E

S

S

E

S

Myocardial infarction, stroke,  
pulmonary hypertension

Contraception and  
menopausal disorders

Various  
types of cancer

 
 
 
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Hemophilia A

Multiple sclerosis

Vitamins and  
dietary supplements

Pain,  
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:288)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)

Eye ailments

Sun protection  
and wound care

12

Magazine // Life Science

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Life Science  // Magazine

13

For the
heart

A heart attack is invariably a severe 
 setback in life. Leading a healthy lifestyle 
and regularly taking the right medication 
can reduce the risk of a second heart 
 attack or secondary complication. 

Cardiologist Dr. Anne-Katrin Schätzle examines 

her patient Axel Vogel at the Cardiology Center 

of Cologne University Hospital.  

Cologne //  germany. “Nothing is ever the same again,” says Axel Vogel. 
Six years ago, a myocardial infarction threw life off course for the now 
57-year-old from Kerpen, Germany. Remigius Müller (52) from Rottweil, 
near Stuttgart, survived the same life-changing experience. A blood clot  
in a coronary vessel turned his life upside down in a matter of seconds: 
Müller suffered a heart attack at age 45. Until then, the plant manager had 
always thought: “How could anything stop me?” This attitude helped him 
cope with a busy life for years. Both men have changed their habits since 
their heart attacks. As they now know: “It‘s an experience you never want 
to go through again.”

  
  
14

Magazine // Life Science

Bayer Annual Report 2015

But both men are also aware that they might have to. 
“When people have already survived one heart attack, the 
risk of having another increases for the rest of their lives, 
meaning that long-term medical care is imperative,” ex-
plains Dr. Wolfgang Steffen, a cardiologist in Rottweil 
and Müller’s attending physician. Alongside the manage-
ment of cardiovascular risk factors in line with standard 
care practice and any necessary lifestyle changes, an es-
pecially important part of treatment is that patients regu-
larly take their prescribed medication, including drugs 
that counteract blood-clotting and therefore help prevent 
another heart attack. “It’s also very important for patients 
to be aware of the many things they can do to help their 
heart recover,” Steffen emphasizes. “In concrete terms, 
that means no smoking, a different diet, regular exercise, 
minimized alcohol intake, stress reduction and, if neces-
sary, treatment for depression.” His patient, Remigius 
Müller, has taken this advice to heart. He wouldn’t even 
think of skipping his medications. Apart from acetylsali-
cylic acid, which inhibits platelet aggregation, he also 
takes blood pressure- and cholesterol-lowering medica-
tion. “I’m certain that the drugs are the reason I feel well 
again today,” he says. 

Axel Vogel is likewise thankful for the opportunities 
 afforded by modern medicine. “They enable me to reach 
the best level of performance I am still capable of.” 
 Vogel’s heart sustained permanent damage from his 

17.3 million

people worldwide die every year of a  
(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:287)(cid:74)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3) 
forecast to increase to over 23 million  
by 2030.

(Source: American Heart Association: 2015 Heart Disease and 

 Stroke Statistics Update)

heart attack. He suffers from arrhythmia and had a 
pacemaker implanted three years ago. In addition, 
his heart function has deteriorated over the years 
and along with it his performance capabilities.  
Just climbing a few stairs wears him out. Because 
of his extreme heart failure, Vogel has been in 
treatment for some time under Professor  Volker 
Rudolph, Chief Senior Physician of the Cardiology 
Center at Cologne University Hospital. 

Heart failure is one of the potential complications 
following a heart attack. “Twenty to 30 percent of 
patients who have had a heart attack subsequently 
develop heart failure,” reports Rudolph. It is a  
very serious condition, especially in its advanced 
 stages. The heart is unable to pump blood through 
the body, causing the energy levels of sufferers to 
drop dramatically. “The survival time for severe 
(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:60)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:64)(cid:3)
types of cancer,” Rudolph points out. “At present, 
the options for using drugs to treat this disease are 
limited. A lot of research needs to be done in the 
(cid:190)(cid:64)(cid:71)(cid:63)(cid:8)(cid:103)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:66)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:60)(cid:84)(cid:78)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:102)(cid:36)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:80)(cid:62)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)
in halting or possibly even healing pathological 
changes in the heart and blood vessels by means 
of regenerative therapy, it would be a major step 
forward.” 

Developing innovative active substances to  
treat heart failure is one of Bayer’s main areas of 
research. Several projects involving different  
treatment methods are currently in the advanced 
phases of clinical development. Furthermore, 
 Bayer scientists in the cardiovascular research unit 
are working on novel active ingredients to treat 
 severe diseases of the cardiovascular system such 
as coronary heart disease, stroke, thrombosis and 
 pulmonary hypertension, as well as certain kidney 
diseases. “Cardiovascular diseases are a strategic 
 priority for Bayer. Our pipeline covers a wide 
range of heart, circulatory and vascular diseases, 
for which patients and physicians are desperately 
waiting for further improved treatments,” says 
 Professor  Andreas Busch, head of Drug Discovery 
in the Pharmaceuticals Division.

  
Bayer Annual Report 2015

Life Science  // Magazine

15

A heart attack has severe 

 repercussions. Patient 

 Remigius Müller (right) has 

largely taken the advice of  

his cardiologist Dr. Wolfgang 

 Steffen (below) to heart and is 

feeling well again. 

 Patient Axel Vogel, by contrast, 

suffers from severe heart  

failure. He is  receiving treat-

ment from  Professor Volker  

Rudolph, Chief Senior Physi-

cian of the  Cardiology Center 

at Cologne University Hospital  

(below right).

Bayer also offers physicians and patients digital solu-
tions to support drug-based treatments. For example, 
(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:66)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:61)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:3)
 receive a daily text message reminding them to take 
their pills. “In the future, apps like this will offer even 
more possibilities,” says Johannes Schubmehl, Chief 
(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:73)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:65)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:67)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:78)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:64)(cid:83)(cid:60)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:3) 
is sending patient data to the attending physician.  

A study of this is currently being conducted in 
Canada on patients with pulmonary hypertension. 
Cardiologist Volker  Rudolph believes in the future 
of  digital apps in medicine. “Patients won’t need 
(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:70)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:74)(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:101)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)
we physicians will have faster access than ever 
 before to critical results.”

  
16

Magazine // Life Science

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Life Science  // Magazine

17

 Fit in
old age

Every second, two people celebrate 
their 60th birthday. Through their 
 research and the resulting products, 
Bayer’s experts are helping the growing 
group of senior citizens live a life that  
is as active as possible. And younger 
generations can take steps to help 
 prevent diseases as well, so that they 
can remain healthy well into their 
 senior years.

Delray Beach, Florida  //  United States. It’s seven o’clock in the 
(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:35)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:77)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:30)(cid:74)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:80)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:77)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:60)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:9)(cid:3)
He climbs energetically out of the swimming pool. His hand-
shake is as powerful as a weightlifter’s. Henry is 85 and lives in  
a neighborhood that is specially designed for elderly people.  
Active senior citizens like him are increasingly common. Accord-
(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:71)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:64)(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:75)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:8)(cid:3)
901 million people worldwide were aged above 60 in 2015, and 
by 2050 this number will have doubled to more than 2 billion – 
(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:101)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:64)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:78)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:79)(cid:9)(cid:3)

  
  
18

Magazine // Life Science

Bayer Annual Report 2015

901 million

people worldwide were aged above 60 in 2015. 
By 2050(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:287)(cid:74)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:69)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3) 
approximately 2(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:331)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:287)(cid:73)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)
person on the planet.

Source: un report, World Population Prospects, 2015

Whether yoga, a healthy diet, exercise or just  

a  relaxing break with a four-legged friend:  

There are plenty of options available to those  
(cid:90)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:287)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:3)u.s.  
retirees Nora Gerson and Henry Cohen (above).

  
Bayer Annual Report 2015

Life Science  // Magazine

19

Henry is an example which shows that being old doesn’t 
automatically mean being sick. “But the rising life expec-
tancy also means a higher risk for numerous disorders, 
many of which are chronic conditions,” says Dieter 
 Weinand, member of Bayer’s Board of Management and 
head of the Pharmaceuticals Division. Typical age-related 
disorders include cardiovascular diseases such as stroke 
and heart attacks, eye disorders and cancer. “We are 
(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:60)(cid:84)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:67)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:64)(cid:62)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:60)(cid:75)(cid:64)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:62)(cid:3)
approaches to be able to provide even better help to 
 patients in the future,” explains Weinand. Accordingly, 
Bayer’s scientists are concentrating on new therapeutic 
options for conditions such as heart failure, wet age- 
related macular degeneration, and prostate and lung can-
cer. The results of this research could make it possible  
for elderly people to live an active life for longer.

In Delray Beach, there are regular information evenings 
on health issues. Dietary advisors and speakers from a 
number of different disciplines explain how senior citi-
(cid:85)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:60)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:74)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:61)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3) 
prescription medicines can help them achieve that aim. 
These events are organized by Nora Gerson. “Many of my 
acquaintances and neighbors here suffer from classic risk 
factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol levels, 
which can be minimized through diet, exercise and an 
overall healthy lifestyle,” says the 79-year-old. 

Nora leads a yoga group for participants aged between 
60 and 93. Henry is one of her students, too. Nora stands 
(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:66)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:63)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)
themselves in front of her chest. Her body is calm and 
 relaxed, her gaze focused on the middle distance. The re-
tiree has suffered from osteoporosis and minor arthritis 
for more than 30 years, but you wouldn’t know it from 
looking at her. Sometimes the pain is overwhelming. “But 
I decided for myself that I won’t let it negatively affect my 
daily life,” says Nora. That’s why she does a lot of exer-
cise and, like many of her friends, takes mild analgesics 
(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:68)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:60)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:238)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:64)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:238)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:191)(cid:60)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:64)(cid:65)(cid:65)(cid:64)(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:9)(cid:3)

The senior citizens in Delray Beach are by no means ex-
ceptions. Many patients today are well aware of the ben-
(cid:64)(cid:190)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:65)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:84)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:64)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)-
formed about their health and the therapeutic options 
available, thanks in great part to the internet and digital 
media. “Patients are increasingly selecting medicinal 
products to treat minor ailments themselves,” says Erica 
Mann, member of the Board of Management of Bayer, 
head of the Consumer Health Division and Chair of the 
World Self-Medication Industry (wsmi). “Individuals can 
take steps to stay healthy and productive by easily 
(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:63)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:191)(cid:80)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:63)(cid:60)(cid:62)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:3)

problems.” Prevention is also becoming increas-
(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:75)(cid:78)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:60)(cid:84)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:73)(cid:9)(cid:3)
Sunscreen, for example, can help to prevent skin 
cancer, particularly in sunny regions such as 
 Florida. And probiotics support healthy intestinal 
(cid:191)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:60)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:67)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:64)(cid:79)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:80)(cid:75)(cid:75)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:72)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:63)(cid:64)-
quate supply of calcium and vitamins D and B12, 
for example.

Bayer is the world’s second largest provider of 
nonprescription medicinal products and dietary 
supplements, and the number one in the world‘s 
largest otc (over-the-counter) market, the United 
States. Whether to treat pain, gastrointestinal com-
plaints, hair loss or dry eyes, these products are 
designed to help people live a self-determined and 
satisfying life for as long as possible. 

“Nowadays, everybody can 

take steps to stay healthy and

productive by easily treating

colds or flu, headaches and

other  minor health problems.”

Erica Mann, head of the Consumer Health Division

(cid:30)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:3) 
role in our families, but above all have a special 
place in the lives of millions of older people, as a 
study by the International Federation on Ageing 
(ifa) in  Toronto, Canada, shows. “Decreases in 
 debilitating conditions such as depression, anxiety 
and high blood pressure are all associated with  
the  quiet companionship of humans and pet dogs,” 
says Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the ifa. 
Owners had increased self-esteem, greater life 
 satisfaction and more positive moods, thanks to the 
increased levels of relaxation-promoting messen-
ger substances in the body. Companion animals 
are a high-impact and low-cost solution to remain-
ing more active and less vulnerable to loneliness.

(cid:35)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:77)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:190)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:102)(cid:36)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:60)(cid:84)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:66)(cid:64)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:67)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3) 
to people when I’m out for a walk with our dog 
 Stella.” At the moment, they’re both sitting on the 
couch, but Henry will soon be on his way out 
again; the next training session in the pool is due 
to start. But that’s one activity where Stella can’t 
join in!

  
 
20

Magazine // Life Science

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Bayer Annual Report 2015

Life Science  // Magazine

21

Rice growing in northern Vietnam:  

farmers Do Thi Tuyen (at the front of the boat)  

and Doan Thi Gai on the Halong Bay in  

Ninh Binh province, Vietnam.

Defying  
the   
weather 

Bayer is searching for new solutions to the massive  
challenges facing agriculture in the 21st century:  
(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:288)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:3) 
population’s rising demand for food.

Ninh Binh //  vietnam. “Farmers like us have only one 
boss, and that’s nature. Our work is dictated by the 
sun, the rain, the wind, the change of seasons. But in 
the past few years, nature has become a temperamen-
tal boss. Quite simply, we can no longer depend on the 
seasons. It has all become mixed up,” says Do Thi 

 Tuyen, a rice farmer in the northern Vietnamese 
province of Ninh Binh. First of all, an extreme 
drought last year delayed germination of the rice 
(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:78)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:191)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:65)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:81)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:60)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:65)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)
to destroy the delicate rice plants.

  
  
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Magazine // Life Science

Bayer Annual Report 2015

+ 30%

By 2030, rice yields will have to rise by  
30 percent – from the same area of arable 
land – to guarantee food security.

Despite this, Do Thi Tuyen was optimistic about her most 
recent harvest. “My advisor Quyet Nguyen Van from 
 Bayer showed me how I can employ innovative technolo-
gies and growing techniques to defy nature.” This year, 
the farmer planted Bayer’s Arize™ hybrid rice which 
 offers increased resilience against extreme weather con-
ditions. And, as in previous years, she has protected her 
rice plants against stress factors such as pests and 
 diseases, taking proactive steps to boost the health of her 
crop. The result: “We were able to improve the quality  
of our rice and even increase yields.” Too much water,  
too little  water, or both are a major challenge for the rice 
farmers of North Vietnam. Do Thi Tuyen is happy that for 
many years now, she has not lost her entire harvest.

Mekong Delta //  vietnam. In the south of Vietnam, in the 
Mekong Delta, the situation is more serious for many 
farmers. When the rainy season starts late and brings 
less rain than usual so that the Mekong River carries less 
(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:3)(cid:191)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:63)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)
salinizes the soil. This can have devastating conse-
quences. “Many rice growers in our region had to stop 
(cid:65)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:68)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:64)(cid:71)(cid:63)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:64)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:80)(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:68)-
nated water destroyed the rice shortly after it was plant-
ed,” says Phan Van Giang, who has farmed a four- 
hectare rice farm in the Mekong Delta for 20 years. He 
has grown Bayer’s Arize™ b-te1 variety ever since he 
heard about this new variety a few years ago at a semi-
(cid:73)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:35)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:77)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:66)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:9)(cid:3)
“Compared with traditional rice, the hybrid rice Arize™ 
(cid:67)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:66)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:191)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:63)-
ing, it is less susceptible to disease, and it produces 
(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:62)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:68)(cid:64)(cid:71)(cid:63)(cid:78)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:64)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:65)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:9)(cid:103)(cid:3)

Rice is an important staple food for more than 
3.5(cid:373)(cid:61)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:64)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:62)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:60)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:3)
producers are approximately 200 million small 
farmers like Do Thi Tuyen and Phan Van Giang. 
They are exposed to extreme weather situations 
and need innovative technologies and state-of-the-
art agricultural knowledge. Help is available 
through Bayer’s “Much More Rice” program. “This 
program is a comprehensive package of solutions 
that helps small farmers in many countries in Asia 
to optimally employ innovative technologies such 
as Bayer’s Arize™ seeds and crop protection solu-
tions,” explains Mahesh Girdhar, Bayer Global 
Crop Manager Rice. “Our experts also show farm-
ers how they can increase the quality and quantity 
(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:68)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:64)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:65)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)
conditions.” For example, the seed treatment 
 Gaucho™ shields rice plants against stress during 
the initial, particularly vulnerable stage. The treat-
ment strengthens the rice plant’s root and shoot 
growth and helps it to withstand drought and heat 
phases. The fungicide Nativo™ promotes photo-
synthesis and positively impacts the plant’s pro-
ductivity under heat stress.

“Our experts show farmers 

how they can increase the 

quality and quantity of their

rice harvests even under 

difficult conditions.”

Mahesh Girdhar, Bayer Global Crop Manager Rice

As extreme weather is likely to continue to be a 
major problem in the future, Bayer has developed 
seed that is able to survive being immersed for  
14 days. The market introduction is scheduled for 
2016. In 2017, Bayer plans to launch a new Arize™ 
seed variety which will survive twice the level  
of  salinity compared to previous varieties. For rice 
growers like Do Thi Tuyen and Phan Van Giang, 
that is good news.

  
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015

Life Science  // Magazine

23

Rice farmer Do Thi Tuyen (top) feeds  

her ducks in northern Vietnam. She is  

glad that she hasn’t lost her entire harvest 

in years. Phan Van Giang farms in the 

 southern Mekong Delta (left), where soil 

salinization is a problem. He uses a hybrid 

rice variety from Bayer, which produces 

(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:287)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:17)

200million

Rice is an important staple food particularly 
in Asia. The main producers are approximately  
200 million small farmers like Do Thi Tuyen 
and Phan Van Giang.

  
24

Magazine // Life Science

Bayer Annual Report 2015

On his farm in Monument, Kansas, 

United States, Craig Reed is 

 battling the consequences of 

 persistent drought in particular. 

He’s hoping for new wheat 

 varieties and a broader spectrum 

of innovative herbicides.

Approximately

15%

of the world’s  arable land is planted with 
wheat. Wheat is a crucial factor for the food 
security of more than 2 billion people. 

  
Bayer Annual Report 2015

Life Science  // Magazine

25

+ 60%

The demand for wheat will increase by 
 approximately 60 percent by 2050.

Kansas // United States. (cid:42)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:63)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:60)(cid:62)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:8)(cid:3)
some 14,000 kilometers to the east of Vietnam in the u.s. 
state of Kansas, wheat farmer Craig Reed is just as embat-
tled by the vagaries of the weather as his colleagues in 
Asia. “Drought is the main reason for harvest failures in 
wheat,” he says. “We need about 50 centimeters of precip-
itation per year. But in some years, we only get 25 centi-
meters. That means that we farmers risk everything for the 
harvest on an annual basis. But no matter how often Moth-
er Nature tries to trip us up, we always get up again and 
start afresh the following year. “

As a result of the dry conditions, Reed and many of his 
colleagues have decided against tilling in order to retain 
as much moisture in the soil as possible. But that has one 
major disadvantage, as Reed explains. “The weeds spread 
faster every year.” Reed is particularly worried about in-
creasing herbicide resistance, particularly in the weed 
species “kochia” (burningbush). This weed competes with 
wheat plants for light, nutrients and moisture, and can 
have a dramatic impact on harvests. “What we urgently 
need is a greater spectrum of new herbicides for the fu-
ture to prevent resistances from developing so that exist-
ing herbicides will remain effective,” says Reed.

While climate and resistance problems have been 
 impacting the yields of wheat growers all over the world 
since the 1990s, what is really urgently needed is bigger 
harvests. “The demand for staple foods will rise by  
60 percent by 2050,” says Steve Patterson, Bayer Global 
Crop Manager Cereals. “For wheat, the major driver is the 
growing world population, followed by the shifting diets  
of the new middle classes in emerging countries.” 

Production, however, is unable to keep up. In 
 addition, a recent study revealed that the wheat 
harvest could decline by six percent with every 
degree of climate warming. “To close this gap  
and safeguard the wheat supply, we need a 
techno logical breakthrough in wheat research,” 
says  Patterson. Miracles should not be expected 
though. “We’re never going to be able to grow 
wheat in the Sahara and we can’t bring withered 
plants back to life. But we can help to compensate 
for drought-related harvest losses. We can help 
the plants to perform better in key phases of 
drought and heat stress.”

“We need a technological

breakthrough in wheat

research.”

Steve Patterson, Bayer Global Crop Manager Cereals

Scientists are looking for chemical innovations to 
serve as a protective shield to plants in emergency 
situations. Meanwhile, researchers are also work-
ing on developing wheat varieties with greater vi-
tality and enhanced heat tolerance. To adapt wheat 
varieties to the respective climate conditions, 
 Bayer’s breeding work is carried out all over the 
world with locally adapted varieties being bred for 
greater environmental tolerance and robustness at 
breeding stations in Canada, Belgium, Germany, 
France, Ukraine, Australia and the United States. 
The breakthrough is expected to arrive after 2023.

For wheat farmer Reed, this is a perspective that 
offers him hope. “To achieve this quantum leap in 
global nutrition, we need companies and organiza-
tions that can see the big picture, or we will never 
solve the problem.”

  
 
26

Magazine // Life Science

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Bayer Annual Report 2015

Life Science  // Magazine

27

Living
with
dengue

One billion people around the globe – or one in seven –  
suffer from a tropical disease, according to the World 
Health Organization (who). Bayer is supporting the inter-
national community in the battle against these diseases  
as part of its corporate citizenship activities.    

Ubatuba //  brazil. “All of my co-workers have had dengue 
fever, and I’ve had it twice already myself,” says Rodolfo 
Siqueira Rodrigues, a resident of Ubatuba, a city on the 
Atlantic coast of Brazil. Now the 23-year-old is afraid of 
developing hemorrhagic fever should he ever become in-
fected again. “All of us are afraid of the fever, because 
then it really gets serious. If things go wrong, you could 
die of internal bleeding.” He did not go to his physician, 

Dr. Juan Matías Jaco, because Rodolfo learned it 
was pointless as no treatment exists for this dis-
ease anyway. “We can do nothing but treat the 
(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:191)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:63)(cid:78)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:64)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:238)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:80)(cid:62)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)
drugs and painkillers,” says Dr. Jaco. Some 1,200 
people in Ubatuba, a city with a population of 
80,000, contracted dengue fever in 2014. Over 
3,000(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:75)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:77)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:78)(cid:3)

Rodolfo Siqueira Rodrigues from Ubatuba, 

Brazil, loves water sports. The warehouse 

technician has already had dengue fever 

twice. His doctor, Dr. Juan Matías Jaco (top), 

can only treat the symptoms.

  
  
28

Magazine // Life Science

Bayer Annual Report 2015

100 million

dengue fever infections are reported 
worldwide every year in the tropical and 
subtropical regions of the Americas,  
Africa and Asia.

says Frederic Baur, head of Vector Control at Bayer. “The 
carrier of the disease, the tiger or Aedes mosquito, lives 
and breeds in the innumerable water reservoirs, both 
large and small, found in cities. Rising urbanization and 
possibly climate change are creating increasingly favor-
able habitat conditions for the mosquito.” Dengue fever is 
currently endemic in more than 100 countries and is con-
tinuing to spread. The disease can be curbed effectively by 
combating its vector.

of 2015 alone, and in the state of São Paulo as a 
whole, the total is up to 900,000. “Physicians in all 
specialties have dengue top of mind when making 
any diagnosis,” Jaco says. 

One hundred million dengue infections are 
 reported every year in the tropical and subtropical 
regions of the Americas, Africa and Asia. Like 
 Rodolfo, however, many sufferers treat themselves 
and therefore do not show up in the statistics. 
 According to who, the actual number of cases is 
closer to 390 million a year. “Half of the global 
population is threatened by this disease. Dengue 
has been named the disease of the future by who,” 

Bayer can help protect those at risk with larvicides to con-
trol mosquito larvae in water reservoirs and insecticide 
sprays to impregnate surfaces in residential buildings and 
on roadways. Bayer active ingredients for mosquito sprays 
also provide personal protection against bites. To prevent 
or break resistances to existing active ingredients, Bayer 
is also involved in several global research projects on new 
mechanisms of action. The company has considerably 
 increased its overall investment in research into dengue 
fever in recent years. A new spray for treating building 
 facades and municipal parks is now in the advanced 
 stages of development. It is expected to be available by 
2018 and promises an extended duration of action thanks 
to its resistance to rain and uv radiation. 

Children swimming in a jungle river close to  

Ubatuba in Brazil’s São Paulo state: Dengue fever  

is a major problem in the region.

  
Bayer Annual Report 2015

Life Science  // Magazine

29

While dengue fever can affect all population 
groups and receives widespread attention, other 
tropical diseases plague the poorest of the poor 
in our world. These diseases are referred to as 
“neglected tropical diseases.” In 2012, institu-
tions such as who, the World Bank, international 
government authorities and companies such as 
Bayer joined forces under the London Declara-
tion on Neglected Tropical Diseases to stem or,  
if possible, eliminate ten of these diseases by 
2020, including Chagas disease, which is wide-
spread in Latin America, and African sleeping 
sickness. Bayer has been supplying who with 
free drugs to treat these diseases for over ten 
years, and their active ingredients are on the 
who List of Essential Medicines. “We have guar-
anteed who continuous availability of the active 
ingredients and a free supply of the drugs for as 
long as African sleeping sickness and Chagas 
disease exist,” explains  Kemal Malik, the mem-
ber of the Bayer Board of Management responsi-
ble for Innovation. 

“We can provide drugs to treat

patients and offer solutions to 

control the vectors.”

Kemal Malik, member of the Bayer Board of Management  

responsible for Innovation

One particularly insidious tropical disease, known 
as river blindness, is caused by nematodes that 
produce millions of young inside the human 
body. The medicines available at present are only 
capable of controlling the parasites in the early 
stage of their development. The drug must there-
fore be taken for more than 15 years, the length 
of time that adult nematodes – which can grow up 
to 70 centimeters long – live in the human body. 
(cid:47)(cid:74)(cid:66)(cid:64)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:75)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:190)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:31)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:66)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:64)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)
Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Bayer is currently de-
veloping a new drug that will be able to eliminate 
adult worms as well. 

“Our corporate citizenship activities include sup-
(cid:75)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:66)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:60)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:66)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:78)-
eases. As a Life Science company we are uniquely 
positioned to do so, by both providing medicines 
to treat patients, as well as offering innovative 
solutions to control vectors,” says Malik. 

Covestro  
on the stock 
market

ceo Patrick Thomas (left) and  
cfo Frank H. Lutz rang in a new era for  
Covestro as a listed company.

In a rapid ascent, Covestro AG(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:63)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:190)(cid:66)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)
the 80 most important listed companies in Germany 
around two months after its ipo. In December 2015,  
the materials manufacturer – formerly Bayer Material-
Science – was included in the mdax stock index.

The mdax includes the 50 companies that rank imme-
diately below the 30 dax titles. “We are delighted to be 
included in the mdax and proud that this step has oc-
curred so quickly,” said Covestro cfo Frank H. Lutz. “It 
(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:191)(cid:64)(cid:62)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:62)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)
(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:84)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:191)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)
on October 6, 2015. Membership in the mdax will fur-
ther enhance the perception of Covestro on the global 
(cid:190)(cid:73)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:62)(cid:68)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:64)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:9)(cid:103)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:30)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:73)-
ger listed only on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, but on 
every other German stock exchange as well.

(cid:47)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:62)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:64)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:191)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:60)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:72)(cid:75)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:75)(cid:3)
for Covestro in a new era of independence. The gross 
issue proceeds of €1.5 billion were mainly used to pay 
down debt to the Bayer Group, not least with the aim of 
achieving a good investment-grade rating.

  
 
30

About this Report

Bayer Annual Report 2015

About this Report

gri
G4-23

This integrated Annual Report combines our financial and 
our sustainability reporting. Our aim is to elucidate the 
 interactions between financial, ecological and societal 
factors and underline their influence on our company’s 
long-term development, thus providing our stakeholders 
with comprehensive and transparent information. 

We are reporting on fiscal 2015 and thus refer to the 
 organizational structure that was in place until December 
31, 2015. Exceptions are those chapters in the Manage-
ment Report which discuss forward-looking issues – strat-
egy, targets and key performance indicators – as well as 
the Report on Future Perspectives and on Opportunities 
and Risks. These are aligned to the organizational struc-
ture as of January 1, 2016, which is described in Chapter 
1.2 “Corporate Structure.”

The consolidated financial statements of the Bayer Group 
as of December 31, 2015, comply with the International Fi-
nancial Reporting Standards (ifrs) valid at the closing date 
and with the provisions of the German Commercial Code in 
conjunction with German financial reporting stand ards. 
The combined management report complies with these re-
quirements and provides an overview of the financial posi-
tion and results of operations of the Bayer Group. 

The Compensation Report for the Board of Management 
and the Supervisory Board complies with the recommen-
dations of the German Corporate Governance Code. The 
consolidated financial statements and the combined man-

agement report are published in line with statutory disclo-
sure requirements.

The Bayer Group’s sustainability reporting is aligned to 
the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (gri) and 
the 10 principles of the u.n. Global Compact (ungc). In 
fiscal 2015, we applied the gri G4 Guidelines in compli-
ance with the “comprehensive” option for the first time. 
The detailed gri content index with the corresponding 
ungc principles can be found in the “Further Information” 
section in the augmented version of the Annual Report. 
Online only, we also publish a separate pdf file with a 
summary of the u.n. Global Compact Progress Report 
based on the criteria of the Blueprint for Corporate Sus-
tainability Leadership. 

Our reporting is also aligned to international guidelines 
and recommendations, including those on the definition 
and selection of nonfinancial indicators and on reporting 
such as those of the oecd and the iso 26000 standards.  
In selecting and measuring our key data we also take into 
account the recommendations of the European Federation 
of Financial Analysts Societies (effas) in the case of  
nonfinancial indicators, and those of the Greenhouse Gas 
 Protocol regarding greenhouse gas emissions. We also 
consider the recommendations of the World Business 
Council for Sustainable Development (wbcsd) and the 
 European Chemical Industry Council (cefic). This year we 
will again submit a declaration of conformity with the 
 German Sustainability Code.

Data collection and reporting thresholds 

gri
g4-17

We collected the data of all relevant organizational units 
and companies worldwide that fell within the scope of 
the Bayer Group’s consolidated financial statements be-
tween January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015.

 occupational injuries, transport accidents and environ-
mental incidents are collected at all sites worldwide. 
 Environmentally relevant indicators are measured at all 
production sites.

We mainly use sap systems to collect financial data 
worldwide. We use the global sap hr information system 
and the associated reporting application – the Sustain-
ability Management Annual Reporting Tool (smart) – to 
collect hr indicators and social data. All hse (health, 
safety and environmental protection) performance indi-
cators for the Group are collated in our Group-wide site 
information system (BaySIS). The hse data cover all fully 
consolidated companies in which Bayer owns at least 
50% of the shares. The performance indicators of these 
companies are fully consolidated, irrespective of the 
 exact proportion of the shares held by Bayer. Data on 

In accordance with ifrs 5 (Non-current Assets Held  
for Sale and Discontinued Operations), financial indica-
tors are given for continuing operations unless otherwise 
explicitly indicated. The same applies to hr indicators 
and our social data. In the case of hse indicators, the 
 value shown is the total for the Bayer Group; no distinc-
tion is made between continuing and discontinued 
 operations.

gri
G4-22

As the indicators in this report are stated in accordance 
with commercial rounding principles, totals and percent-
ages may not always be exact.

  
31

About this Report

(cid:32)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:73)(cid:60)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:64)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:62)(cid:60)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:73)

PricewaterhouseCoopers Aktiengesellschaft 
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft has audited the 
consolidated financial statements statements (in-
cluding the notes thereto) of Bayer AG,  Leverkusen, 
and the combined management report for the fiscal 
year from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015, 
and has issued an unqualified opinion. All the online 

annexes that supplement the management report  
in the augmented online version of the Bayer  
Annual Report 2015 (“Annual Report 2015 – Aug-
mented Version”) for the fiscal year from January 1 
to December 31, 2015, have been reviewed by  
PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Wirtschaftsprüfungs-
gesellschaft on a limited assurance basis.

Additional information  

The integrated Bayer Annual Report 2015 is 
 available in a print version (“Annual Report 2015”) 
and in an augmented online version (“Annual 
 Report 2015 – Augmented Version”). The online 
version contains the notes to the consolidated 
 financial statements of the Bayer Group, along 
with additional information. The print version con-
tains numbered online annexes which refer the 
reader to additional information in the Augmented 
Version. You can enter these numbers in a search 

mask on any page of the online Annual Report to 
directly access the annexes.

Both versions of the Annual Report are available in 
pdf format for download from the Bayer website. 

For further guidance, the Annual Report contains 
references to other chapters, to (Bayer) websites 
and, in the Augmented Version, to gri g4 material-
ity disclosures. 

  Online annexes 

  Cross-references within the Annual Report 

  References to internet sites

The “Annual Report 2015 –  
Augmented Version” can be found 
at www.bayer.com/ar15.

The “Annual Report 2015 – Augmented Version” 
is also available as an app in the Apple App Store. 
Please search for “Bayer Annual Reports.”

32

To our Stockholders

Board of Management

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Board of Management

33

To our Stockholders

Board of Management

On January 1, 2016, the Board of Management of 
 Bayer AG was enlarged to include the heads of the 
Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health and Crop Science 
divisions. Management of the company has thus been 
aligned more strongly with business operations.

KEMAL MALIK

Innovation ·  
Latin America region

DIETER WEINAND

Pharmaceuticals ·  
North America region

WERNER BAUMANN 1

DR. HARTMUT KLUSIK*

Strategy and Portfolio  
Management · Europe / Middle 
East / Africa region

Human Resources ·  
Technology and Sustainability

Kemal Malik studied medicine 
and worked in a London hospi-
tal. After holding different posi-
tions of increasing responsibili-
ty at Bristol-Myers Squibb, he 
joined Bayer in 1995. In 2007 
Malik became a member of the 
Executive Committee, head of 
Global Development and Chief 
(cid:48)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:73)(cid:287)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:75)-
Care. He was appointed to the 
Bayer Board of Management in 
February 2014.

Dieter Weinand studied pharmacology, 
toxicology and biology in New York. 
 After holding positions at various com-
panies in the pharmaceutical industry 
(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:287)(cid:93)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:16)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)
Squibb, he was President Global Com-
mercialization & Portfolio Management 
at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & 
Commercialization Inc. in Princeton.  
In 2014,  Weinand became President of  
the Pharmaceuticals Division at Bayer. 
He was appointed to the Bayer Board  
of Management in January 2016.

Werner Baumann studied economics 
in Aachen and Cologne, joining Bayer 
AG in 1988. After holding positions of 
increasing responsibility in Spain and 
the United States, he became a mem-
ber of the Board of Management of 
Bayer HealthCare. He was appointed 
to the Bayer Board of Management in 
2010(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:287)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:73)(cid:287)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)
and then as Chief Strategy and Port-
(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:73)(cid:287)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)-
(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:73)(cid:287)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)
 Bayer HealthCare in 2015. 

Hartmut Klusik studied chemistry in 
 Marburg. After gaining a Ph.D., he began 
his professional career at Wolff Walsrode 
in 1984. He transferred to crop protection 
production at Bayer in Brazil in 1990. Fol-
lowing assignments in the United States 
and Australia and after holding positions 
of increasing responsibility at Bayer 
CropScience, he was appointed to the 
Board of Management of Bayer Health-
Care with responsibility for Product Sup-
ply. He was appointed to the Bayer Board 
of Management in January 2016.

DR. MARIJN DEKKERS 1

JOHANNES DIETSCH

Chief Executive Officer  
of Bayer 

Chief Financial Officer of  
Bayer · Asia / Pacific region 

ERICA MANN
Consumer Health 

LIAM CONDON

Crop Science 

Marijn Dekkers studied chemis-
try and chemical engineering in 
Nijmegen and Eindhoven. After 
gaining a Ph.D., he began a 
 career in research with General 
Electric in the United States. 
Having held various positions  
in the United States, latterly as 
(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:73)(cid:287)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)
President of Thermo Fisher 
(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:287)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:82)(cid:78)(cid:3)
(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:73)(cid:287)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)
of Bayer in October 2010.

Johannes Dietsch completed his 
training with Bayer as a commercial 
assistant and business administrator 
in 1984. He subsequently held vari-
ous manage rial positions within the 
company, including one in Japan.  
In 2002, Dietsch took over as head  
of the Finance Department in the 
Corporate Center. He became Senior 
Bayer Representative and cfo of 
Bayer in China in 2011. He was 
 appointed to the Bayer Board of 
 Management in September 2014.

Erica Mann holds a degree in ana-
lytical chemistry and a marketing di-
ploma from her studies in Johannes-
burg, South Africa. She began her 
career with Eli Lilly & Company and 
held positions at Johnson & Johnson, 
Lederle Laboratories and Wyeth 
 before moving into senior manage-
(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:287)(cid:93)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:56)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:17)(cid:3)
She became head of Consumer Care 
at Bayer HealthCare in 2011. She 
was appointed to the Bayer Board of 
Management in January 2016.

Liam Condon studied international 
marketing in Dublin and Berlin. He 
held various positions of increasing re-
sponsibility with the former Schering 
AG, Berlin, Germany, and with Bayer 
HealthCare in Europe and Asia, includ-
ing Managing Director of Bayer 
HealthCare China and head of Bayer 
HealthCare in Germany. Condon be-
(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:73)(cid:287)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)
CropScience in 2012. He was appoint-
ed to the Bayer Board of Management 
in January 2016.

*  Labor Director

1  Effective May 1, 2016, Werner Baumann will become the new Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer AG.  
Dr. Marijn Dekkers will leave the company at his own request on April 30, 2016.

34 

To our Stockholders 

Report of the Supervisory Board 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Report of the Supervisory Board 

During 2015, the Supervisory Board monitored the conduct of the company’s business by the Board  
of Management on a regular basis with the aid of detailed written and oral reports received from the 
Board of Management, and also acted in an advisory capacity. In addition, the Chairman of the Super-
visory Board and the Chairman of the Board of Management maintained a constant exchange of in-
formation. In this way the Supervisory Board was kept continuously informed about the company’s 
intended business strategy, corporate planning (including financial, investment and human resources 
planning), earnings performance, the state of the business and the situation in the company and the 
Group as a whole.  

Where Board of Management decisions or actions required the approval of the Supervisory Board, 
whether by law or under the Articles of Incorporation or the rules of procedure, the draft resolutions 
were inspected by the members at the meetings of the full Supervisory Board, sometimes after prepara-
tory work by the committees, or approved on the basis of documents circulated to the members. The 
Supervisory Board was involved in decisions of material importance to the company. We discussed at 
length the business trends described in the reports from the Board of Management and the prospects 
for the development of the Bayer Group as a whole, the individual organizational units and the principal 
affiliated companies in Germany and abroad.  

CHANGES ON THE SUPERVISORY BOARD AND THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT 
The Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Thomas de Win, stepped down effective June 30, 2015. 
He was succeeded as a member of the Supervisory Board by Heinz Georg Webers, who had been elect-
ed as a substitute for de Win. The Supervisory Board elected Oliver Zühlke as its new Vice Chairman. 
Peter Hausmann stepped down from the Supervisory Board effective October 31, 2015. The Local Court 
of Cologne appointed Frank Löllgen as his successor. 

In connection with Bayer's focus on the Life Science business and the reorganization of the Bayer 
Group, the Board of Management was expanded to include the heads of the new divisions. The Super-
visory Board therefore appointed Dieter Weinand (Pharmaceuticals), Erica Mann (Consumer Health) 
and Liam Condon (Crop Science) to the Board of Management effective January 1, 2016. Also with 
effect from January 1, 2016, the Supervisory Board appointed Dr. Hartmut Klusik as new Labor Director 
with responsibility for Human Resources, Technology and Sustainability on the Board of Management  
of Bayer AG. He succeeds Michael König, who had requested that his contract not be extended. 

WORK OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD 
Six meetings of the full Supervisory Board took place during 2015. No member of the Supervisory 
Board attended only half or fewer than half of its meetings or those of the committees on which he / she 
served. The average attendance rate by Supervisory Board members at the meetings of the full Super-
visory Board and of its committees held in 2015 was approximately 97 percent.  

The members of the Board of Management regularly attended the meetings of the Supervisory Board.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

To our Stockholders

Report of the Supervisory Board

35 

Werner Wenning, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bayer AG 

The deliberations of the Supervisory Board focused on questions relating to Bayer’s strategy, portfolio 
and business activities, as well as personnel decisions. The discussions at the respective meetings in 
2015 centered on various topics. At the February meeting, the Supervisory Board discussed the 2014 
Annual Report and the agenda for the 2015 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. It also dealt with the Bayer 
Group’s risk management system, matters relating to the Board of Management's compensation and the 
results of the efficiency audit of the Supervisory Board.  

At the May meeting, the Supervisory Board dealt with the planned sale of the Diabetes Care business 
and discussed the business performance to date in 2015 and the imminent Annual Stockholders’ Meet-
ing. At an extraordinary meeting in August, the Supervisory Board discussed in detail the stock market 
flotation of Bayer’s MaterialScience unit under the name Covestro.  

At the September meeting, the Supervisory Board discussed Bayer’s strategy and the future organiza-
tion of the Bayer Group effective January 1, 2016. With effect from January 1, 2016, the Supervisory 
Board appointed four new members to the Board of Management – Erica Mann, Dieter Weinand, Liam 
Condon and Hartmut Klusik – and approved the departure of Michael König from the Board of Man-
agement. In connection with the new appointments, the Supervisory Board also discussed in detail 
matters related to the Board of Management’s compensation. In addition, the Supervisory Board once 
again discussed the planned stock market flotation of Covestro against the background of the market 
environment at that time. Finally, the Supervisory Board resolved upon changes to the rules of proce-
dure of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board and established an additional Supervisory 
Board committee, the Innovation Committee. 

At an extraordinary meeting in October, the Supervisory Board again discussed the stock market flota-
tion of Covestro and resolved upon the volume of the flotation and the issue price range. At its meeting 
in December 2015, the Supervisory Board undertook the routine review of the pension amounts of the 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36 

To our Stockholders 

Report of the Supervisory Board 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

former members of the Board of Management. Also at this meeting, the Board of Management present-
ed its planning for the business operations in the years 2016 through 2018 and provided information  
on the current rating situation. The Supervisory Board also approved the proposed financing framework 
for 2016. In addition, the Supervisory Board once again dealt with the company’s strategy, including 
developments in the crop science industry, and with the collaboration between Bayer and crispr Thera-
peutics. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board resolved to designate Deloitte & Touche GmbH 
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft as its first choice with regard to the bidding process for the audit of the 
financial statements for the years 2017 through 2021. In addition, the Supervisory Board resolved to 
issue an unqualified declaration of compliance with the German Corporate Governance Code. Following 
the meeting, an information and discussion forum took place on the topic of Life Sciences.  

COMMITTEES OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD 
The Supervisory Board has a Presidial Committee, an Audit Committee, a Human Resources Committee, 
a Nominations Committee and an Innovation Committee. The current membership of the committees is 
shown in the “Further Information” section under “Governance Bodies.”  

The meetings and decisions of the committees, and especially the meetings of the Audit Committee, 
were prepared on the basis of reports and other information provided by the Board of Management. 
Reports on the committee meetings were presented at the meetings of the full Supervisory Board.  

Presidial Committee: This comprises the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board along 
with a further stockholder representative and a further employee representative. The Presidial Commit-
tee serves primarily as the mediation committee pursuant to the German Codetermination Act. It has the 
task of submitting proposals to the Supervisory Board on the appointment of members of the Board of 
Management if the necessary two-thirds majority is not achieved in the first vote at a plenary meeting. 
Certain decision-making powers in connection with capital measures, including the power to amend the 
Articles of Incorporation accordingly, have also been delegated to this committee. The Presidial Com-
mittee may also undertake preparatory work for full meetings of the Supervisory Board.  

In 2015, the Presidial Committee was not required to convene in its capacity as the mediation commit-
tee. Based on the corresponding authorization by the Supervisory Board, it resolved in writing in 2015 
on the issue and redemption of hybrid bonds. At a meeting in September, the Presidial Committee dis-
cussed in detail the planned stock market flotation of Covestro and submitted a proposal to the Super-
visory Board concerning the volume of the flotation and the issue price range.  

Audit Committee: The Audit Committee comprises three stockholder representatives and three em-
ployee representatives. The Chairman of the Audit Committee in 2015, Dr. Klaus Sturany, satisfies the 
statutory requirements concerning the independence and the expertise in the field of accounting or 
auditing that a member of the Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee is required to possess. The 
Audit Committee meets regularly four times a year.  

Its tasks include in particular oversight of the financial reporting process, the effectiveness and ongoing 
development of the internal control system, the risk management system, the internal audit system, the 
compliance system and the audit of the financial statements. The Audit Committee prepares the resolu-
tions of the Supervisory Board concerning the financial statements and management report of Bayer AG 
and the proposal for the use of the distributable profit, the consolidated financial statements and man-
agement report of the Bayer Group and the agreements with the auditor (particularly the awarding of 
the audit contract, the determination of the main areas of focus for the audit and the audit fee agree-
ment). The committee submits a proposal to the full Supervisory Board concerning the auditor’s ap-
pointment, and takes appropriate measures to determine and monitor the auditor's independence. The 
audit focuses particularly on whether the financial statements have been prepared in compliance with 
the statutory requirements and whether the financial reporting provides a true and fair view of the 
financial position and results of operations of the company and the Group. 

The Audit Committee discusses developments in the area of corporate compliance at each of its meet-
ings where necessary.  

 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

To our Stockholders

Report of the Supervisory Board

37 

The Chairman of the Board of Management and the Chief Financial Officer regularly attended the meet-
ings of the Audit Committee. Representatives of the auditor were also present at all the meetings and 
reported in detail on the audit work and the audit reviews of the interim financial reports.  

The meetings focused on a number of topics. At the February meeting, the Audit Committee discussed 
the financial statements and the Group’s tax strategy and tax risks. It also carefully considered the risk 
report, which covered the risk management system, planning and market risks, legal risks, corporate 
compliance, the report on process and organizational risks and the internal control system, and the 
report by the Internal Audit department. At this meeting, the Audit Committee also made a recommen-
dation to the full Supervisory Board concerning the resolution to be submitted to the Annual Stock-
holders’ Meeting on the appointment of the auditor of the financial statements.  

The April meeting mainly dealt with the yearly report of the Group Compliance Officer, the determina-
tion of the main areas of focus for the audit of the 2015 financial statements and the bidding process for 
the audit of the financial statements for 2017 and the fiscal years thereafter. At its July meeting, the 
Audit Committee again addressed the bidding process for the audit of the financial statements. As at 
every meeting, the quarterly financial statements were also discussed, along with legal and compliance 
issues. At its meeting in October, the Audit Committee once more discussed the bidding process for the 
audit of the financial statements in addition to the regular items on the agenda.  

Human Resources Committee: On this committee, too, there is parity of representation between stock-
holders and employees. It consists of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and three other members. 
The Human Resources Committee prepares the personnel decisions of the full Supervisory Board, which 
resolves on appointments or dismissals of members of the Board of Management. The Human Re-
sources Committee resolves on behalf of the Supervisory Board on the service contracts of the members 
of the Board of Management. However, it is the task of the full Supervisory Board to resolve on the total 
compensation of the individual members of the Board of Management and the respective compensation 
components, as well as to regularly review the compensation system on the basis of recommendations 
submitted by the Human Resources Committee. The Human Resources Committee also discusses the 
long-term succession planning for the Board of Management.  

The Human Resources Committee convened on two occasions in 2015. The matters discussed at these 
meetings concerned the compensation and contracts of the members of the Board of Management and 
the preparation of the appointment of the new members of the Board of Management.  

Nominations Committee: This committee carries out preparatory work when an election of stock-
holder representatives to the Supervisory Board is to be held. It suggests suitable candidates for the 
Supervisory Board to propose to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting for election. The Nominations 
Committee comprises the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and the other stockholder representative 
on the Presidial Committee.  

On several occasions outside of the meetings in 2015, the members of the Nominations Committee 
discussed candidates for the elections to the Supervisory Board that are due to take place in 2016, along 
with the medium-term planning for the composition of the stockholder side of the Supervisory Board.  

Innovation Committee: The Innovation Committee was established in September 2015. It is primarily 
concerned with the innovation strategy and innovation management, the strategy for the protection of 
intellectual property, and major research and development programs at Bayer. It is also responsible for 
advising and overseeing the management and preparing any Supervisory Board decisions. The Commit-
tee comprises the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and five other members, with parity of represen-
tation between stockholder and employee representatives. The Chairman of the Board of Management 
and the member of the Board of Management responsible for Innovation regularly attend the meetings 
of the Innovation Committee. 

In 2015, the Innovation Committee convened once in December and dealt at this meeting with new 
technologies in the area of Life Sciences. 

 
 
 
 
38 

To our Stockholders 

Report of the Supervisory Board 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
The Supervisory Board dealt with the ongoing development of corporate governance at Bayer, partly 
through the amendment of the rules of procedure of the Supervisory Board, taking into account the May 
5, 2015, version of the German Corporate Governance Code. In December, the Board of Management 
and the Supervisory Board issued a new declaration concerning the German Corporate Governance 
Code.  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDITS  
The financial statements of Bayer AG were prepared according to the requirements of the German 
Commercial Code and Stock Corporation Act. The consolidated financial statements of the Bayer Group 
were prepared according to the German Commercial Code and the International Financial Reporting 
Standards (ifrs). The combined management report was prepared according to the German Commer-
cial Code. The auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers Aktiengesellschaft, Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, 
Essen, has audited the financial statements of Bayer AG, the consolidated financial statements of the 
Bayer Group and the combined management report. The conduct of the audit is explained in the audi-
tor’s reports. The auditor finds that Bayer has complied, as appropriate, with the German Commercial 
Code, the German Stock Corporation Act and / or the International Financial Reporting Standards en-
dorsed by the European Union, and issues an unqualified opinion on the financial statements of Bayer 
AG and the consolidated financial statements of the Bayer Group. The financial statements of Bayer AG, 
the consolidated financial statements of the Bayer Group, the combined management report and the 
audit reports were submitted to all members of the Supervisory Board. They were discussed in detail by 
the Audit Committee and at a meeting of the full Supervisory Board. The auditor submitted a report on 
both occasions and was present during the discussions.  

We examined the financial statements of Bayer AG, the proposal for the use of the distributable profit, 
the consolidated financial statements of the Bayer Group and the combined management report. We 
have no objections, thus we concur with the result of the audit.  

We have approved the financial statements of Bayer AG and the consolidated financial statements of the 
Bayer Group prepared by the Board of Management. The financial statements of Bayer AG are thus 
confirmed. We are in agreement with the combined management report and, in particular, with the 
assessment of the future development of the enterprise. We also concur with the dividend policy and the 
decisions concerning earnings retention by the company. We assent to the proposal for the use of the 
distributable profit, which provides for payment of a dividend of €2.50 per share.  

The Supervisory Board would like to thank the Board of Management and all employees for their dedi-
cation and hard work in 2015.  

Leverkusen, February 24, 2016  
For the Supervisory Board:  

WERNER WENNING 
Chairman 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

39 

To our Stockholders

Investor Information

Investor Information 

Performance of Bayer Stock in 2015

[Graphic 2.1]

(Indexed; 100 = Xetra closing price on December 31, 2014; source: Bloomberg)

130

120

110

100

90

80

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

June

July

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Bayer + 4.2%

DAX + 9.6%

DJ EURO STOXX 50 + 6.4%

// Bayer stock yields approximately 4 percent in 2015 

// Successful stock market debut for Covestro 

// Board of Management and Supervisory Board  
propose dividend increase to €2.50 per share  
for 2015 

 
 
 
 
40 

To our Stockholders 

Investor Information 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The Stock Market in 2015   

STOCK MARKETS END THE YEAR WITH GAINS FOLLOWING EXTREME FLUCTUATIONS 
Fiscal 2015 was characterized worldwide by high volatility. The program to purchase certain bonds 
announced by the European Central Bank in the spring stimulated optimism and increasing share  
prices. As the year progressed, however, the investment climate was dampened by speculation as to 
Greece’s exit from the eurozone, economic concerns in China and the decline in the global oil price. 
Additionally, the capital market environment was influenced by the Fed rate increase in the United 
States at the end of 2015.  

The dax reached its high for the year in the second quarter of 2015, closing at 12,375 points on April 
10. This was also an all-time record for the index. From that time until September, the dax dropped 
almost 3,000 points to 9,428 points in a development characterized by strong fluctuations. In the closing 
months of the year, the index recovered to close at 10,743 points for a year-on-year gain of 9.6 percent. 
The European equities index euro stoxx 50 (performance index) rose 6.4 percent, ending the year at 
6,226 points. Share prices in the United States and Japan varied in their performance. The s&p 500 
index was largely unchanged, while the Nikkei 225 increased by around 9 percent. 

BAYER STOCK YIELDS FOUR PERCENT FOR THE YEAR 
Including the dividend of €2.25 per share paid at the end of May, the return on Bayer stock was 
4.2 percent in 2015. Bayer stock ended the year at €115.80, having reached a high for the year and an 
all-time high of €146.20 in April. 

Following a period of significantly above-average value creation from 2012 to 2014, the yield of Bayer 
stock in 2015 was below that of the reference indices, with the exception of the euro stoxx Chemicals 
Index (performance index). The euro stoxx Chemicals Index (performance index) climbed by 
3.6 percent in 2015, while the euro stoxx Health Care Index (performance index) rose by 19.2 percent. 
More than 90 percent of the roughly 30 equity analysts who regularly rate our company had a buy or 
hold recommendation on our stock at the end of last year. 

Bayer Stock Data 

Earnings per share 

Core earnings per share from continuing operations1 

Gross cash flow per share 

Equity per share 

Dividend per share 

Year-end price² 

High for the year² 

Low for the year² 

 € 

 € 

 € 

 € 

 € 

 € 

 € 

 € 

Total dividend payment 

Number of shares entitled to the dividend (Dec. 31) 

Market capitalization (Dec. 31) 

€ million 

million shares 

€ billion 

Average daily share turnover on German stock exchanges 

million shares 

Price / EPS² 

Price / core EPS² 

Price / cash flow² 

Dividend yield 

% 

2014 figures restated 
1 For details on the calculation of core earnings per share, see Combined Management Report, Chapter 14.3. 
2 Xetra closing prices (source: Bloomberg) 

2014 

4.14 

5.89 

8.11 

24.45 

2.25 

113.00 

120.95 

91.51 

1,861 

826.95 

93.4 

2.1 

27.3 

19.2 

13.9 

2.0 

[Table 2.1]

2015 

4.97 

6.83 

8.46 

30.77 

2.50 

115.80 

146.20 

108.00 

2,067 

826.95 

95.8 

2.3 

23.3 

17.0 

13.7 

2.2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

41 

To our Stockholders

Investor Information

GOOD FINANCING CONDITIONS FOR BAYER IN VOLATILE MARKETS 
The environment for corporate bonds remained favorable in 2015 – a year that, however, was marked by 
sharp fluctuations in the interest markets and a trend toward increased borrowing cost mark-ups. Par-
ticularly stark mark-ups were observed for the interest rate level, which saw its long-term downward 
trend cease at the end of the first quarter of 2015. The subsequent volatility occurred at a historically 
low absolute interest rate level. Against this background, investors sought medium- to long-term maturi-
ties. Interest in subordinated bonds remained high, even though investors increasingly demanded high-
er new issue premiums as the year progressed. 

The development of risk premiums is apparent from the trend in credit default swaps (cds) shown in 
Graphic 2.2. On the derivatives market, the price of these tradable insurance contracts, which are used 
to hedge against default of a borrower, shows how a company’s credit standing is rated. The graphic 
shows the trend toward higher borrowing cost mark-ups and considerable volatility over the course of 
the year. 

Benefiting from the still very positive market environment at the end of the first quarter, Bayer issued a 
hybrid bond with a volume of €1.3 billion and a coupon of 2.375 percent. Further details of outstanding 
bonds are given in Note [27] to the consolidated financial statements. 

Rates for Five-Year Credit Default Swaps (CDS) 2015

[Graphic 2.2]

In basis points1

100

80

60

40

20

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

June

July

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

1 Source: Bloomberg
2 iTraxx Europe is a CDS index comprising the CDS of 125 companies (including financial institutions) with investment-grade ratings.

iTraxx Europe 2

Bayer CDS

LONG-TERM RETURN ON BAYER STOCK STILL AHEAD OF THE MARKET 

A long-term investor who purchased Bayer shares for €10,000 five years ago and reinvested all divi-
dends would have seen the value of the position grow to €23,545 as of December 31, 2015, giving  
an average annual return of 18.7 percent. That was well above the return on the dax and the euro  
stoxx 50 (performance index) in the same period. Bayer stock also outperformed these indices on a 
three-year view. 

Long-Term Returns on Bayer Stock in % p. a. (Dividends Reinvested) 

[Table 2.2]

Annual returns 

1 year 2015 

3 years 2013 - 2015 

5 years 2011 - 2015 

Bayer 

DAX 

EURO STOXX 50 

 % 

4.2 

9.6 

6.4 

 % 

19.6 

12.2 

10.4 

 % 

18.7 

9.2 

6.4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42 

To our Stockholders 

Investor Information 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

DIVIDEND INCREASE TO €2.50 PER SHARE 
The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board will propose to the Annual Stockholders’  
Meeting that the dividend be increased by €0.25 to €2.50 per share. Thus we once again intend that our  
stockholders should participate in last year’s positive business performance. The resulting payout ratio 
of 37 percent calculated on core earnings per share is within our target corridor of 30 percent to  
40 percent (for details of the calculation of core earnings per share, see Chapter 14.3 of the Combined 
Management Report).  

The dividend yield calculated on the share price of €115.80 at year end 2015 amounts to 2.2 percent 
and the total dividend payment to €2,067 million. 

Dividends Per Share and Total Dividend Payments

[Graphic 2.3]

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

€1.50

€1.65

€1.90

€2.10

€2.25

€2.50

€1.35

€1.40

€1.40

€1.00

€764 million

€1,032 million €1,070 million €1,158 million €1,240 million €1,364 million €1,571 million €1,737 million €1,861 million €2,067 million

Dividend per share (€)

Total dividend payment (€ million)

GRI                           
G4-26 

A SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT 
We continued our dialogue with sustainability-oriented investors, analysts and rating agencies in 2015. 
In numerous conversations, we explained our strategy and the implementation of our nonfinancial 
targets, and provided information on the most important fields of our sustainability activity. This direct 
contact serves as the basis for transparent and fair evaluation.  

  www.bayer.com/en/ 

awards.aspx 

In 2015, Bayer again qualified for inclusion in major sustainability indices that assess companies ac-
cording to environmental, social and governance criteria: Dow Jones Sustainability World, ftse4Good 
(Europe, Global and Environmental Leaders Europe 40), msci Low Carbon Target, nyse Euronext Low 
Carbon 100 Europe, stoxx® Global esg Leaders and Access to Medicine Index. 

INTERNATIONAL OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE 
The number of Bayer stockholders rose substantially in 2015. At the end of 2015, approximately 
300,000 stockholders were listed in our share register – an increase of about 33,000 compared with the 
previous year. Our ownership structure shows the international distribution of our capital stock. The 
highest proportion of our outstanding shares, almost 28 percent, is held by investors in the United 
States and Canada, followed by Germany with nearly 21 percent. From a regional perspective, Bayer has 
a stable ownership structure that has altered only slightly in recent years. Bayer has a 100 percent free 
float as defined by Deutsche Börse, the operator of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

43 

To our Stockholders

Investor Information

Ownership Structure by Country

[Graphic 2.4]

Not covered by survey 6.9%

Denmark, Finland, 
Norway, Sweden 3.4%

Benelux 2.5%

Austria, Switzerland,
Liechtenstein 4.2%

Other countries 5.1%

France, Spain,
Italy, Portugal 10.7%

U.K., Ireland 18.9%

Source: IPREO

U.S.A., Canada 27.7%

Germany 20.6%

INVESTOR RELATIONS FOCUSED ON THE COVESTRO STOCK MARKET FLOTATION 
Bayer’s investor relations (ir) activities last year were dominated by the focus on the Life Science busi-
nesses, and thus by the stock market flotation announced in 2014 of our former Bayer MaterialScience 
subgroup. Under the new name Covestro AG, these activities were successfully listed on the Frankfurt 
Stock Exchange at the beginning of October by way of an ipo (initial public offering). We handled many 
questions particularly from private investors in the period prior and subsequent to the listing.  

Bayer’s management and the ir team last year spent nearly 60 days communicating directly with ana-
lysts and investors during roadshows and investor conferences. 

Our Meet Management conferences in Berlin and New York gave investors and analysts an opportunity 
for direct dialogue with Bayer’s top management.  

As in previous years, private investors also had an opportunity to find out about our company at various 
stockholder forums at which the Investor Relations team was present. 

We received awards for our ir work again in 2015. In the Thomson Reuters Extel Survey 2015, inves-
tors and analysts named Bayer the company with the best investor relations work in the chemicals 
sector. We took third place in the same category in the Pan European Survey. We were also ranked 
second among dax 30 companies in a report by the German Investor Relations Association (dirk) and 
the German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
44 

Combined Management Report 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

01 

Combined 
Management Report 

of the Bayer Group and Bayer AG as of December 31, 2015 

Fundamental Information About the Group 

1.
1.1  
1.2
1.3  
1.4  
1.5  
1.6  
1.7  
2.
3.
4.
4.1  
4.2  
4.3  
5.
6.
6.1  

6.2  
6.3  
7.
7.1
7.2  
7.3  
7.4  

46
48
49
51
52
55
56
57
58
62
63
65
74
78
79
86

Bayer at a Glance
Corporate Profile
Corporate Structure
Group Strategy
Targets and Performance Indicators
Internal Management System
Value Creation
Corporate Environment
Strategies of the Segments
Economic Environments of the Subgroups
Research, Development, Innovation
HealthCare
CropScience
Covestro
Sustainability Management and Governance
Employees
Utilizing Potential to the Full:
89
Personnel Development at Bayer
93
Diversity and Internationality
Employee Compensation and Variable Pay
94
Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution  97
97
Procurement and Supplier Management
104
Production
107
Logistics
108
Distribution

Product Stewardship
HealthCare
CropScience
Covestro
Safety
Occupational Health and Safety
Process and Plant Safety
Transportation Safety
Environmental Protection
International Standards and Certifications 

8.
8.1  
8.2  
8.3  
9.
9.1  
9.2  
9.3  
10.
10.1  
10.2   Energy Consumption 
10.3   Air Emissions 
10.4   Use of Water and Emissions into Water 
10.5   Waste and Recycling 
10.6   Biodiversity 
11.

Social Commitment

Report on Economic Position 

112
117
119
123
123
124
126
128
131
132
132
134
138
140
142
143

12.

13.

148

Overview of Sales, Earnings and
Financial Position
Business Development by Subgroup, Segment
153
and Region
153
13.1   HealthCare 
160
13.2   CropScience 
163
13.3   Covestro 
13.4   Business Development by Region 
166
13.5   Business Development in the Emerging Markets  166

 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report 

45 

14.

Earnings; Asset and Financial Position
of the Bayer Group

Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items 
Core Earnings per Share 

14.1   Earnings Performance of the Bayer Group 
14.2(cid:3)
14.3(cid:3)
14.4(cid:3) Value Management 
14.5   Liquidity and Capital Expenditures 

168
168
169
170
172

16.4   Compensation Report 
16.4.1   Compensation of the Board of Management 
16.4.2   Disclosures Pursuant to the Recommendations 

of the German Corporate Governance Code 

16.4.3   Compensation of the Supervisory Board 
16.4.4   Further Information 

191
192

202
206
208

of the Bayer Group 

173
14.6   Asset and Capital Structure of the Bayer Group  176
177
14.7   Financial Management of the Group 
15.

Earnings; Asset and Financial Position
of Bayer AG

15.1   Earnings Performance of Bayer AG 
15.2   Asset and Financial Position of Bayer AG 

Corporate Governance 

16.
Corporate Governance Report
16.1 (cid:3) Declaration Concerning the German 
Corporate Governance Code 

16.2   Governance 
16.3   Compliance 

Events After the End of the Reporting Period 

17.

Events After the End of the Reporting Period

208

178
179
180

182

182
183
188

Report on Future Perspectives and on  

Opportunities and Risks 

Future Perspectives
18.
18.1   Economic Outlook 
18.2   Forecast for Key Data 
18.3   Opportunities and Risks Report 
18.3.1   Group-wide Opportunity and  

Risk Management System 

18.3.2   Opportunities and Risks 
19.

Takeover-Relevant Information

209
209
211
214

214
218
226

46 

(cid:3)

Combined Management Report 

1. Bayer at a Glance 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

1. Bayer at a Glance

47 

Fundamental Information  
About the Group  

1. Bayer at a Glance 

The Bayer Group in 2015

sales

(cid:344)(cid:23)(cid:25)(cid:15)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:23) million

+2.7%1

ebitda before special items

(cid:344)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:25) million

+18.2%

net income

(cid:344)(cid:23)(cid:15)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:19) million

+20.0%

core earnings per share

(cid:344)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:27)(cid:22)(cid:3)

+16.0%

research and development

(cid:344)(cid:23)(cid:15)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:20) million

+21.0%

2014 figures in parentheses
1 Currency- and portfolio-adjusted
2 2014 figures restated

NORTH AMERICA

€12,740 (€9,953)2 million

16,000 (15,800)2

€1,051 (€866)2 million

EUROPE

€15,949 (€15,312)2 million

55,900 (54,600)2

€2,947 (€2,412)2 million

LATIN AMERICA / AFRICA /
MIDDLE EAST

€7,371 (€7,007)2 million

16,100 (16,800)2

€69 (€61)2 million

ASIA / PACIFIC

€10,264 (€9,067)2 million

28,800 (30,200)2

€214 (€198)2 million

[Graphic 3.1.1]

employees

116,800

employee engagement

87%

proportion of women in 
senior management

28%

supplier management

84%

of all strategically important suppliers 
evaluated since 2012

energy efficiency

(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)

4% (cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:3)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48 

Combined Management Report 

1. Bayer at a Glance 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

1.1 Corporate Profile 

Bayer is a Life Science company with a more than 150-year history and core competencies in the areas 
of health care and agriculture. With our innovative products, we are contributing to finding solutions to 
some of the major challenges of our time. The growing and increasingly aging world population re-
quires improved medical care and an adequate supply of food. Bayer is improving people’s quality of 
life by preventing, alleviating and treating diseases. And we are helping to provide a reliable supply of 
high-quality food, feed and plant-based raw materials. 

We develop new molecules for use in innovative products and solutions to improve the health of hu-
mans, animals and plants. Our research and development activities are based on a profound under-
standing of the biochemical processes in living organisms. 

Our goal is to achieve and sustain leadership positions in our markets, thus creating value for our cus-
tomers, stockholders and employees. To this end, our strategy is designed to help solve some of the 
most pressing challenges facing humankind, and by doing this exceptionally well we aim to strengthen 
the company’s earning power.  

We are committed to operating sustainably and addressing our social and ethical responsibilities as a 
corporate citizen, while at the same time respecting the interests of all our stakeholders. Employees 
with a passion for innovation enjoy excellent development opportunities at Bayer. 

All this goes to make up our mission – Bayer: Science For A Better Life. 

EXCLUSIVE FOCUS ON THE LIFE SCIENCE BUSINESSES 
Following the economic and legal independence of our former MaterialScience subgroup, now 
Covestro, Bayer has charted the course for its successful development as a Life Science company. Our 
businesses hold leading positions in innovation-driven growth markets. Together they make up a strong, 
attractive and balanced portfolio that is resistant to fluctuations in demand and to potential risks. The 
previous structure – comprising a strategic management holding company and operational subgroups – 
has thus been replaced by an integrated organization under the umbrella of the strong Bayer brand.  

The chapters in this report dealing with corporate strategy and future perspectives are based on the 
new structure because they look ahead. All other chapters reflect the organizational structure in effect 
through December 31, 2015.    

OUR VALUES 
Bayer’s values play a central role in our daily work and are intended to guide us in fulfilling our mission 
“Bayer: Science For A Better Life.” They are represented by the acronym life, which stands for Leader-
ship, Integrity, Flexibility and Efficiency. 

These values apply to everyone at Bayer and are firmly integrated into our global performance man-
agement system for managerial employees. Our value culture ensures a common identity throughout 
the enterprise across national boundaries, management hierarchies and cultural differences.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

1. Bayer at a Glance

49 

1.2 Corporate Structure  

CORPORATE STRUCTURE IN 2015 
Until December 31, 2015, Bayer AG, headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany, served as a strategic 
management holding company, defining common values, goals and strategies for the entire Bayer 
Group. It was also responsible for resource allocation and managerial appointments. Under its direction, 
the three subgroups – HealthCare, CropScience and Covestro (formerly MaterialScience) – conducted 
their business operations on their own responsibility in line with predefined goals, supported by three 
service companies. Following the signing of a sales agreement with Panasonic Healthcare Holdings, 
Ltd. on June 8, 2015, the Diabetes Care business is no longer reported under continuing operations. 

Bayer Group Structure 2015

[Graphic 3.1.2]

BAYER

Corporate Center

HealthCare

Pharma-
ceuticals

Consumer
Health

Consumer
Care

Medical
Care

Animal
Health

CropScience

Covestro

Crop Protection / Seeds

Polyurethanes

Environmental Science

Polycarbonates

Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties

Industrial Operations

Business
Services

Technology
Services

Currenta
(60%)

Key Data by Subgroup and Segment 

[Table 3.1.1]

HealthCare 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health 

CropScience 

Covestro 

Reconciliation 

Group 

2014 

Sales 

2015 

EBIT 

EBITDA before special items 1 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

19,075 

12,052 

7,023 

9,494 

11,651 

1,119 

41,339 

22,874 

13,745 

9,129 

10,367 

11,982 

1,101 

46,324 

3,470 

2,371 

1,099 

1,806 

555 

(436) 

5,395 

4,050 

2,807 

1,243 

2,103 

635 

(538) 

6,250 

5,357 

3,699 

1,658 

2,360 

1,187 

(219) 

8,685 

6,419 

4,195 

2,224 

2,416 

1,659 

(228) 

10,266 

1 For definition see Chapter 14.2 ”Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.“ 

In 2015, the Bayer Group comprised 307 consolidated companies in 77 countries throughout the world.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50 

Combined Management Report 

1. Bayer at a Glance 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

NEW CORPORATE STRUCTURE EFFECTIVE 2016 
With the company’s focus now on the Life Science businesses, a new organizational structure was 
introduced effective January 1, 2016. The company’s operations are now managed in three divisions – 
Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health and Crop Science – and the Animal Health business unit. The for-
mer Bayer HealthCare subgroup has been dissolved. The Radiology and Pharmaceuticals businesses 
have been merged to form the Pharmaceuticals Division. The Consumer Health Division now consists 
entirely of the consumer care business. Animal Health has become a separate reporting segment. The 
Bayer CropScience subgroup is now the Crop Science Division. The former MaterialScience subgroup, 
renamed Covestro, became legally and economically independent on September 1, 2015. Covestro AG 
was floated on the stock market on October 6, 2015. Bayer currently still owns around 69% of 
Covestro AG. Covestro therefore remains a reporting segment of the Bayer Group because Bayer AG 
continues to exercise control. 

Effective January 1, 2016, the Board of Management of Bayer AG was enlarged to include the heads of 
the new Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health and Crop Science divisions. The business continues to be 
supported by Business Services and Currenta, while Technology Services is being integrated into 
Bayer AG, forming the Engineering & Technology function. 

Bayer Group Structure in 2016

[Graphic 3.1.3]

STI
B O A R D   O F M A N A G E M E N T

Pharmaceuticals

Consumer Health

Crop Science

Animal Health

Corporate Functions and Business Services

Currenta (60%)

Covestro ( around 69%)

Pro Forma Key Data by New Segment 

[Table 3.1.2]

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health 

Crop Science 

Animal Health 

Reconciliation 

2 

Total Life Sciences 

3 

Covestro 

Group 

2014 

Sales 

2015 

EBIT 

EBITDA before special items 

1 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

13,512 

4,245 

9,494 

1,318 

1,119 

29,688 

11,651 

41,339 

15,308 

6,076 

10,367 

1,490 

1,101 

34,342 

11,982 

46,324 

2,627 

609 

1,806 

234 

(436) 

4,840 

555 

5,395 

3,027 

769 

2,103 

254 

(538) 

5,615 

635 

6,250 

4,081 

991 

2,360 

285 

(219) 

7,498 

1,187 

8,685 

4,615 

1,456 

2,416 

348 

(228) 

8,607 

1,659 

10,266 

1 For definition see Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 
2 Reconciliation includes the Business Services and Currenta service companies (“Other segments”) as well as the corporate functions and 

consolidation effects. 

3 Including service companies 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

1. Bayer at a Glance

51 

The Pharmaceuticals Division focuses on prescription products, especially for cardiology and women’s 
healthcare, and on specialty therapeutics in the areas of oncology, hematology and ophthalmology. The 
division also comprises the radiology business, which markets diagnostic imaging equipment together 
with the necessary contrast agents. 

The Consumer Health Division markets mainly nonprescription products in the dermatology, dietary 
supplement, analgesic, gastrointestinal, cold, allergy, sinus and flu, foot care, sun protection and cardio-
vascular risk prevention categories. These products include globally known brands such as Claritin™, 
Aspirin™, Aleve™, Bepanthen™ / Bepanthol™, Canesten™, Dr. Scholl’s™1 and Coppertone™. 

The Crop Science Division has businesses in seeds, crop protection and nonagricultural pest control. It 
is organized into two operating units: Crop Protection / Seeds and Environmental Science. Crop Protec-
tion / Seeds markets a broad portfolio of high-value seeds along with innovative chemical and biological 
pest management solutions, while at the same time providing extensive customer service for modern 
and sustainable agriculture. Environmental Science focuses on nonagricultural applications, with a 
broad portfolio of pest control products and services designed for applications ranging from the home 
and garden sector to forestry. 

The Animal Health Business Unit offers products and services for the prevention and treatment of 
diseases in companion and farm animals.  

The corporate functions and Business Services operate as Group-wide competence centers in which 
business support services are bundled. Currenta is the service company responsible for managing and 
operating the Chempark sites in Leverkusen, Dormagen and Krefeld-Uerdingen. 

Covestro is a leading supplier of high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative product solutions 
for a wide variety of everyday uses.  

1.3 Group Strategy  

Our mission “Bayer: Science For A Better Life” continues to guide our endeavors. The steadily growing 
and aging global population needs new and better medicines and an adequate food supply. With our 
Life Science innovations, we offer answers to these challenges.  

 OUR OBJECTIVE: PROFITABLE GROWTH 

Our corporate strategy is aligned toward profitable growth that will increase the company’s value in the 
long term. As well as expanding in growth markets, we attach special importance to the development of 
new products that create significant value for our stakeholders.  

 THE FOUNDATION FOR OUR SUCCESS: INNOVATION 

Science-based innovations have made us the globally successful company we are today. Going forward, 
we will continue to strengthen this important foundation for our success. In 2016 alone, we plan to 
invest around €4.5 billion in research and development – more than ever before. Our scientists will 
continue to collaborate across divisional boundaries, supported in part by the new Bayer Life Science 
Center, which has been created to identify innovative technologies developed by startups and universi-
ties and make them available for our fields of activity. We are also driving forward new business models 
that include utilizing the opportunities offered by digitization for our company and our customers. 

1 Trademark rights and distribution only in certain countries outside the European Union 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52 

Combined Management Report 

1. Bayer at a Glance 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

 A FUNDAMENTAL PREMISE: SUSTAINABILITY 

Sustainable business practices are essential to our company’s future viability. We apply our scientific 
expertise and innovation strength to help solve global challenges. Our goal in developing, manufactur-
ing and marketing our products is to balance commercial success with societal and ecological require-
ments while increasing enterprise value. We aim to ensure broad social acceptance for our business 
through responsible practices in areas such as product stewardship, environmental protection, safety, 
compliance, supplier management and human resources policy, taking into account the expectations of 
relevant stakeholders. 

 OUR MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE: THE EMPLOYEES 

Our employees are the key to our company’s success. We therefore create a working environment in 
which each employee can unfold his or her full potential, drive forward innovations and achieve perfor-
mance excellence. Our objective as an employer is to partner an employee throughout his or her career 
and not just at a certain phase. We live up to this aspiration with flexible worktime models, a firm com-
mitment to social responsibility and the provision of wide-ranging development opportunities across the 
company. A diverse employee structure is also vital for our company’s future competitiveness. We there-
fore strive for a good cultural and gender balance in all areas. 

1.4 Targets and Performance Indicators 

To consistently implement our strategy, we have set ambitious targets for our company and measure 
their attainment annually in terms of selected performance indicators. This program encompasses not 
only financial targets and innovation goals, but also sustainability objectives that are aligned to im-
portant areas along the value chain. Our aim is to make clear the challenges we have identified in our 
core business in the context of sustainable development, and at the same time to highlight the continu-
ous improvements we are committed to making across the enterprise. 

Following the legal independence and stock market flotation of Covestro, this company is not included 
in the new innovation, sustainability and employee targets. Where necessary, we have adjusted the 
reference data for unchanged targets to eliminate the contributions for Covestro. 

The current status of our progress in respect of our targets and performance indicators is documented 
in the following table and the respective chapters.  

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

1. Bayer at a Glance

53 

Bayer Group Targets 

Target 

Target attainment (as of 2015) 

New or adjusted target 

(Graphic 3.1.4)

              Profitable Growth 

Increase in Group sales (Fx & portfolio adj.); forecast 
issued in February 2015: low-single-digit percentage 
increase to approx. €46 billion 

Increase in ebitda before special items; forecast 
issued in February 2015: low- to mid-teens percent-
age increase 

Increase in core earnings per share; forecast issued 
in February 2015: low-teens percentage increase 

 Innovation 

2.7% increase to €46.3 billion  

Low-single-digit percentage increase 
(Fx & portfolio adj.) to more than 
€47 billion 

18.2% increase  

Mid-single-digit percentage increase 

16.0% increase  

Mid-single-digit percentage increase 

Group: increase in r&d investment to over  
€4.0 billion (2015) 

€4.3 billion 

Increase in r&d investment to  
€4.5 billion (2016) 

HealthCare: transition of more than 10 new  
molecular entities (nmes) into development (2015)  

12 new molecular entities (nmes) 
transferred 

CropScience: transfer of 2 new molecular entities 
(nmes) or plant traits into confirmatory technical 
proof-of-concept field studies (2015)  

Start of field studies on 1 new plant 
trait, 1 new molecular entity (nme) 
and 2 new biologics  

Pharmaceuticals: transition of  
10 new molecular entities (nmes) into 
development (2016) 

Consumer Health: transition of  
20 consumer-validated concepts into 
early development (2016) 

Transfer of 3 new molecular entities 
(nmes), plant traits or biologics into 
confirmatory technical proof-of-
concept field studies 

Covestro (formerly MaterialScience): improvement  
in production process technology to achieve better 
energy efficiency (2015) 

Further use of improved production 
technologies (e.g. in tdi, mdi and 
chlorine production) 

- 

 See Chapters 4 and 10 for more information 

 Sustainability 

SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT 

Evaluation of all strategically important suppliers 
(2017)  

Evaluation of all potentially high-risk suppliers with 
significant Bayer spend (2020) 

Development and establishment of a new 
sustainability standard for our supply base (2020) 

 See Chapter 7 for more information 

84% 

73% 

Target unchanged 

Target unchanged 

In implementation 

Target unchanged 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
54 

Combined Management Report 

1. Bayer at a Glance 

Bayer Group Targets 

Target 

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Target attainment (as of 2015) 

New or adjusted target 

(Graphic 3.1.4 [continued])

Improvement of 10% in Group-wide energy  
efficiency (2020); reference year 2012: 3.50 MWh/t  

3.34 MWh / t (4% improvement) 

Reduction of 20% in Group-wide specific greenhouse 
gas emissions (2020); reference year 2012:  
0.98 t co2 / t  

1.09 t co2 / t (+ 11%) 

Target unchanged; new reference 
value (2012): 8.86 MWh / t  

Reduction of 15% in Group-wide 
specific greenhouse gas emissions 
(2020); new reference value (2012): 
1.88 t co2 / t 

Establishment of water management at all sites  
in water-scarce areas  

 See Chapter 10 for more information 

SAFETY 

Reduction of 35% in occupational safety  
incident rate (2020); reference year 2012:  
rir (Recordable Incident Rate) 0.49  

Reduction of 30% in transport incidents (2020); 
reference year 2012: 6 incidents 

Reduction of 30% in process and plant safety  
incidents (2020); reference year 2012: LoPC-ir  
(Loss of Primary Containment Incident Rate) 0.38  

 See Chapter 9 for more information 

PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP 

Conclusion of assessment of hazard potential of all 
substances (> 99%) used in quantities exceeding one 
metric ton per annum (2020)  

 See Chapter 8 for more information 

COMPLIANCE 

Approx. 58% 

Target unchanged 

rir 0.42 (– 14%) 

Target unchanged; new reference 
value (2012): rir 0.50  

12 (+ 100%) 

Target not being continued 

LoPC-ir 0.22 (– 42%) 

Target unchanged; new reference 
value (2012): LoPC-ir 0.21  

66% 

Target unchanged 

Conducting of precautionary risk assessments  
in all three subgroups (2015) 

Successfully completed 

– 

Annual compliance training for all Bayer  
managers (> 99%)  

97% 

 See Chapter 16.3 for more information 

Annual compliance training  
for close to 100% of Bayer  
managers 

             Employees 

Continuous improvement in employee engagement; 
reference year 2012: 85%  

Increase in the proportion of women in senior man-
agement to 30% (2015); reference year 2010: 21%  

Increase in the proportion of senior managers from 
outside the European Union, the United States or 
Canada to 25% (2015); reference year 2013: 18%  

 See Chapter 6 for more information 

87% 

28%  

21%  

Target unchanged  

Increase in the proportion of women 
in senior management to 35% 
(2020); reference value remains 

Increase in the proportion of senior 
managers from outside the European 
Union, the United States or Canada to 
25% (2020) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

1. Bayer at a Glance

55 

Details of further key financial data are found in Chapter 18 “Future Perspectives.” Information on 
Bayer Group targets is also provided in the relevant chapters, indicated by “Bayer Group Target” in the 
margin. 

  See Chapter 18 

1.5 Internal Management System 

The economic planning and steering for the business units is carried out within a framework laid down 
by the Board of Management that is refined during the strategic planning process. Operational planning 
then translates this framework into specific, measurable targets. Continuous monitoring of business 
developments complements the planning and management process, and key management and perfor-
mance indicators are regularly updated. This process also involves tracking the implementation of the 
strategic objectives and adopting countermeasures in the event of deviations from the budget. 

One of the prime objectives of the Bayer Group is to steadily increase enterprise value. We use the 
following steering parameters to plan, steer and monitor the development of our business.  

The key performance indicators at the strategic level are cash value added (cva), which is a value-based 
steering parameter, and cash flow return on investment (cfroi). These indicators support management 
in its decision-making, especially in the areas of strategic portfolio optimization and the allocation 
of resources for acquisitions and capital expenditures. In fiscal 2015, Bayer achieved a positive cva of 
€1,285 million and a cfroi of 9.6%. (See Chapter 14.4 “Value Management” for further details.) 

The principal economic steering parameters within the Bayer Group at the operational level are sales 
and earnings figures. With regard to earnings, special attention is paid to ebitda (ebit plus the amorti-
zation of intangible assets and the depreciation of property, plant and equipment, plus impairment 
losses and minus impairment loss reversals, recognized in profit or loss during the reporting period) 
before special items. The ebitda margin before special items, which is the ratio of ebitda before special 
items to sales, serves as a relative indicator for the internal and external comparison of operational 
earning power. In 2015, ebitda before special items amounted to €10,266 million, resulting in an ebitda 
margin before special items of 22.2%. (See Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of ebit(da) Before Special Items” 
for further details.) 

The Board of Management and the relevant committees steer the sustainable alignment of the company, 
defining responsibilities and framework conditions by way of Group directives, for example. Operations 
are steered using defined targets and performance indicators in areas such as innovation, supplier 
management, safety, product stewardship and environmental protection. On the basis of a materiality 
analysis, Bayer has determined the principal activities in these areas and established the relevant man-
agement systems, committees and working groups, which have been implemented by the subgroups. 
The ongoing review and revision of guidelines and regular internal audits ensure that our management 
systems are continuously improved and aligned to the specific requirements at any given time.   

 See Chapter 14.4 

 See Chapter 14.2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
56 

Combined Management Report 

1. Bayer at a Glance 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

  See Chapter 5 for 
more information 
about our areas  
of activity along 
the value chain. 

1.6 Value Creation 

Bayer creates sustainable value in various ways for its stakeholders at all stages of the value chain 
(Graphic 3.1.5) by focusing on innovative products and solutions in its core businesses. Moreover, we 
operate production sites throughout the world, invest in research and development, work with interna-
tional and local suppliers and contribute to the economic development of our target markets. As an 
employer, we provide jobs in industrialized, emerging and developing economies and create purchas-
ing power through the salaries we pay. We also support public infrastructure through the payment of 
taxes and other contributions. 

Value Chain Stages

Research,
development
and innovation

Supply chain

Production

Logistics

Distribution
and
marketing

Use

[Graphic 3.1.5]

The value added statement shows Bayer’s direct contribution to public and private incomes and is a 
measure of the direct financial value created for stakeholders by its business activities. We define value 
added as the company’s total operating performance in the previous fiscal year less the costs of pro-
cured and consumed goods and services, depreciation and amortization. 

The total operating performance of the Bayer Group in 2015 was €47.8 billion. Value added amounted 
to €17.5 billion. Of the value added, €11.2 billion (64%) was distributed to employees, €2.1 billion 
(12%) to stockholders, €0.8 billion (4%) to lenders and €1.5 billion (9%) to governments. The remain-
der was allocated to reserves.  

Bayer Group Value Added 2015

[Graphic 3.1.6]

€3.3 billion
Depreciation,
amortization, 
impairments

€27.0 billion
Material costs /
Other expenses

€47.8 billion
Total operating
performance2

€17.5 billion
Value added

€11.2 billion (64%)
Employees

€2.1 billion (12%)
Stockholders1

€0.8 billion (4%)
Lenders

€1.5 billion (9%)
Taxes

€1.9 billion (11%)
Reserves / Other

1  Bayer AG dividend proposal for 2015
2  Total operating performance = sales + other operating income + financial income(cid:3031)/(cid:3031)equity-method income (loss)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

1. Bayer at a Glance

57 

1.7 Corporate Environment 

Bayer’s business activities are impacted by economic and social conditions. At the same time, the 
company contributes to shaping these conditions.  

ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
In 2015, the global economy grew at a slightly slower pace than in the previous year. Momentum 
decreased in the emerging economies in particular; growth in China declined further but remained 
strong while economic output in Russia and Brazil contracted significantly. By contrast, growth in the 
European Union accelerated, supported by very low interest rates, an exchange rate favorable to the 
eurozone and sinking oil prices. At the same time, the United States continued its robust recovery, 
driven above all by private consumption and rising employment. 

Economic Environment 

World 

European Union 

of which Germany 

United States 

Emerging Markets² 

[Table 3.1.3]

Growth1 
2015 

+ 2.5% 

+ 1.8% 

+ 1.5% 

+ 2.4% 

+ 3.7% 

Growth1 
2014 

+ 2.7% 

+ 1.4% 

+ 1.6% 

+ 2.4% 

+ 4.4% 

2014 figures restated 
1 Real GDP growth, source: IHS Global Insight 
2 Including about 50 countries defined by Global Insight as Emerging Markets in line with the World Bank  
As of February 2016 

For more information on the economic environments of our subgroups in 2015, see Chapter 3 “Eco-
nomic Environments of the Subgroups.” 

  See Chapter 3 

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT 
Our economic activity is closely linked with the social environment. Certain stakeholders have become 
increasingly significant to our business operations in recent years. Their expectations affect public 
acceptance of Bayer and thus our commercial success. They provide important input for the continuing 
development of our business processes, risk management and reporting. We therefore take the wide-
ranging requirements of our stakeholders seriously and consider them wherever possible in our  
business activities. At the same time, open dialogue with our stakeholders gives us an opportunity to 
explain the value of our products and services for society. This is of growing importance for the success 
of our business model. 

GRI 
G4-25, G4-26, G4-27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58 

Combined Management Report 

2. Strategies of the Segments 

GRI 
G4-24 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Stakeholder Dialogue: Our Most Important Interest Groups

[Graphic 3.1.7]

Customers
Suppliers
Employees
Associations
Universities(cid:3031)(cid:3031)/(cid:3031)schools

Partners

Financial
market 
participants

Investors
Banks
Rating agencies

BAYER

General public
NGOs
Local communities
Competitors

Social 
interest
groups

Regulators

Lawmakers
Politicians
Authorities

  See Chapter 5 

Read more about Bayer’s commitment to its stakeholders in Chapter 5 “Sustainability Management and 
Governance.” 

2. Strategies of the Segments 

  See Chapter 1.3 
for Bayer Group 
strategy 

PHARMACEUTICALS 
At Pharmaceuticals, our largest division in terms of sales, we focus on researching, developing and 
marketing innovative medicines with a positive cost-benefit ratio primarily in the therapeutic areas of 
cardiology, oncology, gynecology, hematology and ophthalmology. In this way, we are addressing the 
growing requirements of patients, physicians, health care payers and regulatory agencies. 

As part of the Bayer Group’s reorganization, we have dissolved the Medical Care Division and integrated 
the Radiology business unit into our Pharmaceuticals Division. 

To achieve our medium-term growth targets, we are continuing to rely on marketing our recently 
launched products Xarelto™, Eylea™, Stivarga™, Xofigo™ and Adempas™. We plan to steadily expand 
the indications for these medicines through comprehensive study programs – some of them in collabo-
ration with other pharmaceutical companies – and thus make them available to further patient groups.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

2. Strategies of the Segments

59 

To safeguard long-term growth, we will further increase our investment in research and development. 
Besides expanding early research, we are concentrating on the clinical development of active drug 
substance candidates in the therapeutic areas of cardiology, oncology, hematology and gynecology. In 
addition, we are selectively expanding and supplementing our development portfolio through licensing 
agreements and acquisitions. 

To improve access to our products in developing and emerging countries (Access to Medicine), we 
augment our philanthropic activities (see Chapter 11 for more information) with economically feasible 
concepts.  

  www.bayer.com/atm 

 online annex: 3-2-1:  

As an innovation company, we aim to address current challenges in order to improve people’s quality 
of life in the areas of disease prevention and therapy. Within the scope of our entrepreneurial possi-
bilities in a dynamic market environment, we seek to make a responsible contribution for the benefit 
of society. Through our Access to Medicine (atm) activities, we aim to enable access to our products 
for certain patients, aligning these efforts to our company’s expertise and our specific product port-
folio. Here we distinguish between not-for-profit and economically feasible activities. The former in-
clude our efforts in respect of neglected tropical diseases (ntds). In this connection, we provide the 
who free of charge with two of our active ingredients to treat African sleeping sickness and Chagas 
disease. Other activities in this area are our education programs and the development of products to 
treat ntds. 

Our family planning programs are economically feasible and facilitate improved access to hormonal 
contraceptives for women in developing countries. These programs, which are anchored in our busi-
ness strategy, provide international development partners with our products at preferential prices. 

In some countries, where sections of the population have no access to innovative medicines via 
health care systems, we have established patient assistance programs for selected products. These 
aim particularly to provide access to oncology and cardiovascular products and products to treat 
chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and hemophilia. Such programs exist in, for example, the 
United States and China as well as a number of countries in South and Southeast Asia and South-
eastern Europe. 

CONSUMER HEALTH 
As part of the Bayer Group’s reorganization, the Consumer Care Division will be renamed Consumer 
Health. The strategy of the new Consumer Health Division is aimed at building on our strong position in 
the market for over-the-counter (otc) products, nutritional supplements and other self-care products in 
selected consumer health categories.  

We aim to strengthen our established brands, such as Aspirin™, Aleve™, Bepanthen™, Berocca™, 
Canesten™, Claritin™, Coppertone™, Dr. Scholl’s™, Elevit™, MiraLAX™ and Supradyn™, by driving 
organic growth through product innovation and geographical expansion. We are also seeking to expand 
our position in important markets such as the United States, Brazil, Russia and China.  

Alongside the ongoing integration of the consumer care businesses acquired in 2014 from Merck & Co., 
Inc., United States, and Dihon Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., China, we continue to pursue external 
growth opportunities arising from the progressive global consolidation of the otc industry. In this way, 
we aim to further expand in selected categories and markets where it makes strategic sense to do so 
and can contribute to increasing Bayer’s enterprise value. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60 

Combined Management Report 

2. Strategies of the Segments 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

CROP SCIENCE 
We are aligning our Crop Science business to the long-term trends of the agricultural markets, from 
which we have derived three focuses for our strategy: 

•  Improvement in agricultural sustainability – in other words the most responsible possible deploy-

ment of our resources 

•  Increase in agricultural productivity through innovation – in other words higher crop yields and 

quality  

•  Full leveraging of digitization opportunities to help farmers make the right decisions and to make 

product applications even safer 

Our aim is to help shape the future of the agricultural industry with innovative offerings that increase its 
productivity, thus generating profitable and sustainable growth for Crop Science and our customers and 
enabling the production of sufficient food, animal feed and renewable raw materials for a growing world 
population despite the limited amount of available arable land. Crop Science’s strategy is built on four 
key elements: 

•  Enhancing the Crop Protection and Environmental Science portfolio  
•  Expanding the Seeds business 
•  Increasing customer centricity along the entire value chain 
•  Leading the way in innovation 

We aim to enhance our Crop Protection and Environmental Science portfolios by adding new and im-
proved products, concentrating on core brands and offering integrated solutions in major crops. Sup-
port for this endeavor is provided by our innovative technology platform for both chemical and biologi-
cal crop protection. We are continuously investing in the expansion of our production capacities to meet 
rising demand for our products.  

We continue to work on the expansion of our Seeds business. We plan to further strengthen our posi-
tions in our established crops – cotton, oilseed rape / canola, rice and vegetables – and to establish com-
petitive positions in soybeans and wheat. We intend to gain long-term access to high-quality breeding 
material through acquisitions, in-licensing and partnerships and to steadily expand our existing breed-
ing expertise. 

Another major part of our strategy is to strengthen customer centricity along the entire value chain and 
continuously optimize distribution. We are steadily expanding our successful food chain partnerships. 
In these projects, Crop Science works with all participants in the food chain to safeguard and increase 
yields, and to improve the quality of harvested produce. With the Bayer Forward Farming initiative, 
Crop Science cooperates with farmers to demonstrate innovative crop solutions and services for sus-
tainable agriculture to interested stakeholders. Crop Science will also increasingly concentrate on de-
veloping solutions especially tailored to help smallholder farmers increase their profitability while en-
suring environmentally friendly cultivation, thus lastingly improving their standard of living. 

To lead the way in innovation and develop holistic solutions, we aim to build on our expertise in the 
integration of seed technology with chemical and biological crop protection and to support our custom-
ers with new and improved solutions. New areas of innovation, such as digitization in agriculture, ac-
count for another major part of this. We intend to support this development in the future by making use 
of proprietary digital platforms and data models that can enable us to give farmers special agronomic 
recommendations. The aim here is to make agriculture more sustainable. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

2. Strategies of the Segments

61 

ANIMAL HEALTH 
Our Animal Health business aims to strengthen its position in the already heavily consolidated market 
for veterinary medicines. Here we rely on organic growth through the expansion of our r&d activities 
and the increased use of our existing distribution channels, particularly specialist retail chains. We also 
intend to strengthen our position with targeted in-licensing and acquisitions.  

COVESTRO 
As a global supplier of high-tech polymer materials and application solutions for many areas of modern 
life, Covestro aims to generate profitable growth in the long term. Over the coming five years, the com-
pany aims to build on its leading positions in its industry sectors and participate in the growth that 
experts are predicting for its customer industries. Covestro supplies key industry sectors worldwide 
such as the automotive, construction and electronics industries. It develops and manufactures compo-
nents for polyurethane foams, the high-tech plastic polycarbonate and raw materials for coatings, adhe-
sives and sealants, as well as specialty products such as films and elastomers.  

Covestro  
helps to address  
global challenges 

Growth impetus is expected to come from macro trends such as climate change, the diminishing availa-
bility of fossil resources, the expanding global population, urbanization and increasing mobility. 
Through its products, Covestro aims to help master these challenges in line with its vision “To make the 
world a brighter place.” In keeping with this, the company’s activities are embedded in a comprehen-
sive sustainability strategy. 

Covestro’s large-scale facilities around the world have been extended and are capable of serving the 
anticipated growth in demand. Therefore, the company does not predict any greater need for expansion 
in the foreseeable future.  

At the same time, Covestro intends to further optimize its network of sites and its cost structures. To this 
end, the company has initiated a structured profitability program.  

Covestro is focusing on continuous product and process innovation as a means of safeguarding and 
building its competitive position in the global marketplace. Research and development is steered by 
targets aligned to the needs of the company’s customer industries.  

The Polyurethanes (pur) business unit intends to further expand its strong position as an integrated 
raw material and systems supplier, mainly for rigid and flexible foams. While flexible foam ensures 
added comfort in everyday life through its use in products such as mattresses and upholstery, rigid foam 
serves above all as an insulating material for buildings and refrigerated appliances, and thus helps to 
lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.  

In the automotive, electronics and construction sectors, in particular, rising demand is anticipated for 
polycarbonate, an engineering thermoplastic characterized by positive properties such as low weight, 
transparency, stability and design flexibility. The Polycarbonates (pcs) business unit aims to further 
strengthen its technological leadership and is focusing on, for example, polycarbonate-based composite 
materials as a low-cost substitute for solutions based on glass and metal. 

The Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties (cas) business unit develops and manufactures mainly polyure-
thane-based raw materials primarily for coatings and adhesives. The main areas of application are au-
tomotive and transportation, infrastructure and construction, wood processing and furniture. The busi-
ness unit aims to secure and build its position in its core business and to achieve accelerated growth in 
specialties. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62 

Combined Management Report 

3. Economic Environments of the Subgroups 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

3. Economic Environments of the Subgroups 

The economic environments in which the subgroups operated are outlined below. 

  See Chapter 1.7  
for corporate 
environment 

Economic Environments of the Subgroups 

HealthCare 

Pharmaceuticals market 

Consumer care market 

Medical care market 

2 

Animal health market 

CropScience 

Seed and crop protection market 

Covestro  
(main customer industries)  

Automotive  

Construction  

Electrical / electronics  

Furniture  

[Table 3.3.1]

Growth 1 
2014 

Growth 1 
2015 

+ 9% 

+ 4% 

– 1% 

+ 5% 

+ 9% 

+ 5% 

+ 1% 

+ 5% 

+ 7% 

(cid:367) 0% 

+ 3% 

+ 3% 

+ 4% 

+ 4% 

+ 2% 

+ 2% 

+ 3% 

+ 4% 

2014 figures restated 
1 Bayer’s estimate, except pharmaceuticals. Source for pharmaceuticals market: IMS Health., IMS Market Prognosis.  

Copyright 2015. All rights reserved, currency-adjusted 

2 Excluding the diabetes care market 
As of February 2015 

HEALTHCARE 
Growth in the pharmaceuticals market in 2015 was flat with the prior year. In the United States in 
particular, new products especially continued to drive ongoing growth. In Japan and Europe, growth 
rates increased slightly, whereas demand in the emerging markets was unchanged against the previous 
year. 

The global consumer care market saw somewhat stronger growth than a year earlier. In the medical 
care category, slight growth was seen in the market for contrast agents and medical equipment. The 
animal health market expanded at the same rate as in the prior year. 

CROPSCIENCE 
Overall, the global seed and crop protection market receded in 2015. While the demand for high-value 
seeds remained at the previous year’s level, worldwide crop protection sales declined.  

Market volumes decreased in Latin America, particularly in Argentina and Brazil, primarily as a result of 
political uncertainties, macroeconomic developments and lower pest pressure. The market also declined 
in North America, mainly due to a reduction in corn and cotton acreages and because of lower overall 
price levels for agricultural commodities than in the previous year. Positive growth impetus for the seed 
and crop protection market in 2015 came from the Asia / Pacific and Europe regions. Growth rates in the 
Mediterranean area were above average.  

COVESTRO 
Growth in the principal customer industries for Covestro (automotive, construction, electrical / electron-
ics and furniture) in 2015 was slightly weaker than in the previous year. One of the main reasons for this 
was slower demand in China and other emerging economies, which could not be compensated by posi-
tive stimuli such as the expansionary monetary policy of the industrialized countries and the lower oil 
price. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

4. Research, Development, Innovation

63 

4. Research, Development, Innovation 

Scientifically founded innovations and the skills of our employees form the basis for our success as a 
company. To drive innovation in the future as well, we continuously develop new molecules, technolo-
gies and business models in the research-intensive fields of medicine and modern agriculture, invest in 
research and development projects and expand our activities through targeted acquisitions and collabo-
rations with external partners (open innovation). We plan to invest around €4.5 billion in research and 
development in 2016 alone. We also promote our culture of innovation in all areas of the company to 
face the challenges of our time and safeguard profitable growth for our company.  

Group target 2015:  
increase in R&D 
investment to over  
€4 billion 

  See also Chapter 
1.4 for Group 
targets 

Bayer maintains a global network of research and development locations in which 14,673 researchers 
around the world focus on improving the health of people, animals and plants. The focuses of the re-
search projects are determined by the r&d strategies of the subgroups. On this basis, projects are set up 
that are managed in the development pipeline through defined processes and targets. The budgets 
requested for this purpose are checked annually and allocated per area. In 2015, we raised our research 
and development spend by 15.9% (Fx adj.) to €4,281 million. Adjusted for special items of €67 million 
(2014: €2 million), this represented a 14.1% increase (Fx adj.) and was equivalent to 9.1% of sales. The 
following table shows the development of r&d key data in the individual segments: 

Research and Development Expenses Full Year 2015 

[Table 3.4.1]

Research and 
development 
 expenses 

Research and 
development 
expenses before 
special items 

Share of R&D 
expenses 

R&D expenses 
before 
special items / sales 

R&D employees 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

HealthCare 

Pharmaceuticals 

2,264 

1,878 

2,834 

2,333 

2,260 

1,876 

2,768 

2,285 

Consumer 
Health 

CropScience 

Covestro 

Group 

1 

386 

974 

210 

501 

1,089 

262 

384 

974 

213 

483 

1,089 

261 

3,537 

4,281 

3,535 

4,214 

% 

64.0 

53.1 

10.9 

27.5 

5.9 

. 

% 

66.2 

54.5 

11.7 

25.4 

6.1 

. 

% 

11.8 

15.6 

5.5 

10.3 

1.8 

8.6 

2014 figures restated 
1 Sum of the segments plus reconciliation 

% 

FTE 

FTE 

12.1 

16.6 

7,968 

7,066 

8,594 

7,741 

5.3 

902 

10.5 

5,004 

923 

2.2 

9.1 

853 

5,073 

1,005 

13,900 

14,673 

We augment our own research capacities through collaborations and strategic alliances with industrial 
and academic research partners around the world. These include leading universities, public research 
institutes, partner and start-up companies, and science and innovation centers established by Bayer to 
give young companies access to features such as suitable laboratory and office infrastructure in the 
direct vicinity of Bayer’s own research facilities. These are supplemented by our crowdsourcing plat-
forms through which researchers around the world can offer their expertise for collaboration with 
Bayer. With the newly established strategic innovation unit, the Bayer LifeScience Center (blsc), we 
additionally want to drive the development of decisive interspecies research with the aid of a network of 
external partnerships. On the initiative of blsc we signed an agreement at the end of 2015 with the 
biotech company crispr Therapeutics AG based in Basel, Switzerland, with the goal of discovering, 
developing and marketing new treatment methods for blood disorders, blindness and heart disease 
based on the crispr-Cas9 technology for gene editing.   

We also invest in venture capital funds that finance promising Life Science start-up companies, among 
other projects. In this way we support the development of new therapies in areas with a high unmet 
medical need and drive innovation in the Life Sciences.  

  More information 
on this can be 
found in the 
sections for the 
individual 
subgroups. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64 

Combined Management Report 

4. Research, Development, Innovation 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

GRI 
G4-26 

 online annex: 3-4-1 

Scientists from our company are involved in constant dialogue with renowned research institutes and 
support partnership projects in the public and private sectors. Of these, more than 50 projects 
worldwide were supported in 2015 by public funding worth around €5 million. This is equivalent to 
roughly 0.1% of our annual r&d expenses. 

We also participate in industry associations, hold professorships at universities worldwide and regu-
larly invite scientists, university students and schoolchildren to attend events such as symposiums on 
health topics or research days for school students. We view this as an investment in the future, be-
cause as a research-based company, we rely on the availability of talented and highly trained people 
and on society’s acceptance of technology. 

We promote our innovation capability not just by increasing our research and development budget and 
expanding external collaborations, but also by strengthening our internal innovation culture, which 
promotes fascination, creativity, willingness to experiment, customer centricity and cooperation among 
all disciplines. In this connection, we have launched a number of programs and initiatives in recent 
years to honor the achievements of our scientists and provide them with suitable platforms and projects 
for scientific discourse and cross-subgroup cooperation in scientific matters, as well as to give employ-
ees throughout all organizational units the opportunity to help jointly generate ideas or solve problems.   

 online annex: 3-4-2 

The following table lists the most important programs/initiatives for strengthening the innovation cul-
ture at Bayer: 

Programs / Initiatives for Strengthening Bayer’s Innovation Culture  

[Table 3.4.1-1] 

Program 

Objective 

Approach 

Life Sciences Fund 

Strengthen 
interdisciplinary research 
in the Life Sciences 

Expert Career  

Strengthen recognition 
for scientific success 

Since 2012, supports scientists at HealthCare and 
CropScience involved in interdisciplinary projects aimed at 
achieving a better understanding of diseases, identifying 
mechanisms of action, individualizing therapies or 
explaining resistance mechanisms 

Initiative by the Board member responsible for Innovation 
aimed at fostering the cross-company scientific exchange 
between leading experts in research and development 

Otto Bayer Medals 

Awards for scientific 
success 

Research prize for outstanding development work that is 
awarded biennially to teams of Bayer scientists 

Hype 

WeSolve 

Collaborative definition  
of ideas in information 
technology 

Collaborative problem-
solving 

Bayer Ideas Pool 
employee suggestion 
program and Ideas Forum 

Promotion of innovative 
ideas from the working 
environment 

Intranet-based platform for the collaborative generation of 
ideas by our employees; the most promising ideas are 
allocated an initial budget which is used by an 
interdisciplinary team to elaborate the concept within just a 
few weeks. 

Current problems in research and development, marketing 
and production are publicized via the internal WeSolve 
platform for discussion by employees from all subgroups and 
service companies; the best solutions are then identified. 

Application and honoring of employee suggestions for the 
improvement of processes, occupational safety and health 
protection. In total, 5,446 ideas were submitted in 2015. 
Around 46% of the suggestions for improvement evaluated 
in 2015 were implemented. In the first year of 
implementation alone, more than €9 million was saved 
through those improvements that allowed calculation. In 
2015, Bayer distributed bonuses of around €2 million to 
employees for the implemented proposals. 

 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

4. Research, Development, Innovation

65 

Globally reliable protection of intellectual property rights is essential for an innovation company like 
Bayer. The Bayer Group endeavors to obtain patent protection for its products and technologies in the 
major markets. The degree of protection a patent provides varies from one country to another and de-
pends on the type and scope of the patent claim and the options available for enforcing our rights. At 
the end of 2015, we owned approximately 66,700 valid patent applications and patents worldwide relat-
ing to some 7,200 protected inventions.  

 online annex: 3-4-3 

Patent terms vary according to the laws of the country granting the patent. In view of the high in-
vestment required for product research and development, the European Union member states, the 
United States, Japan and some other countries extend patent terms or issue supplementary protec-
tion certificates to compensate for the shortening of the effective patent protection period due to 
regulatory approval processes for new drugs. We endeavor to obtain such extensions wherever pos-
sible.  

  www.bayer.com/ 

political-position-ip 

The term of a patent is normally 20 years. Since it takes an average of 12 years to develop a new 
medicine, for example, only eight years of patent protection generally remain following the product’s 
approval. In most cases it would be impossible to cover the substantial costs incurred in the research 
and development of innovative medicines or of new indications or dosage forms for existing drugs 
without patent protection. We are therefore committed to protecting both the international patent 
system and our own intellectual property worldwide. Further details are given in the political posi-
tions posted on our website. 

4.1 HealthCare 

PHARMACEUTICALS 
Research areas and sites 
Drug discovery in the Pharmaceuticals segment focuses on indications with high medical need in the 
areas of cardiology, oncology, ophthalmology, hematology and gynecology. We conduct research and 
development activities at several locations, the most important of which are as follows: 

Research and Development Sites 

[Table 3.4.2]

Site 

Berlin 

Wuppertal 

Mission Bay, San Francisco 

Berkeley 

Turku  

Oslo 

Country  

Germany 

Focus 

R&D in oncology, gynecology and non-indication-specific areas 

Germany  

R&D in cardiology, ophthalmology and non-indication-specific areas 

U.S.A. 

U.S.A. 

Finland 

Research in the areas of hematology and biologicals 

Development in the areas of hematology and biologicals 

Development of hormone-releasing intrauterine devices and implants 
for contraception 

Norway 

Research on thorium conjugates for the treatment of cancer 

Cooperation 
We augment our own research capacities through collaborations and strategic alliances with external 
industrial and academic research partners. In this way we gain access to complementary technologies 
and external innovation potential. A number of examples are listed in the table on the following pages: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
66 

Combined Management Report 

4. Research, Development, Innovation 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Pharmaceuticals Cooperation Partners 

[Table 3.4.3]

Partner 

Cardiology 

Broad Institute 

Cooperation objective 

Strategic partnership in the field of genome and drug research in cardiology 
aimed at using findings from human genetics to develop new cardiovascular 
therapies 

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Development of an antisense molecule for the prevention of thrombosis 

Janssen Research & Development,  
LLC of Johnson & Johnson 

Development of Xarelto™ (rivaroxaban) 

Ludwig Boltzmann Institute 

Research into lung vascular disease, especially pulmonary hypertension 

Merck & Co., Inc. 

Oncology 

Development collaboration in the field of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) 
modulation 

Amgen Research GmbH 

Access to BiTE™ antibodies for developing novel tumor therapies 

Ardea Biosciences Inc. of Astra Zeneca 

Codevelopment of oncology products based on MEK  
(mitogen-activated ERK kinase) inhibitors 

Broad Institute 

Compugen Ltd. 

German Cancer Research Center 

Dyax Corp. 

Strategic partnership in oncology to discover and develop active substances  
that specifically target tumor-specific gene mutations 

Collaboration for the research and development of new immunotherapy  
approaches in oncology 

Strategic partnership for the research and development of new therapeutic 
options in oncology, especially in immunotherapy 

Access to antibody library with the option to in-license antibodies for the 
development and commercialization of novel tumor therapies 

ImmunoGen Inc. 

Development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for novel tumor therapies 

OncoMed Pharmaceuticals Inc.1 

Discovery and development of novel therapeutics relating to cancer stem cells 

Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Amgen Inc. 

Codevelopment of Nexavar™ (sorafenib) for various types of cancer 

Orion Corporation 

Development of ODM-201 for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer 

Qiagen Manchester Ltd. 

Development of diagnostic tests in personalized oncology treatment 

Seattle Genetics Inc. 

Sprint Bioscience 

Ophthalmology 

Inception 4, Inc. 

Johns Hopkins University 

Access to technology for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for novel tumor 
therapies 

Research and development of oncological drug candidates 

Research into new approaches for the treatment of various eye diseases 

Research and development of innovative drug products to treat serious back-
of-the-eye diseases 

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. 

Development of Eylea™ (aflibercept) to treat various eye diseases 
Development of a PDGFR-beta antibody for ophthalmology 

Hemophilia 

Dimension Therapeutics, Inc. 

Development of a novel gene therapy for hemophilia A 

Gynecology 

Evotec AG 

University of Oxford 

Infectious diseases 

Merck & Co., Inc. 

Novartis AG 

Nektar Therapeutics  

General 

Research collaboration to identify and validate development candidates in 
endometriosis 

Strategic research alliance for the development of novel gynecological 
therapies 

Codevelopment of tedizolid to treat various infections 

Development of a targeted antibiotic inhalation therapy for lung infections 
(ciprofloxacin DPI) 

Codevelopment of a targeted antibiotic inhalation therapy for lung infections 
(amikacin inhale) 

BioInvent International AB 

Access to antibody library with in-licensing of antibodies 

Peking University 

Tsinghua University 

Research cooperation and establishment of a research center for joint projects 

Research cooperation and establishment of a research center for joint projects 

1 Bayer is not active in the area of human embryonic stem cell research. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

4. Research, Development, Innovation

67 

We also operate our own science and innovation centers. We coordinate primarily our research partner-
ships in Asia through our science hubs in Beijing, China; Singapore; and Osaka, Japan. In Berlin, Ger-
many, and San Francisco, California, United States, we operate the “CoLaborator™,” an incubator model 
for young life science companies. The objective of the global CoLaborator™ concept is to offer these 
companies suitable laboratory and office infrastructure in the direct vicinity of Bayer’s own research 
facilities. In the area of crowdsourcing, we are very successfully continuing our “Grants4Targets™” 
program. We supplemented “Grants4Leads™,” which concentrates on small molecules, with “Partner-
YourAntibodies™,” a program that focuses on the evaluation of biological actives. Furthermore, the 
“Grants4Apps™ Accelerator Program” offers mentoring to start-up companies that can offer innovative 
solutions relevant to health care and therapy. In the area of venture capital, we are active with the 
“High-Tech Gründerfonds” and Versant Ventures. 

Clinical trials 
Clinical trials account for a major portion of the development process for medicines. They are an essen-
tial tool for determining the efficacy and compatibility of new developmental products before they can 
be used to treat diseases. The benefits and potential risks of new medicines must always be scientifical-
ly proven and well documented. All studies at Bayer satisfy strict international guidelines and quality 
standards, as well as the respective applicable national laws and standards.  

 online annex: 3-4.1-1 

Bayer publishes information about clinical trials in line with the respective applicable national laws 
and according to the principles of the European (efpia) and North American (PhRMA) pharmaceuti-
cal associations, these principles being defined in a joint position paper. 

HealthCare publishes information on its own clinical trials both in the publicly accessible register 
www.ClinicalTrials.gov and in its own “Trial Finder” database. In the case of approved products, 
summarized results of Phase ii, iii and iv clinical trials are accessible online through the “Trial  
Finder.” Upon request, scientists can receive access to anonymized data at the patient level via the 
portal www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com.  

Further information on our globally uniform standards, the monitoring of studies and the role of the 
ethics committees can be found on the internet.  

  www.bayer.com/ 
ethics-in-rnd 

Activities in 2015 
In line with our targets for 2015 we transferred 12 new molecular entities from our research pipeline 
into preclinical development in the reporting year. We define a new molecular entity (nme) as a new 
chemical or biological substance that has not been in development to date. In preclinical trials these 
substances are examined further in various models with respect to their suitability for clinical trials and 
linked “first-in-man” studies. In 2015, we conducted clinical trials with several drug candidates from our 
research and development pipeline. We strengthened products that were already on the market through 
life cycle management activities to improve their application and / or expand their spectrum of indica-
tions.  

Group target 2015: 
HealthCare –  
transition of more than 
10 new molecular 
entities (NMEs) into 
development 

 More details on  
our drug candidates 
can be found in 
Table 3.4.6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
68 

Combined Management Report 

4. Research, Development, Innovation 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

We are investigating some of our development candidates with respect to their potential for the treat-
ment of rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases. In February 2015, copanlisib received orphan 
drug designation from the u.s. Food and Drug Administration (fda) for the treatment of follicular lym-
phoma, a histological subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 

The following tables show our most important drug candidates currently in Phase ii or iii of clinical 
testing: 

Research and Development Projects (Phase II) 

1 

[Table 3.4.4]

Phase II projects 

Indication 

Anetumab ravtansine (mesothelin ADC) 

Cancer  

BAY 1067197  
(partial adenosine A1 agonist) 

Heart failure 

BAY 1007626 (progestin IUS) 

Contraception 

BAY 1142524 (chymase inhibitor) 

Heart failure 

BAY 2306001 (IONIS-FXIRx) 

Prevention of thrombosis 

2 

BAY 98-7196 + anastrozole  
(intravaginal ring) 

Endometriosis  

Copanlisib (PI3K inhibitor) 

Recurrent / resistant non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) 

Molidustat (HIF-PH inhibitor) 

Renal anemia 

PDGFR-beta + aflibercept 

Wet age-related macular degeneration3 

Radium-223 dichloride 

Radium-223 dichloride 

Refametinib (MEK inhibitor) 

Regorafenib 

Riociguat 

Riociguat 

Riociguat 

Rivaroxaban 

Bone metastases in breast cancer 

Cancer, various studies 

Cancer  

Cancer  

Pulmonary hypertension (IIP) 

Diffuse systemic sclerosis 

Cystic fibrosis 

Secondary prevention of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) 

4 

Roniciclib (CDK inhibitor) 

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) 

Vericiguat  
(BAY 1021189, sGC stimulator) 

Vilaprisan (S-PRM) 

Vilaprisan (S-PRM) 

Chronic heart failure 

Symptomatic uterine fibroids 

Endometriosis  

1 As of January 27, 2016 
2 Sponsored by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 
3 Sponsored by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 
4 Sponsored by Janssen Research & Development, LLC 
The nature of drug discovery and development is such that not all compounds can be expected to meet the predefined project goals. It is possible 
that any or all of the projects listed above may have to be discontinued due to scientific and / or commercial reasons and will not result in 
commercialized products. It is also possible that the requisite Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA) or other 
regulatory approvals will not be granted for these compounds. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

4. Research, Development, Innovation

69 

Research and Development Projects (Phase III) 

1 

[Table 3.4.5]

Phase III projects 

Amikacin Inhale  

Indication 

Pulmonary infection 

BAY 1841788 (ODM-201, AR antagonist) 

Prostate cancer 

Damoctocog alfa pegol  
(BAY 94-9027, long-acting rFVIII) 

Hemophilia A 

Ciprofloxacin DPI 

Pulmonary infection 

Copanlisib (PI3K inhibitor) 

Various forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) 

Finerenone (MR antagonist) 

Chronic heart failure 

Finerenone (MR antagonist) 

Diabetic kidney disease 

Radium-223 dichloride 

Combination treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer 

Regorafenib 

Riociguat  

Rivaroxaban 

Rivaroxaban 

Rivaroxaban 

Rivaroxaban 

Rivaroxaban 

Rivaroxaban 

Tedizolid 

Refractory liver cancer 

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients who do not sufficiently 
respond to PDE-5i / ERA 

Prevention of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) 

Anticoagulation in patients with chronic heart failure 

2 

Long-term prevention of venous thromboembolism 

Prevention of venous thromboembolism in high-risk patients after discharge 
from hospital 

2 

Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS)  

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) 

Pulmonary infection 

1 As of January 27, 2016 
2 Sponsored by Janssen Research & Development, LLC 
The nature of drug discovery and development is such that not all compounds can be expected to meet the predefined project goals. It is possible 
that any or all of the projects listed above may have to be discontinued due to scientific and / or commercial reasons and will not result in 
commercialized products. It is also possible that the requisite Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA) or other 
regulatory approvals will not be granted for these compounds. 

We regularly evaluate our research and development pipeline in order to prioritize the most promising 
pharmaceutical projects. 

Following the completion of the required studies with a number of these drug candidates, we submitted 
applications to one or more regulatory agencies for approvals or approval expansions.  

The most important drug candidates in the approval process are: 

Products Submitted for Approval 

1 

[Table 3.4.6]

Indication 

Bay 81-8973 (rFVIII) 

E.U., U.S.A., Japan; treatment of hemophilia A 

LCS-16 (ULD LNG Contraceptive System) 

E.U., U.S.A.; contraception 

Radium-223 dichloride 

Rivaroxaban2 

Japan; treatment of prostate cancer patients with bone metastases 

U.S.A.; secondary prophylaxis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) 

1 As of February 4, 2016 
2 Submitted by Janssen Research & Development, LLC 

 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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In 2015, we achieved further progress in various therapeutic areas: 

Cardiology 
Xarelto™ (active ingredient: rivaroxaban) has been approved for more indications in the area of venous 
and arterial thromboembolism than any of the other non-vitamin-K-dependent oral anticoagulants. 
Xarelto™ is approved in more than 130 countries worldwide across all indications, its approval status 
varying from country to country. Xarelto™ is marketed in the United States by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, 
Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. 

In May 2015, Xarelto™ was approved by the China Food and Drug Administration (cfda) for the preven-
tion of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and for the treatment 
of deep vein thrombosis (dvt). The approval also includes the use of Xarelto™ to reduce the risk of 
recurrent dvt and pulmonary embolism following acute dvt. In September 2015, Xarelto™ was ap-
proved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (mhlw) for the treatment and secondary 
prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism and deep vein thrombosis. 

In addition to the already approved indications, the use of rivaroxaban is also being investigated in 
other cardiovascular diseases such as prevention of major adverse cardiac events, embolic stroke of 
undetermined source or peripheral artery disease.  

Rivaroxaban was invented by Bayer and is being jointly developed with Janssen Research & Develop-
ment, llc, United States, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. 

Adempas™ (active ingredient: riociguat) is the first member of a new class of vasodilation agents 
known as soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulators. Administered in tablet form, riociguat is current-
ly being investigated as an innovative, specific approach for the treatment of various forms of pulmo-
nary hypertension. 

Adempas™ is approved in the United States and Europe for the treatment of particular forms of chronic 
thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (cteph) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (pah). In Japan, 
Bayer was granted marketing authorization for cteph in 2014 and for pah in February 2015. 

The trial program for riociguat also includes studies outside of the pulmonary hypertension indication. 
For example, riociguat is also in Phase ii testing for the treatment of patients with diffuse systemic 
sclerosis. 

Another representative of the sGC modulator class is vericiguat, currently in Phase IIb clinical testing to 
treat chronic heart failure.  

The development and commercialization of sGC modulators is part of our strategic collaboration with 
Merck & Co., Inc., United States. 

The active ingredient finerenone (bay 94-8862) is a novel oral nonsteroidal mineralcorticoid receptor 
antagonist (mra) that is currently in Phase iii clinical development. In September 2015, two Phase iii 
trials were initiated to investigate the efficacy and safety of finerenone in patients with diabetic kidney 
disease. Another Phase iii trial is being prepared in the indication chronic heart failure. 

The development candidate molidustat is being investigated for the treatment of patients with anemia 
accompanied by chronic kidney disease and / or end-stage kidney failure. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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4. Research, Development, Innovation

71 

In March 2015, we expanded our partnership with the Broad Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of 
Technology (mit) and Harvard University, United States, to include collaboration on cardiovascular 
genomics and drug discovery. 

In April 2015, furthermore, we entered into an exclusive license agreement with Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 
Inc., United States, pertaining to ionis-FXIRx (bay 2306001), an antisense drug in clinical development 
for the prevention of thrombosis. Under the agreement, Bayer will further develop and commercialize 
bay 2306001 in areas of high medical need. Antisense drugs bind to the mRNA molecules in the cell in 
a targeted way and inhibit the production of proteins that may become significant in the course of a 
disease. The novel mechanism of inhibiting Factor xi synthesis may offer an additional treatment option 
for patients for whom none is currently available. 

Oncology 
Stivarga™ (active ingredient: regorafenib) is an oral multikinase inhibitor. It inhibits various signal 
pathways that are responsible for tumor growth. Stivarga™ is approved in the United States, Europe, 
Japan and other countries for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and 
gastrointestinal stromal tumors (gist). 

In March 2015, we suspended enrollment in a Phase iii trial with regorafenib due to insufficient patient 
recruitment at that time. The trial is investigating regorafenib as an adjuvant treatment option for pa-
tients with colorectal cancer following resection of liver metastases with curative intent. The results of a 
further Phase iii trial with regorafenib as a second-line treatment for liver cancer are expected in 2016. 

Stivarga™ was developed by Bayer. In 2011, Bayer and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of 
Amgen Inc., United States, agreed that Onyx would receive royalties on global sales of Stivarga™ in the 
area of cancer treatment. 

Xofigo™ (active ingredient: radium-223 dichloride) is approved in the e.u. and the United States for the 
treatment of adult patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (crpc) with symptomatic bone me-
tastases but no known visceral metastases. In April 2015, we submitted an application to the Japanese 
health authority mhlw for marketing authorization for radium-223 dichloride for the treatment of pros-
tate carcinoma with bone metastases. The active ingredient is being investigated in additional trials in 
prostate cancer and in Phase ii trials involving breast cancer patients. 

The active ingredient copanlisib is a novel, intravenous phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (pi3k) inhibitor. In 
2015, we expanded our global clinical development program. A new Phase ii and two Phase iii trials are 
designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of copanlisib in patients with recurring indolent non-
Hodgkin lymphoma (nhl) and diffuse large b-cell lymphomas (dlbcl), an aggressive subtype of nhl. 

Another active ingredient, bay-1841788 (odm-201), is being jointly developed with Orion Corporation, 
Espoo, Finland. This novel oral androgen receptor inhibitor is in Phase iii clinical development for the 
treatment of patients with prostate cancer. 

In July 2015, we entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Sprint Bioscience ab, Sweden, 
for the research, development and commercialization of oncological drug candidates. Under the agree-
ment, we will receive the license for a research program currently undergoing preclinical development 
that is geared toward the inhibition of tumor cell metabolism. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Ophthalmology 
Eylea™ (active ingredient: aflibercept) is our joint development project with Regeneron Pharmaceuti-
cals, Inc., United States. Aflibercept blocks the natural growth factor vegf (vascular endothelial growth 
factor), thus preventing the abnormal formation of new blood vessels that tend to leak fluid. The medi-
cation is administered directly into the eye. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., United States, holds ex-
clusive rights to the product in the United States, while in other countries it is marketed by Bayer.  

Eylea™ is approved for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (amd), visual impairment 
due to macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (crvo) and diabetic macular edema 
(dme). In Japan, Eylea™ is additionally approved for the treatment of myopic choroidal neovasculariza-
tion (mCNV).  

In February 2015, the European Commission extended marketing authorization for Eylea™ to include 
the treatment of patients with visual impairment due to macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein 
occlusion (brvo). Eylea™ therefore can be used in Europe by all patients with visual impairment due to 
macular edema resulting from retinal vein occlusion (rvo). In June 2015, the product was approved in 
this indication in Japan. In October 2015, Eylea™ was approved by the European Commission for the 
treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV). 

A Phase IIa clinical study with regorafenib eye drops did not show the desired results and the project is 
therefore being discontinued. The study investigated the use of regorafenib for the treatment of wet 
age-related macular degeneration (amd). 

In June 2015, we entered into a strategic research alliance with Johns Hopkins University, United States, 
concerning the discovery and development of innovative drugs for the treatment of serious back-of-the-
eye diseases that affect many people worldwide. The five-year collaboration will aim to develop new 
ophthalmic therapies for various retinal diseases. 

Hematology 
In June 2015, we submitted an application to the Japanese mhlw for marketing authorization for the 
recombinant Factor viii compound bay 81-8973 for the treatment of hemophilia A. The approval pro-
cess has been under way in the United States and Europe since the end of 2014. In December 2015, 
the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (chmp) recommended approval. bay 
81-8973 is a further development of recombinant Factor viii (rFVIII) which has demonstrated clinical 
evidence of efficacy when used for prophylaxis twice or three times per week, with standard dosages. 

Damoctocog alfa pegol (bay 94-9027) is a long-acting recombinant Factor viii that is currently in Phase 
iii clinical development. 

Gynecology 
Vilaprisan (sPRM) is a novel oral progesterone receptor modulator that is currently being investigated in 
Phase ii trials for the treatment of uterine fibroids and endometriosis. In June 2015, an additional Phase 
ii trial began that is investigating the efficacy of vilaprisan compared with its major competitor product. 

In November 2015, we filed for marketing authorization for the new intrauterine system (ius) lcs-16 in 
the European Union and the United States. This low-dose, levonorgestrel-releasing product enables 
contraception for a period of up to five years. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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4. Research, Development, Innovation

73 

CONSUMER HEALTH 
Research and development at Consumer Health is performed essentially at the following sites: 

Research and Development Sites 

[Table 3.4.7]

Site 

Consumer Care 

Morristown 

Memphis 

Gaillard 

Darmstadt 

Chengdu 

Medical Care (Radiology) 

Pittsburgh 

Berlin 

Animal Health 

Monheim 

Shawnee 

Auckland 

São Paulo 

Country  

Focus 

U.S.A. 

U.S.A. 

France 

Germany 

China 

U.S.A. 

Germany 

Germany 

U.S.A. 

Allergy, analgesic, cough & cold and dermatological products 

Suncare, footcare and dermatological products; consumer research 
testing center 

Nutritional supplements, dermatological and gastrointestinal 
products 

Herbal medicines 

Over-the-counter (OTC) products and herb-based traditional 
Chinese medicines (TCM) 

Medical devices, sterile disposables, informatics 

Contrast agents 

Antiparasiticides, anti-infectives and pharmaceuticals 

Antiparasiticides, anti-infectives and pharmaceuticals 

New Zealand 

Dairy cattle health 

Brazil  

Antiparasiticides  

In Consumer Care, research and development activities focus on the development of nonprescription 
(over-the-counter = otc) medications as well as skin and foot care products, sunscreens, dietary sup-
plements and other self-medication products. Placing the consumer at the center of everything we do, 
our development strategies are geared toward expanding and improving our brand portfolio. We want 
to achieve this through new product developments, forms, formulations, claims, pack designs and other 
innovations. We introduced a number of new product line extensions to various markets in 2015. They 
included new delivery forms and uses and innovations for existing brands such as Aspirin™, Elevit™, 
Berocca™, Canesten™, Bepanthen™ / Bepanthol™ and Coppertone™. We also actively pursue the reclas-
sification of current prescription medicines as otc products.  

The goal of our research and development activities in Medical Care is steadily to improve our contrast 
agents and our contrast injection systems in order to build on our leadership position in the field of 
radiology.  

In March 2015, we received approval in Japan for Gadovist™ (active ingredient: gadobutrol) injection for 
use with resonance imaging (mri). Gadovist™ is the first high concentration / high relaxivity gadolinium-
based contrast agent to be made available in Japan. In July 2015, Gadovist™ was approved by the Euro-
pean Commission for use in children under two years of age. This label extension applies to all indica-
tions that have already been approved.  

In August 2015, the MRXperion injection system was approved by the fda for the injection of contrast 
agents. Our system optimizes injection workflow, provides enhanced point-of-care capabilities and can 
be connected to our Radimetrics™ Enterprise platform.  

In 2015, we also worked to expand the capabilities of our informatics product offerings by developing 
new software applications to improve contrast agent and radiation dosage management across ct, mri 
and nuclear medicine modalities. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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At Animal Health we focus our research and development activities on antiparasitics, antibiotics, medi-
cines to treat noninfectious disorders and nonantibiotic alternatives for infectious diseases. Our central 
research activities are conducted as part of our Life Sciences platform in conjunction with pharmaceuti-
cal research and in close collaboration with our researchers at CropScience. We also reinforce the busi-
ness by continually identifying further product development candidates through our existing collabora-
tions.  

Since August 2015, our innovative immunostimulant Zelnate™ has been available in the United States.  
It was approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (usda) to aid in the treatment of bovine 
respiratory disease caused by Mannheimia haemolytica bacteria. The product offers veterinarians and 
farmers a new approach alongside vaccines and antibiotics for mitigating this complex infectious dis-
ease that has substantial negative impact on the cattle industry.  

4.2 CropScience 

Research fields and sites 
CropScience maintains a global network of research and development facilities. Our largest r&d sites 
are as follows:   

Research and Development Sites 

[Table 3.4.8]

Site 

Monheim 

Frankfurt 

Lyon 

Sophia Antipolis 

Raleigh / Research Triangle Park 

Sacramento 

Ghent 

Nunhem 

Lubbock 

Morrisville 

Country  

Germany 

Germany  

France 

France 

U.S.A. 

U.S.A. 

Focus 

R&D of crop protection products, focus on insecticides 

R&D of crop protection products, focus on herbicides 

R&D of crop protection products 

R&D of crop protection products 

R&D of crop protection products; research center for seeds 

R&D of crop protection products 

Belgium 

Research center for seeds 

Netherlands 

Research center for vegetable seeds 

U.S.A. 

U.S.A. 

Research center for seeds, focus on cotton  

Research center for seeds 

While research is carried out centrally at a small number of sites, our development and plant breeding 
activities take place both at these sites and at numerous field testing stations across the globe. This 
ensures that future active ingredients and crop varieties can be tested according to specific regional and 
local requirements. The research centers of the Seeds unit focus on improving seed and targeted seed 
traits through seed technology and breeding. 

In November 2015, CropScience opened three new institutes within the research and innovation center 
at Paulínia, Brazil: the company’s first applications technology center outside of Germany, a resistance 
monitoring laboratory and a center for agriculture in tropical regions. 

CROP PROTECTION / SEEDS 
Research fields 
In Crop Protection / Seeds our scientists working across the fields of improved seed traits, seed tech-
nology, seed breeding, agricultural chemistry and biologics closely collaborate as part of our integrated 
research approach. This optimally bundles the technical expertise acquired in chemical and biological 
research and field development, aligning it with our long-term research objectives and business strate-
gies for the various crops. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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4. Research, Development, Innovation

75 

In the Crop Protection unit, we pursue the goal of identifying and developing innovative, safe products 
for use as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides or seed treatments in sustainable agriculture. In the fields 
of chemistry, biology and biochemistry, modern technologies such as high-throughput screening and 
bioinformatics play an important role in identifying new chemical lead structures. In addition, we are 
broadening the range of uses for our active ingredients by developing new mixtures or innovative for-
mulations to enable their application in additional crops or in different regions and make them easier to 
handle. Successful collaborations with external partners complement our own activities. 

Research in our Seeds unit is devoted to optimizing plant traits. We are developing new varieties in our 
existing core crops – cotton, oilseed rape / canola, rice and vegetables. We have now expanded our 
research activities to include two further core crops – wheat and soybeans. Our work focuses on improv-
ing the agronomic traits of these crops. Our researchers are working to increase the quality and yield 
potential of crop plants – for example by improving the profile of rapeseed oil or enhancing the proper-
ties of cotton fibers. We are also targeting the development of plants that have high tolerance to exter-
nal stress factors such as drought, and can more efficiently utilize water. Further areas of focus include 
developing new herbicide tolerance technologies based on alternative modes of action, and improving 
insect resistance and disease tolerance. To do this we employ modern breeding techniques ranging 
from marker-assisted breeding to plant biotechnology methods. 

Technological advances offer farmers faster and more accurate methods of monitoring their plants. 
Such digital solutions can help them to better understand processes in their fields and enable them to 
make quicker and simpler decisions and calculate the risks more effectively. We would like to support 
this development in the future by giving farmers specific agronomic recommendations. Therefore, in 
addition to our conventional research projects, we are developing digital products in which we augment 
field analyses and statistical models with additional data that we can adapt or individualize for a certain 
field in order to help our customers to make decisions. 

New products and registrations 
In 2015, CropScience once again attained a series of important new registrations. In January 2015, for 
example, we received regulatory approval from the u.s. Environmental Protection Agency (epa) for the 
new insecticide Sivanto™, which controls sucking pests on fruits and vegetables as well as most broad-
acre crops. Based on the active ingredient flupyradifurone, Sivanto™ is a novel systemic insecticide. 
CropScience received marketing authorization for this product in Mexico and South Korea in the spring 
of 2015, and flupyradifurone was approved by the European Commission in November 2015. We antici-
pate attaining the first national registrations for Sivanto prime™ in European countries in 2016; its mar-
ket launch is planned for 2017. 

The product Council™ was already granted regulatory approval in South Korea in 2014 and it has been 
available there since the 2015 planting season. The new rice herbicide will considerably improve weed 
control, as it features a favorable environmental profile and outstanding compatibility – characteristics 
that make Council™ an environmentally friendly and future-oriented product in the Asian rice market. 

In August 2015, CropScience received marketing authorization from the European Commission for 
terpenoid blend qrd 460, the active ingredient in the product Requiem™. This biological insecticide 
serves to control sucking pests. Its market launch in Europe is scheduled for 2017. 

In September 2015, CropScience opened a new building for its European Wheat Breeding Center in 
Gatersleben, Germany. Our wheat activities focus primarily on the development of hybrid seed that 
promises considerably improved yield stability compared with conventional seed and is scheduled for 
launch after 2020. CropScience announced in September 2014 that it will invest a total of €1.5 billion in 
the research and development of wheat seed and crop protection between 2010 and 2020. Here Crop-
Science combines the discovery and development of plant traits, molecular breeding and the latest it 
applications in order to optimize the genetic potential of wheat seed in terms of increased yields. In 
2015, we took the first step in this direction by launching our first conventional wheat seed in Ukraine. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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With many crops, such as vegetables, major success can be achieved using conventional plant breeding 
methods. As vegetables are intended especially to be marketed and eaten fresh, merchants and con-
sumers have particularly strict requirements regarding their appearance, nutrient content, taste and 
shelf life. We are launching a succession of new vegetable seed varieties that satisfy these requirements. 

Acquisitions and cooperation 
In February 2015, representatives of Bayer CropScience and globalg.a.p. signed an agreement to fur-
ther intensify their collaboration. The partners aim to implement sustainable cultivation methods and 
help fruit and vegetable growers worldwide to meet globalg.a.p. certification standards. 

Around the world, weed resistances to herbicides jeopardize agricultural efficiency and sustainability. 
CropScience has significantly expanded its herbicides research capacities in order to be able to more 
rapidly offer new solutions to global agricultural problems: in June 2015, CropScience and the Grains 
Research & Development Corporation (grdc) entered into a five-year innovation partnership centered 
partly on the accelerated discovery and development of new active ingredients to manage major and 
resistant weed species. The grdc will finance the expansion of existing capacities at the global herbi-
cides research center of CropScience in Frankfurt to include some 40 additional scientists and techni-
cians. 

In June 2015, CropScience announced the acquisition of SeedWorks India Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in 
Hyderabad, India. The company is specialized in the breeding, production and marketing of hybrid 
seeds of tomato, hot pepper, okra and gourds. Existing and forthcoming varieties will be marketed 
under CropScience’s Nunhems™ brand. 

In September 2015, CropScience and the Round Table on Responsible Soy (rtrs) announced that they 
would jointly assist soybean producers in the certification of their crops according to rtrs standards. 
rtrs certification guarantees that soybeans – whether used as a raw material or in processed products – 
originate from environmentally friendly, socially compatible and economically viable production. This 
collaboration will initially be focused on Brazil. 

Special mention should be made of our food chain partnerships, in which CropScience supports all the 
players in the food chain – from farmers and food processors to importers, exporters, wholesalers and 
retailers. CropScience has participated worldwide in food chain partnership projects for 10 years, par-
ticularly in Asia, Latin America and Europe. Some 7,400 Bayer experts advise farmers on sustainable 
cultivation methods – from seed selection and the controlled, eco-friendly use of crop protection prod-
ucts to the transparent monitoring of production and assistance in attaining certifications.  

 online annex: 3-4.2-1 

Our cooperation with partner organizations in these joint projects is now an internationally success-
ful business model for all participants in the food chain. Smallholder farmers in developing countries 
and Emerging Markets draw particular benefit from the improved production and marketing struc-
tures. Since 2014, we have significantly expanded our partnership with Unilever. This includes a 
food chain partnership project in Kenya focused on rapeseed whose integrated solution comprises 
crop protection, seed and support in certification attainment and agronomic training measures. The 
goal of the project is to stabilize or even increase harvest yields and quality, and thus farmers’ in-
comes. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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4. Research, Development, Innovation

77 

CropScience is part of a global network of research and industry partners from diverse segments of the 
agriculture industry, chemical and biological research, and the food industry. An overview of the major 
research partnerships is contained in  

 online annex: 3-4.2-2 

CropScience: Important R&D Collaborations 

[Table 3.4.8-1]

Partner 

CSIRO 

Cooperation objective 

Increase in wheat yields by means of native plant traits – discovery, validation and 
integration 

Elemental Enzymes 

Use of microbes to improve soil health and thereby increase crop productivity 

GRDC 

IVCC 

Targenomix 

Herbicide Innovation Partnership for the discovery and development of innovative 
weed management solutions 

Joint development of new substances to control mosquitoes that transmit diseases 
such as malaria and dengue fever 

Development and application of systems biology approaches to achieve a better 
understanding of metabolic processes in plants 

Integrated research and development pipeline 
Our integrated product pipeline for crop protection and seed technology contains numerous new crop 
protection products, seed varieties and enhanced products (life cycle management) that have estimated 
launch dates between 2014 and 2019. We believe these products have a combined peak sales potential 
in excess of €5 billion. In line with our Group target 2015 we launched confirmatory technical proof-of-
concept field studies for one new molecular entity, one new plant trait and two new biologics. A new 
plant trait is a specific characteristic that has not yet been available or offered at Bayer for the crop 
plant in question. 

The table lists a selection of products launched in 2015 and market launches expected through 2019: 

Group target 2015: 
transfer of two new 
molecular entities 
(nmes) or plant traits 
into confirmatory 
technical proof-of-
concept field studies 

  See also  
Chapter 1.4 for 
Group targets 

Innovation Pipeline1 

[Table 3.4.9]

Indication / crop 

Product / plant trait 

Product group 

Market launch² 

Insecticide 

Herbicide 

Wheat 

SivantoTM 

CouncilTM 

Conventional seed 

Oilseed rape / canola 

Dual herbicide tolerance 

Chemical crop protection 

2015 

Chemical crop protection 

2015 

Seeds 

Seeds 

2015 

2016 

Insecticide 

Cotton 

New active ingredient 

Biological crop protection 

2017 

Dual herbicide tolerance and insect resistance 

Seeds 

Oilseed rape / canola 

Dual herbicide tolerance 

Oilseed rape / canola 

Herbicide tolerance 

Soybeans 

Insecticide 

Fungicide 

Soybeans 

Soybeans 

Dual herbicide tolerance 

New active ingredient 

New active ingredient 

Triple herbicide tolerance 

Dual herbicide tolerance 

1 Selected new products 
2 2016-2019: planned market launch 
As of January 6, 2016  

2017 

2017 

2017 

2017 

Seeds 

Seeds 

Seeds 

Chemical crop protection 

2019 

Chemical crop protection 

2019 

Seeds 

Seeds 

2019 

2019 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 
Research fields 
Environmental Science offers consumers and professional users chemically and biologically based pest 
and weed control solutions by tailoring substances from our Crop Protection unit or external partners 
for use in the garden, on golf courses, on road- or railways or in forestry. 

Activities in 2015 
Environmental Science expanded its product range for professional users in the Middle East by intro-
ducing various innovative formulations of our insecticide Maxforce™. The new biological product 
Dedevap Green™ is available in Germany for use in granaries. Environmental Science also cooperates 
with companies in Brazil and Argentina to promote sustainable forestry – through the use of products 
such as our herbicide Esplanade Forest™, which enables reduced application of herbicides thanks to its 
long-lasting effect. We are continuously expanding our range of fungicides. Examples here include the 
launch of Dedicate™ in Europe, Chipco Signature Xtra™ in the United States and the biological nemati-
cide Nortica™.  

For consumers we continued to work in 2015 on the development of innovative and user-friendly pack-
aging and the expansion of our range of biological solutions. We rounded out our range of pest  
and weed control products with the launch of the new fungicides Consento™ and Emerald™ in central 
Europe and Italy, the snail control product Dismo™ in France and Austria and new formulations of  
Decis Garten™ in Italy and the Benelux countries. 

For more than 50 years, Bayer has played an active role in the fight against malaria, which remains one 
of the most dangerous tropical diseases to this day. Environmental Science is a leading supplier of in-
door spray insecticides that control malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, protecting some 50 million people 
a year from the disease. In 2015, Environmental Science received support from the World Health Organ-
ization of the United Nations (who) for the use of the Fludora™ brand to combat malaria within the 
context of integrated pest management. Environmental Science is also currently developing a new out-
door spray, K-Othrine Polyzone™, to combat dengue fever in Southeast Asia. This product is targeted for 
launch in 2017. 

4.3 Covestro 

Covestro operates major Innovation Centers in Leverkusen, Germany; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United 
States; and Shanghai, China. With its strong global presence, the company endeavors to account partic-
ularly for regional market trends and customer needs.  

Essential in this context is also cooperation with external scientific institutions, start-up companies and 
academic spin-offs. These collaborations are mainly based in Germany, the United States, China or 
Japan. Our partners in Germany include rwth Aachen University, while in China Covestro maintains a 
close alliance with Tongji University, and in the United States Covestro supports research activities at a 
number of renowned universities.  

Research and development is a core element of Covestro’s corporate strategy so that the company can 
maintain and build on its own competitive position. The company continuously works to evolve and 
improve its products and manufacturing, processing and business procedures. It is ensured through 
targeted management that ongoing projects and the project pipeline satisfy the current and future 
needs of customer industries and ultimately the consumer markets.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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5. Sustainability Management and Governance

79 

The thematic focus is on high-end applications, the enhancement of functionalities, design flexibility, 
cost-reducing production processes and sustainability, whereby the company also endeavors to find 
alternatives to petrochemical raw materials.  

The Polyurethanes (pur) Business Unit focuses among other things on driving forward new technolo-
gies such as microcellular foams that enable the development of even more efficient insulation of build-
ings and refrigeration chains. It also works to increase the flame-retardant properties of its materials. 
Another current theme is lightweight composite materials, including applications in the automotive 
industry that lead to weight savings and at the same time higher productivity and improved comfort. 

In the area of process development, the business unit is progressing with the use of carbon dioxide as a 
new source of carbon in order to reduce dependence on petrochemical raw materials. The pur Business 
Unit’s first priority in 2016 is to launch an innovative co2-based form of the polyurethane component 
polyol.  

Activities in the Polycarbonates (pcs) Business Unit are mainly geared to the development of products 
for the automotive and electrical / electronics industries. The focus here is on reducing weight, improv-
ing energy efficiency and safety, and enabling greater design freedom. 

Light-emitting diodes contribute to sustainability in vehicles and in other applications, as they require 
less energy and last longer than traditional light sources. pcs has developed special materials for chan-
neling, scattering and reflecting led light and for discharging the generated heat. In addition, the busi-
ness unit is channeling its focus on fiber-reinforced composites based on polycarbonates. These can 
improve performance in high-grade it products and automotive components in particular. 

The Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties (cas) Business Unit is actively involved in the development 
primarily of polyurethane-based raw materials for high-performance coatings, colorants, adhesives, 
sealants and specialty products. One of the goals here is to open up new application possibilities and 
markets for the core products. cas is also driving forward technologies such as processes that make use 
of sustainable raw materials, focusing consistently on the needs of the market here as well.  

In April 2015, for example, the business unit presented an innovative curing agent for polyurethane 
coatings and adhesives for which 70% of the raw materials are derived from biomass that does not 
compete with food production. cas has also developed a thermolatent curing agent for automotive coat-
ings that can be applied at significantly lower temperatures than standard products. This in turn lowers 
energy consumption and shortens production times. For textiles and artificial leather, furthermore, cas 
offers a new generation of polyurethane dispersions that also conserve natural resources and do not 
require the use of any organic solvents. 

5. Sustainability Management and Governance 

To us, sustainability basically means future viability and, as part of corporate strategy, is integrated into 
everyday procedures.  

We underline our mission as a sustainably operating company through our commitment to the u.n. 
Global Compact with its internationally recognized 10 principles and to the Responsible Care™ initia-
tive, and through our active global involvement in leading (industry) forums such as the World Business 
Council for Sustainable Development (wbcsd).  

  www.bayer.com/ 

sustain-
commitment 

Bayer also expressly backs the comprehensive approach of the new Sustainable Development Goals 
(sdgs) agreed by the u.n. in September 2015 for the period to 2030. In our core business we support in 
particular the goals that focus on combating hunger and ensuring good health care provision across the 
globe. The other sdgs are also in line with our internal requirements relating to responsible business 
practices.  

 
 
 
 
80 

Combined Management Report 

5. Sustainability Management and Governance 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Responsibility for steering and aligning our Group-wide sustainability strategy lies with the Board of 
Management member responsible for Human Resources, Technology and Sustainability in his function 
as Chief Sustainability Officer, and with a Sustainability Council chaired by the Environment & Sustain-
ability corporate function.  

Structure of Sustainability Management

[Graphic 3.5.1]

S U STA I N A B I L I TY M A N AG E M E N T

Organization

Major areas of activity

Member of the Board of 
Management responsible for
Human Resources, Technology 
and Sustainability

Environment & Sustainability 
corporate function

Group committees focusing on 
sustainability and HSEQ issues

Product and process innovation

Access to health care

Sustainable food supply

Human capital

Business ethics

Product stewardship

Safety

Environmental protection

Supplier management

Stakeholder engagement / Partnering

Societal engagement

Steering, measurement
and documentation

Group regulations on, for example,
• Human Rights
• Compliance
• Sustainable Development
• Responsible Marketing

Targets / Indicators

HSEQ management systems
and audits

Opportunity and risk management

Integrated Annual Report with
independent auditing

Commitment to standards and organizations such as wbcsd, gri, u.n. Global Compact, Responsible Care

  See also Chapter 
1.3 for Group 
strategy  

  www.bayer.com/ 

policies 

The Sustainability Council sets targets, draws up initiatives, management systems and Group regula-
tions, and is responsible for their implementation. In order to operationalize the Group strategy and 
make it measurable, we have set ambitious nonfinancial targets and indicators all along the value chain. 
Internal Group regulations ensure our sustainability principles are implemented in business operations, 
where they are realized through corresponding management systems, regulations and processes.  

GRI                           
G4-18, G4-26, G4-27 

  www.bayer.com/ 

materiality 

We regularly check that our areas of activity are up to date and relevant. To do so, we analyze and eval-
uate what the major stakeholders expect and require and match this against our own assessment. 
Thanks to this approach, we are quick to identify sustainability-related opportunities and risks and can 
incorporate these into our strategy. In 2014, we used a multi-stage process to identify issues of rele-
vance to us and prioritized these in respect of sales, costs, risk and reputation. We summarized the 24 
areas of activity that are relevant to Bayer in a materiality matrix. 

In 2015, we once again discussed the results of the materiality analysis at internal workshops and 
reconciled these with current developments and the Group targets. We also analyzed the results’ rele-
vance for the Bayer value chain (see graphic) and reporting in line with the new gri g4 guidelines. 
During this process, the original 24 areas of activity were condensed into 11, presented to the Board of 
Management and approved by it. The graphic below shows the assignment of our areas of activity to  
the stages of the value chain. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

5. Sustainability Management and Governance

81 

Areas of Activity Across the Different Stages of the Value Chain

[Graphic 3.5.2]

Research, 
development,
innovation

Supply
chain

Production

Logistics

Distribution 
and
marketing

Use

Value chain stages

Areas of activity

Product and process innovation

Access to health care

Sustainable food supply

Human capital

Business ethics

Product stewardship

Safety

Environmental protection

Supplier management

Stakeholder engagement /  
Partnering

Societal engagement

In the augmented version of the Annual Report you will find a detailed gri content index with the corre-
sponding ungc principles and the gri aspects to which we have assigned our areas of activity. There we 
indicate whether our scope for exercising influence lies within or outside the company. An overview of 
our areas of activity, their definition, the corresponding Group targets and the assigned gri aspects is 
available online.  

  www.bayer.com/ 
gri-content-index 

  www.bayer.com/ 

key-areas-of-activity  

STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE AT BAYER  
We consider the maintenance of constant contact and continuous dialogue with our stakeholders at a 
global and local level to be very important. Bayer is a part of society and of public life. Society’s ac-
ceptance and appreciation of our corporate activities are therefore essential to Bayer’s reputation and 
business success. Involving the different interest groups is a vital element of the company’s activities 
with the goal of creating better mutual understanding and trust in respect of our work and products.  

 online annex: 3-5-1 

We believe that systematic dialogue with the stakeholders relevant to us offers a vital key to 
understanding their viewpoints and expectations and being able to incorporate them into our 
business decision-making processes as far as possible. This procedure helps us to identify social and 
market trends and developments early, avoid risks, assess our contribution and thereby set focus 
areas for our corporate activities. 

GRI                              
G4-25 

We systematically involve our stakeholders in various ways, including the Stakeholder Engagement 
Process. This describes how, throughout the Group, stakeholder groups for a project can be identi-
fied, their expectations charted and dialogue with them steered. The engagement process requires 
regular review and needs to be reflected against social trends. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82 

Combined Management Report 

5. Sustainability Management and Governance 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

GRI                               
G4-25 

Stakeholder Engagement Process

[Graphic 3.5.2-1]

Stakeholder m

ap

pin

g

Preparation

Controlling

Identifi -
cation

nt
e
m
e
g
a
g
n
E

Interaction

Character-
ization

Strategy
development

E

Clustering

n

g

a

g

e

ment planning

Prioritization

n alysis of stre

A

s
e
s
s
e
n
k
a
e
 w
s /
h
t
g
n

To ensure the long-term acceptance and appreciation of our business, we seek to link the interests of 
our stakeholders even more closely to our corporate strategy. It is important to approach key social 
and political players right from the start of a new project and, early on, to canvass their support, 
identify risks and opportunities and seek open dialogue. The Group has developed a guide to 
engaging stakeholders in strategic decision-making processes such as investment projects and the 
launch of new products. The Virtual Resource Center platform that emerged from this provides 
online tools and a tutorial to help identify social and political trends at an early stage so that they can 
be successfully incorporated into project planning. The concept is currently being applied to various 
projects at Bayer, and the practical experience gathered is being channeled back into further 
refinements. In addition, senior managers are systematically undergoing specific training to improve 
interaction with critical stakeholders. 

GRI                               
G4-26 

Bayer’s day-to-day stakeholder activities range from targeted dialogue at local, national and 
international level and active involvement in committees and specialist workshops, through to 
comprehensive information programs and participation in international initiatives and collaborations. 
Our stakeholder dialogue includes both communication and active interaction with individual target 
groups and also issue-related multi-stakeholder events.  

GRI                               
G4-24  

We basically divide the stakeholders with whom we mainly interact into four groups: partners, regu-
lators, financial market players and social interest groups. In the following and in the relevant chap-
ters, we use examples to provide an insight into the commitment Bayer has shown in 2015. 

GRI                                 
G4-27  

OUR PARTNERS  
Customers and suppliers 
More on this topic can be found in Chapter 7 “Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution.” 

Employees 
More information about internal communications can be found in Chapter 6 “Employees.” 

 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

5. Sustainability Management and Governance

83 

Universities and scientific institutions 
Bayer’s research and development activities are supported by an international network of collabora-
tions with leading universities, public-sector research institutes and partner companies. More about 
this can be found in Chapter 4 “Research, Development, Innovation.” 

GRI 
G4-26, G4-27  

Schools and universities  
You can find more information on Bayer’s comprehensive activities in dialogue with school and uni-
versity students in Chapter 11 “Social Commitment.” 

Associations 
Alongside our business activities, Bayer is also an active member of, or holds leadership positions 
on, numerous national, European and international associations and their committees such as the 
Federation of German Industries (bdi, Vice-Presidency from 2015), the German Chemical Industry 
Association (vci, Presidency), the German Equities Institute (dai, Presidency), the European Chemi-
cal Industry Council (cefic, membership of the Board and Executive Committee), BusinessEurope 
and the International Council of Chemical Associations (icca). Bayer also currently chairs econsense, 
the Forum for Sustainable Development of German Business.  

The subgroups are also active members of their respective industry associations. For example, 
HealthCare is on the boards of both the European (efpia) and the American (PhRMA) pharmaceutical 
trade associations, CropScience is represented on the boards of the international crop protection as-
sociation CropLife International, the regional associations (CropLife America, Latin America, Africa & 
Middle East) and the European Crop Protection Association (ecpa), and the ceo of Covestro is the 
President of PlasticsEurope, the association of plastics manufacturers.  

FINANCIAL MARKET PLAYERS 
More information on our dialogue with the capital market – stockholders, capital investment compa-
nies, institutional investors, banks and rating agencies – can be found in the Chapter “Investor In-
formation.” 

REGULATORS 
Legislators, authorities and politicians 
The framework for the company’s operations is determined by authorities, legislators and politicians 
through statutory regulations and licensing, for example. The dialogues Bayer is currently pursuing 
with authorities and ministries at local, national and international level include targeted discussions 
with political decision-makers and active involvement in specialist workshops and cooperation pro-
jects. Our active participation in political decision-making processes is also explicitly sought by the 
key players involved. 

Lobbying 
In its Bayer Group Regulation “Code of Conduct for Responsible Lobbying,” Bayer sets out clear and 
binding rules for its involvement in political matters, aiming to ensure transparency in any collabora-
tion with the representatives of political institutions. The Group’s Public and Governmental Affairs 
Committee is responsible for the strategic planning of Bayer’s political work. This especially includes 
developing the company’s political standpoints, as well as determining the position of the Bayer 
Board of Management on important political issues. In 2015, Bayer’s political lobbying again focused 
on the acceptance of products and technologies in society, on submitting proposals for creating sus-
tainable health care systems, on dismantling obstacles to innovation, on chemicals and energy policy, 
on trade policy and on climate protection. Bayer actively promotes the protection of intellectual 
property in order to be able to continue developing innovative products. In addition, Bayer makes 
suggestions relating to the regulatory framework for crop protection products and seeds. More in-
formation on our political principles can be found on the internet. 

  www.bayer.com/ 
pol-involvement 

 
 
 
 
 
84 

Combined Management Report 

5. Sustainability Management and Governance 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

  www.bayer.com/ 
eu-transparency-
register 

  www.bayer.com/us- 
lobbying-disclosure 

Our liaison offices in Berlin, Brussels, Washington, Moscow, Brasilia and Beijing are key points of 
contact between the Group and the political arena. Bayer actively participates in existing transparen-
cy initiatives. It publishes details of costs, employee numbers and any of the other statistics required 
in each country, e.g. in the transparency registers of the European institutions and the u.s. Congress. 
Bayer goes way beyond the statutory requirements in doing so. For instance, the Group also publish-
es data for countries, e.g. in Germany, where there is no legal requirement to publish such infor-
mation. In 2015, the costs incurred at the liaison offices for human resources, material and projects 
totaled approximately: €1.2 million in Berlin, Germany; €2 million in Brussels, Belgium; €6.9 million 
in Washington, United States; €0.14 million in Moscow, Russia; €1.1 million in Brasilia, Brazil; and 
€1 million in Beijing, China.  

In keeping with our Group regulation, we have committed not to make any direct donations to politi-
cal parties, politicians or candidates for political office. However, some associations to which the 
Group belongs make donations on their own initiative, in compliance with statutory regulations.  

In the United States, a number of employees use the Bayer Corporation Political Action Committee 
(BayPac) to make private donations supporting candidates for parliamentary office. Political action 
committees in the United States are state-regulated, legally independent employee groups. In the 
United States, companies are legally prohibited from donating to political candidates directly. Conse-
quently, such donations are not donations made by the company. The BayPac contributions are regu-
larly reported to the u.s. Federal Election Commission and can be viewed on its website. 

  www.fec.gov 

SOCIAL INTEREST GROUPS 
Nongovernmental organizations, the public, local community, competitors 
Bayer is involved in a variety of projects, thematic initiatives and specialist conferences at a national 
and international level in order to play an active role in the common task of shaping sustainable de-
velopment. Alongside exchange and cooperation with nongovernmental organizations (ngos) and su-
pranational organizations, this primarily involves dialogue with the public. 

Among other involvement, Bayer is actively engaged in the u.n. Global Compact and its initiatives, 
the ceo Water Mandate and Caring for Climate, as well as the Global Compact lead network and 
local Global Compact networks. We have also acted as an organizational stakeholder in the Global 
Reporting Initiative since 2004. 

HealthCare is an active participant in the social dialogue addressing sustainability issues and creates 
forums to encourage exchange and develop viable problem-solving approaches together with part-
ners. The subgroup supports the International Dialogue on Population and Sustainable Development 
conference in close collaboration with various governmental and nongovernmental organizations. 
The concept of this political dialogue involves finding solutions for internationally relevant issues in 
reproductive health and sharing experiences of implementing the Millennium Development Goals.  

GRI                             
G4-26, G4-27  

Together with the dsw (Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevoelkerung – the German foundation for world 
population), HealthCare organizes a series of parliamentary evenings where experts in development 
cooperation and representatives from the political sphere, foreign agencies, medical research, inter-
national ngos and think tanks discuss issues related to development policy and population growth. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

5. Sustainability Management and Governance

85 

CropScience wants to strengthen and expand societal dialogue about the need for and benefits of 
science and innovation in agriculture and inform the public of the potential and challenges in today’s 
agriculture. The Agricultural Education program is primarily aimed at encouraging young people to 
take a greater interest in agriculture and food production. The program includes practical exercises 
in student laboratories, agricultural science scholarships and sharing ideas about the future of agri-
culture at international youth conferences such as the Youth Ag-Summit.  

GRI                             
G4-26, G4-27  

In 2015, the second Youth Ag-Summit was held in Canberra, Australia, in partnership with the Aus-
tralian agricultural youth organization ffn (Future Farmers Network). The focus was on nutrition for 
the growing global population. At the end of the year, delegates from the Youth Ag-Summit present-
ed a declaration by the young people on specific campaigns and recommendations for safeguarding 
food supplies to the United Nations’ Committee of World Food Security in Rome, Italy.  

The neighborhoods near Bayer’s sites are a key subject in our stakeholder dialogue. The Group is 
working at all sites on being recognized as a reliable partner and attractive employer that is aware of 
its social responsibility. For example, the involvement of the local community plays a decisive role in 
the success of any investment project. 

CropScience regularly uses forums, print media and personal discussions with citizens’ initiatives, 
representatives of the church communities and the regional press to keep its neighbors continually 
informed, for instance at the Dormagen, Frankfurt-Hoechst and Knapsack sites in Germany. Stake-
holder dialogue is also taking place with the communities around sites in other countries, such as 
Muskegon, United States, and Hangzhou, China. 

Covestro engages in dialogue with neighbors, the public and non-governmental organizations (ngos) 
on a case-by-case basis. The communities around the sites are proactively informed and involved 
when it comes to investment projects. One example is the intensive voluntary information policy 
adopted by Covestro and the German Chempark operator Currenta with respect to the relocation of a 
section of the existing carbon monoxide pipeline under the Rhine between Dormagen and Leverkus-
en. The permit documentation for the culvert could be openly viewed by interested parties in both 
cities affected and was additionally accessible on a specially dedicated website. For more detailed 
up-to-date information go to www.dueker.chempark.de (in German only). Both the media and local 
residents are kept informed about the planned carbon monoxide pipeline between the German sites 
of Dormagen and Krefeld-Uerdingen. The dialogue forum initiated by Covestro also plays an im-
portant role in the exchange of information with a critical public 

In the United States, Covestro’s site dialogue takes place through local Community Advisory Panels 
(caps). These, for example, organize regular meetings with local government or the community, in 
order to provide information on current issues or news from the area of site safety. In Germany, dia-
logue with the community is conducted through the Chempark neighborhood offices run by Currenta 
at the Lower Rhine sites.  

Among other things, Covestro is a member of the u.n. Global Compact and is active in econsense. It 
also maintains various partnerships with ngos as part of a commitment to wider society, for instance 
with Habitat for Humanity, which seeks to build sustainable and affordable housing in India. 

  www.bayer.com/ 
COV-CO-pipeline 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
86 

Combined Management Report 

6. Employees 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

6. Employees 

Our business success is based to a large extent on the knowledge, skills, commitment and satisfaction of 
our employees. The aim of human resources work at Bayer is to create a working environment that 
encourages personal development and where every employee can drive forward innovations and 
achieve an excellent performance. Our corporate culture therefore builds on integrity, fosters strengths, 
identifies potential and helps us in our common goal of attracting the most talented employees and 
retaining them in the company in the long term.  

Our human resources work starts with selecting and hiring new employees. We reward achievement 
and encourage ongoing development. We constantly develop our organizational structures and adapt 
them to the changing business environment. In addition, we have a wide range of initiatives and offer-
ings to help managers lead their teams and enable employees to perform optimally. 

The global strategy introduced by the Human Resources (hr) Committee helps us meet present and 
future business requirements. The hr Committee sets binding policies and defines priorities for all 
regions and organizational units. It is chaired by the member of the Board of Management responsible 
for human resources.  

GRI  
G4-26 

Group target:  
continuous 
improvement in 
employee engagement 

  See Chapter 1.4  
for Group targets 

  See Chapter 4 for 
more details 

To monitor the effectiveness of our human resources work, we conduct a Group-wide Employee Survey 
every two years. This is supplemented by institutionalized feedback processes and analyses. The infor-
mation we receive in this way is used to steadily improve our activities. One area of focus derived from 
the results of the last Employee Survey was improving our innovation culture. Cultivating innovation has 
therefore been integrated into the Bayer Competency Model as one of the key leadership competencies 
and we have introduced new initiatives such as the “WeSolve” knowledge platform. Further information 
on Bayer’s innovation culture can be found in Chapter 4 “Research, Development, Innovation.” 

At the end of 2015 we had 116,800 employees worldwide. 

Employees by Region and Gender 2015

[Graphic 3.6.1]

North America

16,000 (15,800)

9,700 men

6,300 women

Latin America(cid:3031)/(cid:3031)Africa(cid:3031)/(cid:3031)Middle East

16,100 (16,800)

10,100 men

6,000 women

116,800

(117,400)

Europe

55,900 (54,600)

34,900 men

21,000 women

Asia(cid:3031)/(cid:3031)Pacific

28,800 (30,200)

18,500 men

10,300 women

2014 figures restated and in parentheses 
Number of employees converted into full-time equivalents (FTE)
Values rounded to the nearest hundred

IDENTIFYING TALENTS 
Bayer actively encourages its employees to develop their individual abilities, talents and strengths. 
Scientific innovations, changing customer requirements and a strong competitive environment are just 
some of the reasons why we welcome open-minded employees. A professional approach to attracting 
suitable talents is key to this. In 2015 we successfully continued the rollout of our uniform employer 
branding “Passion to Innovate | Power to Change.” This message expresses what Bayer expects of its 
employees and, at the same time, what it can offer them. The employer branding “Passion to Innovate | 
Power to Change” was deployed worldwide for internal communication with employees in 2015 and 
was also used to position Bayer as an employer in many key markets. In addition, in 2015 we took the 
first steps toward further optimizing Group-wide recruitment of new employees. This was supported by 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

6. Employees

87 

an increased presence in social media. Our excellent reputation as an employer is shown by many ex-
ternal rankings, awards and accolades.  

 online annex: 3-6-1 

New Hires1 by Region and Gender 

[Table 3.6.0-1]

Region 

Asia / Pacific 

Europe 

Latin America / Africa / Middle East 

North America 

Total  

The figures also include the discontinued operations. 
1 Converted into full-time equivalents (FTE) 

Women 

2014 

2015 

2014 

1,745 

2,717 

1,080 

990 

6,532 

1,569 

2,359 

820 

2,359 

5,772 

2,758 

3,104 

1,670 

1,510 

9,042 

Men 

2015 

2,762 

3,162 

1,400 

1,406 

8,729 

2014 

4,503 

5,821 

2,750 

2,500 

Total 

2015 

4,330 

5,521 

2,220 

3,765 

15,574 

14,502 

Vocational training plays an important role at Bayer in order to meet the need for skilled employees. We 
provide sound training in more than 20 different occupations and offer more vocational training places 
than required to meet our needs. In Germany alone, around 920 young people embarked on a vocation-
al training course at Bayer in 2015. We also give young people an opportunity to gain an insight into 
working for our company at any early age. Overall, Bayer provided around 2,900 demanding profes-
sional internships for students around the world in 2015.  

  www.bayer.com/ 

career 

PRESENT EMPLOYEE DATA 
On December 31, 2015, Bayer had around 116,800 employees worldwide, a slight decrease compared 
with the previous year. In Germany we had some 36,700 employees (2014: approximately 35,700), 
which was 31% of the total Group workforce.  

Employment Data1 

Employees by function 

Production 

Marketing and distribution 

Research and development 

General administration 

Total 

Apprentices 

[Table 3.6.1]

2015 

FTE 

47,800 

44,700 

14,700 

9,600 

2014 

 FTE 

49,300 

45,100 

13,900 

9,100 

117,400 

116,800 

2,600 

2,600 

2014 figures restated 
Values rounded to the nearest hundred 
1  The number of employees on either permanent or temporary contracts is stated in full-time equivalents and rounded to the nearest hundred. Part-

time employees are included on a pro-rated basis in line with their contractual working hours. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
88 

Combined Management Report 

6. Employees 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The breakdown by age group was as follows: 

Employees by Age Group  

[Table 3.6.2]

Age in years 

2014 

2015 

< 20 

0.1% 

0.1% 

20 – 29 

15.8% 

15.3% 

30 – 39 

30.2% 

30.0% 

40 – 49 

28.2% 

27.7% 

50 – 59 

22.3% 

23.0% 

> 60 

3.4% 

3.9% 

Of the total Group workforce, 112,100 employees had permanent contracts while 4,700 had temporary 
contracts.  

 online annex: 3-6-2 

Employees 

1 by Employment Status, Region and Gender 2015 

 [Table 3.6.2-1]

Europe 

North America 

Asia / Pacific 

Latin America / Africa / Middle East 

Total 

Permanent employees 

Temporary employees 

Women 

19,900 

6,200 

10,100 

5,700 

41,900 

Men 

Total 

Women 

33,500 

9,600 

17,700 

9,400 

53,400 

15,800 

27,800 

15,100 

1,100 

100 

200 

300 

Men 

1,400 

100 

800 

700 

70,200 

112,100 

1,700 

3,000 

Total 

2,500 

200 

1,000 

1,000 

4,700 

1 The number of employees on either permanent or temporary contracts is stated in full-time equivalents (FTE) and rounded to the nearest 

hundred. Part-time employees are included on a pro-rated basis in line with their contractual working hours. 

The voluntary fluctuation rate shows that we were again successful in retaining staff in the company 
long-term. On the reporting date, our employees had worked for the company for an average of 11 
years. The proportion of employee-driven terminations (voluntary fluctuation) was 5.0% in 2015, level 
with the previous year’s figure. Group-wide, the fluctuation rate was around 13.9% and thus up 2.5 
percentage points on the previous year. This figure includes all employer- and employee-driven termi-
nations, retirements and deaths.  

Employee Fluctuation 

Women 

Men 

Total 

Voluntary fluctuation 

2014 

5.3% 

4.6% 

4.8% 

2015 

5.8% 

4.5% 

5.0% 

2014 

11.6% 

11.3% 

11.4% 

[Table 3.6.3]

Total 

2015 

13.9% 

13.9% 

13.9% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

 online annex: 3-6-3  

Combined Management Report

6. Employees

89 

Employee Fluctuation1 by Region, Gender and Age Group 

[Table 3.6.3-1]

Europe 

North America 

Asia / Pacific  

Latin America / 
Africa / Middle East 

Total 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

 % 

8.2 

 % 

7.8 

23.6 

19.5 

6.2 

5.3 

6.8 

6.5 

5.4 

6.7 

32.1 

23.8 

4.4 

4.1 

7.4 

4.7 

4.9 

7.1 

 % 

14.8 

31.0 

13.1 

13.6 

15.8 

40.0 

13.5 

14.1 

15.4 

 % 

15.7 

36.1 

14.1 

13.2 

13.2 

35.8 

10.0 

12.8 

14.2 

 % 

15.2 

17.7 

13.6 

19.5 

16.1 

21.4 

14.3 

13.2 

15.8 

 % 

22.2 

24.9 

20.4 

29.1 

23.6 

31.3 

21.7 

17.2 

23.1 

 % 

13.6 

23.6 

11.3 

9.9 

13.0 

27.4 

10.3 

9.4 

13.2 

 % 

19.0 

29.6 

17.1 

12.9 

21.8 

41.9 

17.5 

20.2 

20.7 

 % 

11.6 

21.5 

9.8 

8.5 

11.3 

26.8 

9.4 

7.3 

11.4 

 % 

13.9 

24.5 

12.6 

9.1 

13.9 

30.7 

12.3 

8.7 

13.9 

Women 

< 302 

30 – 49 

>= 503 

Men 

< 302 

30 – 49 

>= 503 

Total 

1 The data include all employer- and employee-driven terminations, retirements and deaths. 
2 The comparatively high proportion of employees in the <30 age group is due to the inclusion of employees on temporary contracts  

(working for 2–6 months of the year) and other short-term employees. It does not include apprentices. 

3 The fluctuation rates for the >= 50 age group are mainly due to retirements. 

At our significant locations of operation, which represent a selection of countries in which we generate 
around 68% of our total sales, Bayer also uses temporary personnel from staffing agencies on a small 
scale, based on stringent rules that are rooted in the life values.  

 online annex: 3-6-4 

Temporary personnel from staffing agencies are primarily used where this is necessary as a result of 
short-term personnel requirements, fluctuations in order levels, temporary projects or long-term ill-
ness. The proportion of temporary staff employed in Germany is around 2.9% of the total workforce, 
and the average for the significant locations of operation is 7.5%. 

6.1 Utilizing Potential to the Full:  

Personnel Development at Bayer  

We aim to develop our employees on the basis of their abilities. To ensure this, in 2015 we introduced 
the Bayer Competency Model as a uniform, Group-wide standard. It comprises 16 clearly defined core 
and leader competencies, which are derived from our business strategy and life values. They enable 
both employees and managers to use a common language and enhance transparency of the skills and 
behaviors we expect from both current and future employees.  

This common understanding facilitates development opportunities for employees and at the same time 
gives them guidance on their career path. The Bayer Competencies are now used as criteria for many 
employee development tools, ranging from recruitment interviews through the Development Dialogue 
to various Assessment Centers to identify future managers. In 2015, 28,000 nonmanagerial staff and 
23,000 managerial staff around the world were trained to use the competencies in interviews and De-
velopment Dialogues. 

The aim of the Development Dialogue is to draw up an individual development plan that fosters employ-
ees’ strengths and addresses areas in which they would like to develop further. 30,000 Development 
Dialogues were held in 2015. They are an opportunity for employees to discuss their personal strengths 
and development needs, career expectations and professional aspirations with their supervisor. This tool 
is to be rolled out Group-wide and given a firm place in our global leadership culture. In 2015, the De-
velopment Dialogue was extended to nonmanagerial employees in Germany. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
90 

Combined Management Report 

6. Employees 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Thanks to its wide-ranging business activities, Bayer is able to offer employees throughout the Group 
good opportunities for development. Vacancies throughout the Bayer Group, from nonmanagerial right 
up to senior management level, are advertised via a globally accessible platform. In 2015, we posted 
around 13,000 vacancies in 61 countries on this platform. 

Selective training is also part of our philosophy of personnel development. We actively encourage “life-
long learning” by our employees as an integral element in the management of demographic change. 
Our aim is to empower all employees to broaden their knowledge and skills and keep up with the latest 
changes throughout their working lives. 

  www.bayer.com/ 
training 

We have training programs for all employees throughout the company. An overview of the various pro-
grams, together with details of their aims and uptake can be found on the internet.  

At the heart of our ongoing training concept is the Group-wide Bayer Academy, which bundles our 
extensive range of continuing education offerings. Alongside systematic development of managerial 
employees, it offers continuous professional training through various functional academies. Managers 
from different management levels have taken a total of 31,966 training courses through the programs 
offered by the Bayer Academy for managers since 2013, including 11,623 in 2015. In 2015, the Bayer 
Academy was honored with the renowned Brandon Hall Group Excellence Award in bronze for its train-
ing offerings to enhance the performance and feedback culture. A total of 302,205 training sessions in 
Skill & Competency were taken by managers across all managerial levels. 

Every employee at our significant locations of operation received an average of 20.0 hours of vocational 
and ongoing training. 

 online annex: 3-6.1-1 

Training Activities in Hours in 2015 by Employee Group and Gender 

1 

[Table 3.6.3-2]

Employee group 

Senior management 

Junior management 

Specialists 

Overall average 

Women 

18.3 

33.2 

19.9 

24.1 

Men 

15.9 

24.4 

14.3 

17.7 

Total 

16.3 

27.4 

16.4 

20.0 

The figures also include the discontinued operations. 
1 Selected training activities in the 14 largest countries covered by the global training system, in which we generate 71.8% of our sales;  

the gender-specific averages do not include the United States or Japan as statutory regulations preclude differentiation by gender in these 
countries. 

ACHIEVING EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE – FOSTERING FLEXIBILITY 
Above-average performance is only possible in an environment where fairness and respect are key 
elements of the corporate culture. That includes observing Bayer-wide standards of conduct and pro-
tecting employees from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. These standards are set forth in the 
corporate policy on Fairness and Respect at Work. 

Specific and differentiated feedback forms the basis for positive personal development. Bayer encour-
ages a culture of candid feedback to help employees achieve their individual goals. The global perfor-
mance management system is part of this culture. Employees agree individual objectives with their 
supervisor that are directly based on corporate goals. Alongside continuous feedback throughout the 
year, attainment of the objectives is assessed by the supervisor at the end of the year and discussed 
personally with each employee. The results are documented in the employee portal and made available 
to each employee on an individual basis. In 2015, this system covered more than 88,000 employees, i.e. 
about 75% of our total workforce. Of the participants, 42% were female and 58% male. The system is 
mandatory for all managerial employees. This ensures that they receive feedback on how well they have 
applied our corporate values in the fulfillment of their individual objectives. Applying the life values is 
as important as meeting business targets and therefore affects the level of their variable compensation.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

6. Employees

91 

Bayer’s corporate culture is shaped by its employees. As a modern employer, Bayer endeavors to re-
spond to employees’ widely differing lifestyles. The company therefore offers employees in all countries 
a wide range of options to help them balance employment with their personal and family lives. Today’s 
employees and prospective employees attach great importance to flexible working arrangements and to 
support in caring for children and close relatives. Bayer offers a variety of flexible working opportunities 
throughout the world. In many countries, these go well beyond the statutory requirements. We signifi-
cantly expanded our benefits and services in this area in 2015, for example in China.  

In 2015, Bayer concluded a new General Works Agreement with the Works Council in Germany on a 
binding and uniform framework for short-term mobile working. For the first time, this agreement is 
applicable throughout the Group. 

We regularly conduct extensive global surveys of family-friendly working arrangements. In 2015, these 
showed further progress at our significant locations of operation. New and improved programs for 
flexible working from home, flextime and caring for relatives have been introduced. In 2015, the Bayer 
Group had some 10,200 part-time employees, in particular in Europe. This figure represents 8.5% of 
the total headcount.  

 online annex: 3-6.1-2  

Percentage of Part-Time Employees by Region and Gender 

 [Table 3.6.3-3]

Region 

Asia / Pacific 

Europe 

Latin America / Africa / Middle East 

North America 

Total 

Women 

2015 

 % 

2.1 

24.1 

0.2 

1.2 

12.7 

2014 

% 

2.2 

23.5 

0.1 

1.6 

12.1 

2014 

% 

0.3 

11.2 

0.0 

0.1 

5.3 

Men 

2015 

% 

0.1 

12.2 

0.0 

0.2 

6.0 

2014 

 % 

1.0 

15.9 

0.1 

0.7 

7.9 

Total 

2015 

 % 

0.8 

16.9 

0.1 

0.6 

8.5 

Bayer enables both men and women to take parental leave. Since national parental leave regulations 
vary widely from country to country, we only compile data for our significant locations of operation. 
Group-wide 1,315 women and 788 men took parental leave in 2015. By the end of the year, around 
1,847 employees on parental leave had returned to work. 81% of women and 99% of men who took 
parental leave in 2015 returned to work in the same year.  

 online annex: 3-6.1-3 

The next table shows the number of employees who have returned after the standard statutory pa-
rental leave program and Bayer’s more far-reaching “Family & Career” model in the past seven years, 
using Germany as an example. By the end of 2015, 82.6% had returned to work.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
92 

Combined Management Report 

6. Employees 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Employees Returning from Parental Leave using Germany as an Example    

 [Table 3.6.3-4]

Employees who have taken parental leave since 2009  

  Returnees by 2015 

Women 

Still on parental leave / with a dormant employment contract 

Returned by 2015 

Left the company1 

Men 

Still on parental leave / with a dormant employment contract 

Returned by 2015 

Left the company1 

 % 

Absolute 

100.0 

82.6 

58.7 

17.2 

72.4 

10.4 

41.3 

1.3 

97.0 

1.7 

3,178 

2,624 

1,867 

321 

1,352 

194 

1,311 

17 

1,272 

22 

1 Includes employees who have left the company due to employer- and employee-driven terminations, severance agreements and expiration  

of contracts 

The General Works Agreement on caring for close relatives helps Bayer employees in Germany to com-
bine working with their role as carers.  

 online annex: 3-6.1-4 

Under this agreement, employees can take up to 10 days’ paid leave to provide emergency care for 
family members. For longer periods, they are entitled to work part-time. During this time, their salary 
can be topped up by drawing funds from their long-term account. Alternatively, employees who need 
to care for close relatives full-time can take unpaid leave for up to six months (or up to one year in 
exceptional cases). The new General Works Agreement on mobile working, which includes working 
from home for short periods, also offers employees greater flexibility in dealing with personal emer-
gencies.  

EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION 
We regard providing regular, up-to-date information for our employees and involving them through 
active dialogue as an integral part of modern human resources and talent management based on com-
petitive structures and processes. To ensure this, Bayer stepped up open and transparent communica-
tion with employees in 2015. The previously separate intranet sites providing hr information, company 
news, country-specific information and background facts have been combined, offering extensive in-
formation on career paths, compensation, training and benefits. 

Communication with employees also includes meeting national and international obligations to inform 
staff promptly and extensively about upcoming changes in the Group.  

In Germany we combine providing timely information to the employee representatives on the Econom-
ics Committee of the company concerned with coordinating and jointly deciding on the proposed com-
munication measures. 

We also actively involve our employees in dialogue through a range of offerings and specifically encour-
age open discussion. These include regular employee assemblies, information events for managers and 
the European Forum, where employee representatives from all European sites engage in discussion with 
the Board of Management. Particular attention is paid to explaining strategic issues, business perfor-
mance, research, innovation and sustainability. 

GRI  
G4-26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

6. Employees

93 

6.2 Diversity and Internationality 

A diverse employee structure is vital for our company’s future competitiveness. Diversity improves our 
understanding of changing markets and consumer groups, gives us access to a broader pool of talented 
employees, and enables us to benefit from the enhanced innovative and problem-solving abilities that 
are demonstrably associated with a high cultural diversity within the company.  

A better gender and cultural balance at management level is especially important for our success as a 
company. Our activities in this area are bundled in “Leading Across Cultures and Genders.” At the heart 
of this program are special training sessions for managers. These provide an opportunity for them to 
consider the economic benefits of greater diversity, cultural and gender-specific differences and positive 
examples from within the Group in order to develop action plans for their own areas of responsibility.  

 online annex: 3-6.2-1 

Since November 2014, Bayer has been a member of the Gender Parity Council of the World Econom-
ic Forum in Davos. It is also a founding member of the new “Chefsache” network sponsored by the 
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which was set up in the summer of 2015. The members of this in-
itiative are committed to working together to develop practically oriented strategies to drive diversity 
and gender balance in their organizations. 

Overall, the Bayer Group employs people from around 150 different nations. Of the members of our 
Group Leadership Circle, in which 33 nationalities are currently represented, around 67% come from 
the country in which they are employed. The Group Leadership Circle comprises managers who per-
form senior functions in the Group. At the end of 2013, 82% of senior managers in our five top contract 
levels came from Western Europe, the United States and Canada and 18% came from other countries. 
By the end of 2015, the proportion of employees in the latter group had increased by three percentage 
points to 21%. We aim to increase this to 25% by 2020. 

Group target 2015: 
increase in the 
proportion of senior 
managers from outside 
the E.U., the United 
States or Canada to 
25% 

In 2010, Bayer set itself the voluntary target of raising the proportion of women at the five highest man-
agement levels throughout the Group to 30% by the end of 2015. In just five years, we have increased 
the proportion of women in this management segment from 21% to around 28%. We aim to raise this 
to 35% by 2020. 

Group target 2015: 
increase in the 
proportion of women 
in senior management 
to 30% 

In the Group Leadership Circle – the top management level below the Board of Management – the ratio 
likewise improved from 93% men and 7% women at the end of 2010 to 87% men and 13% women at 
the end of 2015.  

  See Chapter 1.4 
for Group targets 

 online annex: 3-6.2-2 

Bayer Group Workforce Structure1 

Senior management 

Junior management 

Skilled employees 

Total 

Apprentices 

[Table 3.6.3-5]

Women 

Men 

Total 

2014 

2,800 

10,900 

30,200 

43,900 

800 

2015 

3,100 

11,300 

29,300 

43,700 

800 

2014 

7,700 

16,600 

49,200 

73,500 

1,800 

2015 

7,900 

16,700 

48,500 

73,100 

1,800 

2014 

10,500 

27,500 

79,400 

2015 

11,000 

28,000 

77,800 

117,400 

116,800 

2,600 

2,600 

2014 figures restated  
1 Number of employees converted into full-time equivalents (FTE) and rounded to the nearest hundred 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
94 

Combined Management Report 

6. Employees 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

6.3 Employee Compensation and Variable Pay 

Compensation at Bayer combines a basic salary reflecting performance and responsibility with elements 
based on the company’s success, plus extensive additional benefits. In this way, we aim to offer our 
employees working conditions that give them a high degree of security and reliability. Adjustments 
based on continuous benchmarking are designed to ensure that our compensation is always interna-
tionally competitive. We also attach great importance to equal pay for men and women, providing fair 
and competitive compensation worldwide and informing our employees transparently about the overall 
structure of their compensation.  

 online annex: 3-6.3-1 

At Bayer, individual salaries are based on each employee’s personal and professional abilities and the 
level of responsibility assigned to them. At managerial level, this is based on uniform evaluation of all 
positions throughout the Group using the internationally recognized Hay method. In areas of the 
Group and jobs that fall within the scope of binding collective bargaining agreements, there are no 
differences in pay based on gender either. This also applies for the compensation of trainees. In the 
Emerging Markets and developing countries, too, compensation levels are aligned to local market 
conditions. To provide a transparent overview of their compensation, including all additional benefits 
provided by the company and employer pension and social insurance contributions, more than 
30,000 employees in 12 countries up to now annually receive an extensive “Total Reward Statement” 
containing all relevant information. This will be rolled out successively to further countries in the 
next few years.  

Our compensation concept also includes variable one-time payments. More than €1,100 million is ear-
marked for bonus awards to employees for 2015 under the Group-wide short-term incentive (sti) pro-
gram. In many countries, employee stock programs enable our staff to purchase Bayer shares at a dis-
count. This offers them a further opportunity to participate in the company and its business perfor-
mance. We also offer senior managers throughout the Group “Aspire,” a uniform long-term compensa-
tion program based on the development of the share price (see note [26.6] to the consolidated financial 
statements). For members of the Group Leadership Circle, an appropriate personal investment in Bayer 
stock is the prerequisite for participating in this program.  

In the continuing operations, our personnel expenses amounted to €11,203 million in 2015 (2014: 
€9,693 million). The change was mainly due to currency effects, an increase in average employee num-
bers, and higher employee bonuses. Offering a stable income and financial security is a basic principle 
of our global compensation strategy. This also applies to financial security in old age. More than 70% of 
Bayer employees worldwide are included in a Bayer pension plan. Pension provision is available to most 
employees for the period after their retirement. The way these benefits are provided varies according to 
the legal, fiscal and economic conditions of each country, the benefits generally being based on em-
ployee compensation and years of service. Further details of pension provision and pension obligations 
are given in note [29] to the consolidated financial statements.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

6. Employees

95 

Personnel Expenses and Pension Obligations 

[Table 3.6.4]

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Personnel expenses 

8,726 

9,194 

9,430 

9,693 

11,203 

of which pension and social security 
contributions 

Pension obligations1 

1,672 

19,310 

1,823 

22,588 

1,845 

20,682 

1,818 

27,771 

2,191 

26,809 

2014 figures restated; figures for 2011 – 2013 as last reported 
1 Present value of defined-benefit obligations for pensions and other post-employment benefits for continuing and discontinued operations  

HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 
Our social responsibility as a company and an employer is based on our corporate values and our unre-
served commitment to supporting and fostering human rights in our sphere of influence. Bayer’s Hu-
man Rights Position is set out in a binding Group-wide policy. We are committed to respecting, foster-
ing and reporting transparently on human rights both internally and within our sphere of influence. That 
means, in particular, that we have policies, processes and monitoring systems to enforce human rights 
in our business operations. Alongside working conditions in the Bayer Group, these outline our expecta-
tion that human rights will be respected at all stages in the supply chain, as detailed in our Supplier 
Code of Conduct. In addition, our life values and Corporate Compliance Policy commit all employees 
around the world to fair and lawful conduct toward staff, colleagues, business partners and customers. 
We are a founding member of the un Global Compact and respect the United Nations’ Declaration of 
Human Rights and a range of globally recognized declarations applicable for multinational corporations.  

 online annex: 3-6.3-2 

These include, in particular, the oecd Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the Tripartite Declara-
tion of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy, and the core labor stand-
ards of the International Labour Organization (ilo). We also observe the u.n. Guiding Principles on 
Business and Human Rights, which were adopted in 2011. To implement these, in 2015, we played 
an active part in the consultation process, which aims to support the German government in drafting 
a national action plan. 

To enhance our employees’ awareness of the importance of human rights in their day-to-day activities, 
we trained around 52% of our workforce in the main aspects of our Human Rights Position at various 
courses with a total duration of 201,000 hours in 2015. That included training for internal and external 
security staff. The compliance organizations at Group and country levels monitor compliance with the 
relevant corporate policies. If there are signs of violation, employees can contact their Compliance Of-
ficer at any time, anonymously if required. Alternatively, they can contact the Group-wide compliance 
hotline, which is available worldwide to the general public as well as to employees. For further details 
see Chapter 16.3 “Compliance.” 

At Bayer, social responsibility includes ensuring safe working conditions and thus an environment 
where our employees can work and undertake international business travel without fear. We support 
our employees by providing training to prepare them for business trips, including training in the correct 
conduct in emergencies. 

 See Chapter 7.1 

  See Chapter 16.3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
96 

Combined Management Report 

6. Employees 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Our social responsibility is also reflected in our approach to necessary changes and restructuring 
measures. In Germany, which remains the company’s largest operational base with 36,700 employees, 
business-related dismissals are excluded through the end of 2020 for a large proportion of employees 
under an agreement with the employee representatives.  

In 2015, the working conditions for around 53% of our employees worldwide were governed by collec-
tive or company agreements. The contractually agreed working hours of our employees do not exceed 
48 hours a week in any country. At various country companies, the interests of the workforce are repre-
sented by elected employee representatives who have a right to be consulted on certain personnel-
related decisions.  

 online annex: 3-6.3-3 

Percentage of Collective Agreements by Region  

[Table 3.6.4-1]

Percentage of employees covered by collective agreements, 
especially on compensation and working conditions 1 

Region / area 

Asia / Pacific 

Europe 

Latin America / Africa / Middle East 

North America 

Total 

1 Collective or company agreements 

2014 

% 

14 

87 

45 

5 

52 

2015 

% 

15 

88 

45 

5 

53 

Our understanding of our role as a socially responsible company includes a commitment to helping 
disadvantaged people. We employ some 2,500 people with disabilities in 29 countries. That is around 
2% of our total workforce. 35% are female and 65% male. Most employees with disabilities work for 
our companies in Germany, where they made up 4.9% of the workforce in 2015. 

An important part of our sustainable human resources policy is ensuring a high level of social protection 
for our employees. For example, nearly all employees worldwide either have statutory health insurance 
or can obtain health insurance through the company. In 2015, we once again expanded or improved the 
quality of the health benefits provided for employees in many countries. 78% of employees have access 
to a company pension plan.  

Health Insurance and Pension Coverage 

[Table 3.6.5]

Region 

Asia  / Pacific 

Europe 

Latin America / Africa / Middle East 

North America 

Total 

1 State or employer- / employee-funded 
2 Programs to supplement statutory pension plans  

Health insurance1 

Pension plans² 

2014 

 % 

2015 

 % 

2014 

 % 

2015 

 % 

95 

99 

94 

92 

96 

95 

99 

93 

93 

96 

57 

86 

59 

99 

77 

64 

86 

56 

99 

78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

7. Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution

97 

Employees’ health and vitality are important to Bayer. The company therefore specifically encourages 
health awareness and healthy lifestyles. We have therefore introduced a wide range of workplace 
health management programs at all levels, which are being expanded in response to employee surveys. 
Further information can be found in Chapter 9.1 “Occupational Health and Safety.” 

  See Chapter 9.1 

7. Procurement, Production, Logistics, 

Distribution 

We strive to offer our customers innovative products and high-quality solutions. This requires efficient 
processes all along the value chain for our products – in procurement, production, logistics and distribu-
tion. Economic factors play a role here, as do ecological and social criteria such as comprehensive 
product stewardship, human rights and a clear commitment to safety and environmental protection. 

At our production sites throughout the world, we continuously work to improve our cost structure, react 
more rapidly to market fluctuations through increased flexibility and achieve our ambitious quality and 
safety objectives. The quality requirements for our products and services vary due to divergent regulato-
ry demands: the manufacture of pharmaceutical and medical devices in particular is subject to extraor-
dinarily stringent requirements. 

This chapter presents the (internal) value chain: how we procure, manufacture and transport our prod-
ucts, as well as how we market and distribute them. 

7.1 Procurement and Supplier Management 

Bayer’s procurement organization supplies our internal business partners around the world with goods 
and services while operating in accordance with the ethical, ecological, social and economic principles 
established in our procurement directive. This directive is binding for all employees. Our procurement 
activities aim to ensure security of supply, provide a financial value contribution and meet quality and 
sustainability requirements. Procurement makes a substantial value contribution to the Bayer Group by 
centrally pooling know-how, leveraging network effects and economies of scale throughout the organi-
zation and facilitating access to innovation. 

We exert significant influence on society and the environment in many regions as a result of our pro-
curement activities, which in 2015 took place in 151 (2014: 147) countries and accounted for a pro-
curement spend of some €22.2 billion (2014: €20.3 billion) from transactions with approximately 
112,500 (2014: approximately 112,000) suppliers in all areas. 

In 2015, our procurement spend in Germany, the United States and Japan accounted for nearly 67% of 
our expenditures in oecd (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, which 
in turn made up about 53% of the Bayer Group’s global procurement spend. Brazil, India and China 
together accounted for about 68% of expenditures in the non-oecd countries or about 14% of the total 
spend.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98 

Combined Management Report 

7. Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

 online annex: 3-7.1-1 

Procurement Spend and Number of Suppliers in OECD and Non-OECD Countries in 2015 

[Table 3.7.0-1]

OECD countries  

Germany  

United States 

Japan 

Other  

Total  

Non-OECD countries  

China 

India  

Brazil 

Other 

Total  

Spend 

Suppliers 

€ billion   

% 

Number 

 % 

5.4 

5.3 

1.1 

5.8 

17.6 

2.1 

0.5 

0.5 

1.5 

4.6 

24.3 

23.9 

4.8 

26.3 

79.3 

9.5 

2.5 

2.1 

6.7 

20.7 

22,286 

11,515 

1,888 

43,461 

79,150 

4,032 

3,738 

2,387 

23,103 

33,260 

19.8 

10.2 

1.7 

38.7 

70.4 

3.6 

3.3 

2.1 

20.6 

29.6 

Where possible, Bayer buys locally. In 2015, this applied to 75% of our procurement spend at our 
main business locations, and 71% of our total worldwide procurement spend. This enables us to align 
our procurement activities to the requirements of our sites in the regions and to help strengthen local 
economies. 

Bayer minimizes procurement-specific risks for goods and services of strategic importance, such as 
supply bottlenecks or major price fluctuations, through long-term contracts and active supplier man-
agement. In this way we ensure both the company’s global competitiveness and smooth production 
processes. 

Indirect goods that are not of relevance to production are procured by the respective major user within 
the Bayer Group. The individual procurement organizations were coordinated during the reporting 
period by the Group Procurement Committee, which reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer. In 
line with the company’s procurement strategy, direct and production-related procurement in the Bayer 
Group is organized decentrally in the subgroups so that Bayer can act in accordance with differentiat-
ed market and production requirements. The composition of HealthCare’s supplier portfolio has 
changed as a result of the acquisitions of the nonprescription medicines businesses of Merck & Co., 
Inc. and Dihon Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., as well as the divestiture of the Diabetes Care business.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

7. Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution

99 

 online annex: 3-7.1-2 

Main Procurement Products by Subgroup / Segment 

[Table 3.7.0-2]

Subgroup / segment 

Main procurement products 

HealthCare 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health 

CropScience 

CropScience 

Covestro 

Covestro 

Zetia (finished product), cell media culture (raw material),  
Betaferon (interferon-beta-1b) (bulk product) 

Consumer Care: Supradyn (finished product), naproxen (active ingredient),  
Berocca (finished product) 

Radiology: iopamidol (active ingredient), iodine (raw material), cyclen (raw material) 
Animal Health: moxidectin (active ingredient), Avenge (finished product),  
Baycox-isocyanate (intermediate) 

Packaging materials, adjuvants and solvents (e.g. rapeseed oil, soybean oil, toluene, 
ammonia), complex intermediates (e.g. pyridine polyfluoride) and active ingredients 
(e.g. mancozeb) 

Key basic raw materials are benzene and phenol, propylene oxide, toluene, acetone 
and hexamethylenediamine. 

The use of renewable raw materials currently plays only a subordinated role at Bayer. We use them 
more intensively when it makes technical, economic and ecological sense to do so. 

 online annex: 3-7.1-3 

A number of hormones are synthesized at HealthCare through certain sterols and phytosterols 
that result as byproducts during the production of plant oils from soybeans, oilseed rape / 
canola or sunflowers, as well as during wood processing. Palm oil or palm kernel oil is not 
used here due to its low sterol content. We additionally purchase various steroids that are 
manufactured from diosgenin or its intermediate stages. Today, this substance is usually ob-
tained from yam grown in countries such as China. We also use raw materials such as water, 
glucose, yeast, soybean starch, castor oil and corn steep water in our fermentation processes. 
Extracts of plant leaves (Centella asiatica) are used in some Consumer Care products. This 
plant is widely found in Asia and is not an endangered species. We also take great care with 
the cultivation and harvesting of the raw materials for manufacturing plant-based pharmaceu-
ticals for holistic treatments. They are collected and cultivated in line with the gacp (Good Ag-
ricultural and Collection Practice) guidelines of the European Medicines Agency. 

On the European market, CropScience offers a mild weed control product based on fatty acids 
derived from palm oil. As the production of palm oil is often associated with social and ecolog-
ical problems, Bayer takes part in the Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (rspo). This un-
derscores our commitment to responsible materials procurement. In 2015, Bayer for the sec-
ond time purchased GreenPalm certificates, which support the production of sustainable palm 
oil. 

Covestro is developing processes for the replacement of raw materials derived from crude oil. 
In 2016, for example, the company is planning the commercial production and market launch 
of pentamethylene diisocyanate (pdi), an isocyanate produced from a novel renewable raw ma-
terial derived in turn from biomass. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
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Group targets: supplier 
management 

  See also Chapter 
1.4 for Group 
targets 

Sustainability in supplier management 
Bayer regards adherence to sustainability standards within its supply chain as both a crucial factor for 
value creation and an important lever for minimizing risks. For this reason, not just economic standards, 
but also ethical and environmental, social and governance (esg) standards apply for the selection of new 
as well as established suppliers. These standards are defined in Bayer’s Supplier Code of Conduct, 
which is based on the principles of the u.n. Global Compact and our Human Rights Position. It forms 
the basis for our collaboration with suppliers and is available online in 14 languages. The Code of Con-
duct is integrated into electronic ordering systems and contracts throughout the Bayer Group. Since 
2015, furthermore, relevant new and renewed supply contracts have contained special clauses that 
request suppliers to observe the sustainability requirements defined in the Code of Conduct and author-
ize Bayer to monitor this.  

In order to consistently drive sustainability in supplier management, Bayer has set ambitious targets. By 
2017, we plan to evaluate all strategically important suppliers i.e. those with a major influence on busi-
ness in terms of, for example, procurement spend and long-term collaboration prospects (3-5 years) 
according to sustainability-relevant criteria (target attainment as of 2015: 84%). By 2020, we also aim 
to include in the evaluation all those suppliers with a significant procurement spend (> €1 million p.a.) 
that are regarded as potential high-risk suppliers (target attainment as of 2015: 73%). Risk definition is 
based on a country- and material-based approach. Another objective is the development and establish-
ment of a sustainability standard for our supply base by 2020. Here we are working with both the To-
gether for Sustainability (TfS) initiative and the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative (psci). The goals 
include standardizing and sharing sustainability assessments and audits of suppliers in the same indus-
try and describing clear expectations regarding sustainability so as to establish appropriate sustainabil-
ity practices among our suppliers. The TfS initiative counts 16 and the psci 19 participating companies.  

A key challenge for sustainable supplier management in the Bayer Group is to prevent child labor in the 
seed supply chain of our CropScience subgroup. 

Our Human Rights Position is unequivocal and includes a strict ban on child labor. We therefore also 
obligate our suppliers along our supply chain strictly to refrain from employing children. For many 
years, CropScience has taken systematic action to prevent child labor in the seed supply chain in India, 
Bangladesh and the Philippines through its Child Care Program. Special teams from Bayer visit the 
fields used, for example, in cotton, rice and vegetable seed production without prior notice throughout 
the cultivation season in order to raise awareness of the issue and the Bayer requirements and to de-
termine the age of the workers there. Thanks to this stringent monitoring system, which is supported by 
local educational initiatives, there are now only very few incidences of child labor among our contrac-
tors, and we are closely tracking these cases. Further risk assessments were carried out in vegetable 
and rice seed production for Bayer in Thailand, China, Indonesia and Vietnam. It is planned to introduce 
the Child Care Program in these countries as well in 2016. We measure the success of our comprehen-
sive program using the indicators “Child labor incidence per monitored km²” and “Child labor inci-
dence as a percentage of total monitorings of laborers.”  

In the following diagram depicting the latter indicator, we demonstrate the continued elimination of 
child labor in Indian cotton and vegetable seed production sites contracted by Bayer based on the re-
sults of field monitoring.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

7. Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution

101 

Child Labor Incidence in the Production of Cotton and Vegetable Seed for Bayer in Relation to the Total Number of Monitorings1

[Graphic 3.7.1]

2008 / 2009

2009 / 2010

2010 / 2011

2011 / 2012

2012/2013

2013 / 2014

2014 / 2015

%
n

i

e
c
n
e
d
i
c
n

i

r
o
b
a
l

d

l
i

h
C

0
0
0

,

4
1
1

0
0
0

,

0
5

0
0
0
4
0
1

,

0
0
0
5
6

,

0
0
0

,

1
9

0
0
0

,

6
8

0
0
0

,

5
8

0
0
0

,

0
8

0
0
0
7
6

,

0
0
0
4
6

,

0.30

0.25

0.20

0.15

0.10

0.05

0

0
0
0

,

5
4

0
0
0

,

0
4

Number of monitorings of laborers (cotton)
Number of monitorings of laborers (vegetables) 2

Child labor incidence in relation to number of monitorings (cotton)
Child labor incidence in relation to number of monitorings (vegetables)2

1The figures cover several growing cycles per cultivation year. In India the cultivation year runs from the middle of one year to the middle of the next, depending on climatic 
conditions and the various different seed types. Cumulated depiction on the basis of control inspections performed (at least 3 per cultivation season for vegetables and up 
to 6 per season for cotton)

2 Vegetable seed included in field monitoring from 2010 / 2011 onward; for vegetables, cultivation areas and number of monitorings refer to a combination of various 

different seed types. Each type of seed has its own monitoring intensity.

Below you will find a graphic for the indicator “Child labor incidence per monitored km²” and further  
information on our Child Care Program. 

 online annex: 3-7.1-4 

Child Labor Incidence in the Production of Cotton and Vegetable Seed for Bayer in Relation to the Cultivation Area Monitored 1

[Graphic 3.7.1-1]

2008 / 2009

2009 / 2010

2010 / 2011

2011 / 2012

2012 / 2013

2013 / 2014

2014 / 2015

2

m
k
d
e
r
o
t
i
n
o
m

r
e
p

e
c
n
e
d
i
c
n

i

r
o
b
a
l

d

l
i

h
C

4
4

7
4

5
8

6
5

5
6

9
4

8
0
1

2
9

1
4

5
3

1
2
1

7
5

3

2.5

2

1.5

1

0.5

0

Cotton seed cultivation area monitored (in km2)
Vegetable seed cultivation area monitored (in km2) 2

Child labor incidence per monitored km2 (cotton)
Child labor incidence per monitored km2 (vegetables) 2

1 The figures cover several growing cycles per cultivation year. In India the cultivation year runs from the middle of one year to the middle of the next, depending on 
climatic conditions and the various different seed types. Cumulated depiction on the basis of control inspections performed (at least 3 per cultivation season for 
vegetables and up to 6 per season for cotton)

2 Vegetable seed included in field monitoring from 2010 / 2011 onward; for vegetables, cultivation areas and number of monitorings refer to a combination of various 

different seed types. Each type of seed has its own monitoring intensity.

Once a year, the audit firm ey (formerly Ernst & Young), India, conducts unannounced inspections of 
randomly selected farms on behalf of Bayer.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Suppliers who can verify that they strictly observe our ban on child labor receive a bonus from Bayer 
along with training in raising agricultural efficiency. Graduated sanctions are applied for noncompli-
ance. These range from written warnings to termination of the contract in the case of repeated non-
compliance.  

Bayer regards school attendance not only as essential for children’s development but also as an ef-
fective tool to drive the elimination of child labor. We therefore also visit the parents of children we 
find working in the fields to convince them of the importance of school education. We promote this 
with the “Learning for Life” initiative within our Child Care Program. This initiative aims to ensure 
that children and young people get a proper education and covers everything from reintegrating 
children into the regular school system to vocational training measures. Between 2005 and the end 
of 2015, the “Learning for Life” educational programs benefited more than 6,100 children and young 
people.  

The Child Care Program Advisory Council, comprised of international experts and recognized profes-
sionals, supports Bayer in the protection of children’s rights and the obligation of seed production 
without child labor. The annual meeting of the Advisory Council, which took place in India in May 
2015, focused on the effectiveness of the Child Care Program and on a project concerning minimum 
wages in the seed supply chain. 

Evaluating the sustainability performance of our suppliers  
Bayer verifies the observance of sustainability requirements by our suppliers through online assess-
ments and on-site audits. Suppliers are selected for these evaluations based on a combination of coun-
try and material risks as well as strategic importance in accordance with our Group targets. 

The online assessments are carried out on Bayer’s behalf by EcoVadis, an established provider of sus-
tainability performance evaluations. They are comprised of a web-based, modular questionnaire com-
pleted by the supplier, coupled with accompanying verification documents and 360° screening. The 
evaluation criteria comprise the areas environment, labor practices and human rights, fair business 
practices and sustainable procurement.  

Together with external, independent auditors, Bayer carries out on-site audits of its suppliers based on 
the psci and TfS sustainability criteria. In addition, internal auditors evaluate suppliers with a focus on 
health and safety, environmental protection and sustainability. 

Through cooperation with the industry initiatives psci and TfS, we leverage synergies through the 
exchange of comparable, high-quality supplier assessments and / or audits among members using the it 
platforms of the respective initiatives. 

An overview of the number of supplier assessments and audits can be found in  

 online annex: 3-7.1-5 

Supplier Assessments and Audits for 2015 

 [Table 3.7.0-3]

Sustainability assessments1 via the EcoVadis platform 

Sustainability audits² by external auditors 

HSE³ / sustainability audits by Bayer auditors 

2014 

692 

56 

94 

2015 

521 

71 

107 

1 Supplier assessments initiated by Bayer as well as assessments of suppliers working for Bayer exchanged as part of the TfS initiative 
2 Initial and follow-up audits initiated by Bayer of suppliers working for Bayer and exchanged as part of the TfS and PSCI initiatives 
3 Health, safety, environment  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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103 

Within the scope of the TfS initiative, a total of 2,580 supplier assessments using EcoVadis and 179 
audits – performed, for example, in China, India and Brazil – were successfully completed in 2015. A 
total of 40 joint and / or shared audits were carried out in 2015 through psci, for example in Turkey, 
Brazil and Uruguay.  

Alongside consideration of our sustainability criteria in the selection of suppliers, CropScience and 
HealthCare undertake separate evaluations of suppliers with regard to the contract manufacturing of 
quality-relevant goods and services. These evaluations encompass the areas of health, safety and en-
vironmental protection among others and are performed prior to the start of operations. Since 2015, 
furthermore, HealthCare has obligated newly selected suppliers with a prospective annual procure-
ment spend in excess of €1 million to undergo an EcoVadis sustainability assessment or an on-site 
audit after being awarded business. The suppliers evaluated in 2015 in this context satisfied our sus-
tainability requirements. 

Moreover, Bayer monitors suppliers who process minerals such as tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold to 
establish whether these originate in conflict regions. In this way we want to rule out that such materials 
find their way into our products through supply chains. To tighten up our requirements, the issue of 
conflict materials has also been included in our Supplier Code of Conduct. 

 online annex: 3-7.1-6 

International regulations such as the Dodd-Frank Act in the United States obligate companies to dis-
close the origin of certain raw materials to rule out that conflict minerals from the Democratic Re-
public of the Congo or its neighboring countries find their way into products through supply chains. 
Bayer has questioned about 100 suppliers who could potentially be impacted by this issue. Nearly 
60% of them confirmed to us that they do not procure potential conflict minerals. The status of the 
remaining suppliers is being clarified. 

All online assessments and audits are comprehensively analyzed and documented so that – in the event 
of unsatisfactory results – specific improvement measures can be defined together with the suppliers to 
ensure the future observance of social, ethical and environmental standards. In 2015, 33 suppliers 
(equivalent to 6% of those evaluated) posted a critical result. These suppliers were requested by Bayer 
to rectify the identified weaknesses with the help of corrective instructions or action plans.  

 online annex: 3-7.1-7 

The corrective action established together with the suppliers in 2015 mainly related to the areas of 
occupational health, occupational safety, fair business practices and sustainable procurement. In 
2015, we monitored the implementation of the stipulated improvements among 324 suppliers by 
means of reassessments through the EcoVadis platform; approximately 73% improved their sustain-
ability performance to a relevant degree. In 2015, Bayer was not prompted to end any supplier rela-
tionship due solely to sustainability performance or serious sustainability deficiencies. 

Training measures and dialogue on the issue of sustainability 
We support our hseq and procurement employees in the implementation of our sustainability require-
ments with targeted Group-wide training measures. In the reporting period, 162 of these employees 
completed training courses dealing with the EcoVadis sustainability assessment process. CropScience 
carried out additional training courses on the subject of sustainability audits. HealthCare organized 
supplementary sustainability workshops for selected procurement employees. In addition, we also offer 
our suppliers a wide range of training and dialogue opportunities in order to familiarize them with 
Bayer’s sustainability requirements. 

GRI 
G4-26  

 online annex: 3-7.1-8 

In 2015, Bayer once again held Supplier Days, which are an important dialogue platform for our 
subgroups. CropScience organized special training courses on quality, health and safety, and envi-
ronmental protection for selected suppliers. The TfS initiative organized Supplier Days in China and 
Brazil that dealt, for example, with environmental protection and occupational safety. In India, psci 
held an education conference where suppliers were trained in occupational safety, environmental 
protection, process and plant safety, and labor and business ethics. Both initiatives offer extensive 
supplementary information material and online training courses on their websites. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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7.2 Production 

Bayer operates production facilities at more than 120 sites in 35 countries. We deploy our competencies 
and experience at all our sites to continuously optimize production processes and technologies, as well 
as infrastructure. That is because product quality and the efficiency of materials and energy are crucial 
competitive factors.  

The safe and responsible operation of our facilities and the comprehensive safety of our employees and 
the people who live near our sites are of utmost importance to Bayer. Bayer also places great im-
portance on protecting the environment and using natural resources responsibly. Accordingly, man-
agement systems have been established for the areas of health, safety, environmental protection and 
quality (hseq) that apply throughout the Bayer Group. They are integrated into all business processes 
and regularly audited and updated. All relevant hseq performance indicators from our production sites 
are compiled in a Group-wide Bayer site information system (BaySIS). Extensive information on the 
topics of safety, product stewardship, environmental protection and the corresponding management 
systems can be found in chapters 8, 9 and 10.  

HEALTHCARE 
SITES 
HealthCare operates production sites around the world at which active ingredients are manufactured 
and at which formulation and packaging services are performed for the product portfolio of all 
HealthCare divisions. The importance of the production sites within the network is regularly assessed, 
giving consideration to site- and product-specific criteria. Product supply strategies and site strategies 
are further developed and / or adjusted on this basis. The most important production and formulation 

HealthCare Sites 

Segment / site 

Pharmaceuticals 

Main activity 

[Table 3.7.1]

Bergkamen, Germany 

Active ingredient production 

Berkeley, California, U.S.A. 

Active ingredient production based on biotechnological processes 

Berlin, Germany 

Leverkusen, Germany 

Turku, Finland 

Weimar, Germany 

Wuppertal, Germany 

Consumer Health 

Formulation and packaging  

Formulation and packaging 

Formulation and packaging of intrauterine systems 

Formulation and packaging 

Active ingredient production 

Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany 

Formulation and packaging  

Cimanggis, Indonesia 

Grenzach, Germany 

Kiel, Germany  

Formulation and packaging 

Formulation, filling and packaging 

Formulation and packaging of animal health products 

Myerstown, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. 

Formulation and packaging  

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. 

Manufacture of medical devices such as contrast agent injectors and 
consumables 

Wuppertal, Germany 

Active ingredient production 

sites for global product supply in 2015 are listed in the following table. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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7. Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution

105 

QUALITY MANAGEMENT 
The manufacturing of pharmaceutical and medical devices is subject to extraordinarily stringent quality 
requirements that are based on internationally recognized standards. Compliance with these require-
ments at Bayer is regularly audited by internal experts, regulatory authorities and external consultants.  

 online annex: 3-7.2-1 

Quality standards are developed on the one hand according to regulatory requirements, approvals 
and authorizations, and relevant standards of nongovernmental organizations and industry associa-
tions, and on the other hand according to customer expectations. These requirements are evaluated 
by HealthCare and integrated into an internal quality management (qm) system that is based on in-
ternational standards of the iso (e.g. iso 9001 and iso 13485) and the ich (International Conference 
on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use), as 
well as on rules for good working practice (GxP) in the development and manufacture of pharmaceu-
ticals (e.g. Good Manufacturing Practices (gmp), Good Distribution Practices (gdp) and Good Clinical 
Practices (gcp)). With the help of our qm system, we effectively and transparently implement and 
manage the quality control processes and responsibilities according to established, documented and 
binding procedures and methods. The goal is to ensure the quality of our products throughout their 
entire life cycle and safeguard the value chain over the long term. 

INVESTMENTS IN PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
HealthCare continuously invests in its global production network in order to ensure security of supply, 
provide the necessary capacities and satisfy regulatory requirements. Further production capacities for 
the manufacture of hemophilia A products are being established at the Wuppertal and Leverkusen sites 
through the biggest current capital expenditure program with a total volume of more than €500 million. 
Another major project with a volume of some €100 million is aimed at expanding production capacities 
in Beijing, China. 

 See Chapter 14.5  

CROPSCIENCE 
SITES 
The products of the Crop Protection and Environmental Science units are mainly produced at the com-
pany’s own production and formulation sites, the largest of which are listed in the following table: 

CropScience Sites 

Site 

Dormagen, Germany 

Main activity 

Development of new production processes and manufacture of 
Crop Protection and Environmental Science products 

[Table 3.7.2]

Frankfurt am Main, Germany 

Manufacture of Crop Protection and Environmental Science products 

Nunhem, Netherlands 

Vegetable seed production 

Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A. 

Manufacture of Crop Protection and Environmental Science products 

Knapsack, Germany 

Vapi, India 

Manufacture of Crop Protection and Environmental Science products 

Development of new production processes and manufacture of 
Crop Protection and Environmental Science products 

Numerous decentralized formulation and filling sites enable the company to quickly react to the needs 
of local markets. At these sites the active ingredients are processed into herbicides, fungicides, insecti-
cides, seed treatment products and Environmental Science products according to local requirements 
and application areas. Packaging of the products also takes place in these facilities. 

Production of seeds takes place at locations close to our customers in Europe, Asia, and North and 
South America at our own farms or under contract.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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QUALITY MANAGEMENT 
Our CropScience products are manufactured according to high quality standards based on iso 9001, to 
which more than 80% of CropScience production sites are certified. The compliance of the production 
processes and registered product specifications is regularly monitored by external auditors. All our 
products are reviewed and registered by the national authorities in the various countries, and thus fulfill 
the respective requirements with regard to quality and user safety.  

INVESTMENTS IN PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
We invest continuously in our global production network in order to generate capacities for new prod-
ucts and technologies and to improve manufacturing processes. We plan to significantly increase our 
capital investment to meet the steadily rising demand. We intend to invest approximately €2.4 billion in 
property, plant and equipment between 2013 and 2016. 

The construction of a new crop protection facility for the production of methane phosphorous acid ester 
(mpe), an important precursor for the active ingredient glufosinate-ammonium, commenced at the 
Knapsack site. The capital expenditure volume is more than €150 million. In September 2015, we ex-
panded our capacity for oilseed rape / canola through the construction of a new production site in Mon-
heim, Germany.  

COVESTRO 
Covestro operates a large number of locations worldwide, including eight world-scale production sites. 
The company also maintains specialized technical centers around the world that offer customers indi-
vidually tailored solutions and that are designed for regional supply. Covestro thus guarantees not just a 
global presence, but also above all customer centricity with short supply times and flexible service. At 
these production sites Covestro pursues the ambitious goal of assuming and further expanding its lead-
ing position in the future, too, with regard to production volume, quality, efficiency and safety. Innova-
tive and environmentally friendly production processes are employed as a result of the continuous tech-
nological improvement of our facilities. The selectively backwards-integrated production process en-
ables Covestro to procure key raw materials such as chlorine and propylene oxide from within the com-
pany or through joint ventures so as to reduce the dependency on external supply sources. 

SITES 
Covestro’s most important production sites are listed in the following table: 

Covestro Sites 

[Table 3.7.3]

Site 

Main activity 

Leverkusen, Germany 

Coatings, adhesives and specialties production; technical laboratories; chlorine 
production 

Uerdingen, Germany 

Polycarbonates and polyurethanes (MDI) production; chlorine and CO production 

Dormagen, Germany 

Baytown, Texas, U.S.A. 

Polyurethanes (TDI, PET) and coatings, adhesives and specialties production;  
chlorine and nitric acid production 

Polyurethanes (MDI, TDI), polycarbonates and coatings, adhesives and specialties 
production 

Shanghai and Shanghai 
Chemical Industry Park, China 

Polyurethanes (MDI, TDI), polycarbonates and coatings, adhesives and specialties 
production; chlorine production 

Brunsbüttel, Germany 

Polyurethanes (MDI) production 

Antwerp, Belgium 

Polyurethanes (PET) and polycarbonates production 

Map Ta Phut, Thailand 

Polycarbonates and coatings, adhesives and specialties production 

To serve our differentiated businesses, we maintain several production facilities in selected countries 
that include systems houses where we formulate and supply customized polyurethane systems, as well 
as plants where we compound polycarbonate granules to meet specific customer requirements or 
manufacture semi-finished products (polycarbonate sheets). We also operate regional production facili-
ties for derivatives of the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties Business Unit and for functional films made 
of polycarbonate or thermoplastic polyurethane. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
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7. Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution

107 

QUALITY MANAGEMENT 
Covestro applies very high standards for the quality of the raw materials it uses and their further pro-
cessing into high-tech plastics and polymer precursors. A quality management system was implemented 
for this purpose that is certified to the international standard iso 9001. In terms of total energy con-
sumption, over 99.97% of the reporting production and nonproduction sites of Covestro worldwide are 
certified. This is regularly monitored by internal and external auditors.  

INVESTMENTS IN PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
To safeguard competitiveness, Covestro continuously invests in a global production network so as to 
maintain the production facilities and their infrastructure, optimize production processes and, in the 
case of profitable growth prospects, appropriately expand capacities. Due to the significant expansion 
of capacities in recent years, Covestro plans to invest less through 2020 and focus on maintaining and 
optimizing existing production facilities. 

7.3 Logistics 

Logistics at Bayer does not just involve the transport, handling or warehousing of goods. On the con-
trary, it comprises the entire planning, steering, coordination, implementation and monitoring of all 
internal and intercompany flows of goods and the related information. Not only are individual business 
functions combined into process chains, all processes are integrated – from the procurement of raw 
materials to the sale to end users. We work continuously to develop efficient and environmentally 
friendly logistics concepts with the goal of reducing transport and storage complexity.  

The safe transport of our materials and products is very important to Bayer. With this objective in mind, 
we have installed management systems and directives with global validity, implemented an agile corpo-
rate structure and carefully selected contracted logistics services suppliers. You can find out more in 
Chapter 9 “Safety.” 

  See Chapter 9 

Concrete production and logistics planning depends on the products to be transported and the resulting 
specific requirements. Logistics processes are therefore decentrally organized at Bayer. Each subgroup 
maintains its own logistics units to account for the demands of different business models. 

HEALTHCARE 
Among other activities, the internal Product Supply organization steers all logistics services at 
HealthCare across divisions – from suppliers to the company’s own sites, within the production network 
and from the company to its customers. This also includes warehouse and transport management and 
the steering of supplier-, production- and customer-specific material streams. HealthCare both utilizes 
internal capacities and employs external logistics partners to meet its storage and transport needs. 
Warehouse sites and transport flows are established and continuously optimized accordingly. Service, 
quality and costs are continuously monitored according to corresponding guidelines and indicators.  

The means of transport is generally selected in a standardized process between the production site and 
the recipient country, with consideration given to demand, costs and environmental aspects. These 
aspects also serve to continually optimize transport processes. To this end, hubs are established in the 
distribution network, planning processes are optimized and air transport reduced. These globally 
steered measures are supported by greater standardization and transparency along the supply chain.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
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CROPSCIENCE 
CropScience manages the transport and storage of products through a multi-stage system that is 
aligned to production and distribution. Subsequent to production, active ingredients are distributed to a 
global network of specialized warehouses and then forwarded to our regional formulation and filling 
sites for further processing depending on current demand. The finished products manufactured there 
are then transferred to local distribution warehouses in the respective destination countries where the 
products are stored, commissioned after release and shipped to customers. The logistics process at 
Seeds encompasses the various stages of production all the way to ready-to-sell seed, which is distrib-
uted to customers via local distribution warehouses. 

CropScience generally deploys trucks for land transportation, while container ships are primarily used 
for overseas traffic. Air freight is only selected in exceptional cases, and accounts for less than 1% of 
the transport volume.  

COVESTRO 
At Covestro, logistics in the regions are centrally organized in Supply Chain Centers. Transport is han-
dled by logistics service suppliers that are selected according to stringent safety, environmental and 
quality criteria. The preferred mode of transport is by rail or intermodal – in other words employing a 
combination of road, rail and water transport. This increases energy efficiency and reduces co2 emis-
sions. Customers are supplied from close-to-production warehouses, wherever transport times and 
supply security allow this. In the case of longer distances, goods are temporarily stored in regional 
distribution centers and then dispatched at short notice. Logistics are steered according to indicator-
based management that is aligned toward safety, environmental and supply security aspects.  

7.4 Distribution 

Bayer markets its products worldwide through a market- and customer-specific distribution network. 
The marketing and distribution units play a key role in communicating to customers the benefits and 
advantages of our high-quality products and services. Our distribution activities are geared toward the 
long-term retention of existing customers and the acquisition of new clients. In this connection, we offer 
smooth business processing from ordering to delivery in adequate time. Responsible conduct is also a 
top priority for Bayer in marketing and distribution. The necessary rules of conduct, which do not per-
mit legal violations in marketing, are established in our Group Responsible Marketing & Sales Policy. 
This Group regulation and the respective training programs are implemented decentrally in the sub-
groups. A high level of customer satisfaction is essential for the long-term success of our business. We 
therefore systematically analyze both the needs and satisfaction of, as well as complaints voiced by, our 
customers, and thus foster partnership-based cooperation and dialogue with them. 

HEALTHCARE 
Our pharmaceutical products are primarily distributed through wholesalers, pharmacies and hospitals. 
Co-promotion and co-marketing agreements serve to optimize our distribution network.  

Consumer Care’s products are generally sold in pharmacies, with supermarket chains and other large 
retailers also playing a significant role in certain important markets such as the United States. The con-
trast agents and medical equipment of our Medical Care Division are marketed to radiologists, cardiolo-
gists and other specialists in medical imaging in hospitals and out-patient clinical sites through a global 
direct sales organization, supplemented in some cases by local distributors. Depending on local regula-
tory frameworks, we market our animal health products through veterinarians and other distribution 
channels such as pharmacies or retail stores. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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109 

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS PRACTICES IN MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION 
In the development, sale and marketing of its products, HealthCare does not tolerate bribery or any other 
form of improper exertion of influence on our business partners. Furthermore, Bayer is committed to 
ethical advertising and communication for all its products and services. Our minimum standards are 
derived from three basic sources: laws and other statutory regulations, industry codes and internal rules. 

The marketing and distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical devices are strictly regulated and sub-
ject to relevant laws that we are committed to observing. Also applicable at the global or regional levels 
are industry codes adopted by associations of the pharmaceuticals, medical devices and animal health 
industries. In many countries, furthermore, these standards are further concretized by local codes – all 
of which apply to prescription pharmaceuticals and many of which additionally apply to nonprescription 
medicines.  

 online annex: 3-7.4-1 

All codes of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (ifpma) 
serve as a binding global minimum global standard for all products marketed by HealthCare. In addi-
tion, Bayer observes the codes of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associa-
tions (efpia) for dealings with health care professionals and patient organizations. The who’s Ethical 
Criteria for Medicinal Drug Promotion, together with national ethical standards that are usually en-
shrined in industry codes at the local level, represent the minimum global standard for the advertis-
ing of pharmaceutical products at HealthCare. All the aforementioned codes contain provisions gov-
erning, among other issues, advertising material standards, the distribution of samples, cooperation 
with members of medical and pharmaceutical specialist groups in connection with speaker and con-
sultancy contracts, and scientific studies. Adherence to these codes is designed to ensure the inde-
pendence of both health care professionals and patient organizations. Based on the new efpia trans-
parency code and beginning in June 2016 at the latest, furthermore, Bayer will disclose any grants to 
health care professionals and organizations annually for the preceding calendar year.  

The most important Bayer Group regulation in this connection is our Anti-Corruption Procedure, which 
establishes minimum global standards on this topic for the entire company. HealthCare has summarized 
the key requirements and the minimum global standard for compliant and ethical conduct in the Anti-
Corruption Compliance Manual, which applies worldwide in all divisions. The main principles for ethi-
cally and legally acceptable advertising for pharmaceuticals and medical devices are also set out in an 
internal HealthCare directive. The goal of these directives is to help HealthCare employees to always act 
in compliance with all applicable regulations. Should several regulations be relevant, HealthCare princi-
pally applies the more stringent standards. 

Training measures on product-related communication and anti-corruption are fundamental elements of 
the system at Bayer. They are directed toward certain employee groups and are tailored to account for 
the special risks these employees are exposed to. The principles presented in these training courses 
provide an overview of globally applicable minimum requirements for cooperation with key stakeholders 
of HealthCare, such as physicians, hospitals or patient organizations. The courses not only explain gen-
eral compliance principles but also give specific instructions in relation to nonreciprocal benefits and 
the exchange of services with health care professionals.  

As part of our compliance management system, we register and investigate any suspected violation of 
our responsible marketing principles. This applies to complaints both from within the company and as 
notified to us from outside.  

  See Chapter 16.3  

 
 
 
 
 
 
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7. Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

GRI 
G4-26 

CUSTOMER DIALOGUE 
A keen understanding of manifold customer needs is especially important if HealthCare’s products are 
to be successful in the market. Our customers include patients, physicians, caretakers, health policy 
decision-makers and opinion leaders, partners from research and development, and health care payers. 
Due to the stark distinctions between these groups, the individual HealthCare divisions take specific 
steps to enter into dialogue with customers and measure their satisfaction. 

Different legal requirements apply for prescription medicines than for nonprescription or medical de-
vices. This makes the conditions under which customer satisfaction data are gathered in the health 
sector correspondingly complex. For example, it is not permitted to directly survey patients about the 
effects and side effects of prescription medicines. HealthCare therefore conducts primary market and 
data research in this area.  

 online annex: 3-7.4-2 

We use market research projects to identify the needs of the various customer groups and thus fur-
ther strengthen customer orientation at Pharmaceuticals. We also carry out systematic internet anal-
yses that give us a better understanding of our stakeholders’ opinions, interests and networks. To 
measure customer satisfaction, Pharmaceuticals conducts international surveys of its customer 
groups according to therapeutic areas. The results of the studies are regularly integrated into brand 
planning. To continuously optimize customer service, moreover, we support our medical sales force 
through product- and country-specific training courses.  

Following the success of pilot projects in key markets, Consumer Care in 2015 began introducing its 
excellence program to improve customer orientation worldwide. The program is designed to identify 
examples of best practices in the areas of market launch strategies, distribution and trading. It has 
already been successfully implemented in 13 countries, and others will follow in 2016. 

Animal Health also conducts studies on customer satisfaction and customer retention, applying vary-
ing methods according to the respective market segment. From studies that track long-term custom-
er behavior, performance indicators are developed that in turn are used to measure customer satis-
faction. 

Complaints, customer services for orders, product and delivery information, information on health 
care topics or the handling of general inquiries pertaining to HealthCare are processed by the rele-
vant business units and country organizations. The respective contact information is available online. 

As the Bayer Group is headquartered in Germany, HealthCare operates a customer service center in 
that country with a quality management system certified to iso 9001:2008. 

CROPSCIENCE 
DISTRIBUTION 
CropScience markets its products in more than 120 countries. We market our crop protection products 
mainly through wholesalers or directly through retailers. We also sell products directly to customers in 
selected markets where market conditions require this mode of distribution.  

Distribution activities for seeds are focused on the crops cotton, oilseed rape / canola, rice, soybeans and 
vegetables from our own research laboratories and breeding facilities. In our core crops, we have 
achieved strong market positions and are internationally represented. Our seeds are sold to growers, 
seedling companies, specialist retailers and the processing industry. Plant traits developed using mod-
ern breeding methods are either incorporated into our own seed varieties or licensed to other seed 
companies. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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7. Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution

111 

The Environmental Science products are mainly sold through wholesalers and specialist retailers. We 
market our range of pest and weed control products to professional users in the green industry (includ-
ing public parks and golf courses), forestry, industrial vegetation management and professional pest 
control. In the area of public health, an example being vector control to combat malaria and dengue 
fever, much of our business is transacted in response to tendering by government agencies and non-
governmental organizations. We also offer pest control and plant care products to private customers in 
the home and garden sector. 

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS PRACTICES IN MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION 
CropScience follows the guidelines of its Product Stewardship Policy with regard to the distribution and 
use of its crop protection products. This policy, which also satisfies the requirements of the Group Re-
sponsible Marketing & Sales Policy, is based on the International Code of Conduct issued by the Food 
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (fao). Training materials to explain this Group poli-
cy have been distributed throughout the global organization and are available to the employees on the 
Bayer intranet.  

 online annex: 3-7.4-3 

Responsible business practices in marketing and sales are addressed at CropScience in compliance 
training courses and are also an integral element of marketing and sales excellence training 
measures. In 2015, we trained a total of 600 (2014: 2,400) CropScience employees worldwide in 
three- and one-day training courses. 

GRI 
G4-26 

CUSTOMER DIALOGUE 
CropScience sees tremendous value in the satisfaction of its customers. Our goal is to establish long-
term customer relationships that ensure the business success and meet the expectations of both parties. 
We strive to fulfill the high expectations of our customers through targeted communication, smooth 
business processing and effective complaint management. We regularly determine these expectations 
through our commercial excellence activities so that we can offer our customers tailored solutions. In 
addition to the customer surveys we conduct through our country organizations every two years accord-
ing to a standardized process, we analyze all channels of interaction with our customers. We use the 
findings of these analyses to align our distribution and marketing processes around the world to the 
respective customer needs. In general, we aim to make our dialogue with customers more target group- 
and region-specific and to continuously improve it. We improve our customer processes in part with the 
help of a customer relationship management database that is now used in more than 60 of our country 
organizations. We assess our performance using a system of qualitative and quantitative indicators. 

CropScience is also intensifying its direct cooperation with farmers through the Bayer Forward Farming 
initiative. Our solutions for sustainable agriculture in practice are demonstrated at Bayer ForwardFarms. 
The first farms have been established in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands, and further 
collaborations are being prepared in Spain and Brazil. CropScience will successively expand this type of 
cooperation worldwide. 

COVESTRO 
DISTRIBUTION AND CUSTOMER DIALOGUE 
Covestro’s products are mainly supplied to the automotive and transportation, construction, wood pro-
cessing and furniture, and electrical / electronics industries. Other customer industries are the sports 
and leisure, cosmetics and health care sectors, as well as the chemical industry. 

Covestro markets its products mostly through regional and local distribution channels. Here three re-
gional Supply Chain Centers serve as the central link to the customer. Covestro makes use of e-
commerce platforms and other channels for order processing. Customer satisfaction is systematically 
analyzed on a global basis, enabling the development of improvement measures. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
112 

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8. Product Stewardship 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

 online annex: 3-7.4-4 

The Supply Chain Centers pool all information streams from order acceptance to dispatch planning, 
delivery and complaint acceptance in the Europe / Middle East / Africa/Latin America, North America 
and Asia / Pacific regions. This ensures a high level of expertise particularly in order management 
and in transaction, supply chain and logistics solutions. Using the “Order@Covestro” online infor-
mation platform, customers can at any time place orders, call up material safety data sheets and 
track the status of their orders. 

Covestro’s highest quality objective is faultlessness so as to attain a high level of customer satisfac-
tion. To systematically increase customer satisfaction and ensure optimal quality of service, com-
plaints registered in the global management system and by the individual business units are regular-
ly evaluated. Customer evaluations are also analyzed in detail. Through dialogue with internal stake-
holders, preventive and corrective measures are undertaken to further increase quality and customer 
satisfaction while at the same time lowering the error rate and thus also the incidence of complaints. 
In 2015, for example, a total of 5,178 complaints by around 2,088 customers were registered world-
wide. This yields a rate of 7.61 complaints per 1,000 deliveries, about the same as in 2014 (7.75 
complaints per 1,000 deliveries). 

Covestro also works with trading houses and local distributors who are responsible for business with 
small customers. Major customers with global operations are serviced directly by key account managers. 

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS PRACTICES IN MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION 
In the marketing of its products, Covestro also takes into account all the requirements of the Bayer 
Group’s Responsible Marketing & Sales Policy. The importance of observing antitrust law and prevent-
ing corruption is regularly emphasized in training programs, internal communications and discussions 
with management. In 2015, training focused on export control. Around 4,980 Covestro managerial 
employees took part in web-based compliance training courses and supplementary target group-
oriented, on-site training sessions. 

8. Product Stewardship 

Our products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. We consider 
product stewardship to mean that our products are safe for people, animals and the environment when 
properly used. This is a key factor in creating lasting trust in our products and maintaining our business 
foundation over the long term. 

All substances and finished products undergo extensive testing and evaluation to ensure a high degree 
of safety. We assess the possible health and environmental risks of a product along the entire value 
chain – starting with research and development and continuing through production, marketing and use 
by the customer through to disposal. From this we derive suitable steps to mitigate risks based on the 
observation of legal requirements and internal standards that go beyond these. 

Bayer has put in place suitable directives and management systems for the implementation of regulato-
ry and voluntary product stewardship requirements that are steered by our hseq (health, safety, envi-
ronmental protection and quality) departments. These efforts are underscored by the Bayer Group’s 
target of completing the assessment of the hazard potential of all substances (>99%) used in quantities 
exceeding one metric ton per annum by 2020.  

IMPLEMENTING STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS 
Extensive legal regulations apply to all products manufactured by Bayer. Chemical substances are 
subject to the European chemicals regulation reach (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Re-
striction of Chemicals) and the clp regulation (Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of 
Substances and Mixtures). The classification and labeling of chemicals is intended to clearly inform 
employees and consumers in the European Union about the risks associated with chemicals.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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8. Product Stewardship

113 

 online annex: 3-8-1 

The registration obligation under reach applies irrespective of marketing activities for all substances 
that we produce or import in quantities of more than one metric ton. There is also an authorization 
procedure that limits the use of particularly hazardous substances or can lead to their replacement or 
ban. To fulfil the complex requirements of reach, we have approved Group-wide and subgroup-
specific regulations. Already registered substances are also regularly evaluated by the authorities. 
For Bayer substances this can result in additional testing requirements, new risk management 
measures or inclusion in the reach authorization procedure. This is indeed the case for some Bayer 
substances. The authorities enforce the implementation of reach through regular inspections. So far 
none of the inspections at Bayer has resulted in complaints. As we also use many substances from 
other manufacturers, we maintain close contacts with our suppliers and ensure that they reassure 
conformity with reach for the substances they supply.  

In the European Union, the Globally Harmonized System (ghs) for the classification and labeling of 
chemicals is implemented through the clp regulation. The purpose of the ghs is to achieve a global-
ly standardized system for classifying chemicals and labeling them appropriately on packaging and 
in material safety data sheets. Bayer assesses all its marketed products and implements the ghs 
worldwide.  

Before any product is introduced to the market, we assess it under this stringent process to determine 
whether it is safe for people, animals and the environment.  

Furthermore, the end products from our Life Science units – such as pharmaceuticals, crop protection 
products and biocides – are subject to specific approval / authorization procedures.  

VOLUNTARY COMMITMENT  
Since 1994, Bayer has supported the voluntary Responsible Care™ initiative of the chemical industry, 
which was globalized in 2006 with the introduction of the Responsible Care™ Global Charter. We cover 
all main elements of the charter at all Group sites with our hseq management systems and activities. We 
are also actively involved in the further development of scientific risk assessment through our work in 
associations and initiatives.  

 online annex: 3-8-2 

International associations such as the European and international chemical industry associations 
(cefic,(cid:3031)icca) and the oecd (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), as well as ini-
tiatives such as ecetoc (European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals) and the 
epaa (European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing), work to evolve the scien-
tific assessment of chemicals, develop new test methods and oversee the implementation of statutory 
regulations. Bayer actively supports these efforts through its activities in the associations. We are al-
so involved in the icca Long-Range Research Initiative, for example, and endorse the goals of the 
who and e.u. action plans for improving health and environmental protection. We also support the 
Global Product Strategy (gps), a voluntary commitment of the chemical industry initiated by the In-
ternational Council of Chemical Associations (icca). Its objective is to improve knowledge about 
chemical products, especially in Emerging Markets and developing countries, and thus increase safe-
ty in the handling of these products. 

We concern ourselves intensively with our substances’ properties and regularly evaluate them already at 
the research and development stage. In application of the precautionary principle, the development of 
substances with undesirable properties is discontinued.  

 online annex: 3-8-3  

We accept the precautionary principle as explained in Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration of the Unit-
ed Nations and communiqué com (2000) 1 of the European Commission as a possible consumer pro-
tection and risk management tool. It is applied whenever there is no final scientific certainty in a giv-
en area and evidence also exists that people or the environment could suffer significant or irreversi-
ble damage that must be rectified. There should not be a unilateral focus on hazard potential, but ra-
ther a balanced risk-benefit evaluation. 

 
 
 
 
114 

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8. Product Stewardship 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Group target 2020: 
assessment of the 
hazard potential of all 
substances > 1 metric 
ton p.a. 

 See also Chapter 
1.4 for Group target 

To assess the effects of our products, especially on human health, but also on nature and the environ-
ment, animal studies are legally required. Wherever possible, we use existing data or approved alterna-
tive test methods to avoid animal studies. We set high animal welfare standards in this regard. For more 
information, see the section “Focusing on Animal Welfare.” 

The safe handling of chemicals is a top priority in the manufacture of our products (see also Chapter 9). 
In Europe we operate under strict legal requirements. We voluntarily apply comparable standards around 
the world, independent of the respective national legislation. In this way we exceed statutory require-
ments and are ensuring that substance assessments comparable to those established under reach will 
also be applied at Bayer sites that are not subject to this European regulation. How we aim to realize this 
target is established in our Bayer Group Regulation “Substance Information and Availability.” 

To ensure the safe handling of chemicals, risk assessments are carried out applying recognized scien-
tific methods such as the Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment of 
the echa (European Chemicals Agency).  

Should the assessment or new findings reveal that it is not safe to use a certain chemical, we take the 
steps to mitigate risks. We support our customers in the safe handling and use of our products through 
close, trust-based cooperation. Bayer compiles material safety data sheets for all products regardless of 
whether or not they are legally required. All end consumer products come with suitable packaging 
information, an example being package inserts for pharmaceuticals.  

 online annex: 3-8-4 

Risk mitigation measures can range from revised application recommendations through the with-
drawal of support for a certain application to the substitution of a substance. In this case, a replace-
ment substance must be sought that is economically and technically feasible. The substitution of 
chemicals is basically a continuous task of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry to obtain new 
or substantially improved products and processes. This is integral to our commitment to Responsible 
Care. 

Material safety data sheets are the central means of communication for safety-relevant information 
about substances and mixtures in the supply chain. Targeting professional users, they contain infor-
mation on the substance’s properties and on the safe use of the substance or mixture. In addition, 
technical information is provided for professional use. 

In accordance with the respective product safety and information obligations, all subgroups compile 
product information – regardless of whether it is for raw materials, intermediates or end products. To 
ensure worldwide access to this information, Bayer uses appropriate it systems, including those for 
product labeling. This data compilation is updated accordingly whenever new legal requirements are 
established. 

Another important element of our product stewardship is the monitoring of all products that are  
already on the market. We have established processes in all subgroups aimed at addressing inquiries on 
product safety or problems with our products. This feedback and these experiences are systematically 
accounted for in our assessment of risks, which also covers substances that are regarded as potentially 
high-risk by regulatory authorities and independent institutions.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
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8. Product Stewardship

115 

In all subgroups, we examine additional steps that go beyond the legally required disposal 
specifications. 

  See Chapter 10.5 

PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP IN THE USE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 
Biotechnological methods are used for product development in our Pharmaceuticals and Crop Protec-
tion businesses.  

Biotechnology has already gained significant importance in pharmaceutical product development. The 
HealthCare products Betaferon™ / Betaseron™, Eylea™ and Kogenate™ are manufactured by a biotech-
nological process. Further biotechnologically manufactured active ingredients are undergoing clinical 
development. 

Plant biotechnology can improve crop yields, yield security and the stress tolerance of plants through 
both genetic engineering and conventional breeding methods but with the same input of resources.  

Safety is Bayer’s top priority in the use of biotechnology, too. Beyond our observance of all relevant 
legal provisions, we have formulated a Bayer Group Regulation “Position on the Responsible Use of 
Gene Technology” and specific regulations for HealthCare and CropScience. We provide our stakehold-
ers with comprehensive, transparent and reliable information about our products and services in ac-
cordance with our Bayer Responsible Marketing & Sales Policy.  

 online annex: 3-8-5 

HealthCare has established strict safety measures for handling biological agents in research, 
development and production in its “Biological Safety” regulation and its “Requirements for the safe 
handling of biological agents” procedure.  

CropScience has included the responsible measures taken when utilizing plant biotechnology in both 
the Product Stewardship Policy and the Seeds Stewardship Directive. CropScience maintained its fo-
cus on product stewardship for customers both within and outside the company through its activities 
in the context of the industry’s Excellence Through Stewardship Program (ets). Audits by ets-
certified auditors are required to maintain our ets membership, and in 2015 CropScience successful-
ly completed audits of its operations in Brazil and Argentina which included for the first time the new 
ets Insect Resistance Management best practices for biotechnology-derived plant products. 

FOCUSING ON ANIMAL WELFARE 
Animal studies are legally required and essential from a scientific viewpoint to assess the safety and 
efficacy of pharmaceuticals and other chemical compounds. We aim to minimize the use of study ani-
mals and to employ replacement and complementary methods wherever possible. 

In our handling of animals, we respect all legal requirements pertaining to animal welfare. Bayer’s 
principles on animal welfare and animal studies apply in countries without special animal welfare 
legislation, and in the case of external studies compliance with these guidelines is contractually agreed. 
Bayer’s in-house Global Animal Welfare Committee – comprised of the animal welfare officers at our 
research sites and further Bayer experts – monitors compliance with our principles on animal welfare 
and animal studies within the Bayer Group and in external studies. It defines supplementary standards 
that are essential for carrying out animal studies in the Bayer Group.  

Bayer ensures that international and national laws and directives are strictly observed during all animal 
studies. This is verified by both regulatory authorities and internal audits. Bayer additionally deploys its 
own animal welfare experts at all sites at which animal studies are carried out. 

 
 
 
 
116 

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8. Product Stewardship 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

  www. 

animalstudies. 
bayer.com 

Our principles also apply to both the research institutes we commission and our suppliers, whose 
compliance with our animal welfare requirements we regularly monitor. The information provided in 
supplier self-evaluations is verified through on-site audits. Current figures and further information are 
available on our website.  

 online annex: 3-8-6 

The Global Animal Welfare Committee has defined performance criteria. Each year we analyze the 
development of animal numbers, the distribution according to species, the burden placed on our test 
animals and the ratio of regulatorily required studies to exploratory studies, and discuss possible 
steps in accordance with the 3rs principle (replace, reduce, refine). We are thus able to demonstrate 
that since 2005 the number of study animals used per €1 million research budget (including animals 
in Bayer studies performed by contract research organizations) has declined from 96 animals to 
around 31 animals in 2015.  

We continuously update our internal database, which combines all information about our own animal 
studies and the evaluation of our cooperation partners and makes it available to all employees in this 
area. All subgroups apply clear rules to ensure that animal welfare standards are comprehensively 
observed by our partners. 

Bayer also participates in several European consortia that aim to reduce the number of animal stud-
ies or improve their validity, such as the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal 
Testing (epaa). HealthCare is involved in the leadership of the eTOX project and the marcar and 
k4dd projects of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (imi). Bayer is a member of the scientific adviso-
ry boards of the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ecetoc) and the 
Long Range Research Initiative (lri). In Germany, we support the Foundation for the Promotion of 
Alternate and Complementary Methods to Reduce Animal Testing (set). 

PROTECTION AGAINST PRODUCT COUNTERFEITING 
Counterfeit medicines and crop protection products harbor substantial risks for patients and consumers. 
Product counterfeiting is a global problem that can only be addressed internationally through a joint 
approach by industry, associations, governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations. Bayer 
consistently advocates the strengthening and expansion of existing laws and provisions aimed at the 
identification and confiscation of illegal products. We try to protect patients and our products through 
extensive measures of our own.  

  www.bayer.com/ 

beware-of-
counterfeits 

 online annex: 3-8-7 

The focus of HealthCare’s activities is on raising awareness and providing information to ensure the 
clear identification of our original products, as well as on legal steps aimed at minimizing illegal 
trade. Through our “Beware of Counterfeits” campaign, we inform patients on the internet about the 
risks of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and provide patients with tips on how they can protect them-
selves. Through the use of various technological means in production, we constantly strive to ensure 
that patients, too, can distinguish between original and counterfeit products. 

We also support the establishment of a Europe-wide system for the identification of original pharma-
ceuticals that satisfies the requirements of the e.u. Falsified Medicine Directive. In addition, Bayer 
participates in the Pharmaceutical Industry Initiative to Combat Crime (piicc) of Interpol to counter-
act pharmaceutical counterfeiting through global prosecution and the elimination of related criminal 
networks. We participate in the SecurPharm initiative in Germany. Since 2015, Bayer has contributed 
its expertise to a research project (ALPhA) supported by the German Ministry of Education and Re-
search to prevent the sale of counterfeit pharmaceuticals on the internet. 

  www.illegal 

pesticides.eu/ 

For crop protection products, too, a worldwide increase in the trade of counterfeit and illegal prod-
ucts can be observed. According to a study conducted in 2015 on behalf of the European Commis-
sion, such products account for an average of 10% of the total market across all e.u. member states. 
To protect against the import of counterfeit and illegal crop protection products into the e.u., Crop-
Science intensively advocates the uniform interpretation and implementation of existing e.u. regula-
tions in all e.u. member states. In addition to supporting regulatory authorities with the identification 

 
 
 
 
 
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8. Product Stewardship

117 

of counterfeit products through chemical analysis, we conduct our own inspections in the market and 
also actively support initiatives by associations.  

To educate about the potential dangers and risks of counterfeit and illegal crop protection products, 
we provide information material and train customers, dealers, farmers and regulatory authorities as 
part of our product stewardship programs. We document all indications of suspicious and potentially 
counterfeit or illegal CropScience products in an established, systematic process. CropScience’s ef-
forts yield measurable results: in 2015, for example, we successfully asserted our patent protection 
rights against an illegal Chinese producer. In Brazil, counterfeit CropScience products with a market 
value in the double-digit million range were confiscated. 

8.1 HealthCare 

BENEFIT-RISK MANAGEMENT FOR MEDICINAL PRODUCTS AND MEDICAL DEVICES 
Patient safety is Bayer’s top priority. HealthCare continuously assesses the medical benefit-risk balance 
of its medicinal products and medical devices throughout their entire product life cycle. The efficacy, 
safety and tolerability of pharmaceuticals and their behavior in the body are studied in Phases i-iii of 
preclinical and clinical development. The documentation submitted to the regulatory authorities con-
tains the results of these studies and comprehensive information on the product’s benefit-risk assess-
ment. Marketing authorization is only granted for a product if it satisfies the safety requirements of the 
health and regulatory authorities. 

Following registration, HealthCare continues to compile safety-relevant information in an internal 
pharmacovigilance database. This information is continuously evaluated and the risk-benefit balance 
regularly assessed by medical experts in the Global Pharmacovigilance Department. In this process, 
Bayer works closely with the responsible regulatory and supervisory authorities at the international and 
national levels. These include the u.s. Food and Drug Administration (fda), the European Medicines 
Agency (ema) and Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). 

Additional safety-relevant information is also compiled using Post-Authorization Safety Studies (pass) 
conducted after approval. Protocols and summaries of pass results are entered into the pass registry in 
compliance with e.u. pharmacovigilance legislation.  

 online annex: 3-8.1-1 

HealthCare has a global pharmaceutical monitoring system in which experts from various disciplines 
work together in functional safety management teams (smts). These teams jointly evaluate the avail-
able benefit and safety data and other relevant product information so as to identify potential safety 
concerns at an early stage or detect possible changes in the benefit-risk ratio. In addition to internal-
ly compiled safety data from clinical trials, post-marketing studies and ad hoc information on adverse 
side effects, the company’s experts conduct assessments using external databases and the infor-
mation contained in scientific publications. smts produce detailed safety risk management plans. 
These plans are updated as soon as relevant new benefit-risk data become available. Implementation 
of risk mitigation activities is coordinated by local smts in the country organizations. All processes 
are documented, regularly updated and integrated into a quality management system. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Should risks be identified during this assessment, Bayer immediately undertakes suitable steps to safe-
guard the health of patients – such as updating product information for patients and physicians. Further 
elements of risk mitigation programs can include targeted information, e.g. patient education brochures 
and training measures for medical specialists, as well as direct communication with medical experts 
(Direct Healthcare Professional Communication, dhpc) and even product withdrawals if necessary. 
These measures are coordinated with the competent authorities. 

  See Chapter 7.2 

HealthCare’s quality and risk management functions also make further contributions to increased safety. 
We examine external and internal quality assurance requirements for our products through systematic 
internal audits – not just in research and development, but also in production. These audits also cover 
both institutes sub-contracted by us and our suppliers. More information on our quality management 
can be found in Chapter 7.2 “Production.” 

In line with the statutory requirements, strict safety and quality standards also apply to animal health 
products. Within the scope of the approval / authorization procedures, Animal Health also carries out 
studies in order to ensure the quality, efficacy and safety of its products. 

ANALYSIS OF RESIDUES OF PHARMACEUTICALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT 
Active pharmaceutical ingredients can enter the environment, either through human or livestock excre-
ta, improper disposal of unused medicines or during the production process. HealthCare carries out 
ecotoxicological investigations of the environmental behavior of residues and degradation products to 
assess the potential environmental impact of our pharmaceutical products. In accordance with applica-
ble law regarding human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, an environmental risk assessment takes place 
for all active ingredients for which the company is targeting an approval procedure in Europe or the 
United States. Here it must be examined whether significant risks may arise for the environment when 
the pharmaceuticals are used as instructed. 

Based on currently available information derived from measurements carried out by authorities and 
scientific institutes, the existing concentrations of individual active pharmaceutical ingredients from 
human or veterinary medicines in drinking water do not have any adverse effects on human health. This 
subject is dealt with in particular by a who report on pharmaceuticals in drinking water published in 
2012 that comes to the conclusion that traceable effects on human health through the current extent of 
exposure via drinking water are highly improbable. This estimation corresponds with the studies by 
national authorities and institutes known to us.  

In the production of our pharmaceuticals, internal company wastewater threshold values ensure that no 
risk to the environment results from the release of traces of active ingredients in wastewater from our 
production sites. All HealthCare production sites worldwide are evaluated with regard to these threshold 
values. Site-specific measures aimed at a further reduction are taken should it not be possible to ob-
serve these standards over the long term. This includes substance-specific measures such as filtration, 
evaporation, oxidation, incineration or biological clarification in wastewater treatment plants.  

 online annex: 3-8.1-2 

Within the scope of our product stewardship, we actively participate in research projects 
aimed at further studying pharmaceutical residues in the environment and introducing target-
ed measures to prevent them. 

Since 2015, we have coordinated the “Intelligence-led Assessment of Pharmaceuticals in the 
Environment” project in Europe, which seeks new ways to improve environmental risk as-
sessment. To this end, information from toxicological studies, pharmacological modes of ac-
tion and computer-based models are analyzed with the goal of developing models and meth-
ods for determining possible environmental risks of pharmaceutical substances in early devel-
opment stages and prioritizing for further environmental assessment existing substances that 
previously have not been evaluated. 

Bayer was represented on the Scientific Advisory Board of noPILLS, an e.u.-sponsored coop-
eration project completed in 2015 and involving several European countries with the goal of 
reducing pharmaceutical residues in water. The project demonstrated that a reduction in 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

8. Product Stewardship

119 

pharmaceutical residues in water can only be achieved through cooperation between numer-
ous parties. Educating consumers on the correct disposal of pharmaceuticals, improving 
wastewater treatment technology and the collection of excreta in connection with certain med-
icines proved to be effective approaches for achieving this objective. 

In Germany, HealthCare participates in the “Risk Management of Emerging Compounds and 
Pathogens in the Water Cycle” initiative sponsored by the German Ministry for Education and 
Research. HealthCare is a member of the steering committee. The “sauber+” (“Clean+”) pro-
ject, which is part of this initiative, deals with the study of wastewater from health care indus-
try facilities that is contaminated with active pharmaceutical ingredients and disease patho-
gens. Here it was determined that these emissions are not higher on average than those from 
private households. The reduction of pharmaceutical emissions generally depends on the indi-
vidual active ingredients and should pursue a holistic approach. HealthCare was a member of 
the Stakeholder Advisory Board of that project, which was concluded in 2015. 

8.2 CropScience 

FOCUSING ON PRODUCT SAFETY 
Before crop protection products and technologies can be introduced to the market, they must demon-
strate that they are harmless to people and animals and can be used without causing unjustifiable bur-
den on the environment. For this they require official authorization, which is regulated by numerous 
international and national laws and provisions. The requirements for marketing authorization, particu-
larly as pertains to the environment, have risen sharply in recent years with the goal of further increas-
ing product safety and minimizing potential risks. CropScience satisfies all the regulatory requirements 
of the countries in which our products are sold to protect crops. 

Product safety and environmental compatibility of crop protection products and technologies play a 
central role in development. CropScience examines the products during the development phase in 
stringent tests that are required by law. The tests evaluate a product’s mode of action, its ecotoxicologi-
cal and toxicological properties and potential remaining trace concentrations in the plants or the envi-
ronment following proper application. Each new crop protection active ingredient and each new tech-
nology must undergo several years of studies and testing to ensure that it can be applied effectively and 
that its use is safe for people, animals and the environment. 

It takes roughly 10 years for a crop protection product or technology to complete the entire develop-
ment process including all studies and be launched onto the market. But our product stewardship does 
not end there. CropScience also observes the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management 
of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (fao). The principles of this code cover the 
entire life cycle of a product or technology, from its development to its application and beyond. We 
implement all major aspects of responsible product handling in our Product Stewardship Program, 
which is based on the principles of our Product Stewardship Policy.  

 online annex: 3-8.2-1 

Even beyond its core business, CropScience participates specifically in projects aimed at increased 
product stewardship – such as the Better Sugarcane Initiative, which works to promote sustainable 
sugarcane cultivation, and the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification organization, which 
is working to establish a system for certifying biomass and bioenergy. We are also a member of the 
Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil Production and the Round Table for Responsible Soy (rtrs). In 
2015, we signed an agreement with rtrs to support the certification of soybean production in Brazil. 
In the United States, the e3 cotton sustainability program was introduced to support farmers in the 
production of sustainably grown cotton, which is much in demand by retailers. Farmers who sign up 
for the program commit to ensuring that the cultivation of their cotton is certified as traceable, envi-
ronmentally responsible, economically viable and socially equitable.  

 
 
 
 
 
120 

Combined Management Report 

8. Product Stewardship 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERS 
The application of crop protection products requires the greatest possible care. Supporting our custom-
ers and partners in the proper and safe handling of our seed and crop protection products is therefore a 
focus of our product stewardship. In this connection, we offer targeted training measures worldwide 
particularly for farmers and dealers that are designed to promote the responsible handling of our prod-
ucts and thus improve safety for users, the environment and consumers. These training measures are 
carried out in all countries in which our products are sold. Responsibility for their implementation lies 
with the country organizations, which align their training concepts to the needs of the respective coun-
tries.  

 online annex: 3-8.2-2 

We maintained our training activities in the Asia and Latin America regions in 2015. In India, Crop-
Science trained farmers in good agricultural practice. We teach them how they can enhance the 
growth of their produce, use crop protection products effectively and safely, and thus increase the 
quality of their harvested goods. This opens up new ways of marketing their products that help 
smallholder farmers in particular to gain increased profit from them.  

Our AgroVida program in Latin America comprises various initiatives with which we have been con-
tinuously increasing the farmers’ safety awareness and specialist expertise for more than 20 years. 
Safety training offerings for farmers are an important aspect here. In 2015, for instance, we trained 
more than 35,100 farmers in the Andean region and almost 30,400 farmers in the Central America 
and Caribbean region (excluding Mexico). Together with the international crop protection associa-
tion CropLife, we also carried out safety training measures in numerous African countries in 2015.  

Our product stewardship measures also include internal employee training measures. Our Product 
Stewardship Policy also provides information on all principles for the responsible handling of our 
products, combined with specific instructions for use for our employees and those who work with 
our products. 

In addition to training activities, we produce manuals explaining the safe use and scope of protective 
clothing and the correct storage and disposal of our products. These manuals are available online to our 
customers and partners, an example being the “DressCode” containing information on optimal protec-
tive clothing for the handling of our products. They are also distributed in the aforementioned training 
courses as brochures or information sheets. Furthermore, we offer farmers our support in implementing 
practical steps for user and environmental protection.  

Users of our products can contact CropScience through a range of communication channels should they 
have complaints or feedback or wish to report any incidents. These include direct contact with our sales 
staff; our hotline, which is printed on all our product packaging; and, for example, in Germany, the 
“Agrar Telefon” hotline. All incoming product complaints and incidents are locally compiled and pro-
cessed by the respective CropScience experts. Entries necessitating corrective measures are additional-
ly recorded in a global database. An internal Bayer directive governs the processing, communication 
and, if necessary, implementation of corrective measures. Employee training courses also take place 
regularly here as well. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

8. Product Stewardship

121 

CROP PROTECTION PRODUCTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT 
Stringent legal regulations apply to the approval and use of crop protection products. They are aimed at 
protecting the environment from unwanted side effects, as every farmer’s livelihood depends on an 
intact environment and fertile soil. Responsible Care is extremely important in all areas of agriculture to 
minimize possible effects and the discharge of crop protection products outside of the treated crops. 
Bayer believes its responsibility includes protecting the environment from emissions and optimizing the 
safety of its products through extensive stewardship measures. 

Protecting water from agricultural emissions and maintaining good groundwater quality are corner-
stones of the responsible use of water as a natural resource. It cannot be completely ruled out in agri-
cultural practice that substances can leach into groundwater or be emitted into flowing waters and lakes 
through surface runoff. Improper disposal of residual liquids following the cleaning of spraying appa-
ratus can also lead to discharges of crop protection products into surface water. The application of crop 
protection products is subject to national water protection regulations, including in Europe the require-
ments of the Water Framework Directive. CropScience places particular importance on water protection 
and supports agriculture in environmentally friendly land cultivation and the disposal of residual liquids 
following the application of crop protection products.  

 online annex: 3-8.2-3 

In the area of water pollution mitigation, we promote the biological remediation system Phytobac™ 
to customers. This is intended to prevent point source discharges of crop protection active ingredi-
ents into water bodies during the disposal of residual liquids that are generated during the filling and 
cleaning of spraying devices. There are already some 3,500 Phytobac™ plants in Europe (primarily in 
France).  

  www.bayer.com/ 

phytobac 

Erosion and runoff processes on agricultural land can also lead to substance emissions into adjacent 
water systems. In this context, we are collaborating with external partners on the development of a 
web-based geoinformation system for water protection in agriculture. This enables the visualization 
of site-related runoff / erosion risks by means of high-resolution risk maps supplemented with suitable 
mitigation proposals. It is planned for this system to be used as an advisory tool for water protection 
in agriculture. 

Pollinator protection is another focus of our product stewardship activities. As a Life Science company 
with a long tradition in agriculture and animal health, we know how important healthy bees are – not 
just as pollinators for sustainable food production and as honey producers, but also due to the key role 
they play in many ecosystems throughout the world. Promoting pollinator health and sustainable agri-
culture is of central importance for our business activity. In our view, protecting honey bees and wild 
bees is a matter that concerns society at large; maintaining their health is everyone’s responsibility. 
Bayer takes its role very seriously in this regard and wants to make a contribution.  

In our Bee Care Program, we coordinate and combine all Bayer activities in the area of pollinator health 
and pollinator safety in order to advance the development and implementation of suitable solutions. 
Within the framework of this program, we proactively approach numerous stakeholder groups – includ-
ing industry partners, scientists, farmers, beekeepers, governmental agencies, nongovernmental organ-
izations and representatives of the food value chain – to improve our networks with them, address their 
questions and concerns and seek opportunities for cooperating with them in the area of pollinator 
health. Bee Care Centers exist in Germany and the United States for this purpose. In 2015, furthermore, 
we entered into a collaboration in the area of bee health in Latin America with the Fraunhofer Chile 
Research Foundation. A global Bee Care network has now been built up. 

  www.beecare. 
bayer.com 

 
 
 
 
 
 
122 

Combined Management Report 

8. Product Stewardship 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The Bayer Bee Care Program combines our well-founded knowledge in the areas of animal health and 
crop protection so as to contribute to protecting pollinator health. The objectives here are to:  

•  Develop further solutions to promote bee health so that beekeepers can better fight pests and dis-

ease pathogens 

•  Actively promote the bee-friendly use of our innovative solutions (products, technologies and ser-
vices) and to enable involved stakeholder groups to ensure bee safety in farming and gardening 

•  Expand and improve pollinators’ food sources to help offset nutritional deficits 
•  Openly and actively promote an honest dialogue and transparent communication on pollinator health 

with all involved stakeholders 

•  Exchange knowledge and specialist information with all stakeholder groups and institutions (bee-
keepers, farmers, research institutes, ngos, political decision-makers and registration authorities) 

online annex: 3-8.2-4 

Bee health is impacted by several factors for which Bayer pursues various solutions.  

Bayer is investing in the research and development of a new form of application for products to con-
trol the Varroa mite, which scientists consider to be the biggest danger for honey bees. Bayer is also 
active in setting up flowering areas that can provide pollinators with a rich food source for pollen and 
nectar. The treatment of seed is an important step to protect sensitive crop seedlings from pest pres-
sure. In the sowing of treated seed, however, small amounts of insecticide dust that is potentially 
harmful to pollinators can be released. Our “Zero Dust” project and further cooperation projects to 
reduce dust emissions help to minimize the dust release.  

Bayer is firmly convinced that neonicotinoids are an important insecticide class with beneficial prop-
erties. They are effective against key pests that in many regions have already developed resistances 
against other substances. They are especially user-safe due to their low human toxicity. Seed treat-
ment with neonicotinoids is an environmentally friendly application technique because it significant-
ly reduces the likelihood that pollinators and other environmental organisms can come into contact 
with crop protection products. Bayer is also convinced that neonicotinoids are safe for bees if they 
are used responsibly and properly. This was confirmed by risk evaluations performed during market-
ing authorization reviews by the responsible authorities of countries outside Europe. In Europe, 
however, Bayer products that contain two of our neonicotinoid compounds have been prohibited 
since 2013 from use in crops that are attractive to bees. The European Commission has recently in-
structed the European Food Safety Authority (efsa) to examine all newly available data and reports 
from the past two years. The results are expected for the end of 2016. 

Bayer has brought the restriction on neonicotinoid use in the e.u. before the Court of Justice of the 
European Union in order to clarify the legal basis of the Commission’s decision. This decision is 
based on an assessment by the efsa that in turn is based on neither a validated nor an officially rec-
ognized risk assessment system. With a view to future investment decisions, the company is primari-
ly asking that the court clarify the regulatory framework. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

8.3 Covestro 

Combined Management Report

9. Safety

123 

The products of Covestro satisfy the most stringent of safety requirements. This does not just apply to 
those chemical substances subject to standard review in accordance with the European reach Regula-
tion. Within the context of the voluntary Global Product Strategy (gps) of the chemical industry, we also 
assess the substances we use and reduce potential health and environmental risks that could result from 
our chemicals. The product safety assessments apply to the entire life cycle of a product – from research 
and procurement through production and logistics to application, disposal and recycling. Our product 
stewardship does not end at the company gate, but also includes suppliers, customers and partners. gps 
is accessible at Covestro through the “Product Safety First” internet portal, and is available worldwide 
in seven languages. Through this website, we inform customers and other stakeholders about our activi-
ties and product safety assessments.  

 online annex: 3-8.3-1 

A product safety assessment at Covestro takes place in several steps: first, chemicals that are sub-
ject to statutory regulations are identified and the corresponding laws compiled. Then we examine 
their risk potential to obtain a basis for the effective minimization of risks. Such steps can include 
proposals for technical measures such as protective clothing, or marketing restrictions. Finally, we 
produce the legally required material safety data sheets, technical information sheets and labeling 
for the chemicals. Here we go beyond the extent prescribed by law and also produce these docu-
ments for chemicals that are not subject to this statutory obligation. All product groups undergo 
this process. 

For especially important products such as mdi, tdi, polycarbonate and polyether, Covestro additionally 
works with associations to draw up environmental product declarations and eco-balances certified ac-
cording to iso 14040 and 14044 based on industry averages.  

Covestro follows the scientific discussion about the chemical bisphenol a (bpa), a feedstock for various 
plastics with a controversial public profile. Critics are concerned that health risks could result for users 
if traces of bpa are released from polymers. As documented by numerous scientifically valid studies, 
we are convinced that bpa can be safely used in its existing areas of application – especially those that 
involve contact with food. This assessment is consistent with evaluations by the authorities responsible 
for food safety in Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan and other countries. In cooperation with 
the PlasticsEurope association, we work to make the discussion more objective and more strongly 
based on scientific analysis. Covestro actively participates in this dialogue and informs customers and 
the public via the internet. 

9. Safety 

Safety management and the continuous development of a safety culture are a cornerstone of corporate 
responsibility in the Bayer Group. Preventing accidents and incidents in day-to-day work, when operat-
ing production facilities, and on work-related travel and transportation routes where people or the envi-
ronment could suffer harm or damage has top priority for us. Responsibility for health, safety, environ-
mental protection and quality (hseq) thus lies directly with the Bayer Board of Management. Our hseq 
activities are geared toward ensuring occupational health and safety, the smooth and safe operation of 
our facilities, and the safe transportation of our products. In this way, we also reduce running costs by 
avoiding damage and disruptions to work and production. 

  www.bayer.com/ 

COV-BPA 

 
 
 
 
 
 
124 

Combined Management Report 

9. Safety 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

At the Group level, responsibilities and framework conditions for hseq are regulated through appropri-
ate directives such as our new Bayer Group Regulation “Safety at the Bayer Group.” Operational re-
sponsibility lies with the boards of management / executive boards of the respective subgroups and 
service companies and the corresponding line organizations, which have their own management sys-
tems, committees and working groups to steer hseq. Continuous review and revision of directives and 
regular internal audits and external certification processes ensure our hseq management systems at all 
sites meet the specific requirements in each case. 

  See Chapter 10.1 

Our safety management is based on four pillars: 

Safety Pillars

[Graphic 3.9.1]

Act SAFE, Respect LIFE !

Occupational Health
& Safety

Process
& Plant Safety

Transportation Safety

Product Stewardship

Behavioral Safety Initiative

9.1 Occupational Health and Safety 

We regard safeguarding the occupational health and safety of our employees and of contractors and 
suppliers working on our company premises and under the supervision of Bayer as one of our core 
tasks. This entails preventing work-related accidents and occupational illnesses, identifying and as-
sessing potential hazards, maintaining comprehensive risk management and designing a healthy work-
ing environment.  

The rate of occupational injuries with lost workdays at Bayer has been falling for several years. In 2015 
intensive training and awareness-raising once again helped enable the Bayer subgroups and service 
companies to report an overall reduction in injury figures. 

We record all injuries to Bayer employees requiring medical treatment that goes beyond simple first aid. 
These are indicated by the Recordable Incident Rate (rir), which includes both injuries with lost work-
days and those without. In 2015, this rate dropped to 0.42 cases per 200,000 hours worked (2014: 0.43) 
throughout the Group, corresponding to 543 occupational injuries worldwide. This means that, in statis-
tical terms, one recordable incident occurred for around every 476,000 hours worked.  

The rate of recordable occupational injuries with lost workdays (ltrir, Lost Time Recordable Incident 
Rate) also fell. In 2015, it stood at 0.21 (2014: 0.22). 

Regrettably, two Bayer employees lost their lives in work-related accidents in 2015. One employee was 
killed in a plane crash. Another employee suffered serious burns in a work-related accident at the 
Chempark Leverkusen site and later died in a hospital. Investigations into the causes of the latter inci-
dent are still ongoing.  

Group target 2020: 
reduction of 35% in 
occupational safety 
incident rate (RIR)  

 See also Chapter 
1.4 for Group 
targets 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

9. Safety

125 

Occupational Injuries 

[Table 3.9.1]

Occupational injuries to Bayer employees with 
lost workdays (LTRIR) 

Recordable occupational injuries to Bayer 
employees (RIR) 

Fatal injuries (total) 

of which Bayer employees 

of which contractor employees1 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

0.31 

0.27 

0.26 

0.22 

0.21 

0.56 

0.49 

0.47 

0.43 

0.42 

3 

2 

1 

2 

2 

– 

2 

1 

1 

4 

3 

1 

2 

2 

– 

1Employees working for third parties whose accidents occurred on our company premises and under Bayer supervision 

The injury figures varied both within individual regions and between the various subgroups and service 
companies and depended, among other aspects, on employees’ range of activities.  

 online annex: 3-9.1-1 

Recordable Occupational Injuries (RIR 

1) by Region 

[Table 3.9.1-1]

Europe 

North America 

Asia / Pacific 

Latin America / Middle East / Africa 

Total 

1 RIR = Recordable Incident Rate 

2012 

0.56 

0.53 

0.21 

0.54 

0.49 

2013 

0.72 

0.49 

0.20 

0.40 

0.47 

2014 

0.62 

0.64 

0.14 

0.33 

0.43 

2015 

0.60 

0.58 

0.12 

0.41 

0.42 

Cases of occupational illness are recorded by us in the countries in which this is legally permissible and 
are also included in the ltrir parameter, irrespective of whether they are included in the occupational 
diseases listed in international registers. 

As in previous years, we hardly recorded any sector-typical accidents involving contact with chemicals 
in 2015. The absolute number of injuries with lost workdays continued to decline. A significant propor-
tion of our work-related accidents and injuries have behavior-linked causes. To increase the focus on 
this area, the Bayer Safety Council headed up by the Chairman of the Board of Management launched 
the Behavioral Safety initiative and the program was rolled out in the subgroups in 2015. The subject 
was also the focus of our annual global Safety Day in 2015.  

 online annex: 3-9.1-2 

The Behavioral Safety initiative focuses on the promotion of safety-conscious conduct among em-
ployees. Behavioral safety involves identifying and preventing unsafe working practices and reinforc-
ing and consolidating safe working methods at all levels. This approach is by no means limited to 
production but also covers areas of work such as research & development, marketing & sales and ad-
ministration. The initiative is rolling out a comprehensive behavioral safety program in the sub-
groups. The first step of this process involved carrying out an assessment of the existing safety cul-
ture at all CropScience production sites in 2015, while the focus at HealthCare was on sites with the 
biggest impact on safety performance. At Covestro, a pilot project was conducted at the site in Ant-
werp, Belgium. As a next step, all subgroups carried out both basic training courses for employees 
and manager training courses on behavioral safety at a number of these sites. The successfully 
launched program will be intensified next year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
126 

Combined Management Report 

9. Safety 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

We are committed to maintaining and promoting employee health and performance through targeted 
shaping of the working environment. As part of our occupational health management activities, we offer 
numerous preventive measures, ranging from ergonomic workplaces and stress management to incen-
tive systems to promote healthy behavior. This also includes support for treating illnesses or reintegra-
tion measures.  

As Bayer is active in countries with major differences in health care infrastructures and legal frame-
works, the needs and options in health promotion vary. Bayer aims to provide employees with access to 
adequate, affordable and targeted health offerings such as regular medical check-ups, sports programs, 
help in overcoming illness and on-site medical care.  

Our employee representatives are included in operational health management and are actively involved 
in its development.  

 online annex: 3-9.1-3 

At the Bayer European Forum – a joint committee of representatives of management and employees 
– both parties signed the Luxembourg Declaration on Workplace Health Promotion in the e.u.. Ac-
cording to the declaration, workplace health promotion covers all joint measures by employers, em-
ployees and society to improve health and well-being in the workplace. The objective of the network 
is to identify and disseminate best practices on the basis of continuous sharing of experience. So far 
around 200 European companies have signed the declaration. 

Group-wide initiatives to foster employees’ health and maintain their employability in view of the rise 
in the retirement age include, in Germany, the General Works Agreements on lifetime working and 
demographic change and on shaping demographic change for nonmanagerial employees at Bayer. 
These innovative agreements contain measures to reduce the workload of shift workers from the age 
of 55 and of all other nonmanagerial employees in Germany from the age of 57 and ease the return 
to work of nonmanagerial employees after long-term illness, along with an extensive health screen-
ing program for all employees. In 2015, more than 97% of those who were eligible took part in the 
program to reduce the workload of older employees.  

9.2 Process and Plant Safety  

We aim to design and operate our processes and facilities in such a way that they do not pose any inap-
propriate risks to employees, the environment or the community. To improve the safety of our produc-
tion facilities and processes worldwide, Bayer is continually working to further develop the safety cul-
ture and the corresponding standards for identifying and evaluating the associated risks. At the same 
time, we promote the skills of relevant employees on a regular basis. The corresponding Bayer Group 
Regulation “Process and Plant Safety” specifies globally harmonized procedures and standards.   

 online annex: 3-9.2-1 

In a key move to maintain and raise safety awareness, the globally binding training program for all 
Bayer employees who are able to influence process and plant safety in their work environment has 
been further enhanced. The process and plant safety training program is firmly anchored in the sub-
groups’ hseq management systems. Both traditional and web-based training has been established 
for tradespeople and chemical technicians in the production facilities. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

9. Safety

127 

Group target 2020: 
reduction of 30%  
in process and plant 
safety incidents  
(LoPC-ir)  

  See also  
Chapter 1.4 for 
Group targets 

The organization and staffing levels of the Bayer Group’s central competence center for process and 
plant safety, together with the Group hseq Platform for Process and Plant Safety, in Leverkusen, Ger-
many, have been strengthened. Together with the regional competence centers in Shanghai, China, and 
Kansas City, Missouri, United States, it works closely together in a professional network with plant 
safety experts from production sites all over the world. To improve our risk analysis process, an addi-
tional system audit on the content and completeness of our safety reviews was conducted this year on a 
trial basis. This quality improvement measure is due to be rolled out across HealthCare and Crop-
Science next year and will be mandatory.  

 online annex: 3-9.2-2 

Our experts work in international working groups of the European Chemical Industry Council (cefic) 
and the American Petroleum Institute with the goal of developing a global reporting standard for key 
performance indicators in plant safety. We also are involved in an intensive exchange of experiences 
nationally and internationally in this area at an industrial level. 

A globally standardized kpi for plant safety incidents, Loss of Primary Containment (LoPC), applies to all 
Bayer plants and is integrated into Group-wide safety reporting. LoPC refers, for example, to chemicals 
in amounts above defined thresholds leaking from their primary container, such as pipelines, pumps, 
tanks or drums, and is thus an indicator of incidents in production facilities. We use the LoPC Incident 
Rate (LoPC-ir) to determine the number of LoPC incidents per 200,000 working hours in areas relevant 
to plant safety. In 2015, this was 0.22 (2014: 0.23). 

Rate of Plant Safety Incidents (LoPC-IR) 

[Table 3.9.2]

LoPC-IR (Loss of Primary Containment Incident Rate) 

2012 

0.38 

2013 

0.35 

2014 

0.23 

2015 

0.22 

More information on the procedures in the case of LoPC incidents can be found in  

 online annex: 3-9.2-3 

The causes of every reported incident are carefully analyzed. The evaluations indicate areas where 
there is room for further improving the safety of existing facilities. The results of the cause analysis 
are published across the Group. The introduction of both the LoPC-ir parameter and the globally es-
tablished training program mentioned above is helping us raise employees’ safety awareness. 

The reporting level is set so low that even material and energy leaks that have no impact on employ-
ees, neighbors or the environment are systematically recorded and reported. This approach is in line 
with our commitment to maintaining the integrity of our facilities at all times. 

The global, comprehensive Bayer Emergency Response System (BayERS) is an overarching early warn-
ing system for the Group. The subgroups and service companies have integrated their internal reporting 
procedures into BayERS and adapted them to it.  

 online annex: 3-9.2-4 

The handling of unusual incidents is the responsibility of the local crisis organization / emergency 
response team. For this purpose, organizational precautions with defined responsibilities and proce-
dures have been implemented at the sites / in the countries. Depending on the situation, these involve 
business partners and the local community around the sites. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
128 

Combined Management Report 

9. Safety 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

9.3 Transportation Safety  

Great importance is attached to transportation safety within the Bayer safety culture. This applies to the 
transportation of materials on public transportation routes, particularly in the case of hazardous materi-
als. This includes various processes such as loading and unloading, classification, labeling, packaging 
and selecting the right logistics partners. 

In a dedicated Bayer Group directive, we have defined procedures that ensure all transported materials 
are handled in line with applicable regulations and the potential hazard they pose. Logistics service 
providers are selected following a defined procedure, and their fulfillment of safety and quality stand-
ards is assessed. Under the directive, people responsible for transportation safety are appointed in every 
organizational unit concerned. As part of our Responsible Care activities, transportation safety instruc-
tions are also drawn up and distribution safety audits performed for nonhazardous materials. We thus 
go beyond what is required under transportation legislation. Bayer’s objective is to achieve an appropri-
ate and equally high standard of hseq throughout the world and to continuously improve this, particu-
larly regarding transportation processes. The transportation safety and security management of our 
subgroups is part of the audit system of the Bayer Group detailed in the Bayer Group Regulation 
“Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (hseq) Audits,” which was updated in 2015.   

The subgroups have also set up a network of transportation safety experts and users with practical 
experience to share and harmonize know-how and procedures for transportation and distribution safety 
and security including emergency response management and incident reporting. The Transportation 
Safety Platform acts as a global forum for exchanging information and standardizing procedures be-
tween the subgroups. In 2015, the platform focused, for example, on regulations management, training 
in transportation safety and use of this worldwide, the review of internal process instructions and the 
evaluation and selection of our logistics service providers.  

In total, well over one million transport movements took place in 2015. Despite our extensive safety 
precautions and training activities, residual risks remain and can result in transport incidents. We 
classify critical incidents during the transportation of our products as transport incidents. These in-
clude accidents that cause personal injury or significant damage to property and environmental impact 
through the release of substances or leakage of hazardous materials. We record transport incidents 
using defined criteria. Assessment is based on the spilled load, graded according to the volume and 
dangerous goods class, personal injury and blocked transportation routes. We take into account both 
our own chemical transport movements and those we commission and pay third parties to perform on 
our behalf. We carefully analyze and evaluate all transport incidents so that adequate steps can be 
taken to prevent a recurrence. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

9. Safety

129 

TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENTS 
The number of transport incidents in 2015 was 12, the same as last year. These were mainly traffic 
accidents. 

In recent years most transport incidents occurred at Covestro. For this reason, as a Life Science  
company Bayer will refrain from continuing with the relevant Group target in the future. Instead, we 
shall endeavor to minimize the number of such incidents through preventive measures.   

Group target 2020: 
reduction of 30% in 
transport incidents 

  See also Chapter 
1.4 for Group 
targets 

 online annex: 3-9.3-1 

Transport Incidents by Means of Transport 

2011 

2012 

2013 

Road 

Rail 

Inland waterways 

Sea  

Air 

Pipeline 

Total 

6 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

7 

6 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 

[Table 3.9.2-1]

2014 

11 

2015 

11 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

8 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

11 

12 

12 

The number of environmental incidents fell from four to two in 2015. Bayer uses the term “environmen-
tal incidents” to define incidents in the course of our business activities that result in the release of 
substances into the environment. Factors that determine whether there is a reporting obligation include, 
in particular, the nature and quantity of the substance, the amount of damage caused and any conse-
quences for nearby residents. In accordance with our internal voluntary commitment, we report any 
leakage of substances with a high hazard potential from a quantity of 100 kg upward.  

 online annex: 3-9.3-2 

Number of Environmental Incidents 

[Table 3.9.2-2]

Environmental incidents 

2011 

3 

2012 

5 

2013 

10 

2014 

4 

2015 

2 

In total there were 13 incidents reported in 2015, one of which had to be classified both a transport and 
an environmental incident. A detailed overview of the transport and environmental incidents can be 
found in the table below.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
130 

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9. Safety 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

 online annex: 3-9.3-3 

Environmental and Transport Incidents 2015 

1 

Covestro, Illinois, United States, January 15, 2015 
At a truck parking lot, approximately 7,600 liters of 36% hydrochloric acid escaped from a leaky 
tanker and entered a wastewater pipe, from where it continued in a diluted form into the 
wastewater treatment system. No injuries or hazards occurred. 

Covestro, Hubli, India, January 18, 2015 
Approximately 1,200 kg of product (hazardous polyisocyanate) leaked from a truck in a transport 
incident. Specialist staff ensured expert cleanup and disposal.  

Covestro, California, United States, February 7, 2015 
A tanker was accidentally overfilled during loading, resulting in around 1,150 liters of TDI 
(hazardous material) leaking into the collection area of the filling station. No injuries or hazards 
occurred. 

Covestro, Ward Creek, United States, May 31, 2015 
In an accident, an overturned truck tractor lost 1,500 liters of MDI, which spilled onto the road and 
into the surrounding area. This accident was also classified as an environmental incident. The 
product was cleaned up in a professional manner. No injuries occurred. 

Covestro, Helsinki, Finland, June 4, 2015 
An IBC2 was damaged in a vehicle transport incident at a site belonging to the postal service. An 
unquantified amount (maximum capacity of the IBC 1,000 kg) of Bayhydrol escaped. 24 people 
were endangered by the product leak, 12 of whom underwent hospital examinations as a 
precaution and were discharged the same day. The product was cleaned up and disposed of in a 
professional manner. 

Covestro, Budapest / Sibiu, Hungary, June 8, 2015 
The driver of a tanker was killed in a traffic accident. No product was spilled.  

Covestro, Antwerp, Belgium, August 18, 2015 
Due to incorrect operation during transfer between a tank container and a flexitank, the flexitank 
burst and lost approximately 6,000 kg of Desmophen (not a hazardous material). No injuries or 
hazards occurred.  

Covestro, Dormagen, Germany, September 3, 2015 
During unloading, around 150 liters of nitric acid (hazardous material) were accidentally spilled. 
An employee who came into contact with the acid was treated at a hospital as a precaution and 
was then able to resume work. An investigation into the impact on the environment was initiated. 

Covestro, Laredo, United States, September 28, 2015 
A forklift truck pierced a drum filled with Desmodur (TDI). 150 kg of the product spilled onto the 
loading ramp. The product was cleaned up and disposed of in a professional manner. 

Covestro, Seelze, Germany, September 30, 2015 
Approximately 100 liters of 30% hydrochloric acid escaped from a leaky rail tank car. No injuries 
or hazards occurred. An investigation into the incident was initiated. 

Covestro, Cologne, Germany, October 28, 2015 
While a truck was being loaded, a forklift truck accidentally pierced a drum filled with Desmodur I 
(hazardous material). 150 liters of the product spilled onto the floor of the warehouse and were 
cleaned up and disposed of in a professional manner. No personal injury or environmental damage 
occurred. 

Covestro, Martinsburg, United States, December 9, 2015 
A truck driver noticed a leak in his tanker. This was caused by a leaky drum filled with Desmodur. 
The fire department was notified and cleaned up the spilled liquid on the road surface using 
binding agent. The remaining product was transferred to a new drum. 

Covestro, Charleston, United States, December 16, 2015 
Almost 1,900 liters of a polyalcohol spilled from a tanker truck in a traffic accident. The fire 
department sealed up the spillage, thus preventing release into the environment. The driver of the 
truck was injured in the accident and treated at a hospital. 

[Table 3.9.2-3]

Environ-
mental 

Transport 

Personal 
 injury 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

No 

No 

No 

No 

No 

Yes 

No 

Yes 

No 

No 

No 

No 

X 

Yes 

1 Standard practice at Bayer is to record every fatality reported to us relating to our business activities. A difference between the number of fatalities in Table 3.9.1 

(occupational injuries) and Table 3.9.2-3 may occur because for occupational injuries, by definition, we indicate only fatalities of Bayer and contractor employees who were 
under immediate Bayer supervision.   

2  IBC (intermediate bulk container) 

 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

10. Environmental Protection

131 

The following incident was recorded and analyzed, but is not classed as an environmental or 
transport incident according to Bayer criteria.  

Further Incidents Not Considered Environmental or Transport Incidents under Bayer Criteria 

[Table 3.9.2-4]

Location of the incident 

Description 

Comments 

CropScience, Muskegon, 
United States, 
October 5, 2015 

Small quantity of product 
entered the municipal 
wastewater system 

At the Muskegon site, a small quantity of product entered 
the municipal wastewater system. The local community 
complained about the odor this caused. The responsible 
authorities were notified as a precaution. There were no 
hazards. Due to the low quantity, the incident is not 
classified as an environmental incident. 

10. Environmental Protection 

Bayer takes its responsibility to protect the environment very seriously. We are continuously working to 
reduce the environmental impact of our business activities and find innovative product solutions that 
benefit the environment. Our environmental standards apply worldwide. 

An efficient approach to raw materials and energy is now both an ecological and economic imperative. 
Eco-efficient processes help reduce environmental impact and at the same time cut the costs associated 
with materials, energy, emissions and disposal.  

Our use of energy sources, water and other resources, as well as the emissions and waste we generate, 
are determined to a great extent by just a few factors. Our product portfolio and demand for our prod-
ucts determine the use of materials and energy. At the same time, we continuously improve our produc-
tion processes to make them more resource-friendly and lower the emissions they generate. We meas-
ure how efficiently we use our resources in relation to manufactured sales volume, which does not in-
clude intermediates.  

Responsibilities and framework conditions for health, safety, environmental protection and quality 
(hseq) are stipulated at the Group level, with Group regulations, targets and performance indicators 
(kpis), among other things, serving this purpose. In the field of environmental protection (from, for 
example, resource use to air, water and soil emissions and waste generation), operational management 
takes place at the subgroup level, with the aid of hseq management systems, committees and working 
groups.  

Our commitment to environmental protection, health and safety extends beyond the scope of legal 
requirements. It includes factoring in environmental aspects in a particular way and performing a volun-
tary ecological assessment for capital expenditure projects exceeding €10 million. In the case of acqui-
sitions, we examine prior to the transaction whether the applicable environmental and occupational 
safety regulations and fundamental employee rights are complied with at the production sites in ques-
tion. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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10. Environmental Protection 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

10.1 International Standards and Certifications 

To maintain high hseq standards throughout the Group, Bayer has established appropriate manage-
ment systems that are aligned to acknowledged international standards and are regularly evaluated 
and updated. They form an integral part of all our business processes. Regular upkeep of the man-
agement systems and appropriate training and certification also demonstrate our commitment to the 
chemical industry’s Responsible Care™ initiative and in particular the guidelines of the Responsible 
Care Global Charter. 

With regard to the coverage of our business activities with hseq management systems based on ener-
gy consumption, in 2015 around 96% of our production sites featured an hse management system 
audited by Bayer. Some 93% of our entire business activities were certified externally to at least one 
internationally recognized standard. As part of a Group-wide certification plan, it is planned, by 2017, 
to achieve virtually complete coverage based on energy consumption by external standards in both 
environmental and occupational safety management. One hundred percent coverage is not feasible 
owing to the frequent changes in our site portfolio.  

Standards and Certifications in % of Business Activities (Based on Energy Consumption) 

[Table 3.10.1] 

Certification to external standards 

ISO 14001 certification / EMAS validation 

Certified to OHSAS 180011 

Certified to ISO 500012 

Degree of coverage with certification to at 
least one of the above standards 

HSE management systems internally  
audited by Bayer 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

66 

27 

– 

87 

84 

30 

– 

89 

84 

30 

– 

90 

91 

34 

40 

95 

93 

80 

47 

93 

HSE management systems audited by Bayer 

99 

99 

99 

94 

96 

1 The rise in 2015 is due to enhanced OHSAS 18001 certification at Covestro sites. 
2 Group values determined from 2014 onward 

All subgroups also have industry-specific international quality management systems such as iso 9001, 
iso 17025, iso 13485 or gmp (Good Manufacturing Practice). Group-wide, the coverage by this kind of 
certification is over 98%. More information about quality management in the various subgroups can be 
found in Chapter 7 “Procurement, Production, Logistics, Distribution.” 

 See Chapter 7 

10.2 Energy Consumption 

In 2015, we succeeded in reducing the Group’s total energy consumption by 2.5% to 83.2 petajoules. 
Basically, we differentiate between primary energy consumption – mainly of fossil fuels for our own 
generation of electricity and steam – and secondary energy consumption that reflects the purchase of 
electricity, steam and refrigeration energy and the use of process heat.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

10. Environmental Protection

133 

Primary energy consumption fell by 5.7%. This was mainly due to the reduction in natural gas, which 
was primarily achieved through more efficient facility operation at the Uerdingen site in Germany. The 
use of coal was approximately at the same level as the previous year, while consumption of liquid fuels 
and other primary energy sources was reduced. Waste utilization was significantly higher than the 
previous year, mainly owing to the use of liquid waste as a source of energy at Covestro’s site in 
Caojing, China. Secondary energy consumption rose by 1.1%. The use of electricity declined, while 
consumption of steam and process heat was higher than in 2014 (see Table 3.10.2). 

The drop in total energy consumption (primary and secondary energy sources) was mainly caused by 
lower energy needs at the Leverkusen and Uerdingen sites in Germany. Moreover, the partial shutdown 
of production facilities at the Belford Roxo site in Brazil also contributed to a reduction in total energy 
consumption. 

In 2015, Bayer’s manufactured sales volume rose by 2.7%. We were able to slightly improve our 
energy efficiency, which we define as the total energy consumption in megawatt hours (MWh) per 
metric ton of manufactured sales volume, from 3.37 MWh/t in 2014 to 3.34 MWh/t in 2015. This  
development confirms the trend of a decoupling of manufactured sales volume from energy con-
sumption identified in previous years. This brings us closer to our Group target of improving energy 
efficiency by 10% by 2020. 

Group target 2020: 
improvement of 10% 
in Group-wide energy  
efficiency 

  See also Chapter 
1.4 for Group 
targets 

Energy Consumption in the Bayer Group 

[Table 3.10.2]

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

Primary energy consumption 
for the in-house generation of  
electricity & steam (TJ) 

Natural gas 

Coal 

Liquid fuels 

Waste 

Other1 

Secondary energy consumption 
(net, TJ) 

Electricity2 

Steam 

Steam from waste heat (process heat) 

Refrigeration energy 

50,096 

31,162 

16,776 

660 

515 

983 

34,846 

25,475 

1,054 

9,000 

(683) 

49,047 

30,411 

15,954 

656 

1,005 

1,021 

34,137 

25,849 

(121) 

9,144 

(735) 

47,582 

29,796 

15,094 

416 

1,282 

994 

33,266 

25,560 

(801) 

9,146 

(639) 

45,572 

31,580 

12,611 

421 

833 

127 

39,745 

27,177 

3,579 

9,639 

(650) 

42,996 

28,813 

12,755 

350 

1,523 

(445) 

40,186 

25,977 

4,694 

9,974 

(459) 

Total energy consumption (TJ) 

84,942 

83,184 

80,848 

85,317 

83,182 

Energy efficiency 

3 (MWh/t) 

3.63 

3.50 

3.44 

3.37 

3.34 

1 E.g. hydrogen 
2 Secondary energy consumption for electricity is based on the raw material mix of the country concerned.  
3 Energy efficiency is the quotient of total energy consumption and manufactured sales volume. For Covestro, this includes neither the secondary 

products sodium hydroxide solution and hydrochloric acid generated in production nor trade products. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
134 

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10. Environmental Protection 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

More than 90% of our own energy generation comes from combined heat and power processes.  
These efficient power plants convert approximately 80% of the fuel energy used into electricity and 
heat. In addition, we purchase electricity on the market – through energy exchanges, for example. The 
electricity and heat generated and purchased are used in our own production facilities and third-party 
facilities (especially of Lanxess Deutschland GmbH as the other shareholder of our service company 
Currenta). The proportion of renewable energies is determined by the energy mix of our energy sup-
pliers. We comment in detail on these issues in our cdp (previously Carbon Disclosure Project) Report. 

  www.bayer.com/ 

CDP-climate 

10.3 Air Emissions  

At Bayer, air emissions are caused mainly by the generation and consumption of electricity, steam and 
process heat. Our commitment to greater energy efficiency helps reduce both costs and emissions. We 
also aim to contribute to climate protection on several levels. We have set ambitious targets for resource 
efficiency and established relevant measures across the Group. 

Our commitment is divided into three areas: 

Group target 
Covestro: 
improvement in 
production process 
technology to  
achieve better  
energy efficiency 

  www.bayer.com/ 
COV-production 

1. More efficient production: we aim to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases in our own produc-
tion facilities by increasing energy efficiency, using combined heat and power generation in our power 
plants and developing and marketing new, more climate-friendly technologies. Thanks to our own ener-
gy management systems and production and process innovations, considerable resources have been 
saved in recent years. Energy efficiency projects resulting from structese™ (Structured Efficiency 
System for Energy) implemented since 2008 lead to annual savings. Taking into account all sustainable 
savings effects since the system was introduced, these savings amounted to 1.55 million MWh in the 
area of primary energy consumption in 2015.  

  See also Chapter 4 

2. Reducing emissions using market solutions: our products play their part in saving energy and con-
serving resources in many different ways. We are able to help our customers in the areas of building 
insulation, lightweight construction and agriculture in particular. We provide solutions both for reducing 
emissions and for adapting to climate change. These include state-of-the-art crop protection products 
that enable higher yields, new cultivation methods such as precision farming and the development of 
crops that are better able to cope with stress factors such as extreme temperatures and aridity. You can 
read more, for example, about combating the growing threat of malaria – resulting from climate change 
– in the CropScience section of Chapter 4 “Research, Development, Innovation.” 

3. Reducing emissions in nonproduction areas of Bayer: this includes – with the planned reduction of 
specific co2 emissions of newly registered vehicles to 110 g/km through 2020 – an ambitious reduction 
target for our vehicle fleet, optimized logistics and enhancement of the environmentally friendly creden-
tials of our information and communication technologies (Green it). Through our EcoFleet initiative, co2 
emissions of newly registered vehicles for our global fleet of over 25,000 vehicles were reduced by a 
further 7 g/km to 141 g/km in 2015. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

10. Environmental Protection

135 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS 
Bayer reports all Group greenhouse gas emissions in line with the requirements of the Greenhouse Gas 
Protocol (ghg Protocol). Direct emissions from our own power plants, waste incineration plants and 
production facilities (corresponding to Scope 1 of the ghg Protocol) and indirect emissions that result 
from the external procurement of electricity, steam and refrigeration energy (Scope 2) are determined at 
all production locations and relevant administrative sites.  

Dual reporting was introduced in 2015 with the updating of the ghg guidelines for Scope 2. According 
to this, indirect emissions have to be reported using both the location-based and the market-based 
methods. The location-based method uses regional or national average emissions factors, while the 
market-based method uses provider- or product-specific emissions factors. From 2015, we are reporting 
for the first time in line with the new guideline, shown retroactively to 2012. To ensure the comparabil-
ity of the data we are additionally reporting according to the previous system once more this year.  

Group Greenhouse Gas Emissions1 

Direct greenhouse gas emissions2 

Indirect greenhouse gas emissions3, according to the 
previous method (reported until 2014) 

Indirect greenhouse gas emissions3, according to the 
location-based method (reported from 2015) 

Indirect greenhouse gas emissions3, according to the 
market-based method (reported from 2015) 

Total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the 
previous method (reported until 2014) 

Total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the 
market-based method (reported from 2015)5 

Specific greenhouse gas emissions (t CO2e / t), according 
to the previous method (reported until 2014)6 

Specific greenhouse gas emissions (t CO2e / t), 
according to the market-based method (reported from 
2015)5,6 

[Table 3.10.3]

Million metric tons of CO2 equivalents 

2011 

4.23 

2012 

4.24 

2013 

4.09 

2014 

4.02 

2015 

4.41 

3.92 

4.12 

4.29 

4.70 

4.64 

– 

– 

4 

4.71 

4.85 

5.03 

4.94 

4.72 

4.91 

5.53 

5.30 

8.15 

8.36 

8.37 

8.72 

9.05 

– 

8.96 

9.00 

9.55 

9.71 

0.95 

0.98 

1.00 

1.02 

1.09 

– 

1.06 

1.09 

 1.12 

1.19 

1 Portfolio-adjusted in accordance with the GHG Protocol 
2 In 2015, 86.8% of emissions were CO2 emissions, 12.7% N2O emissions, just under 0.5% partially fluorinated hydrocarbons and 0.04% 

methane. 

3 Typically, CO2 in incineration processes accounts for over 99% of all greenhouse gas emissions. When determining indirect emissions, our 

calculations are therefore limited to CO2. 

4 Back calculation using the market-based method is only possible from 2012, as the RE-DISS factors needed for the calculation were only available 

for the first time for that year. 

5 The market-based method of the new Scope 2 GHG Protocol most reliably reflects the indirect emissions and the success of emissions reduction 

measures, so we used emissions volumes calculated using this method when calculating the total and specific greenhouse gas emissions. 

6 Specific Group emissions are calculated from the total volume of direct emissions and indirect – calculated using the market-based method of the 
new Scope 2 GHG Protocol – emissions of the subgroups, including the emissions at the Belford Roxo site and emissions from the vehicle fleet, 
both reported for the Group as a whole, divided by the manufactured sales volume of the three subgroups in metric tons. Quantities attributable to 
the supply of energy to external companies are deducted from the direct and indirect emissions. At Covestro, neither the by-products sodium 
hydroxide solution and hydrochloric acid generated during production nor trade products are included in the manufactured sales volume. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
136 

Combined Management Report 

10. Environmental Protection 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The total volume of Group-wide greenhouse gas emissions rose by 1.7% (Scope 2 market-based) in 
2015. Broken down, direct emissions rose by 9.7%, while indirect emissions fell by 4.1% (Scope 2 
market-based). The rise in direct emissions is largely due to higher nitrous oxide emissions caused by a 
significant increase in nitric acid production at the site in Caojing, China, and to additional emissions 
from the incineration of liquid and thermal waste there. Another reason was increased energy consump-
tion by third parties at the CropScience site in Institute, United States. 

Group target 2020: 
reduction of 20% in 
specific greenhouse 
gas emissions  

In line with our Group target we are endeavoring to reduce specific greenhouse gas emissions (total 
emissions divided by the manufactured sales volume) by 20% through 2020. 2015 saw a rise of 6.0% 
(Scope 2 being calculated according to the market-based method) owing mainly to the effects described 
above.  

  See also Chapter 
1.4 for Group 
targets 

 online annex: 3-10.3-1 

Even though a significant proportion of our direct emissions comes from the generation of energy 
that is delivered to other companies, we include all greenhouse gas emissions from the conversion of 
primary energy sources into electricity, steam or refrigeration energy in our energy balance, in line 
with the regulations of the ghg Protocol. Consequently, our absolute figures for greenhouse gas 
emissions are higher than the actual emissions resulting from Bayer’s business activities. The level of 
specific greenhouse gas emissions is a more meaningful statistic. This indicates only the greenhouse 
gas emissions for which Bayer is directly responsible in relation to the manufactured sales volumes 
of the three Bayer subgroups. 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Subgroup and Service Company 

1 

[Table 3.10.3-1]

HealthCare 

CropScience 

Covestro 

Currenta 

3 

Specific greenhouse gas emissions at Covestro  
(metric tons of CO2 equivalents per metric ton of 
manufactured sales volume)4 

Total direct and indirect emissions  
in million metric tons of CO2 equivalents 

20122 

0.60 

0.96 

5.29 

1.99 

2013 

0.57 

0.99 

5.42 

1.92 

2014 

0.57 

0.97 

6.27 

1.62 

20155 

0.57 

1.05 

6.41 

1.47 

0.93 

0.97 

1.03 

1.10 

1 The indirect emissions were calculated according to the market-based method. Since the RE-DISS factors needed for this were only available 

from 2012 on, the data are only indicated for the past 4 years. 

2 Emissions from the Bayer Group’s vehicle fleet have been recorded since 2012, but not specific to any subgroup, and are assigned to the 

direct Group emissions in Table 3.10.3. In 2015, fleet emissions amounted to 0.14 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents. 
3 The emissions reported for Currenta are attributable to the provision of energy to external companies at the Chempark sites. 
4 The by-products sodium hydroxide solution and hydrochloric acid generated during production are not included in the manufactured sales 

volume, nor are trade products.  

5 The emissions from the production site in Belford Roxo, Brazil, totaling 0.06 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents, are not included in this 

table but are reported for the Group as a whole in Table 3.10.3.  

In 2015, the waste incineration plants operated by Currenta generated just under 1 million metric 
tons of steam from the incineration of more than 250,000 metric tons of hazardous waste from the 
Chempark sites and some external production companies. Compared to using fossil energy sources, 
the use of this steam enables approximately 200,000 metric tons less co2 to be emitted per year. 

The reporting of all relevant indirect emissions resulting from the value chain is bindingly regulated by 
the ghg Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting & Reporting Standard. Following a thor-
ough examination, Bayer has identified nine essential Scope 3 categories, which we report on in detail 
in the cdp Report. We take particular account of those emissions where there is significant potential for 
reduction e.g. our transport-related emissions resulting from business trips. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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10. Environmental Protection

137 

In 2015, the Bayer Group was involved in European emissions trading with 19 plants in total. The 
greenhouse gas emissions of these plants amounted to approximately 2.32 million metric tons of co2 
equivalents. 

OTHER DIRECT EMISSIONS INTO THE AIR 
Emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ods) fell by 20.7%. Emissions of volatile organic compounds 
excluding methane (vocs) decreased by 24.0%. The main source of both types of emissions remains the 
CropScience site in Vapi, India, which accounts for 55.4% of voc emissions and 94.3% of ods emis-
sions. The project initiated there four years ago to reduce these emissions continues to have an impact. 
voc emissions fell by a further 38.3%. ods emissions there also decreased, by 21.1%. A central waste 
air treatment system will go into operation at the Vapi site during 2016. This will bring together the 
many different sources of emissions there and cause another significant reduction in these emissions.  

Emissions of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)1 

[Table 3.10.4]

ODS in metric tons p.a. 

1 Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in CFC-11 equivalents 

2011 

16.3 

2012 

16.3 

2013 

15.7 

2014 

14.8 

2015 

11.7 

Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)1 

[Table 3.10.5]

VOC in 1,000 metric tons p.a. 

VOC in kg per metric ton of manufactured sales 
volume 

1 Volatile organic compounds (VOC) without methane 

2011 

2.69 

2012 

2.60 

2013 

2.27 

2014 

2.12 

2015 

1.61 

0.2457 

0.2316 

0.2047 

0.1864 

0.1379 

Emissions of sulfur dioxide fell by 4.1%. Particulate emissions also declined, in this case by 8.9%, 
caused by reductions at Covestro’s sites in Baytown, Texas, United States, and Caojing, China. Emis-
sions of nitrogen oxides, on the other hand, rose by 2.4% and of carbon monoxide by 2.1%. Both 
increases could essentially be attributed to differences in the types of coal used at the Uerdingen site 
in Germany. 

 online annex: 3-10.3-2 

Other Important Direct Air Emissions 

CO 

NOX 

SOX 

Particulates 

2011 

1.31 

3.66 

2.27 

0.18 

2012 

1.00 

3.07 

1.85 

0.18 

2013 

0.94 

2.51 

1.32 

0.16 

[Table 3.10.5-1]

1,000 metric tons p.a. 

2014 

0.91 

2.36 

1.22 

0.25 

2015 

0.93 

2.42 

1.17 

0.23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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10.4 Use of Water and Emissions into Water 

The continuous availability of clean water in sufficient quantities is essential for supplying our produc-
tion sites and the surrounding areas. However, this can no longer be taken for granted in many parts of 
the world. We plan to design our water supply in such a way that industrial water usage continues not 
to lead to local problems such as a shortage of water for the people living in the area.  

Our Water Position commits us to compliance with international and local legislation and to fulfilling the 
strictest requirements worldwide while at the same time ensuring the reliable operation of our produc-
tion facilities. The goal is to protect water as a resource and use it efficiently. 

In their respective directives, our subgroups have defined responsible water use, ranging from re-
source-friendly usage to appropriate disposal of wastewater, and anchored implementation in their hseq 
management systems.   

As part of our Water Position, we used the wbcsd Global Water Tool™ to identify all Bayer sites that are 
located in regions affected or threatened by water shortage. In line with our Group target, these sites 
are to establish a water management system with local targets by 2017. The sites concerned are ana-
lyzed annually, including an evaluation of their water usage, quality and discharge data. In addition, 
site-specific initiatives that enable the reuse of water and thus contribute to reducing water consump-
tion are also examined and evaluated. Results of the current analysis show that an effective water man-
agement system is already in place at around 58% of the sites examined.  

Although the framework conditions for sites can differ very considerably according to region, some 
measures successfully implemented at several sites have already been seen to be effective. These in-
clude both in-house water treatment plants to make river water usable and river water reservoirs to 
avoid having to take drinking water from local water suppliers even when water levels are low. Further 
effective steps for pursuing the water target include continuous analysis of wastewater in line with site-
specific performance indicators and training new employees in responsible water usage.  

Awareness of this issue is being raised through ongoing Group-wide dialogue. Equally important in this 
is active participation in forums and discussions on this subject with government officials and other 
stakeholders. The next step will be to agree specific measures for the targeted development at those 
sites with identified potential for improvement. 

Group target 2017: 
establishment of water 
management at all 
sites in water-scarce 
areas  

 See also Chapter 
1.4 for Group 
targets 

  www.bayer.com/ 

CDP-water 

Bayer supports the ceo Water Mandate of the u.n. Global Compact with the goal of working with key 
stakeholders to develop sustainable strategies for water usage. In our annual response to the cdp Water 
Disclosure, we report in detail on our water usage, the company-specific water footprint and the associ-
ated opportunities and risks. This represents a progress report for the ceo Water Mandate. 

WATER CONSUMPTION AND USAGE 
In 2015, total water consumption in the Group fell by 1.1% to around 346 million cubic meters. 

Some 73% of all water used by Bayer is cooling water. This water is only heated and does not come 
into contact with products. It can be returned to the water cycle without further treatment in line with 
the relevant official permits. The total volume of once-through cooling water was around 240 million 
cubic meters in 2015. In our production activities, we endeavor to use water several times and to recy-
cle it. Water is currently recycled at 35 sites, e.g. in closed cooling cycles, or through the reuse of treat-
ed wastewater or the recirculation of steam condensates as process water. A total of 10.5 million cubic 
meters of water were reused in 2015.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

10. Environmental Protection

139 

 online annex: 3-10.4-1 

The diagram shows the distribution of the different types of water usage within the Bayer Group. 

Water Use in the Bayer Group in 2015 (million m3)

[Graphic 3.10.0-1]

Sources of water

Water usage 1

Water discharged 1

Surface water

212 (61%)

Cooling water

252 (73%)

Boreholes / springs

118 (34%)

Drinking water
supplies

10 (3%)

of which 
recycled / reused

10 (3%)

Other sources

6 (2%)

Production 2

94 (27%)

Once-through
cooling water

240 (76%)

Losses due to evaporation
from cooling water circuits

12 (4%)

Process wastewater
with subsequent treatment

50 (16%)

Process wastewater
without subsequent treatment

11 (4%)

1 The differences between volumes of water consumed and water discharged can be explained, for example, by 

unquantified losses due to evaporation, leaks, quantities of water used as raw materials in products and volumes of condensate
generated through the use of steam as a source of energy.

2 Sum from production processes, sanitary wastewater and rinsing and cleaning processes in production

Water was essentially obtained from the same sources as in the previous year. 

Net Water Intake by Source  

[Table 3.10.6]

Water consumption (million m³ p.a.) 

Proportion from surface water (%) 

Proportion from boreholes / springs (%) 

Proportion from public drinking water 
supplies (%) 

Proportion from other sources, generally 
rainwater (%) 

2011 

411 

65 

31 

2 

2 

2012 

384 

64 

32 

2 

2 

2013 

361 

63 

33 

3 

2 

2014 

350 

63 

32 

3 

2 

2015 

346 

61 

34 

3 

2 

WASTEWATER AND WASTEWATER DISCHARGES 
The total volume of process wastewater fell by 7.7%. All wastewater is subject to strict monitoring and 
analysis before it is discharged into disposal channels. 81.9% of Bayer’s process wastewater world-
wide is purified at wastewater treatment plants (Bayer or third-party facilities). Following careful anal-
ysis, the remaining volume was categorized as environmentally safe according to official provisions. 
Part of it contained nutrients and was therefore used to water gardens and agricultural land, as in the 
previous year. 

Volume of Process Wastewater 

[Table 3.10.7]

Volume of process wastewater (million m³) 

2011 

72 

2012 

65 

2013 

63 

2014 

66 

2015 

61 

The goal is to minimize emissions into wastewater. Total emissions of nitrogen compounds into 
wastewater fell by 26.1% in 2015. The main factors behind this reduction were the decrease in produc-
tion at CropScience’s Dormagen site in Germany and the fact that the denitrification process at 
Covestro’s Baytown site in Texas in the United States operated without interruption again in 2015. 
Discharges of phosphates into wastewater rose by 2.0% in 2015. Total organic carbon (toc) emissions, 
however, decreased by 3.3%.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
140 

Combined Management Report 

10. Environmental Protection 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Emissions into Water 

[Table 3.10.8]

Phosphorus (1,000 metric tons p.a.) 

Nitrogen (1,000 metric tons p.a.) 

Nitrogen (kg per metric ton of manufactured 
sales volume) 

2011 

0.08 

0.53 

2012 

0.15 

0.70 

2013 

0.11 

0.69 

2014 

0.10 

0.76 

2015 

0.10 

0.56 

0.0486 

0.0624 

0.0620 

0.0671 

0.0483 

TOC1 (1,000 metric tons p.a.) 

1.50 

1.42 

1.53 

1.20 

1.16 

TOC (kg per metric ton of manufactured  
sales volume) 

Heavy metals (1,000 metric tons p.a.) 

Inorganic salts (1,000 metric tons p.a.) 

COD2 (1,000 metric tons p.a.) 

0.137 

0.0108 

926 

4.51 

0.126 

0.0098 

1,048 

4.25 

0.138 

0.0091 

946 

4.58 

0.105 

0.0063 

845 

3.59 

0.100 

0.0064 

927 

3.48 

1 Total organic carbon 
2 Chemical oxygen demand; calculated value based on TOC figures (TOC x 3 = COD) 

10.5 Waste and Recycling 

Systematic waste management minimizes material consumption and disposal volumes. Safe disposal 
channels with separation according to the type of waste and economically expedient recycling process-
es serve this purpose. Production fluctuations and building refurbishment / land remediation work also 
influence waste volumes and recycling paths. 

In 2015, the total volume of waste generated rose by 4.9%. Although the volume of nonhazardous waste 
fell by 2.5%, the volume of hazardous waste generated rose by 11.1%. This contrast is largely due to 
the re-categorization of fluidized bed ash from the power plant at the Chempark Leverkusen site, which 
now has to be classified as hazardous waste. Increased production at the sites in Wuppertal, Germany, 
and Muttenz, Switzerland, also led to greater volumes of hazardous waste. 

Waste Generated1  

Total waste generated (1,000 metric tons p.a.) 

Hazardous waste generated 

2 

of which hazardous waste from production 

Specific volume of hazardous production waste 
(%) 

2011 

958 

474 

354 

2012 

1,014 

603 

397 

2013 

899 

467 

417 

[Table 3.10.9]

2014 

896 

487 

442 

2015 

940 

541 

488 

3.23 

3.54 

3.77 

3.89 

4.18 

1 Waste generated by Bayer only 
2 Definition of hazardous waste in accordance with the local laws in each instance 

The volume of waste disposed of rose by 5.6%. This increase is mainly due to the construction of new 
production facilities at the Knapsack site in Germany. More information about the distribution of waste 
according to the different means of disposal is available in: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

10. Environmental Protection

141 

 online annex: 3-10.5-1 

Waste by Means of Disposal 

Total volume of waste disposed of 
(1,000 metric tons p.a.) 

1  

Proportion removed to landfill (%) 

Proportion incinerated (%) 

Proportion recycled (%) 

Others² (%) 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

[Table 3.10.9-1]

966 

1,021 

915 

898 

949 

38 

33 

28 

1 

36 

33 

29 

2 

32 

38 

27 

2 

28 

40 

29 

3 

26 

39 

31 

4 

1 Bayer serves as a certified waste disposal plant operator at various sites. At these locations, Bayer disposes not only of its own waste but also 
of waste from third parties (companies not belonging to the Bayer Group). For that reason, the volume of waste disposed of differs slightly 
from the volume of waste generated by Bayer.  

2 E.g. passed on to third parties (providers / waste disposal companies) 

In 2015, the volume of recycled waste was 295,826 metric tons. Expressed as a proportion of the to-
tal waste disposed of, this represented an increase from 29% in 2014 to 31% in 2015. Site-specific 
reasons such as changes to the product portfolio, other production volumes, variations in the intensi-
ty of construction measures and recycling projects were key to this. 

Hazardous Waste1 Generated by Means of Disposal 

[Table 3.10.9-2]

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

Total volume of hazardous waste generated 

2 

Amount removed to landfill  

Amount incinerated / recycled  

474 

122 

352 

603 

175 

428 

1 Waste generated by Bayer only 
2 Definition of hazardous waste in accordance with the local laws in each instance 

  1,000 metric tons p.a. 

467 

53 

414 

487 

65 

422 

541 

75 

466 

RECYCLING 
In addition to satisfying economic and environmental criteria, the recycling and treatment of our mate-
rials also has to comply with legal requirements. This results in restrictions, in particular in the areas of 
pharmaceuticals and crop protection. Throughout the Group, we are developing opportunities for recy-
cling within the framework of legal regulations. Examples of recycling measures provide proof of 
Bayer’s commitment to recycling.  

 online annex: 3-10.5-2 

Production-related recycling at HealthCare is conducted in line with the requirements of the relevant 
production site. When determining the best means of disposal, recycling options are explicitly in-
cluded, and are to be considered preferable to landfilling or incineration.  

Material-based recycling is important in CropScience’s active ingredient and intermediate product 
production. For reasons of resource efficiency, solvents, catalysts and intermediates are repeatedly 
processed and returned to the production process. Since these are recycling steps that are closely 
linked with the process, there is no global regulation. Material-based recycling is regulated separate-
ly at each production site and production plant. In the global process development of active ingredi-
ents and intermediates, material recycling is considered an important development criterion. In ac-
cordance with CropScience’s global Environment Policy, all CropScience sites are obliged to prevent, 
recycle and reduce waste and dispose of it safely and in line with good environmental practices. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
142 

Combined Management Report 

10. Environmental Protection 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The subgroups select the best means of disposal for any given waste type at the production site 
based on the applicable national or local legal requirements, the technical possibilities available on 
site, environmental protection aspects and the internal hierarchy of waste disposal. 

No product-related recycling is possible for the HealthCare portfolio because pharmaceutical prod-
ucts are subject to strict quality requirements. Packaging materials are recycled in line with national 
regulations as part of the national infrastructure for waste disposal. 

CropScience does not generally take back crop protection products it has sold. Packaging materials 
are disposed of or recycled in line with national legislation. In many countries where there is no legal 
regulation, the industry has set up a returns system in collaboration with other providers. 

Returns of obsolete stocks of crop protection products are only conducted in individual cases where 
there is good reason. However, the crop protection product industry has set up voluntary initiatives 
in various countries that enable farmers to ensure obsolete stocks are disposed of safely. As part of 
its activities in the CropLife association, CropScience is working with the United Nations’ Food and 
Agriculture Organization (fao) and the World Bank to support the proper collection and disposal of 
obsolete stocks in Africa. 

In its own production operations, Covestro also uses material recycled from plastic waste. These 
kinds of high-quality secondary raw materials are used to manufacture certain grades of engineering 
thermoplastics. A flame-retardant plastic compound for television set housings, for example, com-
prises 30% recycled pet water bottles. 

The Global Sideline Business unit at Covestro sells unwanted plant and tools on the open market, 
thus feeding them back into circulation. Approximately 150 tangible assets were sold to third parties 
worldwide in 2015. Scrap metal from plants is returned to the material cycle. In 2015, this amounted 
to around 1,600 metric tons in Germany alone.  

Covestro is actively committed to recycling through its involvement in associations such as 
PlasticsEurope and to the avoidance of plastic granule wastage in industrial plants through the Zero 
Pellet Loss initiative. The company is also a shareholder of bkv GmbH, German industry’s compe-
tence platform for recycling plastic. 

Using conventional recycling measures, Currenta was able to return approximately 45,000 metric 
tons of building materials, fgd gypsum and slag, 14,300 metric tons of metal and 15,800 metric tons 
of chemicals such as sulfuric acid and solvents to the material cycle in 2015.  

10.6 Biodiversity 

Our Group-wide biodiversity position takes into account influences on biodiversity throughout the entire 
value chain. In this position, we commit ourselves to the United Nations Convention on Biological Di-
versity and its Nagoya Protocol, which regulates access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable 
sharing of the benefits arising from their utilization. Our CropScience subgroup passed an internal 
regulation in 2015 to ensure that the company only acquires and uses genetic resources in harmony 
with international and applicable national legislation.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

11. Social Commitment

143 

 online annex: 3-10.6-1 

Biodiversity is essential for successful agriculture, as it promotes the resilience of ecosystems. Vari-
ous ecological enhancement measures are under discussion to support resilient ecosystems, such as 
planting flower strips to provide a refuge for animals or the more extensive cultivation of slopes to 
protect against erosion. These measures can help farmers improve soil fertility and water regulation 
in their fields, or boost the pollination activities of insects and thus increase their yields. 

HealthCare also attaches great importance to maintaining biological diversity. As a member of the 
Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies, it supports the association’s position on 
the u.n. Convention on Biological Diversity. Among other things, this policy, which applies to all 
HealthCare sites, takes into account that the subgroup concentrates on the chemical synthesis of 
substances using state-of-the-art technologies in medicinal, combinatorial and computational chem-
istry. Research into natural substances is not a focal point of its work, accounting for less than 5% of 
research projects. If such substances are used during research into new pharmaceuticals, they are 
first checked with respect to the Convention on Biological Diversity.  

Group-wide directives stipulate that new production sites must not be set up in areas that are protected 
by statutory requirements of the countries concerned relating to natural characteristics, biodiversity or 
other factors.  

 online annex: 3-10.6-2 

In 2013, Bayer Real Estate, the Bayer Group’s real estate service provider, used its global site regis-
ter to compare the geographical coordinates of relevant production sites against those of internation-
ally recognized protected areas (asean Heritage, Barcelona Convention, unesco-mab Biosphere Re-
serve, Wetlands and World Heritage Convention and Ramsar Convention). This comparison revealed 
three sites that are less than three kilometers from the protected areas Schorren van de Benenden 
Schelde, Belgium; the Wadden Sea of Lower Saxony, Germany; and Blesbokspruit, South Africa,  
respectively. Owing to major portfolio changes in the Group (separation of Covestro, formerly 
MaterialScience, sale of the Diabetes Care business and acquisition of the consumer care business of 
Merck & Co., Inc.) we are planning a new coordinate comparison with an updated range of produc-
tion sites in 2016. 

11. Social Commitment 

Bayer’s funding strategy focuses on people embarking on new approaches to problem-solving in the 
natural and life sciences and in the key areas of health, education and basic social needs, with the goal 
of sustainably improving living conditions. This also applies to a further focus area, sports and culture. 
With our support programs we see ourselves as investors, trendsetters and partners for initiatives and 
projects that have model character, a long-term effect and thus the potential to achieve systemic 
change.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
144 

Combined Management Report 

11. Social Commitment 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The Foundation & Donations Management Department within the Corporate Office of Bayer AG is re-
sponsible for strategically aligning and coordinating our social commitment, as well as for monitoring 
and reporting activities. The Group-wide donation allocation and management regulations form the 
basis for this. The country companies, in collaboration with partner organizations such as nongovern-
mental organizations, bear responsibility for implementing a large number of the initiatives. An inde-
pendent panel made up of internal and external judges generally decides how project funding is allocat-
ed. 

In 2015, we invested a total of €51 million (2014: €49 million) in charitable activities worldwide. This 
was aimed at improving the quality of life at the company’s various locations and contributing to solving 
social challenges.  

Social Commitment in 2015

[Graphic 3.11.1]

Sports and Culture

€19 million

€5 million
Cultural affairs

€14 million
Bayer sports clubs

Education 
and Science

€14 million

€51 million

Health and 
Basic Social Needs

€18 million

€10 million
Public health, health education, 

patient groups

€6 million
Coummunity projects, 

volunteering

€2 million
Disaster aid

€2 million
Fostering 

of talent

€3 million
Research 

projects

€6 million
Science education 

in schools

€3 million
Scientific excellence

Further information can be found in 

 online annex: 3-11-1 

HEALTH AND BASIC SOCIAL NEEDS 
In 2015, the Bayer Cares Foundation awarded the Aspirin Social Award to the Jourvie charitable ini-
tiative. The first-place prize money of €15,000 will enable the already successful app for supporting 
the treatment of eating disorders to be further developed and disseminated. The foundation entered 
into a collaboration with the “Discovering Hands” initiative, which was a prize-winner in 2014. This 
will introduce this exemplary social medicine project, which is already established in Germany, to 
other countries. Blind women, trained as Medical Tactile Examiners, use their extraordinary sense of 
touch to help with the early diagnosis of breast cancer in women. Colombia is the first pilot country 
outside Germany. The Latin American Development Bank is another project partner.  

Since the Bayer Volunteering Program began in Germany in 2007 and worldwide in 2013, the Bayer 
Cares Foundation has provided support for 550 volunteering projects in 65 countries. Through these 
projects, employees and citizens work toward improving living conditions in and around the compa-
ny’s sites. In 2015, the foundation brought 100 projects in 38 countries into the program, due pri-
marily to their innovative approaches, providing them with a total of around €304,000 in funding. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

11. Social Commitment

145 

Bayer is involved in an initiative aimed at eliminating or stemming the incidence of 10 neglected 
tropical diseases, which threaten the lives of 1.4 billion people, by 2020. We provide medication to 
tackle these diseases and participate in collaborations for developing new medicines. The World 
Health Organization (who), governments, nongovernmental organizations and other companies are 
partners in this global initiative. Focal points that fit in with Bayer’s product portfolio are Chagas dis-
ease, African sleeping sickness, dengue and river blindness. 

For more than 10 years, we have donated our active ingredients for the treatment of African sleeping 
sickness and Chagas disease, which is widespread in Latin America, to the who free of charge. In 
2015, we again supplied one million Lampit™ tablets (active ingredient: nifurtimox 120 mg) to treat 
Chagas disease, as well as providing us$300,000 for logistics and distribution. We are also currently 
developing a nifurtimox tablet with a lower dosage that will make it easier to treat children with 
Chagas disease.  

We are pleased to report that the number of patients affected by the type of African sleeping sickness 
primarily found in eastern and southern Africa is in steady decline. We were therefore able to reduce 
the amount of Germanin™ supplied to the who to 10,000 ampoules worth €114,000 in 2015. We 
again provided 300,000 tablets of the active ingredient nifurtimox to be used in a combination thera-
py with an active ingredient from another manufacturer to treat the most widespread, West African 
version of sleeping sickness. We also came to an agreement with the who to further expand support 
for patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is the country most severely affected by 
sleeping sickness.  

In a new product development partnership with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, we are 
examining whether the active ingredient emodepside, which is currently used in veterinary medi-
cine, could also be used to treat river blindness in humans and thus achieve a significant shortening 
of treatment time. 

In 2015, Bayer was once again active in supporting people experiencing acute hardship as a result of 
natural disasters. For example, we donated medication and money with a total value of €400,000 for 
people affected by the earthquake in Nepal. We contributed money and water purification tablets 
with a total value of €25,000 to help victims of the floods in Myanmar. 

We donated antibiotics with the total value of just under €1.9 million to the aid organization Health 
Partners International of Canada (hpic) for the treatment of people in crisis areas and humanitarian 
emergencies. 

We also made drugs with a market value of just under €1.5 million available free of charge to aid or-
ganizations and authorities in Turkey, Greece and Austria to treat refugees.  

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE 
The Bayer Science & Education Foundation again awarded prizes in 2015 with the primary goal of 
recognizing and raising the profile of pioneering work in life sciences and basic medical research. 

Winner of the Hansen Family Award 2015 is the French infection researcher Professor Emmanuelle 
Charpentier from the Helmholtz Center in Braunschweig, Germany. She is responsible for key in-
sights in the field of genome editing. In 2015, the Bayer Early Excellence in Science Award and the 
Bayer Thrombosis Research Award – the two prizes that promote young scientists – went to young 
researchers from Germany and the United States for their successes in the fields of medicine, biolo-
gy and chemistry, and specifically in thrombosis research. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
146 

Combined Management Report 

11. Social Commitment 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The company awarded 187 scholarships to talented students, postgraduates and trainees in the fields 
of natural, life and agricultural science and medicine, with the particular goal of enabling projects 
abroad. With regard to our support of schools, the “Making Science Make Sense” initiative in the 
United States celebrated its 20th anniversary. This program involves several hundred employees vol-
unteering regularly to visit elementary schools and use everyday experiments to communicate the 
fascination and practical importance of science. Bayer implemented similar programs also aimed at 
young people in more than 20 countries in 2015. 

GRI 
G4-26 

To this end, our country companies cooperated with museums, universities and other educational in-
stitutions, invited schoolchildren to the company’s own student laboratories or took “research 
trucks” to the schools. 

In Germany, the focus was on funding innovative teaching projects with a total of €500,000 for 63 
specific measures at 57 schools and other educational institutions in 31 towns and cities, plus the 
awarding of travel scholarships and support of competitions for school students. In addition, the 
Humboldt Bayer Mobil, a research laboratory on wheels, regularly visited schools and the four 
Baylab student laboratories offered school classes a professional infrastructure. More than 20,000 
schoolchildren used these facilities alone in 2015.  

Given the huge influx of refugees into Germany, the Bayer Science & Education Foundation has ex-
panded its range of scientific school education programs to also target refugee children. Along with 
the Berlin Senate and other educational organizations, the foundation launched a unique pilot project 
– the Science4Life Academy. 

For the first time, teaching materials specifically for children with no knowledge of German are being 
developed and introduced into science lessons, and teachers are receiving targeted training. Our 
company also offers talented schoolchildren the chance of individualized support in the form of in-
ternships and mentoring. Our other activities to support refugees include a course preparing refu-
gees aged between 18 and 26 for work, involving language training and careers advice. 

SPORTS AND CULTURE(cid:3)
In 2015, Bayer further expanded its range of cultural activities. We continued to focus particularly on 
encouraging young talent, and brought new artists into the stART program. Another key point was to 
enable young people to have greater access to theater. Bayer Arts & Culture also intensified dialogue 
with the public. In total, Bayer staged around 120 events in the fields of music, dance, theater and 
the fine arts in 2015. 

The “Versionale” competition for theater direction, for example, challenged creative theatrical and 
cultural minds for the first time to develop short stage works on the topic of “Science For A Better 
Life.” 

The Bayer clubs again made a key contribution to the broad range of sporting activities near the 
German sites in North Rhine-Westphalia. The major clubs also became more intensely involved as 
professional service providers for the company’s occupational health management. In 2015, the 
company provided funding of some €14 million for recreational, disabled and competitive sports ac-
tivities.(cid:3)(cid:3)

Bayer’s involvement in professional soccer at Bayer 04 Leverkusen GmbH is not part of its social 
sports sponsorship activities because it belongs to the company’s image advertising.(cid:3)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report 

147 

Report on Economic Position 

FISCAL 2015: 

N
O

I
T
I
S
O
P

C
I

M
O
N
O
C
E

N
O

T
R
O
P
E
R

Another record year for Bayer 

// Focus on the Life Sciences following the successful  

stock market flotation of Covestro 

// Substantial sales and earnings increases at HealthCare 

// Good business development at CropScience despite a weaker 

market environment 

// Covestro posts strong earnings improvement 

// Group sales €46.3 billion (Fx & portfolio adj. +2.7%)  

// ebit €6.3 billion (+15.8%) 

// ebitda before special items €10.3 billion (+18.2%)  

// Net income €4.1 billion (+20.0%) 

// Core earnings per share €6.83 (+16.0%) 

// Forecast for 2016: further growth in sales and earnings

 
 
 
148 

Combined Management Report 

12. Overview of Sales, Earnings and Financial Position 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

12. Overview of Sales, Earnings 
and Financial Position 

TA R GET   ATT AI NM EN T 2 0 15  

Forecast 2015 

1 

Adjusted forecast 2015 

2 

Target attainment 

Group targets 2015: 
Profitable growth 

Group sales 

Low-single-digit 
percentage increase 3 

Unchanged 

2.7% increase 3 

 See Chapter 1.4  
for Group targets 

Approx. €46 billion 

Unchanged 

€46.3 billion 

ebitda 
before special items 

Low- to mid-teens 
percentage increase 

High-teens percentage 
increase 

18.2% increase 

Core earnings 
per share 

Low-teens percentage 
increase 

High-teens percentage 
increase 

16.0% increase 

1 Issued in February 2015 
2 Issued in October 2015 
3 Currency- and portfolio-adjusted 

FULL YEAR 2015 
Bayer had a very successful year in 2015, both strategically and operationally. We achieved important 
milestones on the path to becoming a Life Science company: In October 2015, we floated our subsidiary 
Covestro (formerly MaterialScience) – in which we currently hold around 69% – on the stock exchange. 
With the new organizational structure and the realignment of the Board of Management, which took 
effect on January 1, 2016, we set the course for the company’s further development. We also successful-
ly continued integrating the recently acquired consumer care businesses in our Consumer Health seg-
ment and continued to invest heavily in our research and development pipeline. 

Our operating performance marked another new record in 2015. We registered higher sales and sub-
stantial earnings growth of around 18%, supported also by positive currency effects. HealthCare 
showed a convincing performance, with strong sales and earnings growth. This was chiefly attributable 
to the very good development of our recently launched pharmaceutical products and to expanded busi-
ness in all Consumer Health divisions. In particular, the products added through the recent acquisitions 
contributed additionally to growth at Consumer Care. Despite a weaker market environment, sales at 
CropScience were up against the prior year. Earnings also rose. Covestro significantly raised earnings, 
due mainly to lower raw material costs, while sales receded as expected. Core earnings per share of the 
Bayer Group advanced by 16%.   

Changes in Sales 

Volume 

Price 

Currency 

Portfolio 

Total 

[Table 3.12.1]

2015 

% 

+ 4.4 

– 1.7 

+ 5.9 

+ 3.5 

+ 12.1 

2014 

 % 

+ 6.8 

+ 0.4 

– 2.8 

+ 0.8 

+ 5.2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

12. Overview of Sales, Earnings and Financial Position

Combined Management Report

149 

Group sales advanced by 2.7% on a currency- and portfolio-adjusted basis (Fx & portfolio adj.) in 2015, 
to €46,324 million (reported: + 12.1%; 2014: €41,339 million). Sales of HealthCare improved by 8.1% 
(Fx & portfolio adj.; reported: + 19.9%). CropScience sales gained 1.7% (Fx & portfolio adj.; reported: 
+ 9.2%) against the prior year. Sales at Covestro declined by 5.1% (Fx & portfolio adj.; reported: 
+ 2.8%). 

Bayer Group Quarterly Sales

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2014
2015

1,329
1,341

2014
2015

1,217
1,249

2014
2015

1,174
1,217

2014
2015

1,084
1,139

Total

2014
2015

4,804
4,946

9,023
10,538

9,011
10,841

8,793
9,819

9,708
10,180

36,535
41,378

[Graphic 3.12.1]

€ million

10,352
11,879

10,228
12,090

9,967
11,036

10,792
11,319

41,339
46,324

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

11,000

12,000

Germany

Other countries

2014 figures restated

ebit of the Bayer Group increased by 15.8% to €6,250 million (2014: €5,395 million) after net special 
charges of €819 million (2014: €438 million). The special charges mainly included €280 million in ex-
penses for the consolidation of production sites, €227 million in integration costs for acquired business-
es and €212 million in expenses connected with the carve-out and stock market flotation of Covestro. 
Further charges included €202 million in costs for efficiency improvements, €91 million for the revalua-
tion of other receivables, and impairment losses of approximately €40 million in connection with a de-
velopment project. These amounts were partly offset in ebit by a special gain of around €300 million 
from a litigation in connection with a breach of contract and patent infringement by Dow AgroSciences 
(DAS). ebit before special items rose by 21.2% to €7,069 million (2014: €5,833 million). 

ebitda before special items increased by 18.2% to €10,266 million (2014: €8,685 million). The good 
sales development was accompanied by higher r&d expenses (up by around €740 million on the prior 
year). Positive currency effects buoyed earnings by about €680 million. ebitda before special items at 
HealthCare improved by 19.8% to €6,419 million (2014: €5,357 million). This increase was chiefly 
attributable to the very good development of business at Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Health – 
including particularly the contribution from the acquired businesses at Consumer Care – and currency 
effects of around €250 million. ebitda before special items of CropScience rose by 2.4% to 
€2,416 million (2014: €2,360 million), mainly because of higher volumes and a positive currency effect 
of about €220 million. ebitda before special items of Covestro rose by a substantial 39.8% to 
€1,659 million (2014: €1,187 million), primarily due to lower raw material and energy costs and posi-
tive currency effects of €240 million.    

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
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12. Overview of Sales, Earnings and Financial Position 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Group
Quarterly EBIT

[Graphic 3.12.2]

Bayer Group
Quarterly EBITDA Before Special Items

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Total

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

€ million

2,065
1,944

1,435
1,833

1,346
1,565

549
908

5,395
6,250

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Total

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

[Graphic 3.12.3]

€ million

2,703
2,941

2,176
2,899

1,977
2,523

1,829
1,903

8,685
10,266

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

2014 figures restated

After a financial result of minus €1,005 million (2014: minus €981 million), income before income 
taxes was €5,245 million (2014: €4,414 million). After tax expense of €1,227 million (2014: 
€1,071 million), income from discontinued operations after taxes and noncontrolling interest, net in-
come for 2015 came in at €4,110 million (2014: €3,426 million). Earnings per share were €4.97 (2014: 
€4.14). Core earnings per share from continuing operations advanced by 16.0% to €6.83 (2014: €5.89), 
calculated as explained in Chapter 14.3 “Core Earnings Per Share.” 

Gross Cash Flow by Quarter

[Graphic 3.12.4]

Net Cash Flow by Quarter

[Graphic 3.12.5]

€ million

€ million

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Total

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2,018
2,011

1.665
2,173

1,466
1,427

1,558
1,388

6,707
6,999

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Total

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

144
677

1,569
1,950

1,781
2,306

2,203
1,914

5,697
6,847

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2014 figures restated

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

12. Overview of Sales, Earnings and Financial Position

Combined Management Report

151 

Gross cash flow from continuing operations climbed by 4.4% in 2015 to €6,999 million (2014: 
€6,707 million), mainly because of the improvement in ebitda. Net cash flow (total) rose by 18.6% to 
€6,890 million (2014: €5,810 million) due to a substantial decrease in additional cash tied up in working 
capital. In 2015, we paid income taxes amounting to €1,699 million (2014: €1,835 million). We reduced 
net financial debt by €2.2 billion against December 31, 2014, to €17.4 billion. The net defined benefit 
liability for post-employment benefits – the difference between benefit obligations and plan assets – 
decreased from €12.2 billion to €10.8 billion over the same period, mainly due to a rise in long-term 
capital market interest rates for high-quality corporate bonds.  

Total assets as of December 31, 2015, increased by 5.2% to €73.9 billion. Noncurrent assets rose by 
4.4% to €50.1 billion due mainly to currency effects. The carrying amount of current assets climbed to 
€23.8 billion, mainly driven by higher trade accounts receivable. Equity increased by €5.2 billion to 
€25.4 billion. This was primarily attributable to the net income of €4.1 billion, the €1.5 billion capital 
increase at Covestro due to the stock market flotation, the €0.8 billion decline – recognized outside 
profit or loss – in post-employment benefit obligations and the exchange differences of €0.7 billion. The 
dividend payment of €1.9 billion had an opposing effect. Liabilities decreased by €1.5 billion compared 
with December 31, 2014, to €48.5 billion.  

Key Data by Subgroup and Segment 

HealthCare 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health 

CropScience 

Covestro 

Reconciliation 

Group 

2014 

Sales 

2015 

2014 

EBIT 

2015 

[Table 3.12.2]

EBITDA 
before special items 1 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

19,075 

12,052 

7,023 

9,494 

11,651 

1,119 

41,339 

22,874 

13,745 

9,129 

10,367 

11,982 

1,101 

46,324 

3,470 

2,371 

1,099 

1,806 

555 

(436) 

5,395 

4,050 

2,807 

1,243 

2,103 

635 

(538) 

6,250 

5,357 

3,699 

1,658 

2,360 

1,187 

(219) 

8,685 

6,419 

4,195 

2,224 

2,416 

1,659 

(228) 

10,266 

2014 figures restated 
1 For definition see Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 

FOURTH QUARTER OF 2015 
Group sales in the fourth quarter of 2015 rose by 2.4% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to €11,319 million (reported: 
+ 4.9%). Sales of HealthCare gained 8.5% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to €5,811 million (reported: + 8.6%). 
Business in the Pharmaceuticals segment expanded by 9.6% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to €3,571 million 
(reported: + 9.2%), driven by the encouraging development of our recently launched products. Sales at 
Consumer Health came in 6.9% ahead of the prior-year quarter at €2,240 million (reported: + 7.7%). 
CropScience sales rose by 5.3% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to €2,439 million (reported: + 11.1%) due mainly to 
increases at Crop Protection / Seeds. Sales of Covestro fell by 10.6% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to 
€2,774 million (reported: – 5.9%), primarily because of much lower selling prices. On the other hand, 
volumes increased slightly. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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12. Overview of Sales, Earnings and Financial Position 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

ebit of the Bayer Group improved by a significant 65.4% in the fourth quarter of 2015 to €908 million 
(q4 2014: €549 million), reflecting special charges of €116 million (q4 2014: €442 million). The special 
charges mainly included €138 million in expenses for the consolidation of production sites, €114 million 
for efficiency improvement measures, €50 million in integration costs for acquired businesses and 
€49 million in expenses in connection with the carve-out and stock market flotation of Covestro. Further 
charges of approximately €40 million related to the impairment of a research project. These amounts 
were partly offset by a gain of around €300 million from a litigation. ebit before special items increased 
by 3.3% to €1,024 million (q4 2014: €991 million). 

ebitda before special items improved in the fourth quarter of 2015 by 4.0% to €1,903 million (q4 2014: 
€1,829 million). This good business development, especially at HealthCare, was accompanied by higher 
r&d and selling expenses. Positive currency effects contributed €200 million to earnings. HealthCare 
registered a 7.2% improvement in ebitda before special items to €1,511 million (q4 2014: 
€1,409 million). At CropScience, ebitda before special items fell by 9.5% to €334 million (q4 2014: 
€369 million). Earnings of Covestro climbed by a substantial 18.4% to €257 million (q4 2014: 
€217 million). 

After a financial result of minus €164 million (q4 2014: minus €347 million), income before income 
taxes was €744 million (q4 2014: €202 million). The financial result mainly comprised interest cost of 
€67 million (q4 2014: €111 million) for pension and other provisions, exchange losses of €67 million 
(q4 2014: €66 million) and net interest expense of €46 million (q4 2014: €148 million). The decline in 
net interest expense resulted primarily from interest income of €109 million related to a legal claim. 
After income tax expense of €163 million, income from discontinued operations after taxes and noncon-
trolling interest, net income in the fourth quarter of 2015 came to €613 million (q4 2014: €224 million). 
Earnings per share improved to €0.74 (q4 2014: €0.27). Core earnings per share from continuing opera-
tions fell to €1.07 (q4 2014: €1.17). Tax income was recorded in the previous year.  

Gross cash flow from continuing operations of the Bayer Group receded by 10.9% to €1,388 million 
(q4 2014: €1,558 million). Net cash flow (total) moved back by 15.8% to €1,877 million (q4 2014: 
€2,230 million). The decline was mainly due to the deferred one-time payment of €793 million in the 
previous year in connection with the sGC collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc., United States. In the 
fourth quarter of 2015 we paid income taxes amounting to €482 million (q4 2014: €415 million). Net 
financial debt fell by €1.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015 to €17.4 billion (September 30, 2015: 
€19.3 billion), largely as a result of cash inflows from operating activities and the stock market flotation 
of Covestro. The net defined benefit liability for post-employment benefits decreased by €0.8 billion 
against September 30, 2015, to €10.8 billion, mainly due to a rise in long-term capital market interest 
rates for high-quality corporate bonds. 

Key Data by Subgroup and Segment 

HealthCare 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health 

CropScience 

Covestro 

Reconciliation 

Group 

Sales 

EBIT 

[Table 3.12.3]

EBITDA 
before special items 1 

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter 
2015 

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter 
2015 

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

5,351 

3,271 

2,080 

2,195 

2,948 

298 

5,811 

3,571 

2,240 

2,439 

2,774 

295 

10,792 

11,319 

550 

375 

175 

191 

43 

(235) 

549 

777 

551 

226 

478 

(79) 

(268) 

908 

1,409 

1,511 

939 

470 

369 

217 

(166) 

1,829 

991 

520 

334 

257 

(199) 

1,903 

2014 figures restated 
1 For definition see Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 

  See Chapter 14.3 
for an explanation 
of the calculation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report
13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region

153 

13. Business Development by Subgroup,

Segment and Region

13.1 HealthCare 

Key Data – HealthCare 

Sales

Change in sales 

Volume

Price

Currency

Portfolio

Sales  

Pharmaceuticals

Consumer Health 

Sales by region 

Europe

North America 

Asia / Pacific

Latin America / Africa / Middle East 

EBIT

(cid:54)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)

EBIT before special items 

1

EBITDA1

(cid:54)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)

1
EBITDA before special items 

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

5,351 

5,811 

% 

+ 8.6 

Change 

Fx & p 
adj. % 

+ 8.5 

Full Year 
2014 

Full Year 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

19,075 

22,874 

+ 19.9 

[Table 3.13.1] 

Change 

Fx & p  
adj. % 

+ 8.1 

+ 5.8% 

+ 2.0% 

0.0%

+ 8.1% 

+ 0.4% 

0.0% 

+ 5.5% 

+ 0.1% 

+ 6.4% 

+ 1.1% 

– 3.7% 

+ 1.8% 

+ 7.4% 

+ 0.7% 

+ 4.5% 

+ 7.3% 

3,271 

2,080 

3,571 

2,240 

+ 9.2 

+ 7.7 

+ 9.6 

+ 6.9 

12,052 

13,745 

7,023 

9,129 

+ 14.0 

+ 30.0 

+ 9.9 

+ 5.1 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

Fx. adj. % 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

Fx. adj. % 

1,832

1,514 

1,215 

790 

550 

(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:12)(cid:3)

926 

1,062 

(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:12)(cid:3)

1,409 

1,923 

1,724 

1,376 

788 

777 

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:25)(cid:23)(cid:12)

1,041 

1,315 

(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:25)(cid:12)

1,511 

+ 8.8 

+ 25.7 

+ 10.3 

+ 21.5 

+ 5.0 

+ 13.9 

+ 13.3 

– 0.3 

+ 41.3 

+ 12.4 

+ 23.8 

+ 7.2 

– 32.6 

– 49.3 

+ 5.9 

+ 2.5 

+ 6.3 

+ 29.9 

6,870 

5,017 

4,427 

2,761 

3,470 

(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:12)

3,801 

5,059 

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:12)

5,357 

7,404 

7,159 

5,342 

2,969 

4,050 

(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:3)

4,650 

5,914 

(cid:11)(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:12)(cid:3)

6,419 

28.1% 

28.1% 

3,898 

4,331 

4,121 

4,321 

+ 7.8 

+ 42.7 

+ 20.7 

+ 7.5 

+ 16.7 

+ 22.3 

+ 16.9 

+ 19.8 

+ 5.7 

– 0.2 

EBITDA margin before special items 

1

26.3% 

26.0% 

Gross cash flow 

2

Net cash flow 

2

1,217 

2,158 

820 

1,094 

2014 figures restated
Fx & p adj. = currency- and portfolio-adjusted; Fx adj. = currency-adjusted 
1 For definition see Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 
2 For definition see Chapter 14.5 “Liquidity and Capital Expenditures of the Bayer Group.” 

PHOTO // The picture above, taken with a scanning electron microscope,  
(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:74)(cid:82)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:3)(cid:61)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:240)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:3)7,500 times.

 
 
 
 
154 

Combined Management Report 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Sales of the HealthCare subgroup rose by 8.1% (Fx & portfolio adj.) in 2015, to €22,874 million (re-
ported: + 19.9%). This encouraging growth was driven by our recently launched pharmaceutical prod-
ucts. Business expanded in all divisions of the Consumer Health segment. The considerable reported 
sales increase was chiefly attributable to business with products acquired from Merck & Co., Inc., United 
States, and to currency effects.  

HealthCare Quarterly Sales

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

[Graphic 3.13.1]

€ million

4,369
5,504

4,615
5,908

4,740
5,651

5,351
5,811

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

4,500

5,000

5,500

6,000

ebit of HealthCare advanced by 16.7% in 2015 to €4,050 million. This figure reflected special  
charges of €600 million (2014: €331 million). ebit before special items improved by a clear 22.3% to 
€4,650 million. We raised ebitda before special items by a substantial 19.8% to €6,419 million. This 
earnings growth resulted mainly from the very favorable development of business at Pharmaceuticals 
and Consumer Health – at Consumer Health especially due to the contributions from the acquired busi-
nesses – and from positive currency effects of about €250 million. Earnings were diminished by in-
creased investment in research and development at Pharmaceuticals and higher selling expenses at 
Consumer Health. 

HealthCare
Quarterly EBIT

[Graphic 3.13.2]

HealthCare
Quarterly EBITDA Before Special Items

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

€ million

931
986

927
1,068

1,062
1,219

550
777

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

[Graphic 3.13.3]

€ million

1,266
1,556

1,314
1,675

1,368
1,677

1,409
1,511

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

0

200

400

600

800

1,000 1,200

1,400

1,600

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
 
     
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region

Combined Management Report

155 

PHARMACEUTICALS 

Key Data – Pharmaceuticals 

Sales 

Sales by region 

Europe 

North America 

Asia / Pacific 

Latin America / Africa / Middle East 

EBIT 

Special items 

EBIT before special items 

1 

EBITDA1 

Special items 

EBITDA before special items 

1 

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

3,271 

3,571 

 % 

+ 9.2 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

1,176 

735 

884 

476 

375 

(290) 

665 

678 

(261) 

939 

1,294 

823 

1,002 

452 

551 

(149)

700 

884 

(107)

991 

+ 10.0 

+ 12.0 

+ 13.3 

– 5.0 

+ 46.9 

+ 5.3 

+ 30.4 

+ 5.5 

– 35.2 

– 54.4 

[Table 3.13.2] 

Change 

Fx & p 
adj. % 

+ 9.9 

Fx adj. 
% 

+ 11.0 

+ 7.6 

+ 7.2 

+ 15.9 

Change 

Fx & p 
adj. % 

+ 9.6 

Fx adj. 
% 

+ 10.0 

+ 2.7 

+ 6.0 

+ 25.6 

Full Year  
2014 

Full Year  
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

12,052 

13,745 

+ 14.0 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

4,396 

2,728 

3,278 

1,650 

2,371 

(286)

2,657 

3,446 

(253)

3,699 

4,869 

3,363 

3,868 

1,645 

2,807 

(254) 

3,061 

3,987 

(208) 

4,195 

30.7% 

30.5% 

2,745 

3,266 

2,737 

2,863 

+ 10.8 

+ 23.3 

+ 18.0 

– 0.3 

+ 18.4 

+ 15.2 

+ 15.7 

+ 13.4 

– 0.3 

– 12.3 

EBITDA margin before special items1 

28.7% 

27.8% 

Gross cash flow 

2 

Net cash flow 

2 

843 

1,719 

546 

784 

Fx & p adj. = currency- and portfolio-adjusted; Fx. adj. = currency-adjusted 
1 For definition see Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 
2 For definition see Chapter 14.5 “Liquidity and Capital Expenditures of the Bayer Group.” 

Sales of the Pharmaceuticals segment climbed by a substantial 9.9% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to 
€13,745 million. This very good performance was driven by our recently launched products Xarelto™, 
Eylea™, Stivarga™, Xofigo™ and Adempas™, which posted combined sales of €4,231 million (2014: 
€2,908 million). Our Pharmaceuticals business registered encouraging growth in all regions on a cur-
rency-adjusted basis. Business developed especially well in Germany, Japan and the United States. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
156 

Combined Management Report 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Best-Selling Pharmaceuticals Products 

[Table 3.13.3]

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter   

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

516 

219 

301 

225 

202 

191 

198 

153 

130 

133 

96 

63 

29 

56 

52 

650 

354 

286 

226 

231 

190 

168 

152 

131 

142 

85 

77 

69 

61 

52 

2,564 

78% 

2,874 

80% 

Xarelto™  

Eylea™ 

Kogenate™  

Mirena™ product family 

Nexavar™  

Betaferon™ / Betaseron™  

YAZ™ / Yasmin™ / Yasminelle™  

Adalat™  

Aspirin™ Cardio 

Glucobay™ 

Avalox™ / Avelox™ 

Stivarga™ 

Xofigo™ 

Levitra™  

Cipro™ / Ciprobay™  

Total 

Proportion of Pharmaceuticals sales 

2014 figures restated 
Fx adj. = currency-adjusted 

Full Year 
2014 

Full Year 
2015 

Change 

Fx adj.   

 % 

€ million 

€ million 

 % 

+ 26.0 

+ 61.6 

– 5.0 

+ 0.4 

+ 14.4 

– 0.5 

– 15.2 

– 0.7 

+ 0.8 

+ 6.8 

– 11.5 

+ 22.2 

+ 27.6 

+ 58.0 

– 6.0 

– 5.2 

+ 10.9 

– 4.6 

– 3.8 

+ 2.2 

+ 2.3 

– 1.6 

+ 1.3 

+ 12.4 

+ 137.9 

+ 110.5 

+ 8.9 

0.0 

+ 12.1 

+ 11.1 

+ 6.8 

+ 11.8 

1,679 

759 

1,109 

2,252 

1,228 

1,155 

819 

773 

823 

768 

588 

486 

443 

381 

224 

157 

245 

191 

968 

892 

824 

706 

633 

524 

523 

379 

313 

257 

226 

182 

Change 

Fx adj.   

 % 

+ 34.2 

+ 57.4 

– 1.1 

+ 5.7 

+ 7.4 

– 8.1 

– 4.7 

+ 1.2 

+ 2.3 

+ 2.4 

– 2.3 

+ 24.5 

+ 43.2 

– 8.0 

– 3.2 

 % 

+ 34.1 

+ 61.8 

+ 4.1 

+ 18.2 

+ 15.4 

+ 0.1 

– 8.1 

+ 7.7 

+ 7.8 

+ 18.1 

– 0.5 

+ 39.7 

+ 63.7 

– 7.8 

– 4.7 

9,445 

78% 

11,062 

80% 

+ 17.1 

+ 11.8 

Sales of our oral anticoagulant Xarelto™ were up substantially in 2015, mainly as a result of expanded 
volumes in Germany and Japan. We registered a strong sales gain in the United States, where Xarelto™ 
is marketed by a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Following its approval in additional indications, sales 
of our eye medicine Eylea™ posted substantial gains, particularly in Europe and Japan. Our cancer drug 
Stivarga™ benefited from positive development in the United States and from the reversal of a rebate 
provision in France. An encouraging contribution to sales growth was made by our cancer drug  
Xofigo™, thanks primarily to the expansion of volumes in the United States. Sales of Adempas™ (2015: 
€181 million; 2014: €89 million) to treat various forms of pulmonary hypertension rose substantially, 
especially in the United States. This figure reflects the proportionate recognition of the one-time pay-
ment resulting from the sGC collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc., United States. 

Growth in sales of the hormone-releasing intrauterine devices of the Mirena™ product family – Mirena™ 
and Jaydess™ / Skyla™ – resulted especially from higher demand in the United States. The cancer drug 
Nexavar™ posted sales gains, particularly in the United States and Germany. Adalat™ for the treatment 
of hypertension and coronary heart disease, Aspirin™ Cardio for secondary prevention of heart attacks 
and our oral diabetes treatment Glucobay™ continued to benefit from strong demand in China. 

Sales of our blood-clotting medicine Kogenate™ were down slightly year on year, receding by 1.1% 
(Fx adj.), due mainly to the temporary use of production capacities to develop our next-generation he-
mophilia medicines. Increased competition caused sales of our multiple sclerosis drug Betaferon™ / 
Betaseron™ to decline in all regions, mainly Europe and the United States. Business with our yaz™ / 
Yasmin™ / Yasminelle™ oral contraceptives was held back especially by generic competition in Europe 
and the United States. Sales of the antibiotic Avalox™ / Avelox™ fell, particularly in Europe and the Unit-
ed States, following the expiration of patent protection during 2014. Sales of the erectile dysfunction 
treatment Levitra™ also receded. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region

Combined Management Report

157 

ebit of the Pharmaceuticals segment rose by a substantial 18.4% in 2015 to €2,807 million. Special 
charges of €254 million (2014: €286 million) mostly comprised €126 million for efficiency improvement 
measures, €67 million for the revaluation of other receivables and €43 million for the impairment loss on 
a research project. ebit before special items increased by 15.2% to €3,061 million. ebitda before spe-
cial items improved by 13.4% to €4,195 million. This earnings increase was primarily attributable to the 
very good development of business, particularly for our recently launched products, and to positive 
currency effects of about €140 million. As expected, earnings were diminished by higher research and 
development expenses. 

CONSUMER HEALTH 

Key Data – Consumer Health 

Sales 

Consumer Care 

Animal Health 

Medical Care1 

Sales by region 

Europe 

North America 

Asia / Pacific 

Latin America / Africa / Middle East 

EBIT 

Special items 

EBIT before special items 

2 

EBITDA 

Special items 

EBITDA before special items 

2 

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

2,080 

1,384 

300 

396 

2,240 

1,506 

319 

415 

% 

+ 7.7 

+ 8.8 

+ 6.3 

+ 4.8 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

656 

779 

331 

314 

175 

(86) 

261 

384 

(86) 

470 

629 

901 

374 

336 

226 

(115)

341 

431 

(89)

520 

– 4.1 

+ 15.7 

+ 13.0 

+ 7.0 

+ 29.1 

+ 30.7 

+ 12.2 

+ 10.6 

– 26.7 

– 29.4 

[Table 3.13.4] 

Change 

Fx & p 
adj. % 

+ 5.1 

+ 6.1 

+ 4.5 

+ 2.9 

Fx adj. 
% 

+ 4.9 

+ 47.3 

+ 19.3 

+ 29.8 

Change 

Fx & p 
adj. % 

+ 6.9 

+ 9.8 

+ 3.0 

0.0 

Fx adj. 
% 

– 1.4 

+ 2.3 

+ 7.3 

+ 36.3 

Full Year 
2014 

Full Year 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

7,023 

4,245 

1,318 

1,460 

9,129 

6,076 

1,490 

1,563 

% 

+ 30.0 

+ 43.1 

+ 13.1 

+ 7.1 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

2,474 

2,289 

1,149 

1,111 

1,099 

(45)

1,144 

1,613 

(45)

1,658 

2,535 

3,796 

1,474 

1,324 

1,243 

(346) 

1,589 

1,927 

(297) 

2,224 

23.6% 

24.4% 

1,153 

1,065 

1,384 

1,458 

+ 2.5 

+ 65.8 

+ 28.3 

+ 19.2 

+ 13.1 

+ 38.9 

+ 19.5 

+ 34.1 

+ 20.0 

+ 36.9 

EBITDA margin before special items 

2 

22.6% 

23.2% 

Gross cash flow 

3 

Net cash flow 

3 

374 

439 

274 

310 

2014 figures restated 
Fx & p adj. = currency- and portfolio-adjusted; Fx adj. = currency-adjusted 
1 Includes the business with contrast agents and medical devices 
2 For definition see Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 
3 For definition see Chapter 14.5 “Liquidity and Capital Expenditures of the Bayer Group.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
158 

Combined Management Report 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Sales of the Consumer Health segment advanced by 5.1% (Fx & portfolio adj.) in 2015 to 
€9,129 million. All divisions contributed to this growth. The significant reported increase in sales in the 
Consumer Care Division resulted from the products added through the recent acquisitions. 

Best-Selling Consumer Health Products 

[Table 3.13.5]

Claritin™ (Consumer Care) 

1 

Advantage™ product family  
(Animal Health) 

Aspirin™ (Consumer Care) 

2 

Aleve™ (Consumer Care) 

Bepanthen™ / Bepanthol™  
(Consumer Care) 

Ultravist™ (Medical Care) 

Gadovist™ / Gadavist™  
(Medical Care) 

Canesten™ (Consumer Care) 

Dr Scholl’s™ (Consumer Care) 

3 

Alka-Seltzer™ (Consumer Care) 

Total  

Proportion of Consumer Health sales 

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

83 

134 

+ 61.4 

105 

125 

105 

85 

84 

65 

60 

47 

74 

104 

128 

105 

85 

83 

79 

66 

62 

81 

833 

40% 

927 

41% 

– 1.0 

+ 2.4 

0.0 

0.0 

– 1.2 

+ 21.5 

+ 10.0 

+ 31.9 

+ 9.5 

+ 11.3 

Change 

Fx adj. 
 % 

+ 55.5 

– 8.0 

+ 0.3 

+ 5.8 

+ 10.1 

+ 0.5 

+ 18.2 

+ 44.1 

+ 19.0 

+ 0.5 

+ 12.1 

Full Year 
2014 

Full Year 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

– 

495 

441 

357 

346 

302 

233 

253 

– 

225 

627 

547 

473 

413 

355 

318 

290 

267 

253 

251 

2,652 

38% 

3,794 

42% 

Change 

Fx adj.  
% 

. 

– 1.3 

+ 1.3 

+ 4.8 

+ 11.5 

+ 2.1 

+ 17.6 

+ 17.3 

. 

– 1.7 

+ 5.4 

 % 

. 

+ 10.5 

+ 7.3 

+ 15.7 

+ 2.6 

+ 5.3 

+ 24.5 

+ 5.5 

. 

+ 11.6 

+ 43.1 

Fx adj. = currency-adjusted 
2014 figures restated 
1 Product acquired from Merck & Co., Inc. 
2 Total sales of Aspirin™, also including Aspirin™ Cardio, which is reflected in sales of the Pharmaceuticals segment, increased by 7.6% (Fx adj. 1.8%) in 2015 to €997 million 

(2014: €927 million). Total sales of this product in the fourth quarter of 2015 climbed by 2.0% (Fx adj. 1.3%) to €260 million (Q4 2014: €255 million). 

3 Product acquired from Merck & Co., Inc.; trademark rights and distribution only in certain countries outside the European Union 

Business in the Consumer Care Division improved by 6.1% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to €6,076 million. Sales 
of our analgesic Aspirin™ were up slightly against the prior year, due particularly to gains in Latin 
America and Europe that more than offset the decline in the United States. We grew sales of our anal-
gesic Aleve™, mainly because of price and volume increases in Latin America / Africa / Middle East. Our 
skincare product Bepanthen™ / Bepanthol™ posted considerably higher sales, particularly in the Emerg-
ing Markets. Business with our antifungal product Canesten™ showed pleasing development thanks to 
expanded volumes in all regions. The Alka-Seltzer™ family of products to treat gastric complaints and 
cold symptoms registered a decline in demand particularly in the United States that was due partly to a 
weaker cold season. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region

Combined Management Report

159 

We achieved sales of €1,770 million in 2015 with the business acquired from Merck & Co., Inc., United 
States, including €380 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 (q4 2014: €289 million). We substantially 
raised sales of our antihistamine Claritin™ compared with the fourth quarter of the previous year, thanks 
in part to an extended allergy season in the United States. Driven mainly by higher prices in the United 
States, business with our Dr. Scholl’s™2 foot care products also showed pleasing development.  

Sales of the Medical Care Division increased by 2.9% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to €1,563 million, mainly as a 
result of positive development in the United States. Business with our mri contrast agent Gadovist™ 
showed encouraging growth in all regions. 

Sales of the Animal Health Division rose by 4.5% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to €1,490 million. Our Seresto™ 
flea and tick collar made a significant contribution to this development, particularly in the United States 
and Europe. Sales of the Advantage™ family of flea, tick and worm control products receded slightly, 
however, mainly due to increased competition.  

ebit of the Consumer Health segment improved by 13.1% in 2015 to €1,243 million. Special charges 
amounted to €346 million (2014: €45 million) and mainly comprised €225 million in integration costs for 
acquired businesses, €76 million for efficiency improvement measures and €41 million in costs associ-
ated with the relocation of a production facility. ebit before special items significantly rose by 38.9% to 
€1,589 million. ebitda before special items improved by a substantial 34.1% to €2,224 million. The 
earnings contributions from the expansion of business in all divisions and positive currency effects of 
€110 million were partly offset in particular by higher selling expenses associated especially with the 
newly acquired consumer care businesses. 

2 Only in certain countries outside the European Union 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
160 

Combined Management Report 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region

Bayer Annual Report 2015

13.2 CropScience   

Key Data – CropScience 

Sales

Change in sales 

Volume

Price

Currency

Portfolio

Sales  

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

Change 

Fx & p adj. 
% 

Full Year 
2014 

Full Year 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

2,195 

2,439 

+ 11.1 

+ 5.3 

9,494 

10,367 

+ 7.6% 

+ 0.7% 

+ 3.7% 

+ 0.5% 

+ 5.7% 

– 0.4% 

+ 5.1% 

+ 0.7% 

+ 9.1% 

+ 2.1% 

– 3.7% 

+ 0.2% 

+ 1.3% 

+ 0.4% 

+ 6.9% 

+ 0.6% 

[Table 3.13.6]

Change 

Fx & p adj. 
% 

+ 1.7 

% 

+ 9.2

Crop Protection / Seeds

Environmental Science 

2,028 

167 

2,230 

209 

+ 10.0 

+ 25.1 

+ 4.8 

+ 11.4 

8,816 

678 

9,548 

819 

+ 8.3

+ 20.8

+ 1.5 

+ 4.1 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

Fx adj. % 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

Fx adj. % 

Sales by region 

Europe

North America 

Asia / Pacific

377 

329 

356 

386 

464 

365 

Latin America / Africa / Middle East 

1,133 

1,224 

EBIT

(cid:54)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)

EBIT before special items 

1

EBITDA1

(cid:54)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)

1
EBITDA before special items 

191 

(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:12)(cid:3)

223 

367 

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:12)(cid:3)

369 

478 

(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:20)

177 

629 

(cid:21)(cid:28)(cid:24)

334 

EBITDA margin before special items 

1

16.8% 

13.7% 

Gross cash flow 

2

Net cash flow 

2

382 

103 

493 

165 

+ 2.4 

+ 41.0 

+ 2.5 

+ 8.0 

+ 150.3 

– 20.6 

+ 71.4 

– 9.5 

+ 29.1 

+ 60.2 

Fx & p adj. = currency- and portfolio-adjusted; Fx adj. = currency-adjusted 
1 For definition see Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 
2 For definition see Chapter 14.5 “Liquidity and Capital Expenditures of the Bayer Group.” 

+ 8.2 

– 1.6 

+ 1.3 

– 0.5 

+ 2.7 

+ 24.0 

– 2.5 

+ 4.4 

2,957 

2,334 

1,374 

2,829 

1,806 

(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:12)

1,838 

2,358 

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:12)

2,360 

3,123 

2,689 

1,531 

3,024 

2,103 

(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:3)

1,881 

2,638 

(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:3)

2,416 

24.9% 

23.3% 

1,835 

950 

1,941 

761 

+ 5.6

+ 15.2

+ 11.4

+ 6.9

+ 16.4 

+ 2.3 

+ 11.9 

+ 2.4 

+ 5.8 

– 19.9 

PHOTO // The scanning electron micrograph above shows part of the  
(cid:78)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:65)(cid:60)(cid:62)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:61)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:71)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:60)(cid:65)(cid:3)(cid:240)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:3)4,500 times.

 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region

Combined Management Report

161 

CropScience raised sales by 1.7% (Fx & portfolio adj.) in 2015, to €10,367 million (reported: +9.2%). 
We registered growth at both Crop Protection / Seeds and Environmental Science. Fungicides played a 
major part in this sales increase. In regional terms, business in Europe saw particularly encouraging 
development. 

CropScience Quarterly Sales

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

[Graphic 3.13.4]

€ million

2,900
3,092

2,470
2,723

1,929
2,113

2,195
2,439

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

Sales in Crop Protection / Seeds increased by 1.5% (Fx & portfolio adj.), to €9,548 million. Crop Protec-
tion posted gratifying sales gains at Fungicides and Herbicides but a distinct decline at Insecticides and 
SeedGrowth. In the Seeds business, sales of soybean and canola seed developed particularly well.  

Business in Environmental Science advanced by 4.1% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to €819 million. There was a 
sharp increase in business with products for professional users, while the consumer business came in at 
the prior-year level. 

Sales by Business Unit 

[Table 3.13.7] 

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

517 

568 

482 

254 

1,821 

207 

2,028 

167 

650 

677 

430 

252 

2,009 

221 

2,230 

209 

Change 

Fx & p 
adj. % 

+ 19.6 

+ 11.3 

– 16.6 

– 7.9 

+ 3.6 

+ 15.4 

+ 4.8 

+ 11.4 

Full Year 
2014 

Full Year 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

2,549 

2,490 

1,695 

978 

7,712 

1,104 

8,816 

678 

2,830 

2,911 

1,596 

934 

8,271 

1,277 

9,548 

819 

% 

+ 25.7 

+ 19.2 

– 10.8 

– 0.8 

+ 10.3 

+ 6.8 

+ 10.0 

+ 25.1 

Change 

Fx & p 
adj. % 

+ 5.4 

+ 9.5 

– 14.0 

– 10.6 

+ 0.4 

+ 8.8 

+ 1.5 

+ 4.1 

% 

+ 11.0 

+ 16.9 

– 5.8 

– 4.5 

+ 7.2 

+ 15.7 

+ 8.3 

+ 20.8 

Herbicides 

Fungicides 

Insecticides 

SeedGrowth 

Crop Protection 

Seeds 

Crop Protection / Seeds 

Environmental Science  

Fx & p adj. = currency- and portfolio-adjusted 

The sales development of CropScience varied by region. 

Sales in Europe rose by 8.2% (Fx adj.) to €3,123 million, driven by the positive development at Crop 
Protection / Seeds. Sales at Herbicides grew by a double-digit percentage, and business at Fungicides 
also expanded significantly due to low inventories at the beginning of the year. In addition, we achieved 
encouraging gains in our canola and vegetable seed businesses. Environmental Science performed 
positively due to strong business with products for professional users.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
162 

Combined Management Report 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Sales in the North America region declined by 1.6% (Fx adj.) to €2,689 million. This decline was chief-
ly attributable to the negative development at Crop Protection, particularly at SeedGrowth, which in turn 
resulted from high inventories of already treated seed in the market. Business was also down for cotton 
seed, fungicides and herbicides. On the other hand, business with canola seed expanded briskly com-
pared with the prior year. Our insecticides business also developed successfully. There was a very sig-
nificant increase in sales at Environmental Science, especially due to the acquisition of parts of the 
DuPont land management business. 

Sales in the Asia / Pacific region came in slightly above the prior year level at €1,531 million (Fx adj. 
+1.3%). Contributing to this increase in particular were our SeedGrowth and Herbicides businesses. 
Sales of cotton and vegetable seed improved by double-digit percentages. Sales at Insecticides declined 
slightly against the previous year. Sales at Environmental Science were down year on year. 

Despite a weakened market environment, particularly in Brazil, sales in Latin America / Africa / Middle 
East were level year on year at €3,024 million (Fx adj. –0.5%). Sales at Insecticides receded sharply  
as a result of declining business in Latin America that was mainly attributable to lower infestation 
pressure in Brazil. Business was also down at SeedGrowth, an effect that could not be fully offset by 
double-digit-percentage growth in sales at Fungicides and a very gratifying performance of the Seeds 
business, especially for soybean and vegetable seed. Sales at Environmental Science also moved  
ahead by a double-digit percentage. 

CropScience
Quarterly EBIT

[Graphic 3.13.5]

CropScience
Quarterly EBITDA Before Special Items

[Graphic 3.13.6]

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

€ million

988
874

470
571

157
180

191
478

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

€ million

1,098
1,040

615
733

278
309

369
334

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

ebit of CropScience climbed by 16.4% in 2015, rising from €1,806 million to €2,103 million. There 
were net special gains of €222 million (2014: net special charges of €32 million), comprising mainly 
damage and license payments in connection with the infringement of Bayer’s rights to the LibertyLink 
weed control system by Dow AgroSciences (das). ebit before special items increased by 2.3% to 
€1,881 million. ebitda before special items improved by 2.4% to €2,416 million. In addition to positive 
earnings effects due to the satisfactory business development, including higher volumes and slightly 
improved selling prices, there was a very positive currency effect of about €220 million. By contrast, 
there was an increase in the cost of goods sold and in research and development expenses. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region

Combined Management Report

163 

13.3 Covestro 

Key Data – Covestro 

Sales

Change in sales 

Volume

Price

Currency

Portfolio

Sales  

Polyurethanes

Polycarbonates

Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties 

Other Covestro business 

Sales by region 

Europe

North America 

Asia / Pacific

Latin America / Africa / Middle East 

EBIT

(cid:54)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)

EBIT before special items 

1

EBITDA1

(cid:54)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)

1
EBITDA before special items 

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

2,948

2,774 

% 

– 5.9 

Change 

Fx & p adj.  
% 

Full Year 
2014 

Full Year 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

– 10.6 

11,651 

11,982

[Table 3.13.8] 

Change 

Fx & p adj.  
% 

– 5.1 

% 

+ 2.8 

+ 5.7% 

+ 1.8% 

– 0.2% 

– 12.4% 

+ 4.1% 

+ 4.7% 

0.0%

0.0% 

1,591 

1,382 

– 13.1 

– 17.3 

741 

460 

156 

759 

477 

156 

+ 2.4 

+ 3.7 

0.0 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

– 3.9 

– 1.3 

– 2.6 

Fx adj.  
% 

– 2.0 

– 12.5 

– 18.2 

– 13.3 

1,036

1,014 

673 

885 

354 

43

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:12)(cid:3)

65 

196

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:3)

217 

672 

798 

290 

(79) 

(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:12)

65 

129 

(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:27)(cid:12)

257 

– 2.1 

– 0.1 

– 9.8 

– 18.1 

. 

0.0 

– 34.2 

+ 18.4 

– 34.3 

+ 16.6 

– 10.5 

+ 2.0 

+ 1.5 

– 2.7 

Fx adj.  
% 

– 0.9 

– 7.0 

– 10.5 

– 2.0 

+ 6.3% 

– 1.5% 

– 0.8% 

– 0.3% 

6,285 

2,820 

1,915 

631 

+ 2.6% 

– 7.7% 

+ 7.9% 

0.0% 

6,084

3,169

2,092

637

– 3.2 

+ 12.4 

+ 9.2 

+ 1.0 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

4,441 

2,593 

3,245 

1,372 

555 

(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:12)

598 

1,149 

(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:27)(cid:12)

1,187 

4,395

2,885

3,377

1,325

635

(cid:11)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:12)(cid:3)

967 

1,368

(cid:11)(cid:21)(cid:28)(cid:20)(cid:12)(cid:3)

1,659 

10.2% 

13.8% 

961 

880 

1,113

1,452

– 1.0 

+ 11.3 

+ 4.1 

– 3.4 

+ 14.4 

+ 61.7 

+ 19.1 

+ 39.8 

+ 15.8 

+ 65.0 

EBITDA margin before special items 

1

7.4% 

9.3% 

Gross cash flow 

2

Net cash flow 

2

201 

517 

132 

603 

Fx & p adj. = currency- and portfolio-adjusted; Fx adj. = currency-adjusted 
1 For definition see Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 
2 For definition see Chapter 14.5 “Liquidity and Capital Expenditures of the Bayer Group.” 

PHOTO // The scanning electron micrograph above shows a cross-section  
(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:66)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:3)(cid:191)(cid:64)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:61)(cid:71)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:64)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:60)(cid:73)(cid:64)(cid:3)(cid:65)(cid:74)(cid:60)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:240)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:60)(cid:66)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:190)(cid:64)(cid:63)(cid:3)(cid:60)(cid:61)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:3)85 times.

 
 
 
 
 
164 

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Bayer Annual Report 2015

Covestro registered a 5.1% (Fx & portfolio adj.) decline in sales in 2015, to €11,982 million (reported: 
+2.8%). This decline resulted from lower selling prices in all business units, particularly Polyurethanes. 
On the other hand, Covestro expanded volumes in all business units. 

Covestro Quarterly Sales

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

[Graphic 3.13.7]

€ million

2,803
3,014

2,864
3,185

3,036
3,009

2,948
2,774

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

The Polyurethanes business unit saw sales fall by 10.5% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to €6,084 million. This 
decline resulted from much lower selling prices for the three product groups toluene diisocyanate (tdi), 
diphenylmethane diisocyanate (mdi) and polyether polyols (pet). Volumes came in slightly above the 
prior-year level overall. 

The Polycarbonates business unit raised sales by 2.0% (Fx & portfolio adj.) to €3,169 million. This 
growth was due to positive volume development, while selling prices were down only slightly. 

Sales in the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties business unit moved forward by 1.5% (Fx & portfolio 
adj.) to €2,092 million. Slightly higher volumes more than offset the effect of modestly lower selling 
prices. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region

Combined Management Report

165 

Covestro
Quarterly EBIT

[Graphic 3.13.8]

Covestro
Quarterly EBITDA Before Special Items

[Graphic 3.13.9]

€ million

€ million

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

219
219

109
278

184
217

43
-79

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

2014
2015

366
424

270
506

334
472

217
257

-100

-50

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

0

100

200

300

400

500

ebit of Covestro climbed by 14.4% in 2015 to €635 million (2014: €555 million). This figure reflected 
special charges of €332 million (2014: €43 million) for restructuring measures, chiefly for the carve-out 
and stock market flotation of Covestro and for the consolidation of production sites. ebit before special 
items climbed by a substantial 61.7% to €967 million. ebitda before special items also clearly im-
proved by 39.8% to €1,659 million. Considerably lower raw material prices more than offset the decline 
in selling prices. This was due to a more advantageous supply and demand situation, particularly at 
Polycarbonates. We also expanded volumes. Furthermore, earnings were buoyed by positive currency 
effects of about €240 million. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
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Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015 

13. Business Development by Subgroup, Segment and Region

Combined Management Report

167 

13.4 Business Development by Region 

Sales by Region and Segment (by Market)   

[Table 3.13.9]

Europe 

North America 

Asia / Pacific 

Latin America / Africa / Middle East 

 2014 

2015 

Change 

2014 

2015 

Fx adj.   

€ million 

€ million 

% 

% 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

Change 

Fx adj.   

% 

2014 

2015 

Change 

2014 

2015 

Change 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

% 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

% 

€ million 

€ million 

% 

Fx adj.   

Fx adj.   

Total 

Change 

Fx adj.   

% 

HealthCare 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health 

CropScience 

Covestro 

6,870 

4,396 

2,474 

2,957 

4,441 

Group (incl. reconciliation) 

15,312 

15,949 

2014 figures restated 
Fx. adj. = currency-adjusted 

7,404 

+ 7.8 

+ 8.8 

4,869 

+ 10.8 

+ 11.0 

2,535 

3,123 

4,395 

+ 2.5 

+ 5.6 

– 1.0 

+ 4.2 

+ 4.9 

+ 8.2 

– 0.9 

+ 5.2 

5,017 

2,728 

2,289 

2,334 

2,593 

7,159 

+ 42.7 

+ 25.7 

3,363 

+ 23.3 

+ 7.6 

3,796 

+ 65.8 

+ 47.3 

2,689 

+ 15.2 

2,885 

+ 11.3 

– 1.6 

– 7.0 

9,953 

12,740 

+ 28.0 

+ 10.8 

4,427 

5,342 

+ 20.7 

+ 10.3 

2,761 

2,969 

3,278 

3,868 

+ 18.0 

+ 7.2 

1,650 

1,645 

+ 7.5 

– 0.3 

+ 21.5 

19,075 

22,874 

+ 19.9 

+ 15.4 

+ 15.9 

12,052 

13,745 

+ 14.0 

+ 9.9 

1,149 

1,474 

+ 28.3 

+ 19.3 

1,111 

1,324 

+ 19.2 

+ 29.8 

7,023 

9,129 

+ 30.0 

+ 25.0 

1,374 

1,531 

+ 11.4 

+ 1.3 

2,829 

3,024 

3,245 

3,377 

+ 4.1 

– 10.5 

1,372 

1,325 

9,067 

10,264 

+ 13.2 

+ 1.4 

7,007 

7,371 

+ 6.9 

– 3.4 

+ 5.2 

– 0.5 

9,494 

10,367 

– 2.0 

11,651 

11,982 

+ 9.2 

+ 2.8 

+ 8.1 

41,339 

46,324 

+ 12.1 

+ 2.3 

– 5.1 

+ 6.2 

13.5 Business Development in the Emerging Markets 

Sales in the Emerging Markets3 climbed by 6.1% (Fx adj.) in 2015 to €17,200 million (2014: 
€15,763 million). We posted encouraging growth rates in Eastern Europe and Latin America. The 
Emerging Markets’ share of total sales was 37.1% (2014: 38.1%).(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)

Sales Development in 2015

[Graphic 3.13.10]

37% (Fx adj. + 6%) 

Emerging Markets

63% (Fx adj. + 6%) 

Industrialized countries

Currency-adjusted changes in parentheses

3 For reporting purposes we have defined the Emerging Markets as Asia (excluding Japan), Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa  

and the Middle East. 

HEALTHCARE 
HealthCare considerably improved sales in the Emerging Markets by 16.4% (Fx adj.) in 2015, to 
€7,208 million (2014: €6,336 million). All regions contributed to this increase, with robust currency-
adjusted gains in Latin America especially. In Asia, our business in China in particular developed very 
well. There, we especially benefited from the acquired consumer care businesses alongside the positive 
development of our pharmaceutical products. The Emerging Markets’ share of total sales of HealthCare 
was 31.5% (2014: 33.2%).  

CROPSCIENCE 
CropScience improved sales in the Emerging Markets by 4.6% (Fx adj.) in 2015, to €4,836 million 
(2014: €4,409 million). We posted substantial gains in the Eastern Europe and Africa / Middle East re-
gions. We also expanded business in Asia, while Latin America experienced a slight decline. The 
Emerging Markets’ share of total CropScience sales in 2015 was 46.6% (2014: 46.4%). 

COVESTRO 
Sales of Covestro in the Emerging Markets declined by 5.7% (Fx adj.) in 2015 to €5,089 million (2014: 
€4,951 million). Sales in the Asia region remained well below the prior-year level on a currency-adjusted 
basis, and also declined in Latin America. We expanded sales in the Eastern Europe and Africa / Middle 
East regions. The Emerging Markets’ share of total sales at Covestro was 42.5% (2014: 42.5%).  

We additionally engage in some Emerging Markets through regional economic development projects, as 
shown by the examples contained in (cid:3)

(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:29)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:3)

CropScience aims to contribute to increased agricultural productivity in regions such as Africa and 
intends to expand its presence there. Our offerings are tailored to the needs of African farmers and 
range from integrated crop solutions based on improved seed varieties through modern crop protec-
tion technologies and training in good agricultural practice and environmental protection to product 
safety programs. We also engage locally in public-private partnerships (ppps) to help increase the in-
come of smallholder farmers through sustainable agriculture. Activities include expanding local val-
ue chains and training measures. This contributes to improving the living situation of the local popu-
lation and enhancing the availability of staple foods in the project countries. In such ppps, we cooper-
ate with numerous partners including local governments, farmers’ associations and cooperatives, 
nongovernmental organizations and agricultural input industries. CropScience is currently participat-
ing in ppps associated with the value chains for rice and potatoes in Sub-Saharan Africa, India and 
Southeast Asia. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
168 

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14. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Together with representatives of globalg.a.p., one of the world’s leading quality assurance systems, 
CropScience has continued developing the Bayg.a.p. program to provide smallholder farmers in de-
veloping countries and Emerging Markets, for example, with access to professional local and global 
food markets. In 2015, pilot projects were carried out with food chain partners in the Asia / Pacific 
and Latin America regions. The service program includes an intensive training course in good agri-
cultural practice (g.a.p.), individual cultivation advice and subsequent support in meeting the respec-
tive local g.a.p. standard. The farmers can sell certified, high-quality produce at higher prices, thus 
raising their incomes.  

In cooperation with external partners, Covestro is evolving and implementing technical solutions to 
help low-income people in developing countries and Emerging Markets gain improved access to 
high-quality, safe and easy-to-build yet affordable housing. These activities currently focus on Asia. 
The company is mainly contributing its expertise in the field of rigid polyurethane foam for the con-
struction industry. 

14. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of 

the Bayer Group 

14.1 Earnings Performance of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Group Summary Income Statements 

[Table 3.14.1]

Net sales 

Cost of goods sold 

Selling expenses 

Research and development expenses 

General administration expenses 

Other operating income (+) and expenses (–) 

EBIT 

1 

Financial result 

Income before income taxes 

Income taxes 

Income after income taxes (total) 

of which attributable to noncontrolling interest 

of which attributable to Bayer AG stockholders (net income) 

2014 figures restated 
1 EBIT = income after income taxes, plus income taxes, plus financial result 

2014 

2015 

Change 

€ million 

€ million 

41,339 

19,909 

10,669 

3,537 

1,703 

(126) 

5,395 

(981) 

4,414 

(1,071) 

3,443 

17 

3,426 

46,324 

21,158 

12,367 

4,281 

2,098 

(170) 

6,250 

(1,005) 

5,245 

(1,227) 

4,098 

(12) 

4,110 

% 

12.1 

6.3 

15.9 

21.0 

23.2 

(34.9) 

15.8 

(2.4) 

18.8 

(14.6) 

19.0 

– 

20.0 

Sales of the Bayer Group rose to €46,324 million (+12.1%). The increase after adjusting for currency 
and portfolio effects was 2.7%. 

The cost of goods sold increased by 6.3% to €21,158 million, mainly due to currency and portfolio 
effects that drove up costs. Lower raw material costs at Covestro had an opposing effect. The ratio of the 
cost of goods sold to total sales was 45.7% (2014: 48.2%). The selling expenses of €12,367 million 
(+ 15.9%) amounted to 26.7% of sales (2014: 25.8%). Research and development (r&d) expenses rose 
in 2015 by 21.0% to €4,281 million, the increase being attributable above all to higher r&d investment 
at Pharmaceuticals. The ratio of r&d expenses to sales was 9.2% (2014: 8.6%). General administration 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

14. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of the Bayer Group

Combined Management Report

169 

expenses climbed by 23.2% to €2,098 million. The ratio of general administration expenses to total 
sales therefore increased to 4.5% (2014: 4.1%). The increased other operating expenses of 
€170 million (2014: €126 million) resulted mainly from negative effects from derivatives to hedge 
planned sales that were partly offset by a special gain from damage and license payments in connection 
with the infringement by Dow AgroSciences of Bayer’s rights to the Liberty Link™ weed control system.  

ebit climbed by 15.8% in 2015 to €6,250 million.  

The financial result declined by 2.4% to minus €1,005 million. It comprised €455 million (2014: 
€356 million) in net interest expense, €287 million (2014: €322 million) in interest cost for pension and 
other provisions, and a €254 million (2014: €248 million) net exchange loss. The increase in net interest 
expense was primarily attributable to higher financing costs in connection with the acquired consumer 
care business of Merck & Co., Inc., United States.  

Tax expense in 2015 increased to €1,227 million (2014: €1,071 million). Income after income taxes 
came in at €4,098 million. Income attributable to noncontrolling interest fell by €29 million to minus 
€12 million. Bayer Group net income for 2015 was €4,110 million (2014: €3,426 million). 

14.2 Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items 

ebit (income after income taxes, plus income taxes, plus financial result), which is not defined in the 
International Financial Reporting Standards, is influenced by one-time special effects and by the amorti-
zation of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment, along with impairment 
losses and impairment loss reversals. To elucidate the effects of these parameters on the operational 
business and facilitate the comparability of operational earning power over time, we determine additional 
indicators: ebitda, ebit before special items, ebitda before special items and the ebitda margin before 
special items. These indicators also are not defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards. 

ebitda (ebit plus the amortization of intangible assets and the depreciation of property, plant and 
equipment, plus impairment losses and minus impairment loss reversals, recognized in profit or loss 
during the reporting period) serves to characterize the operational business irrespective of the effects of 
amortization, depreciation or impairment losses/impairment loss reversals. 

ebit before special items and ebitda before special items show the development of the operational 
business irrespective of the effects of special items – those that are nonrecurring or do not regularly 
recur or attain similar magnitudes. ebit before special items and ebitda before special items are deter-
mined by adding special charges and subtracting special gains. They constitute relevant key data for 
Bayer. 

The ebitda margin before special items, which is calculated by dividing ebitda before special items by 
sales, serves as an indicator of relative operational earning power for purposes of internal and external 
comparison. 

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses were 14.1% higher in 2015 at €3,333 million (2014: 
€2,920 million), comprising €1,802 million (2014: €1,581 million) in amortization and impairments on 
intangible assets and €1,531 million (2014: €1,339 million) in depreciation and impairments on proper-
ty, plant and equipment. A total of €136 million (2014: €68 million) in impairments constituted special 
items. 

 
 
 
 
 
170 

Combined Management Report 

14. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

In 2015, the following special effects were taken into account in calculating ebit and ebitda before 
special items: 

Special Items Reconciliation 

[Table 3.14.2]

EBIT   
4th 
Quarter 
2014 

EBIT   
4th 
Quarter 
2015 

EBITDA   

EBITDA   

EBIT   

Full Year 
2014 

EBIT   
Full Year  
2015 

4th 
Quarter 
2014 

4th 
Quarter 
2015 

EBITDA   
Full Year  
2014 

EBITDA   
 Full Year  
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

991 

(376) 

(29) 

– 

(88) 

(86) 

– 

(173) 

– 

(32) 

(1) 

(31) 

– 

(22) 

(22) 

– 

(12) 

(12) 

– 

– 

(442) 

(68) 

(50) 

1 

(23) 

(302) 

549 

1,024 

(264) 

5,833 

(331) 

7,069 

(600) 

1,829 

(347) 

1,903 

(196) 

8,685 

10,266 

(298) 

(505) 

(43) 

(155) 

(2) 

(50) 

– 

– 

(14) 

301 

303 

– 

(2) 

(144) 

(143) 

(1) 

(9) 

(9) 

– 

– 

(116) 

(169) 

(118) 

(51) 

(43) 

265 

908 

(29) 

– 

(88) 

(153) 

35 

(96) 

– 

(32) 

(1) 

(31) 

– 

(43) 

(43) 

– 

(32) 

(32) 

– 

– 

(438) 

(80) 

(63) 

(2) 

(55) 

(238) 

5,395 

(43) 

(243) 

(16) 

(227) 

– 

3 

(74) 

222 

285 

(50) 

(13) 

(332) 

(329) 

(3) 

(109) 

(76) 

(32) 

(1) 

(819) 

(440) 

(198) 

(67) 

(203) 

89 

– 

– 

(88) 

(86) 

– 

(173) 

– 

(2) 

(1) 

(1) 

– 

(21) 

(21) 

– 

(12) 

(12) 

– 

– 

(382) 

(37) 

(21) 

1 

(23) 

(302) 

(1) 

(129) 

(2) 

(50) 

– 

– 

(14) 

295 

303 

(6) 

(2) 

(128) 

(127) 

(1) 

(9) 

(9) 

– 

– 

(38) 

(144) 

(107) 

(9) 

(43) 

265 

6,250 

1,447 

1,865 

– 

– 

(88) 

(149) 

35 

(96) 

– 

(2) 

(1) 

(1) 

– 

(38) 

(38) 

– 

(32) 

(32) 

– 

– 

(370) 

(49) 

(34) 

(2) 

(51) 

(234) 

8,315 

(1) 

(190) 

(16) 

(227) 

– 

3 

(74) 

222 

285 

(50) 

(13) 

(291) 

(288) 

(3) 

(109) 

(76) 

(32) 

(1) 

(683) 

(363) 

(183) 

(23) 

(203) 

89 

9,583 

Before special items 

HealthCare 

Impairment losses / impairment loss 
reversals 

Restructuring 

Litigations 

Integration costs 

Settlement of pre-existing relationship 

Divestitures 

Revaluation of other receivables 

CropScience 

Litigations 

Divestitures 

Revaluation of other receivables 

Covestro 

Restructuring 

Revaluation of other receivables 

Reconciliation 

Restructuring 

Litigations 

Revaluation of other receivables 

Total special items 

of which cost of goods sold 

of which selling expenses 

of which research and development 
expenses 

of which general administration expenses 

of which other operating income / expenses 

After special items 

2014 figures restated 

14.3 Core Earnings per Share  

Earnings per share according to ifrs are affected by the purchase price allocation for acquisitions and 
other special factors. To demonstrate the impact of these effects on earnings and facilitate the compara-
bility of our performance over time, we determine additional indicators – core ebit, core net income and 
core earnings per share – which are not defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

14. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of the Bayer Group

Combined Management Report

171 

Core ebit is determined by first eliminating from ebit (income after income taxes, plus income taxes, 
plus financial result), which is not defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards, all amorti-
zation and impairment losses / impairment loss reversals on intangible assets, impairment losses / im-
pairment loss reversals on property, plant and equipment, and special items (other than amortization 
and impairment losses / impairment loss reversals). This core ebit is then used to calculate core net 
income, which comprises the financial result (as per income statements), income taxes (as per income 
statements), income after income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest (as per income state-
ments), special items in the financial result, special items in income taxes, tax effects related to amorti-
zation, impairment losses / impairment loss reversals and special items, and the above-mentioned ad-
justments attributable to noncontrolling interest.  

From this core net income we calculate core earnings per share in the same way as earnings per share. 
Core earnings per share form the basis for our dividend policy. Core earnings per share are determined 
for both continuing and discontinued operations. In 2015, we improved core earnings per share from 
continuing operations by 16.0% to €6.83 (2014: €5.89). 

Core Earnings per Share 

[Table 3.14.3]

EBIT (as per income statements) 

Amortization and impairment losses / loss reversals  
on intangible assets 

Impairment losses / loss reversals on property, plant and 
equipment  

Special items (other than amortization and  
impairment losses / loss reversals) 

Core EBIT 

Financial result (as per income statements) 

Special items in the financial result 

Income taxes (as per income statements) 

Special items in income taxes 

Tax effects related to amortization, impairment losses / loss 
reversals and special items  

Income after income taxes attributable to noncontrolling 
interest (as per income statements)   

Above-mentioned adjustments attributable  
to noncontrolling interest 

Core net income from continuing operations 

4th Quarter 
2014 

4th Quarter 
2015 

Full Year 
2014 

 Full Year 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

549 

504 

57 

382 

1,492 

(347) 

13 

16 

48 

908 

5,395 

6,250 

529 

1,581 

1,802 

55 

38 

1,530 

(164) 

(120) 

(163) 

(39) 

96 

115 

370 

7,442 

(981) 

23 

683 

8,850 

(1,005) 

(150) 

(1,071) 

(1,227) 

48 

(39) 

(245) 

(149) 

(573) 

(755) 

(6) 

30 

(17) 

12 

– 

971 

(39) 

886 

– 

4,871 

(39) 

5,647 

Shares 

Shares 

Shares 

Shares 

Number of issued ordinary shares 

826,947,808  826,947,808  826,947,808  826,947,808 

Core earnings per share from continuing operations (€) 

Core earnings per share from discontinued operations (€) 

1.17 

0.02 

1.07 

0.01 

5.89 

0.13 

6.83 

0.12 

Core earnings per share from continuing and  
discontinued operations (€) 

2014 figures restated 

1.19 

1.08 

6.02 

6.95 

The calculation of earnings per share in accordance with ifrs is explained in note [16] to the consoli-
dated financial statements. 

  Consolidated  
Financial 
Statements 
Note 16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
172 

Combined Management Report 

14. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

14.4 Value Management 

SYSTEM BASED ON CASH VALUE ADDED 
The principal value-based steering parameters in the Bayer Group are the cash value added (cva) and 
the cash flow return on investment (cfroi). If the cva is positive, the respective company or business 
entity has exceeded the minimum requirements of the equity and debt capital providers and has created 
value. The cfroi is a ratio indicating the profitability of the Group or of individual business entities and 
must be compared to the cost of capital. 

CALCULATING THE COST OF CAPITAL 
Bayer calculates the cost of capital according to the debt / equity ratio at the beginning of the year using 
the weighted average cost of capital (wacc) formula. The cost of equity capital is the return expected by 
stockholders, computed from capital market information. The cost of debt capital used in calculating the 
wacc is based on the terms for ten-year Eurobonds issued by industrial companies with an “a–” rating.  

7.6% 

Cost of capital for the 
Bayer Group 

To take into account the different risk and return profiles of our principal businesses, we calculate 
individual capital cost factors after income taxes for each of our subgroups. These were 7.9% for 
HealthCare, 7.3% for CropScience and 6.9% for Covestro. The capital cost factor for the Group as a 
whole in 2015 was 7.6%. 

GROSS CASH FLOW, CASH VALUE ADDED AND CASH FLOW RETURN ON INVESTMENT AS 
PERFORMANCE YARDSTICKS 
The gross cash flow is the measure of our internal financing capability. Bayer has chosen this parameter 
because it is relatively free of accounting influences and is therefore a more meaningful performance 
indicator. 

Positive CVA = 
value created 

Taking into account the costs of capital and of reproducing depletable assets, we determine the gross 
cash flow hurdle. If the gross cash flow hurdle is exceeded, the cva is positive and thus the required 
return on equity and debt plus the cost of asset reproduction has been earned. 

The cfroi is the difference between the gross cash flow and the cost of reproducing depletable assets, 
divided by the capital invested. The capital invested is calculated from the statement of financial posi-
tion and basically comprises the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets required for op-
erations – stated at the historical cost of acquisition or construction – plus working capital, less interest-
free liabilities (such as current provisions). To mitigate the effect of fluctuations in the capital invested 
during the year, the cfroi is computed on the basis of the average capital invested for the respective 
year. 

The gross cash flow hurdle for 2015 was €5,714 million. 

Actual gross cash flow came in at €6,999 million, exceeding the hurdle by 22.5%. Thus the entire cost 
of capital and asset reproduction costs were earned in 2015. The positive cva of €1,285 million shows 
that Bayer exceeded the minimum return and reproduction requirements and created value. A cfroi of 
9.6% was achieved in 2015.  

Despite negative impact from special items in some cases, all the subgroups exceeded their required 
returns (including asset reproduction), achieved a positive cva and thus helped to increase the compa-
ny’s value. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

14. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of the Bayer Group

Combined Management Report

173 

Value Management Indicators by Subgroup 

[Table 3.14.4]

HealthCare 

CropScience 

Covestro 

Bayer Group 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Gross cash flow 

1 (GCF) 

Gross cash flow hurdle 

Cash value added (CVA) 

Cash flow return on investment 
(CFROI) 

3,898 

2,369 

1,529 

4,121 

3,378 

743 

1,835 

902 

933 

1,941 

1,058 

883 

13.1% 

9.7% 

15.3% 

14.8% 

WACC 

7.9% 

7.9% 

7.3% 

7.3% 

961 

1,025 

(64) 

6.0% 

6.9% 

1,113 

1,092 

21 

6,707 

4,421 

2,286 

7.0% 

11.7% 

6.9% 

7.6% 

6,999 

5,714 

1,285 

9.6% 

7.6% 

Average capital invested 

26,634 

37,919 

10,841 

11,813 

10,524 

11,156 

48,784 

61,699 

2014 figures restated 
1 For definition see Chapter 14.5 “Liquidity and Capital Expenditures of the Bayer Group.” 

14.5 Liquidity and Capital Expenditures 

of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Group Summary Statements of Cash Flows 

Gross cash flow 

1 

Changes in working capital / other noncash items 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (net cash flow), continuing operations 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (net cash flow), discontinued operations 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (net cash flow) (total) 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (total) 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (total) 

Change in cash and cash equivalents due to business activities 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 

Change due to exchange rate movements and to changes in scope of consolidation 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

[Table 3.14.5]

Full Year 
2014 

Full Year 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

6,707 

(1,010) 

5,697 

113 

5,810 

(15,539) 

9,736 

7 

1,662 

184 

1,853 

6,999 

(152) 

6,847 

43 

6,890 

(2,762) 

(3,974) 

154 

1,853 

(148) 

1,859 

2014 figures restated 
1 Gross cash flow = income after income taxes, plus income taxes, plus financial result, minus income taxes paid or accrued, plus depreciation, 
amortization and impairment losses, minus impairment loss reversals, plus / minus changes in pension provisions, minus gains / plus losses on 
retirements of noncurrent assets, minus gains from the remeasurement of already held assets in step acquisitions. The change in pension 
provisions includes the elimination of noncash components of EBIT. It also contains benefit payments during the year. Gross cash flow is not 
defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards. 

OPERATING CASH FLOW 
Gross cash flow is not defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Gross cash flow from continuing operations climbed by 4.4% in 2015 to €6,999 million (2014: 
€6,707 million), mainly because of the improvement in ebitda. Net cash flow (total) rose by 18.6% to 
€6,890 million (2014: €5,810 million) due to a sharp decrease in additional cash tied up in working 
capital. Income taxes paid in 2015 amounted to €1,699 million (2014: €1,835 million).  

INVESTING CASH FLOW 
Net cash outflow for investing activities in 2015 amounted to €2,762 million. Cash outflows for property, 
plant and equipment and intangible assets were 6.2% higher at €2,517 million (2014: €2,371 million) 
and included €969 million (2014: €832 million) at HealthCare, €722 million (2014: €686 million) at 
CropScience and €508 million (2014: €605 million) at Covestro. The €176 million (2014: 
€13,545 million) in outflows for acquisitions mainly related to the purchase of SeedWorks India Pvt. Ltd., 
Hyderabad, India, and further payments in connection with the purchase of the consumer care business 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
174 

Combined Management Report 

14. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

of Merck & Co., Inc., United States. The latter was among the major acquisitions in 2014, alongside  
that of Algeta asa, Norway. Cash outflows from noncurrent and current financial assets amounted to 
€370 million (2014: €177 million). Inflows from interest and dividends totaled €106 million (2014: 
€107 million).  

The principal strategic capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment in the  
operating segments within the past two years are listed in the following table. 

Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment 

[Table 3.14.6]

Segment 

Description 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 2015 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health 

CropScience 

Expansion of production capacities for new rFactor VIII therapies in Wuppertal, 
Germany 

Expansion of R&D laboratory capacities in Wuppertal, Germany 

Modernization of research facilities in Berlin, Germany 

Modernization of site infrastructure in Wuppertal and Leverkusen, Germany 

Expansion of production capacities in Beijing, China 

Expansion of Quality Control Biologics in Berkeley, California, United States 

– 

Capacity expansions for herbicides in the United States and Germany 

Construction of production facilities for insecticides in India and Germany 

Additional capacity expansions for fungicides in Germany 

Expansion of R&D facilities in Germany 

Establishment of breeding stations for various plant species worldwide 

Expansion of R&D facilities in North America 

Covestro 

Construction of a production line for CO2 based polyols in Dormagen, Germany 

Continuation of projects started in 2014 for Polycarbonates and Coatings, Adhesives, 
Specialties 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 2014 

Pharmaceuticals 

Expansion of XareltoTM production capacities in Wuppertal and Leverkusen, Germany 

Expansion of production capacities for new rFactor VIII therapies in Wuppertal, 
Germany 

Expansion of R&D laboratory capacities in Wuppertal, Germany 

Modernization of research facilities in Berlin, Germany 

Expansion of production capacities in Beijing, China 

Expansion of Quality Control Biologics in Berkeley, California, United States 

– 

Completion of capacity expansion for fungicides in Germany and Switzerland 

Completion of capacity expansion for herbicides in Germany 

Establishment of breeding stations for various plant species worldwide 

Consumer Health 

CropScience 

Covestro 

Doubling of production capacities for polycarbonates in Shanghai, China 

Doubling of production capacities for hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) in Shanghai, 
China 

Completion of capacity expansion for diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) in 
Shanghai, China 

Construction of a world-scale production complex for toluene diisocyanate (TDI) based 
on gas-phase phosgenation technology in Dormagen, Germany 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

14. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of the Bayer Group

Combined Management Report

175 

FINANCING CASH FLOW 
Net cash outflow for financing activities in 2015 amounted to €3,974 million, including net loan repay-
ments of €2,929 million (2014: net borrowings of €11,838 million). Net interest payments were 80% 
higher at €652 million (2014: €362 million). The cash outflow for dividends amounted to €1,869 million 
(2014: €1,739 million). The stock market flotation of Covestro led to an inflow of €1,490 million. 

LIQUID ASSETS AND NET FINANCIAL DEBT 

Net Financial Debt 

Bonds and notes / promissory notes 

of which hybrid bonds 

1  

Liabilities to banks  

Liabilities under finance leases  

Negative fair values of hedges of recorded transactions  

Other financial liabilities  

Positive fair values of hedges of recorded transactions  

Financial liabilities  

Cash and cash equivalents  

Current financial assets 

2  

Net financial debt  

1 Classified as debt according to IFRS 

[Table 3.14.7]

Dec. 31, 
2014 

Dec. 31, 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

14,964 

15,547 

4,552 

3,835 

441 

642 

1,976 

(258) 

21,600 

(1,853) 

(135) 

4,525 

2,779 

474 

753 

369 

(350) 

19,572 

(1,859) 

(264) 

19,612 

17,449 

2 These include short-term loans and receivables with maturities between 3 and 12 months outstanding from banks and other companies as well as 

available-for-sale financial assets and held-to-maturity financial investments that were recorded as current on initial recognition. 

Net financial debt is not defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards and is calculated as 
shown above. 

In 2015, net financial debt of the Bayer Group decreased by 11.0% to €17.4 billion. Cash inflows from 
operating activities and the stock market flotation of Covestro were partly offset by cash outflows for 
dividends and negative currency effects. As of December 31, 2015, the Group had cash and cash 
equivalents of €1.9 billion (2014: €1.9 billion). Financial liabilities at the end of the reporting period 
amounted to €19.6 billion (2014: €21.6 billion), with three subordinated hybrid bonds reflected at 
€4.5 billion overall. Net financial debt should be viewed against the fact that Moody’s and Standard & 
Poor’s treat 50% of the hybrid bonds with nominal volumes of €1.75 billion and €1.5 billion issued in 
July 2014 and of the hybrid bond with a nominal volume of €1.3 billion issued in April 2015 as equity. 
The hybrid bonds thus have a more limited effect on the Group’s rating-specific debt indicators than 
conventional borrowings. Our noncurrent financial liabilities declined in 2015 from €18.5 billion to 
€16.5 billion, while current financial liabilities remained unchanged at €3.4 billion. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
176 

Combined Management Report 

14. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

14.6 Asset and Capital Structure of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Group Summary Statements of Financial Position 

[Table 3.14.8]

Noncurrent assets 

Current assets 

Assets held for sale 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

Equity 

Noncurrent liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Provisions directly related to assets held for sale 

Total current liabilities 

Liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities  

Dec. 31, 
2014 

Dec. 31, 
2015 

Change 

€ million 

€ million 

48,007 

22,227 

– 

22,227 

70,234 

20,218 

34,513 

15,503 

– 

15,503 

50,016 

70,234 

50,096 

23,624 

197 

23,821 

73,917 

25,445 

31,492 

16,868 

112 

16,980 

48,472 

73,917 

% 

+ 4.4 

+ 6.3 

– 

+ 7.2 

+ 5.2 

+ 25.9 

– 8.8 

+ 8.8 

– 

+ 9.5 

– 3.1 

+ 5.2 

Total assets as of December 31, 2015, increased by 5.2% to €73.9 billion. Noncurrent assets rose by 
4.4% to €50.1 billion due mainly to currency effects. The carrying amount of current assets climbed to 
€23.8 billion, due mainly to an increase in trade accounts receivable and other receivables. 

Equity increased by €5.2 billion to €25.4 billion. The positive effects from the net income of €4.1 billion 
(2014: €3.4 billion), the exchange differences of €0.7 billion (2014: €1.4 billion) and the decline of 
€0.8 billion (2014: negative effect from the increase of €3.5 billion) – recognized outside profit or loss – 
in post-employment benefit obligations were offset by the dividend payment of €1.9 billion (2014: 
€1.7 billion). In addition, the capital increase at Covestro as a result of the successful stock market flota-
tion increased equity by €1.5 billion. The equity ratio (equity coverage of total assets) as of December 
31, 2015 was 34.4% (2014: 28.8%). 

Liabilities decreased by €1.5 billion compared with December 31, 2014, to €48.5 billion. Decreases in 
provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits and financial liabilities more than offset 
increases in other provisions, trade accounts payable and tax liabilities. 

Net Defined Benefit Liability for Post-Employment Benefits 

Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits 

Net defined benefit asset 

Net defined benefit liability for post-employment benefits 

[Table 3.14.9]

Dec. 31, 
2014 

Dec. 31, 
2015 

€ million 

€ million 

12,236 

10,873 

(41) 

(30) 

12,195 

10,843 

The net defined benefit liability for pensions and other post-employment benefits decreased from 
€12.2 billion to €10.8 billion in 2015 due to an increase in long-term capital market interest rates for 
high-quality corporate bonds. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

14. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of the Bayer Group

Combined Management Report

177 

Ratios 

[Table 3.14.10]

Cost of sales ratio (%) 

R & D expense ratio (%) 

Return on sales in (%) 

EBIT margin (%) 

EBITDA margin before special items (%) 

Asset intensity (%) 

Reinvestment ratio (%) 

Liability structure (%) 

Gearing 

Free operating cash flow (€ million) 

Inventory turnover 

Receivables turnover 

Payables turnover 

Equity ratio (%) 

Return on equity (%) 

Return on assets (%) 

2014 figures restated 
 Property, plant and equipment 
1

Cost of goods sold 

Sales 

Research and development expenses 

Sales 

Income after income taxes 

Sales 

EBIT 

Sales 

EBITDA before special items 

Sales 

Property, plant and equipment 
+ intangible assets 

Total assets 

Capital expenditures1 

Depreciation1 

Current liabilities 

Liabilities 

Net debt + pension provisions 

2014 

48.2 

8.6 

8.3 

2015 

45.7 

9.2 

8.8 

13.1 

13.5 

21.0 

22.2 

60.4 

59.1 

165.1 

153.1 

31.0 

35.0 

Equity 

1.6 

1.1 

Net operating cash flow less cash outflows 
for property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets 

3,332 

4,334 

Cost of goods sold 

Inventories 

Sales 

Trade accounts receivable 

Cost of goods sold 

Trade accounts payable 

Equity 

Total assets 

Income after income taxes 

Average equity 

Income before income taxes  
and interest expense 

Average total assets 

2.3 

4.5 

3.7 

2.5 

4.7 

3.6 

28.8 

34.4 

16.8 

17.9 

8.4 

8.4 

14.7 Financial Management of the Group 

The financial management of the Bayer Group is conducted by Bayer AG. Capital is a global resource, 
generally procured centrally and distributed within the Group. The foremost objectives of our financial 
management are to help bring about a sustained increase in corporate value and to ensure the Group’s 
liquidity and creditworthiness. This involves optimizing the capital structure and effectively managing 
risks. The management of currency, interest rate, raw material price and default risks helps to reduce 
the volatility of our earnings. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
178 

Combined Management Report 

15. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of Bayer AG 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The contracted rating agencies assess Bayer as follows: 

Rating 

Standard & Poor’s 

Moody’s 

Long-term rating 

A– 

A3 

Outlook 

stable 

stable 

[Table 3.14.11]

Short-term rating 

A–2 

P–2 

These credit ratings reflect the company’s high solvency and ensure access to a broad investor base for 
financing purposes. It remains our goal to achieve and maintain financial ratios that support an “a” 
category rating in order to maintain our financial flexibility.  

We pursue a prudent debt management strategy to ensure flexibility, drawing on a balanced financing 
portfolio. This is based on bonds – predominantly a multi-currency European Medium Term Notes pro-
gram –, syndicated credit facilities, bilateral loan agreements and a global commercial paper program.  

We use financial derivatives to hedge against risks arising from business operations or financial transac-
tions, but do not employ contracts in the absence of an underlying transaction. It is our policy to dimin-
ish default risks by selecting trading partners with a high credit standing. We closely monitor the execu-
tion of all transactions, which are conducted in accordance with Group directives. 

Further details of our risk management objectives and the ways in which we account for all the major 
types of hedged transactions – along with price, credit and liquidity risks as they relate to the use of 
financial instruments – are given in Chapter 18.3 “Opportunities and Risks Report.” 

15. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position 

of Bayer AG 

Until the end of 2015, Bayer AG functioned solely as the management holding company for the Bayer 
Group. At the beginning of 2016, it assumed responsibility for the operations of its three divisions. As 
the parent company of the Bayer Group, Bayer AG – represented by its Board of Management – per-
forms the principal management functions for the entire Group. These include strategic planning, re-
source allocation, executive management and financial management. The performance of Bayer AG is 
largely determined by the business performance of the Bayer Group. 

The financial statements of Bayer AG are prepared in accordance with the German Commercial Code 
(hgb) and Stock Corporation Act (AktG). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

15. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of Bayer AG

Combined Management Report

179 

15.1 Earnings Performance of Bayer AG 

Bayer AG Summary Income Statements according to the German Commercial Code 

[Table 3.15.1]

Income from investments in affiliated companies – net 

Interest expense – net 

Other financial income – net 

Other operating income 

General administration expenses 

Other operating expenses 

Income before income taxes 

Income taxes 

Net income 

Allocation to / Withdrawal from other retained earnings 

Distributable profit 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

3,213 

(341) 

129 

128 

(272) 

(147) 

2,710 

(256) 

2,454 

(593) 

1,861 

2,444 

(484) 

409 

99 

(324) 

(177) 

1,967 

(606) 

1,361 

706 

2,067 

In fiscal 2015, the net income of Bayer AG was €1,361 million, down by €1,093 million against the pre-
vious year (2014: €2,454 million). Earnings were held back above all by lower income from investments 
in affiliated companies and higher tax expense. 

The income from investments in affiliated companies declined year on year by €769 million to 
€2,444 million (2014: €3,213 million). Bayer Pharma AG posted income of €1,793 million (2014: 
€2,158 million), which, as in the previous years, was by far the largest contribution. Despite a substan-
tial increase in business, however, earnings of that company fell by €365 million, due partly to higher 
r&d and selling expenses. Bayer CropScience AG contributed €964 million (2014: €787 million) to Bayer 
AG’s income, an increase of €177 million. This was attributable to a slightly improved earnings contri-
bution from business operations and to one-time gains from a litigation, among other factors. Bayer AG 
assumed a loss of €150 million from Covestro Deutschland AG, the former Bayer MaterialScience AG 
(bms), from its abbreviated fiscal year ending in August 2015. That company had made a positive earn-
ings contribution of €154 million in the previous year. The decline in earnings was mainly due to a 
payment of €217 million to clear compensation claims from Bayer AG for the pension expenses of for-
mer bms employees. Other significant earnings contributions comprised €149 million (2014: €146 mil-
lion) from a subsidiary that receives foreign dividend income. The service companies Bayer Business 
Services GmbH and Bayer Technology Services GmbH assumed losses of €118 million (2014: €75 mil-
lion) and €12 million (2014: €18 million), respectively. The reported loss at Bayer HealthCare AG, the 
holding company for the global health care business, was €231 million (2014: €207 million).  

Net interest expense was €484 million, an increase of €143 million compared with the previous year. 
After offsetting against gains from the fund assets, just the interest portion of the allocation to pension 
provisions led to additional expense of €142 million, and thus to total expense of €276 million (2014: 
€134 million). Of the remaining €208 million (2014: €207 million) balance of interest expenses and 
income, €179 million was attributable to transactions with third parties and €29 million to intra-Group 
transactions.  

Other financial income and expenses yielded a positive balance of €409 million (2014: €129 million). 
This marked increase was due particularly to a payment of €217 million received from Covestro 
Deutschland AG to clear compensation claims from Bayer AG for the pension expenses of former bms 
employees. Income from the subgroups and service companies to cover pension expenses for retirees 
remaining with Bayer AG following the hive-down of the operating business in 2002 and 2003 amount-
ed to €178 million (2014: €180 million). If due to interest rates, pension expenses as such are recog-
nized under interest income / expense; otherwise they are recognized under other financial income and 
expenses. There was income of €15 million in 2015 and expense of €19 million in the previous year. 
Further income of €6 million (2014: charges of €20 million) resulted from the translation of foreign 
currency receivables and payables and from currency derivatives.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
180 

Combined Management Report 

15. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of Bayer AG 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

General administration expenses relating to Bayer AG’s performance of its functions as the parent com-
pany of the Bayer Group amounted to €324 million (2014: €272 million). Miscellaneous operating ex-
penses relating to these functions, net of the respective miscellaneous operating income, came to €78 
million (2014: €19 million). Of the higher expenses totaling €111 million, €83 million was in connection 
with the carve-out and stock market flotation of Covestro. 

Pre-tax income decreased to €1,967 million (2014: €2,710 million). Tax expense nonetheless increased 
from €256 million to €606 million on account of effects associated with the formation of the Covestro 
Group and lower tax-free income from investments in affiliated companies. After deduction of taxes, net 
income was €1,361 million (2014: €2,454 million). A withdrawal of €706 million was made from other 
retained earnings, leaving a distributable profit of €2,067 million. 

The Board of Management and Supervisory Board will propose to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on 
April 29, 2016 that the distributable profit be used to pay a dividend of €2.50 per share (826,947,808 
shares) on the capital stock of €2,117 million entitled to the dividend for 2015. 

15.2 Asset and Financial Position of Bayer AG 

Bayer AG Summary Statements of Financial Position according 
to the German Commercial Code 

ASSETS 

Noncurrent assets 

Intangible assets, property, plant and equipment 

Financial assets 

Current assets 

Receivables from subsidiaries 

Remaining receivables, other assets 

Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities 

Total assets 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

Equity 

Provisions 

Other liabilities 

Bonds and notes, liabilities to banks 

Payables to subsidiaries 

Remaining liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

[Table 3.15.2]

Dec. 31,2014 

Dec. 31,2015 

€ million 

€ million 

18 

40,919 

40,937 

31 

43,737 

43,768 

2,729 

460 

1,243 

4,432 

3,159 

380 

629 

4,168 

45,369 

47,936 

15,532 

15,032 

2,406 

2,356 

7,210 

18,204 

2,017 

27,431 

7,203 

22,752 

593 

30,548 

45,369 

47,936 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

15. Earnings; Asset and Financial Position of Bayer AG

Combined Management Report

181 

The asset and liability structure of Bayer AG is dominated by its role in managing the subsidiaries and 
financing corporate activities as the parent company of the Bayer Group. This is primarily reflected in 
the high level of investments in affiliated companies and of the receivables from, and payables to, Group 
companies. 

Total assets of Bayer AG as of December 31, 2015 were €48.0 billion, up from €45.4 billion at the start of 
the year because of the €2.8 billion increase in noncurrent assets. By contrast, current assets decreased 
by €0.3 billion in fiscal 2015.  

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets totaled €31 million (2014: €18 million) and were 
therefore of secondary importance. Financial assets increased by €2.8 billion to €43.7 billion (2014: 
€40.9 billion), principally as a result of capital increases at subsidiaries. Investments in affiliated com-
panies continued to account for by far the largest item in total assets, amounting to 89.5% (2014: 
88.3%). 

Receivables from subsidiaries amounted to €3.2 billion (2014: €2.7 billion) while payables to subsidiar-
ies totaled €22.8 billion (2014: €18.2 billion). These amounts accounted for 6.6% of total assets and 
47.5% of total equity and liabilities, respectively.  

Including the deferred charges, the other receivables reflected in current assets, at €380 million, were 
below the prior-year level of €460 million and were of only secondary importance in relation to total 
assets. Cash and cash equivalents were €614 million lower than in the previous year at €629 million 
(2014: €1,243 million) due to lower bank deposits. 

Bayer AG had equity of €15.0 billion (2014: €15.5 billion). The decline in equity, coupled with the in-
crease in total assets, caused the equity ratio to fall to 31.4% (2014: 34.2%). Net income for 2015 was 
€1,361 million while equity was diminished by the €1,861 million dividend payment for 2014.  

Provisions were level year on year at €2.4 billion. While pension provisions decreased by €306 million to 
€1,562 million, tax provisions were €265 million higher at €664 million. The other provisions were virtu-
ally unchanged at €130 million (2014: €139 million).  

Other liabilities rose by €3.1 billion to €30.5 billion (net of deductible receivables; 2014: €27.4 billion), 
mainly due to the €2.1 billion increase in financial debt. In this connection, external debt of the Group 
was reduced at the expense of higher debt to Group companies. Internal financial debt rose by 
€3.2 billion. Bonds in the same amount of €1.3 billion were issued and repaid in fiscal 2015. The use of 
funds from the commercial paper program decreased by €1.1 billion. Total financial debt at year end 
2015 was €30.3 billion (2014: €28.2 billion). After deduction of cash and cash equivalents of €0.6 billion, 
net debt was €2.7 billion higher than in the previous year at €29.7 billion (2014: €27.0 billion). 

 
 
 
 
 
182 

Combined Management Report 

16. Corporate Governance Report 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Corporate Governance 

16. Corporate Governance Report 

This Corporate Governance Report also constitutes the report pursuant to Section 3.10 of the German 
Corporate Governance Code. 

16.1  Declaration Concerning the German Corporate 

Governance Code* 

*not part of the audited management report  

DECLARATION BY THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY BOARD OF 
BAYER AG 
concerning the German Corporate Governance Code (May 5, 2015 version) pursuant to 
Section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act** 

Under Section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act, the Board of Management and the Super-
visory Board of Bayer AG are required to issue an annual declaration that the company has been, 
and is, in compliance with the recommendations of the “Government Commission on the German 
Corporate Governance Code” as published by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the official section 
of the Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger), or to advise of any recommendations that have not been, 
or are not being, applied and the reasons for this. An annual declaration was last issued in Decem-
ber 2014.  

With respect to the past, the following declaration refers to the June 24, 2014 version of the Code. 
With respect to present and future corporate governance practices at Bayer AG, the following  
declaration refers to the recommendations in the May 5, 2015 version of the Code. 

Pursuant to Section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act, the Board of Management and Su-
pervisory Board of Bayer AG hereby declare as follows: 

1. 

 The company has been in compliance with the recommendations of the Code since issuance 
of the last annual compliance declaration in December 2014. 

2. 

All the recommendations of the Code are now being complied with in full. 

Leverkusen, December 2015 

For the Board of Management 

For the Supervisory Board 

dr. dekkers 

dietsch  

wenning 

** This is an English translation of a German document. The German document is the official and controlling version, and this English translation in 

no event modifies, interprets or limits the official German version. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

16. Corporate Governance Report

183 

16.2 Governance* 

*not part of the audited management report 

BAYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GERMAN CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE CODE 
Bayer has always placed great importance on responsible corporate governance. This will remain the 
case in the future. In 2015, the company was again able to issue a declaration that it had fully complied 
with the recommendations of the German Corporate Governance Code in the past and continued to do 
so.  

In 2015, the Board of Management and Supervisory Board again addressed the question of compliance 
with the German Corporate Governance Code, including the Code amendments of May 5, 2015. The 
resulting declaration, which is reproduced on the previous page, was issued in December 2015 and 
posted on Bayer’s website along with previous declarations. 

DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT 
The Board of Management runs the company on its own responsibility with the goal of sustainably 
increasing the company’s enterprise value and achieving the defined corporate objectives. The Board of 
Management performs its tasks according to the law, the Articles of Incorporation and the Board’s rules 
of procedure, and works with the company’s other governance bodies in a spirit of trust. 

The Board of Management of Bayer AG defines the long-term goals and strategies for the company and 
the Group and sets forth the principles and directives for the resulting corporate policies. It coordinates 
and monitors the most important activities, defines the portfolio, develops and deploys managerial staff, 
allocates resources and decides on the Group’s financial steering and reporting. 

The members of the Board of Management bear joint responsibility for running the business as a whole. 
However, the individual members manage the areas assigned to them on their own responsibility within 
the framework of the decisions made by the full Board. The allocation of functions among the members 
of the Board of Management is defined in a written schedule. 

The full Board of Management makes decisions on all matters of fundamental importance and in cases 
where a decision of the full Board is prescribed by law or otherwise mandatory. The rules of procedure 
of the Board of Management contain a list of topics that must be dealt with and resolved by the full 
Board. 

Meetings of the Board of Management are held regularly. They are convened by the Chairman of the 
Board of Management. Any member of the Board of Management may also demand that a meeting be 
convened. The Board of Management makes decisions by a simple majority of the votes cast, except 
where unanimity is required by law. In the event of a tie, the Chairman has the casting vote. 

According to the Board of Management’s rules of procedure and the functional responsibilities assigned 
to its members, the Chairman bears particular responsibility for leading and coordinating the Board’s 
work. He represents the company and the Group in dealings with third parties and the workforce on 
matters relating to more than one part of the company or the Group. He also bears special responsibility 
for certain corporate functions.  

In 2015 special responsibility was assigned to different members of the Board of Management for each 
of the following functions:  

(cid:120)  Strategy and Portfolio Management  
(cid:120)  Finance  
(cid:120)  Human Resources, Technology & Sustainability (this member also serving as Labor Director)  
(cid:120)  Innovation  

 
 
 
 
 
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In addition, three of the members of the Board of Management were each responsible for geographical 
regions.  

Effective January 1, 2016, functional responsibilities were reallocated in light of the Bayer Group’s sole 
focus on the Life Science business and the enlargement of the Board of Management by three members. 
In addition to the function of Board Chairman and the four other existing functions, three functions 
were created that each have special responsibility for one of the operating divisions. Responsibilities for 
the geographical regions were redistributed among four members. 

  See Chapter 4 for 
more about the 
Bayer Life Science 
Center 

A Deal Committee was established within the Board of Management to make the final decisions on 
corporate acquisitions, divestments or licensing transactions above a defined medium size. The mem-
bership of this committee varies from case to case. The members responsible for Strategy and Portfolio 
Management and for Finance always participate in its decision-making. The third member of the Board 
of Management involved in the decisions of the Deal Committee is either the member responsible for 
the division to which the transaction relates or – in the case of a transaction of the Bayer Life Science 
Center – the member responsible for Innovation. There are no other committees within the Board of 
Management.  

SUPERVISORY BOARD: OVERSIGHT AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS 
The role of the 20-member Supervisory Board is to oversee and advise the Board of Management. Under 
the German Codetermination Act, half of the Supervisory Board’s members are elected by the stockhold-
ers, and half by the company’s employees. The Supervisory Board is directly involved in decisions on 
matters of fundamental importance to the company, regularly conferring with the Board of Management 
on the company’s strategic alignment and the implementation status of the business strategy. 

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board coordinates its work and presides over the meetings. Through 
regular discussions with the Board of Management, the Supervisory Board is kept constantly informed 
about business policy, corporate planning and strategy. The Supervisory Board approves the annual 
budget and financial framework. It also approves the financial statements of Bayer AG and the consoli-
dated financial statements of the Bayer Group along with the combined management report, taking into 
account the reports by the auditor. 

COMMITTEES OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD 
The Supervisory Board has the following committees: 

Presidial Committee: This comprises the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board along 
with a further stockholder representative and a further employee representative. The Presidial Commit-
tee serves primarily as the mediation committee pursuant to the German Codetermination Act. It has the 
task of submitting proposals to the Supervisory Board on the appointment of members of the Board of 
Management if the necessary two-thirds majority is not achieved in the first vote at a plenary meeting. 
Certain decision-making powers in connection with capital measures, including the power to amend the 
Articles of Incorporation accordingly, have also been delegated to this committee. 

Audit Committee: The Audit Committee comprises three stockholder representatives and three em-
ployee representatives. The Chairman of the Audit Committee in 2015, Dr. Klaus Sturany, satisfies the 
statutory requirements concerning the independence and the expertise in the field of accounting or 
auditing that a member of the Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee is required to possess. The 
Audit Committee meets regularly four times a year. Its tasks include oversight of the company’s finan-
cial reporting process, the effectiveness and ongoing development of the internal control system, the 
risk management system, the internal audit system, the compliance system and the audit of the financial 
statements. It prepares the decisions of the Supervisory Board pertaining to the financial statements of 
Bayer AG, the consolidated financial statements of the Bayer Group, the combined management report, 
the proposal for the use of the distributable profit of Bayer AG, and the interim financial statements and 
management reports of the Bayer Group, all of which are prepared by the Board of Management. On the 
basis of the auditor’s report on the audit of the financial statements of Bayer AG, the consolidated finan-
cial statements of the Bayer Group and the combined management report, the Audit Committee devel-
ops proposals concerning the approval of both sets of financial statements by the full Supervisory 

 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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16. Corporate Governance Report

185 

Board. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the company’s relationship with the external audi-
tor. The Audit Committee submits a proposal to the full Supervisory Board concerning the auditor’s 
appointment, prepares the awarding of the audit contract to the audit firm appointed by the Annual 
Stockholders’ Meeting, suggests areas of focus for the audit and determines the auditor’s remuneration. 
It also monitors the independence, qualifications, rotation and efficiency of the auditor. 

Human Resources Committee: On this committee, too, there is parity of representation between stock-
holders and employees. It consists of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and three other Superviso-
ry Board members. The Human Resources Committee prepares the personnel decisions of the full Su-
pervisory Board, which resolves on appointments or revocations of appointments of members of the 
Board of Management. The Human Resources Committee resolves on behalf of the Supervisory Board 
on the service contracts of the members of the Board of Management. However, it is the task of the full 
Supervisory Board to resolve on the total compensation of the individual members of the Board of Man-
agement and the respective compensation components, as well as to regularly review the compensation 
system on the basis of recommendations submitted by the Human Resources Committee. The Human 
Resources Committee also discusses the long-term succession planning for the Board of Management. 

Nominations Committee: This committee carries out preparatory work when an election of stockholder 
representatives to the Supervisory Board is to be held. It suggests suitable candidates for the Superviso-
ry Board to propose to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting for election. The Nominations Committee 
comprises the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and the other stockholder representative on the Pre-
sidial Committee. 

Innovation Committee: The Innovation Committee was established in September 2015. It is primarily 
concerned with the innovation strategy and innovation management, the strategy for protection of intel-
lectual property, and major research and development programs. Within its area of responsibility, the 
Committee advises and oversees the management and prepares any Supervisory Board decisions. The 
Committee comprises the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and five other members of the Superviso-
ry Board, with parity of representation between stockholder and employee representatives. 

Detailed information on the work of the Supervisory Board and its committees is provided in the Report 
of the Supervisory Board on page 34 of this Annual Report. 

OBJECTIVES FOR THE COMPOSITION OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD 
The Supervisory Board should be composed in such a way that its members together possess the neces-
sary expertise, skills and professional experience to properly perform their duties. In view of Bayer AG’s 
global operations, the Supervisory Board has set itself the goal of always having several members with 
international business experience or an international background. A further objective concerning the 
composition of the Supervisory Board is that, absent special circumstances, a member should not hold 
office beyond the end of the next Annual Stockholders’ Meeting following his or her 72nd birthday. 
With a view to avoiding potential conflicts of interest, the Supervisory Board has set itself the goal that 
more than half of the stockholder representatives be independent and also that at least three quarters of 
the total Supervisory Board membership (stockholder and employee representatives) be independent. 
The Supervisory Board assesses the independence of its members according to the recommendation 
contained in Section 5.4.2 of the the German Corporate Governance Code. In assessing independence, 
the Supervisory Board also considers the criteria given in the recommendation of the European Com-
mission of February 15, 2005.4 Finally, the Supervisory Board has set a standard limit on the duration of 
any person’s membership of the Supervisory Board in line with the recommendation in Section 5.4.1, 
Paragraph 2 (May 5, 2015 version of the Code). Absent special circumstances, no person should remain 
a member of the Supervisory Board for more than three full terms of office. For members of the Super-
visory Board serving at the time the standard limit was introduced (September 2015) who have already 

4 Annex 2 to the recommendation of the European Commission of February 15, 2005, on the role of nonexecutive or supervisory directors of listed 

companies and on the committees of the (supervisory) board (2005/162/EC)  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
186 

Combined Management Report 

16. Corporate Governance Report 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

exceeded this limit or will exceed it by the end of their current term of office, the limit will be applied 
with effect from the conclusion of their current term of office. 

The stated goals refer to the Supervisory Board as a whole unless specified otherwise. However, since 
the Supervisory Board can only nominate candidates for election as stockholder representatives, the 
goals can only be taken into account in these nominations. 

Upon elections to the Supervisory Board to be held after January 1, 2016, it must be ensured that at 
least 30% of the members are women and at least 30% are men. 

Implementation status of the objectives 
The Supervisory Board has several members with international business experience and other interna-
tional connections. The objective that a member should step down from the Supervisory Board at the 
Annual Stockholders’ Meeting following his or her 72nd birthday – absent special circumstances – is 
being met. One member, Ernst-Ludwig Winnacker, who has been elected to serve until the Annual 
Stockholders’ Meeting in 2016, had already reached 72 years of age at the time of the Annual Stock-
holders’ Meeting in 2014. However, he was proposed for reelection at that Meeting so that the Supervi-
sory Board would continue to have one member with particular expertise in research until one or more 
members with similar experience can be appointed. One member of the Supervisory Board, Werner 
Wenning, served as Chairman of the company’s Board of Management until 2010. One member, Ernst-
Ludwig Winnacker, has been a member of the Supervisory Board since 1997, and thus has served more 
than three terms of office. However, neither Werner Wenning nor Ernst-Ludwig Winnacker has any 
personal or business relationship with the company or a governance body of the company that in the 
opinion of the Supervisory Board gives rise to a material conflict of interest of a more than temporary 
nature. There are no indications of any possible lack of independence in the case of the other Supervi-
sory Board members. Thus the Supervisory Board considers all of its members to be independent. The 
proportion of women on the Supervisory Board is currently 20%. It is planned to nominate a further 
female candidate for election to the Supervisory Board at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting in 2016. If 
this candidate is elected, the proportion of women among the stockholder representatives will rise to 
30% and on the full Supervisory Board to 25%. 

TARGETS REGARDING THE PROPORTION OF WOMEN ON THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT 
AND THE FIRST TWO MANAGEMENT LEVELS 
The Supervisory Board aims to ensure that there is at least one woman serving on the company’s Board 
of Management. This corresponds to a share of 12.5% on the eight-member Board. The Board of Man-
agement has set targets of 20% women on the first management level and 28% women on the second 
management level. These targets are to be attained by June 30, 2017. 

DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF 
MANAGEMENT OR SUPERVISORY BOARD 
Members of the Board of Management or Supervisory Board and their close relatives are required by 
law to disclose all transactions involving the purchase or sale of Bayer stock where such transactions 
total €5,000 or more in a calendar year. Bayer publishes details of such transactions immediately on its 
website and also notifies the German Financial Supervisory Authority accordingly. This information is 
provided to the company register for archiving. The following transactions in 2015 were reported to 
Bayer AG:  

 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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16. Corporate Governance Report

187 

[Table 3.16.1]

Total 
 transaction 
volume 

Securities Transactions by Members of the Board of Management or Supervisory Board 

Date / place 

Name / function 

March 3, 2015 / 
Xetra 

Werner Wenning, 
Supervisory Board 

March 3, 2015 / 
Xetra 

Dr. Klaus Sturany, 
Supervisory Board 

March 3, 2015 / 
Xetra 

Dr. Paul Achleitner, 
Supervisory Board  

March 3, 2015 / 
Xetra 

Dr.Clemens Börsig, 
Supervisory Board 

March 3, 2015 / 
Xetra 

Thomas Ebeling, 
Supervisory Board  

March 3, 2015 / 
Xetra 

Dr. Helmut Panke, 
Supervisory Board 

March 3, 2015 / 
Xetra 

Prof. Dr. Ernst-Ludwig 
Winnacker, 
Supervisory Board  

March 3, 2015 / 
Xetra 

Prof. Dr.-Ing Thomas Fischer, 
Supervisory Board 

March 3, 2015 / 
Xetra 

Michael Schmidt-Kiessling, 
Supervisory Board  

March 3, 2015 / 
Xetra 

Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, 
Supervisory Board  

March 3, 2015 / 
Over the counter 
market (OTC) 

Sue H. Rataj, 
Supervisory Board  

Financial 
instrument 

Shares 

ISIN 

Transaction 

Price / 
currency 

Quantity 

DE000BAY0017 

Purchase 

EUR 132.73 

678 

EUR 89,992.16 

Shares 

DE000BAY0017  

Purchase 

EUR 132.73 

452 

EUR 59,994.77  

Shares 

DE000BAY0017 

Purchase 

EUR 132.73 

339 

EUR 44,996.08  

Shares 

DE000BAY0017  

Purchase 

EUR 132.73 

226 

EUR 29,997.39 

Shares 

DE000BAY0017  

Purchase 

EUR 132.73 

226 

EUR 29,997.39 

Shares 

DE000BAY0017   

Purchase 

EUR 132.73 

291 

EUR 38,624.95  

Shares 

DE000BAY0017  

Purchase 

EUR 132.73 

226 

EUR 29,997.39  

Shares  

DE000BAY0017   

Purchase 

EUR 132.73 

339 

EUR 44,996.08  

Shares 

DE000BAY0017  

Purchase 

EUR 132.73 

226 

EUR 29,997.39 

Shares 

DE000BAY0017  

Purchase 

EUR 132.73 

152 

EUR 20,175.23  

US072730302  

Purchase 

US$ 148.57 

226 

US$ 33,576,82 

Bayer AG 
American 
Depositary 
Receipts (ADR) 

Information filed with the company by members of the Board of Management and Supervisory Board 
shows that, on the closing date for the financial statements, their total holdings of Bayer AG stock or its 
derivatives were equivalent to less than 1% of the issued stock. 

COMMON VALUES AND LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES 
Bayer has committed itself to the values of Leadership, Integrity, Flexibility and Efficiency, or “life” for 
short. These values provide guidance to all Bayer employees, both for business dealings and for their 
collaboration within the company. All employees are obligated to align their work to the life values. 
This is taken into account in human resources development and the regular performance evaluations. 

SYSTEMATIC RISK MANAGEMENT 
Risk management forms an integral part of our control processes. It ensures that we are mindful of risks 
involved in our activities and can identify any financial or nonfinancial risks at an early stage. We at-
tempt to avoid or mitigate risks by taking appropriate countermeasures, or to transfer them to third 
parties (such as insurers) to the extent possible and economically acceptable.  

The internal control system (ics) applied to our accounting processes enables timely risk monitor-
ing. This ensures the accuracy of our financial reporting along with the prevention or, where necessary, 
rectification of errors in the processing of business transactions. It also ensures the availability of relia-
ble data on the company’s financial situation.  

However, the control and risk management system cannot provide absolute protection against losses 
arising from business risks or fraudulent actions.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Bayer Annual Report 2015

GRI 
G4-26 

DETAILED REPORTING 
To maximize transparency, we provide regular and timely information on the Group’s position and sig-
nificant changes in business activities to stockholders, financial analysts, stockholders’ associations, the 
media and the general public. Bayer complies with the recommendations of the Corporate Governance 
Code by publishing reports on business trends, financial position, results of operations and related risks 
four times a year. 

In line with statutory requirements, the members of the company’s Board of Management provide an assur-
ance that, to the best of their knowledge, the financial statements of Bayer AG, the consolidated financial 
statements of the Bayer Group and the combined management report provide a true and fair view.  

The financial statements of Bayer AG, the consolidated financial statements of the Bayer Group and the 
combined management report are published within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year. In addition, 
stockholders and other interested parties are kept informed of developments during the fiscal year by 
means of financial reports issued for the half-year and the first and third quarters within 45 days after 
the end of the respective reporting period. The half-year financial report is voluntarily subjected to an 
audit review by the auditor, whose appointment by the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting also relates spe-
cifically to this audit review. 

In addition, Bayer provides information at news conferences and analysts’ meetings. The company also 
uses the internet as a platform for the timely announcement of the issue dates of major publications, 
such as the annual report and the quarterly financial reports (interim reports), and the date of the Annu-
al Stockholders’ Meeting. 

In line with the fair disclosure principle, all stockholders and the other main target groups are treated 
equally as regards the communication of valuation-relevant information. All significant new facts are 
disclosed immediately to the general public. Stockholders also have immediate access to the information 
Bayer publishes locally in compliance with the respective stock market regulations. 

In addition to our regular reporting, we issue ad-hoc statements on developments that otherwise might 
not become publicly known but have the potential to materially affect the price of Bayer stock. 

16.3 Compliance 

Bayer manages its businesses responsibly and in accordance with the statutory requirements of the 
countries in which it operates.  

We define compliance as legally and ethically impeccable conduct by all employees in their daily work, 
because the way they carry out their duties affects the company’s reputation. Bayer does not tolerate 
any violation of applicable laws, relevant codes of conduct or internal regulations. Compliance is essen-
tial for our long-term economic success. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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189 

CORPORATE COMPLIANCE 
The Board of Management is unreservedly committed to compliance, and Bayer will forgo any business 
transaction that would violate our compliance principles. These principles are enshrined in our Corpo-
rate Compliance Policy, which is available in 42 languages and sets out our commitment to: 

•  Fair competition  
•  Integrity in business dealings – including zero tolerance of corruption  
•  The principles of sustainability and product stewardship  
•  The upholding of foreign trade laws and insider trading laws  
•  The separation of business and personal interests 
•  Proper record-keeping and transparent financial reporting  
•  Fair and respectful working conditions and the avoidance of all forms of discrimination 

Every employee is required to observe these rules and to immediately report any violation of the Corpo-
rate Compliance Policy. This general reporting requirement does not apply in France due to peculiarities 
of national law. Managerial employees have a vital role to play in implementing the Corporate Compli-
ance Policy in the Bayer Group. As role models, they help to ensure this essential code of conduct is 
actively adhered to. Managers may lose their entitlement to variable compensation components and be 
subject to further disciplinary measures if systematic violations of applicable law have occurred in their 
sphere of responsibility. Compliant and lawful conduct factors into the performance evaluations of all 
managerial employees. 

Adherence to the Corporate Compliance Policy is among the subjects covered in all audits conducted by 
Bayer’s Internal Audit. Audits are planned using a function- and risk-based approach that also takes a 
corruption awareness index into consideration. Audits of the major companies, which together account 
for about 90% of Group sales, are planned to take place every three years. A total of 214 audits were 
conducted in 2015. These included 38 preventive or incident-related compliance audits. The head of 
Internal Audit regularly attends the meetings of the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board, present-
ing a list of conducted audits and their outcomes at least once a year. 

COMPLIANCE ORGANIZATION 
The Bayer Group’s compliance organization is headed by the Group Compliance Officer, who regularly 
reports directly to the Chairman of the Board of Management and to the Audit Committee of the Super-
visory Board. A central compliance department supports the Group Compliance Officer in steering and 
implementing the Group-wide compliance activities. In 2015 each subgroup and service company had 
its own compliance officer, whose responsibilities included ensuring adherence to subgroup- or indus-
try-specific standards. A central compliance officer – supported where necessary by further compliance 
functions – is available in every country or country group to answer questions from all employees re-
garding lawful and ethical behavior in business-related situations. 

The compliance organization operates in accordance with international standards such as the oecd 
Recommendations of the Council for Further Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in Interna-
tional Business Transactions.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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16. Corporate Governance Report 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Group target 2015: 
conducting preventive 
risk assessments in all 
three subgroups 

  See also Chapter 
1.4 for Group 
targets 

The mission and the goals of the Bayer Group’s compliance organization are set forth in our Compliance 
Charter, which forms the basis for proactive, risk-based, collaborative cooperation with the operational 
business aimed at early prevention of compliance violations. For compliance to continue developing as a 
permanent, active part of Bayer’s corporate culture, it must be integrated into all operational business 
units and their work processes.  

A Group-wide compliance management system serves the purpose of early prevention. This system is 
based on partnership with the operational business and features dialogue, transparency and continuous 
improvement. It also includes the punishment of compliance violations. 

The preventive approach is driven by the Integrated Compliance Management (icm) project. This pro-
motes close, systematic cooperation between compliance experts and operational business managers. 
With the help of icm, relevant business risks can be identified and minimized. A systematic process is in 
place involving roundtable meetings to discuss identified compliance risks and coordinate steps to 
mitigate them. The participants in these roundtables are the compliance functions and the operational 
business managers. The results of the roundtables are entered and tracked in a Group-wide compliance 
risk management database. 

In line with our Group target, we had carried out comprehensive, preemptive risk assessments in the 
holding company, all three subgroups and the country organizations by the end of 2015. The project 
also includes regular self-monitoring by the operational business units based on appropriate auditing 
and inspection procedures. icm is focused on the areas of antitrust law, anticorruption measures, export 
control, conflicts of interest, insider trading, antidiscrimination and privacy. At the beginning of 2016, 
the project was transferred to the company’s compliance and privacy organization. 

Compliance violations can be reported – anonymously if desired – via a central, global compliance hot-
line, which was switched in 2015 to a new international provider offering additional services. In 2015 
the compliance organization received a total of 185 reports via this compliance hotline (121 of these 
anonymous), which is also accessible to the general public. Of these reports, 10 came from Germany 
and 175 from other countries. As an alternative to the compliance hotline, suspected compliance viola-
tions may also be reported to the compliance officer for the respective country organization or to Inter-
nal Audit.  

All suspected compliance violations in the Group are recorded according to uniform criteria and dealt 
with under the rules set forth in Bayer’s Directive on the Management of Compliance Incidents. 

 online annex: 3-16.3-1 

Where an investigation confirms that a compliance violation has occurred, the company has a gradu-
ated set of measures at its disposal. These include a verbal or written warning, transfer to a different 
unit, cancellation of a planned promotion, a reduction in the short-term incentive payment, down-
grading to a lower collectively agreed pay rate or managerial contract level, and ordinary or extraor-
dinary termination. This does not preclude the company from asserting further claims against the 
employee concerned for cost reimbursement or damages or from initiating a criminal prosecution. 
The action taken in each case depends on the gravity of the compliance violation and on applicable 
law. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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191 

COMPLIANCE TRAINING AND COMMUNICATIONS 
Group-wide training programs tailored to requirements and target groups, along with extensive com-
munications activities, help to further raise the employees’ awareness for compliance issues and the 
risks involved. In 2015, 38,609 Bayer managers, or 96.6% of the global total, took a compliance training 
program. This was in line with the Group target. 

Group target 2015: 
annual compliance 
training for all Bayer 
managers (> 99%) 

 online annex: 3-16.3-2 

The aim of these targeted training programs is to ensure that employees do not overstep boundaries 
out of ignorance or uncertainty. Our compliance training programs reflect the focus areas of the icm 
project and are available in various formats to meet the needs of different employee groups. Some 
take the form of web-based training (wbt) programs, while others involve face-to-face training ses-
sions or workshops.  

  See also Chapter 
1.4 for Group 
targets  

In 2015, we implemented a new global web-based training program in 83 countries on the subject of 
conflicts of interest. This program, initially available in 10 languages, has already been completed by 
26,163 employees.  

New hires and employees switching to different areas of responsibility within Bayer are regularly in-
vited to participate in the training programs relevant to their functions. This ensures that all new em-
ployees receive the appropriate compliance training. 

In view of the particularly strict compliance rules in the area of health care, we offer special training 
programs for the employees working in this field. Further details are given in Chapter 7 “Procure-
ment, Products, Logistics, Distribution.”  

  See Chapter 7.3 

We again ran a broad-based communications campaign in 2015 to provide comprehensive infor-
mation to all employees about compliance and the availability of advice from compliance staff under 
the new partnering concept, as well as to enhance their awareness for compliance-critical situations. 
The communications activities in 2015 focused on conflicts of interest and product-related communi-
cations. A wide range of internal media offerings was available on both topics. At the start of the 
year, a quiz provided the opportunity for employees to refresh their knowledge of various aspects of 
compliance.  

16.4 Compensation Report 

The Compensation Report describes the essential features of the compensation system for the mem-
bers of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board and explains the compensation of the 
individual members. The report conforms to the requirements of the German Commercial Code includ-
ing the principles of German Accounting Standard No. 17 (drs 17). It also complies with the recom-
mendations of the German Corporate Governance Code and with the International Financial Reporting 
Standards (ifrs). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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16.4.1 Compensation of the Board of Management 

OBJECTIVES 
The structure of the compensation system for the Board of Management of Bayer AG is aimed at en-
suring performance-oriented corporate governance and a long-term increase in the company’s value. 
The core elements of the system include fixed compensation, which takes into account the tasks and 
duties of the Board of Management members, and an incentivized component – the short-term incen-
tive (sti) –, which depends on the attainment of the annual corporate performance targets. In addition 
to the compensation directly related to each year of service, there are two long-term stock-based com-
ponents that are directly related to the development of Bayer’s share price over time and thus are 
intended to create an incentive for a sustained commitment to the company. The system is also de-
signed to enable the company to successfully compete for highly qualified executives and to ensure 
statutory and regulatory compliance. Board of Management compensation is in line with the basic 
principles of the compensation structure for managerial employees in the Bayer Group. The appropri-
ateness of the system and the compensation level are regularly reviewed by the Supervisory Board, 
which then makes any necessary adjustments. 

COMPENSATION STRUCTURE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2015  
The compensation paid to the members of the Board of Management includes both non-performance-
related and performance-related components. The compensation structure, based on average total 
annual compensation and 100% target attainment, is as follows:  

Board of Management Compensation Structure (German Commercial Code) 1

[Graphic 3.16.1]

~ 30%

Fixed annual compensation

~ 30%

Short-term variable
cash compensation 
(50% STI)

1 Excluding fringe benefits and pension entitlements

~ 40%

Long-term variable
cash compensation

~ 10% Aspire

~ 30% Virtual shares

(50% STI)

The non-performance-related compensation comprises the fixed annual compensation along with fringe 
benefits. The performance-related compensation partly comprises a variable component (sti), of which 
50% takes the form of short-term variable cash compensation and 50% consists of long-term cash 
compensation involving a grant of virtual Bayer shares that are retained for three years. The other per-
formance-related compensation component serving as a long-term incentive is the stock-based cash 
compensation program Aspire, where a four-year retention period applies.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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193 

The individual performance-related components are capped at the grant date. The cap on the total com-
pensation is 1.8 times the respective target compensation and is determined annually when the fixed 
compensation is set.  

The members of the Board of Management also receive pension entitlements for themselves and their 
surviving dependents. 

Non-performance-related components 
Fixed annual compensation 
The level of the non-performance-related, fixed annual compensation takes into account the functions 
and responsibilities assigned to the members of the Board of Management as well as market conditions. 
The fixed compensation is regularly reviewed by the Supervisory Board in light of the consumer price 
index and adjusted if necessary. It is paid out in twelve monthly installments.  

Fringe benefits 
This component mainly includes perquisites such as a company car with driver or the use of the com-
pany carpool, payments toward the cost of security equipment, and the reimbursement of the cost of 
annual health screening examinations. Fringe benefits are reported at cost or the amount of the pecuni-
ary advantage gained.  

Performance-related components 
Short-term variable cash compensation 
The short-term variable compensation (short-term incentive, or sti) is based on a set percentage of the 
fixed annual compensation (target value). This amount is adjusted according to the target attainments of 
the Bayer Group, the subgroups and the individual Board of Management member.  

The Group component is determined in relation to core earnings per share of the Group, while the sub-
group components are governed by the weighted average target attainments of the HealthCare, Crop-
Science and Covestro subgroups. The annual subgroup targets are derived from the respective business 
strategies and operational priorities. The target attainment for HealthCare and CropScience is mainly 
based on the comparison of target and actual values for the ebitda margin before special items and 
sales growth. At Covestro it is measured in terms of the cash flow return on investment (cfroi). Target 
attainment also takes into account qualitative objectives including safety, compliance and sustainability 
aspects.  

The target attainment for the individual component of the variable compensation is determined by the 
Supervisory Board. One half of the sti for each year is paid out in the second quarter of the following 
year, while the other half is granted in the form of virtual Bayer shares. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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16. Corporate Governance Report 

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Short-Term Variable Compensation (STI) Components

[Graphic 3.16.2]

STI

Group
component

Subgroup
component

Individual
component

1/ 3 of STI target value

1 / 3 of STI target value

1 / 3 of STI target value

Based on Group target
attainment (core earnings
per share)

Based on attainment of
financial and qualitative targets
by the three subgroups
(weighted average)

Based on individual 
performance

Long-term variable cash compensation based on virtual Bayer shares 
Both the number of virtual shares granted and the amount of the payment at the end of the retention 
period are based on the average official closing prices of Bayer shares over the last 30 trading days of the 
respective year in the Xetra system of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. A cash payment with respect to the 
number of virtual shares held is made at the end of the three-year period according to the market price of 
Bayer shares at that time. In addition, the members of the Board of Management receive an amount 
equal to the total dividends paid on the equivalent number of real shares during the period. Payment is 
made in January of the year following the end of the three-year retention period. This payment is capped 
at 200% of the amount converted into virtual shares at the beginning of the three-year period. No option 
exists for the Board of Management members to extend the retention period or defer the payout. When a 
member leaves the Board of Management, the retention period for two-thirds of each tranche is short-
ened to two years. If the member leaves during a fiscal year, payment is made immediately with respect 
to two-thirds of any tranche that has already been retained for more than two years. The remaining one-
third of each tranche continues to be subject to the three-year retention period. 

Long-term stock-based cash compensation (Aspire I) 
Members of the Board of Management are eligible to participate in the annual tranches of the long-term 
stock-based compensation program Aspire i ("Aspire") on condition that they purchase a certain num-
ber of Bayer shares – determined for each individual according to specific guidelines – as a personal 
investment and for as long as they continue in the service of the Bayer Group. The payments made 
under this program are based on the Aspire Target Opportunity, which is a contractually agreed per-
centage of fixed annual compensation. Depending on the performance of Bayer stock, both in absolute 
terms and relative to the euro stoxx 50 benchmark index, participants are granted an award of be-
tween 0% and 300% of their individual Aspire Target Opportunity at the end of the performance peri-
od. The payout / performance matrix according to the absolute and relative development of Bayer’s 
share price is explained at http://www.investor.bayer.com/en/stock/stock-programs/aspire/.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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Tranches of the Aspire Program

[Graphic 3.16.3]

2011 – 2014

2012 – 2015

2013 – 2016

2014 – 2017

2015 – 2018

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Performance period

When a member of the Board of Management retires, current tranches may be shortened, thus reducing 
their value. In this case, tranches up to the one issued in 2011 were shortened on a pro-rated basis 
according to the duration of the member’s active service on the Board of Management during the period 
of the tranche; tranches issued in 2012 or later are shortened according to the duration of the member’s 
active service on the Board of Management during the first year of the tranche. 

Expanded Share Ownership Guidelines 
On top of the requirement for participants in the Aspire program to make a personal investment in 
Bayer shares, the members of the Board of Management have undertaken to comply with expanded 
Share Ownership Guidelines. These require the Chairman of the Board of Management to build a posi-
tion in Bayer shares to the value of 150% of his fixed annual compensation, and the other members to 
the value of 100% of their fixed annual salaries, within four years and to continue to hold them for as 
long as they remain Board of Management members. Half the number of virtual shares granted to them 
through conversion of 50% of the sti into virtual shares counts toward this position. The Board of Man-
agement members must provide documentary evidence of their compliance with this obligation for the 
first time at the end of the four-year position-building period and again yearly thereafter. In the event of 
significant changes in fixed annual compensation, the value to which shares must be held is adjusted 
accordingly.  

Pension entitlements (retirement and surviving dependents’ pensions) 
The members of the Board of Management appointed prior to 2013 are generally entitled to receive a 
lifelong company pension after leaving the Bayer Group, though not before the age of 60. This pension 
is normally paid out in the form of a monthly life annuity. Dr. Marijn Dekkers has the option to receive a 
capital sum in place of an annuity. 

The annual pension granted equals at least 15% of final fixed annual compensation. This percentage 
can increase with continuing service on the Board of Management up to a maximum of 60%. The ar-
rangements for surviving dependents basically provide for a widow’s pension amounting to 60% of the 
member’s pension entitlement and an orphan’s pension amounting to 15% of the member’s pension 
entitlement for each child up to an age that has been contractually agreed or set out under insurance 
conditions.  

Future pension payments are annually reviewed and adjusted based on the development of consumer 
prices. Pension rights are suspended if a member of the Board of Management works for a competitor 
of Bayer AG or of another Group company before the age of 65 without the prior written consent of the 
Supervisory Board.  

The annual pension entitlement for members of the Board of Management appointed in 2013 or thereaf-
ter is based on contributions. Bayer provides a hypothetical contribution amounting to 33% of the 
respective fixed compensation each year. This percentage is comprised of a 6% basic contribution and 
a 27% matching contribution – three times the member’s personal contribution of 9%. The total annual 
contribution is converted into a pension module according to the annuity table for the applicable tariff 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
196 

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of the Rheinische Pensionskasse VVaG pension fund. The annual pension entitlement upon retirement 
(at 62 years of age at the earliest) is the total amount of the accumulated pension modules including an 
investment bonus. The investment bonus is determined annually based on the net return on the assets 
of the Rheinische Pensionskasse VVaG minus the minimum return on the contributions that is guaran-
teed under the tariff and approved by the German Financial Supervisory Authority. Kemal Malik has 
been granted, in addition, a vested entitlement to a fixed annual pension of €80 thousand starting on his 
65th birthday. This is subject to a pro-rated reduction in the event that his term of office ends prior to 
his 65th birthday under certain conditions.  

The ultimate pension entitlement cannot be precisely determined in advance. It depends on the devel-
opment of the member’s compensation, the number of years of service on the Board of Management 
and the return on the assets of the Rheinische Pensionskasse VVaG. We currently estimate the achieva-
ble total pension entitlement at approximately 45% of a member’s annual fixed compensation immedi-
ately prior to retirement, with roughly 38% financed by the company and 7% by the member of the 
Board of Management. 

Certain assets are administered by Bayer Pension Trust e.V. under a contractual trust arrangement (cta), 
providing substantial additional security for pension obligations resulting from direct commitments for 
members of the Board of Management in Germany.  

Benefits upon termination of service on the Board of Management 
Post-contractual noncompete agreements  
Post-contractual noncompete agreements exist with the members of the Board of Management, provid-
ing for compensatory payments to be made by the company for the two-year duration of these agree-
ments. The compensatory payment amounts to 100% of the average fixed compensation for the twelve 
months preceding their departure. The post-contractual noncompete agreement with Dr. Marijn Dek-
kers was rescinded without compensation when his service contract was extended in June 2014 in line 
with previous practice in a similar case. 

Change of control 
Agreements exist with the members of the Board of Management providing for severance indemnity in 
certain circumstances in the event of a change in control. The amount of any possible severance indem-
nity in the case of early termination of service on the Board of Management as a result of a change in 
control is limited to the value of three years’ compensation in line with the recommendation in Section 
4.2.3 of the German Corporate Governance Code. Such payments do not exceed the compensation 
payable for the remaining term of the service contract. 

Unfitness for work 
In the event of temporary unfitness for work, members of the Board of Management continue to receive 
the contractually agreed compensation. Bayer AG may early terminate the service contract if the mem-
ber has been continuously unfit for work for at least 18 months and is likely to be permanently incapa-
ble of fully performing his duties (permanent incapacity to work). A disability pension is paid in the 
event of contract termination before the age of 60 due to permanent incapacity to work. For the mem-
bers appointed to the Board of Management prior to 2013, the disability pension, like the retirement 
pension, amounts to at least 15% of the final fixed compensation and can increase with continuing 
service on the Board of Management up to a maximum of 60%. For members of the Board of Manage-
ment appointed in 2013 or thereafter, the amount of the disability pension under the service contract 
corresponds to the entitlement accrued on the date of contract termination, taking into account a ficti-
tious period of service between that date and the member’s 55th birthday, where applicable. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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197 

COMPENSATION OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT IN 2015 
The aggregate compensation for the members of the Board of Management in 2015 totaled €17,918 
thousand (2014: €15,648 thousand), comprising €4,662 thousand (2014: €4,561 thousand) in non-
performance-related components and €13,256 thousand (2014: €11,087 thousand) in performance-
related components. The pension service cost amounted to €1,847 thousand (2014: €1,385 thousand).   

There were no changes in the membership of the Board of Management or the terms of office of the 
members in 2015. 

Effective January 1, 2016, the Board of Management of Bayer AG was enlarged to eight members. In 
addition to the existing functions, three further functions were created that bear special responsibility 
for the newly defined operating divisions of the Group. The following new members were appointed to 
the Board of Management: 

(cid:120)  Dieter Weinand, responsible for the Pharmaceuticals Division 
(cid:120)  Erica Mann, responsible for the Consumer Health Division 
(cid:120)  Liam Condon, responsible for the Crop Science Division 

Also effective January 1, 2016, Dr. Hartmut Klusik succeeded Michael König as the member of the 
Board of Management responsible for Human Resources, Technology and Sustainability. 

The following table shows the total compensation of the individual members of the Board of Manage-
ment who served in 2014 and / or 2015 according to the German Commercial Code:  

Board of Management Compensation (German Commercial Code) 

[Table 3.16.2] 

Fixed annual 
compensation 

Fringe benefits 

Short-term 
variable cash 
compensation 

Long-term variable cash 
compensation based on virtual 
Bayer shares 1 

Long-term 
stock-based 
cash 
compensation 
(Aspire) 2 

Aggregate 
compensation 

Pension  
service cost 3 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2014 

2015 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

€  
thou- 
sand 

 €  
thou- 
sand 

€  
thou- 
sand 

€  
thou- 
sand 

€  
thou- 
sand 

€  
thou- 
sand 

No. of 
shares 

€  
thou- 
sand 

No. of 
shares 

€  
thou- 
sand 

€  
thou- 
sand 

€  
thou- 
sand 

€  
thou- 
sand 

€  
thou- 
sand 

€  
thou- 
sand 

€  
thou- 
sand 

Serving members of the Board of Management as of December 31, 2015 

Dr. Marijn 
Dekkers 
(Chairman) 

Werner 
Baumann 

4 

Johannes 
Dietsch 

Michael 
König  

Kemal 
Malik 

1,363 

1,374 

42 

40 

1,828 

1,995 

15,809 

1,828 

16,739 

1,995 

414 

398 

5,475 

5,802 

722 

967 

899 

906 

67 

47 

1,051 

1,237 

9,088 

1,051 

10,377 

1,237 

273 

262 

3,341 

3,689 

204 

227 

240 

725 

22 

44 

280 

917 

2,424 

280 

7,698 

917 

– 

210 

822 

2,813 

65 

220 

719 

725 

222 

36 

841 

917 

7,271 

841 

7,698 

917 

218 

210 

2,841 

2,805 

176 

211 

659 

725 

72 

40 

771 

917 

6,665 

771 

7,698 

917 

– 

210 

2,273 

2,809 

216 

222 

Former members 

Prof. Dr. 
Wolfgang 
5 
Plischke 

Total 

238 

– 

4,118 

4,455 

18 

443 

– 

280 

– 

2,485 

287 

– 

– 

73 

– 

896 

– 

2 

– 

207 

5,051 

5,983 

43,742 

5,058 

50,210 

5,983 

978 

1,290 

15,648 

17,918 

1,385 

1,847 

1 Fair value at conversion date  
2
 Fair value at grant date 
3 Including company contribution to Bayer-Pensionskasse VVaG or Rheinische Pensionskasse VVaG 
4 The increased variable compensation for Werner Baumann resulted mainly from his temporary duties as head of Bayer HealthCare in addition to his primary responsibilities as a 

member of the Board of Management. 
5
 Prof. Dr. Plischke stepped down from the Board of Management as of midnight on April 29, 2014. In return for his acceptance of the early change made to the system of variable 
cash compensation in 2010, Prof. Dr. Plischke in 2014 received one additional virtual Bayer share resulting from the conversion of the STI into virtual Bayer shares.  

Fixed annual compensation 
The fixed compensation of the members of the Board of Management was adjusted in 2015. The total 
fixed compensation of all the members was €4,455 thousand (2014: €4,118 thousand).  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Short-term variable cash compensation 
The total short-term variable cash compensation (short-term portion of the sti) for all the members of 
the Board of Management in 2015 totaled €5,983 thousand (2014: €5,051 thousand) after deduction of 
the solidarity contribution. Provisions of €5,983 thousand (2014: €4,771 thousand) were established for 
payment of this compensation component to the members of the Board of Management serving as of 
December 31, 2015. The solidarity contribution is made by all employees of the companies covered by 
the respective agreements with the employee representatives to help safeguard jobs at the German 
sites. For 2015 it amounted to 0.20% (2014: 0.27%) of each member’s total sti award.   

Long-term variable cash compensation based on virtual Bayer shares 
The conversion of 50% of the sti for 2015 into virtual Bayer shares was based on an average price of 
€119.17 (2014: €115.66).   

The long-term variable cash compensation based on virtual Bayer shares that is included in the aggre-
gate compensation according to the German Commercial Code was valued at €5,983 thousand (2014: 
€5,058 thousand). The aggregate compensation according to the ifrs also includes a change of €556 
thousand (2014: €1,559 thousand) in the value of existing entitlements.  

Provisions of €18,663 thousand (2014: €17,775 thousand) existed as of December 31, 2015, for the 
future cash disbursements to currently serving members of the Board of Management based on the 
virtual Bayer shares granted in the respective year. This amount also contains the dividend attributable 
to the respective prior year. 

Long-term stock-based cash compensation (Aspire) 
The long-term stock-based cash compensation under the Aspire program is included in the aggregate 
compensation according to the German Commercial Code at its fair value of €1,290 thousand (2014: 
€978 thousand) at the respective grant date.  

According to the ifrs, the aggregate compensation includes the fair value of the partial entitlement 
earned in the respective year. Grants of stock-based compensation with a four-year performance period 
are therefore expensed at their respective fair values over four years starting with the grant year. The 
aggregate compensation according to the ifrs also includes the change in the value of existing entitle-
ments under ongoing Aspire tranches granted in prior years as stock-based compensation according to 
the ifrs.  

Board of Management Compensation – Aspire Program (IFRS) 

[Table 3.16.3]

Serving members of the Board of Management  
as of December 31, 2015 

Former 
members 

Dr. Marijn 
Dekkers 
(Chairman) 

Werner 
Baumann 

Johannes 
Dietsch 3 

Michael 
König 3 

Kemal 
Malik 3 

Prof. Dr. 
Wolfgang 
Plischke 

Total 

€ thousand  

€ thousand  

€ thousand  

€ thousand  

€ thousand  

€ thousand  

€ thousand  

Stock-based 
compensation 
entitlements earned in 
the respective year 

1 

Change in value of 
existing entitlements 

2 

Total 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

980 

1,186 

108 

272 

1,088 

1,458 

597 

684 

71 

154 

668 

838 

225 

78 

21 

18 

246 

96 

265 

246 

24 

43 

289 

289 

263 

247 

48 

56 

311 

303 

– 

1,161 

– 

144 

– 

1,305 

2,330 

3,602 

272 

687 

2,602 

4,289 

1 The newly earned entitlements are derived from the 2012 – 2015 (2014: 2011 – 2014) tranches of the Aspire program because this compensation 

was or is being earned over a four-year period. They are stated at their pro-rated fair values in 2014 and 2015, respectively. 

2 This line shows the change in the value of the entitlements already earned in 2012, 2013 and 2014 (2014: 2011, 2012 and 2013). 
3 The Aspire entitlements earned in 2014 and 2015 and the value changes for Johannes Dietsch, Michael König and Kemal Malik relate in part to 

Aspire tranches granted to them before they joined the Board of Management but not yet fully earned. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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199 

Provisions of €7,110 thousand (2014: €7,155 thousand) were established for the Aspire entitlements of 
the members of the Board of Management serving as of December 31, 2015.  

Pension entitlements 
The pension service cost recognized for the members of the Board of Management in 2015 according to 
the German Commercial Code was €1,847 thousand (2014: €1,385 thousand), while the current service 
cost for pension entitlements recognized according to the ifrs was €2,891 thousand (2014: €1,716 
thousand). 

The service cost and the settlement or present value of the pension obligations attributable to the indi-
vidual members of the Board of Management are shown in the following table. 

Pension Entitlements (German Commercial Code and IFRS) 

German Commercial Code 

[Table 3.16.4]

IFRS 

Pension service cost 1 

Settlement value of 
pension obligation 
as of December 31 

Service cost for 
pension entitlements 

Present value of defined 
benefit pension obligation 
as of December 31 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

Serving members of the Board of Management as of December 31, 2015 

Dr. Marijn Dekkers  

Werner Baumann 

Johannes Dietsch 

Michael König 

Kemal Malik 

Former members 

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Plischke 

2 

722 

204 

65 

176 

216 

2 

967 

227 

220 

211 

222 

8,256 

5,738 

2,160 

1,626 

231 

11,014 

7,022 

2,681 

2,371 

516 

877 

259 

85 

222 

273 

1,418 

385 

355 

361 

372 

12,812 

10,701 

4,133 

3,259 

1,343 

14,106 

10,131 

3,995 

3,559 

1,700 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Total 

1,385 

1,847 

18,011 

23,604 

1,716 

2,891 

32,248 

33,491 

1 Including company contribution to Bayer-Pensionskasse VVaG or Rheinische Pensionskasse VVaG 
2 Prof. Dr. Plischke stepped down from the Board of Management as of midnight on April 29, 2014. 

The difference between the pension service cost according to the German Commercial Code and the 
service cost for pension entitlements according to the ifrs arises from the difference in the valuation 
principles used in calculating the settlement value according to the German Commercial Code and the 
present value of the defined benefit pension obligation according to the ifrs. 

Benefits upon termination of service on the Board of Management 
It was agreed with Michael König that he be granted benefits of €1,131 thousand in connection with the 
mutually agreed early termination effective December 31, 2015, of his service contract, which originally 
ran until March 31, 2016. These benefits comprised fixed compensation, short-term variable compensa-
tion components (sti), Aspire and pension contributions – each for the period January 1 to March 31, 
2016 –, along with the fair value of the accelerated vested portions of the existing Aspire tranches. The 
fixed compensation and short-term variable compensation component, together amounting to €375 thou-
sand, will be paid during the first half of 2016. The payments from the Aspire tranches will be made upon 
expiration of each tranche based on the respective Aspire program parameters. In addition, a two-year 
non-compete agreement ending on December 31, 2017, exists with Michael König under his service 
contract. The resulting compensatory payment of €725 thousand per year will be made to him in monthly 
installments. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
200 

Combined Management Report 

16. Corporate Governance Report 

The aggregate compensation according to ifrs is shown in the following table: 

Board of Management Compensation according to IFRS 

Fixed annual compensation 

Fringe benefits 

Total short-term non-performance-related compensation 

Short-term performance-related cash compensation 

Total short-term compensation 

Stock-based compensation (virtual Bayer shares) earned in the respective year 

Change in value of existing entitlements to stock-based compensation (virtual Bayer shares) 

Stock-based compensation (Aspire) earned in the respective year 

Change in value of existing entitlements to stock-based compensation (Aspire) 

Total stock-based compensation (long-term incentive) 

Service cost for pension entitlements earned in the respective year 

Total long-term compensation 

Severance indemnity in connection with the termination of a service contract 

Aggregate compensation (IFRS) 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

[Table 3.16.5]

2014 

2015 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

4,118 

443 

4,561 

5,051 

9,612 

5,058 

1,559 

3,602 

687 

10,906 

1,716 

12,622 

– 

22,234 

4,455 

207 

4,662 

5,983 

10,645 

5,983 

556 

2,330 

272 

9,141 

2,891 

12,032 

1,131 

23,808 

  See Chapter 1.2 for 
details of Bayer’s 
new corporate 
structure effective 
2016. 

COMPENSATION STRUCTURE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2016  
The structure of the compensation package for the Board of Management of Bayer AG and the compen-
sation level are intended to be sustainable, performance-based and appropriate. To ensure this, the 
Supervisory Board regularly reviews the compensation system and adjusts it as necessary. The most 
recent comprehensive review of the system, which the Supervisory Board performed in the third quarter 
of 2015, revealed a need for adjustments, mainly in view of the new divisional structure and the increase 
in the number of members of the Board of Management from five to eight. The review also showed that 
adjustments were necessary in light of the target positioning in relation to the other dax companies. 
The review and the new compensation structure are based on an expert report from an independent 
compensation consultant. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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201 

The target percentages for the short- and long-term variable compensation are in the future the same 
for all the members of the Board of Management. The new structure featuring 100% fixed compensa-
tion, 100% target amount for the short-term variable compensation and 150% for the long-term varia-
ble compensation is intended to provide even greater encouragement for performance-oriented govern-
ance geared to long-term success. 

In the future, the short-term variable compensation of the Board of Management will still be based on 
the attainment of targets set for three sub-components – a Group component, a segment component 
and an individual performance component – each of which will be given a weighting of one-third when 
evaluating the performance of each member of the Board. The Group component, which is based on the 
core earnings per share of the Group (including Covestro), and the individual performance sub-
components based on the responsibilities of each member of the Board are basically unchanged. The 
segment component will be incentivized based on the average performance of the operating segments, 
with Pharmaceuticals having a 50% weighting, Consumer Health 20% and Crop Science (including 
Animal Health) 30%. In the case of the Board members responsible for an operating segment, however, 
this one-third is incentivized based on the profitability of the respective business only. In light of the 
legal and economic independence of Covestro and its stock market flotation in October 2015, it is no 
longer included in the evaluation of the segment-based component.  

In addition, a new stock-based cash compensation program is being introduced from 2016. In the future 
the target amounts – expressed in numbers of virtual shares – will be derived from the contractually 
agreed target percentage and the individual sti payment factors of the Board members in the year prior 
to the issuance of the respective tranche. The cash payment amounts will be determined after four years 
based on the share price then applicable, the performance of the Bayer share relative to the EuroStoxx 
50 and the dividends paid in the meantime. The cap on the payments to be made under this long-term 
compensation program newly introduced from 2016 is 250%, compared to 300% under the predeces-
sor program. Thus the new compensation system maintains consistency between the Board of Man-
agement and other management levels. In the case of the Board of Management, however, an additional 
payment hurdle related to the EuroStoxx 50 has been introduced for the lti plan. 

To reduce complexity and enhance transparency, the long-term variable cash compensation component 
based on the conversion of part of the sti into virtual Bayer shares is now discontinued and the Share 
Ownership Guidelines have been simplified. Caps continue to apply to each variable cash compensation 
component and to the maximum total cash compensation for a given year in line with the recommenda-
tion in the German Corporate Governance Code. 

The contribution-based pension has been adjusted in line with market conditions. Until now, Bayer has 
provided to the members of the Board of Management appointed in 2013 or thereafter a hypothetical 
contribution amounting to 33% of the respective fixed compensation each year. This hypothetical con-
tribution has now been increased to 42% of the respective fixed compensation, and, as in the past, is 
converted into a pension module according to the annuity table for the applicable tariff of the 
Rheinische Pensionskasse VVaG pension fund. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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16. Corporate Governance Report

203 

16.4.2 Disclosures Pursuant to the Recommendations of the 

German Corporate Governance Code  

In accordance with the recommendations of the German Corporate Governance Code, the following 
tables show the compensation – including fringe benefits – granted for 2015, indicating the target val-
ues and the maximum and minimum achievable values for the variable compensation components, 
along with the allocation of compensation. 

Compensation and Benefits Granted for 2015 

 [Table 3.16.6]

Serving members of the Board of Management as of December 31, 2015 

Serving members of the Board of Management as of December 31, 2015 

Former members 

Dr. Marijn Dekkers  
(Chairman) 

Werner Baumann 
(Strategy) 

Johannes Dietsch 1 
(Finance) 

Michael König 
(Human Resources) 

Kemal Malik 1 
(Innovation) 

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Plischke 

Joined Jan. 1, 2010 

Joined Jan. 1, 2010 

Joined Sept. 1, 2014 

Joined April 1, 2013 

Joined Feb. 1, 2014 

Stepped down April 29, 2014 

Target 
value 
2014 

€ thou-
sand 

Target 
value 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

Min. 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

Max.2 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

Fixed annual compensation 

1,363 

1,374 

1,374 

1,374 

Fringe benefits 

42 

40 

40 

40 

Total annual fixed compensation 

1,405 

1,414 

1,414 

1,414 

Target 
value 
2014 

€ thou-
sand 

899 

67 

966 

Target 
value 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

906 

47 

953 

Min. 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

906 

47 

953 

Max.2 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

906 

47 

953 

Target 
value 
2014 

€ thou-
sand 

240 

22 

262 

Target 
value 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

725 

44 

769 

Min. 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

725 

44 

769 

Max.2 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

725 

44 

769 

Target 
value 
2014 

€ thou-
sand 

719 

222 

941 

Target 
value 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

725 

36 

761 

Min. 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

725 

36 

761 

Max.2 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

725 

36 

761 

Target 
value 
2014 

€ thou-
sand 

659 

72 

731 

Target 
value 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

725 

40 

765 

Min. 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

725 

40 

765 

Max.2 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

725 

40 

765 

Target 
value 
2014 

€ thou-
sand 

238 

18 

256 

Short-term variable  
cash compensation  
(50% of STI) 

Long-term stock-based 
3 
compensation (Aspire) 

2014  
(Jan. 1, 2014 – Dec. 31, 2017)(cid:3031) 

2015  
(Jan. 1, 2015 – Dec. 31, 2018)(cid:3031) 

Long-term variable cash 
compensation  
(virtual Bayer shares) 

4 

2014  
(Jan. 1, 2015 – Dec. 31, 2017)(cid:3031) 

2015  
(Jan. 1, 2016 – Dec. 31, 2018)(cid:3031) 

1,466 

1,477 

0 

2,955 

843 

849 

0 

1,699 

225 

679 

0 

1,359 

674 

679 

0 

1,359 

618 

679 

0 

1,359 

225 

545 

– 

– 

– 

359 

– 

– 

– 

107 

– 

– 

550 

0 

1,649 

– 

362 

0 

1,087 

– 

290 

– 

0 

– 

870 

288 

– 

– 

290 

– 

0 

– 

135 

– 

870 

– 

290 

– 

0 

– 

96 

870 

– 

1,466 

– 

– 

– 

843 

– 

– 

– 

225 

– 

– 

– 

674 

– 

– 

– 

618 

– 

– 

– 

230 

– 

1,477 

0 

5,909 

– 

849 

0 

3,397 

– 

679 

0 

2,718 

– 

679 

0 

2,718 

– 

679 

0 

2,718 

– 

Total  

4,882 

4,918 

1,414  11,927 

3,011 

3,013 

Service cost / benefit expense 

722 

967 

967 

967 

204 

227 

953 

227 

7,136 

819 

2,417 

227 

65 

220 

Total compensation 

5,604 

5,885 

2,381  12,894 

3,215 

3,240 

1,180 

7,363 

884 

2,637 

769 

220 

989 

5,716 

220 

5,936 

1 The compensation and fringe benefits paid to Johannes Dietsch and Kemal Malik in 2014 relate solely to their service on the Board of Management.  

The 2014 Aspire tranche was granted to Johannes Dietsch and Kemal Malik prior to the dates on which they were appointed to the Board of Management. The vesting periods 
for these tranches extend past those dates.  

2 The maximum achievable variable compensation shown here does not yet take into account the caps applicable. Payments in a single year are limited to 1.8 times the target 

compensation (see “Compensation structure” in Chapter 16.4.1). 

3 Capped at 300% 
4 Capped at 200% of the maximum short-term variable cash compensation (50% of STI) 

2,577 

2,409 

176 

211 

2,753 

2,620 

761 

211 

972 

5,708 

2,102 

2,413 

211 

216 

222 

5,919 

2,318 

2,635 

765 

222 

987 

5,712 

807 

222 

2 

5,934 

809 

Target 
value 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

Min. 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

Max. 
2015 

€ thou-
sand 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
    
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Combined Management Report

16. Corporate Governance Report

205 

[Table 3.16.7]

Former members  

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang  
Plischke 

204 

Combined Management Report 

16. Corporate Governance Report 

Allocation of Compensation for 2014 and 2015 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Serving members of the Board of Management as of December 31, 2015 

Serving members of the Board of Management as of December 31, 2015

Dr. Marijn Dekkers  
(Chairman) 

Werner Baumann 
(Strategy) 

Johannes Dietsch 
(Finance) 

Joined Jan. 1, 2010 

Joined Jan. 1, 2010 

Joined Sept. 1, 2014 

Michael König 
(Human Resources) 

Joined April 1, 2013 

Kemal Malik 
(Innovation) 

Joined Feb. 1, 2014 

Stepped down April 29, 2014 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

Fixed annual compensation 

Fringe benefits 

Total 

Short-term variable cash  
compensation  

for 2014 

for 2015 1 

Long-term stock-based cash 
compensation (Aspire) 

2010  
(Jan. 1, 2010 – Dec. 31, 2013) 2 

2011  
(Jan. 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2014) 

Long-term cash compensation 
(virtual Bayer shares) 

2010  
(Jan. 1, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2013) 

2011  
(Jan. 1, 2012 – Dec. 31, 2014) 

Advance payment of 2/3 of long-
term cash compensation (virtual 
Bayer shares) 

2011  
(Jan. 1, 2012 – Dec. 31, 2014) 

Total 

Service cost(cid:3031)/(cid:3031)benefit expense 

Total compensation 

1,363 

42 

1,405 

1,828 

– 

960 

– 

1,374 

40 

1,414 

– 

1,995 

– 

1,459 

1,594 

– 

– 

2,841 

– 

5,787 

722 

6,509 

– 

7,709 

967 

8,676 

899 

67 

966 

1,051 

– 

759 

– 

978 

– 

– 

3,754 

204 

3,958 

906 

47 

953 

– 

1,237 

– 

769 

– 

1,307 

– 

4,266 

227 

4,493 

240 

22 

262 

280 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

542 

65 

607 

725 

44 

769 

– 

917 

– 

297 

– 

– 

– 

1,983 

220 

2,203 

1 The increased variable compensation for Werner Baumann resulted mainly from his temporary duties as head of Bayer HealthCare in addition to his primary responsibilities as a 

member of the Board of Management. 

2 The payment to Michael König from the 2010 Aspire tranche and the payments to Johannes Dietsch, Michael König and Kemal Malik from the 2011 Aspire tranche related to 
vesting periods that began before they joined the Board of Management. The tranches were not yet fully vested at the dates on which they joined the Board of Management. 

719 

222 

941 

841 

– 

35 

– 

– 

– 

725 

36 

761 

– 

917 

– 

191 

– 

– 

659 

72 

731 

771 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

725 

40 

765 

– 

917 

– 

384 

– 

– 

– 

1,817 

176 

1,993 

– 

1,869 

211 

2,080 

– 

1,502 

216 

1,718 

– 

2,066 

222 

2,288 

238 

18 

256 

280 

– 

759 

– 

1,026 

– 

915 

3,236 

2 

3,238 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
206 

Combined Management Report 

16. Corporate Governance Report 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

16.4.3 Compensation of the Supervisory Board 

The Supervisory Board is compensated according to the relevant provisions of the Articles of 
Incorporation.  

The members of the Supervisory Board receive fixed annual compensation of €120,000 plus reim-
bursement of their expenses.  

In accordance with the recommendations of the German Corporate Governance Code, additional com-
pensation is paid to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board and for chairing and 
membership of committees. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board receives fixed annual compensa-
tion of €360,000, the Vice Chairman €240,000. These amounts also cover membership and chairman-
ship of committees. The other members receive additional compensation for committee membership. 
The chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional €120,000, the other members of the Audit 
Committee €60,000 each. The chairmen of the remaining committees receive €60,000 each, the other 
members of those committees €30,000 each. No additional compensation is paid for membership of the 
Nominations Committee. A Supervisory Board member who is a member of more than two committees 
receives compensation only for the two committees with the highest compensation. If changes are made 
to the Supervisory Board and / or its committees during the year, members receive compensation on a 
pro-rated basis. The members of the Supervisory Board also receive an attendance fee of €1,000 each 
time they personally attend a meeting of the Supervisory Board or a committee. The attendance fee is 
limited to €1,000 per day. 

The members of the Supervisory Board have given a voluntary pledge that they will each purchase 
Bayer shares for 25% of their pre-tax fixed compensation, including any additional compensation for 
committee membership, and hold these shares for as long as they remain members of the Supervisory 
Board. This does not apply to members who are prevented from purchasing shares due to a service or 
employment contract with a company or who transfer at least 85% of their fixed compensation to the 
Hans Böckler Foundation in accordance with the rules of the German Trade Union Confederation or 
whose service or employment contract with a company requires them to transfer such compensation to 
that company. If less than 85% of the fixed compensation is transferred, the voluntary pledge applies to 
the portion not transferred. By voluntarily pledging to invest in and hold Bayer shares, the Supervisory 
Board members reinforce their interest in the long-term, sustainable success of the company.  

 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

16. Corporate Governance Report

207 

COMPENSATION OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD IN 2015 
The following table shows the components of each Supervisory Board member’s compensation  
for 2015.  

Compensation of the Members of the Supervisory Board of Bayer AG in 2015 

[Table 3.16.8]

Fixed compensation 

Attendance fee 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

Total 

2015 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

Members of the Supervisory Board as of December 31, 2015 

Dr. Paul Achleitner  

Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah 

Dr. Clemens Börsig 

André van Broich  

Thomas Ebeling  

Dr. Thomas Fischer  

Reiner Hoffmann 

Yüksel Karaaslan 

Petra Kronen 

Frank Löllgen 

1 

Dr. Helmut Panke 

Sue H. Rataj 

Petra Reinbold-Knape 

Michael Schmidt-Kiessling 

Dr. Klaus Sturany 

Werner Wenning (Chairman) 

Heinz Georg Webers 

2 

Prof. Dr. Otmar D. Wiestler 

3 

Prof. Dr. Dr. Ernst-Ludwig 
Winnacker 

Oliver Zühlke (Vice Chairman) 

4 

180 

81 

120 

120 

120 

180 

180 

120 

150 

– 

155 

120 

120 

120 

240 

360 

– 

0 

120 

150 

Members who left the Supervisory Board in 2014 / 2015 

Peter Hausmann 

5 

Thomas de Win 

6 

Prof. Dr. Ekkehard D. Schulz 

7 

Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld 

7 

Total 

150 

240 

59 

90 

180 

120 

120 

129 

120 

180 

180 

135 

150 

19 

180 

120 

130 

120 

240 

360 

60 

49 

137 

195 

125 

119 

– 

– 

5 

3 

4 

5 

4 

9 

8 

5 

5 

– 

5 

4 

4 

5 

8 

5 

4 

4 

6 

4 

9 

5 

6 

6 

1 

8 

5 

5 

5 

9 

10 

11 

– 

0 

5 

5 

4 

7 

3 

3 

3 

3 

6 

9 

5 

4 

– 

– 

185 

84 

124 

125 

124 

189 

188 

125 

155 

–  

160 

124 

124 

125 

248 

370 

– 

0 

125 

155 

154 

247 

62 

93 

185 

124 

124 

135 

124 

189 

185 

141 

156 

20 

188 

125 

135 

125 

249 

371 

63 

52 

143 

204 

130 

123 

– 

– 

3,175 

3,168 

111 

123 

3,286 

3,291 

1 Member of the Supervisory Board since November 3, 2015 
2 Member of the Supervisory Board since July 1, 2015 
3 Prof. Dr. Wiestler has received compensation for his membership of the Supervisory Board since September 1, 2015. Previously, his office as 

Chairman of the Management Board of the German Cancer Research Center precluded his acceptance of this compensation. 

4 Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board since July 1, 2015 
5 Member of the Supervisory Board until October 31, 2015 
6 Member and Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board until June 30, 2015 
7 Member of the Supervisory Board until 2014 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
208 

Combined Management Report 

17. Events After the End of the Reporting Period 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

In addition to their compensation as members of the Supervisory Board, those employee representa-
tives who are employees of Bayer Group companies receive compensation unrelated to their service on 
the Supervisory Board. The total amount of such compensation in 2015 was €741 thousand (2014: 
€737 thousand).  

No compensation was paid or benefits granted to members of the Supervisory Board for personally 
performed services such as consultancy or agency services. The company has purchased insurance for 
the members of the Supervisory Board to cover their personal liability arising from their service on the 
Supervisory Board. 

16.4.4 Further Information 

ADVANCES OR LOANS TO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT  
OR SUPERVISORY BOARD  
There were no advances or loans to members of the Board of Management or the Supervisory Board 
outstanding as of December 31, 2015, nor at any time during 2015 or 2014.  

PENSION PAYMENTS TO FORMER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT  
OR THEIR SURVIVING DEPENDENTS 
We currently pay retired members of the Board of Management a monthly pension equal to a maximum 
of 80% of the fixed compensation received immediately prior to retirement. The pensions paid to for-
mer members of the Board of Management or their surviving dependents are reassessed annually and 
adjusted, taking into account the development of consumer prices. The pensions paid to former mem-
bers of the Board of Management or their surviving dependents in 2015 totaled €13,416 thousand 
(2014: €13,457 thousand). These benefits are paid in addition to any amounts they receive under previ-
ous employee pension arrangements. The present value of the defined benefit pension obligation for 
former members of the Board of Management and their surviving dependents according to the ifrs 
amounted to €172,767 thousand (2014: €187,759 thousand), while the settlement value of the pension 
obligation according to the German Commercial Code amounted to €148,632 thousand (2014: €146,341 
thousand).  

Events After the End of the 
Reporting Period 

17. Events After the End of the 

Reporting Period 

DIABETES CARE BUSINESS 
Implementation of the agreement concerning the sale of the Diabetes Care business to Panasonic 
Healthcare Holdings Co, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, began on January 4, 2016, and thus after the closing date 
for the financial statements. A payment of €0.9 billion was made in January 2016 in connection with the 
sale. Bayer has entered into further significant obligations, which are to be met over the next two years. 

REDEMPTION OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 
On January 25, 2016, Bayer AG redeemed at maturity a bond with a nominal volume of €500 million 
issued under the multi-currency European Medium Term Notes program. In addition, commercial 
paper and promissory notes in a total amount of €383 million were repaid in January and February, 
2016, respectively. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

18. Future Perspectives

209 

Report on Future Perspectives 
and on Opportunities and Risks 
18. Future Perspectives 

18.1 Economic Outlook 

GLOBAL ECONOMY  

Economic Outlook 

World 

European Union 

of which Germany 

United States 

Emerging markets ² 

[Table 3.18.1]

Growth 
forecast 1  
2016 

+ 2.8% 

+ 1.9% 

+ 2.0% 

+ 2.7% 

+ 4.0% 

Growth 1 
2015 

+ 2.5% 

+ 1.8% 

+ 1.5% 

+ 2.4% 

+ 3.7% 

Growth 2015 restated 
1 Real growth of gross domestic product, source: IHS Global Insight 
2 Including about 50 countries defined by IHS Global Insight as emerging markets in line with the World Bank 
As of February 2016 

We anticipate somewhat accelerated growth for the global economy in 2016 compared with the previ-
ous year. Although further interest rate hikes by the u.s. Federal Reserve are expected following the first 
upward step in December 2015, interest rates will likely remain low overall worldwide, thus continuing 
to help stimulate the economy. A supporting effect will come from the low oil price, which will provide 
relief to consumers and strengthen private demand.  

Impetus is expected above all from the United States, where employment and consumption will proba-
bly further increase. In Europe, too, we anticipate an ongoing recovery. While the pace of economic 
growth continues to be held back by high unemployment, particularly in a number of southern Europe-
an countries, growth in Germany will presumably pick up further. In this connection, the eurozone 
countries will benefit especially from the favorable euro exchange rate.  

In the Emerging Markets as well, we expect rising growth rates again overall following a relatively weak 
prior year. By contrast, we foresee a further slowdown in growth in China. Economic output in Russia 
and Brazil will likely decline in 2016, albeit less severely than in the previous year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
210 

Combined Management Report 

18. Future Perspectives 

Economic Outlook for the Segments 

Pharmaceuticals market 

Consumer health market 

Seeds and crop protection market  

Animal health market 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

[Table 3.18.2]

Growth 
forecast 1 
2016 

+ 5% 

+ 4% 

0% 

+ 4% 

Growth 1 
2015 

+ 9% 

+ 5% 

(cid:367) 0% 

+ 5% 

1 Bayer’s estimate, except pharmaceuticals. Source for pharmaceuticals market: IMS Health. IMS Market Prognosis. Copyright 2015.  

All rights reserved; currency-adjusted; 2015 data provisional 

As of February 2016 

We expect growth in the pharmaceuticals market to be slower in 2016 than in the previous year. In 
Europe we anticipate low-single-digit percentage growth that is below the prior-year level. The pace of 
growth is likely to slacken in the Emerging Markets, while the Japanese pharmaceuticals market will 
probably stagnate. We are expecting positive momentum from the United States, where persistent 
growth, supported above all by new product launches, is forecasted. 

We anticipate that the consumer health market will grow somewhat more slowly in 2016 than in the 
previous year. We expect the cold season to be weaker than in 2015 and anticipate that fewer products 
will be reclassified as nonprescription products, particularly in the United States. Due to the economic 
development in Brazil, Russia and China, we are assuming a lower pace of growth in these countries 
than in the previous year. 

Following a weak prior year, we predict that the global seed and crop protection market will stagnate 
overall in 2016 due to high inventories and low prices for agricultural commodities. As in the previous 
year, we expect positive growth impulses to come from Europe and the Asia / Pacific region. For Asia we 
anticipate a further expansion of agricultural production. By contrast, we predict a tight market situation 
in both North and South America, with growth slower than global development. 

Following growth impetus in the animal health market over the past two years as a result of successful 
product launches, especially in the companion animals segment, we expect a slightly slower pace of 
growth for the market overall in 2016. 

Covestro foresees an improved economic climate in 2016 for its main customer industries (automo-
tive, construction, electrical and electronics, and furniture). The company believes that growth impetus 
in North America will come from an increase in private consumption and an increase in public spend-
ing. For the European Union Covestro anticipates a continuation of the economic recovery in view of the 
ongoing expansionary monetary policy and the weak euro. China will once again grow more slowly 
overall due to industrial overcapacities and a high debt level, while positive growth signals will come 
from India and Japan. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

18. Future Perspectives

211 

18.2 Forecast for Key Data 

The following forecast is based on the business development described in this report, taking into ac-
count the potential risks and opportunities and assuming the inclusion of the Covestro business for the 
full year. It refers to the new organizational structure following the restructuring of the Bayer Group 
with effect from January 1, 2016 (for more information see Chapter 1.2  “Corporate Structure“). 

Pro Forma Key Data by New Segment 

  [Table 3.18.3]

2014 

Sales 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

13,512 

15,308 

4,245 

9,494 

1,318 

1,119 

29,688 

11,651 

41,339 

6,076 

10,367 

1,490 

1,101 

34,342 

11,982 

46,324 

Change 

Fx & p 
adj. % 

+ 9.1 

+ 6.1 

+ 1.7 

+ 4.5 

– 1.1 

+ 5.7 

– 5.1 

+ 2.7 

% 

+ 13.3 

+ 43.1 

+ 9.2 

+ 13.1 

– 1.6 

+ 15.7 

+ 2.8 

+ 12.1 

EBITDA  
before special items 1 

2014 

2015 

Change 

€ million 

€ million 

4,081 

991 

2,360 

285 

(219) 

7,498 

1,187 

8,685 

4,615 

1,456 

2,416 

348 

(228) 

8,607 

1,659 

10,266 

% 

+ 13.1 

+ 46.9 

+ 2.4 

+ 22.1 

– 4.1 

+ 14.8 

+ 39.8 

+ 18.2 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health 

Crop Science 

Animal Health 

Reconciliation 

2 

Total Life Sciences 

3 

Covestro 

Group 

1 For definition see Chapter 14.2 “Calculation of EBIT(DA) Before Special Items.” 
2  Reconciliation comprises the Business Services and Currenta service companies (“Other segments”), corporate functions and  

consolidation effects. 

3 Including the service companies 

Our forecast for fiscal 2016 is based on the exchanges rates at the closing date on December 31, 2015, 
including rates of us$1.09 to the euro. A 1% appreciation (depreciation) of the euro against all other 
currencies would decrease (increase) sales on an annual basis by some €300 million and ebitda before 
special items by about €90 million. 

BAYER GROUP 
In 2016, we are planning sales of more than €47 billion for the Bayer Group, including Covestro. This 
corresponds to a low-single-digit percentage increase on a currency- and portfolio-adjusted basis. We 
plan to increase ebitda before special items by a mid-single-digit percentage. We aim to increase core 
earnings per share from continuing operations (calculated as explained in Chapter 14.3 “Core Earnings 
Per Share”) by a mid-single-digit percentage as well. It should be borne in mind that only 69% of 
Covestro will be reflected for the full year 2016. From the sale of the Diabetes Care business, we expect 
core earnings per share of just under €0.40 for discontinued operations.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
212 

Combined Management Report 

18. Future Perspectives 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

LIFE SCIENCES TOTAL 
We plan sales of approximately €35 billion for the Life Science activities, i.e. the Bayer Group excluding 
Covestro. This corresponds to a mid-single-digit percentage increase on a currency- and portfolio-
adjusted basis. We plan to increase ebitda before special items by a mid-single-digit percentage. Our 
planning includes dissynergies of around €130 million from the legal independence of Covestro and 
from divestments. 

PHARMACEUTICALS 
Despite declining price developments in some areas, we expect sales of approximately €16 billion at 
Pharmaceuticals – including the Radiology business. This corresponds to a mid-single-digit percentage 
increase on a currency- and portfolio-adjusted basis. We plan to raise sales of our recently launched 
products to more than €5 billion. We expect a mid- to high-single-digit percentage increase in ebitda 
before special items. Also, we aim to improve the ebitda margin before special items. 

CONSUMER HEALTH 
In the Consumer Health Division, we expect sales to come in at more than €6 billion. We plan to grow 
sales by a mid-single-digit percentage on a currency- and portfolio-adjusted basis. We aim to improve 
ebitda before special items by a mid-single-digit percentage.  

CROP SCIENCE 
At Crop Science we expect sales to be at the prior-year level. This corresponds to a low-single-digit 
percentage increase on a currency- and portfolio-adjusted basis. We plan to increase ebitda before 
special items by a low-single-digit percentage.  

ANIMAL HEALTH 
At Animal Health we expect sales slightly above the prior-year level. We plan a currency- and portfolio-
adjusted sales gain and an increase in ebitda before special items, each by a low- to mid-single-digit 
percentage.  

RECONCILIATION 
For 2016, we expect sales to be level with the previous year. We are planning ebitda before special 
items of roughly minus €0.2 billion. 

COVESTRO 
For 2016, Covestro is budgeting sales at the prior-year level and a decline in ebitda after adjustment for 
special items.  

FURTHER INFORMATION AND BAYER GROUP KEY DATA 
We expect to take special charges in the region of €0.5 billion in 2016, with the integration of the ac-
quired consumer care businesses and charges in connection with the reorganization of the Bayer Group 
accounting for most of this amount. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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213 

Research and Development Budget 2016

[Graphic 3.18.1]

6%

Covestro

25%

Crop Science

3%

Animal Health

2% 
Reconciliation

€4.5 billion

58%

Pharmaceuticals

6%

Consumer Health

Capital Expenditure Budget 2016

[Graphic 3.18.2]

18%

Covestro

29%

Crop Science

11% 
Reconciliation

€2.9 billion

32%

Pharmaceuticals

8%

Consumer Health

2%

Animal Health

We intend to increase our research and development spending in 2016 to approximately €4.5 billion. 
We have budgeted capital expenditures of about €2.5 billion for property, plant and equipment and 
€0.4 billion for intangible assets. Depreciation and amortization are estimated at about €3.1 billion, 
including €1.6 billion in amortization of intangible assets. 

We predict the financial result to come in at around minus €1.2 billion. The effective tax rate is likely to 
be about 24%. We expect net financial debt to be below €16 billion at the end of 2016. 

BAYER AG 
As the parent company of the Bayer Group, Bayer AG derives most of its income from its subsidiaries. 
The earnings of the major subsidiaries in Germany are transferred directly to Bayer AG under profit and 
loss transfer agreements. The earnings of Bayer AG are therefore expected to reflect the positive busi-
ness development anticipated in the Bayer Group. A concerted dividend policy within the Group ensures 
the availability of sufficient distributable income. Based on these factors, we expect Bayer AG to report 
a distributable profit that will again enable our stockholders to adequately participate in the Bayer 
Group’s earnings. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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18.3 Opportunities and Risks Report 

//   Opportunity and risk management is integral to Bayer’s Group-wide corporate  
  governance system. 

//   No risks that could endanger the Bayer Group’s continued existence are currently identified. 

18.3.1 Group-wide Opportunity and  

Risk Management System 

Responsible corporate governance forms the basis for sustainable growth and profitability. Key ele-
ments of corporate governance are the systematic identification and use of opportunities and the avoid-
ance of risks to the company’s success. 

Corporate Governance

[Graphic 3.18.3]

Corporate Governance

Business processes

Opportunity 
management

Risk management

Internal control and monitoring systems

Strategic 
& planning
processes

Internal 
control system

Compliance 
management
system

(Process risks)

(Compliance risks)

Risk early warning
system

(Risks that could endan-
ger the company’s 
continued existence)

Identification   //   Evaluation   //   Management   //   Monitoring   //   Reporting

Process-independent monitoring

The entrepreneurial decisions we make daily in the course of business processes are based on balanc-
ing opportunities and risks. We therefore regard opportunity and risk management as an integral aspect 
of business management rather than the task of a specific organizational unit. Our opportunity and risk 
management is rooted in our strategy and planning processes. Based on these, we determine relevant 
external and internal opportunities along with economic, ecological and social challenges. Opportuni-
ties and risks are identified by observing and analyzing trends along with macroeconomic, industry-
specific, regional and local developments. These opportunities and risks are then evaluated and incor-
porated into business-specific strategic and operational frameworks. We attempt to avoid or mitigate 
risks by taking appropriate countermeasures, or to transfer them to third parties (such as insurers) to 
the extent possible and economically acceptable. We consciously accept and bear manageable and 
controllable risks that stand in a reasonable relation to the anticipated opportunities. They are an aspect 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
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215 

of general entrepreneurial risk. Opportunities and risks are continuously monitored so that changes in 
the economic or legal environment, for example, can be identified at an early stage and suitable coun-
termeasures can be initiated if necessary.  

To enable the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board to monitor material business risks as 
legally required, the following systems are in place: an internal control system ensuring proper and 
effective financial reporting pursuant to Section 289, Paragraph 5 and Section 315, Paragraph 2, No. 5 
of the German Commercial Code; a compliance management system; and a risk early warning system 
pursuant to Section 91, Paragraph 2 of the German Stock Corporation Act.  

The various management systems are based on different risk types, risk levels and timelines. Different 
processes, methods and it systems are therefore applied to identify, evaluate, manage, and monitor 
risks. The principles underlying the various systems are documented in Group directives that are con-
tained in our Management Regulations (Margo) database and are accessible to all employees via the 
Bayer intranet. System owners and coordinators are named at the management level in the divisions, 
service companies, country companies and central functions of the Bayer Group. The overall responsi-
bility for the effectiveness and appropriateness of the systems lies with the Chief Financial Officer. 

The different systems are described below. 

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR (GROUP) ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL REPORTING 
(Report pursuant to Sections 289, Paragraph 5 and 315, Paragraph 2, No. 5 of the German Commercial 
Code) 

Bayer has an internal control system (ics) in place for the (Group) accounting and financial reporting 
process. This process comprises defined structures and workflows implemented throughout the organi-
zation. The purpose of our ics is to ensure proper and effective accounting and financial reporting in 
accordance with Section 289, Paragraph 5 and Section 315, Paragraph 2, No. 5 of the German Commer-
cial Code.  

The ics is designed to guarantee timely, uniform and accurate accounting for all business processes and 
transactions based on applicable statutory regulations, accounting and financial reporting standards and 
the internal Group directives that are binding upon all consolidated companies.  

The ics is based on the coso i (Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commis-
sion) and cobit (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology) frameworks and addresses 
misreporting risks in the consolidated financial statements. Risks are identified and evaluated, and steps 
are taken to counter them. Mandatory ics standards such as system-based and manual reconciliation 
processes and functional separation have been derived from these frameworks and promulgated 
throughout the Group by the Accounting unit of Bayer AG.  

The management of each Group company holds responsibility for implementing the ics standards at the 
local level. Using Bayer’s shared service centers, the Group companies prepare their financial state-
ments locally and transmit them with the aid of a standard Group data model that is based on the Group 
accounting directive. This ensures the regulatory compliance of the consolidated financial statements.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The effectiveness of the ics processes for accounting and financial reporting is evaluated on the basis of 
a cascaded self-assessment system that starts with the persons directly involved in the processes, then 
involves the principal responsible managers and ends with the Board of Management. The system also 
makes use of internal and external audits. An it application in use throughout the Bayer Group ensures 
uniform and audit-proof documentation and transparent presentation of all ics-relevant business pro-
cesses, focusing especially on the relevant risks, controls and effectiveness evaluations.  

The Board of Management has confirmed the effective functioning of the internal control system for 
accounting and financial reporting and the relevant criteria for the 2015 fiscal year. However, it should 
be noted that an internal control system, irrespective of its design, cannot provide absolute assurance 
that material misstatements in the accounting will be avoided or identified. 

COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM  
Our compliance management system is aimed at ensuring lawful, responsible and sustainable conduct 
by our employees. It is designed to identify potential violations in advance and systematically prevent 
their occurrence. The compliance management system thus contributes significantly to the integration 
of compliance into our operating units and their processes. 

In light of the Bayer Group’s diversified structure and international focus, we are active in different 
industry sectors, markets and geographical regions worldwide, each of which has its own local legisla-
tion and industry codes. Compliance risks are identified by performing a trend analysis based on cases 
reported from around the world. We embarked on the global implementation of an integrated compli-
ance management system in 2014. This system enhances the systematic and preventive identification 
and assessment of risks. Risk identification is carried out both from the bottom up via the country or-
ganizations and from the top down via the global functions, taking global, local and business-specific 
aspects into account. In addition, compliance program audits are performed by Internal Audit. These 
audits proactively evaluate the implementation of the Corporate Compliance Policy in the country organ-
izations. All the results are discussed by the local business units, the local compliance officers and rep-
resentatives of the headquarters functions at a round table and are entered into a risk database. 

RISK EARLY WARNING SYSTEM PURSUANT TO SECTION 91, PARAGRAPH 2 OF THE 
GERMAN STOCK CORPORATION ACT  
A process known as BayRisk has been established to enable the early identification of any adverse de-
velopments that are material and / or could endanger the company’s continued existence, thus satisfying 
the legal requirements regarding an early warning system for corporate risks pursuant to Section 91, 
Paragraph 2 of the German Stock Corporation Act. This process is steered by a central unit within the 
Corporate Center to ensure the implementation of a consistent framework and standards for Bayer’s risk 
early warning system.  

The BayRisk process follows a bottom-up approach in order to identify corporate risks as fully as possi-
ble. The early identification, evaluation, management and reporting of risks is the responsibility of the 
respective divisions, service companies and central functions. The process takes into account not only 
risks that could directly impact our financial targets, but also those that could affect the achievement of 
qualitative objectives such as the preservation of our reputation. Evaluation is based on both financial 
and nonfinancial criteria. Risk coordinators are appointed to evaluate, manage and monitor the identi-
fied risks.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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217 

This results in a multidimensional evaluation which estimates the probability of occurrence, potential 
damage and relevance for our external stakeholders. The following matrix illustrates the financial crite-
ria for rating a risk as high, medium or low. 

Risk Rating Matrix According to Financial Criteria  

[Table 3.18.4]

Accumulated impact (€ million) 

 > 1,250 

500 – 1,250 

 < 500 

H = high risk, M = medium risk, L = low risk 

Likelihood of occurrence 

Low   

Medium   

High 

H 

M 

L 

H 

M 

L 

H 

H 

L 

All risks that exceed defined and annually updated value thresholds, together with the respective coun-
termeasures, are entered in a Group-wide database. The risk portfolio is reviewed three times a year. 
Significant changes are documented and reported to the Board of Management. The risk portfolio is also 
documented in a management information system and is thus accessible to the members of the Group 
Leadership Circle at all times. A report on the risk portfolio is submitted to the Audit Committee of the 
Supervisory Board once a year. 

PROCESS-INDEPENDENT MONITORING 
The effectiveness of our management systems is audited and evaluated at regular intervals by Internal 
Audit, which performs an independent and objective audit function focused on verifying compliance 
with laws and directives. Internal Audit also supports the company in achieving its goals by systemati-
cally evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of governance, risk management and control processes 
and helping to improve them. The selection of audit targets follows a risk- and cycle-based approach. 
Internal Audit applies internationally recognized standards and performs reliable audit services. This is 
confirmed by a quality assessment undertaken in 2012 by the American Institute of Internal Auditors 
(iia). A report on the internal control system and its effectiveness is presented annually to the Audit 
Committee of the Supervisory Board. 

Risks in the areas of occupational health and safety, plant safety, environmental protection and product 
quality are assessed through specific hseq (health, safety, environment and quality) audits.  

In addition, the external auditor, as part of its audit of the annual financial statements, assesses the 
basic suitability of the early warning system for identifying at an early stage any risks that could endan-
ger the company’s continued existence. The auditor regularly reports to the Board of Management and 
the Supervisory Board on the identification of any weaknesses in the internal control system.  

Audit outcomes are taken into account in the continuous enhancement of our management processes.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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18.3.2 Opportunities and Risks 

As a global enterprise with a diversified portfolio, the Bayer Group is constantly exposed to a wide 
range of internal or external developments or events that could significantly impact the achievement of 
our financial and nonfinancial objectives. 

This chapter outlines the opportunities and risks which are classified in our risk matrix as “medium” or 
“high.” Risks that occur in comparable forms in different parts of the company are described in general 
terms. The sequence in which the risks are listed does not imply any order of significance. The oppor-
tunities and risks described apply to all divisions unless otherwise indicated. Also outlined in the follow-
ing are risks that are of high relevance for the company but may be impossible to quantify directly, 
accurately or in financial terms. The impact on the Bayer Group of risks attaching to the Covestro busi-
ness is affected by the size of Bayer’s shareholding in that company. 

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT 
Ethical conduct is a matter of essential importance for society. Many stakeholders evaluate companies 
according to whether they conduct themselves not just “legally” but also “legitimately.” The Bayer 
Group is dedicated to sustainable development in all areas of its commercial activity. This voluntary 
commitment is reflected in our responsible corporate governance, which is geared toward generating 
not only economic but also ecological and societal benefit.  

In the Emerging Markets – particularly Asia and Latin America – we see growth opportunities, such as 
those arising out of increasing affluence and the associated rise in demand for pharmaceutical products. 
Bayer is therefore systematically expanding its business in these regions in particular.  

At the same time, however, the risk exists that our growth could be impeded by increasing global cost 
pressure on health systems. Pharmaceutical products are subject to regulatory price controls and regu-
lations in many markets, and government reimbursement systems often favor less expensive generic 
medicines over branded products. In addition, in some markets, major health care providers can exert 
substantial pressure on prices. Price controls and pricing pressure reduce earnings from our pharma-
ceutical products and may occasionally make the market launch of a new product unprofitable. As a 
result, it may be necessary to choose indirect marketing options in order to provide access to pharma-
ceuticals. We expect the current extent of regulatory controls and market pressures on pricing to persist 
or increase. Changes in the business conditions in our key markets are continuously monitored. De-
pending on the intensity of such price controls and the pressure on prices, it could be necessary to 
adjust our business model.  

In some countries the marketing rights for certain pharmaceutical products are held by third parties. An 
inadequate performance by collaboration partners could adversely affect the development of our sales 
and costs. Therefore, we have established an Alliance Management unit to monitor the most important 
collaborations and provide relevant support to the operational functions. 

Further opportunities and risks may arise if actual market developments vary from those we predict in 
Chapter 18.1 “Economic Outlook.” Where macroeconomic developments deviate from forecasts, this 
may either positively or negatively impact our sales and earnings expectations.  

For Covestro, an economic downturn, changes in competitors’ behavior or the market entry of new 
competitors may lead to more intense competition and thus to overcapacities or increased pressure on 
prices. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Continuous analysis of the economic environment and of economic forecasts enables us to pursue the 
identified opportunities and to mitigate risks by adjusting our business strategy.  

INNOVATION 
We analyze global trends and develop innovative solutions to address them, thereby mastering the 
challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities they provide. 

Increase in life expectancy 
Certain diseases, such as cancer or chronic cardiovascular disorders, are on the rise as a consequence 
of higher life expectancy. In response to the growing demand for innovative health care products to 
treat age-related diseases, Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division is focusing its r&d activities on relevant 
therapeutic areas such as oncology and cardiology.  

Shortage of arable land and increasing demand for food 
The challenges associated with ensuring an adequate food supply worldwide continue to increase, 
driven by global population growth, the reduction in available arable land and the consequences of 
climate change. In addition, the anticipated increase in affluence in the emerging countries is boosting 
the demand for animal-based food products. We expect there to be an increasing need for high-value 
seed and crop protection products to allow sufficient food and animal feed to be produced to satisfy 
rising demand despite limited acreages. The Crop Science Division is therefore developing processes to 
more effectively protect plants against climate and environmental stresses and increase crop yields, for 
example.  

Conserving natural resources and protecting the climate 
The finite nature of certain natural resources and efforts to protect the climate are boosting the demand 
for innovative products and technologies that reduce resource consumption and lead to lower emis-
sions. This trend is being reinforced by increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and growing 
consumer awareness for the need to use resources sustainably. In this context, Covestro is developing 
new materials that help to raise energy efficiency and reduce emissions. For example, polyurethane 
from Covestro is used in the construction industry for thermal insulation, giving a positive energy bal-
ance, while the company’s polycarbonate is used in the automotive industry to reduce vehicle weight. 

To enhance our innovation strength, we attach special importance to networking and cooperation both 
within and outside of our company. One example is interdisciplinary research at the interface between 
human, animal and plant health, which is being driven forward by our Life Sciences Fund. This enables 
us to achieve research synergies and investigate new mechanisms of action that in the long term may 
provide new impetus to product development. Our strategy also encompasses research projects with 
outside partners from science and industry that give us access to complementary technologies and 
external innovation potential.  

For further information, see Chapter 4 “Research, Development, Innovation” and Chapter 2 “Strategies 
of the Divisions.”  

Despite all our efforts, we cannot assure that all of the products we are currently developing or will 
develop in the future will achieve planned approval / registration or commercial success. For example, a 
drug candidate may fail to meet trial endpoints. The Bayer Group pursues a holistic portfolio manage-
ment strategy in order to estimate the probability of success and prioritize its development projects. 
Furthermore, the expectations of the public and the regulatory authorities with regard to the safety and 
efficacy of chemical and pharmaceutical products are constantly rising. Against this background, we 
continue to anticipate increasing regulatory requirements for clinical or (eco)toxicological studies, for 
example. This increases product development costs and the time it takes to obtain registration or mar-
keting approval. Special projects are set up to coordinate and ensure the successful implementation of 
new regulations.  

 
 
 
 
 
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ACQUISITIONS 
Where it appears strategically advantageous, we supplement our organic growth by acquiring compa-
nies or parts of companies. Failure to successfully integrate a newly acquired business or unexpectedly 
high integration costs could jeopardize the achievement of qualitative or quantitative targets and ad-
versely impact earnings. Teams of experts therefore manage both the due diligence process and the 
subsequent integration of acquired companies. Due diligence includes reviewing risk-relevant factors 
such as compliance with applicable environmental regulations and occupational health and safety 
standards at production sites. 

PATENT PROTECTION 
Patents protect our intellectual property. When our products are successfully commercialized, some of 
the profits can be used to continue investing in research and development. Due to the long period of 
time between the patent application and the market launch of a product, Bayer generally only has a few 
years in which to earn an adequate return on its investment in research and development. This makes 
effective and reliable patent protection all the more important. 

Most of our products, primarily in the Life Sciences, are covered by patents. Generic manufacturers, in 
particular, attempt to contest patents prior to their expiration. Sometimes a generic version of a product 
may even be launched “at risk” prior to the issuance of a final patent decision. We are currently in-
volved in legal proceedings to enforce patent protection for our products. Details of the risks arising 
from these proceedings are given in note [32] to the consolidated financial statements. When a patent 
defense is unsuccessful, or if one of our patents expires, our prices are likely to come under pressure 
because of increased competition from generic products entering the market. Legal action by third 
parties for alleged infringement of patent or proprietary rights by Bayer may impede or even halt the 
development or manufacturing of certain products or require us to pay monetary damages or royalties 
to third parties. Our patents department regularly reviews the patent situation in collaboration with the 
respective operating units and monitors for potential patent infringements so that legal action can be 
taken if necessary.  

PRODUCTS AND PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP 
Bayer systematically and continuously evaluates the potential health and environmental risks of a prod-
uct along the entire value chain – from research and development, production, commercialization and 
use by the customer to disposal.  

Despite extensive studies prior to approval or registration, it is possible that products could be partially 
or completely withdrawn from the market due to the occurrence of unexpected side effects or other 
factors. Such a withdrawal may be voluntary or result from legal or regulatory measures. Furthermore, 
the presence of traces of unwanted genetically modified organisms in agricultural products and / or 
foodstuffs cannot be entirely excluded. Potential payments of damages in connection with the above 
risks may have a substantial negative impact on our earnings. 

Our Life Science businesses counter these risks through a holistic organizational structure and process 
organization in the areas of pharmaceutical and crop protection product safety and testing. In addition, 
a comprehensive product stewardship program is in place in the Crop Science Division. For further 
information, see Chapter 8 “Product Stewardship.” 

 
 
 
 
 
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Another risk we face is that of illegal trading of counterfeit medicines and crop protection products by 
criminal third parties. In most cases, the composition and / or the quality of counterfeit products do not 
correspond to those of the original products. In addition, the fact that no local regulatory authority is 
involved in assuring the quality of the manufacturing or distribution process precludes any official 
product recall. Products originating from illegal third-party manufacturing not only endanger patients, 
users, animals and the environment, but also jeopardize the good reputation of our company and prod-
ucts and undermine our competitive position. 

Bayer actively assists authorities’ efforts to combat product counterfeiting by adopting preventive 
measures and prosecuting offenders.  

PROCUREMENT AND PRODUCTION 
To ensure the sustainability of our activities along the entire value chain, Bayer has introduced a  
Supplier Code of Conduct. This sets forth our sustainability principles, explains what we expect from 
our partners and requires them to observe our standards in areas including environmental protection 
and occupational safety. A further essential element is the respect of human rights. This means, for 
example, that no form of child labor may be employed. Violations of the Code may harm our company’s 
reputation. Through supplier assessments and audits, we verify whether our partners along the supply 
chain actually implement and comply with our Code of Conduct (see Chapter 7 “Procurement, Produc-
tion, Logistics and Distribution”). 

Despite its modern facilities and optimized manufacturing processes, Bayer requires significant quanti-
ties of energy and petrochemical feedstocks for the production of chemicals. Procurement prices for 
energy and raw materials may fluctuate significantly. This can provide opportunities but may also put 
our product margins at risk when oil prices are low, for example. Experience has shown that higher 
production costs cannot always be passed on to our customers through price adjustments. This applies 
especially to Covestro.  

We attach great importance not only to product safety but also to protecting our employees and the 
environment. Risks associated with the manufacturing, filling, storage or shipping of products are miti-
gated by means of integrated quality, health, environmental protection and safety management. The 
materialization of such risks may result in personal injury, property and environmental damage, loss of 
production, business interruptions and / or liability for compensation payments.  

Operations at our sites may be disrupted by natural disasters, fires or explosions, sabotage or supply 
shortages for our principal raw materials or intermediates. Disruption may also result from possible 
regulatory or legislative changes in the respective countries. The complexity of multistage manufactur-
ing processes for active ingredients or biotechnology products strengthens the potential for disruption 
and may limit product availability. If we are unable to meet demand, sales may undergo a structural 
decline. We counter this risk by distributing production for certain products among multiple sites or by 
building up safety stocks. Furthermore, an emergency response system has been implemented for all 
our production sites as a mandatory component of our hseq management. It is aimed at protecting 
employees, neighbors, the environment and production facilities from the risks described. The Group 
Regulation “Safety and Crisis Management” forms the basis for this. 

 
 
 
 
 
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Increased ecological awareness creates opportunities for Covestro in two ways. On the one hand, the 
development of innovative materials for our customers (see Chapter 4 “Research, Development, Innova-
tion”) opens up market potential. On the other hand, if we succeed in increasing the energy efficiency of 
our own production processes, we can mitigate environmental impacts and achieve cost savings at the 
same time. By developing new production technologies and applying internationally recognized energy 
management systems, we aim to help meet increasing environmental requirements, further reduce 
emissions and waste, and increase energy efficiency. In this way we not only contribute to sustainable 
climate protection and the conservation of natural resources, but also achieve cost and competitive 
advantages. 

EMPLOYEES 
Skilled and dedicated employees are essential for the company’s success. There is keen competition 
among companies for highly qualified personnel, particularly in countries with full employment and in 
the emerging economies of Asia and Latin America. If we are unable to recruit a sufficient number of 
employees in these countries and retain them within Bayer, this could have significant adverse conse-
quences for the company’s future development. 

Based on our analysis of future requirements, we design appropriate employee recruitment and devel-
opment measures. These include extensive employer marketing activities, such as our employer brand-
ing campaign, aimed at convincing our target groups of the advantages of working for Bayer. Competi-
tive compensation containing performance-related components as well as an extensive range of training 
and development opportunities are among the essential elements of our human resources policies, 
which are based on the principles enshrined in our Human Rights Position, our corporate values and 
our Corporate Compliance Policy. In addition, our focus on diversity enables us to tap the full potential 
of the employment market. In times of considerable strategic and organizational transition at Bayer, 
deliberate and transparent change management forms an integral part of our human resources man-
agement, enabling us to motivate our employees for the long term and alleviate uncertainties.   

For more information, see Chapter 6 “Employees.” 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 
Business and production processes and the internal and external communications of the Bayer Group 
are increasingly dependent on global it systems.  

A significant technical disruption or failure of it systems could severely impair our business and pro-
duction processes. Technical precautions such as data recovery and continuity plans are defined and 
continuously evolved in close cooperation with our internal it organization. 

The confidentiality of internal and external data is of fundamental importance to us. A loss of data con-
fidentiality, integrity or authenticity could lead to manipulation and / or the uncontrolled outflow of data 
and know-how. We have measures in place to counter this risk, including an authorization system. 

Furthermore, a committee has been established to determine the fundamental strategy, architecture and 
safety measures for the Bayer Group. These measures are designed to provide optimum protection 
based on state-of-the-art technology. 

 
 
 
 
 
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LAW AND COMPLIANCE 
The Bayer Group is exposed to risks from legal disputes or proceedings to which we are currently a 
party or which could arise in the future, particularly in the areas of product liability, competition and 
antitrust law, patent law, tax law and environmental protection. 

Investigations of possible legal or regulatory violations, such as potential infringements of antitrust law 
or certain marketing and / or distribution methods, may result in the imposition of civil or criminal pen-
alties – including substantial monetary fines – and / or other adverse financial consequences, harm 
Bayer’s reputation and ultimately hamper our commercial success. 

Bayer has established a global compliance management system to ensure the sustainable observance of 
laws and regulations (see Chapter 16.3 “Compliance”). 

Legal proceedings currently considered to involve material risks are described in note [32] to the con-
solidated financial statements. 

FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS 
The Bayer Group has financial opportunities at its disposal in the form of the market prices it can com-
mand, and is exposed to financial risks in the form of liquidity, credit and market price risks, as well as 
risks resulting from pension obligations. 

The following paragraphs provide details of these and other financial opportunities and risks and how 
they are managed. 

The management of financial opportunities and risks takes place using established, documented pro-
cesses. One component is financial planning, which serves as the basis for determining the liquidity risk 
and the future foreign currency and interest-rate risks and covers all Group companies that are relevant 
from a cash-flow perspective. Financial planning comprises a planning horizon of 12 months and is 
regularly updated.  

Further information is provided in Chapter 14.7 “Financial Management of the Group.” 

  See Chapter 14.7 

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risks result from the possible inability of the Bayer Group to meet current or future payment 
obligations due to a lack of cash or cash equivalents. The liquidity risk is determined and managed by 
the Finance department as part of our same-day and medium-term liquidity planning.  

Payment obligations from financial instruments are explained according to their maturity in note [30.2] 
to the consolidated financial statements. 

The Bayer Group holds sufficient liquidity to ensure the fulfillment of all planned payment obligations at 
maturity. In addition, a reserve is maintained for unbudgeted shortfalls in cash receipts or unexpected 
disbursements. The amount of this liquidity reserve is regularly reviewed and adjusted as necessary 
according to circumstances.  

  Consolidated 
Financial 
Statements 
Note 30.2 

Liquid assets are held mainly in the form of overnight and term deposits. Credit facilities also exist with 
banks. These include, in particular, an undrawn €3.5 billion syndicated credit facility. Additionally, credit 
facilities totaling €2.7 billion are available to the Covestro Group. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Credit risks 
Credit risks arise from the possibility that the value of receivables or other financial assets of the Bayer 
Group may be impaired because counterparties cannot meet their payment or other performance obli-
gations. The Bayer Group does not conclude master netting arrangements with its customers for non-
derivative financial instruments. Here, the total value of the financial assets represents the maximum 
credit risk exposure. In the case of derivatives, positive and negative market values may be netted under 
certain conditions. 

To manage credit risks from trade receivables, the respective invoicing companies appoint credit man-
agers who regularly analyze customers’ creditworthiness. Some of these receivables are collateralized, 
and the collateral is used according to local conditions. It includes credit insurance, advance payments, 
letters of credit and guarantees. Reservation of title is generally agreed with our customers. Credit limits 
are set for all customers. All credit limits for debtors where total exposure is €10 million or more are 
evaluated by local credit management and submitted to the Bayer Group’s Financial Risk Committee. 

Credit risks from financial transactions are managed centrally in the finance department. To minimize 
risks, financial transactions are only conducted within predefined exposure limits and with banks and 
other partners that preferably have investment-grade ratings. All risk limits are based on methodical 
models. Adherence to the risk limits is continuously monitored.  

  Consolidated 
Financial 
Statements  
Note 30.3 

Opportunities and risks resulting from market price changes 
Opportunities and risks resulting from changes in market currency and interest rates are managed by 
the central finance department. Risks are eliminated or mitigated through the use of derivative financial 
instruments. Further details on derivatives are given in note [30.3] to the consolidated financial state-
ments. 

The type and level of currency and interest-rate risks are explained in the following paragraphs using 
sensitivity analyses based on hypothetical changes in risk variables (such as interest curves) to deter-
mine the potential effects of market price fluctuations on equity and earnings. The assumptions used in 
the sensitivity analyses reflect our view of the changes in currency exchange and interest rates that are 
reasonably possible over a one-year period. These assumptions are regularly reviewed. 

Foreign currencies 
Foreign currency opportunities and risks for the Bayer Group result from changes in exchange rates and 
the related changes in the value of financial instruments (including receivables and payables) and of 
anticipated payment receipts and disbursements in the functional currency. 

Receivables and payables in liquid currencies from operating activities and financial items are generally 
fully exchange-hedged through forward exchange contracts and cross-currency interest-rate swaps. 

Anticipated exposure from planned payment receipts and disbursement in the future is hedged accord-
ing to the rules agreed between the Board of Management, the finance department and the operating 
units. Hedging takes place through forward exchange contracts and currency options. 

Sensitivities were determined on the basis of a hypothetical adverse scenario in which the euro depreci-
ates by 10% against all other currencies compared with the year-end exchange rates. In this scenario, 
the estimated hypothetical loss of cash flows from derivative and nonderivative financial instruments 
would have diminished earnings and equity (other comprehensive income) as of December 31, 2015 by 
€303 million (December 31, 2014: €295 million). Of this amount, €108 million is related to the u.s. dol-
lar, €66 million to the Chinese renminbi, €41 million to the Japanese yen and €28 million to the Canadi-
an dollar. Currency effects on anticipated exposure are not taken into account. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

18. Future Perspectives

225 

Derivatives used to hedge anticipated currency exposure that are designated for hedge accounting 
would have diminished other comprehensive income by €313 million. 

Interest rates 
Interest-rate opportunities and risks result for the Bayer Group through changes in capital market inter-
est rates, which in turn could lead to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate financial instruments and 
changes in interest payments in the case of floating-rate instruments. 

Interest-rate opportunities and risks are managed over a target duration established by management for 
Bayer Group debt. This target duration is subject to regular review. Interest-rate swaps are concluded to 
achieve the target structure for Bayer Group debt. 

A sensitivity analysis based on our net floating-rate receivables and payables position at year end 2015, 
taking into account the interest rates relevant for our receivables and payables in all principal curren-
cies, produced the following result: a hypothetical increase of 1 percentage point in these interest rates 
(assuming constant currency exchange rates) as of January 1, 2015 would have raised our interest ex-
pense for the year ended December 31, 2015 by €29 million (December 31, 2014: €53 million). 

Financial risks associated with pension obligations 
The Bayer Group has obligations to current and former employees related to pensions and other post-
employment benefits. Changes in relevant measurement parameters such as interest rates, mortality 
and salary increase rates may raise the present value of our pension obligations. This may lead to in-
creased costs for pension plans or diminish equity due to actuarial losses being recognized as other 
comprehensive income in the statement of comprehensive income. A large proportion of our pension 
and other post-employment benefit obligations is covered by plan assets including fixed-income securi-
ties, shares, real estate and other investments. Declining or even negative returns on these investments 
may adversely affect the future fair value of plan assets. Both these effects may negatively impact the 
development of equity and / or the company’s earnings and / or may necessitate additional payments by 
the company. Further details are given in note [25] to the consolidated financial statements.  

We address the risk of market-related fluctuations in the fair value of our plan assets through balanced 
strategic investment, and we constantly monitor investment risks in regard to our global pension obliga-
tions. 

OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS 
The risks reported above do not endanger the company’s continued existence. Nor could we identify 
any risk interdependencies that could combine to endanger the company’s continued existence.  

Risks rated as “medium” or “high” did not change significantly compared with the previous year.  

Based on our product portfolio, our know-how and our innovation strength, we are convinced that we 
can take advantage of the opportunities resulting from our entrepreneurial activity and successfully 
master the challenges resulting from the risks stated above. 

  Consolidated 
Financial 
Statements  
Note 25 

 
 
 
 
 
226 

Combined Management Report 

19. Takeover-Relevant Information 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

  www.bayer.com/  

ownership-
structure  

19. Takeover-Relevant Information 

Explanatory report pursuant to Sections 289, Paragraph 4 and 315, Paragraph 4 of the 
German Commercial Code (HGB) 
The capital stock of Bayer AG amounted as of December 31, 2015 to €2,117 million, divided into 
826,947,808 no-par registered shares. The capital stock and the number of shares were thus unchanged 
from the end of the previous year. Each share confers one voting right.  

A small number of shares may be subject to temporary trading restrictions, such as retention periods, in 
connection with employee stock participation programs.  

We received no notifications in 2015 of direct or indirect holdings of shares in Bayer AG that exceed 
10% of the capital stock. The company thus is not in possession of any notifications of holdings that 
exceed 10% of the capital stock.  

The appointment and dismissal of members of the Board of Management are subject to the provisions 
of Sections 84 and 85 of the German Stock Corporation Act, Section 31 of the German Codetermination 
Act and Section 6 of the company’s Articles of Incorporation. Pursuant to Section 84, Paragraph 1 of the 
German Stock Corporation Act, the members of the Board of Management are appointed and dismissed 
by the Supervisory Board. Since Bayer AG falls within the scope of the German Codetermination Act, 
the appointment or dismissal of members of the Board of Management requires a majority of two thirds 
of the votes of the members of the Supervisory Board on the first ballot pursuant to Section 31, Para-
graph 2 of that act. If no such majority is achieved, the appointment is resolved pursuant to Section 31, 
Paragraph 3 of the Codetermination Act on a second ballot by a simple majority of the votes of the 
members of the Supervisory Board. If the required majority still is not achieved, a third ballot is held. 
Here again, a simple majority of the votes of the members suffices, but in this ballot the Chairman of the 
Supervisory Board has two votes pursuant to Section 31, Paragraph 4 of the Codetermination Act. Un-
der Section 6, Paragraph 1 of the Articles of Incorporation of Bayer AG, the number of members of the 
Board of Management is determined by the Supervisory Board but must be at least two. The Superviso-
ry Board may appoint one member of the Board of Management to be the Chairman of the Board of 
Management pursuant to Section 84, Paragraph 2 of the German Stock Corporation Act and Section 6, 
Paragraph 1 of the Articles of Incorporation. 

Any amendments to the Articles of Incorporation are made pursuant to Section 179 of the German Stock 
Corporation Act and Sections 10 and 17 of the Articles of Incorporation. Under Section 179, Paragraph 
1 of the German Stock Corporation Act, amendments to the Articles of Incorporation require a resolu-
tion of the Stockholders’ Meeting. Pursuant to Section 179, Paragraph 2 of the German Stock Corpora-
tion Act, this resolution must be passed by a majority of three quarters of the voting capital represented 
at the meeting, unless the Articles of Incorporation provide for a different majority. However, where an 
amendment relates to a change in the object of the company, the Articles of Incorporation may only 
specify a larger majority. Section 17, Paragraph 2 of the Articles of Incorporation of Bayer AG utilizes 
the scope for deviation pursuant to Section 179, Paragraph 2 of the German Stock Corporation Act and 
provides that resolutions may be passed by a simple majority of the votes cast or, where a capital major-
ity is required, by a simple majority of the capital represented. Pursuant to Section 10, Paragraph 6 of 
the Articles of Incorporation, the Supervisory Board may resolve on amendments to the Articles of In-
corporation that relate solely to their wording. 

Provisions of the Articles of Incorporation concerning Authorized Capital i and Authorized Capital ii are 
entered in the commercial register of Bayer AG. With the approval of the Supervisory Board and until 
April 28, 2019, the Board of Management may use the Authorized Capital i to increase the capital stock 
by up to a total of €530 million. New shares may be issued against cash contributions and / or contribu-
tions in kind, but capital increases against contributions in kind may not exceed a total of €423 million. 
If the Authorized Capital i is used to issue shares in return for cash contributions, stockholders must 
normally be granted subscription rights. The Board of Management may only exclude stockholders’ 
subscription rights to a volume of shares issued out of the Authorized Capital i that did not represent 
more than 20% of the existing capital stock at the time the respective resolution was adopted by the 
Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on April 29, 2014. Absent a further resolution on the exclusion of stock-

 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Combined Management Report

19. Takeover-Relevant Information

227 

holders’ subscription rights, the Board of Management also may only exclude stockholders’ subscrip-
tion rights to a volume of shares issued under other authorizations regarding capital measures (Author-
ized Capital ii, bonds with warrants or convertible bonds, purchase and disposal of own shares) that did 
not represent more than 20% of the existing capital stock at the time the respective resolution was 
adopted by the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on April 29, 2014. 

With the approval of the Supervisory Board and until April 28, 2019, the Board of Management is au-
thorized to increase the capital stock by up to €212 million in one or more installments by issuing 
shares out of the Authorized Capital ii against cash contributions. The stockholders must normally be 
granted subscription rights. However, the Board of Management is authorized, with the approval of the 
Supervisory Board, to exclude subscription rights for stockholders provided the volume of shares issued 
out of the Authorized Capital ii against cash contributions does not exceed 10% of the capital stock 
existing at the time this authorization is registered or at the time the new shares are issued and the 
issue price of the new shares is not significantly below the market price of the already listed shares.  

Conditional capital of €212 million exists in connection with an authorization – valid through April 28, 
2019 – to issue bonds with warrants or convertible bonds, profit-sharing rights or profit participation 
bonds (collectively referred to as “bonds”) with a total face value of €6 billion. The Board of Manage-
ment may, with the consent of the Supervisory Board and under certain conditions, exclude the bond 
subscription rights that would otherwise be granted to stockholders. One of the conditions is that the 
total volume of shares required to service the bonds exceed neither 10% of the capital stock that exist-
ed at the time the respective resolution was adopted by the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on April 29, 
2014 nor 10% of the capital stock existing at the time this authorization is exercised. Any other shares 
issued without granting subscription rights to the stockholders in direct or analogous application of 
Section 186, Paragraph 3, Sentence 4 of the German Stock Corporation Act shall be credited against this 
10% limit. Further, by resolution of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on April 29, 2014, the Board of 
Management is authorized to purchase and dispose of own shares representing up to 10% of the capital 
stock existing at the time the resolution was adopted. The authorization to purchase own shares also 
includes the purchase of own shares using put or call options (derivatives) up to a volume of 5% of the 
capital stock existing at the time the resolution was adopted or at the time the authorization is exer-
cised. This authorization also expires on April 28, 2019.  

A material agreement that is subject to the condition precedent of a change of control pertains to the 
undrawn €3.5 billion syndicated credit facility arranged by Bayer AG and its u.s. subsidiary Bayer Cor-
poration. This facility is available until December 2020. The participating banks are entitled to terminate 
the credit facility in the event of a change of control at Bayer and demand repayment of any loans that 
may have been granted under this facility up to that time. A similar clause is contained in the agreement 
on a syndicated credit facility granted to Bayer subsidiary Bayer World Investments b.v., Netherlands, in 
2014 and guaranteed by Bayer AG. The facility still amounts to us$900 million (as of December 31, 2015) 
and matures in May 2018.  

The terms of the nominal €4.2 billion (as of December 31, 2015) in notes issued by Bayer in the years 
2006 to 2014 under its multi-currency European Medium Term Notes program also contain a change-of-
control clause. Holders of these notes have the right to demand the redemption of their notes by Bayer 
AG in the event of a change of control if Bayer AG’s credit rating is downgraded within 120 days after 
such change of control becomes effective. The terms of the us$7 billion bond in 144a / Reg S format 
issued in October 2014 also contain a clause to this effect. 

Agreements exist for the members of the Board of Management in compliance with Section 4.2.3 of the 
German Corporate Governance Code to cover the eventuality of a takeover offer being made for 
Bayer AG. Under these agreements, payments promised in the event of early termination of the service 
contract of a Board of Management member due to a change of control are limited to the value of three 
years’ compensation and may not compensate more than the remaining term of the contract. 

 
 
 
 
 
228 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Annual Report 2015

02 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Bayer Group Consolidated Income 
Statements

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements 
of Comprehensive Income 

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements 
of Financial Position 

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements 
of Cash Flows 

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements 
of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements of the Bayer Group 

230(cid:3)

231(cid:3)

232(cid:3)

233(cid:3)

Notes to the Income Statements 

7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
13.1(cid:3)

Net sales
Selling expenses
Research and development expenses
Other operating income
Other operating expenses
Personnel expenses and employee numbers
Financial result
Income (loss) from investments in affiliated 
companies
13.2(cid:3) Net interest expense 
13.3   Other financial income and expenses 
14.
15.

Taxes
Income / losses attributable to noncontrolling
interest
Earnings per share

234(cid:3)

16.

236(cid:3)

Notes to the Statements of Financial Position 

1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

6.1  
6.2  
6.3  

Key data by segment and region
General information
Effects of new financial reporting standards
Basic principles, methods and critical
accounting estimates
Segment reporting
Scope of consolidation; subsidiaries
and affiliates
Changes in the scope of consolidation
Business combinations and other acquisitions 
Divestitures, material sale transactions and
discontinued operation

236
238
238

241
256

260
260
263

268

17.
18.
19.

20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

Goodwill and other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments accounted for using
the equity method
Other financial assets
Inventories
Trade accounts receivable
Other receivables
Equity
Provisions for pensions and other
post-employment benefits

271
271
271
272
273
274
274

275
275
276
276

280
280

281
286

288
289
290
291
292
293

297

 
Annual Report 2015 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

229 

Other provisions

26.
26.1   Other taxes 
26.2   Environmental protection 
26.3   Restructuring 
26.4   Trade-related commitments 
26.5   Litigations 
26.6   Personnel commitments 
26.7   Miscellaneous provisions 
Financial liabilities
27.
Trade accounts payable
28.
Other liabilities
29.
Financial instruments
30.
30.1(cid:3)
Financial instruments by category 
30.2(cid:3) Maturity analysis 
30.3  
31.

Information on derivatives 
Contingent liabilities and other financial
commitments
Legal risks

32.

Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows 

33.

34.

35.

Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities

Other Information 

36.
37.
38.

39.

Audit fees
Related parties
Total compensation of the Board of
Management and the Supervisory Board,
advances and loans
Events after the end of the reporting period

332

332

332

333
333

335
336

307
308
308
308
308
308
309
311
311
314
315
315
315
321
324

326
327

230 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Bayer Group Consolidated Income Statements 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Group Consolidated Income Statements 

Net sales 

Cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 

Selling expenses 

Research and development expenses 

General administration expenses 

Other operating income 

Other operating expenses 

EBIT1 

Equity-method loss 

Financial income 

Financial expenses 

Financial result  

[Table 4.1]

Note 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

[7] 

41,339 

46,324 

(19,909) 

(21,158) 

21,430 

25,166 

(10,669) 

(12,367) 

(3,537) 

(1,703) 

710 

(836) 

5,395 

(13) 

343 

(1,311) 

(981) 

(4,281) 

(2,098) 

1,110 

(1,280) 

6,250 

(9) 

371 

(1,367) 

(1,005) 

[8] 

[9] 

[10] 

[11] 

[13.1] 

[13] 

Income before income taxes 

4,414 

5,245 

Income taxes 

[14] 

(1,071) 

(1,227) 

Income from continuing operations after income taxes 

3,343 

4,018 

Income from discontinued operations after income taxes 

[6.3] 

100 

80 

Income after income taxes 

of which attributable to noncontrolling interest 

of which attributable to Bayer AG stockholders (net income) 

Earnings per share 

From continuing operations 

Basic 

Diluted 

From discontinued operations 

Basic 

Diluted 

From continuing and discontinued operations 

Basic 

Diluted 

2014 figures restated 
1 EBIT: earnings before financial result and taxes 

[15] 

[16] 

[16] 

[16] 

[16] 

3,443 

17 

3,426 

4,098 

(12) 

4,110 

€ 

€ 

4.02 

4.02 

0.12 

0.12 

4.14 

4.14 

4.87 

4.87 

0.10 

0.10 

4.97 

4.97 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Financial Statements

231 

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements 
of Comprehensive Income 

Income after income taxes 

of which attributable to noncontrolling interest 

of which attributable to Bayer AG stockholders 

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability  
for post-employment benefit plans 

Income taxes 

Other comprehensive income from remeasurements of the  
net defined benefit liability for post-employment benefit plans 

Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified subsequently  
to profit or loss 

Changes in fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 

Reclassified to profit or loss 

Income taxes 

Other comprehensive income from cash flow hedges 

Changes in fair values of available-for-sale financial assets 

Reclassified to profit or loss 

Income taxes 

Other comprehensive income from available-for-sale financial assets 

Changes in exchange differences recognized on translation  
of operations outside the eurozone 

Changes in exchange differences recognized on translation of operations  
outside the eurozone, relating to associates accounted for using the equity method 

Reclassified to profit or loss 

Other comprehensive income from exchange differences 

[Table 4.2]

Note 

2014 

2015 

[15] 

€ million 

€ million 

3,443 

17 

3,426 

4,098 

(12)

4,110

[25] 

[14] 

(5,159) 

1,621 

1,216 

(430) 

[30.3] 

[14] 

[20] 

[14] 

(3,538) 

786 

(3,538) 

786 

(146) 

(46) 

57 

(135) 

– 

– 

(2) 

(2) 

(266) 

304 

(25) 

13 

(5) 

1 

(2) 

(6) 

1,424 

748 

(40) 

– 

1,384 

(20) 

– 

728 

Other comprehensive income that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 

1,247 

735 

Effects of changes in scope of consolidation 

– 

– 

Total other comprehensive income 

1 

of which attributable to noncontrolling interest 

of which attributable to Bayer AG stockholders 

Total comprehensive income 

of which attributable to noncontrolling interest 

of which attributable to Bayer AG stockholders 

1 total changes recognized outside profit or loss 

(2,291) 

11 

(2,302) 

1,152 

28 

1,124 

1,521 

33

1,488

5,619 

21

5,598

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
232 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements 
of Financial Position 

Noncurrent assets 

Goodwill 

Other intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Investments accounted for using the equity method 

Other financial assets 

Other receivables 

Deferred taxes 

Current assets 

Inventories 

Trade accounts receivable 

Other financial assets 

Other receivables 

Claims for income tax refunds 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations 

Total assets 

Equity 

Capital stock of Bayer AG 

Capital reserves of Bayer AG 

Other reserves 

Equity attributable to Bayer AG stockholders 

Equity attributable to noncontrolling interest 

Noncurrent liabilities 

Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits 

Other provisions 

Financial liabilities 

Income tax liabilities 

Other liabilities 

Deferred taxes 

Current liabilities 

Other provisions 

Financial liabilities 

Trade accounts payable 

Income tax liabilities 

Other liabilities 

Liabilities directly related to assets held for sale and discontinued operations 

Total equity and liabilities  

2014 figures restated 

[Table 4.3]

Note  Dec. 31, 2014  Dec. 31, 2015 

€ million 

€ million 

[17] 

[17] 

[18] 

[19] 

[20] 

[23] 

[14] 

[21] 

[22] 

[20] 

[23] 

[6.3] 

[24] 

[25] 

[26] 

[27] 

[29] 

[14] 

[26] 

[27] 

[28] 

[29] 

[6.3] 

15,347 

15,653 

11,428 

223 

1,107 

447 

3,802 

16,096 

15,178 

12,375 

246 

1,092 

430 

4,679 

48,007 

50,096 

8,478 

9,097 

723 

1,488 

588 

1,853 

– 

8,550 

9,933 

756 

2,017 

509 

1,859 

197 

22,227 

23,821 

70,234 

73,917 

2,117 

6,167 

11,822 

20,106 

112 

20,218 

12,236 

1,593 

18,484 

423 

1,088 

689 

2,117 

6,167 

15,981 

24,265 

1,180 

25,445 

10,873 

1,740 

16,513 

475 

1,065 

826 

34,513 

31,492 

4,530 

3,376 

5,363 

445 

1,789 

– 

5,045 

3,421 

5,945 

923 

1,534 

112 

15,503 

16,980 

70,234 

73,917 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Consolidated Financial Statements

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

233 

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements 
of Cash Flows 

Income after income taxes 

Income taxes 

Financial result 

Income taxes paid or accrued 

Depreciation, amortization and impairments 

Change in pension provisions 

(Gains) losses on retirements of noncurrent assets 

Gross cash flow 

Decrease (increase) in inventories 

Decrease (increase) in trade accounts receivable 

(Decrease) increase in trade accounts payable 

Changes in other working capital, other noncash items 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (net cash flow) 
from continuing operations 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (net cash flow) 
from discontinued operations 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (net cash flow) 

[Table 4.4]

Note 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

3,343 

1,071 

981 

(1,304) 

2,920 

(334) 

30 

6,707 

4,018 

1,227 

1,005 

(2,258) 

3,333 

(221) 

(105) 

6,999 

(748) 

(187) 

(1,072) 

(1,061) 

485 

325 

402 

694 

5,697 

6,847 

[33] 

113 

5,810 

43 

6,890 

Cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets 

(2,371) 

(2,517) 

Cash inflows from sales of property, plant, equipment and other assets  

Cash inflows from divestitures 

Cash inflows from (outflows for) noncurrent financial assets 

Cash outflows for acquisitions less acquired cash 

Interest and dividends received 

Cash inflows from (outflows for) current financial assets 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 

Proceeds from shares of Covestro AG 

Dividend payments 

Issuances of debt 

Retirements of debt 

Interest paid including interest-rate swaps 

Interest received from interest-rate swaps 

Cash outflows for the purchase of additional interests in subsidiaries 

143 

304 

(10) 

(13,545) 

107 

(167) 

193 

2 

(26) 

(176) 

106 

(344) 

[34] 

(15,539) 

(2,762) 

– 

(1,739) 

27,584 

1,490 

(1,869) 

16,620 

(15,746) 

(19,549) 

(541) 

179 

(1) 

(812) 

160 

(14) 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

[35] 

9,736 

(3,974) 

Change in cash and cash equivalents due to business activities 

7 

154 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Change in cash and cash equivalents due to changes in scope of consolidation 

Change in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rate movements 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

2014 figures restated 

1,662 

1,853 

– 

184 

5 

(153) 

1,853 

1,859 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
234 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Financial Statements

235 

Bayer Group Consolidated Statements 
of Changes in Equity 

Capital stock  
of Bayer AG 

Capital reserves  
of Bayer AG 

€ million 

2,117 

€ million 

6,167 

Retained 
earnings  
including 
 net income 

€ million 

14,817 

(1,737) 

6 

(3,538) 

3,426 

Exchange  
differences 

€ million 

(2,545) 

Accumulated total comprehensive income 

Fair-value  
measurement  
of securities 

Cash flow  
hedges 

Revaluation  
surplus 

Equity 
attributable  
to Bayer AG  
stockholders 

Equity 
attributable  
to noncontrolling  
interest  

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

32 

99 

31 

€ million 

20,718 

€ million 

86 

1,373 

(2) 

(135) 

(5) 

(1,737) 

1 

(2,302) 

3,426 

(2) 

11 

17 

[Table 4.5]

Equity 

€ million 

20,804 

(1,739) 

1 

(2,291) 

3,443 

2,117 

6,167 

12,974 

(1,172) 

30 

(36) 

26 

20,106 

112 

20,218 

(1,861) 

582 

776 

4,110 

16,581 

(155) 

705 

(622) 

2,117 

6,167 

(6) 

24 

13 

(23) 

(5) 

21 

(1,861) 

422 

1,488 

4,110 

24,265 

(8) 

1,055 

33 

(12) 

1,180 

(1,869) 

1,477 

1,521 

4,098 

25,445 

Dec. 31, 2013 

Equity transactions with owners 

Capital increase / decrease 

Dividend payments 

Other changes 

Other comprehensive income 

Income after income taxes 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Equity transactions with owners 

Capital increase / decrease 

Dividend payments 

Other changes 

Other comprehensive income 

Income after income taxes 

Dec. 31, 2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
236 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

237 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
of the Bayer Group 

1. Key data by segment and region 

Key Data by Segment 

HealthCare 

CropScience 

Covestro 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health  

CropScience 

Covestro 

All Other Segments 

Reconciliation 

Corporate Center and 
Consolidation 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

[Table 4.6]

Group 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Net sales (external) 

Change 

Currency-adjusted change 

Intersegment sales 

Net sales (total) 

Other operating income 

EBIT 

EBIT before special items 

EBITDA before special items 

Gross cash flow 

Capital invested 

CFROI 

Net cash flow 

Equity-method income (loss) 

Equity-method investments 

Assets 

Capital expenditures 

Additions to noncurrent assets from acquisitions 

Depreciation, amortization and impairments 

of which impairment losses 

of which impairment loss reversals 

Liabilities 

Research and development expenses 

Number of employees (as of Dec. 31) 

2014 figures restated 

Key Data by Region 

Net sales (external) – by market 

Change  

Currency-adjusted change 

Net sales (external) – by point of origin 

Change  

Currency-adjusted change 

Interregional sales 

Other operating income 

EBIT 

Assets 

Capital expenditures 

Depreciation, amortization and impairments 

Liabilities 

Research and development expenses 

Number of employees (as of Dec. 31) 

2014 figures restated 

12,052 

+7.7% 

13,745 

+14.0% 

+11.6% 

+9.9% 

99 

38 

12,151 

13,783 

184 

2,371 

2,657 

3,699 

2,745 

17,288 

15.3% 

3,266 

1 

2 

137 

2,807 

3,061 

4,195 

2,737 

17,661 

14.1% 

2,863 

1 

3 

7,023 

+4.4% 

+8.3% 

8 

7,031 

150 

1,099 

1,144 

1,658 

1,153 

9,129 

+30.0% 

+25.0% 

5 

9,134 

129 

1,243 

1,589 

2,224 

1,384 

19,718 

21,172 

9.8% 

1,065 

– 

6 

5.9% 

1,458 

– 

11 

9,494 

+7.7% 

+11.4% 

49 

9,543 

208 

1,806 

1,838 

2,360 

1,835 

11,772 

15.3% 

950 

– 

– 

10,367 

+9.2% 

+2.3% 

34 

11,651 

+3.7% 

+4.5% 

59 

11,982 

+2.8% 

–5.1% 

64 

10,401 

11,710 

12,046 

644 

2,103 

1,881 

2,416 

1,941 

11,854 

14.8% 

761 

(1) 

4 

81 

555 

598 

1,187 

961 

11,019 

6.0% 

880 

(14) 

215 

1,112 

–4.9% 

–4.4% 

2,243 

3,355 

16 

(11) 

21 

200 

331 

67 

635 

967 

1,659 

1,113 

11,293 

1,197 

7.0% 

1,452 

(9) 

227 

– 

360 

– 

– 

1,097 

–1.3% 

–0.8% 

2,249 

3,346 

69 

(39) 

43 

238 

147 

757 

– 

26 

– 

– 

7 

– 

– 

(2,458) 

(2,451) 

71 

(425) 

(425) 

(419) 

(318) 

(117) 

– 

(824) 

– 

– 

19,377 

19,477 

19,387 

20,263 

12,676 

14,230 

9,347 

9,360 

2,253 

2,324 

7,194 

8,263 

668 

2,645 

1,075 

39 

– 

7,075 

1,878 

701 

(122) 

1,180 

48 

– 

7,487 

2,333 

202 

10,153 

514 

69 

– 

3,079 

386 

288 

126 

684 

73 

(1) 

3,172 

501 

699 

166 

552 

100 

– 

5,214 

974 

737 

98 

535 

35 

– 

5,344 

1,089 

647 

– 

594 

11 

(2) 

3,520 

210 

514 

27 

733 

69 

– 

3,740 

262 

261 

– 

179 

6 

– 

4,682 

29 

39,069 

38,927 

20,130 

18,894 

23,060 

23,496 

14,122 

15,770 

20,256 

19,015 

311 

– 

195 

4 

– 

7 

821 

6 

– 

– 

5 

– 

6 

– 

– 

4,814 

26,446 

23,915 

32 

60 

734 

64 

709 

4 

–42.9% 

–42.9% 

(2,390) 

(2,386) 

41,339 

+5.6% 

+8.5% 

– 

46,324 

+12.1% 

+6.2% 

– 

41,339 

46,324 

64 

(499) 

(472) 

(466) 

(323) 

(217) 

– 

287 

– 

1 

710 

5,395 

5,833 

8,685 

6,707 

60,877 

11.7% 

5,697 

(13) 

223 

70,234 

2,484 

13,785 

2,920 

225 

(2) 

50,016 

3,537 

1,110 

6,250 

7,069 

10,266 

6,999 

62,520 

9.6% 

6,847 

(9) 

246 

73,917 

2,556 

129 

3,333 

229 

(1) 

48,472 

4,281 

117,371 

116,811 

Europe 

North America 

Asia / Pacific 

Latin America / 
Africa / Middle East 

Reconciliation 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

[Table 4.7]

Total 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

15,312 

+5.2% 

+6.3% 

16,999 

+5.6% 

+6.7% 

9,096 

324 

3,481 

15,949 

+4.2% 

+5.2% 

17,704 

+4.1% 

+5.1% 

10,865 

572 

4,019 

9,953 

+7.0% 

+8.4% 

9,787 

+6.6% 

+8.0% 

3,294 

146 

808 

12,740 

+28.0% 

+10.8% 

12,450 

+27.2% 

+9.4% 

3,995 

109 

1,490 

29,378 

33,420 

23,035 

20,522 

1,286 

1,795 

32,120 

2,412 

54,595 

1,424 

1,860 

28,914 

2,947 

55,892 

639 

655 

12,298 

866 

15,819 

588 

834 

13,461 

1,051 

15,985 

9,067 

+5.7% 

+8.7% 

8,820 

+5.1% 

+8.2% 

719 

70 

594 

10,264 

+13.2% 

+1.4% 

10,023 

+13.6% 

7,007 

+4.4% 

+12.9% 

5,733 

+4.5% 

7,371 

+5.2% 

+8.1% 

6,147 

+7.2% 

+1.5% 

+14.8% 

+11.3% 

828 

107 

546 

545 

170 

937 

695 

322 

694 

8,540 

9,492 

5,479 

5,804 

403 

381 

3,436 

198 

402 

496 

3,583 

214 

156 

83 

1,473 

61 

142 

137 

1,688 

69 

30,132 

28,818 

16,825 

16,116 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(13,654) 

(16,383) 

– 

(425) 

3,802 

– 

6 

689 

– 

– 

– 

(499) 

4,679 

– 

6 

826 

– 

– 

41,339 

+5.6% 

+8.5% 

41,339 

+5.6% 

+8.5% 

– 

710 

5,395 

70,234 

2,484 

2,920 

50,016 

3,537 

46,324 

+12.1% 

+6.2% 

46,324 

+12.1% 

+6.2% 

– 

1,110 

6,250 

73,917 

2,556 

3,333 

48,472 

4,281 

117,371 

116,811 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
    
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
238 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

2. General information 

The consolidated financial statements of the Bayer Group as of December 31, 2015, were prepared by Bayer-
Aktiengesellschaft (Bayer AG) according to the International Financial Reporting Standards (ifrs) issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board (iasb), London, and the interpretations of the ifrs Interpretations Com-
mittee (ifrs ic), both as endorsed by the European Union and in effect at the end of the reporting period. The ap-
plicable further requirements of Section 315a of the German Commercial Code were also taken into account. 

Bayer AG is a global enterprise based in Germany. Its registered office is at Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 1, 51368 
Leverkusen. Its material business activities in the fields of health care, agriculture and high-tech polymer materials 
took place in the reporting period in the HealthCare, CropScience and Covestro subgroups. The activities of the 
various segments are outlined in note [5]. 

A declaration concerning the German Corporate Governance Code has been issued pursuant to Section 161 of the 
German Stock Corporation Act and made available to stockholders. 

The Board of Management of Bayer AG prepared the consolidated financial statements of the Bayer Group on 
February 16, 2016. They were discussed by the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board of Bayer AG at its meet-
ing on February 23, 2016, and approved by the Supervisory Board at its plenary meeting on February 24, 2016. 

In the income statement and statement of comprehensive income, statement of financial position, statement of cash 
flows and statement of changes in equity, certain items are combined for the sake of clarity. These are explained in 
the Notes. The income statement is prepared using the cost-of-sales method. Assets and liabilities are classified by 
maturity. They are regarded as current if they mature within one year or within the normal business cycle of the 
company or the Group, or are held for sale. The normal business cycle is defined for this purpose as beginning 
with the procurement of the resources necessary for the production process and ending with the receipt of cash or 
cash equivalents as consideration for the sale of the goods or services produced in that process. Inventories and 
trade accounts receivable and payable are always presented as current items. Deferred tax assets and liabilities and 
pension provisions are always presented as noncurrent items. 

The consolidated financial statements of the Bayer Group are drawn up in euros. Amounts are stated in millions of 
euros (€ million) except where otherwise indicated. 

The financial statements of the individual consolidated companies are prepared as of the closing date of the Group 
financial statements. 

3. Effects of new financial reporting standards 

FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS APPLIED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2015 
In December 2013, the iasb published the fifth and sixth sets of “Annual Improvements to ifrss.” The amendments 
address details of the recognition, measurement and disclosure of business transactions and serve to standardize 
terminology. They consist mainly of editorial changes to existing standards. The first-time application of these 
amendments had no material impact on the presentation of Bayer’s financial position or results of operations, or on 
earnings per share. 

PUBLISHED FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS THAT HAVE NOT YET BEEN APPLIED 
The iasb and the ifrs Interpretations Committee have issued the following standards, amendments to standards, 
and interpretations whose application was not yet mandatory for the 2015 fiscal year and is conditional upon their 
endorsement by the European Union. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

239 

In November 2009, the iasb issued ifrs 9 (Financial Instruments), containing rules for the classification and meas-
urement of financial assets. In October 2010, it issued new requirements for the classification and measurement of 
financial liabilities, incorporating them into ifrs 9. The new standard defines two instead of four measurement 
categories for financial assets, with classification to be based partly on the company’s business model and partly on 
the characteristics of the contractual cash flows from the respective financial asset. In the case of equity invest-
ments that are not held for trading, an entity may irrevocably opt at initial recognition to recognize future changes 
in their fair value outside profit or loss in the statement of comprehensive income. In November 2013, the iasb 
issued further amendments under the title “Hedge Accounting and amendments to ifrs 9, ifrs 7 and ias 39.” The 
focus of the amendments is on a thorough revision of hedge accounting rules with the aim of more appropriately 
reflecting risk management activities in the financial statements. This involves additional disclosures in the notes. 
In July 2014, the iasb published the new rules for the disclosure of financial instrument impairments. This new 
impairment model is based on the principle of accounting for expected losses. It also introduces a third measure-
ment category “fair value through other comprehensive income” for certain debt instruments. ifrs 9 is to be ap-
plied for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The standard has not yet been endorsed by the 
European Union. Bayer is currently evaluating the impact the standard will have on the presentation of the Group’s 
financial position and results of operations.  

In January 2014, the iasb issued ifrs 14 (Regulatory Deferral Accounts). This standard addresses the accounting 
for regulatory deferral account balances by first-time adopters of the ifrs and therefore does not apply to entities 
that already prepare their financial statements according to the ifrs. ifrs 14 is to be applied for annual periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The standard has not yet been endorsed by the European Union. ifrs 14 will 
have no impact on the presentation of Bayer’s financial position or results of operations. 

In May 2014, the iasb published amendments to ias 16 (Property, Plant and Equipment) and ias 38 (Intangible 
Assets) entitled "Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation." These amendments clarify 
that revenue-based depreciation of property, plant and equipment or amortization of intangible assets is inappro-
priate. The amendments are to be applied for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. They will have 
no impact on the presentation of Bayer’s financial position or results of operations. 

In May 2014, the iasb published amendments to ifrs 11 (Joint Arrangements) entitled "Accounting for Acquisitions 
of Interests in Joint Operations." The amendments clarify the accounting for the acquisition of an interest in a joint 
operation in which the activity constitutes a business. They are to be applied for annual periods beginning on or 
after January 1, 2016. The possible impact on the future presentation of Bayer’s financial position and results of 
operations depends on future acquisitions of interests in joint operations. These cannot be reliably predicted. 

In May 2014, the iasb issued ifrs 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers). ifrs 15 is the new standard for 
revenue recognition. It clarifies that the expected consideration for goods or services must be recognized as reve-
nue when the goods or intangible assets are transferred or the services are rendered to the customer. This princi-
ple is applied in five steps. In step 1, the contract with the customer is identified. In step 2, the distinct perfor-
mance obligations in the contract are identified. In step 3, the transaction price is determined. In step 4, this trans-
action price is allocated to the distinct performance obligations. Finally, in step 5, revenue is recognized when the 
identified distinct performance obligations are satisfied, either over time or at a point in time. ifrs 15 replaces 
ias 11 (Construction Contracts), ias 18 (Revenue), ifric 13 (Customer Loyalty Programmes), ifric 15 (Agreements 
for the Construction of Real Estate), ifric 18 (Transfers of Assets from Customers) and sic-31 (Revenue-Barter 
Transactions Involving Advertising Services). An amendment to ifrs 15 was issued in September 2015, deferring 
the date of first-time application from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2018. The new standard is thus to be applied 
for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The standard has not yet been endorsed by the European 
Union. Bayer is currently evaluating the impact the changes will have on the presentation of its financial position 
and results of operations. 

 
 
 
 
240 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

In June 2014, the iasb issued amendments to ias 16 (Property, Plant and Equipment) and ias 41 (Agriculture) enti-
tled "Agriculture: Bearer Plants." The amendments clarify that plants used solely to grow agricultural produce are 
to be accounted for according to ias 16 (Property, Plant and Equipment). The amendments are to be applied for 
annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The changes are not expected to have a material impact on 
the presentation of Bayer’s financial position or results of operations. 

In September 2014, the iasb published the seventh set of “Annual Improvements to ifrss.” The amendments ad-
dress details of the recognition, measurement and disclosure of business transactions and serve to standardize 
terminology. They consist mainly of editorial changes to existing standards. They are applicable for annual periods 
beginning on or after July 1, 2016. The changes are not expected to have a material impact on the presentation of 
Bayer’s financial position or results of operations. 

In September 2014, the iasb published amendments to ifrs 10 (Consolidated Financial Statements) and ias 28 
(Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures) entitled "Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its 
Associate or Joint Venture." The amendments clarify that in a transaction involving an associate or joint venture the 
extent of gain or loss recognition depends on whether the assets sold or contributed constitute a business. An 
amendment issued in December 2015 indefinitely defers the effective date of the September 2014 amendments, 
which were originally intended to be applied for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The iasb is 
to set a new effective date. 

In December 2014, further amendments were issued to ifrs 10 (Consolidated Financial Statements), ifrs 12 (Dis-
closure of Interests in Other Entities) and ias 28 (Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures) entitled "Invest-
ment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception." The amendments largely clarify which subsidiaries an in-
vestment entity must consolidate and which must be recognized at fair value through profit or loss. The amend-
ments are to be applied for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The amendments have not yet 
been endorsed by the European Union. The changes are not expected to have a material impact on the presenta-
tion of Bayer’s financial position or results of operations. 

In December 2014, the iasb published amendments to ias 1 (Presentation of Financial Statements) under its Dis-
closure Initiative. The amendments are intended to clarify the disclosure requirements and relate to materiality, 
line-item aggregation, subtotals, the structure of the notes to the financial statements, the identification of signifi-
cant accounting policies and the separate disclosure of the other comprehensive income of associates and joint 
ventures. The amendments are to be applied for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The chang-
es are not expected to have a material impact on the presentation of Bayer’s financial position or results of opera-
tions.  

In January 2016, the iasb issued ifrs 16 (Leases), the new standard for lease accounting. ifrs 16 introduces a 
uniform lease accounting model for lessees, requiring recognition of assets and liabilities for all leases with a term 
of more than 12 months unless such leases are immaterial. It will eliminate the current requirement for lessees to 
classify leases as either operating leases – without recognizing the respective assets or liabilities – or as finance 
leases. The new standard is to be applied for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. The standard 
has not yet been endorsed by the European Union. Bayer is currently evaluating the impact the standard will have 
on the presentation of its financial position and results of operations.  

In January 2016, the iasb published amendments to ias 12 (Income Taxes) under the title “Recognition of Deferred 
Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses.” These amendments clarify the accounting for deferred tax assets related to debt 
instruments measured at fair value. The amendments are to be applied for annual periods beginning on or after 
January 1, 2017. They have not yet been endorsed by the European Union. Bayer is currently evaluating the impact 
the changes will have on the presentation of its financial position and results of operations.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

241 

In January 2016, the iasb published amendments to ias 7 (Statement of Cash Flows) under its Disclosure Initiative. 
The following changes in liabilities arising from financing activities must be disclosed in the future: (i) changes 
from financing cash flows; (ii) changes arising from obtaining or losing control of subsidiaries or other businesses; 
(iii) the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates; (iv) changes in fair values; (v) other changes. The amendments 
are to be applied for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017. They have not yet been endorsed by the 
European Union. Bayer is currently evaluating the impact the changes will have on the presentation of its financial 
position and results of operations. 

4. Basic principles, methods and critical accounting estimates 

The financial statements of the consolidated companies are prepared according to uniform accounting policies and 
measurement principles.  

The consolidated financial statements of the Group are based on the principle of the historical cost of acquisition, 
construction or production, with the exception of the items reflected at fair value, such as financial assets held for 
trading or available for sale, and derivatives. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the management has to make certain assumptions and esti-
mates that may substantially impact the presentation of the Group’s financial position and / or results of operations. 

Such estimates, assumptions or the exercise of discretion mainly relate to the useful life of noncurrent assets, the 
discounted cash flows used for impairment testing and purchase price allocations, and the recognition of provi-
sions, including those for litigation-related expenses, pensions and other benefits, taxes, environmental compliance 
and remediation costs, sales allowances, product liability and guarantees. Essential estimates and assumptions that 
may affect reporting in the various item categories of the financial statements are described in the following sec-
tions of this note. Estimates are based on historical experience and other assumptions that are considered reason-
able under given circumstances. They are continually reviewed but may vary from the actual values. 

Changes in accounting policies or measurement principles in light of new or revised standards are applied retro-
spectively, except as otherwise provided in the respective standard. The income statement for the previous year 
and the opening statement of financial position for that year are adjusted as if the new accounting policies and / or 
measurement principles had always been applied. 

CONSOLIDATION 
The consolidated financial statements include subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates. 

Subsidiaries are companies over which Bayer AG is currently able to exercise power by virtue of existing rights. 
Power means the ability to direct the activities that significantly influence a company’s profitability. Control is 
therefore only deemed to exist if Bayer AG is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with a 
company and has the ability to use its power over that company to affect the amount of that company’s returns. 
The ability to control another company generally derives from Bayer AG’s direct or indirect ownership of a majority 
of the voting rights. In the case of structured entities, however, control is based on contractual agreements. Inclu-
sion of an entity’s accounts in the consolidated financial statements begins when the Bayer Group is able to exer-
cise control over the entity and ceases when it is no longer able to do so. 

Sales revenues, income and expenses, and gains and losses arising from transactions among the consolidated 
companies, along with receivables and liabilities existing between them, are eliminated. Deferred income tax ef-
fects are reflected in consolidation. 

 
 
 
 
242 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Capital consolidation is performed by offsetting the carrying amounts of subsidiaries against their underlying equi-
ty. When a majority interest in a company is acquired, its pro-rated equity at the acquisition date is measured using 
the acquisition method. Identifiable assets and liabilities (including contingent liabilities) are recognized at their 
fair values along with attributable deferred tax assets and liabilities. Any remaining difference to the purchase price 
is recognized as goodwill. The purchase prices of acquired companies domiciled outside the eurozone are translat-
ed at the exchange rates in effect at the respective dates of acquisition. 

The purchase of shares from other owners is presented as an equity transaction. The difference between the equity 
acquired from other owners and the purchase price is therefore directly offset against equity. 

Joint operations and joint ventures are based on joint arrangements. A joint arrangement is deemed to exist if the 
Bayer Group through a contractual agreement jointly controls activities managed with a third party. Joint control is 
only deemed to exist if decisions regarding the relevant activities require the unanimous consent of the parties 
sharing control. 

A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights 
to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. The Bayer Group recognizes the share 
of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses relating to its interest in a joint operation in accordance with its rights 
and obligations. 

A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to 
the net assets of the arrangement. Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. 

Associates over which Bayer AG exerts significant influence, generally through an ownership interest between 
20% and 50%, also are accounted for using the equity method. 

The carrying amount of a company accounted for using the equity method is adjusted annually by the percentage 
of any change in its equity corresponding to Bayer’s percentage interest in the company. Differences arising upon 
first-time inclusion using the equity method were accounted for according to full-consolidation principles. Bayer’s 
share of changes in these companies’ equities recognized in profit or loss – including impairment losses recog-
nized on goodwill – are reflected in equity-method income / loss.  

Companies that do not have a material impact on the Group’s financial position or results of operations, either 
individually or in aggregate, are accounted for at cost of acquisition less any impairment losses. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION 
The financial statements of the individual companies for inclusion in the consolidated financial statements are 
prepared in their respective functional currencies. A company’s functional currency is that of the economic envi-
ronment in which it primarily generates and expends cash. The majority of combined companies carry out their 
activities autonomously from a financial, economic and organizational point of view, and their functional currencies 
are therefore the respective local currencies. 

In the separate financial statements of the individual consolidated companies, receivables and liabilities in curren-
cies other than the respective functional currency are translated at closing rates. Related exchange differences are 
recognized in profit or loss as exchange gains or losses under other financial income and expenses. 

In the consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of companies outside the eurozone at the start 
and end of the year are translated into euros at closing rates. All changes occurring during the year and all income 
and expense items and cash flows are translated into euros at average monthly rates. Equity components are trans-
lated at the historical exchange rates prevailing at the respective dates of their first-time recognition in Group 
equity. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

243 

The exchange differences arising between the resulting amounts and those obtained by translating at closing rates 
are recognized outside profit or loss as “Exchange differences on translation of operations outside the eurozone” 
(in other comprehensive income) or “Exchange differences” (in the tables in the notes). When a company is decon-
solidated, such exchange differences are reclassified from equity to profit or loss. 

The exchange rates for major currencies against the euro varied as follows: 

Exchange Rates for Major Currencies 

[Table 4.8]

€1/ 

BRL 

CAD 

CHF 

CNY 

GBP 

JPY 

MXN 

RUB 

USD 

Brazil 

Canada 

Switzerland 

China 

United Kingdom 

Japan 

Mexico 

Russia 

United States 

Closing rate 

Average rate 

2014 

3.22 

1.41 

1.20 

7.54 

0.78 

2015 

4.31 

1.51 

1.08 

7.06 

0.73 

2014 

3.12 

1.47 

1.21 

8.17 

0.81 

2015 

3.64 

1.42 

1.07 

6.97 

0.73 

145.23 

131.07 

140.32 

134.28 

17.87 

72.34 

1.21 

18.91 

80.67 

1.09 

17.65 

50.25 

1.33 

17.56 

67.23 

1.11 

Subsidiaries whose functional currencies have experienced a cumulative inflation rate of more than 100% over the 
past three years apply the rules of ias 29 (Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies). Gains and losses 
incurred upon adjusting the carrying amounts of nonmonetary assets and liabilities for inflation are recognized in 
other operating income and expenses. 

In 2015, as in prior years, the rules of ias 29 were relevant for Bayer s.a., Venezuela.  

Several widely differing official exchange rates for the Venezuelan bolivar (vef) against the u.s. dollar were pub-
lished in 2014. Bayer s.a., Venezuela, was included in the consolidated financial statements for 2014 at the official 
exchange rate potentially applicable to future capital transfers if permission for conversion into u.s. dollars is 
granted (sicad i).  

In 2015, a further official exchange rate (simadi) was introduced. In view of the low u.s. dollar allocation at the 
more favorable government-subsidized exchange rates and the continued deterioration in the Venezuelan econo-
my, currency translation was switched to the simadi rate. The resulting u.s. dollar amount is translated at the re-
spective dollar / euro rate.  

As of December 31, 2015, Bayer s.a., Venezuela, had trade accounts equivalent to €121 million (2014: €150 million) 
payable to other Group companies in u.s. dollars. Impairment losses of €91 million were recognized on receivables 
in 2015 because the Venezuelan exchange control authority did not allocate u.s. dollars at the subsidized exchange 
rate with respect to the full amounts of older receivables. Hyperinflationary exchange gains of €43 million were 
incurred in 2015 (2014: losses of €59 million), mainly from the net foreign currency position, in connection with the 
depreciation of the vef against the u.s. dollar. 

NET SALES AND OTHER OPERATING INCOME 
All revenues derived from the selling of products or rendering of services or from licensing agreements are rec-
ognized as sales. Other operational revenues are recognized as other operating income. Sales are recognized in 
profit or loss when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have been transferred to the cus-
tomer, the company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with 
ownership nor effective control over the goods sold, the amount of revenue and costs incurred or to be incurred 
can be measured reliably, and it is sufficiently probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction 
will flow to the company. 

 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
244 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Sales are stated net of sales taxes, other taxes and sales deductions at the fair value of the consideration received 
or to be received. Sales deductions are estimated amounts for rebates, cash discounts and product returns. They 
are deducted at the time the sales are recognized, and appropriate provisions are recorded. Sales deductions are 
estimated primarily on the basis of historical experience, specific contractual terms and future expectations of sales 
development. It is unlikely that factors other than these could materially affect sales deductions in the Bayer Group. 
Adjustments to provisions made in prior periods for rebates, cash discounts or product returns were of secondary 
importance for income before income taxes in the years under report. 

Provisions for rebates in 2015 amounted to 3.8% of total net sales (2014: 3.4%). In addition to rebates, Group 
companies offer cash discounts for prompt payment in some countries. Provisions for cash discounts as of Decem-
ber 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were less than 0.1% of total net sales for the respective year. 

Sales are reduced by the amount of the provisions for expected returns of defective goods or of saleable products 
that may be returned under contractual arrangements. The net sales are reduced on the date of sale or on the date 
when the amount of future returns can be reasonably estimated. Provisions for product returns in 2015 amounted 
to 0.4% of total net sales (2014: 0.5%). If future product returns cannot be reasonably estimated and are signifi-
cant to a sales transaction, the revenues and the related cost of sales are deferred until a reasonable estimate can 
be made or the right to return the goods has expired. 

Some of the Bayer Group’s revenues are generated on the basis of licensing agreements under which third parties 
have been granted rights to products and technologies. Payments received, or expected to be received, that relate 
to the sale or outlicensing of technologies or technological expertise are recognized in profit or loss as of the effec-
tive date of the respective agreement if all rights relating to the technologies and all obligations resulting from 
them have been relinquished under the contract terms. However, if rights to the technologies continue to exist or 
obligations resulting from them have yet to be fulfilled, the payments received are deferred accordingly. Upfront 
payments and similar nonrefundable payments received under these agreements are recorded as other liabilities 
and recognized in profit or loss according to the degree of performance over the estimated performance period 
stipulated in the agreement. 

License agreements and research and development collaboration agreements may be multiple-deliverable ar-
rangements with varying consideration terms, such as upfront payments and milestone or similar payments. Such 
agreements therefore have to be assessed to determine whether the revenues allocated to individual deliverables 
must be recognized at different points in time and therefore form separate units of account.  

To qualify as a separate unit of account for revenue recognition purposes, a deliverable must have value to the 
licensee on a standalone basis. If this is not the case, the agreement as a whole or a combination of individual 
deliverables that has value on a standalone basis forms a unit of account. 

If necessary goods have yet to be delivered or necessary services provided for a unit of account and such delivery 
or provision is probable, nonrefundable (royalty) payments already received are recognized through profit or loss 
over the periods in which these goods are delivered or these services are provided. 

Income may also arise from the exchange of intangible assets. The amount recognized is generally based on the 
fair value of the assets given up, calculated using the discounted cash flow method. If the assets given up are inter-
nally generated, the gain from the exchange generally equals their fair value. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

245 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES 
For accounting purposes, research expenses are defined as costs incurred for current or planned investigations 
undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding. Development 
expenses are defined as costs incurred for the application of research findings or specialist knowledge to plans or 
designs for the production, provision or development of new or substantially improved products, services or pro-
cesses, respectively, prior to the commencement of commercial production or use. 

Research and development expenses are incurred in the Bayer Group for in-house research and development activ-
ities as well as numerous research and development collaborations and alliances with third parties. 

Research and development expenses mainly comprise the costs for active ingredient discovery, clinical studies, 
research and development activities in the areas of application technology and engineering, field trials, regulatory 
approvals and approval extensions. 

Research costs cannot be capitalized. The conditions for capitalization of development costs are closely defined: an 
intangible asset must be recognized if, and only if, there is reasonable certainty of receiving future cash flows that 
will cover an asset’s carrying amount. Since our own development projects are often subject to regulatory approval 
procedures and other uncertainties, the conditions for the capitalization of costs incurred before receipt of approv-
als are not normally satisfied. 

In the case of research and development collaborations, a distinction is generally made between payments on 
contract signature, upfront payments, milestone payments and cost reimbursements for work performed. If an 
intangible asset (such as the right to the use of an active ingredient) is acquired in connection with any of these 
payment obligations, the respective payment is capitalized even if it is uncertain whether further development work 
will ultimately lead to the production of a saleable product. Reimbursements of the cost of research or development 
work are recognized in profit or loss, except where they are required to be capitalized. 

INCOME TAXES 
Income taxes comprise the taxes levied on taxable income in the individual countries along with changes in de-
ferred tax assets and liabilities that are recognized in profit or loss. The income taxes recognized are reflected at 
the amounts likely to be payable under the statutory regulations in force, or already enacted in relation to future 
periods, at the end of the reporting period. 

In compliance with ias 12 (Income Taxes), deferred taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the statement of financial position prepared according to ifrs and their 
tax bases. Deferred taxes are also recognized for consolidation measures and for tax loss carryforwards and tax 
credits that are likely to be usable. 

Deferred tax assets relating to deductible temporary differences, tax credits or tax loss carryforwards are recog-
nized where it is sufficiently probable that taxable income will be available in the future to enable them to be used. 
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized on temporary differences taxable in the future. Deferred taxes are calculated 
at the rates which – on the basis of the statutory regulations in force, or already enacted in relation to future peri-
ods, as of the closing date – are expected to apply in the individual countries at the time of realization. Deferred tax 
assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and 
Bayer has a legal right to settle on a net basis. Material effects of changes in tax rates or tax law on deferred tax 
assets and liabilities are generally accounted for in the period in which the changes are enacted. Such effects are 
recognized in profit or loss except where they relate to deferred taxes that were recognized outside profit or loss, 
in which case they are recognized in other comprehensive income. 

Deferred and current taxes are recognized in profit or loss unless they relate to items recognized outside profit or 
loss in other comprehensive income, in which case they, too, are recognized in other comprehensive income. 

 
 
 
 
246 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The probability that deferred tax assets resulting from temporary differences or loss carryforwards can be used in 
the future is the subject of forecasts by the individual consolidated companies regarding their future earnings 
situation and other parameters.  

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized on planned dividend payments by subsidiaries. Where no dividend payment 
is planned for the foreseeable future, no deferred tax liability is recognized on the difference between the propor-
tionate net assets according to ifrs and the tax base of the investment in the subsidiary. 

GOODWILL  
In a business combination, goodwill is capitalized at the acquisition date. It is measured at its cost of acquisition, 
which is the excess of the acquisition price for shares in a company over the acquired net assets. The net assets are 
the balance of the fair values of the acquired identifiable assets and the assumed liabilities and contingent liabili-
ties. 

Goodwill is not amortized, but tested annually for impairment. Details of the annual impairment tests are given 
under “Procedure used in global impairment testing and its impact.” Once an impairment loss has been recognized 
on goodwill, it is not reversed in subsequent periods. 

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
An “other intangible asset” is an identifiable nonmonetary asset without physical substance, other than goodwill 
(such as a patent, a trademark or a marketing right). It is capitalized if the future economic benefits attributable to 
the asset will probably flow to the company and the cost of acquisition or generation of the asset can be reliably 
measured. 

Other intangible assets are recognized at the cost of acquisition or generation. Those with a determinable useful 
life are amortized accordingly on a straight-line basis over a period of up to 30 years, except where their actual 
depletion demands a different amortization pattern. Determination of the expected useful lives of such assets and 
the amortization patterns is based on estimates of the period for which they will generate cash flows. An impair-
ment test is performed if there is an indication of possible impairment. 

Other intangible assets with an indefinite life (such as the Bayer Cross trademark) and intangible assets not yet 
available for use (such as research and development projects) are not amortized, but tested annually for impair-
ment. 

Any impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss. If the reasons for a previously recognized impairment loss 
no longer apply, the impairment loss is reversed provided that the reversal does not cause the carrying amount to 
exceed the (amortized) cost of acquisition or generation.  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
Property, plant and equipment is carried at the cost of acquisition or construction and depreciated over its estimat-
ed useful life. An impairment loss is recognized in addition if an asset’s recoverable amount falls below its carrying 
amount. 

The cost of self-constructed property, plant and equipment comprises the direct cost of materials, direct manufac-
turing expenses, and appropriate allocations of material and manufacturing overheads. Where an obligation exists 
to dismantle or remove an asset or restore a site to its former condition at the end of its useful life, the present 
value of the related future payments is capitalized along with the cost of acquisition or construction upon comple-
tion and a corresponding liability is recognized. 

If the construction phase of property, plant or equipment extends over a substantial period of time, the interest 
incurred on borrowed capital up to the date of completion is capitalized as part of the cost of acquisition or con-
struction in accordance with ias 23 (Borrowing Costs). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

247 

Costs for regular, comprehensive maintenance work (such as the major overhaul of a technical facility) are capital-
ized as a separate component if they satisfy the recognition criteria. 

Property, plant and equipment is depreciated by the straight-line method over an asset’s useful life, except where 
depreciation based on actual depletion is more appropriate. 

The following depreciation periods are applied throughout the Group: 

Useful Life of Property, Plant and Equipment 

Buildings  

Outdoor infrastructure 

Storage tanks and pipelines 

Plant installations 

Machinery and equipment 

Furniture and fixtures 

Vehicles 

Computer equipment 

Laboratory and research facilities 

[Table 4.9]

20 to 50 years

10 to 20 years

10 to 20 years

6 to 20 years

6 to 12 years

4 to 10 years

5 to 8 years

3 to 5 years

3 to 5 years

Significant asset components with different useful lives are accounted for and depreciated separately. 

If there are indications that an individual item of property, plant and equipment may be impaired, the recoverable 
amount is compared to the carrying amount. If the recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount, an im-
pairment loss is recognized for the difference. If the reasons for a previously recognized impairment loss no longer 
apply, the impairment loss is reversed provided that the reversal does not cause the carrying amount to exceed the 
cost of acquisition or construction less depreciation. 

When assets are sold, closed down or scrapped, the difference between the net proceeds and the net carrying 
amount of the assets is recognized as a gain or loss in other operating income or expenses, respectively. 

Investment property comprises land and buildings not being used for operational or administrative purposes. It is 
measured using the cost model. The fair value of the investment property reported in the Notes is determined 
using the discounted cash flow method, comparisons with the current market values of similar properties, or re-
ports from external experts. 

FINANCIAL ASSETS 
Financial assets comprise loans and receivables, acquired equity and debt instruments, cash and cash equivalents, 
and derivatives with positive fair values. 

They are recognized and measured in accordance with ias 39 (Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measure-
ment). Accordingly, financial assets are recognized in the consolidated financial statements if the Bayer Group has 
a contractual right to receive cash or other financial assets from another entity. Regular-way purchases and sales of 
financial assets are generally posted on the settlement date. Financial assets are initially recognized at fair value 
plus transaction costs. The transaction costs incurred for the purchase of financial assets held at fair value through 
profit or loss are expensed immediately. Interest-free or low-interest receivables are initially reflected at the present 
value of the expected future cash flows. Upon first-time recognition, each financial asset is assigned to one of the 
categories prescribed in ias 39. Subsequent measurement takes place according to the measurement rules for the 
respective category. The measurement rules for each category are set forth below: 

 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
248 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss comprise those financial assets that are held for trading. 
Receivables from forward commodity contracts and receivables from other derivatives that are included in other 
financial assets are allocated to this category, except where hedge accounting is used. Changes in the fair value of 
financial assets in this category are recognized in profit or loss when the increase or decrease in fair value occurs. 

Loans and receivables are nonderivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in 
an active market. They are accounted for at amortized cost using the effective interest method. This category com-
prises trade accounts receivable, the loans and receivables included in other financial assets, the additional finan-
cial receivables reflected in other receivables, and cash and cash equivalents. Interest income from items assigned 
to this category is determined using the effective interest method. 

Held-to-maturity financial assets are nonderivative financial assets, with fixed or determinable payments, that the 
Bayer Group is willing and able to hold until maturity. They are accounted for at amortized cost using the effective 
interest method. Held-to-maturity financial investments are recognized in other financial assets. 

Available-for-sale financial assets are those nonderivative financial assets that are not assigned to any of the above 
categories. They mainly include equity instruments (such as shares), debt instruments with indefinite maturities, 
and debt instruments not to be held to maturity that are included in other financial assets. After their first-time 
recognition, available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value and any unrealized gains or losses are 
recognized outside profit or loss in equity. These are only reclassified to profit or loss if the assets are sold or if 
there are objective indications of impairment, in which case the accumulated loss is recognized in profit or loss. An 
objective indication of impairment is a significant or prolonged decrease in the fair value of an equity instrument to 
below its acquisition cost. Previously recognized impairment losses are reversed if the reasons for them no longer 
apply. Impairment loss reversals for equity instruments are recognized outside profit or loss, while those for debt 
instruments are recognized in profit or loss. Where possible, a fair value for equity and debt securities is derived 
from market data. Financial assets for which no market price is available and whose fair value cannot be reasonably 
estimated are recognized at cost less any impairment losses. 

If there are substantial and objective indications of a decline in the value of loans and receivables, held-to-maturity 
financial assets or available-for-sale financial assets, an impairment test is performed. Indications of possible im-
pairment include a high probability of insolvency, a significant deterioration in credit standing, a material breach of 
contract, operating losses reported by a company over several years, a reduction in market value, the financial 
restructuring of the debtor, or the disappearance of an active market for the asset. 

In the case of loans and receivables, and held-to-maturity financial assets, an impairment test is performed in 
which the carrying amount is compared to the present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the 
original effective interest rate. If the carrying amount exceeds the present value, an impairment loss is recognized 
for the difference between the two amounts. If the reasons for previously recognized impairment losses no longer 
apply, the impairment losses are reversed provided that this does not cause the carrying amounts to exceed the 
amortized cost of acquisition. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

249 

Financial assets are derecognized when contractual rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets expire or 
the financial assets are transferred together with all material risks and benefits. 

INVENTORIES 
In accordance with ias 2 (Inventories), inventories encompass assets consumed in production or in the rendering 
of services (raw materials and supplies), assets in the production process for sale (work in process), goods held for 
sale in the ordinary course of business (finished goods and goods purchased for resale), and advance payments on 
inventories. Inventories are recognized at their cost of acquisition or production – calculated by the weighted-
average method – or at their net realizable value, whichever is lower. The net realizable value is the estimated 
selling price in the ordinary course of business less estimated cost to complete and selling expenses. 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash, checks received, and balances with banks and companies. Cash equiva-
lents are highly liquid short-term financial investments that are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, 
are easily convertible into a known amount of cash and have a maturity of three months or less from the date of 
acquisition or investment. 

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE  
Assets held for sale comprise noncurrent assets or disposal groups (together with any liabilities), the carrying 
amounts of which will be realized principally through a highly probable sale transaction within the next twelve 
months or an already contractually agreed sale transaction, and not through continued use. At the time of their 
classification as “held for sale,” such assets are collectively measured at the lower of the carrying amount and fair 
value less costs of disposal, and depreciation or amortization ceases.  

Groups of assets held for sale that represent a standalone business and correspond to at least one strategic busi-
ness entity are combined in the income statement, statement of comprehensive income, statement of financial 
position and statement of cash flows and reported under assets held for sale or discontinued operations. 

PROVISIONS FOR PENSIONS AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS 
Within the Bayer Group, post-employment benefits are provided under defined contribution and / or defined benefit 
plans. In the case of defined contribution plans, the company pays contributions to publicly or privately adminis-
tered pension plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. Once the contributions have been paid, the 
company has no further payment obligations. The regular contributions constitute expenses for the year in which 
they are due and as such are included in the functional cost items, and thus in ebit. All other post-employment 
benefit systems are defined benefit plans, which may be either unfunded, i.e. financed by provisions, or funded, i.e. 
financed through pension funds. 

The present value of provisions for defined benefit plans and the resulting expense are calculated in accordance 
with ias 19 (Employee Benefits) by the projected unit credit method. The future benefit obligations are valued by 
actuarial methods and spread over the entire employment period on the basis of specific assumptions regarding 
beneficiary structure and the economic environment. These relate mainly to the discount rate, future salary and 
pension increases, variations in health care costs, and mortality rates. 

The discount rates used are calculated from the yields of high-quality corporate bond portfolios in specific curren-
cies with cash flows approximately equivalent to the expected disbursements from the pension plans. The uniform 
discount rate derived from this interest-rate structure is thus based on the yields, at the closing date, of a portfolio 
of “aa” rated corporate bonds whose weighted residual maturities approximately correspond to the duration nec-
essary to cover the entire benefit obligation. 

 
 
 
 
250 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The fair value of plan assets is deducted from the present value of the defined benefit obligation for pensions and 
other post-employment benefits to determine the net defined benefit liability. The obligations and plan assets are 
valued at regular intervals of not more than three years. Comprehensive actuarial valuations for all major plans are 
performed annually as of December 31. Plan assets in excess of the benefit obligation are reflected in other receiv-
ables, subject to the asset ceiling specified in ias 19 (Employee Benefits). 

The balance of all income and expenses relating to defined benefit plans, except the net interest on the net liability, 
is recognized in ebit. The net interest is reflected in the financial result under other financial income and expenses.  

The effects of remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability are reflected in the statement of comprehensive 
income as other comprehensive income. They consist of actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets and 
changes in the effects of the asset ceiling, less the respective amounts included in net interest. Deferred taxes 
relating to the effects of remeasurements are also recognized in other comprehensive income. 

OTHER PROVISIONS  
Other provisions are recognized for present legal and constructive obligations arising from past events that will 
probably give rise to a future outflow of resources, provided that a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of 
the obligations. 

Other provisions are measured in accordance with ias 37 (Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets) 
or, where applicable, ias 19 (Employee Benefits). Where the cash outflow to settle an obligation is expected to 
occur after one year, the provision is recognized at the present value of the expected cash outflow. Claims for re-
imbursements from third parties are separately reflected in other receivables if their realization is virtually certain. 

If the projected obligation declines as a result of a change in the estimate, the provision is reversed by the corre-
sponding amount and the resulting income recognized in the operating expense item(s) in which the original 
charge was recognized. 

To enhance the information content of the estimates, certain provisions that could have a material effect on the 
financial position or results of operations of the Group are selected and tested for their sensitivity to changes in the 
underlying parameters. To reflect uncertainty about the likelihood of the assumed events actually occurring, the 
impact of a five-percentage-point change in the probability of occurrence is examined in each case. This analysis 
has not shown other provisions to be materially sensitive. 

Complex tax regulations may give rise to uncertainties with respect to their interpretation and the amount and 
timing of future taxable income. Given the wide range of international business relationships and the long-term 
nature and complexity of existing contractual agreements, differences arising between the actual results and the 
assumptions made, or future changes to such assumptions, could necessitate adjustments to tax income and ex-
pense in future periods. The Group establishes provisions for taxes, based on reasonable estimates, for liabilities 
to the tax authorities of the respective countries that are uncertain as to their amount and the probability of their 
occurrence. The amount of such provisions is based on various factors, such as experience with previous tax audits 
and differing legal interpretations by the taxable entity and the responsible tax authority. 

Provisions for environmental protection are recorded if future cash outflows are likely to be necessary to ensure 
compliance with environmental regulations or to carry out remediation work, such costs can be reliably estimated 
and no future benefits are expected from such measures. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

251 

Estimating the future costs of environmental protection and remediation involves many uncertainties, particularly 
with regard to the status of laws, regulations and the information available about conditions in the various coun-
tries and at the individual sites. Significant factors in estimating the costs include previous experiences in similar 
cases, the conclusions in expert opinions obtained regarding the Group’s environmental programs, current costs 
and new developments affecting costs, management’s interpretation of current environmental laws and regulations, 
the number and financial position of third parties that may become obligated to participate in any remediation 
costs on the basis of joint liability, and the remediation methods likely to be deployed. Changes in these assump-
tions could impact future reported results. 

Taking into consideration experience gained to date regarding environmental matters of a similar nature, provi-
sions are believed to be adequate based upon currently available information. Given the difficulties inherent in 
estimating liabilities in the businesses in which the Group operates, especially those for which the risk of environ-
mental damage is greater in relative terms (CropScience and Covestro), it remains possible that material additional 
costs will be incurred beyond the amounts accrued. It may transpire during remediation work that additional ex-
penditures are necessary over an extended period and that these exceed existing provisions and cannot be reason-
ably estimated.  

Provisions for restructuring only cover expenses that arise directly from restructuring measures, are necessary for 
restructuring and are not related to future business operations. Such expenses include severance payments to 
employees and compensation payments in respect of rented property that can no longer be used. 

Restructuring measures may include the sale or termination of business units, site closures, relocations of business 
activities or fundamental reorganizations of business units. 

The respective provisions are established when a detailed restructuring plan has been drawn up, resolved upon by 
the responsible decision-making level of management and communicated to the employees and / or their represent-
atives. Provisions for restructuring are established at the present value of future disbursements. 

Trade-related provisions are recorded mainly for the granting of rebates or discounts, product returns, or obliga-
tions in respect of services already received but not yet invoiced. 

As a global enterprise with a diverse business portfolio, the Bayer Group is exposed to numerous legal risks for 
which provisions for litigations must be established under certain conditions – particularly in the areas of product 
liability, competition and antitrust law, patent disputes, tax law and environmental protection.  

Litigation and other judicial proceedings often raise complex issues and are subject to many uncertainties and 
complexities including, but not limited to, the facts and circumstances of each particular case, the jurisdiction in 
which each suit is brought and differences in applicable law. The outcomes of currently pending and future pro-
ceedings generally cannot be predicted. It is particularly difficult to assess the likely outcomes of class actions for 
damages in the United States, which may give rise to significant financial risks for the Bayer Group. As a result of a 
judgment in court proceedings, regulatory decisions or the conclusion of a settlement, the Bayer Group may incur 
charges for which no accounting measures have yet been taken for lack of reasonable estimability or which exceed 
presently established provisions and the insurance coverage. 

The Bayer Group considers the need for accounting measures in respect of pending or future litigations, and the 
extent of any such measures, on the basis of the information available to its legal department and in close consulta-
tion with legal counsel acting for the Bayer Group.  

 
 
 
 
252 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Where it is more likely than not that such a litigation will result in an outflow of resources that is already reasonably 
estimable, a provision for litigation is recorded in the amount of the present value of the expected cash outflows. 
Such provisions cover the estimated payments to the plaintiffs, court and procedural costs, attorney costs and the 
cost of potential settlements.  

It is frequently impossible to reliably determine the existence of a present obligation or reasonably estimate the 
probability that a potential outflow of resources will result from a pending or future litigation. The status of the 
material “legal risks” is described in note [32]. Due to the special nature of these litigations, provisions generally 
are not established until initial settlements allow an estimate of potential amounts or judgments have been issued. 
Provisions for legal defense costs are established if it is probable that material costs will have to be incurred for 
external legal counsel to defend the company’s legal position.  

Internal and external legal counsel evaluate the current status of the Bayer Group’s material legal risks at the end 
of each reporting period. The need to establish or adjust a provision and the amount of the provision or adjustment 
are determined on this basis. Adjusting events are reflected up to the date of preparation of the consolidated finan-
cial statements. The measurement of provisions in the case of class actions or mass compensation claims is mainly 
based on any settlements reached during the past year and on pending or anticipated future claims. 

Personnel-related provisions are mainly those recorded for annual bonus payments, variable one-time payments, 
individual performance awards, long-service awards, severance payments in connection with early retirement 
arrangements, surpluses on long-term accounts and other personnel costs. Obligations under stock-based compen-
sation programs that provide for awards payable in cash are also included here. 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 
Financial liabilities comprise primary financial liabilities and negative fair values of derivatives. 

Primary financial liabilities are initially recognized in the consolidated financial statements at fair value if the 
Bayer Group has a contractual obligation to transfer cash or other financial assets to another party. In subsequent 
periods, such liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. 

Liabilities for contingent consideration arising from business combinations are measured at fair value. Changes in 
fair value are recognized through profit or loss as of the respective closing date. 

Financial liabilities are derecognized when the contractual obligation is discharged or canceled, or has expired. 

OTHER RECEIVABLES AND LIABILITIES 
Accrued items and other nonfinancial assets and liabilities are carried at amortized cost. They are amortized to 
income by the straight-line method or according to performance of the underlying transaction. 

Grants and subsidies from third parties that serve to promote investment are reflected in the statement of financial 
position under other liabilities and amortized to income over the useful lives of the respective investments or in line 
with the terms of the grant or subsidy. 

DERIVATIVES 
The Bayer Group uses derivatives – such as forward exchange contracts and interest-rate swaps – to mitigate the 
risk of changes in exchange rates, interest rates or prices. Derivatives are recognized at the trade date. 

Contracts concluded in order to receive or deliver nonfinancial goods for the company’s own purposes are not 
accounted for as derivatives but treated as pending transactions. Where embedded derivatives are identified that 
are required to be separated from the pending transactions, they are accounted for separately. To take advantage of 
market opportunities or cover possible peak demand, a nonmaterial volume of transactions may be entered into for 
which the possibility of immediate resale cannot be excluded. Such transactions are allocated to separate portfolios 
upon acquisition and accounted for as derivatives according to ias 39. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

253 

Derivatives are carried at fair value. Positive fair values at the end of the reporting period are reflected in financial 
assets, negative fair values in financial liabilities. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized 
directly in profit or loss except where hedge accounting is used. Changes in the fair values of forward exchange 
contracts and currency options serving as hedges of items in the statement of financial position are reflected in 
other financial income and expenses as exchange gains or losses, while changes in the values of interest-rate 
swaps and interest-rate options are recognized in interest income or expense. Changes in the fair values of com-
modity futures and options, and of forward exchange contracts used to hedge forecasted transactions in foreign 
currencies, are recognized in other operating income or expenses. 

Changes in the fair values of derivatives designated as fair-value hedges and the adjustments in the carrying 
amounts of the underlying transactions are recognized in profit or loss. 

Changes in the fair values of the effective portion of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are initially recog-
nized outside profit or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income. They are reclassified to profit or loss 
when the underlying transaction is realized. If such a derivative is sold or ceases to qualify for hedge accounting, 
the change in its value continues to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income until the forecasted 
transaction is realized. If the forecasted transaction is no longer probable, the amount previously recognized in 
accumulated other comprehensive income has to be reclassified to profit or loss. The ineffective portion of gains or 
losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is recognized either in other operating income or expenses or 
in the financial result, depending on the type of underlying transaction. 

The income and expense reflected in the financial result pertaining to the derivatives and the underlying transac-
tions are shown separately. Income and expense are not offset. 

LEASES 
A lease is an agreement whereby the lessor assigns to the lessee the right to use an asset for an agreed period of 
time in return for a payment or series of payments. Leases are classified as either finance or operating leases. 
Lease transactions that transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the leased asset to 
the lessee are treated as finance leases. All other lease agreements are classified as operating leases. Whether an 
agreement constitutes a lease or contains a lease is determined upon inception of the lease. 

Where the Bayer Group is the lessee in a finance lease, the leased asset is capitalized at the lower of the fair value 
of the asset and the present value of the minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease term and simulta-
neously recognized under financial liabilities. The minimum lease payments are divided into the principal portion 
of the remaining obligation and the financing costs, which are determined using the effective-interest method. The 
leased asset is depreciated by the straight-line method over the shorter of its estimated useful life or the lease term. 

Where the Bayer Group is the lessee in an operating lease, the lease payments are expensed. Where it is the lessor, 
the lease payments received are recognized in profit or loss. The leased asset continues to be recognized under 
property, plant and equipment in the Bayer Group’s statement of financial position. 

ACQUISITION ACCOUNTING 
Acquired businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method, which requires that the assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed be recorded at their respective fair values on the date Bayer obtains control. Ancillary acquisi-
tion costs are recognized as expenses in the periods in which they occur. 

 
 
 
 
254 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The application of the acquisition method requires certain estimates and assumptions to be made, especially con-
cerning the fair values of the acquired intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and the liabilities assumed 
at the acquisition date, and the useful lives of the acquired intangible assets, property, plant and equipment. 

Measurement is based to a large extent on anticipated cash flows. If actual cash flows vary from those used in 
calculating fair values, this may materially affect the Group’s future results of operations. In particular, the estima-
tion of discounted cash flows from intangible assets under development, patented and nonpatented technologies 
and brands is based on assumptions concerning, for example: 

•  the outcomes of research and development activities regarding compound efficacy, results of clinical trials, etc., 
•  the probability of obtaining regulatory approvals in individual countries, 
•  long-term sales trends,  
•  possible selling price erosion due to generic competition in the market following patent expirations, 
•  the behavior of competitors (launch of competing products, marketing initiatives, etc.). 

For significant acquisitions, the purchase price allocation is carried out with assistance from independent third-
party valuation specialists. The valuations are based on the information available at the acquisition date. 

In step acquisitions, the fair values of the acquired entity’s assets and liabilities are measured in accordance with 
ifrs 3 (Business Combinations) at the date on which control is obtained. Any resulting adjustments to the fair value 
of the existing interest are recognized in profit or loss. The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities already 
recognized in the statement of financial position is then adjusted accordingly. 

PROCEDURE USED IN GLOBAL IMPAIRMENT TESTING AND ITS IMPACT 
Impairment tests are performed not only on individual items of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, 
but also at the level of cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units. A cash-generating unit is the 
smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows 
from other assets or groups of assets. The Bayer Group regards its strategic business entities or groups of strategic 
business entities, as well as certain product families, as cash-generating units and subjects them to global impair-
ment testing. The strategic business entities constitute the second financial reporting level below the segments. 

Cash-generating units and unit groups are globally tested if there is an indication of possible impairment. Those to 
which goodwill is allocated are tested at least annually. 

Impairment testing involves comparing the carrying amount of each cash-generating unit, unit group or item of 
intangible assets, property, plant or equipment to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of its fair value less 
costs of disposal or value in use. If the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, an impairment loss must 
be recognized for the difference. If a strategic business entity or entity group is found to be impaired, an impair-
ment loss is first recognized on any goodwill allocated to it. Any remaining part of the impairment loss is then 
allocated among the other noncurrent nonfinancial assets of the strategic business entity or entity group in propor-
tion to their carrying amounts. The resulting expense is reflected in the functional item of the income statement in 
which the depreciation or amortization of the respective assets is recognized. The same applies to income from 
impairment loss reversals. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

255 

The recoverable amount is generally determined on the basis of the fair value less costs of disposal, taking into 
account the present value of the future net cash flows as market prices for the individual units are not normally 
available. These are forecasted on the basis of the Bayer Group’s current planning, the planning horizon normally 
being three to five years. Forecasting involves making assumptions, especially regarding future selling prices, sales 
volumes, costs, market growth rates, economic cycles and exchange rates. These assumptions are based on inter-
nal estimates along with external market studies. Where the recoverable amount is the fair value less costs of dis-
posal, the cash-generating unit or unit group is measured from the viewpoint of an independent market participant. 
Where the recoverable amount is the value in use, the cash-generating unit, unit group or individual asset is meas-
ured as currently used. In either case, net cash flows beyond the planning period are determined on the basis of 
long-term business expectations using the respective individual growth rates derived from market information. The 
fair value less costs of disposal is determined on the basis of unobservable inputs (Level 3). 

The net cash inflows are discounted at a rate equivalent to the weighted average cost of equity and debt capital. To 
allow for the different risk and return profiles of the Bayer Group’s principal businesses, the after-tax cost of capital 
is calculated separately for each subgroup and a subgroup-specific capital structure is defined by benchmarking 
against comparable companies in the same industry sector. The cost of equity corresponds to the return expected 
by stockholders, while the cost of debt is based on the conditions on which comparable companies can obtain long-
term financing. Both components are derived from capital market information. 

The growth rates applied for impairment testing in 2015 and 2014 and the capital cost factors used to discount the 
expected cash flows are shown in the following table: 

Impairment Testing Parameters 

[Table 4.10]

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Care 

Radiology 

Animal Health 

Crop Protection 

Seeds 

Environmental Science 

Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI) 

Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) 

Polyether (PET) 

Polycarbonates (PCS) 

Base & Modified Isocyanates (BMI) 

Resins (RES) 

Specialty Films (SF) 

Growth rate 

After-tax cost of capital 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

% 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

2.0 

2.8 

1.3 

1.5 

– 

0.0 

1.5 

2.0 

2.0 

1.0 

% 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

0.0 

2.3 

1.9 

1.8 

2.0 

2.0 

0.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

2.0 

% 

6.5 

6.5 

6.5 

6.5 

6.7 

6.7 

6.7 

6.0 

– 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0 

% 

6.2 

6.2 

6.2 

6.2 

6.3 

6.3 

6.3 

6.1 

6.1 

6.1 

6.1 

6.1 

6.1 

6.1 

No impairment losses were recognized on goodwill on the basis of the global annual impairment testing of the 
cash-generating units and unit groups in 2015 or 2014. In 2014, a €6 million impairment loss was recognized on a 
goodwill item following an impairment test performed in connection with a divestiture. Impairment losses on 
goodwill, other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment – net of €1 million (2014: €2 million) in impair-
ment loss reversals – totaled €229 million (2014: €223 million). Details are provided in notes [17] and [18]. 

 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
256 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Although the estimates of the useful lives of certain assets, assumptions concerning the macroeconomic environ-
ment and developments in the industries in which the Bayer Group operates, and estimates of the discounted fu-
ture cash flows are believed to be appropriate, changes in assumptions or circumstances could require changes in 
the analysis. This could lead to additional impairment losses in the future or – except in the case of goodwill – to 
reversals of previously recognized impairment losses if developments are contrary to expectations.  

The sensitivity analysis for cash-generating units and unit groups to which goodwill is allocated was based on a 
10% reduction in future cash flows, a 10% increase in the weighted average cost of capital or a one-percentage-
point reduction in the long-term growth rate. Bayer concluded that no impairment loss would need to be recog-
nized on goodwill in any cash-generating unit or unit group under these conditions. 

5. Segment reporting 

At Bayer the Board of Management, as the chief operating decision maker, allocates resources to the operating 
segments and assesses their performance. The reportable segments and regions are identified, and the disclosures 
selected, in line with the internal financial reporting system (management approach) and based on the Group 
accounting policies outlined in note [4]. 

As of December 31, 2015, the Bayer Group comprised three subgroups, with operations subdivided into strategic 
business entities known as divisions (HealthCare), business groups (CropScience) or business units (Covestro; 
formerly MaterialScience). Their activities were aggregated into four reportable segments according to economic 
characteristics, products, production processes, customer relationships, methods of distribution and regulatory 
environment.  

The segments’ activities were as follows: 

Activities of the Segments 

[Table 4.11]

Subgroup / Segment 

Activities 

HealthCare 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health1 

CropScience 

CropScience 

Covestro 

Covestro 

Development, production and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals, such as anticoagulants, 
treatments for hemophilia, multiple sclerosis, cancer, eye diseases, pulmonary hypertension, 
high blood pressure and infectious diseases; and contraceptives 

Development, production and marketing of over-the-counter medications, dermatology products, 
nutritional supplements, veterinary medicines and animal grooming products; medical products 
such as injection systems and contrast agents for diagnostic procedures 

Development, production and marketing of a comprehensive product portfolio in the areas of 
seeds and plant traits, crop protection, home and garden, the green industry and nonagricultural 
pest control 

Development, production and marketing of raw materials for polyurethanes; polycarbonate resins 
and sheets; raw materials for coatings, adhesives and sealants; and selected chemical 
intermediates 

1 The Diabetes Care business unit (diagnostic systems, such as blood glucose meters) was no longer reported under continuing operations in 2015 following the 

signing of the agreement to sell it to Panasonic Healthcare Holdings, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
  
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

257 

Business activities that cannot be allocated to any other segment are reported under “All other segments.” These 
primarily include the services provided by the service areas: Business Services, Technology Services and Currenta. 

The items in “Corporate Center and Consolidation” comprise the activities of the Bayer holding companies, the 
increase or decrease in expenses for Group-wide long-term stock-based compensation arising from fluctuations in 
the performance of Bayer stock, and the consolidation of intersegment sales (2015: €2.4 billion; 2014: €2.5 billion). 

The reconciliation in the table “Key Data by Region” eliminates interregional items and transactions and reflects 
income, expenses, assets and liabilities not allocable to geographical areas, particularly those relating to the Corpo-
rate Center. 

The segment data are calculated as follows: 

•  The intersegment sales reflect intra-Group transactions effected at transfer prices fixed on an arm’s-length basis.  
•  ebit – income after income taxes, plus income taxes, plus financial result – which is not defined in the Interna-
tional Financial Reporting Standards, is influenced by one-time special effects and by the amortization of intan-
gible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment, along with impairment losses and impairment 
loss reversals. To elucidate the effects of these parameters on the operational business and facilitate the compa-
rability of operational earning power over time, we determine additional indicators: ebitda, ebit before special 
items, ebitda before special items and the ebitda margin before special items. These indicators also are not de-
fined in the International Financial Reporting Standards. ebitda (ebit plus the amortization of intangible assets 
and the depreciation of property, plant and equipment, plus impairment losses, minus impairment loss rever-
sals, recognized in profit or loss in the reporting period) serves to characterize the operational business irre-
spective of the effects of amortization, depreciation or impairment losses / impairment loss reversals. ebit before 
special items and ebitda before special items show the development of the operational business irrespective of 
the effects of special items – those that are nonrecurring or do not regularly recur or attain similar magnitudes. 
ebit before special items and ebitda before special items are determined by adding special charges and sub-
tracting special gains. They constitute relevant key data for Bayer. The ebitda margin before special items, 
which is calculated by dividing ebitda before special items by sales, serves as an indicator of relative operation-
al earning power for purposes of internal and external comparison.   

•  The gross cash flow comprises income after income taxes, plus income taxes, plus financial result, minus in-

come taxes paid or accrued, plus depreciation, amortization and impairment losses, minus impairment loss re-
versals, plus / minus changes in pension provisions, minus gains / plus losses on retirements of noncurrent assets, 
minus gains from the remeasurement of already held assets in step acquisitions. The change in pension provi-
sions includes the elimination of noncash components of ebit. It also contains benefit payments during the year. 
Gross cash flow is not defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards. 

•  The net cash flow is the cash flow from operating activities as defined in ias 7 (Statement of Cash Flows). 
•  The capital invested and the segment assets include all assets serving the respective segment that are required 
to yield a return on their cost of acquisition. Segment assets include, in addition, assets held for sale where the 
return is covered by the sale proceeds. Similarly, the segment liabilities include the liabilities directly related to 
assets held for sale. Also included in the capital invested and in segment assets are material participating inter-
ests of direct relevance to business operations. Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are included 
in the capital invested at cost of acquisition, generation or construction throughout their useful lives. Interest-
free liabilities are deducted from the capital invested, which is stated as of December 31. 

•  The cfroi – a measure of the return on the capital employed – is the difference between the gross cash flow and 

the cost of reproducing depletable assets, divided by the average capital invested for the year. 

•  The equity items reflect the earnings and carrying amounts of companies accounted for using the equity method. 
•  Since the financial management of Group companies is carried out centrally by Bayer AG, financial liabilities are 
not directly allocated among the segments. Consequently, the liabilities shown for the individual segments do 
not include financial liabilities. These are included in the reconciliation. 

•  The number of employees on either permanent or temporary contracts is stated in full-time equivalents (fte), 

with part-time employees included on a pro-rated basis in line with their contractual working hours. The figures 
do not include apprentices.  

 
 
 
 
 
258 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

RECONCILIATIONS 
The reconciliations of ebitda before special items, ebit before special items and ebit to Group income before in-
come taxes and of the assets and liabilities of the segments to the assets and liabilities, respectively, of the Group 
are given in the following tables: 

Reconciliation of Segments’ EBITDA Before Special Items to Group Income Before Income Taxes  

[Table 4.12]

EBITDA before special items of segments 

EBITDA before special items of Corporate Center and Consolidation 

EBITDA before special items  

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses / loss reversals before special items of segments 

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses / loss reversals before special items  
of Corporate Center and Consolidation 

Depreciation, amortization and impairment losses / loss reversals before special items 

EBIT before special items of segments 

EBIT before special items of Corporate Center and Consolidation 

EBIT before special items  

Special items of segments 

Special items of Corporate Center and Consolidation 

Special items 

EBIT of segments 

EBIT of Corporate Center and Consolidation 

EBIT 

Financial result 

Income before income taxes  

2014 figures restated 

Reconciliation of Segments’ Assets to Group Assets 

Assets of the operating segments 

Corporate Center and Consolidation assets  

Nonallocated assets 

Assets of discontinued operations 

Group assets 

2014 figures restated 

Reconciliation of Segments’ Liabilities to Group Liabilities 

Liabilities of the operating segments 

Corporate Center and Consolidation liabilities 

Nonallocated liabilities 

Liabilities directly related to discontinued operations 

Group liabilities 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

9,104 

(419) 

8,685 

(2,846) 

10,732 

(466) 

10,266 

(3,191) 

(6) 

(6) 

(2,852) 

(3,197) 

6,258 

(425) 

5,833 

(438) 

– 

(438) 

5,820 

(425) 

5,395 

(981) 

4,414 

7,541 

(472) 

7,069 

(792) 

(27) 

(819) 

6,749 

(499) 

6,250 

(1,005) 

5,245 

[Table 4.13]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

63,040 

65,654 

195 

6,999 

– 

181 

7,899 

183 

70,234 

73,917 

[Table 4.14]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

23,570 

3,409 

23,037 

– 

24,557 

2,645 

21,158 

112 

50,016 

48,472 

The reconciliation of segment sales to Group sales is apparent from the table of key data by segment in note [1]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

259 

INFORMATION ON GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS 
The following table provides a regional breakdown of external sales by market and of intangible assets, property, 
plant and equipment: 

Information on Geographical Areas 

Germany 

United States 

China 

Switzerland 

Other 

Total 

2014 figures restated 

Net sales (external)  
– by market 

[Table 4.15]

Intangible assets and 
property, plant and 
equipment 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

4,804 

8,715 

3,597 

625 

23,598 

41,339 

4,946 

11,286 

4,213 

691 

25,188 

46,324 

12,403 

17,486 

3,102 

905 

8,532 

12,385 

14,420 

3,260 

5,298 

8,286 

42,428 

43,649 

INFORMATION ON MAJOR CUSTOMERS 
Revenues from transactions with a single customer in no case exceeded 10% of Bayer Group sales in 2015  
or 2014. 

SEGMENT REPORTING EFFECTIVE 2016 
In September 2015, it was decided to introduce a new organizational structure effective January 1, 2016, in line 
with Bayer’s focus on the Life Science businesses. The former Bayer HealthCare subgroup has now been dissolved 
and the Radiology business assigned to the Pharmaceuticals Division. The Consumer Health Division now consists 
entirely of the Consumer Care business. Animal Health has become a reportable segment. The Bayer CropScience 
subgroup is now the Crop Science Division. 

The segments’ activities are as follows: 

Activities of the Segments 

Division / Segment 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health 

Crop Science 

Animal Health 

Covestro 

[Table 4.16]

Activities 

Development, production and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals, such as 
anticoagulants, treatments for hemophilia, multiple sclerosis, cancer, eye diseases, pulmonary 
hypertension, high blood pressure and infectious diseases; contraceptives; and medical products 
such as injection systems and contrast agents for diagnostic procedures  

Development, production and marketing of over-the-counter medications, dermatology products 
and nutritional supplements 

Development, production and marketing of a comprehensive product portfolio in the areas of 
seeds and plant traits, crop protection, home and garden, the green industry and nonagricultural 
pest control 

Development, production and marketing of veterinary medicines and animal grooming products 

Development, production and marketing of raw materials for polyurethanes; polycarbonate 
resins and sheets; raw materials for coatings, adhesives and sealants; and selected chemical 
intermediates 

 
 
 
 
    
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
260 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

261 

If the new organizational structure had already been in place as of December 31, 2015, selected segment reporting 
items would appear as follows:  

Selected Key Data by Segment 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health  

Crop Science 

Animal Health 

All Other Segments 

Reconciliation 

Corporate Center  
and Consolidation 

Life Sciences* 

Covestro 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

[Table 4.17]

Group 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Net sales (external) 

Change 

13,512 

+6.3% 

15,308 

4,245 

6,076 

+13.3% 

+8.7% 

+43.1% 

9,494 

+7.7% 

Currency-adjusted change 

+10.0% 

+8.7% 

+13.6% 

+40.4% 

+11.4% 

Intersegment sales 

Net sales (total) 

EBIT 

EBIT before special items 

EBITDA  
before special items 

Gross cash flow 

Net cash flow 

* Including Currenta 

102 

38 

2 

13,614 

15,345 

4,247 

2,627 

2,836 

4,081 

2,996 

3,533 

3,027 

3,327 

4,615 

3,009 

3,157 

609 

731 

991 

685 

564 

2 

6,079 

769 

1,005 

1,456 

886 

816 

49 

9,543 

1,806 

1,838 

2,360 

1,835 

950 

10,367 

+9.2% 

+2.3% 

34 

10,401 

2,103 

1,881 

2,416 

1,941 

761 

1,318 

+0.9% 

+4.0% 

22 

1,340 

234 

234 

285 

217 

234 

1,490 

+13.1% 

+4.5% 

20 

1,510 

254 

318 

348 

226 

348 

GRI 
G4-17 

6. Scope of consolidation; subsidiaries and affiliates 

6.1 Changes in the scope of consolidation 

Changes in the scope of consolidation in 2015 were as follows: 

Change in Number of Consolidated Companies 

[Table 4.18]

Bayer AG and consolidated companies 

December 31, 2014 

Changes in scope of consolidation 

Additions 

Retirements 

December 31, 2015 

Germany 

Other countries 

Total 

67 

2 

2 

(3) 

68 

235 

8 

6 

(10) 

239 

302 

10 

8 

(13) 

307 

The increase in the total number of consolidated companies in 2015 was primarily due to changes in the scope of 
consolidation and to acquisitions. Derecognitions were primarily due to mergers among Group companies. 

Bayer Pearl Polyurethane Systems llc, United Arab Emirates, is fully consolidated because the Bayer Group holds 
a majority of the voting rights. 

1,112 

–4.9% 

–4.4% 

2,243 

3,355 

(11) 

21 

200 

331 

360 

1,097 

–1.3% 

–0.8% 

2,249 

3,346 

(39) 

43 

238 

147 

26 

7 

– 

– 

(2,477) 

(2,470) 

(425) 

(425) 

(419) 

(318) 

(824) 

4 

–42.9% 

–42.9% 

(2,407) 

(2,403) 

(499) 

(472) 

(466) 

(323) 

287 

29,688 

+6.4% 

+10.1% 

– 

34,342 

+15.7% 

+10.6% 

– 

11,651 

+3.7% 

+4.5% 

59 

11,982 

+2.8% 

–5.1% 

64 

41,339 

+5.6% 

+8.5% 

– 

46,324 

+12.1% 

+6.2% 

– 

29,688 

34,342 

11,710 

12,046 

41,339 

46,324 

4,840 

5,235 

7,498 

5,746 

4,817 

5,615 

6,102 

8,607 

5,886 

5,395 

555 

598 

1,187 

961 

880 

635 

967 

1,659 

1,113 

1,452 

5,395 

5,833 

8,685 

6,707 

5,697 

6,250 

7,069 

10,266 

6,999 

6,847 

Pure Salt Baytown llc, United States, is fully consolidated as a structured entity. The Bayer Group guarantees the 
liabilities of Pure Salt Baytown llc to banks. These liabilities, which are reflected in full in the consolidated state-
ment of financial position, amounted to €17 million as of December 31, 2015 (2014: €20 million). 

GRI 
G4-17 

The above table includes one joint operation, LyondellBasell Covestro Manufacturing Maasvlakte v.o.f., Nether-
lands, as of December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014. Pursuant to ifrs 11, Bayer’s share of this company’s 
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are included in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with 
Bayer’s rights and obligations. The main purpose of LyondellBasell Covestro Manufacturing Maasvlakte v.o.f. is the 
joint production of propylene oxide (po) for Bayer and its partner Lyondell. 

In conjunction with the acquisition of the consumer care business of Merck & Co., Inc., United States, Bayer en-
tered into a strategic collaboration with that company. This collaboration is included in the consolidated financial 
statements as a joint operation. Bayer and Merck & Co., Inc., have mutually agreed to collaborate on the develop-
ment, production, life-cycle management and marketing of active ingredients and products in the field of soluble 
guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulation. 

Four (2014: three) associates and three (2014: three) joint ventures were accounted for in the consolidated financial 
statements using the equity method. Details of these companies are given in note [19]. 

Flagship Ventures V Agricultural Fund, l.p., United States, was included in the consolidated financial statements for 
the first time in 2015 and classified as an associate. Bayer has no control over this associate despite owning 99.9% 
of the capital, but is able to significantly influence its financial and operating policy decisions. 

Nanjing Baijingyu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., China, was classified as an associate in view of Bayer’s representation 
on its executive committee and supervisory board. This enables Bayer to significantly influence its financial and 
operating policy decisions despite owning only 15% of its voting rights and capital. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
262 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

GRI 
G4-17 

A total of 71 (2014: 78) subsidiaries, including one (2014: one) structured entity and 12 (2014: 12) associates or 
joint ventures that in aggregate are immaterial to the Bayer Group’s financial position and results of operations are 
not consolidated but recognized at cost. The immaterial subsidiaries accounted for less than 0.2% of Group sales, 
less than 0.3% of equity and less than 0.2% of total assets. 

Details of subsidiary and affiliated companies pursuant to Section 313 of the German Commercial Code can be 
accessed at www.annualreport2015.bayer.com/companylist.pdf. 

The following domestic subsidiaries availed themselves in 2015 of certain exemptions granted under Section 264, 
Paragraph 3, and Section 264b of the German Commercial Code regarding the publication of legal-entity financial 
statements: 

German Exempt Subsidiaries 

Company Name 

Adverio Pharma GmbH 

AgrEvo Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH 

Alcafleu Management GmbH & Co. KG 

Bayer 04 Immobilien GmbH 

Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH 

Bayer Altersversorgung GmbH 

Bayer Animal Health GmbH 

Bayer Beteiligungsverwaltung Goslar GmbH 

Bayer Business Services GmbH 

Bayer Chemicals Aktiengesellschaft 

Bayer Consumer Care Deutschland GmbH 

Bayer CropScience Aktiengesellschaft 

Bayer CropScience Biologics GmbH 

Bayer CropScience Deutschland GmbH 

Bayer Direct Services GmbH 

Bayer Gastronomie GmbH 

Bayer Gesellschaft für Beteiligungen mbH 

Bayer HealthCare Aktiengesellschaft 

Bayer Innovation GmbH 

Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH 

Bayer Real Estate GmbH 

Bayer Schering Pharma AG 

Bayer Technology Services GmbH 

Bayer Vital GmbH 

Bayer Weimar GmbH und Co. KG 

Bayer-Handelsgesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung 

BGI Deutschland GmbH 

Chemion Logistik GmbH 

Dritte Bayer Real Estate VV GmbH & Co. KG 

Erste Bayer Real Estate VV GmbH & Co. KG 

Erste K-W-A Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH 

Euroservices Bayer GmbH 

Fünfte Bayer Real Estate VV GmbH & Co. KG 

Generics Holding GmbH 

GP Grenzach Produktions GmbH 

Place of Business  

Bayer’s interest 

[Table 4.19]

Schönefeld 

Frankfurt am Main 

Schönefeld 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Berlin 

Monheim 

Wismar 

Langenfeld 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Monheim 

Leverkusen 

Berlin 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Weimar 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Schönefeld 

Schönefeld 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Schönefeld 

Leverkusen 

Grenzach-Wyhlen 

% 

100.0 

100.0 

99.9 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

German Exempt Subsidiaries 

Company Name 

Hild Samen GmbH 

Intendis GmbH 

Intraserv GmbH & Co. KG 

Jenapharm GmbH & Co. KG 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

263 

[Table 4.19] continued

Place of Business  

Bayer’s interest 

Marbach am Neckar 

Berlin 

Schönefeld 

Jena 

% 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

100.0 

KOSINUS Grundstücks-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. Gamma OHG 

Schönefeld 

KVP Pharma+Veterinär Produkte GmbH 

MENADIER Heilmittel GmbH 

Schering-Kahlbaum Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung 

Sechste Bayer Real Estate VV GmbH & Co. KG 

Siebte Bayer VV GmbH 

Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH 

TECTRION GmbH 

TravelBoard GmbH 

Vierte Bayer Real Estate VV GmbH & Co. KG 

Zweite Bayer Real Estate VV GmbH & Co. KG 

Zweite K-W-A Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH 

Kiel 

Berlin 

Berlin 

Schönefeld 

Leverkusen 

Darmstadt 

Leverkusen 

Leverkusen 

Schönefeld 

Schönefeld 

Leverkusen 

6.2 Business combinations and other acquisitions 

ACQUISITIONS IN 2015 
The purchase prices for the acquisitions made in 2015, along with adjustments to purchase prices and purchase 
price allocations effected in 2015 relating to previous years’ transactions, totaled €8 million (2014: €13,741 mil-
lion). The purchase prices of the acquired companies or businesses were settled mainly in cash. Adjustments to 
purchase price allocations and other adjustments reduced the total carrying amount of goodwill by €5 million 
(2014: €5,169 million increase). The changes in goodwill mainly resulted from the following transactions: 

On March 2, 2015, Covestro successfully completed the acquisition of all the shares of Thermoplast Composite 
GmbH, Germany, a technology leader specializing in the production of thermoplastic fiber composites. The aim of 
the acquisition is to expand the range of polycarbonate materials for major industries to include composites made 
from continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. A purchase price of €18 million was agreed. This includes a varia-
ble component of €4 million. The purchase price mainly pertained to patents and goodwill. 

On July 1, 2015, CropScience completed the acquisition of all the shares of SeedWorks India Pvt. Ltd., based in 
Hyderabad, India. The company is specialized in the breeding, production and marketing of hybrid seeds of toma-
to, hot pepper, okra and gourds. It has research and seed processing locations in Bangalore and Hyderabad, re-
spectively. The purchase of SeedWorks India is intended to further strengthen CropScience’s vegetable seed busi-
ness in India. A purchase price of €80 million was agreed, subject to the usual purchase price adjustments. The 
purchase price mainly pertained to patents, research and development projects and goodwill. 

As part of the acquisition of the consumer care business of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, 
United States, the production facilities at the Pointe-Claire site in Canada were acquired on July 1, 2015. A pur-
chase price of €67 million was agreed. 

The global purchase price allocation for the consumer care business acquired from Merck & Co., Inc. in 2014 was 
completed in September 2015.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
264 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

This resulted in an adjustment to deferred tax assets due to temporary differences between the carrying amounts of 
intangible assets in the ifrs financial statements and those reported for tax purposes, along with a corresponding 
decline in goodwill in the statement of financial position. These deferred tax assets were retroactively restated to 
the date of acquisition pursuant to ifrs 3.45ff.  

Change in Purchase Price Allocation 

Goodwill 

Deferred taxes 

[Table 4.20]

Dec. 31, 2014 

Before change  
in purchase price 
allocation 

Change  
in purchase price 
allocation 

After change  
in purchase price 
allocation 

€ million 

16,168 

2,981 

€ million 

(821) 

821 

€ million 

15,347 

3,802 

In addition, the purchase price was reduced by €8 million in 2015 on the basis of agreed purchase price adjustment 
mechanisms. 

The court proceedings initiated by former minority stockholders of Bayer Pharma AG (formerly Bayer Schering 
Pharma AG), Berlin, Germany, were settled in August 2015. The additional payment made as a result represents a 
subsequent purchase price adjustment according to the March 31, 2004, version of ifrs 3 in effect at the acquisi-
tion date. The goodwill was increased by €261 million in 2013 based on the status of the proceedings at that time. 
The settlements made it possible to finally determine the goodwill arising from the acquisition. It was therefore 
necessary to reduce the goodwill amount by €115 million in 2015 as a result of the proceedings. Both the increase 
and the reduction were recognized outside profit or loss against the liability resulting from the minority stockhold-
ers’ compensation claim. 

The global purchase price allocation for Dihon Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Kunming, Yunnan, China, acquired 
in 2014, was completed in October 2015. The purchase price was reduced by €43 million in 2015 due to adjust-
ment mechanisms. 

The purchase price allocations for SeedWorks India Pvt. Ltd. and the production facilities at the Pointe-Claire site 
in Canada acquired from Merck & Co., Inc. currently remain incomplete pending compilation and review of the 
relevant financial information. It is therefore possible that changes will be made in the allocation of the purchase 
prices to the individual assets and liabilities. 

The businesses of the above-mentioned acquired companies Thermoplast Composite GmbH and SeedWorks  
India Pvt. Ltd. contributed a total of €5 million to Bayer Group sales in 2015. ebit of these businesses in 2015 to-
taled minus €5 million. Their total income after taxes since the respective dates of their first-time consolidation was 
minus €5 million. This includes the financing costs incurred since the respective acquisition dates. 

If the above acquisitions had already been made as of January 1, 2015, the Bayer Group would have had total 
sales of €46,334 million in 2015. Group income after taxes and earnings per share would not have been materially 
affected. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

265 

The effects of these transactions and other, smaller transactions made in 2015 – along with adjustments to pur-
chase prices and purchase price allocations made in 2015 relating to previous years’ transactions – on the Group’s 
assets and liabilities as of the respective acquisition or adjustment dates are shown in the table. Net of acquired 
cash and cash equivalents, the transactions resulted in the following cash outflow: 

Acquired Assets and Assumed Liabilities (Fair Values at the Respective Acquisition Dates) 

[Table 4.21]

2014 

Of which  
Merck CC 

Of which  
Dihon 

2015 

Of which 
Merck CC 

Of which  
Merck 
Canada 

Of which  
Dihon 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Goodwill 

Patents and technologies 

Trademarks 

Production rights 

R&D projects 

Other rights 

Property, plant and equipment 

Other noncurrent assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Inventories 

Receivables 

Other current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Provisions for pensions and 
other post-employment benefits 

Other provisions 

Financial liabilities 

Other liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Net assets 

Changes in noncontrolling 
interest 

Purchase price 

Acquired cash and cash 
equivalents 

Advance purchase price 
payments made in prior years 

Settlement gain from  
pre-existing relationship 

Liabilities for future payments  

Payments for previous years’ 
acquisitions 

Purchase price adjustment 

Net cash outflow for 
acquisitions 

2014 figures restated 

5,169 

1,762 

5,672 

71 

16 

30 

235 

9 

4,316 

– 

5,362 

– 

– 

– 

146 

– 

1,264 

1,222 

331 

222 

– 

105 

– 

(105) 

(213) 

(292) 

(535) 

295 

106 

– 

3 

– 

(101) 

(20) 

(150) 

(2) 

13,741 

11,177 

– 

– 

13,741 

11,177 

96 

– 

295 

– 

– 

6 

66 

9 

3 

18 

70 

– 

12 

– 

(3) 

(65) 

(60) 

(46) 

401 

– 

401 

(5) 

39 

53 

– 

26 

(20) 

36 

– 

(5) 

(44) 

57 

– 

2 

– 

(85) 

– 

(25) 

(21) 

8 

– 

8 

(105) 

(3) 

(12) 

(2) 

–  

(35) 

(92) 

4 

33 

–  

– 

(65) 

– 

– 

–  

– 

– 

– 

33 

 (11) 

111 

– 

65 

5 

13,546 

11,109 

422 

176 

49 

– 

35 

– 

– 

(20) 

(23) 

– 

(5) 

(46) 

43 

– 

– 

– 

(50) 

– 

7 

2 

(8) 

– 

(8) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

63 

– 

55 

3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

61 

– 

– 

4 

3 

– 

– 

– 

(3) 

– 

(1) 

– 

67 

– 

67 

– 

(11) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1 

– 

18 

– 

– 

– 

(2) 

– 

– 

(8) 

(4) 

– 

– 

– 

(19) 

– 

(27) 

(2) 

(43) 

– 

(43) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

5 

56 

(38) 

On December 19, 2015, Bayer entered into an agreement to create a joint venture with crispr Therapeutics AG, 
Basel, Switzerland. The joint venture is to be established in the first quarter of 2016. Its purpose is the develop-
ment and commercialization of new methods to treat blood disorders, blindness and heart diseases. As of Decem-
ber 31, 2015, Bayer had capital contribution commitments of us$370 million to crispr Therapeutics AG and the 
joint venture yet to be established. These commitments mature on December 31, 2020, at the latest. 

 
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
266 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

ACQUISITIONS IN 2014 
In 2014, the following acquisitions were accounted for in accordance with ifrs 3: 

On March 6, 2014, CropScience completed the acquisition of all the shares of Biagro Group, a producer and dis-
tributor of biological seed treatment solutions headquartered in General Las Heras in the province of Buenos Aires, 
Argentina. The company operates production facilities in Argentina and Brazil. Its portfolio of established brands 
includes seed-applied inoculants, plant-growth-promoting microorganisms and other products for integrated pest 
management based on bacterial and fungal strains. The acquisition helps CropScience to build on the success of its 
soybean seed business in Latin America. A one-time payment and purchase price adjustment totaling €10 million 
were agreed upon along with potential milestone payments reflected at €6 million in the purchase price allocation. 
The milestone payments are mainly dependent on the achievement of certain sales targets and product approvals. 
The purchase price mainly pertained to the technology platform and goodwill. 

In March 2014, HealthCare successfully completed the takeover offer for the shares of Algeta asa, Oslo, Norway, 
and acquired 100% of the outstanding shares. Bayer issued a takeover offer for all the shares of Algeta at a price of 
nok 362 per share in cash on January 20, 2014. On expiration of the offer deadline, Bayer had received acceptanc-
es from Algeta shareholders representing about 98% of the share capital. On March 14, 2014, a compulsory acqui-
sition process was carried out to obtain the remaining 2% of the shares, also at a price of nok 362 per share. 

Algeta creates novel cancer therapies based on its world-leading, patented technologies. The company develops 
alpha-pharmaceuticals designed to target cancers using the unique properties of alpha particle radiation. 
HealthCare and Algeta began collaborating in 2009 to develop and commercialize radium-223 dichloride, which 
was approved in the United States in May 2013 under the tradename Xofigo™. The acquisition strengthened the 
oncology business of Pharmaceuticals. The purchase price was €1,974 million, including €35 million for the settle-
ment of the pre-existing relationship between Algeta and Bayer. The latter amount represented the value of the 
advantage enjoyed by the acquirer from the contractual relationship that existed prior to the acquisition compared 
to market conditions for similar collaborations. The settlement amount was reflected in other operating income and 
at the same time increased the consideration transferred. 

The purchase price mainly pertained to an intangible asset for the product-specific radium-223 technology along 
with goodwill. The goodwill is mainly attributable to synergies in administration processes and infrastructure, 
including cost savings in the selling, research and development, and general administration functions. 

On September 30, 2014, CropScience completed the acquisition of the seeds business of Granar s.a., headquar-
tered in Encarnación, Paraguay. Granar specializes in the breeding, production and marketing of improved seed, 
especially soybean seed, that is adapted to the growing conditions in subtropical regions. It has a strong presence 
in Paraguay and Uruguay and an increasing presence in Brazil. Granar continued to sell the seed for its own ac-
count for the 2014 / 15 sowing season. Bayer took over marketing in 2015. Part of the agreed one-time payment of 
€15 million to acquire the business has been retained for disbursement over the next six years and is reflected at 
€2 million in the purchase price allocation. 

On October 1, 2014, HealthCare completed the acquisition of the consumer care business of u.s. company Merck & 
Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. The acquired business is primarily comprised of products in the cold, 
allergy, sinus & flu, dermatology (including sun care), foot health and gastrointestinal categories. The most im-
portant brands are Claritin™ (allergy), Coppertone™ (sun care), Mira™ (gastrointestinal) and Afrin™ (cold), and – 
in North America and Latin America – Dr. Scholl’s™ (foot health). These products complement Bayer’s existing 
range of nonprescription medicines. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

267 

In those countries where the consumer care business was acquired via an asset deal, Merck & Co., Inc. continued 
the sales activities in its own name for a transitional period until the marketing authorizations had been transferred 
to Bayer or Bayer was able to take over the business as distributor. During this period, the economic rewards and 
risks already accrued to Bayer, and Bayer received the operating profit on the business from Merck. The transition-
al period has ended. 

Where the business was acquired via a share deal, Bayer purchased 100% of the respective company’s shares. 

In 2014, Bayer paid a provisional purchase price of €11,177 million, less specific amounts that were retained pend-
ing the receipt of antitrust approvals in the Republic of Korea and the transfer of further assets. The provisional 
purchase price allocation mainly comprised goodwill of €5,137 million and acquired trademarks valued at 
€5,362 million. The goodwill amount was retroactively adjusted to €4,316 million as of the acquisition date. It is 
largely based on cost synergies, especially in marketing and manufacturing, as well as on sales synergies resulting 
from the increased distribution capability and use of the global infrastructure. As expected, a goodwill amount of 
€2,084 million is tax-deductible.  

Upon closure of this acquisition, the strategic pharmaceutical collaboration agreed between Bayer and Merck & 
Co., Inc. in the field of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulation also came into effect. Bayer’s aim in entering 
into the global co-development and co-commercialization agreement, which has already received antitrust clear-
ance, is to strengthen its development potential in the cardiovascular therapeutic area. In this connection, Merck & 
Co., Inc. is to make payments to Bayer of up to us$2.1 billion, comprising an up-front payment of us$1.0 billion 
(€793 million) made in 2014 and sales milestone payments of up to us$1.1 billion related to future joint activities 
with certain compounds, including Adempas™ (riociguat) to treat pulmonary hypertension. The one-time payment 
of €793 million is to be recognized in sales and earnings over a period of 13.5 years as the obligations are satisfied. 

On November 1, 2014, Consumer Health acquired all the shares of Dihon Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Kunming, 
Yunnan, China. Dihon is a pharmaceutical company specializing in the manufacture and marketing of over-the-
counter (otc) and herbal traditional Chinese medicine products. A provisional purchase price of €401 million was 
accounted for in 2014. This was based on a purchase price adjustment mechanism. The purchase price mainly 
pertained to acquired trademarks and goodwill. 

On December 1, 2014, CropScience completed the acquisition of land management assets in the United States, 
Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand from E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, United States. The ac-
quisition provides CropScience with access to the growing forestry and range & pasture business segments in 
North America. Bayer paid a provisional purchase price of €120 million in 2014. A potential milestone payment for 
a successful registration was agreed upon in addition. This payment was included at €18 million in the purchase 
price allocation. The purchase price mainly pertained to intangible assets for product-related technologies and 
goodwill. 

 
 
 
 
268 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

6.3 Divestitures, material sale transactions and discontinued operation 

DIVESTITURES AND MATERIAL SALE TRANSACTIONS IN 2015 
The effects of divestitures and material sale transactions made in 2015 and previous years on the consolidated 
financial statements were as follows: 

On March 2, 2015, Consumer Health completed the sale of two equine products, Legend / Hyonate and Marquis, to 
Merial, Inc., Duluth, Georgia, United States. A purchase price of €120 million was agreed. The one-time payment is 
accounted for as deferred income. The purchase prices for Legend / Hyonate and Marquis will be reflected in sales 
and earnings over a four-year and a three-year period, respectively, as Bayer has entered into further significant 
obligations. 

No assets or liabilities were derecognized in 2015 as a result of this divestiture. 

Divested Assets and Liabilities 

Goodwill 

Patents and technologies 

Other intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Other noncurrent assets 

Inventories 

Other current assets 

Other provisions 

Other liabilities 

Divested net assets 

[Table 4.22]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

286 

62 

17 

18 

2 

10 

– 

– 

– 

395 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

DIVESTITURES AND MATERIAL SALE TRANSACTIONS IN 2014 
On August 29, 2014, Consumer Health completed the sale of the Interventional device business to Boston Scien-
tific Corporation, Natick, Massachusetts, United States. The sale comprised the AngioJet™ thrombectomy system 
and the Jetstream™ atherectomy system, as well as the Fetch™2 aspiration catheter used in cardiology, radiology 
and peripheral vascular procedures. The total transaction price, including fees for transitional services to Boston 
Scientific and before working capital adjustments, was €315 million. Disregarding the transitional services, a 
special gain of €80 million was recognized in other operating income, and deferred income of €2 million was 
recognized in liabilities. 

On October 1, 2014, the strategic pharmaceutical collaboration agreed between Bayer and Merck & Co., Inc., 
United States, in the area of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulation came into effect. Pharmaceuticals and 
Merck & Co., Inc. assumed joint control of the sGC modulators business. The collaboration agreement provides for 
future net cash flows to be equally shared between Bayer and Merck & Co., Inc. Of the goodwill allocated to the 
Pharmaceuticals segment, €173 million was derecognized through profit or loss as of the date the collaboration 
came into effect. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

269 

DISCONTINUED OPERATION 
On June 8, 2015, an agreement was signed to sell the Diabetes Care business to Panasonic Healthcare Holdings 
Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, for approximately €1 billion. The sale includes the leading Contour™ portfolio of blood 
glucose monitoring meters and strips, as well as other products such as Breeze™2, Elite™ and Microlet™ lancing 
devices. Implementation of the agreement began on January 4, 2016. Bayer has entered into further significant 
obligations, which are to be met over the next two years. 

The Diabetes Care activities are reported as a discontinued operation. The respective information is provided from 
the standpoint of the Bayer Group and is not intended to present these activities as a separate entity.  

The income statements for the discontinued operation are given below: 

Income Statements for Discontinued Operations 

Net sales 

Cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 

Selling expenses 

Research and development expenses 

General administration expenses 

Other operating income / expenses 

EBIT1 

Financial result 

Income before income taxes 

Income taxes 

Income after income taxes 

1 EBIT = earnings before financial result and taxes 

[Table 4.23]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

900 

(357) 

543 

947 

(380) 

567 

(349) 

(386) 

(37) 

(38) 

(8) 

111 

– 

111 

(11) 

100 

(48) 

(36) 

(20) 

77 

– 

77 

3 

80 

 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
270 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The assets and liabilities of the discontinued operation are shown in the following table: 

Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations 

Noncurrent assets 

Goodwill 

Other intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Current assets 

Inventories 

Total assets 

Noncurrent liabilities 

Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits 

Current liabilities 

Other provisions 

Total liabilities  

[Table 4.24]

Dec. 31, 2015 

€ million 

36 

4 

8 

48 

135 

135 

183 

23 

23 

89 

89 

112 

In addition to the assets of the discontinued Diabetes Care business amounting to €183 million, the statement of 
financial position as of December 31, 2015, reflects a further €14 million in assets held for sale. 

The discontinued operation affected the Bayer Group statement of cash flows as follows: 

Cash Flows of Discontinued Operations 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (net cash flow) 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

Change in cash and cash equivalents 

[Table 4.25]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

113 

(6) 

(107) 

– 

43 

(4) 

(39) 

– 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

271 

Notes to the Income Statements 

7. Net sales 

Net sales are derived primarily from product deliveries. Total reported net sales for 2015 amounted to 
€46,324 million, rising by €4,985 million, or 12.1%, compared to 2014. The increase resulted from the following 
factors: 

Factors in Sales Development 

Volume 

Price 

Currency 

Portfolio 

Total 

[Table 4.26]

2015 

% 

+4.4 

–1.7 

+5.9 

+3.5 

+12.1 

€ million 

1,817 

(713) 

2,420 

1,461 

4,985 

Breakdowns of net sales by segment and by region are given in the table in note [1]. 

8. Selling expenses 

Selling expenses comprise all expenses incurred in the reporting period for the sale, storage and transportation of 
saleable products, advertising, the provision of advice to customers, and market research. Selling expenses were 
comprised as follows:  

Selling Expenses 

Internal and external sales force 

Advertising and customer advice 

Physical distribution and warehousing of finished products 

Commission and licensing expenses 

Other selling expenses 

Total 

2014 figures restated 

[Table 4.27]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

4,452 

2,491 

1,139 

1,082 

1,505 

4,808 

3,006 

1,273 

1,401 

1,879 

10,669 

12,367 

9. Research and development expenses 

Research and development expenses and their accounting treatment are defined in note [4]. Breakdowns of 
research and development expenses by segment and region are given in note [1]. 

 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
272 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

10. Other operating income 

Other operating income was comprised as follows: 

Other Operating Income 

Gains on retirements of noncurrent assets 

Reversal of impairment losses on receivables 

Reversals of unutilized provisions 

Gains from derivatives 

Miscellaneous operating income 

Total 

of which special items 

2014 figures restated 

[Table 4.28]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

133 

23 

44 

149 

361 

710 

118 

137 

32 

25 

272 

644 

1,110 

336 

Gains from the retirements of noncurrent assets included a €53 million gain from the sale of trademark rights for 
the Biovital™, Benerva™, Bactine™ and ProPlus™ brands (Consumer Health segment). In addition, a €29 million 
gain was realized on the sale of transfer rights by Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH. In the CropScience seg-
ment, a gain of €19 million was received from the sale of a parcel of land in Tolichowki, India. In the Covestro  
segment, the sale of the polyurethanes production site in Anyer, Indonesia, yielded a gain of €13 million, and a 
€6 million gain resulted from the sale of a parcel of land in Nanjing, China.  

Miscellaneous operating income included €314 million in claims against Dow AgroSciences llc, United States, for 
damages and royalty payments resulting from the infringement of Bayer’s rights to the Liberty Link™ weed control 
system (CropScience segment). Also reflected here is a €16 million compensation payment for a production shortfall 
in Toulouse, France. A €12 million gain was realized by Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH from the sale of noncap-
italized transfer rights.  

In 2014, gains from the retirements of noncurrent assets included a gain of €80 million in the Consumer Health 
segment from the divestiture of the Interventional device business to Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, Massa-
chusetts, United States. A gain of €9 million was also incurred from the sale of transfer rights by Bayer 04 
Leverkusen Fußball GmbH. The Consumer Health segment recorded a gain of €10 million from the termination of 
the licensing and distribution agreement for the pain reliever Flector™. The sale of the Monroe production site in 
Argentina and the Xochimilco site in Mexico resulted in gains of €9 million and €6 million, respectively, in the 
Pharmaceuticals segment.  

The miscellaneous operating income in 2014 included a gain of €35 million in the Pharmaceuticals segment result-
ing from the pre-existing partnership between Algeta asa, Norway, and Bayer to develop and commercialize radi-
um-223 dichloride. A gain of €21 million was recorded from the divestiture of the Consumer Health products Bron-
kaid™ and Neo-Synephrine™. A gain of €18 million resulted from the divestiture of the pharmaceutical product 
Betapace™. Also reflected in this item was income of €64 million from insurance reimbursements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

273 

11. Other operating expenses 

Other operating expenses were comprised as follows: 

Other Operating Expenses 

Losses on retirements of noncurrent assets 

Impairment losses on receivables 

Expenses related to significant legal risks 

Losses from derivatives 

Miscellaneous operating expenses 

Total 

of which special items 

2014 figures restated 

[Table 4.29]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

(198) 

(87) 

(168) 

(74) 

(309) 

(836) 

(356) 

(32) 

(183) 

(151) 

(628) 

(286) 

(1,280) 

(247) 

The losses on retirements of noncurrent assets included €6 million in expenses for the termination of rice breeding 
activities in Brazil. 

Impairment losses of €91 million were recognized in 2015 on receivables from the Venezuelan exchange control 
authority. Of this amount, the Pharmaceuticals segment accounted for €67 million, Consumer Health for €7 million, 
CropScience for €13 million, Covestro for €3 million and the Corporate Center for €1 million. Details are provided in 
note [4]. 

The €151 million in expenses for significant legal risks mainly included accounting measures taken in connection 
with legal proceedings relating to the products Luna™, ll Rice™ and Xarelto™. 

The miscellaneous operating expenses included €38 million in restructuring charges related to the legal carve-out 
of the Covestro Group, of which the Corporate Center segment accounted for €30 million and Covestro for 
€8 million. Consumer Health incurred expenses of €41 million for the integration of the business acquired from 
Merck & Co., Inc., United States. 

As in the previous year, the remaining amount of miscellaneous operating expenses comprised a large number of 
individually immaterial items at the subsidiaries. 

In 2014, the losses on retirements of noncurrent assets included €173 million from the derecognition of the good-
will allocated to the Pharmaceuticals segment in connection with the pharmaceutical collaboration between Bayer 
and Merck & Co., Inc., United States. 

The miscellaneous operating expenses in 2014 included €10 million in restructuring charges, which were incurred 
entirely by Covestro. Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Health incurred expenses of €12 million and €71 million, 
respectively, for the integration of acquired businesses. 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
274 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

12. Personnel expenses and employee numbers 

Personnel expenses for continuing operations rose in 2015 by €1,510 million to €11,203 million (2014: €9,693 
million), mainly as a result of currency effects, the increase in the average number of employees, and higher em-
ployee bonuses based on the company’s financial success.  

Personnel Expenses 

Salaries 

Social expenses and expenses for pensions and other benefits 

of which for defined contribution pension plans 

of which for defined benefit and other pension plans 

Total 

2014 figures restated 

[Table 4.30]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

7,875 

1,818 

483 

351 

9,012 

2,191 

559 

502 

9,693 

11,203 

The personnel expenses shown here do not contain the interest portion of the allocation to personnel-related provi-
sions – mainly for pensions and other post-employment benefits – which is included in the financial result under 
other financial expenses (note [13.3]).  

The average numbers of employees, classified by corporate function, were as shown in the table below: 

Employees 

Production 

Marketing and distribution 

Research and development 

General administration 

Total 

Apprentices 

2014 figures restated 

[Table 4.31]

2015 

48,630 

45,078 

14,466 

9,377 

2014 

46,351 

44,150 

13,609 

9,006 

113,116 

117,551 

2,349 

2,332 

The number of employees on either permanent or temporary contracts is stated in full-time equivalents, with  
part-time employees included on a pro-rated basis in line with their contractual working hours. The figures do not 
include apprentices. 

13. Financial result 

The financial result for 2015 was minus €1,005 million (2014: minus €981 million), comprising an equity-method 
loss of €9 million (2014: €13 million), financial expenses of €1,367 million (2014: €1,311 million) and financial 
income of €371 million (2014: €343 million). Details of the components of the financial result are provided below. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

275 

13.1  Income (loss) from investments in affiliated companies 

The net income (loss) from investments in affiliated companies was comprised as follows: 

Income (Loss) from Investments in Affiliated Companies 

Net loss from investments accounted for using the equity method (equity-method loss) 

Expenses 

Impairment losses on investments in affiliated companies 

Gains 

Impairment loss reversals on investments in affiliated companies 

Gains / losses from investments in affiliated companies and from profit and loss transfer agreements (net) 

Gains from the sale of investments in affiliated companies 

Total 

[Table 4.32]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

(13) 

– 

2 

1 

– 

(10) 

(9) 

(1) 

– 

3 

31 

24 

The main components of the income from investments in affiliated companies were a €29 million gain from the sale 
of the interest in Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., United States, and the €23 million (2014: €18 million) equity-
method loss from the associate po jv, lp, United States. The €14 million (2014: €5 million) aggregate of the equity-
method gains and losses of the remaining joint ventures and associates accounted for using the equity method 
included a €10 million gain from the sale of the interest in Bayer imsa, s.a. de c.v., Mexico. 

Further details of the companies accounted for using the equity method are given in note [19]. 

13.2  Net interest expense 

The net interest expense was comprised as follows: 

Net Interest Expense 

Expenses 

Interest and similar expenses 

Interest expenses for derivatives (held for trading) 

Income 

Interest and similar income 

Interest income from derivatives (held for trading) 

Total 

[Table 4.33]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

(618) 

(75) 

283 

54 

(752) 

(25) 

297 

25 

(356) 

(455) 

Interest and similar expenses included interest expense of €49 million (2014: €55 million) relating to nonfinancial 
liabilities. Interest and similar income included interest income of €133 million (2014: €48 million) from nonfinan-
cial assets. Interest income of €109 million resulted from claims against Dow AgroSciences llc, United States, for 
damages and royalty payments resulting from the infringement of Bayer’s rights to the Liberty Link™ weed control 
system. 

Settlements were reached in August 2015 in the court proceedings initiated by former minority stockholders of 
Bayer Pharma AG (formerly Bayer Schering Pharma AG). Further details are given in note [6.2]. The interest ex-
pense was reduced in 2015 by an aggregate of €24 million in connection with the additional payment agreed upon 
(2014: increased by €10 million). 

 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
276 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The change in the liability for redeemable noncontrolling interest is reflected in interest income or expense. In 
2015 a €5 million (2014: €46 million) decrease in this liability was recognized as interest income. 

13.3 Other financial income and expenses  

Other financial income and expenses were comprised as follows: 

Other Financial Income and Expenses 

Expenses 

Interest portion of interest-bearing provisions 

Exchange loss 

Miscellaneous financial expenses 

Income 

Miscellaneous financial income 

Total 

[Table 4.34]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

(322) 

(248) 

(48) 

3 

(615) 

(287) 

(254) 

(48) 

15 

(574) 

The interest portion of noncurrent provisions comprised €276 million (2014: €275 million) in interest expense for 
pension and other post-employment benefit provisions plus €11 million (2014: €47 million) in effects of interest 
expense and interest-rate fluctuations for other provisions and corresponding overfunding. The interest expense 
for pension and other post-employment benefit provisions included €712 million (2014: €828 million) for the un-
winding of discount on the present value of the defined benefit obligation and €436 million (2014: €553 million) in 
interest income from plan assets. 

14. Taxes 

The breakdown of tax expenses by origin was as follows:  

Tax Expense by Origin 

Taxes paid or accrued 

Income taxes 

Germany 

other countries 

Other taxes 

Germany 

other countries 

Deferred taxes 

from temporary differences 

from tax loss carryforwards and tax credits 

Total  

2014 figures restated 

2014 

Of which 
income 
taxes 

[Table 4.35]

2015 

Of which 
income 
taxes 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

(566) 

(739) 

(48) 

(189) 

(1,140) 

(1,118) 

(44) 

(220) 

(1,542) 

(1,305) 

(2,522) 

(2,258) 

164 

70 

234 

1,056 

(25) 

1,031 

234 

1,031 

(1,308) 

(1,071) 

(1,491) 

(1,227) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

277 

The other taxes mainly include land, vehicle and other indirect taxes. They are reflected in the respective functional 
cost items. 

The deferred tax assets and liabilities were allocable to the following items in the statement of financial position: 

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities 

[Table 4.36]

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Financial assets 

Inventories 

Receivables 

Other assets 

Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits 

3,508 

1,037 

Other provisions 

Liabilities 

Tax loss carryforwards 

Tax credits 

of which noncurrent 

Set-off 

Total 

2014 figures restated 

976 

674 

446 

144 

8,439 

7,182 

(4,637) 

3,802 

129 

71 

– 

– 

5,326 

4,912 

(4,637) 

689 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2015 

Deferred  
tax assets 

Deferred  
tax liabilities 

Deferred  
tax assets 

Deferred  
tax liabilities 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

1,586 

2,520 

1,411 

1,910 

86 

57 

652 

286 

24 

672 

207 

50 

627 

13 

253 

18 

943 

98 

28 

3,601 

1,025 

714 

393 

191 

8,675 

7,398 

(3,996) 

4,679 

678 

183 

63 

580 

14 

1,213 

90 

91 

– 

– 

4,822 

4,750 

(3,996) 

826 

Deferred taxes on remeasurements, recognized outside profit or loss, of the net liability for defined benefit pension 
and other post-employment benefits diminished equity by €430 million (2014: increased equity by €1,621 million). 
Deferred taxes on changes, recognized outside profit or loss, in fair values of available-for-sale financial assets and 
derivatives designated as cash flow hedges diminished equity by €27 million (2014: increased equity by 
€55 million). These effects on equity are reported in the statement of comprehensive income. 

The use of tax loss carryforwards reduced the income taxes paid or accrued in 2015 by €136 million (2014: 
€24 million). The use of tax credits reduced income taxes paid or accrued by €21 million (2014: €10 million). 

Of the total tax loss carryforwards of €5,497 million in 2015 (2014: €4,535 million), an amount of €1,812 million 
(2014: €1,737 million) is expected to be usable within a reasonable period. The increase in loss carryforwards was 
mainly due to losses that newly arose in 2015 and tax reassessments for prior years. Deferred tax assets of 
€393 million (2014: €446 million) were recognized for the amount of loss carryforwards expected to be usable. The 
deferred tax assets included an amount of €0 million (2014: €39 million) that resulted from purchase price alloca-
tions and was recognized outside profit or loss. 

The use of €3,685 million (2014: €2,798 million) of tax loss carryforwards was subject to legal or economic re-
strictions. Consequently, no deferred tax assets were recognized for this amount. If these tax loss carryforwards 
had been fully usable, deferred tax assets of €322 million (2014: €138 million) would have been recognized. 

 
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
278 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Tax credits of €191 million were recognized in 2015 (2014: €144 million) as deferred tax assets, including 
€0 million (2014: €0 million) outside profit or loss. The use of €41 million (2014: €45 million) of tax credits was 
subject to legal or economic restrictions. Consequently, no deferred tax assets were recognized for this amount. 

Unusable tax credits and tax loss carryforwards will expire as follows: 

Expiration of Unusable Tax Credits and Tax Loss Carryforwards 

[Table 4.37]

Within one year 

Within two years 

Within three years 

Within four years 

Within five years  

Thereafter 

Total 

Tax credits 

Tax loss carryforwards 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2015 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

4 

– 

3 

– 

23 

15 

45 

4 

– 

4 

– 

26 

6 

40 

14 

9 

3 

24 

82 

2,666 

2,798 

17 

70 

25 

32 

234 

3,307 

3,685 

In 2015, subsidiaries that reported losses for 2015 or 2014 recognized net deferred tax assets totaling €2,455 mil-
lion (2014: €2,117 million) from temporary differences and tax loss carryforwards. These assets were considered to 
be unimpaired because the companies concerned were expected to generate taxable income in the future. 

Deferred tax liabilities of €35 million were recognized in 2015 (2014: €6 million) for planned dividend payments by 
subsidiaries. Deferred tax liabilities were not recognized for temporary differences on €12,087 million (2014: 
€8,648 million) of retained earnings of subsidiaries because these earnings are to be reinvested for an indefinite 
period. 

The reported tax expense of €1,227 million for 2015 (2014: €1,071 million) differed by €119 million (2014: 
€58 million) from the expected tax expense of €1,346 million (2014: €1,129 million) that would have resulted from 
applying an expected weighted average tax rate to the pre-tax income of the Group. This average rate, derived 
from the expected tax rates of the individual Group companies, was 25.7% in 2015 (2014: 25.6%). The effective 
tax rate was 23.4% (2014: 24.3%).  

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

279 

The reconciliation of expected to reported income tax expense and of the expected to the effective tax rate for the 
Group was as follows: 

Reconciliation of Expected to Actual Income Tax Expense 

[Table 4.38]

Expected income tax expense and expected tax rate 

Reduction in taxes due to tax-free income 

Income related to the operating business 

Income from affiliated companies and divestiture proceeds 

2014 

€ million 

1,129 

 %  

€ million 

25.6 

1,346 

(92) 

(2) 

(2.1) 

– 

(155) 

(10) 

2015 

 %  

25.7 

(3.0) 

(0.2) 

First-time recognition of previously unrecognized deferred tax assets  
on tax loss carryforwards 

Use of tax loss carryforwards on which deferred tax assets were not 
previously recognized 

(15) 

(0.3) 

(30) 

(0.6) 

(1) 

– 

(6) 

(0.1) 

Increase in taxes due to non-tax-deductible expenses 

Expenses related to the operating business 

Impairment losses on investments in affiliated companies 

New tax loss carryforwards unlikely to be usable 

Existing tax loss carryforwards on which deferred tax assets were previously 
recognized but which are unlikely to be usable 

Tax income (–) and expenses (+) relating to other periods 

Tax effects of changes in tax rates 

Other tax effects 

149 

2 

57 

7 

(119) 

(10) 

(34) 

3.4 

– 

1.3 

0.2 

(2.7) 

(0.2) 

(0.9) 

148 

7 

81 

16 

(95) 

(25) 

(50) 

2.8 

0.1 

1.5 

0.3 

(1.8) 

(0.5) 

(0.8) 

Actual income tax expense and effective tax rate 

1,071 

24.3 

1,227 

23.4 

2014 figures restated 

 
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
280 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

15. Income / losses attributable to noncontrolling interest 

Income attributable to noncontrolling interest amounted to €115 million (2014: €19 million). Losses attributable to 
noncontrolling interest amounted to €127 million (2014: €2 million).  

16. Earnings per share  

Earnings per share are determined according to ias 33 (Earnings per Share) by dividing net income by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.  

Earnings per Share 

Income from continuing operations after income taxes 

[Table 4.39]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

3,343 

€ million 

4,018 

Income from discontinued operations after income taxes 

100 

80 

Income after income taxes 

of which attributable to noncontrolling interest 

of which attributable to Bayer AG stockholders (net income) 

Weighted average number of issued ordinary shares 

Earnings per share 

From continuing operations 

Basic 

Diluted 

From discontinued operations 

Basic 

Diluted 

From continuing and discontinued operations 

Basic 

Diluted 

2014 figures restated 

3,443 

17 

3,426 

4,098 

(12) 

4,110 

Shares 

Shares 

826,947,808 

826,947,808 

€ 

€ 

4.02 

4.02 

0.12 

0.12 

4.14 

4.14 

4.87 

4.87 

0.10 

0.10 

4.97 

4.97 

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

281 

Notes to the Statements of Financial Position 

17. Goodwill and other intangible assets 

Changes in intangible assets in 2015 were as follows:  

Changes in Intangible Assets 

[Table 4.40] 

Acquired 
goodwill 

Patents and 
technologies 

Trade- 
marks 

Marketing 
and 
distribution 
rights 

Production 
rights 

R&D 
projects  

Other rights 
and advance 
payments  

Total 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

15,347 

12,827 

10,242 

1,808 

2,168 

882 

3,189 

46,463 

– 

(5) 

– 

– 

– 

(34) 

7 

781 

4 

39 

77 

(33) 

40 

(2) 

– 

117 

– 

53 

– 

(35) 

– 

(14) 

– 

706 

– 

– 

52 

(55) 

75 

(33) 

– 

97 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(2) 

– 

– 

6 

16,096 

13,069 

10,952 

1,944 

2,172 

– 

26 

107 

(7) 

(113) 

– 

– 

51 

946 

1 

(20) 

152 

(966) 

– 

(20) 

– 

264 

2,600 

5 

93 

388 

(1,096) 

– 

(103) 

7 

2,022 

47,779 

7,428 

2,588 

1,039 

1,911 

153 

2,344 

15,463 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4 

(17) 

801 

801 

– 

– 

– 

(1) 

62 

8,277 

– 

(31) 

447 

422 

25 

– 

1 

– 

78 

3,083 

16,096 

4,792 

7,869 

15,347 

5,399 

7,654 

– 

(55) 

148 

147 

1 

– 

1 

(25) 

26 

– 

– 

106 

106 

– 

– 

(2) 

– 

6 

1,134 

2,021 

810 

769 

151 

257 

– 

(7) 

– 

4 

(949) 

(1,059) 

66 

– 

66 

– 

– 

– 

13 

225 

721 

729 

183 

161 

22 

– 

– 

(19) 

206 

1,751 

1,637 

114 

– 

– 

(45) 

391 

1,765 

16,505 

835 

31,274 

845 

31,000 

Cost of acquisition  
or generation,  
December 31, 2014 

Changes in scope  
of consolidation 

Acquisitions 

Capital expenditures 

Retirements 

Transfers 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Inflation adjustment (IAS 29) 

Exchange differences 

December 31, 2015 

Accumulated amortization  
and impairment losses,  
December 31, 2014 

Changes in scope  
of consolidation 

Retirements 

Amortization and  
impairment losses in 2015 

Amortization 

Impairment losses 

Impairment loss reversals 

Transfers 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Exchange differences 

December 31, 2015 

Carrying amounts,  
December 31, 2015 

Carrying amounts,  
December 31, 2014 

2014 figures restated 

The capitalized patents and technologies include an amount pertaining to the active ingredient alemtuzumab 
(product name: Lemtrada) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Bayer gave back the worldwide distribution rights 
for alemtuzumab to Genzyme Corp., United States, in 2009 and in return received global co-promotion rights and 
an entitlement to royalties and revenue-based milestone payments. Genzyme Corp. received marketing approval for 
alemtuzumab in Europe in 2013 and in the United States in 2014. Bayer has decided not to exercise its co-
promotion rights. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
282 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Impairment losses of €114 million were recognized on intangible assets. In the Pharmaceuticals segment, devel-
opment activities for an intangible asset in the oncology area were discontinued. A €42 million impairment loss was 
recognized as a result. In the CropScience segment, impairment losses totaling €20 million were recognized on two 
research and development projects in the crop protection area due to a delayed market introduction and new re-
search findings. In the Consumer Health reporting segment, impairment losses totaling €17 million were recog-
nized on trademarks based on a portfolio review associated with the closure of a production site. 

Impairment losses were also recognized on further intangible assets in the Consumer Health segment (€23 million), 
the CropScience segment (€9 million) and the Pharmaceuticals segment (€3 million). 

Details of acquisitions and divestitures are provided in notes [6.2] and [6.3]. The impairment testing procedure for 
goodwill and other intangible assets is explained in note [4].  

Changes in intangible assets in 2014 were as follows:  

Changes in Intangible Assets (Previous Year) 

[Table 4.41]

Acquired 
goodwill 

Patents and 
technologies 

Trade- 
marks 

Marketing 
and 
distribution 
rights 

Production 
rights 

R&D 
projects  

Other rights 
and advance 
payments  

Total 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

9,862 

11,021 

4,282 

1,598 

2,062 

775 

2,994 

32,594 

– 

– 

– 

5,169 

1,762 

5,672 

– 

(38) 

– 

(254) 

6 

602 

39 

(33) 

9 

(126) 

– 

155 

18 

(21) 

– 

(27) 

– 

318 

– 

– 

124 

(21) 

18 

– 

– 

89 

– 

71 

– 

(6) 

34 

– 

– 

7 

15,347 

12,827 

10,242 

1,808 

2,168 

– 

16 

115 

(61) 

(17) 

– 

– 

54 

882 

2 

30 

127 

(143) 

(44) 

– 

– 

223 

3,189 

2 

12,720 

423 

(323) 

– 

(407) 

6 

1,448 

46,463 

6,653 

2,262 

834 

1,773 

131 

2,165 

13,818 

– 

– 

(6) 

6 

– 

6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(22) 

803 

800 

3 

(2) 

– 

(67) 

63 

– 

(2) 

269 

228 

41 

– 

– 

(11) 

70 

7,428 

2,588 

15,347 

5,399 

7,654 

9,862 

4,368 

2,020 

– 

(20) 

188 

135 

53 

– 

1 

– 

36 

1,039 

769 

764 

– 

(6) 

104 

104 

– 

– 

34 

– 

6 

1,911 

257 

289 

– 

(4) 

15 

– 

15 

– 

– 

– 

11 

153 

729 

644 

2 

(135) 

182 

171 

11 

– 

(35) 

– 

165 

2 

(195) 

1,567 

1,438 

129 

(2) 

– 

(78) 

351 

2,344 

15,463 

845 

31,000 

829 

18,776 

Cost of acquisition  
or generation,  
December 31, 2013 

Changes in scope  
of consolidation 

Acquisitions 

Capital expenditures 

Retirements 

Transfers 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Inflation adjustment (IAS 29) 

Exchange differences 

December 31, 2014 

Accumulated amortization  
and impairment losses,  
December 31, 2013 

Changes in scope  
of consolidation 

Retirements 

Amortization and  
impairment losses in 2014 

Amortization 

Impairment losses 

Impairment loss reversals 

Transfers 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Exchange differences 

December 31, 2014 

Carrying amounts,  
December 31, 2014 

Carrying amounts,  
December 31, 2013 

2014 figures restated 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

283 

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for the reporting segments in 2015 and 2014 were as follows:  

Goodwill by Reporting Segment 

[Table 4.42]

Carrying amounts, January 1, 2014 

5,238 

2,435 

7,673 

1,951 

238 

9,862 

Pharma-
ceuticals 

Consumer  
Health 

HealthCare 

CropScience 

Covestro 

Bayer Group 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Change in scope of consolidation 

Acquisitions 

Retirements 

Impairment losses in 2014 

Transfers 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Inflation adjustment (IAS 29) 

Exchange differences 

Carrying amounts, December 31, 2014 

Change in scope of consolidation 

Acquisitions 

Retirements 

Impairment losses in 2015 

Transfers 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Inflation adjustment (IAS 29) 

Exchange differences 

Carrying amounts, December 31, 2015 

2014 figures restated 

– 

751 

(30) 

– 

– 

(143) 

– 

185 

6,001 

– 

(111) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1 

165 

6,056 

– 

4,349 

(2) 

– 

– 

(111) 

6 

289 

– 

5,100 

(32) 

– 

– 

(254) 

6 

474 

6,966 

12,967 

– 

49 

– 

– 

– 

(34) 

7 

514 

– 

(62) 

– 

– 

– 

(34) 

8 

679 

7,502 

13,558 

– 

69 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

117 

2,137 

– 

50 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(6) 

– 

– 

– 

11 

243 

– 

7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

90 

2,277 

11 

261 

– 

5,169 

(32) 

(6) 

– 

(254) 

6 

602 

15,347 

– 

(5) 

– 

– 

– 

(34) 

8 

780 

16,096 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
284 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Goodwill and other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life that are of material significance for the Bayer 
Group are allocated to the following cash-generating units or unit groups as of the end of the reporting period: 

Intangible Assets with an Indefinite Useful Life 

Reporting segment 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Health 

CropScience 

CropScience 

Cash-generating  
unit / unit group 

Pharmaceuticals 

Consumer Care 

Crop Protection 

Seeds 

[Table 4.43]

Material intangible assets with 
an indefinite useful life 

€ million 

485 

22 

74 

149 

Goodwill 

€ million 

6,056 

6,187 

1,287 

507 

In the case of research and development projects, the point in time from which a capitalized asset can be expected 
to generate an economic benefit for the company cannot be determined. Such assets are therefore classified as 
having an indefinite useful life. Development projects were capitalized at a total amount of €721 million as of the 
end of 2015 (2014: €729 million). 

Another intangible asset classified as having an indefinite useful life is the Bayer Cross, which was reacquired for 
the North America region in 1994, having been awarded to the United States and Canada under the reparations 
agreements at the end of the First World War. The period for which the Bayer Group will derive an economic bene-
fit from this name cannot be determined as Bayer intends to make continuous use of it. The Bayer Cross is capital-
ized at €107 million. 

PATENTS 
The Bayer Group endeavors to obtain patent protection for its products and technologies in the major markets.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

285 

The following table sets forth the expiration dates in our major markets of the most important patents covering 
Adempas™, Avalox™ / Avelox™, Betaferon™ / Betaseron™, Eylea™, Kogenate™, Levitra™, Mirena™, Nexavar™, 
Stivarga™, Xarelto™, Xofigo™, yaz™, Yasmin™ and Yasminelle™:  

2016 

2019 

2016 

2020 

2021 

2017 

Patent Expiration Dates 

Products 

Adempas™ 

Active ingredient 

Production process / 
intermediate 

Avalox™ / Avelox™ 

Active ingredient 

Active ingredient 
monohydrate 

Tablets 

Betaferon™ / Betaseron™ 

Germany 

France 

U.K. 

Italy 

Spain 

Japan 

China 

U.S.A. 

Canada 

[Table 4.44]

Market 

2023a 

2028i 

2023a 

2028i 

2028i 

2027i 

2023 

2023a 

2023 

2030 

2030 

2030 

2030 

2030 

2030b 

2030 

2030 

2030b 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2015 

2016 

2019 

2016 

2019 

2016 

2019 

2016 

2019 

2016 

2019 

2016 

2019 

2016 

2019 

2016 

2019 

Active ingredient 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Eylea™ 

Active ingredient 

2020a 

2025 

2020a 

2025 

2025 

2021a/f 

2020 

Kogenate™  

Active ingredient 

Formulation 

Levitra™ 

– 

2017 

– 

2017 

– 

2017 

– 

2017 

– 

2017 

– 

2020 

– 

2017 

– 

– 

– 

2016 

Active ingredient 

2018 

2018 

2018 

2018 

2018 

2020 

2018 

2018 

2018 

Mirena™ 

Inserter 

Inserter (improved) 

Nexavar™ 

Active ingredient 

Polymorph 

Formulation 

Stivarga™ 

Active ingredient 

Formulation 

Production process 

Xarelto™ 

Active ingredient 

Formulation 

Xofigo™ 

Use 

Production process 

YAZ™ 

Formulation 

Production process 

Yasmin™ 

Formulation 

Production process 

Yasminelle™ 

Formulation 

Production process 

2015 
2029d 

2015 
2029d 

2021 

2025 

2026 

2028i 

2025 

2031 

2023 

2024 

2021 

2025 

2026 

2028 

2025 

2031 

2023 

2024 

2015 
2029d 

2021 

2025 

2026 

2024a 

2025 

2031 

2023 

2024 

2015 
2029d 

2015 
2029d 

2021 

2025 

2026 

2028 

2025 

2031 

2023 

2024 

2021 

2025 

2026 

2028 

2025 

2031 

2023 

2024 

2024i 
2031k 

2024i 
2031k 

2024i 
2031k 

2024i 
2031k 

2024i 
2031k 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2025 

– 

2029 

2021g 
2025h 
2026h 

2026j 
2026j 

2031 

2024 

2025 

2019 
2031b 

2021 

2026 

2020 

2026 

2020 

2026 

2015 

2029 

2020 

2025 

2026 

2024 

2025 

2031 

2020 

2024 

2015 
2029b 

2015 
2029b 

2020 

2027 
2026k 

2031c 
2025b 

2031 

2020l 
2024b 

2020 

2025 

2026 

2024 

2025 

2031 

2020 

2024 

2019 
2031b 

2020a 

2031 

2019 
2031b 

2020 

2026 

2020 

2026 

2020 

2026 

– 
2026c 

– 
2026c 

– 
2026c 

2020 

2026 

2020 

2026 

2020 

2026 

a   Current expiration date; patent term extension applied for 
b   Patent application pending 
c   Patent term revised 
d   Opposition to EP patent terminated; appeal possible 
e   Additional patent term adjustment being calculated 
f    Indication-specific term extensions until 2021 for AMD, until 2022 for CRVO and until 2023 for mCNV and DME 
g   Patent term extension granted for kidney cancer until 2021, liver cancer until 2022, and thyroid cancer until 2025 
h   Patent term extension granted for thyroid cancer until 2026 (polymorph) and 2027 (tablet)  
i    Patent term extension granted 
j    Patent term extension granted for colorectal cancer and GIST until 2026 
k   Notice of allowance received 
l    Patent term revised due to a terminal disclaimer; extension applied for 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
286 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

18. Property, plant and equipment 

Changes in property, plant and equipment in 2015 were as follows: 

Changes in Property, Plant and Equipment 

Cost of acquisition or construction,  
December 31, 2014 

Changes in scope of consolidation 

Acquisitions 

Capital expenditures 

Retirements 

Transfers 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Inflation adjustment (IAS 29) 

Exchange differences 

December 31, 2015 

Accumulated depreciation  
and impairment losses,  
December 31, 2014 

Changes in scope of consolidation 

Retirements 

Depreciation and impairment losses in 2015 

Depreciation 

Impairment losses 

Impairment loss reversals 

Transfers 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Exchange differences 

December 31, 2015 

Carrying amounts, December 31, 2015 

Carrying amounts, December 31, 2014 

Plant 
installations 
and 
machinery 

Furniture, 
fixtures and 
other 

equipment   

Construction 
in progress 
and advance 
payments  

Land and 
buildings 

[Table 4.45]

Total  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

9,088 

18,144 

2,009 

2,078 

31,319 

– 

33 

230 

(167) 

273 

1 

7 

220 

9,685 

3 

2 

390 

(429) 

797 

(64) 

2 

573 

1 

1 

239 

(185) 

56 

(4) 

1 

24 

– 

– 

1,309 

(58) 

(1,126) 

– 

– 

92 

4 

36 

2,168 

(839) 

– 

(67) 

10 

909 

19,418 

2,142 

2,295 

33,540 

4,940 

13,426 

1,482 

0 

(101) 

317 

294 

23 

– 

– 

1 

98 

5,255 

4,430 

4,148 

1 

(397) 

945 

892 

53 

(1) 

(1) 

(57) 

387 

14,303 

5,115 

4,718 

1 

(156) 

232 

230 

2 

– 

1 

(3) 

21 

1,578 

564 

527 

43 

– 

(72) 

38 

– 

38 

– 

– 

– 

20 

29 

2,266 

2,035 

19,891 

2 

(726) 

1,532 

1,416 

116 

(1) 

– 

(59) 

526 

21,165 

12,375 

11,428 

Impairment losses of €115 million, net of a €1 million impairment loss reversal, were recognized on property, plant 
and equipment in the Covestro segment (€69 million), the Consumer Health segment (€33 million), the 
CropScience segment (€6 million), the Pharmaceuticals segment (€3 million), and Other Segments (€4 million). 

In 2015, borrowing costs of €33 million (2014: €32 million) were capitalized as components of the cost of acquisi-
tion or construction of qualifying assets, applying an average interest rate of 2.5% (2014: 3.1%). 

Capitalized property, plant and equipment included assets with a total net value of €533 million (2014: 
€504 million) held under finance leases. The cost of acquisition or construction of these assets as of the closing 
date totaled €915 million (2014: €827 million). They comprised plant installations and machinery with a carrying 
amount of €220 million (2014: €233 million), buildings with a carrying amount of €168 million (2014: €132 million) 
and other property, plant and equipment with a carrying amount of €145 million (2014: €139 million). For infor-
mation on the liabilities arising from finance leases, see note [27]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

287 

In 2015, rental payments of €263 million (2014: €219 million) were made for assets leased under operating leases 
as defined in ias 17 (Leases). 

Lease payments of €2 million are expected to be received in 2016 from operating leases – as defined in ias 17 
(Leases) – pertaining to property, plant and equipment, excluding the investment property stated below. Lease 
payments totaling €7 million are expected to be received in 2017-2020 and lease payments totaling €1 million 
after 2020. 

INVESTMENT PROPERTY 
The fair values of investment property are mainly determined using the income approach based on internal valua-
tions for buildings and developed sites, and using the market comparison approach for undeveloped sites. 

The total carrying amount of investment property as of December 31, 2015, was €164 million (December 31, 2014: 
€175 million). The fair value of this property was €484 million (2014: €501 million). The rental income from invest-
ment property was €13 million (2014: €14 million), and the operating expenses directly allocable to this property 
amounted to €8 million (2014: €9 million). A further amount of €1 million (2014: €2 million) in operating expenses 
was directly allocable to investment property from which no rental income was derived.  

Changes in property, plant and equipment in 2014 were as follows: 

Changes in Property, Plant and Equipment (Previous Year) 

Plant 
installations 
and 
machinery 

Furniture, 
fixtures and 
other 

equipment   

Construction 
in progress 
and advance 
payments  

Land and 
buildings 

[Table 4.46]

Total  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

Cost of acquisition or construction, December 31, 2013 

8,375 

16,556 

1,853 

1,671 

28,455 

Changes in scope of consolidation 

Acquisitions 

Capital expenditures 

Retirements 

Transfers 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Inflation adjustment (IAS 29) 

Exchange differences 

December 31, 2014 

Accumulated depreciation  
and impairment losses,  
December 31, 2013 

Changes in scope of consolidation 

Retirements 

Depreciation and impairment losses in 2014 

Depreciation 

Impairment losses 

Impairment loss reversals 

Transfers 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Exchange differences 

December 31, 2014 

Carrying amounts, December 31, 2014 

Carrying amounts, December 31, 2013 

5 

74 

248 

(165) 

233 

(11) 

5 

324 

3 

85 

468 

(351) 

611 

(6) 

1 

777 

– 

27 

216 

(176) 

34 

(5) 

– 

60 

9,088 

18,144 

2,009 

4,630 

12,414 

1,390 

3 

(329) 

819 

786 

33 

– 

– 

(3) 

522 

– 

(156) 

205 

205 

– 

– 

(1) 

(2) 

46 

4 

(122) 

282 

258 

24 

– 

1 

(1) 

146 

4,940 

4,148 

3,745 

– 

49 

1,135 

(6) 

(878) 

(1) 

2 

106 

2,078 

6 

– 

(3) 

39 

– 

39 

– 

– 

– 

1 

8 

235 

2,067 

(698) 

– 

(23) 

8 

1,267 

31,319 

18,440 

7 

(610) 

1,345 

1,249 

96 

– 

– 

(6) 

715 

19,891 

11,428 

10,015 

13,426 

1,482 

4,718 

4,142 

527 

463 

43 

2,035 

1,665 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
288 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

19. Investments accounted for using the equity method 

Four (2014: three) associates and three (2014: three) joint ventures were accounted for in the consolidated financial 
statements using the equity method. 

Associates and Joint Ventures Accounted for Using the Equity Method 

Company Name 

Associates 

Flagship Ventures V Agricultural Fund, LP1 

Nanjing Baijingyu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 

Paltough Industries (1998) Ltd. 

PO JV, LP 

Joint ventures 

Place of Business 

Cambridge, U.S.A. 

Nanjing, China 

Kibbutz Ramat Yochanan, Israel 

Wilmington, U.S.A. 

Bayer Zydus Pharma Private Limited 

DCSO Deutsche Cyber-Sicherheitsorganisation GmbH 

DIC Covestro Polymer Ltd. 

1 For information concerning the interest in this company see Note [6.1] 

Mumbai, India 

Berlin, Germany 

Tokyo, Japan 

[Table 4.47]

Bayer’s 
interest 

% 

99.9 

15 

25 

39.4 

50 

25 

50 

In 2000, Bayer acquired the polyols business and parts of the propylene oxide (po) production operations of Lyon-
dell Chemicals with the objective of ensuring access to patented technologies and safeguarding the long-term 
supply of po, a starting product for polyurethane. As part of this strategy, a company was established to produce po 
(po jv, lp, United States, in which Covestro holds a 39.4% interest). Covestro benefits from fixed long-term supply 
quotas / volumes of po from this company’s production. The two following tables contain summarized data from the 
income statements and statements of financial position of the associated company po jv, lp, United States, which is 
accounted for using the equity method, and show the respective amounts recognized in the consolidated financial 
statements of the Bayer Group. 

Income Statement Data of PO JV, LP, Accounted for Using the Equity Method 

Net sales 

Net loss after taxes 

Share of net loss after taxes 

Share of total comprehensive income after taxes 

Gain (loss) after taxes from impairments / derecognition of other interests 

Recognized loss after taxes of PO JV, LP, accounted for using the equity method 

[Table 4.48]

2014 

2015 

€ million  

€ million  

2,414 

1,695 

(44) 

(17) 

(17) 

(1) 

(18) 

(56) 

(23) 

(23) 

– 

(23) 

Data from the Statements of Financial Position of PO JV, LP, Accounted for Using the Equity Method 

[Table 4.49]

Noncurrent assets 

Equity 

Share of equity 

Other 

Carrying amount of PO JV, LP, accounted for using the equity method 

Dec. 31, 2014  Dec. 31, 2015 

€ million  

€ million  

462 

462 

182 

              2 

184 

475 

475 

201 

(3) 

198 

The item “Other” mainly comprised differences arising from adjustments of data to Bayer’s uniform accounting 
policies, along with purchase price allocations and their amortization in profit or loss. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

289 

The following table contains a summary of the aggregated income statement data and aggregated carrying 
amounts of the individually nonmaterial associates that are accounted for using the equity method. 

Income Statement Data and Carrying Amount of Associates Accounted for Using the Equity Method 

[Table 4.50]

Income after taxes 

Share of income after taxes 

Share of total comprehensive income after taxes 

Carrying amount of associates accounted for using the equity method 

2014 

2015 

€ million  

€ million  

4 

1 

1 

27 

12 

1 

1 

37 

The following table contains a summary of the aggregated income statement data and aggregated carrying 
amounts of the individually nonmaterial joint ventures that are accounted for using the equity method. 

Income Statement Data and Carrying Amount of Joint Ventures Accounted for Using the Equity Method 

[Table 4.51]

Income after taxes 

Share of income after taxes 

Share of total comprehensive income after taxes 

Gain (loss) after taxes from impairments / derecognition of other interests 

Recognized income after taxes of joint ventures accounted for using the equity method 

2014 

2015 

€ million  

€ million  

8 

4 

4 

– 

4 

6 

3 

3 

– 

3 

Carrying amount of joint ventures accounted for using the equity method 

12 

11 

20. Other financial assets 

The other financial assets were comprised as follows: 

Other Financial Assets 

[Table 4.52]

Loans and receivables 

Available-for-sale financial assets 

of which debt instruments 

of which equity instruments 

Held-to-maturity financial investments 

Receivables from derivatives 

Receivables under lease agreements 

Total 

2014 figures restated 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2015 

Total 

Of which 
current 

Total 

Of which 
current 

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

170 

1,099 

1,006 

93 

69 

484 

8 

1,830 

127 

193 

186 

7 

11 

392 

– 

723 

65 

1,177 

1,092 

85 

73 

526 

7 

1,848 

21 

266 

262 

4 

6 

463 

– 

756 

The debt instruments reported as available-for-sale financial assets included capital of €610 million (2014: 
€595 million) provided to Bayer-Pensionskasse VVaG (Bayer-Pensionskasse) for its effective initial fund, and 
jouissance right capital (Genussrechtskapital) of €153 million (2014: €150 million), also provided to Bayer-
Pensionskasse. Also reported in this category were investments of €119 million (2014: €10 million) in money mar-
ket funds along with German treasury bills in the amount of €125 million (2014: €125 million). These treasury bills, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
290 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

which were lent to a bank, continue to be recognized as available-for-sale financial assets because the related risks 
and rewards remain with Bayer. Upon maturity or redemption of the treasury bills, Bayer is obligated until June 
2016 to replace them with German government securities. 

The equity instruments reported as available-for-sale financial assets included €40 million (2014: €29 million) in 
instruments whose fair value could not be determined from a stock exchange or other market price or by discount-
ing reliably determinable future cash flows. These equity instruments were recognized at cost. 

In 2015, impairment losses totaling €1 million (2014: impairment loss reversals totaling €2 million) on available-for-
sale financial assets were recognized in profit or loss. 

Unimpaired other financial assets of €5 million (2014: €8 million) were past due on the closing date. 

Further information on the accounting for receivables from derivatives is given in note [30]. 

Receivables under lease agreements relate to finance leases where Bayer is the lessor and the economic owner  
of the leased assets is the lessee. These receivables comprised expected lease payments of €38 million (2014: 
€46 million), including €31 million (2014: €37 million) in interest. Of the expected lease payments, €1 million 
(2014: €1 million) is due within one year, €2 million (2014: €2 million) within the following four years and 
€35 million (2014: €43 million) in subsequent years. 

21. Inventories 

Inventories were comprised as follows:  

Inventories 

Raw materials and supplies 

Work in process, finished goods and goods purchased for resale 

Advance payments 

Total 

[Table 4.53]

Dec. 31, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2015 

€ million  

€ million  

1,603 

6,781 

94 

8,478 

2,296 

6,241 

13 

8,550 

Impairment losses recognized on inventories were reflected in the cost of goods sold. They were comprised  
as follows: 

Impairments of Inventories 

Accumulated impairment losses, January 1 

Changes in scope of consolidation 

Impairment losses in the reporting period 

Impairment loss reversals or utilization 

Exchange differences 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Accumulated impairment losses, December 31 

[Table 4.54]

2014 

2015 

€ million  

€ million  

(423) 

– 

(214) 

176 

(16) 

– 

(477) 

(477) 

(5) 

(216) 

246 

21 

4 

(427) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

291 

22. Trade accounts receivable 

Trade accounts receivable less impairment losses amounted to €9,933 million (2014: €9,097 million) on the closing 
date and were comprised as follows: 

Trade Accounts Receivable 

Trade accounts receivable (before impairments) 

Accumulated impairment losses 

Carrying amount, December 31 

of which noncurrent 

Changes in impairment losses on trade accounts receivable were as follows: 

Impairments of Trade Accounts Receivable 

Accumulated impairment losses, January 1 

Impairment losses in the reporting period 

Impairment loss reversals or utilization 

Exchange differences 

Accumulated impairment losses, December 31 

[Table 4.55]

2014 

2015 

€ million  

€ million  

9,330 

(233) 

9,097 

32 

10,181 

(248) 

9,933 

46 

[Table 4.56]

2014 

2015 

€ million  

€ million  

(200) 

(73) 

39 

1 

(233) 

(84) 

46 

23 

(233) 

(248) 

Trade accounts receivable amounting to €9,858 million (2014: €9,029 million) were not individually impaired.  
Of this amount, €1,251 million (2014: €1,105 million) was past due or due immediately on the closing date.  

The amounts of impaired and past-due trade accounts receivable are summarized in the following table: 

Impaired and Past-Due Trade Accounts Receivable 

[Table 4.57]

Of which 
neither 
impaired 
nor past due 
at the 
closing date 

Of which 
unimpaired but  
past due at the  
closing date 

Of which 
impaired 
at the 
closing date 

Carrying 
amount 

up to 
 3 months  

3 – 6  
months  

6 – 12 
months  

more than 
12 months  

December 31, 2015 

December 31, 2014 

9,933 

9,097 

8,607 

7,924 

823 

738 

202 

165 

109 

85 

117 

117 

75 

68 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

The gross carrying amount of individually impaired trade accounts receivable was €245 million (2014: 
€217 million). The impairment losses recognized on these assets totaled €170 million (2014: €149 million), result-
ing in a net carrying amount of €75 million (2014: €68 million). 

The unimpaired receivables were deemed to be collectible on the basis of established credit management process-
es and individual assessments of customer risks. Recognized impairment losses included an appropriate allowance 
for the default risk as of the end of the reporting period.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
292 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Receivables from government health service institutions, especially in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, are under 
special observation in view of the government debt crisis. Although there were no material defaults on such 
receivables in 2015 or 2014, it is possible that future developments in these countries could result in payment 
delays and / or defaults. This could necessitate the recognition of impairment losses due to new occurrences. Trade 
accounts receivable from government health service institutions in the above countries at the end of 2015 totaled 
€168 million (2014: €183 million).  

An excess-of-loss policy exists for the HealthCare subgroup as part of a global credit insurance program. More than 
80% of the receivables of the HealthCare subgroup are insured up to a maximum total annual compensation pay-
ment of €100 million (2014: €100 million). 

A further €559 million (2014: €459 million) of receivables was secured by advance payments, letters of credit or 
guarantees or by liens on land, buildings or harvest yields. 

23. Other receivables 

Other receivables, after impairment losses of €55 million (2014: €3 million), were comprised as follows: 

Other Receivables 

[Table 4.58]

Other tax receivables 

Deferred charges 

Reimbursement claims 

Net defined benefit asset 

Receivables from employees 

Miscellaneous receivables 

Total 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2015 

Total 

Of which  
current 

Total 

Of which  
current 

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

612 

297 

127 

41 

48 

528 

273 

113 

– 

44 

746 

384 

97 

30 

39 

658 

348 

81 

– 

36 

810 

1,935 

530 

1,488 

1,151 

2,447 

894 

2,017 

The reimbursement claims of €97 million (2014: €127 million) mainly consisted of receivables from insurance com-
panies in connection with product liability claims.  

Miscellaneous receivables included a €423 million receivable from Dow AgroSciences llc, United States, for dam-
ages and royalty payments resulting from the infringement of Bayer’s rights to the Liberty Link™ weed control 
system. In addition, there was a €62 million receivable from the Venezuelan exchange control authority reflecting 
the right to receive u.s. dollars at a preferential rate. A €52 million impairment loss was recognized on this receiva-
ble.  

Of the €565 million (2014: €678 million) in financial receivables included in other receivables, €564 million (2014: 
€675 million) was unimpaired. Of this amount, €104 million (2014: €313 million) was past due or due immediately 
on the closing date. The gross carrying amount of individually impaired other receivables was €4 million (2014: 
€6 million). The impairment losses recognized on these assets totaled €3 million (2014: €3 million), resulting in a 
net carrying amount of €1 million (2014: €3 million). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

293 

The amounts of impaired and past-due financial receivables included in other receivables are summarized in the 
following table: 

Impaired and Past-Due Other Financial Receivables 

[Table 4.59]

Of which 
neither 
impaired 
nor past due 
at the 
closing date 

Of which 
unimpaired but 
past due at the 
closing date 

Of which 
impaired 
at the 
closing date 

Carrying 
amount 

up to  
3 months 

3 – 6 
months 

6 – 12 
months 

more than 
12 months 

December 31, 2015 

December 31, 2014 

565 

678 

460 

362 

65 

259 

13 

17 

15 

9 

11 

28 

1 

3 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

24. Equity 

The foremost objectives of our financial management are to help bring about a sustained increase in Bayer’s value 
for the benefit of all stakeholders, and to ensure the Group’s creditworthiness and liquidity. The pursuit of these 
goals means reducing our cost of capital, optimizing our capital structure, improving our financing cash flow and 
effectively managing risk. 

The rating agencies commissioned by Bayer assess Bayer’s creditworthiness as follows:  

Rating 

Standard & Poor’s 

Moody’s 

Long-term rating 

Outlook 

Short-term rating 

A- 

A3 

stable 

stable 

A-2 

P-2 

[Table 4.60]

These investment-grade ratings reflect the company’s good creditworthiness and ensure access to a broad investor 
base. Bayer’s financial management is partly based on the debt ratios published by rating agencies, which – by 
somewhat differing methods – take into account the cash flows for a given period in relation to debt, for example. 
Bayer’s financial strategy focuses on an “a” category rating and on preserving our financial flexibility. Apart from 
utilizing cash inflows from our operating business to reduce net financial debt, we are implementing our financial 
strategy by way of vehicles such as the subordinated hybrid bonds issued in July 2014 and April 2015, the author-
ized and conditional capital amounts created by resolutions of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, and a potential 
share buyback program. Bayer’s Articles of Incorporation do not stipulate capital ratios. 

The changes in the various components of equity during 2014 and 2015 are shown in the consolidated statements 
of changes in equity. 

CAPITAL STOCK 
The capital stock of Bayer AG on December 31, 2015 amounted to €2,117 million (2014: €2,117 million), divided 
into 826,947,808 (2013: 826,947,808) registered shares, and was fully paid in. Each share confers one voting right. 

AUTHORIZED CAPITAL 
Authorized capital of €530 million was approved by the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on April 29, 2014. It expires 
on April 28, 2019. It can be used to increase the capital stock by issuing new no-par registered shares against cash 
contributions and / or contributions in kind, but capital increases against contributions in kind may not exceed a 
total of €423 million (Authorized Capital i). Stockholders must normally be granted subscription rights. However, 
the Board of Management is authorized, with the consent of the Supervisory Board, to exclude stockholders’ sub-

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
294 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

scription rights where the subscription ratio gives rise to fractions in the case of capital increases against cash 
and / or contributions in kind, and also to the extent necessary to grant the holders of bonds with warrants or con-
version rights or obligations issued by the Company or its group companies a right to subscribe for new shares to 
the extent to which they would be entitled after exercise of their warrants or conversion rights, or performance of 
their exercise or conversion obligations. The Board of Management is also authorized, with the consent of the 
Supervisory Board, to exclude stockholders’ subscription rights if the shares are issued in connection with the 
admission of shares to a foreign stock exchange and the total interest in the capital stock attributable to the new 
shares for which subscription rights are excluded does not exceed 10% of the existing capital stock on the date of 
entry of the authorization in the commercial register or, in the event that this amount is lower, 10% of the existing 
capital stock on the date of issuance of the new shares. The Board of Management is further authorized, with the 
consent of the Supervisory Board, to exclude stockholders’ subscription rights if the capital is increased against 
contributions in kind to issue shares either for the purpose of acquiring companies, parts of companies, interests in 
companies, or other assets, or for the purpose of implementing a scrip dividend, where stockholders are given the 
option of contributing their dividend entitlements to the Company (either in whole or in part) as a contribution in 
kind against the issuance of new shares out of the Authorized Capital i. The amount of capital stock represented by 
shares issued against cash contributions and / or contributions in kind without granting subscription rights to the 
stockholders must not exceed a total of 20% of the capital stock that existed on the date the authorized capital was 
approved by the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. 

Further authorized capital of €212 million was approved by the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on April 29, 2014. It 
expires on April 28, 2019. The Board of Management is authorized, with the consent of the Supervisory Board, to 
increase the capital stock by up to a total of €212 million by issuing new no-par registered shares against cash 
contributions (Authorized Capital ii). Stockholders must normally be granted subscription rights. However, the 
Board of Management is authorized, with the consent of the Supervisory Board, to exclude stockholders’ subscrip-
tion rights where the subscription ratio gives rise to fractions and also if the shares are issued against cash contri-
butions and the total interest in the capital stock attributable to the new shares for which subscription rights are 
excluded does not exceed 10% of the existing capital stock on the date of entry of the authorization in the com-
mercial register or, in the event that this amount is lower, 10% of the existing capital stock on the date of issuance 
of the new shares, and the issue price of the new shares is not significantly below the market price of the already 
listed shares of the company of the same class at the time when the issue price is finalized by the Board of Man-
agement within the meaning of Section 203, Paragraphs 1 and 2, in conjunction with Section 186, Paragraph 3, 
sentence 4, of the German Stock Corporation Act. Any own shares that are sold on or after April 29, 2014, while 
excluding stockholders’ subscription rights pursuant to Section 71, Paragraph 1, No. 8, Sentence 5, in conjunction 
with Section 186, Paragraph 3, Sentence 4, of the German Stock Corporation Act count toward the above 10% 
limit. Shares that have been or may be issued to service bonds with warrants or conversion rights or obligations, 
where such bonds are issued on or after April 29, 2014, while excluding stockholders’ subscription rights in analo-
gous application of Section 186, Paragraph 3, Sentence 4, of the German Stock Corporation Act also count toward 
this limit. 

Neither of these authorized capital amounts has been utilized so far. 

CONDITIONAL CAPITAL 
The Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on April 29, 2014 approved the creation of Conditional Capital 2014, again 
authorizing a conditional increase of up to €212 million in the capital stock through the issuance of up to 
82,694,750 new no-par registered shares. The conditional capital increase serves to grant registered no-par value 
shares to the holders of bonds with warrants or convertible bonds, profit participation certificates, or income bonds 
(or combinations of these instruments) (collectively referred to as “debt instruments”), each with options or con-
version rights or obligations, that may be issued up to April 28, 2019, on the basis of the authorization resolved by 
the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on April 29, 2014, by Bayer AG or a group company of Bayer AG within the 
meaning of Section 18 of the German Stock Corporation Act in which Bayer AG has a direct or indirect interest in 
at least 90 % of the votes and capital. Such new shares are to be issued at the option premium or conversion price 
to be determined in accordance with the authorizing resolution referred to above. The authorization to issue such 
instruments is limited to a total nominal amount of €6 billion. In principle, stockholders have a statutory right to be 
granted subscription rights to such instruments. However, the Board of Management is authorized, with the con-
sent of the Supervisory Board, to exclude stockholders’ subscription rights where the subscription ratio gives rise 
to fractions and also to the extent necessary to grant the holders of bonds with warrants or conversion rights or 
obligations a right to subscribe for new shares to the extent to which they would be entitled after exercise of their 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

295 

warrants or conversion rights, or performance of their exercise or conversion obligations. Furthermore, the Board 
of Management is authorized, with the consent of the Supervisory Board, to fully exclude stockholders’ subscrip-
tion rights to debt instruments with options or conversion rights or obligations issued against cash contributions if 
the Board of Management, after due consideration, is of the opinion that the issue price of the debt instruments is 
not significantly below their hypothetical fair value determined in accordance with accepted methods, and in par-
ticular, valuation techniques. This authorization to exclude subscription rights applies to bonds with warrants or 
conversion rights or exercise or conversion obligations for shares with a proportionate interest in the capital stock 
not exceeding 10% of the total capital stock either at the date when the resolution is adopted or, in the event that 
this amount is lower, at the date on which this authorization is exercised. New shares that are issued on or after 
April 29, 2014, while excluding stockholders’ subscription rights in accordance with Sections 203, Paragraphs 1 
and 2, in conjunction with Section 186, Paragraph 3, Sentence 4, of the German Stock Corporation Act as well as 
own shares that are sold on or after April 29, 2014, while excluding stockholders’ subscription rights pursuant to 
Section 71, Paragraph 1, Number 8, Sentence 5, in conjunction with Section 186, Paragraph 3, Sentence 4, of the 
German Stock Corporation Act also count toward this 10% limit. 

Absent a further resolution of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on the exclusion of stockholders’ subscription 
rights, the Board of Management will only use the existing authorizations to increase the capital stock out of the 
Authorized Capital or the Conditional Capital – while excluding stockholders’ subscription rights – up to a total 
amount of 20% of the capital stock that existed when the respective resolutions were adopted by the Annual 
Stockholders’ Meeting on April 29, 2014. All issuances or sales of shares or of bonds with warrants or conversion 
rights or obligations that are effected while excluding stockholders’ subscription rights also count toward this 20% 
limit. 

ACCUMULATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
Accumulated comprehensive income comprises retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income. 
The retained earnings include prior years’ undistributed income of consolidated companies and all remeasure-
ments of the net liability for defined benefit pension and other post-employment benefit plans that are recognized 
outside profit or loss. The accumulated other comprehensive income comprises exchange differences, the changes 
in fair values of cash flow hedges and available-for-sale financial assets, and the revaluation surplus. In 2015, an 
amount of €5 million (2014: €5 million) corresponding to the annual amortization / depreciation of the respective 
assets was transferred from the revaluation surplus to retained earnings. The exchange differences included an 
amount of minus €45 million (2014: minus €28 million) attributable to associates and joint ventures accounted for 
using the equity method. 

DIVIDEND 
Under the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG), the dividend payment is determined by the distributable profit 
reported in the annual financial statements of Bayer AG, which are prepared according to the German Commercial 
Code. Retained earnings were diminished by payment of the dividend of €2.25 per share for 2014. The proposed 
dividend for the 2015 fiscal year is €2.50 per share, which would result in a total dividend payment of €2,067 mil-
lion. Payment of the proposed dividend is contingent upon approval by the stockholders at the Annual Stockhold-
ers’ Meeting and therefore is not recognized as a liability in the consolidated financial statements. 

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST 
The former MaterialScience subgroup became a separate economic and legal entity on September 1, 2015, operat-
ing under the name Covestro. Following the stock exchange listing of Covestro AG on October 6, 2015, 30.9% of 
the shares in the equity of Covestro AG and its subsidiaries are reflected in noncontrolling interest. 

 
 
 
 
296 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The changes in noncontrolling interest in equity during 2014 and 2015 are shown in the following table:  

Components of Noncontrolling Interest in Equity 

January 1 

Changes in equity not recognized in profit or loss 

Remeasurements of the net pension liability 

Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 

Changes in fair value of securities  

Exchange differences on translation of operations outside the eurozone 

Other changes in equity 

Dividend payments 

Changes in equity recognized in profit or loss 

December 31 

[Table 4.61]

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

86 

112 

– 

– 

– 

11 

– 

(2) 

17 

10 

– 

– 

23 

1,055 

(8) 

(12) 

112 

1,180 

The exchange differences included an amount of minus €20 million (2014: €0 million) attributable to associates and 
joint ventures accounted for using the equity method. 

Noncontrolling interest mainly pertained to the following companies: 

Material Noncontrolling Interests 

[Table 4.62]

Interest held 

Voting rights 

Equity attributable to noncontrolling interest 

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest 

Noncurrent assets 

Current assets 

Noncurrent liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Sales 

Income (loss) after income taxes 

Total comprehensive income 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

* including direct and indirect subsidiaries 

Covestro AG *) 

Bayer CropScience Limited, 
India 

2014 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2015 

30.9 

30.9 

1,092 

– 

4,237 

6,294 

4,564 

2,355 

12,082 

352 

558 

1,473 

(380) 

(645) 

2014 

31.4 

31.4 

85 

1 

48 

317 

10 

85 

410 

45 

25 

21 

(1) 

(5) 

2015 

31.4 

31.4 

73 

3 

52 

304 

11 

92 

465 

6 

15 

44 

53 

(79) 

% 

% 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

297 

25. Provisions for pensions and other post-employment 

benefits 

Provisions were established for defined benefit obligations pertaining to pensions and other post-employment 
benefits. The net liability was accounted for as follows: 

Net Defined Benefit Liability Reflected in the Statement of Financial Position 

Dec. 31, 
2014 

Pensions 

Dec. 31, 
2015 

Other post-employment 
benefits 

Dec. 31, 
2014 

Dec. 31, 
2015 

Dec. 31, 
2014 

[Table 4.63]

Total 

Dec. 31, 
2015 

Provisions for pensions and other post-
employment benefits (net liability) 

of which Germany 

of which other countries 

Net defined benefit asset 

of which Germany 

of which other countries 

Net defined benefit liability 

of which Germany 

of which other countries 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

11,796 

10,336 

1,460 

38 

22 

16 

11,758 

10,314 

1,444 

10,454 

8,972 

1,482 

29 

23 

6 

10,425 

8,949 

1,476 

440 

– 

440 

3 

– 

3 

437 

– 

437 

419 

– 

419 

1 

– 

1 

418 

– 

418 

12,236 

10,336 

1,900 

41 

22 

19 

12,195 

10,314 

1,881 

10,873 

8,972 

1,901 

30 

23 

7 

10,843 

8,949 

1,894 

The expenses for defined benefit plans for pensions and other post-employment benefits comprised the following 
components: 

Expenses for Defined Benefit Plans 

[Table 4.64]

Germany 

Other countries 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

Pension plans 

Other post-employment 
benefit plans 

Total 

2015 

Other countries 

2014 

2015 

Current service cost 

Past service cost 

of which plan curtailments 

Plan settlements 

Net interest 

Total 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

236 

23 

– 

– 

223 

482 

362 

27 

–

– 

204 

593 

66 

(25) 

(15)

21 

34 

96 

99 

(3) 

(2)

– 

52 

148 

302 

(2) 

(15)

21 

257 

578 

461 

24 

(2) 

– 

256 

741 

28 

2 

– 

– 

18 

48 

17 

– 

–

– 

20 

37 

In addition, a total of €1,216 million in effects of remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability was recognized 
in 2015 outside profit or loss (2014: minus €5,159 million). Of this amount, €1,185 million (2014: minus 
€5,098 million) related to pension obligations, €53 million (2014: minus €61 million) to other post-employment 
benefit obligations, and minus €22 million (2014: €0 million) to the effects of the asset ceiling. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
298 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

299 

The net defined benefit liability developed as follows: 

Changes in Net Defined Benefit Liability 

[Table 4.65]

Defined benefit obligation 

Fair value of plan assets 

Effects of the asset ceiling 

Net defined benefit liability 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Germany 

January 1 

Acquisitions 

Divestitures / changes in the scope of consolidation 

Current service cost 

Past service cost 

Gains / losses from plan settlements 

Net interest 

Net actuarial (gain) loss 

of which due to changes in financial assumptions 

of which due to changes in demographic assumptions 

of which due to experience adjustments 

14,870 

20,339 

8,735 

10,025 

– 

– 

– 

17 

330 

221 

– 

– 

236 

23 

– 

553 

5,254 

5,208

–

46

– 

21 

362 

27 

– 

425 

(1,393) 

(1,371) 

– 

(22) 

Return on plan assets excluding amounts recognized as interest income 

802 

(262) 

Remeasurement of asset ceiling 

Employer contributions 

Employee contributions 

Payments due to plan settlements 

Benefits paid out of plan assets 

Benefits paid by the company 

Reclassification to current assets / liabilities held for sale 

December 31 

Other countries 

January 1 

Acquisitions 

Divestitures / changes in the scope of consolidation 

Current service cost 

Past service cost 

Gains / losses from plan settlements 

Net interest 

Net actuarial (gain) loss 

of which due to changes in financial assumptions 

of which due to changes in demographic assumptions 

of which due to experience adjustments 

Return on plan assets excluding amounts recognized as interest income 

Remeasurement of asset ceiling 

Employer contributions 

Employee contributions 

Payments due to plan settlements 

Benefits paid out of plan assets 

Benefits paid by the company 

Plan administration costs paid out of plan assets 

Reclassification to current assets / liabilities held for sale 

Exchange differences 

December 31 

of which other post-employment benefits 

38 

– 

(211) 

(424) 

– 

37 

– 

(215) 

(433) 

(22) 

331 

38 

– 

387 

37 

– 

(211) 

(215) 

– 

(11) 

20,339 

19,148 

10,025 

10,199 

5,812 

7,432 

4,705 

5,560 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

94 

(23) 

21 

275 

1,094 

815

264

15

9 

(64) 

(254) 

(53) 

– 

521 

7,432 

918

4 

– 

116 

(3) 

– 

287 

(318) 

(310) 

(79) 

71 

11 

– 

(289) 

(60) 

(20) 

501 

7,661 

836 

387 

(211) 

130 

9 

(64) 

(254) 

(1) 

– 

425 

5,560 

481 

148 

11 

– 

(289) 

(1) 

(8) 

374 

5,799 

418

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(9) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(9) 

– 

– 

– 

(22) 

– 

(1) 

(32) 

– 

– 

– 

(9) 

– 

(9) 

(6,135) 

(10,314) 

– 

– 

(236) 

(23) 

– 

(223) 

(5,254) 

(5,208) 

– 

(46) 

802 

– 

331 

– 

– 

– 

424 

– 

– 

(4) 

(362) 

(27) 

– 

(204) 

1,393 

1,371

–

22

(262) 

– 

387 

– 

– 

– 

433 

11 

(10,314) 

(8,949) 

(1,116) 

(1,881) 

– 

– 

(94) 

23 

(21) 

(52) 

(1,094) 

(815) 

(264) 

(15) 

387 

– 

130 

– 

– 

– 

53 

(1) 

– 

(96) 

(4) 

– 

(116) 

3 

– 

(72) 

318 

310

79

(71)

(211) 

(22) 

148 

– 

– 

– 

60 

(1) 

12 

(128) 

(1,881) 

(1,894) 

(437) 

(418)

Total, December 31 

27,771 

26,809 

15,585 

15,998 

(32) 

(12,195) 

(10,843) 

223 

215 

– 

– 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
300 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The benefit obligations pertained mainly to Germany (71%; 2014: 73%), the United States (15%; 2014: 14%) and 
the United Kingdom (7%; 2014: 6%). In Germany, current employees accounted for about 44% (2014: 45%), 
retirees or their surviving dependents for about 49% (2014: 47%) and former employees with vested pension 
rights for about 7% (2014: 8%) of entitlements under defined benefit plans. In the United States, current employ-
ees accounted for about 26% (2014: 26%), retirees or their surviving dependents for about 61% (2014: 61%) and 
former employees with vested pension rights for about 13% (2014: 13%) of entitlements under defined benefit 
plans. 

The changes in the net defined benefit liability in Germany reported as due to changes in the scope of consolida-
tion mainly resulted from employee transfers outside the consolidated group of companies.  

The actual return on the assets of defined benefit plans for pensions or other post-employment benefits amounted 
to minus €34 million (2014: €1,691 million) and minus €3 million (2014: €51 million), respectively. 

The following table shows the defined benefit obligations for pensions and other post-employment benefits along 
with the funded status of the funded obligations. 

Defined Benefit Obligation and Funded Status 

Defined benefit obligation 

of which unfunded 

of which funded 

Funded status of funded obligations 

Overfunding 

Underfunding 

Pension obligation 

Other post-employment 
benefit obligation 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

[Table 4.66]

Total 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

26,853 

1,117 

25,736 

25,973 

1,126 

24,847 

47 

10,679 

61 

9,328 

918 

104 

814 

3 

336 

836 

101 

735 

1 

318 

27,771 

1,221 

26,550 

26,809 

1,227 

25,582 

50 

11,015 

62 

9,646 

PENSION AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS 
Group companies provide retirement benefits for most of their employees, either directly or by contributing to 
privately or publicly administered funds. The way these benefits are provided varies according to the legal, fiscal 
and economic conditions of each country, the benefits generally being based on employee compensation and years 
of service. The obligations relate both to existing retirees’ pensions and to pension entitlements of future retirees. 

Bayer has set up funded pension plans for its employees in various countries. The most appropriate investment 
strategy is determined for each defined benefit pension plan based on the risk structure of the obligations (espe-
cially demographics, the current funded status, the structure of the expected future cash flows, interest sensitivity, 
biometric risks etc.), the regulatory environment and the existing level of risk tolerance or risk capacity. A strategic 
target investment portfolio is then developed in line with the plan’s risk structure, taking capital market factors into 
consideration. Further determinants are risk diversification, portfolio efficiency and the need for both a country-
specific and a global risk / return profile centered on ensuring the payment of all future benefits. As the capital 
investment strategy for each pension plan is developed individually in light of the plan-specific conditions listed 
above, the investment strategies for different pension plans may vary considerably. For example, the proportion of 
plan assets invested in equities is greater with the non-German pension plans than with the plans domiciled in 
Germany. The investment strategies are generally aligned less toward maximizing absolute returns and more to-
ward the reasonable assurance of financing pension commitments over the long term. For plan assets, stress sce-
narios are simulated and other risk analyses (such as value at risk) undertaken with the aid of risk management 
systems. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

301 

Bayer-Pensionskasse VVaG (Bayer-Pensionskasse), Leverkusen, Germany, is by far the most significant of the pen-
sion plans. It was closed to new members effective January 1, 2005. This legally independent fund is regarded as a 
life insurance company and therefore is subject to the German Insurance Supervision Act. The benefit obligations 
covered by Bayer-Pensionskasse comprise retirement, surviving dependents’ and disability pensions. It constitutes 
a multi-employer plan, to which the active members and their employers contribute. The company contribution is a 
certain percentage of the employee contribution. This percentage is the same for all participating employers, in-
cluding those outside the Bayer Group, and is set by agreement between the plan’s executive committee and its 
supervisory board, acting on a proposal from the responsible actuary. It takes into account the differences between 
the actuarial estimates and the actual values for the factors used to determine liabilities and contributions. Bayer 
may also adjust the company contribution in agreement with the plan’s executive committee and its supervisory 
board, acting on a proposal from the responsible actuary. The plan’s liability is governed by Section 1, Paragraph 1, 
Sentence 3 of the German Law on the Improvement of Occupational Pensions. This means that if the pension plan 
exercises its right under the articles of association to reduce benefits, each participating employer has to make up 
the resulting difference. Bayer is not liable for the obligations of participating employers outside the Bayer Group, 
even if they cease to participate in the plan.  

Pension entitlements for people who joined Bayer in Germany on or after January 1, 2005, are granted via 
Rheinische Pensionskasse VVaG, Leverkusen. Future pension payments from this plan are based on contributions 
and the return on plan assets; a guaranteed interest rate applies. 

Another important pension provision vehicle is Bayer Pension Trust e.V. (bpt). This covers further retirement provi-
sion arrangements of the Bayer Group, such as deferred compensation, pension obligations previously adminis-
tered by Schering Altersversorgung Treuhand e.V., and components of other direct commitments. In October 2015, 
a total of €293 million in investments, representing the equivalent of the Covestro group’s obligations, was trans-
ferred from Bayer Pension Trust to another trust fund, which now (partially) covers the respective obligations of 
Covestro. 

The defined benefit pension plans in the United States have been frozen for some years, and no significant new 
entitlements can be earned under these plans. The assets of all the u.s. pension plans are held by a master trust for 
reasons of efficiency. The applicable regulatory framework is based on the Employee Retirement Income Security 
Act (erisa), which includes a statutory 80% minimum funding requirement to avoid benefit reductions. The actuar-
ial risks, such as investment risk, interest-rate risk and longevity risk, remain with the company. 

The defined benefit pension plans in the United Kingdom are closed to new members. Plan assets in the u.k. are 
administered by independent trustees, who are legally obligated to act solely in the interests of the beneficiaries. 
A technical assessment is performed every three years in line with u.k. regulations. This serves as the basis for 
developing a plan to cover any potential financing requirements. Here, too, the actuarial risks remain with the 
company. 

The other post-employment benefit obligations outside Germany mainly comprised health care benefit payments 
for retirees in the United States. 

 
 
 
 
302 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The fair value of the plan assets to cover pension and other post-employment benefit obligations was as follows: 

Fair Value of Plan Assets as of December 31 

[Table 4.67]

Pension obligations 

Other post-employment 
obligations 

Germany 

Other countries 

Other countries 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Plan assets based on quoted prices in active 
markets 

Real estate and special real estate funds 

Equities and equity funds 

Callable debt instruments 

Noncallable debt instruments 

Bond funds 

Derivatives 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Other 

Plan assets for which quoted prices in active 
markets are not available 

Real estate and special real estate funds 

Equities and equity funds 

Callable debt instruments 

Noncallable debt instruments 

Bond funds 

Derivatives 

Other 

– 

– 

1,941 

2,105 

– 

– 

– 

112 

205 

1,669 

162 

690 

199 

1,855 

182 

752 

3,345 

3,543 

1,509 

1,744 

28 

409 

– 

18 

158 

– 

5,723 

5,936 

544 

70 

1,493 

1,931 

– 

(4) 

268 

4,302 

517 

90 

1,555 

1,832 

– 

(2) 

271 

4,263 

86 

98 

236 

4,655 

41 

59 

6 

– 

60 

– 

258 

424 

(5) 

84 

4 

83 

59 

2 

– 

60 

– 

362 

566 

18 

125 

– 

110 

90 

– 

14 

– 

19 

130 

– 

121 

90 

– 

8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

124 

124 

481 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

50 

50 

418 

4,815 

357 

368 

Total plan assets 

10,025 

10,199 

5,079 

5,381 

The fair value of plan assets in Germany included real estate leased by Group companies, recognized at a fair value 
of €61 million (2014: €65 million), and Bayer AG shares and bonds held through investment funds, recognized at 
their fair value of €48 million (2014: €58 million) and €3 million (2014: €6 million), respectively. The other plan 
assets comprised mortgage loans granted, other receivables and qualified insurance policies. 

RISKS 
The risks from defined benefit plans arise partly from the defined benefit obligations and partly from the invest-
ment in plan assets. The risks lie in the possibility that higher direct pension payments will have to be made to the 
beneficiaries and / or that additional contributions will have to be made to plan assets in order to meet current and 
future pension obligations. 

Demographic / biometric risks 
Since a large proportion of the defined benefit obligations comprises lifelong pension payments to retirees or sur-
viving dependents’ pensions, longer claim periods or earlier claims may result in higher benefit obligations, higher 
benefit expense and / or higher pension payments than previously anticipated. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

303 

Investment risks 
If the actual return on plan assets were below the return anticipated on the basis of the discount rate, the net de-
fined benefit liability would increase, assuming there were no changes in other parameters. This could happen as a 
result of a drop in share prices, increases in market rates of interest, default of individual debtors or the purchase 
of low-risk but low-interest bonds, for example. 

Interest-rate risk 
A decline in capital market interest rates, especially for high-quality corporate bonds, would increase the defined 
benefit obligation. This effect would be at least partially offset by the ensuing increase in the market values of the 
debt instruments held.  

MEASUREMENT PARAMETERS AND THEIR SENSITIVITIES 
The following weighted parameters were used to measure the obligations for pensions and other post-employment 
benefits as of December 31 of the respective year: 

Parameters for Benefit Obligations 

[Table 4.68]

Pension obligations 

Discount rate 

of which U.S.A. 

of which U.K. 

Projected future salary increases 

Projected future benefit increases 

Other post-employment benefit obligations 

Germany 

Other countries 

2014 

% 

2015 

% 

2.00 

2.40 

3.00 

1.75 

3.00 

1.75 

2014 

% 

3.70 

3.70 

3.60 

3.65 

3.30 

2015 

% 

3.85 

4.00 

3.80 

3.35 

3.20 

2014 

% 

2.40 

3.70 

3.60 

3.15 

2.10 

Total 

2015 

% 

2.75 

4.00 

3.80 

3.10 

2.15 

Discount rate 

– 

– 

3.95 

4.45 

3.95 

4.45 

The data selection criteria used to determine the discount rate in the eurozone were modified at the beginning of 
2015. The modification of the data selection criteria diminished provisions by €1.0 billion. The discount rate ob-
tained by applying the previous data selection criteria would have been lower by 30 basis points as of December 
31, 2015. The change in the way the discount rate is determined reduced the net pension expense for the 2015 
fiscal year by €17 million. As before, the underlying bond portfolio consists entirely of high-quality corporate bonds 
with a minimum aa or aaa rating. It no longer includes government-guaranteed or covered bonds. 

In Germany the Heubeck 2005 G mortality tables were used, in the United States the rp-2014 Combined Healthy 
Mortality Tables, and in the United Kingdom 95% of s1nxa. In the United States, adjustments contained in the mp-
2015 mortality improvement scale were taken into account in 2015. This led to an actuarial gain of approximately 
€66 million.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
304 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The following weighted parameters were used to measure the expense for pension and other post-employment 
benefits in the respective year: 

Parameters for Benefit Expense 

Pension obligations 

Discount rate 

Projected future salary increases 

Projected future benefit increases 

Other post-employment benefit obligations 

Germany 

Other countries 

2014 

% 

3.80 

3.00 

1.75 

2015 

% 

2.20 

3.00 

1.75 

2014 

% 

4.70 

3.95 

3.60 

2015 

% 

3.70 

3.65 

3.30 

[Table 4.69]

Total 

2015 

% 

2.55 

3.15 

2.10 

2014 

% 

4.05 

3.95 

3.60 

Discount rate 

– 

– 

4.90 

3.95 

4.90 

3.95 

The parameter sensitivities were computed by expert actuaries based on a detailed evaluation similar to that per-
formed to obtain the data presented in Table 4.65. Altering individual parameters by 0.5 percentage points (mortal-
ity by 10% per beneficiary) while leaving the other parameters unchanged would have impacted pension and other 
post-employment benefit obligations as of year end 2015 as follows: 

Sensitivity of Benefit Obligations 

Germany 

Other countries 

[Table 4.70]

Total 

Increase 

Decrease 

Increase 

Decrease 

Increase 

Decrease 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Pension obligations 

0.5%-pt. change in discount rate  

(1,544) 

1,767 

(450) 

504 

(1,994) 

2,271 

0.5%-pt. change in projected future  
salary increases  

0.5%-pt. change in projected future  
benefit increases 

10% change in mortality 

Other post-employment benefit obligations 

0.5%-pt. change in discount rate  

10% change in mortality 

121 

(113) 

47 

(44) 

168 

(157) 

1,006 

(597) 

(919) 

669 

– 

– 

– 

– 

127 

(173) 

(46) 

(21) 

(96) 

185 

51 

24 

1,133 

(770) 

(1,015) 

854 

(46) 

(21) 

51 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

305 

Sensitivity of Benefit Obligations (prior year) 

Germany 

Other countries 

[Table 4.71]

Total 

Increase 

Decrease 

Increase 

Decrease 

Increase 

Decrease 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Pension obligations 

0.5%-pt. change in discount rate  

(1,712) 

1,969 

(441) 

494 

(2,153) 

2,463 

0.5%-pt. change in projected future  
salary increases  

0.5%-pt. change in projected future  
benefit increases 

10% change in mortality 

Other post-employment benefit obligations 

0.5%-pt. change in discount rate  

10% change in mortality 

145 

(135) 

44 

(41) 

189 

(176) 

1,119 

(657) 

(1,020) 

737 

– 

– 

– 

– 

106 

(168) 

(51) 

(22) 

(76) 

179 

56 

24 

1,225 

(825) 

(1,096) 

916 

(51) 

(22) 

56 

24 

Provisions are also set up for the obligations, mainly of u.s. subsidiaries, to provide post-employment benefits in 
the form of health care cost payments for retirees. The valuation of health care costs was based on the assumption 
that they will increase at a rate of 7.0%, which should gradually decline to 5.0% by 2023 (assumption in 2014: 
7.0%, which should gradually decline to 5.0% by 2018). The following table shows the impact on other post-
employment benefit obligations and total benefit expense of a one-percentage-point change in the assumed cost 
increase rates: 

Sensitivity to Health Care Cost Increases 

[Table 4.72]

Impact on other post-employment benefit obligations 

Impact on benefit expense 

Increase of one percentage 
point 

Decrease of one percentage 
point 

2014 

2015 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

86 

4 

79 

5 

(72) 

(4) 

(68) 

(4) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
306 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

PAYMENTS MADE AND EXPECTED FUTURE PAYMENTS 
The following payments correspond to the employer contributions made or expected to be made to funded benefit 
plans:  

Employer Contributions Paid or Expected 

2014 

2015 

Germany 

2016 
expected 

2014 

2015 

[Table 4.73]

Other countries 

2016 
expected 

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

Pension obligations 

Other post-employment benefit obligations 

Total 

331 

– 

331 

387 

– 

387 

74 

– 

74 

112 

18 

130 

148 

– 

148 

133 

1 

134 

Bayer has currently committed to make deficit contributions for its u.k. pension plans of gbp 21 million in 2016 and 
of approximately gbp 16 million annually thereafter through 2019 and expects to make payments of us$50 million 
in 2016 for its u.s. pension plans, the latter amount being subject to change depending on future circumstances. 

Pensions and other post-employment benefits payable in the future from funded and unfunded plans are estimated 
as follows: 

Future Benefit Payments 

[Table 4.74]

Payments out of plan assets 

Payments by the company 

Other post- 
employment  
benefits 

Other 
countries 

Pensions 

Other 
countries 

Germany 

Other post- 
employment  
benefits 

Other 
countries 

Pensions 

Other 
countries 

Total 

Total 

Germany 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 

219 

221 

224 

229 

234 

303 

311 

322 

328 

340 

2021-2025 

1,260 

1,763 

9 

9 

10 

9 

9 

46 

531 

541 

556 

566 

583 

447 

451 

458 

470 

476 

66 

68 

71 

71 

75 

35 

37 

39 

42 

43 

548 

556 

568 

583 

594 

3,069 

2,471 

436 

241 

3,148 

The weighted average term of the pension obligations is 17.3 years (2014: 17.6 years) in Germany and 13.4 years 
(2014: 13.9 years) in other countries. The weighted average term of the obligations for other post-employment 
benefits in other countries is 11.5 years (2014: 12.1 years). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

307 

26. Other provisions 

Changes in the various provision categories in 2015 were as follows: 

Changes in Other Provisions  

[Table 4.75]

Environ- 
mental 
protec- 
tion 

Other 
Taxes 

Restruc- 
turing 

Trade- 
related 
commit- 
ments 

Personnel  
commit- 
ments 

Litigations 

Miscella-

neous  

Total 

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

€ million  

65 

– 

37 

(21) 

(5) 

– 

– 

(11) 

65 

283 

– 

51 

(64) 

(4) 

– 

(1) 

7 

272 

173 

– 

290 

1,851 

48 

4,297 

770 

26 

97 

2,751 

– 

2,836 

230 

2 

292 

6,123 

76 

7,900 

(131) 

(3,569) 

(269) 

(2,283) 

(175) 

(6,512) 

(20) 

(509) 

(19) 

(281) 

(71) 

(909) 

– 

– 

(6) 

306 

(76) 

– 

71 

2,113 

– 

– 

58 

663 

– 

11 

65 

(5) 

1 

(7) 

(81) 

11 

177 

3,099 

267 

6,785 

December 31, 2014 

Acquisitions / divestments 

Additions 

Utilization 

Reversal 

Reclassification to current 
liabilities 

Interest cost 

Exchange differences 

December 31, 2015 

2014 figures restated 

The provisions recognized in the statement of financial position as of December 31, 2015 were expected to be 
utilized as follows:  

(cid:3)
Expected(cid:3)Utilization(cid:3)of(cid:3)Other(cid:3)Provisions(cid:3)
(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

[Table(cid:3)4.76]

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 

2021 or later 

Total 
(cid:3)

(cid:3)

Environ(cid:882) 
mental  
protec- 
tion(cid:3)

Trade(cid:882) 
related  
commit- 
ments(cid:3)

Restruc(cid:882) 
turing(cid:3)

Other 
Taxes(cid:3)

Personnel 
commit- 
ments(cid:3)

Litigations(cid:3)

Miscella(cid:882) 
neous (cid:3)

Total(cid:3)

(cid:934)(cid:3)million(cid:3)

€(cid:3)million(cid:3)

€(cid:3)million(cid:3)

€(cid:3)million(cid:3)

€(cid:3)million(cid:3)

€(cid:3)million(cid:3)

€(cid:3)million(cid:3)

€(cid:3)million(cid:3)

28 

1 

– 

– 

1 

35 

65 

(cid:3)

31 

29 

27 

16 

4 

165 

272 

102 

2,006 

73 

78 

6 

5 

42 

306 

46 

33 

7 

6 

15 

2,113 

539 

50 

5 

1 

3 

65 

663 

2,123 

216 

5,045 

230 

152 

146 

55 

393 

3,099 

(cid:3)

5 

1 

1 

1 

43 

267 

(cid:3)

434 

296 

177 

75 

758 

6,785 

The provisions were partly offset by claims for refunds in the amount of €97 million (2014: €124 million), which 
were recognized as receivables. These claims mainly related to product liability.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
308 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

26.1 Other taxes 

Provisions for other taxes mainly related to sales tax back-payments and to local taxes in Brazil. 

26.2 Environmental protection 

Provisions for environmental protection mainly related to the rehabilitation of contaminated land, recultivation of 
landfills, and redevelopment and water protection measures. 

26.3 Restructuring 

Provisions for restructuring included €180 million (2014: €126 million) for severance payments and €126 million 
(2014: €47 million) for other restructuring expenses, which mainly comprised other costs related to the closure of 
production facilities. 

At HealthCare – as part of the Continuous Efficiency Program – restructuring was carried out mainly in the areas of 
marketing and supply network optimization. A further focus was on the continuing integration of the businesses 
acquired the previous year in the Consumer Health segment. Provisions for the above and other restructuring 
measures at HealthCare as of December 31, 2015, amounted to €94 million. Of this amount, severance payments 
accounted for €83 million and other restructuring expenses for €11 million. 

In CropScience, the restructuring initiated in the United States in prior years, involving the closure of several car-
bamate production facilities and a formulation plant, continued in 2015. At the same time, the provisions were 
increased in view of expected future requirements. Provisions for the above and other restructuring measures at 
CropScience as of December 31, 2015, amounted to €99 million, comprising €34 million for severance payments 
and €65 million for other restructuring expenses. 

Restructuring measures at Covestro mainly comprised the closure of the production facilities at Belford Roxo, 
Brazil, and an mdi facility at the site in Tarragona, Spain. Both of these plant closures mainly related to the Polyure-
thanes business unit. Provisions for restructuring at Covestro as of December 31, 2015, amounted to €105 million, 
consisting of €55 million for severance payments and €50 million for other restructuring expenses.  

Restructuring was carried out in the central functions to increase efficiency. The restructuring provisions associat-
ed with these measures as of December 31, 2015, amounted to €8 million and pertained entirely to severance pay-
ments. 

26.4 Trade-related commitments 

Provisions for trade-related commitments comprised provisions for rebates, discounts and other price adjustments, 
product returns, outstanding invoices, pending losses and onerous contracts. 

26.5 Litigations 

The legal risks currently considered to be material, and their development, are described in note [32]. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

309 

26.6 Personnel commitments 

Provisions for personnel commitments mainly include those for variable one-time payments under short-term in-
centive programs and for stock-based compensation. Also reflected here are commitments for service awards, early 
retirements and pre-retirement part-time working arrangements. Provisions for severance payments resulting from 
restructuring are reflected in provisions for restructuring. 

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PROGRAMS 
Bayer offers stock-based compensation programs collectively to different groups of employees. As required by ifrs 
2 (Share-based Payment) for compensation systems involving cash settlement, awards to be made under the stock-
based programs are covered by provisions in the amount of the fair value of the obligations existing as of the date 
of the financial statements vis-à-vis the respective employee group. All resulting valuation adjustments are recog-
nized in profit or loss. 

The following table shows the changes in provisions for the various programs: 

Changes in Provisions for Stock-Based Compensation Programs 

December 31, 2014 

Additions 

Utilization  

Reversal 

Reallocation 

Exchange differences 

December 31, 2015 

Aspire I 
Four-Year  
Program 

Aspire II 
Four-Year 
Program 

Aspire I 
Four-Year  
Program 
Covestro 

Aspire II 
Four-Year 
Program 
Covestro 

[Table 4.77]

Total 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

142 

81 

(57) 

(24) 

(20) 

3 

125 

311 

229 

(106) 

(59) 

(54) 

18 

339 

0 

2 

– 

– 

20 

– 

22 

0 

5 

– 

– 

54 

– 

59 

453 

317 

(163) 

(83) 

– 

21 

545 

The value of the Aspire tranches that were fully earned at the end of 2015, resulting in payments at the beginning 
of 2016, was €230 million (2014: €151 million). 

The net expense for all stock-based compensation programs in 2015 was €248 million (2014: €212 million), includ-
ing €6 million (2014: €5 million) for the BayShare stock participation program and €8 million (2014: €10 million) for 
grants of virtual Bayer shares. 

The fair value of obligations under the standard stock-based compensation programs was calculated using the 
Monte Carlo simulation method based on the following key parameters: 

Parameters for Monte Carlo Simulation 

Dividend yield 

Risk-free interest rate for the four-year program  

Volatility of Bayer stock 

Volatility of the EURO STOXX 50 

Correlation between Bayer stock price and the EURO STOXX 50 

[Table 4.78]

2014 

1.89% 

2015 

1.96% 

(0.079)% 

(0.159)% 

23.39% 

25.61% 

18.11% 

19.08% 

0.76 

0.83 

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHER 
SENIOR EXECUTIVES (ASPIRE I) 
Since 2005, members of the Board of Management and other senior executives have been entitled to participate in 
Aspire i on the condition that they purchase a certain number of Bayer shares – determined for each individual 
according to specific guidelines – and retain them for the full term of the program. A percentage of the executive’s 
annual base salary – according to his / her position – is defined as a target for variable payments (Aspire target 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
310 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

opportunity). Depending on the performance of Bayer stock, both in absolute terms and relative to the euro stoxx 
50 benchmark index during a four-year performance period, participants are granted an award of up to 300% of 
their individual Aspire target opportunity. The start and end prices used to determine the amount of the award 
are the averages of the official closing prices of Bayer shares over the last 30 stock-exchange trading days of the 
respective year. The four-year tranche issued in 2011 expired at the end of 2014, and payment of the maximum 
resulting amount (300%) was made at the beginning of 2015.  

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE MANAGEMENT (ASPIRE II) 
Also since 2005, other senior managers and middle managers have been offered Aspire ii, which is similar to As-
pire i but does not require a personal investment in Bayer shares. This program was extended to further manageri-
al employees in 2012. The amount of the award is based entirely on the absolute performance of Bayer stock over a 
four-year period. The maximum award is 250% of each manager’s Aspire target opportunity. The start and end 
prices used to determine the amount of the award are the averages of the official closing prices of Bayer shares 
over the last 30 stock-exchange trading days of the respective year. The four-year tranche issued in 2011 expired at 
the end of 2014, and payment of the maximum resulting amount (250%) was made at the beginning of 2015. 

BAYSHARE 2015 
All management levels and nonmanagerial employees are offered an annual stock participation program known as 
BayShare, under which Bayer subsidizes their personal investments in the company’s stock. The discount under 
this program is set separately each year. In 2015 it was 20% (2014: 20%) of the subscription amount. Employees 
stated a fixed amount that they wished to invest in shares. The maximum subscription amount in Germany was set 
at €2,500 (2014: €2,500) or €5,000 (2014: €5,000), depending on the employee’s position. The shares thus acquired 
must be retained until December 31 of the year following the year of purchase, irrespective of continued employ-
ment with the Bayer Group. 

In 2015, employees purchased a total of about 208,000 shares (2014: 225,000 shares) under the BayShare pro-
gram.  

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR COVESTRO EMPLOYEES CONCERNING THE ASPIRE PROGRAMS 
The compensation programs described above were modified for Covestro employees in December 2015 in light of 
the legal carve-out of the Covestro companies and the subsequent stock exchange listing of Covestro AG. 

The arrangement for the 2012 tranches of both Aspire programs was the same as for Bayer employees. Based on 
the development of Bayer’s share price, the maximum award amounts were reached for both programs (Aspire i 
and Aspire ii). Payments of 300% and 250%, respectively, were therefore made at the beginning of 2016.  

Valuation for the other three current Aspire tranches issued in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, was based on the 
average price of Bayer shares on the last 30 trading days of 2015 (€119.17). This price was fixed in advance as the 
end price. Thus the amounts of the payments from the three remaining tranches – where these were fully vested – 
were already finally determined at the end of 2015. A payment of at least 100% is guaranteed. This plan amend-
ment gave rise to additional expenses of €7 million in 2015.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

311 

26.7 Miscellaneous provisions 

Miscellaneous provisions included those for other liabilities, contingent liabilities from business combinations, and 
asset retirement obligations (other than those included in provisions for environmental protection). 

27. Financial liabilities 

Financial liabilities were comprised as follows: 

Financial Liabilities 

[Table 4.79]

Bonds and notes / promissory notes 

Liabilities to banks 

Liabilities under finance leases  

Liabilities from derivatives 

Other financial liabilities  

Total 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2015 

Total 

Of which 
current 

Total 

Of which 
current 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

 14,964 

 3,835 

 441 

 644 

 1,976 

 21,860 

 169 

 1,221 

 53 

 296 

 1,637 

 3,376 

 15,547 

 2,779 

 474 

 765 

 369 

 1,235 

 1,174 

 59 

 598 

 355 

 19,934 

 3,421 

A breakdown of financial liabilities by contractual maturity is given below: 

(cid:3)
Maturities(cid:3)of(cid:3)Financial(cid:3)Liabilities(cid:3)
(cid:3)
Maturity(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 or later 

Total(cid:3)
(cid:3)

Dec. 31, 2014 

(cid:3) Maturity(cid:3)

€(cid:3)million(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

3,376 

2,191 

2,075 

3,359 

1,857 

9,002 

(cid:3) 2016 

(cid:3) 2017 

(cid:3) 2018 

(cid:3) 2019 

(cid:3) 2020 

(cid:3) 2021 or later 

21,860 

(cid:3) Total(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

(cid:3)

[Table(cid:3)4.80]

Dec. 31, 2015 

€(cid:3)million(cid:3)

3,421 

2,245 

2,828 

2,066 

45 

9,329 

19,934 

The Bayer Group’s financial liabilities are mostly unsecured and – with the exception of the three subordinated 
hybrid bonds with nominal volumes of €1,500 million, €1,750 million and €1,300 million – are of equal priority. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
312 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

In addition to promissory notes in the amount of €120 million (2014: €120 million), the Bayer Group has issued the 
following bonds and notes: 

Bonds and Notes  

Effective 
interest rate 

Stated rate 

Floating1 

Floating1  EMTN bond 2014 / 2016 

   Bayer AG, Germany 

1.253% 

5.774% 

5.541% 

2.086% 

3.811% 

2.517% 

3.093% 

5.155% 

1.125%  EMTN bond 2014 / 2018 

5.625%  EMTN bond 2006 / 2018 

5.625%  EMTN bond 2006 / 2018 (increase) 

1.875%  EMTN bond 2014 / 2021 

3.750%  Hybrid bond 2014 / 20246

 / 2074 

2.375%  Hybrid bond 2015 / 20226

 / 2075 

3.000%  Hybrid bond 2014 / 20206

 / 2075 

5.000%  Hybrid bond 2005 / 20156

 / 2105 

[Table 4.81]

Nominal volume 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2015 

€ million 

€ million 

EUR 500 million 

EUR 750 million 

GBP 250 million 

GBP 100 million 

EUR 750 million 

EUR 1,500 million 

EUR 1,300 million 

EUR 1,750 million 

EUR 1,300 million 

500 

747 

319 

129 

753 

1,493 

– 

1,742 

1,317 

497 

169 

308 

206 

69 

103 

69 

200 

499 

411 

329 

698 

500 

748 

339 

137 

753 

1,493 

1,289 

1,743 

– 

497 

– 

342 

229 

76 

115 

76 

200 

500 

459 

367 

779 

1,635 

1,230 

1,421 

1,826 

1,372 

1,587 

14,844 

15,427 

1.333% 

1.250%  EMTN bond 2014 / 2023 

EUR 500 million 

   Bayer Capital Corporation B.V., Netherlands 

7.180% 

6.670% 

0.858% 

1.493% 

3.654% 

0.629% 

   Bayer Corporation, U.S.A. 

7.125%  Notes 1995 / 2015 

6.650%  Notes 1998 / 2028 

   Bayer Holding Ltd., Japan 

0.816%  EMTN bond 2012 / 2017 

1.459%  EMTN bond 2010 / 2017 

3.575%  EMTN bond 2008 / 2018 

0.594%  EMTN bond 2013 / 2019 

   Bayer Nordic SE, Finland 

Floating 

2 

Floating 

3 

Floating 

2  EMTN bond 2013 / 2016 

Floating 

3  EMTN bond 2014 / 2017 

   Bayer U.S. Finance LLC, U.S.A. 

Floating 

4 

Floating 

5 

1.615% 

2.564% 

3.096% 

3.579% 

Floating 

4  Notes 2014 / 2016 

Floating 

5  Notes 2014 / 2017 

1.500%  Notes 2014 / 2017 

2.375%  Notes 2014 / 2019 

3.000%  Notes 2014 / 2021 

3.375%  Notes 2014 / 2024 

   Total 

1 Floating-rate coupon comprising three-month EURIBOR plus 22 basis points 
2 Floating-rate coupon comprising three-month EURIBOR plus 35 basis points 
3 Floating-rate coupon comprising three-month EURIBOR plus 22 basis points 
4 Floating-rate coupon comprising three-month USD-LIBOR plus 25 basis points 
5 Floating-rate coupon comprising three-month USD-LIBOR plus 28 basis points 
6 Date of first option to early redeem the bond at par 

US$ 200 million 

US$ 350 million 

JPY 30 billion 

JPY 10 billion 

JPY 15 billion 

JPY 10 billion 

EUR 200 million 

EUR 500 million 

US$ 500 million 

US$ 400 million 

US$ 850 million 

US$ 2,000 million 

US$ 1,500 million 

US$ 1,750 million 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

313 

MULTI-CURRENCY EUROPEAN MEDIUM TERM NOTES PROGRAM 
An important means of external financing are the bonds issued under the multi-currency European Medium Term 
Notes (emtn) program. The following transactions took place in 2015 and 2014: 

In January 2014, Bayer AG issued three tranches of emtn bonds with a total nominal volume of €2 billion. One of 
these tranches had a nominal volume of €500 million, and the other two had a nominal volume of €750 million 
each. In March 2014, Bayer Nordic se issued an emtn bond with a nominal volume of €500 million. In November 
2014, Bayer Capital Corporation b.v. issued an emtn bond with a nominal volume of €500 million. 

OTHER BONDS 
In October 2014, Bayer u.s. Finance llc issued six tranches of bonds in 144a / Reg S format with a total volume of 
us$7,000 million. The six tranches had nominal volumes of us$500 million, us$400 million, us$850 million, 
us$2,000 million, us$1,500 million and us$1,750 million. 

In October 2015, Bayer Corporation redeemed at maturity the notes with a nominal volume of us$200 million is-
sued in September 1995. 

SUBORDINATED BONDS  
In April 2015, Bayer AG issued a subordinated hybrid bond with a volume of €1,300 million, a final maturity of 60 
years and a coupon of 2.375%, to be reset every five years starting in 2022 based on the five-year swap rate. Bayer 
has the option to redeem the bond for the first time in October 2022. The issue is structured to receive equity credit 
of 50% from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. 

In July 2014, Bayer AG issued two subordinated hybrid bonds with a total nominal volume of €3,250 million. The 
first tranche of €1,750 million has a maturity of 61 years and a coupon of 3.0%. Bayer has an early redemption 
option at par for the first time in 2020. The second tranche of €1,500 million has a maturity of 60 years and a cou-
pon of 3.75%. On this tranche, Bayer has an early redemption option at par for the first time in 2024. From 2020 
and 2024, respectively, the coupons will be reset every five years based on the five-year swap rate. Moody’s and 
Standard & Poor’s treat 50% of these two bonds as equity. They therefore have a more limited effect on the Group’s 
rating-relevant debt indicators than conventional borrowings. 

In July 2015, Bayer AG utilized its right to early redeem the 100-year subordinated hybrid bond with a nominal 
volume of €1,300 million issued in July 2005. 

Bayer AG guarantees all the bonds issued by subsidiaries. 

 
 
 
 
314 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

LEASE LIABILITIES 
Lease payments totaling €646 million (2014: €603 million), including €172 million (2014: €162 million) in interest, 
are to be made under finance leases to the respective lessors in future years. 

The liabilities under finance leases mature as follows: 

Lease Liabilities 

Maturity 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 or later 

Total 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Liabilities 
under 
finance 
leases 

Lease 
payments 

Interest 
component 

  Maturity 

Lease 
payments 

Interest 
component 

[Table 4.82]

Dec. 31, 2015 

Liabilities 
under 
finance 
leases 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

76 

70 

63 

53 

47 

294 

603 

23 

21 

19 

16 

14 

69 

53 

49 

44 

37 

33 

  2016 

  2017 

  2018 

  2019 

  2020 

225 

  2021 or later 

162 

441 

  Total 

86 

76 

68 

60 

60 

296 

646 

27 

23 

20 

18 

15 

69 

172 

59 

53 

48 

42 

45 

227 

474 

OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 
The other financial liabilities as of December 31, 2015, included commercial paper of €308 million (2014: 
€1,433 million). 

OTHER INFORMATION 
As of December 31, 2015, the Group had credit facilities at its disposal totaling €9.0 billion (2014: €7.3 billion), of 
which €2.8 billion (2014: €3.8 billion) was used and €6.2 billion (2014: €3.5 billion) was unused and thus available 
for borrowing on an unsecured basis. Of the unused credit facilities, an amount of €2.7 billion pertains to Covestro. 

Further information on the accounting for liabilities from derivatives is given in note [30]. 

28. Trade accounts payable 

Trade accounts payable comprised €5,937 million (2014: €5,357 million) due within one year and €8 million (2014: 
€6 million) due after one year.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

315 

29. Other liabilities 

Other liabilities comprised: 

Other Liabilities 

[Table 4.83]

Other tax liabilities 

Deferred income 

Liabilities to employees 

Liabilities for social expenses  

Accrued interest on liabilities 

Miscellaneous liabilities 

Total 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2015 

Total 

Of which 
current 

Total 

Of which 
current 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

477 

1,136 

196 

154 

201 

713 

433 

207 

185 

140 

192 

632 

435 

1,148 

217 

174 

189 

436 

428 

204 

210 

165 

180 

347 

2,877 

1,789 

2,599 

1,534 

Deferred income included an upfront payment, originally amounting to us$1 billion, in connection with the strate-
gic pharmaceutical collaboration agreed between Bayer and Merck & Co., Inc., United States, in the field of soluble 
guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulation. The deferred income is being amortized over a period of 13.5 years as the 
obligations are satisfied. The remaining amount deferred at the end of 2015 was €719 million (2014: €778 million). 
The amount amortized in 2015 was €59 million (2014: €15 million). 

The deferred income included €62 million (2014: €70 million) in grants and subsidies received from governments, 
of which €7 million (2014: €8 million) was reversed and recognized in profit or loss. 

The miscellaneous liabilities included €125 million (2014: €204 million) from derivatives.  

30. Financial instruments 

The system used by the Bayer Group to manage credit risks, liquidity risks and the various types of market risks 
(interest-rate, currency and other price risks), together with its objectives, methods and procedures, is outlined in 
the Risk Report, which forms part of the Combined Management Report. 

30.1  Financial instruments by category 

The following table shows the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities for each financial 
instrument category and a reconciliation to the corresponding line item in the statements of financial position. 
Since the line items “Other receivables,” “Trade accounts payable” and “Other liabilities” contain both financial 
instruments and nonfinancial assets or liabilities (such as other tax receivables or advance payments for services to 
be received in the future), the reconciliation is shown in the column headed “Nonfinancial assets / liabilities.” 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
316 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

317 

Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Carried at 
amortized 
cost 

Carried at fair value 
[Fair Value for information1] 

Nonfinancial 
assets / 
liabilities 

Based on 
quoted 
prices in 
active 
markets  
(Level 1) 

Carrying 
amount 

Carrying 
amount 

Based on 
observable  
market data  
(Level 2) 

Based on 
unobservable 
inputs  
(Level 3) 

Carrying 
amount 

Carrying 
amount 

Carrying 
amount 

Carrying 
amount  
in the 
statement  
of financial 
position 

[Table 4.84]

Dec. 31, 2015 

Carried at 
amortized 
cost 

Carried at fair value  
[Fair value for information1] 

Nonfinancial 
assets / 
liabilities 

Based on 
quoted 
prices in 
active 
markets  
(Level 1) 

Carrying 
amount 

Carrying 
amount 

Based on 
observable  
market data  
(Level 2) 

Based on 
unobservable 
inputs  
(Level 3) 

Carrying 
amount 

Carrying 
amount 

Carrying 
amount 

Carrying 
amount  
in the 
statement  
of financial 
position 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Trade accounts receivable 

Loans and receivables 

Other financial assets 

Loans and receivables 

Available-for-sale financial assets 

Held-to-maturity financial assets 

Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting 

Other receivables 

Loans and receivables 

Available-for-sale financial assets 

Nonfinancial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Loans and receivables 

Total financial assets 

of which loans and receivables 

of which available-for-sale financial assets 

Financial liabilities 

Carried at amortized cost 

Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting 

Trade accounts payable 

Carried at amortized cost 

Nonfinancial liabilities 

Other liabilities 

Carried at amortized cost 

Carried at fair value (nonderivative) 

Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting 

Nonfinancial liabilities 

Total financial liabilities 

of which carried at amortized cost 

of which derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting 

of which derivatives that do not qualify  
for hedge accounting 

9,097 

9,097 

276 

178 

29 

69 

620 

620 

1,853 

1,853 

11,846 

11,748 

29 

21,216 

21,216 

5,113 

5,113 

790 

790 

27,119 

27,119 

450 

[170] 

[70] 

189 

261 

[620] 

[1,853] 

450 

325 

325 

325 

325 

644 

[15,129] 

[6,628] 

284 

360 

176 

[790] 

156 

20 

820 

440 

380 

2014 figures restated 
1 The exemption provisions under IFRS 7.29a were applied for information on specific fair values. 

9,097 

9,097 

1,830 

178 

1,099 

69 

189 

295 

1,257 

1,935 

1,257 

250 

250 

1,852 

1,852 

620 

58 

1,257 

1,853 

1,853 

13,458 

11,748 

1,157 

21,860 

21,216 

284 

360 

5,363 

5,113 

250 

2,877 

790 

31 

156 

48 

1,852 

27,998 

27,119 

440 

408 

779 

[19] 

745 

34 

58 

58 

837 

803 

59 

31 

28 

59 

28 

9,933 

9,933 

185 

72 

40 

73 

506 

506 

1,859 

1,859 

12,483 

12,370 

40 

19,169 

19,169 

5,680 

5,680 

606 

606 

25,455 

25,455 

509 

[64] 

[74] 

125 

384 

[506] 

[1,859] 

509 

363 

363 

363 

363 

765 

[15,440] 

[4,121] 

470 

295 

117 

[606] 

93 

24 

882 

563 

319 

9,933 

9,933 

1,848 

72 

1,177 

73 

125 

401 

1,882 

2,447 

1,882 

265 

265 

1,831 

1,831 

506 

59 

1,882 

1,859 

1,859 

14,205 

12,370 

1,236 

19,934 

19,169 

470 

295 

5,945 

5,680 

265 

2,599 

606 

37 

93 

32 

1,831 

26,382 

25,455 

563 

327 

791 

[18] 

774 

17 

59 

59 

850 

833 

45 

37 

8 

45 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
318 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The loans and receivables reflected in other financial assets and the liabilities measured at amortized cost also 
include receivables and liabilities under finance leases in which Bayer is the lessor or lessee and which are there-
fore measured in accordance with ias 17. 

Because of the short maturities of most trade accounts receivable and payable, other receivables and liabilities, and 
cash and cash equivalents, their carrying amounts at the closing date did not significantly differ from the fair values. 

The fair values of loans and receivables, held-to-maturity financial investments and of financial liabilities carried at 
amortized cost that are given for information are the present values of the respective future cash flows. The present 
values were determined by discounting the cash flows at a closing-date interest rate, taking into account the term 
of the assets or liabilities and the creditworthiness of the counterparty. Where a market price was available, howev-
er, this was deemed to be the fair value. 

The fair values of available-for-sale financial assets correspond to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) or are 
the present values of the respective future cash flows, determined on the basis of unobservable inputs (Level 3). 

The fair values of derivatives for which no publicly quoted prices existed in active markets (Level 1) were deter-
mined using valuation techniques based on observable market data as of the end of the reporting period (Level 2). 
In applying valuation techniques, credit value adjustments were determined to allow for the contracting party’s 
credit risk. 

Currency and commodity forward contracts were measured individually at their forward rates or forward prices on 
the closing date. These depend on spot rates or prices, including time spreads. The fair values of interest-rate 
hedging instruments and cross-currency interest-rate swaps were determined by discounting future cash flows 
over the remaining terms of the instruments at market rates of interest, taking into account any foreign currency 
translation as of the closing date. 

Fair values measured using unobservable inputs are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. This 
applies to certain available-for-sale debt or equity instruments, in some cases to the fair values of embedded deriv-
atives, and to obligations for contingent consideration in business combinations. Credit risk is frequently the prin-
cipal unobservable input used to determine the fair values of debt instruments classified as available-for-sale finan-
cial assets by the discounted cash flow method. Here we refer to credit spreads of comparable issuers. A significant 
increase in credit risk could result in a lower fair value, whereas a significant decrease could result in a higher fair 
value. However, a 10% relative change in the credit spread would not materially affect fair value. 

Embedded derivatives are separated from their respective host contracts. Such host contracts are generally sales or 
purchase agreements relating to the operational business. The embedded derivatives cause the cash flows from the 
contracts to vary with exchange-rate or price fluctuations. The internal measurement of embedded derivatives is 
mainly performed using the discounted cash flow method, which is based on unobservable inputs. These included 
planned sales and purchase volumes, and prices derived from market data. Regular monitoring is carried out based 
on these fair values as part of quarterly reporting. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

319 

The changes in the amount of financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value based on unobservable inputs 
(Level 3) for each financial instrument category were as follows: 

Changes in the Amount of Financial Assets and Liabilities Recognized at Fair Value Based on Unobservable Inputs  

Available-
for-sale 
financial 
assets 

Derivatives 
(net) 

Liabilities 
measured at 
fair value 
(non-
derivative) 

2014 

Total 

Available-
for-sale 
financial 
assets 

Derivatives 
(net) 

Liabilities 
measured at 
fair value 
(non-
derivative) 

[Table 4.85] 

2015 

Total 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Carrying amounts of net 
assets / (net liabilities), Jan. 1 

Gains (losses) recognized in 
profit or loss 

of which related to 
assets / liabilities recognized 
in the statements of financial 
position 

Gains (losses) recognized 
outside profit or loss 

Additions of assets / (liabilities) 

Settlements of 
(assets) / liabilities 

Transfers (IFRS 5) 

Carrying amounts of net 
assets/(net liabilities), Dec. 31 

2014 figures restated 

824 

10 

10 

– 

– 

(31) 

– 

803 

(7) 

(8) 

(8) 

– 

– 

21 

– 

6 

817 

803 

6 

(31) 

778 

22 

(12) 

(3) 

7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(31) 

– 

– 

2 

2 

– 

(31) 

(10) 

– 

(31) 

778 

833 

22 

19 

11 

(22) 

– 

(17) 

– 

– 

9 

6 

9 

(3) 

– 

(4) 

1 

– 

2 

19 

7 

(12) 

6 

(37) 

805 

The changes recognized in profit or loss were included in other operating income / expenses, interest income or 
exchange gains / losses. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
320 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Income, expense, gains and losses on financial instruments can be assigned to the following categories: 

Income, Expense, Gains and Losses on Financial Instruments 

Held-to- 
maturity  
financial  
investments 

Available- 
for-sale  
financial  
assets 

Loans and  
receivables 

Liabilities  
carried at  
amortized  
cost 

Held for  
trading 

[Table 4.86]

2015 

Total 

Interest income 

Interest expense 

Income/expenses from affiliated companies 

Changes in fair value 

Impairment losses 

Impairment loss reversals 

Exchange gains / losses 

Gains / losses from retirements 

Other financial income/expenses 

Net result 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

55 

– 

– 

– 

(93) 

32 

450 

– 

(1) 

443 

1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1 

22 

– 

3 

– 

(1) 

– 

– 

31 

13 

68 

25 

(25) 

– 

147 

– 

– 

(235) 

– 

– 

86 

(703) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(679) 

– 

(12) 

189 

(728) 

3 

147 

(94) 

32 

(464) 

31 

– 

(88) 

(1,308) 

(884) 

Income, Expense, Gains and Losses on Financial Instruments (Previous Year) 

Held-to- 
maturity  
financial  
investments 

Available- 
for-sale  
financial  
assets 

Loans and  
receivables 

Liabilities  
carried at  
amortized  
cost 

Held for  
trading 

[Table 4.87]

2014 

Total 

Interest income 

Interest expense 

Income / expenses from affiliated companies 

Changes in fair value 

Impairment losses 

Impairment loss reversals 

Exchange gains / losses 

Gains / losses from retirements 

Other financial income/expenses 

Net result 

2014 figures restated 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

88 

– 

– 

– 

(87) 

24 

590 

– 

– 

615 

1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1 

11 

– 

1 

– 

– 

2 

– 

– 

– 

54 

(75) 

– 

32 

– 

– 

(245) 

– 

– 

122 

(550) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(552) 

– 

(44) 

14 

(234) 

(1,024) 

276 

(625) 

1 

32 

(87) 

26 

(207) 

– 

(44) 

(628) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

321 

The interest expense of €703 million (2014: €550 million) from nonderivative financial liabilities also included the 
income and expense from interest-rate swaps that qualified for hedge accounting. Interest income from financial 
assets not measured at fair value through profit or loss amounted to €73 million (2014: €54 million). Interest in-
come from interest-rate derivatives that qualified for hedge accounting was €86 million (2014: €122 million). The 
changes in fair values of financial assets held for trading related mainly to forward commodity contracts and em-
bedded derivatives. 

Derivatives that constitute financial assets and form part of a master netting arrangement but do not satisfy, or only 
partially satisfy, the offsetting criteria and are only enforceable in the event of breach of contract by, or insolvency 
of, one of the contracting parties amounted to €415 million (2014: €360 million), the related financial liabilities 
(derivatives) to €256 million (2014: €242 million). Derivatives classified as financial liabilities and forming part of a 
master netting arrangement amounted to €761 million (2014: €773 million), the related financial assets (deriva-
tives) to €256 million (2014: €242 million). 

30.2  Maturity analysis 

The liquidity risks to which the Bayer Group was exposed from its financial instruments at the end of the reporting 
period comprised obligations for future interest and repayment installments on financial liabilities and the liquidity 
risk arising from derivatives, as shown in the table in note [30.3]. 

In addition, loan commitments existed for an as yet unpaid €1,213 million (2014: €1,005 million) portion of the 
effective initial fund of Bayer-Pensionskasse VVaG, which may result in further payments by Bayer AG 
(€1,005 million) and / or Covestro AG (€208 million) in subsequent years. 

 
 
 
 
322 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

323 

Maturity Analysis of Financial Instruments 

[Table 4.88]

Dec. 31, 2015 

Cash flows 2016 

Cash flows 2017 

Cash flows 2018 

Cash flows 2019 

Cash flows 2020 

Cash flows after 2020 

Carrying  
amount 

Interest and 
repayment 

Interest and 
repayment 

Interest and 
repayment 

Interest and 
repayment 

Interest and 
repayment 

Interest and 
repayment 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

Financial liabilities 

Bonds and notes / promissory notes 

Liabilities to banks 

Remaining liabilities 

Trade accounts payable 

Other liabilities 

Accrued interest on liabilities 

Remaining liabilities 

Liabilities from derivatives 

Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting 

Receivables from derivatives 

Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting 

Loan commitments 

Financial guarantees 

Financial liabilities 

Bonds and notes / promissory notes 

1 

Liabilities to banks 

Remaining liabilities 

Trade accounts payable 

Other liabilities 

Accrued interest on liabilities 

Remaining liabilities 

Liabilities from derivatives 

Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting 

Receivables from derivatives 

Derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting 

Loan commitments 

Financial guarantees 

15,547 

2,779 

843 

5,680 

189 

454 

563 

327 

125 

401 

– 

– 

1,475 

1,221 

440 

5,673 

180 

420 

397 

312 

66 

379 

1,213 

14 

2,334 

298 

79 

3 

1 

5 

11 

8 

26 

2 

– 

– 

1,704 

1,387 

69 

3 

2 

2 

122 

1 

13 

3 

– 

– 

2,282 

38 

60 

277 

– 

61 

9,845 

10 

307 

2 

1 

1 

50 

3 

2 

2 

– 

– 

– 

1 

1 

– 

1 

2 

2 

– 

– 

– 

4 

25 

– 

2 

1 

4 

– 

2 

Dec. 31, 2014 

Cash flows 2015 

Cash flows 2016 

Cash flows 2017 

Cash flows 2018 

Cash flows 2019 

Cash flows after 2019 

Carrying  
amount 

Interest and 
repayment 

Interest and 
repayment 

Interest and 
repayment 

Interest and 
repayment 

Interest and 
repayment 

Interest and 
repayment 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

14,964 

3,835 

2,417 

5,113 

201 

620 

440 

408 

189 

295 

– 

– 

1,690 

1,281 

1,714 

5,114 

192 

582 

169 

311 

144 

257 

1,006 

25 

1,521 

475 

405 

6 

2 

6 

131 

80 

21 

2 

– 

– 

2,131 

277 

65 

3 

1 

9 

11 

13 

21 

23 

– 

– 

1,612 

1,921 

55 

1 

1 

4 

109 

1 

2 

2 

– 

– 

2,037 

65 

48 

8,353 

18 

294 

– 

1 

1 

24 

1 

2 

1 

– 

– 

– 

4 

21 

– 

3 

3 

14 

– 

2 

1 Repayment of the €1,300 million 100-year hybrid bond is reflected at the earliest possible repayment date in 2015.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
324 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

30.3 Information on derivatives 

Asset and liability fair values and future cash flows are exposed to currency, interest-rate and commodity price 
risks. Derivatives are used to reduce this risk. In some cases they are designated as hedging instruments in a 
hedge accounting relationship. 

CURRENCY RISKS 
Foreign currency receivables and liabilities are hedged using foreign exchange derivatives without the existence of 
a hedge accounting relationship. A bond of Bayer AG denominated in British pounds was swapped on the issuance 
date into a fixed-rate euro bond by means of a cross-currency interest-rate swap, which was designated as a cash 
flow hedge. Certain forward exchange contracts and cross-currency interest-rate swaps used to hedge intra-Group 
loans are also designated as cash flow hedges.  

Fluctuations in future cash flows resulting from forecasted foreign currency transactions and procurement activities 
are avoided partly through derivatives contracts, most of which are designated as cash flow hedges. 

INTEREST-RATE RISKS 
The interest-rate risks from fixed-interest borrowings are managed in part using interest-rate swaps. This applies 
mainly to the €750 million bond issued in 2014, which matures in 2021. Hedge accounting is applied to the respec-
tive borrowings and hedging instruments (fair-value hedge). 

Losses of €26 million (2014: €47 million) were recorded on fair-value hedging instruments in 2015. Gains of 
€25 million (2014: €47 million) were recorded on the underlying hedged items.  

COMMODITY PRICE RISKS 
Hedging contracts are also used to partly reduce exposure to fluctuations in future cash outflows resulting from 
price changes on procurement markets. 

HEDGING OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER STOCK-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PROGRAMS 
A portion of the obligations to make variable payments to employees under stock-based compensation programs 
(Aspire) is hedged against share price fluctuations using derivatives contracts that are settled in cash at maturity. 
These derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges. 

FURTHER INFORMATION ON CASH FLOW HEDGES 
Accumulated other comprehensive income from cash flow hedges in 2015 decreased by €203 million (2014: 
€102 million) due to changes in the fair values of derivatives net of tax. Losses of €304 million (2014: gains of 
€46 million) from fair-value changes – originally recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income – of 
derivatives designated as cash flow hedges were reclassified to profit or loss. The respective pro-rated deferred 
tax income of €88 million (2014: deferred tax expense of €13 million) was likewise reclassified to profit or loss.  

No material ineffective portions of hedges required recognition in profit or loss in 2015 or 2014. 

The income and expense from cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income mainly 
comprised gains of €91 million (2014: €115 million) and losses of €90 million (2014: €156 million) from the hedging 
of forecasted transactions in foreign currencies. Of these gains and losses, gains of €79 million (2014: €81 million) 
and losses of €84 million (2014: €152 million) will be reclassifiable to profit or loss within one year and gains of 
€12 million (2014: €34 million) and losses of €6 million (2014: €4 million) in subsequent years. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

325 

The fair values of existing contracts in the major categories at the end of the reporting period are indicated in the 
following table together with the included volumes of cash flow hedges. 

Fair Values of Derivatives 

Currency hedging of recorded transactions 

Forward exchange contracts 

of which cash flow hedges 

Cross-currency interest-rate swaps 

of which cash flow hedges 

Currency hedging of forecasted transactions 

Forward exchange contracts 

of which cash flow hedges 

Currency options 

of which cash flow hedges 

Interest-rate hedging of recorded 
transactions 

Interest-rate swaps 

of which fair value hedges 

Commodity price hedging 

Forward commodity contracts 

Commodity option contracts 

Hedging of stock-based employee 
compensation programs 

Share price options 

of which cash flow hedges 

Share price forwards 

of which cash flow hedges 

Total  

of which current derivatives  

for currency hedging 

for interest-rate hedging2 

for commodity hedging 

for hedging of stock-based employee 
compensation programs 

Dec. 31, 2014 

[Table 4.89]

Dec. 31, 2015 

Notional 
amount 1 

Positive  
fair value 

Negative 
fair value 

Notional 
amount1 

Positive  
fair value 

Negative 
fair value 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

14,023 

11,754 

– 

2,269 

2,269 

3,743 

3,230 

3,158 

513 

430 

2,771 

2,771 

1,665 

27 

5 

22 

14 

14 

14 

– 

– 

20,578 

17,092 

14,494 

2,571 

27 

– 

176 

176 

– 

– 

– 

117 

83 

82 

34 

33 

83 

83 

62 

3 

1 

2 

12 

12 

12 

– 

– 

391 

329 

251 

75 

3 

– 

(618) 

(334) 

– 

(284) 

(284) 

(159) 

(151) 

(150) 

(8) 

(6) 

(24) 

(24) 

– 

(2) 

– 

(2) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(803) 

(455) 

(429) 

(24) 

(2) 

– 

22,275 

19,896 

– 

2,379 

2,362 

4,082 

3,627 

3,255 

455 

368 

200 

200 

200 

91 

86 

5 

80 

30 

30 

50 

50 

26,728 

25,022 

24,931 

– 

91 

– 

337 

336 

– 

1 

– 

99 

86 

78 

13 

13 

13 

13 

13 

14 

12 

2 

21 

21 

21 

– 

– 

484 

435 

420 

1 

14 

– 

(753) 

(283) 

– 

(470) 

(470) 

(100) 

(99) 

(90) 

(1) 

(1) 

– 

– 

– 

(12) 

(10) 

(2) 

(2) 

– 

– 

(2) 

(2) 

(867) 

(692) 

(680) 

– 

(12) 

– 

1 The notional amount is reported as gross volume, which also contains economically closed hedges. 
2 The portion of the fair value of long-term interest-rate swaps that relates to current interest payments was classified as current. 

 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
326 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

31. Contingent liabilities and other financial commitments 

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 
The following warranty contracts, guarantees and other contingent liabilities existed at the end of the reporting 
period: 

Contingent Liabilities  

Warranties 

Guarantees 

Other contingent liabilities 

Total 

2014 figures restated 

[Table 4.90]

Dec. 31, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2015 

€ million 

€ million 

95 

144 

486 

725 

99 

123 

562 

784 

The guarantees mainly comprise a declaration issued by Bayer AG to the trustees of the u.k. pension plans guaran-
teeing the pension obligations of Bayer Public Limited Company and Bayer CropScience Limited. Under the decla-
ration, Bayer AG – in addition to the two companies – undertakes to make further payments into the plans upon 
receipt of a payment request from the trustees. The net liability with respect to these defined benefit plans as of 
December 31, 2015, amounted to €123 million (2014: €144 million).  

OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS 
The other financial commitments were as follows:  

Other Financial Commitments 

Operating leases  

Orders already placed under purchase agreements 

Capital contribution commitments 

Unpaid portion of the effective initial fund  

Potential payment obligations under R&D collaboration agreements  

Revenue-based milestone payment commitments  

Total 

2014 figures restated 

[Table 4.91]

Dec. 31, 2014 

Dec. 31, 2015 

€ million 

€ million 

671 

476 

48 

1,005 

2,427 

2,169 

6,796 

891 

690 

391 

1,213 

2,887 

2,241 

8,313 

The nondiscounted future minimum lease payments relating to operating leases totaled €891 million (2014: 
€671 million). The maturities of the respective payment obligations were as follows: 

Operating Leases 

Maturing in 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 or later 

Total 

Dec. 31, 2014 

  Maturing in 

€ million 

174 

125 

98 

70 

59 

145 

671 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 

2021 or later 

  Total 

[Table 4.92]

Dec. 31, 2015 

€ million 

195 

155 

110 

94 

79 

258 

891 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

327 

Financial commitments resulting from orders already placed under purchase agreements related to planned or 
ongoing capital expenditure projects totaled €690 million (2014: €476 million).  

On December 19, 2015, Bayer entered into an agreement to create a joint venture with crispr therapeutics ag, 
Basel, Switzerland. As of December 31, 2015, Bayer had capital contribution obligations of us$370 million in this 
connection to crispr therapeutics ag and the joint venture yet to be established. These obligations mature on 
December 31, 2020, at the latest. 

The Bayer Group has entered into cooperation agreements with third parties under which it has agreed to fund 
various research and development projects or has assumed other payment obligations based on the achievement of 
certain milestones or other specific conditions. If all of these payments have to be made, their maturity distribution 
as of December 31, 2015, was expected to be as set forth in the following table. The amounts shown represent the 
maximum payments to be made, and it is unlikely that they will all fall due. Since the achievement of the conditions 
for payment is highly uncertain, both the amounts and the dates of the actual payments may vary considerably 
from those stated in the table. 

Potential Payment Obligations Under R&D Collaboration Agreements 

Maturing in 

Dec. 31, 2014 

  Maturing in 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 or later 

Total 

€ million 

155 

198 

164 

130 

203 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 

1,577 

2021 or later 

2,427 

  Total 

[Table 4.93]

Dec. 31, 2015 

€ million 

262 

229 

96 

240 

78 

1,982 

2,887 

In addition to the above commitments, there were also revenue-based milestone payment commitments totaling 
€2,241 million (2014: €2,169 million), of which €2,237 million (2014: €2,157 million) was not expected to fall due 
until 2021 (2014: 2020) or later. These commitments are also highly uncertain. 

32. Legal risks 

As a global company with a diverse business portfolio, the Bayer Group is exposed to numerous legal risks, par-
ticularly in the areas of product liability, competition and antitrust law, patent disputes, tax assessments and envi-
ronmental matters. The outcome of any current or future proceedings cannot normally be predicted. It is therefore 
possible that legal or regulatory judgments or future settlements could give rise to expenses that are not covered, 
or not fully covered, by insurers’ compensation payments and could significantly affect our revenues and earnings. 

Legal proceedings currently considered to involve material risks are outlined below. The legal proceedings referred 
to do not represent an exhaustive list. 

PRODUCT-RELATED LITIGATION 
Yasmin™ / yaz™: As of January 25, 2016, the number of claimants in the pending lawsuits and claims in the Unit-
ed States totaled about 2,300 (excluding claims already settled). Claimants allege that users have suffered personal 
injuries, some of them fatal, from the use of Bayer’s drospirenone-containing oral contraceptive products such as 
Yasmin™ and / or yaz™ or from the use of Ocella™ and / or Gianvi™, generic versions of Yasmin™ and yaz™, respec-
tively, marketed by Barr Laboratories, Inc. in the United States. Claimants seek compensatory and punitive damag-
es, claiming, in particular, that Bayer knew or should have known of the alleged risks and should be held liable for 
having failed to disclose them or adequately warn users. All cases pending in u.s. federal courts have been consol-
idated in a multidistrict litigation proceeding for common pre-trial management. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
328 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

A few State Attorney Generals in the United States are investigating an alleged off-label promotion of Yasmin™ and 
yaz™ as well as an alleged failure to warn about an alleged increased risk of developing blood clots in violation of 
consumer protection statutes. One Attorney General has filed an action against Bayer. 

As of January 25, 2016, 13 lawsuits seeking class action certification had been served upon Bayer in Canada. In 
one of these lawsuits a class has been certified. Two motions for certification of a class action are pending in Israel. 

As of January 25, 2016, Bayer had reached agreements, without admission of liability, to settle approximately 
10,300 claims for venous clot injuries (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) for a total amount of about 
us$2.04 billion and approximately 7,200 claims for gallbladder injuries for a total amount of about us$21.5 million 
in the United States. Bayer will continue to consider the option of settling venous clot injury claims after a case-
specific analysis of medical records. At present, about 300 such claims are under review. 

In August 2015, Bayer reached an agreement to settle, without admission of liability, lawsuits and claims in which 
plaintiffs allege an arterial thromboembolic injury (primarily strokes and heart attacks) for a total maximum aggre-
gate amount of us$56.9 million. Bayer may withdraw from the settlement if fewer than 97.5% of those who are 
eligible, and / or fewer than 96% of those who are eligible and allege death or catastrophic injuries, choose to par-
ticipate. As of January 25, 2016, about 1,200 of the 2,300 above-mentioned claimants alleged arterial thromboem-
bolic injuries. 

In August 2015, the u.s. multidistrict and state coordinating courts overseeing the litigation issued case manage-
ment orders governing all cases before them (regardless of alleged injury), imposing much stricter threshold re-
quirements for litigating the remaining unsettled cases and for filing of new cases. Failing compliance with these 
requirements, such cases will be dismissed. 

Additional lawsuits are anticipated. Bayer believes that it has meritorious defenses and will continue to defend 
itself vigorously against all claims that are not considered for settlement. Bayer has taken appropriate accounting 
measures for anticipated defense costs and for agreed and anticipated future settlements based on the information 
currently available and based on the number of pending and estimated future claims alleging venous clot injuries. 

Mirena™: As of January 25, 2016, lawsuits from approximately 3,500 users of Mirena™, a levonorgestrel-releasing 
intrauterine system providing long-term contraception, had been served upon Bayer in the United States (exclud-
ing lawsuits no longer pending). Most of the cases pending in u.s. federal courts have been consolidated in a mul-
tidistrict litigation proceeding for common pre-trial management. Additional lawsuits are anticipated. Plaintiffs 
allege personal injuries resulting from the use of Mirena™, including perforation of the uterus, ectopic pregnancy, 
or idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and seek compensatory and punitive damages. Plaintiffs claim, inter alia, 
that Mirena™ is defective and that Bayer knew or should have known of the risks associated with it and failed to 
adequately warn its users. As of January 25, 2016, five lawsuits relating to Mirena™ seeking class action certifica-
tion had been served upon Bayer in Canada. Bayer believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to defend itself 
vigorously. Based on the information currently available, Bayer has taken appropriate accounting measures for 
anticipated defense costs. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

329 

Xarelto™: As of January 25, 2016, in the United States, lawsuits from approximately 4,300 recipients of Xarelto™, 
an oral anticoagulant for the treatment and prevention of blood clots, had been served upon Bayer. Plaintiffs allege 
personal injuries from the use of Xarelto™, including cerebral, gastrointestinal or other bleeding and death, and 
seek compensatory and punitive damages. They claim, amongst other things, that Xarelto™ is defective and that 
Bayer knew or should have known of the risks associated with the use of Xarelto™ and failed to adequately warn its 
users. Additional lawsuits are anticipated. Cases pending in u.s. federal courts have been consolidated in a multi-
district litigation for common pre-trial management. As of January 25, 2016, eight lawsuits relating to Xarelto™ 
seeking class action certification had been served upon Bayer in Canada. Bayer believes it has meritorious defens-
es and intends to defend itself vigorously. Based on the information currently available, Bayer has taken appropri-
ate accounting measures for anticipated defense costs. 

In connection with the above proceedings concerning Yasmin™ / yaz™, Mirena™ and Xarelto™, Bayer is insured 
against product liability risks to the extent customary in the industry. However, the accounting measures taken with 
regard to the Yasmin™ / yaz™ claims exceed the available insurance coverage. 

COMPETITION LAW PROCEEDINGS 
Phillips’ Colon Health / Department of Justice: In 2014, the United States Department of Justice, representing the 
United States Federal Trade Commission (ftc), filed a motion in a New Jersey federal court contending that Bayer 
did not have the requisite support for claims made with respect to Phillips’ Colon Health probiotics. The motion 
sought to hold Bayer in contempt of a prior consent order that required Bayer to have competent and reliable sci-
entific evidence to substantiate dietary supplement claims. In September 2015, the New Jersey federal court ruled 
that the United States failed to satisfy its burden of proving that Bayer failed to possess competent and reliable 
scientific evidence. Thus, the court found that Bayer did not violate the consent order. The decision is final. 

PATENT DISPUTES 
Beyaz™ / Safyral™: Beyaz™ and Safyral™ are Bayer’s oral contraceptives containing folate. In September 2015, a 
u.s. federal court ruled in favor of Bayer regarding both the validity of its patent and the infringement thereof by 
Watson Laboratories, Inc. Watson had filed Abbreviated New Drug Applications with a Paragraph iv certification 
(“anda iv”) seeking approval of generic versions of both Beyaz™ and Safyral™ in the United States. Watson ap-
pealed the decision. In May and October 2015, Bayer filed two suits against Lupin Ltd. and Lupin Pharmaceuticals, 
Inc. (together “Lupin”) in u.s. federal court for infringement of the same patent. In April and September 2015, 
Bayer had received two notices of an anda iv by Lupin seeking approval to market generic versions of Safyral™ and 
Beyaz™ in the United States.  

Betaferon™ / Betaseron™: In 2010, Bayer filed a complaint against Biogen Idec ma Inc. in u.s. federal court seek-
ing a declaration by the court that a patent issued to Biogen in 2009 is invalid and not infringed by Bayer’s produc-
tion and distribution of Betaseron™, Bayer’s drug product for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Biogen is alleging 
patent infringement by Bayer through Bayer’s production and distribution of Betaseron™ and Extavia™ and has 
sued Bayer accordingly. Bayer manufactures Betaseron™ and distributes the product in the United States. Extavia™ 
is also a drug product for the treatment of multiple sclerosis; it is manufactured by Bayer, but distributed in the 
United States by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, another defendant in the lawsuit. 

 
 
 
 
330 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Finacea™: In July 2015, a u.s. federal court found that Bayer’s patent relating to Finacea™ topical gel is valid and 
infringed by Glenmark Generics Ltd. Glenmark had filed an anda iv seeking approval of a generic version of Fina-
cea™ in the United States, and Glenmark appealed the us federal court decision. 

Damoctocog alfa pegol (bay 94-9027, long-acting rFVIII): In 2013, Bayer filed a lawsuit against Nektar Therapeu-
tics in the district court of Munich, Germany. In this proceeding, Bayer claims rights to certain European patent 
applications based on a past collaboration between Bayer and Nektar in the field of hemophilia. The European 
patent applications with the title “Polymer-factor viii moiety conjugates” are part of a patent family registered in 
the name of Nektar comprising further patent applications and patents in other countries including the United 
States. However, Bayer believes that the patent family does not include any valid patent claim relevant for Bayer’s 
drug candidate bay 94-9027 for the treatment of hemophilia a. 

Nexavar™: In January and December 2015, Bayer filed patent infringement lawsuits in a u.s. federal court against 
Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Mylan Inc. (together “Mylan”). In December 2014 and in November 2015, Bayer 
had received notices of anda iv applications pursuant to which Mylan seeks approval of a generic version of 
Bayer´s cancer drug Nexavar™ in the United States. 

Staxyn™: Staxyn™ is a Bayer product for erectile dysfunction treatment. It is an orodispersible (orally disintegrat-
ing) formulation of Levitra™. Both drug products contain the same active ingredient, which is protected in the 
United States by two patents expiring in 2018. In 2012, Bayer received notice of an anda iv application pursuant to 
which Watson seeks approval to market a generic version of Bayer’s erectile dysfunction treatment Staxyn™ prior 
to patent expiration in the United States. Bayer filed a patent infringement suit in a u.s. federal court against Wat-
son Laboratories, Inc. In April 2015, the court ruled that both of Bayer’s compound patents are valid and infringed. 
Watson may appeal.  

Xarelto™: In October 2015, Bayer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. filed a patent infringement suit in a u.s. 
federal court against Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Aurobindo Pharma usa, Inc. (together “Aurobindo”), Brecken-
ridge Pharmaceutical Inc. (“Breckenridge”), Micro Labs Ltd., Micro Labs usa Inc. (together “Micro Labs”), Mylan 
Pharmaceuticals Inc., Mylan Inc. (together “Mylan”), Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc. (“Prinston”), Sigmapharm La-
boratories, llc (“Sigmapharm”), Torrent Pharmaceuticals, Limited and Torrent Pharma Inc. (together “Torrent”). In 
September 2015, Bayer had received notices of an anda iv application by Aurobindo, Breckenridge, Micro Labs, 
Mylan, Prinston, Sigmapharm and Torrent, each seeking approval to market a generic version of Xarelto™, an oral 
anticoagulant for the treatment and prevention of blood clots, in the United States. In January 2016, Bayer received 
another notice of such an anda iv application by InvaGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“InvaGen”). In February 2016, 
Bayer and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. filed a patent infringement suit against InvaGen in the same u.s. federal 
court. 

Bayer believes it has meritorious defenses in the above patent disputes and intends to defend itself vigorously. 

FURTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 
Trasylol™ / Avelox™: A qui tam complaint relating to marketing practices for Trasylol™ (aprotinin) and Avelox™ 
(moxifloxacin) filed by a former Bayer employee is pending in the United States District Court in New Jersey. The 
u.s. government has declined to intervene at the present time. 

Newark Bay Environmental Matters: In the United States, Bayer is one of numerous parties involved in a series of 
claims brought by federal and state environmental protection agencies. The claims arise from operations by entities 
which historically were conducted near Newark Bay or surrounding bodies of water, or which allegedly discharged 
hazardous waste into these waterways or onto nearby land. Bayer and the other potentially responsible parties are 
being asked to remediate and contribute to the payment of past and future remediation or restoration costs and 
damages. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

331 

In the Lower Passaic River matter, a group of more than sixty companies including Bayer is investigating contami-
nated sediments in the riverbed under the supervision of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (epa) 
and other governmental authorities. Future remediation will involve some form of dredging, the nature and scope 
of which are not yet defined, and potentially other tasks. The cost of the investigation and the remediation work 
may be substantial if the final remedy involves extensive dredging and disposal of impacted sediments. In the 
Newark Bay matter, an unaffiliated party is currently conducting an investigation of sediments in Newark Bay 
under epa supervision. The investigation is in a preliminary stage. Bayer has contributed to certain investigation 
costs in the past and may incur costs for future investigation and remediation activities in Newark Bay. 

Bayer has also been notified by governmental authorities acting as natural resource trustees that it may have liabil-
ity for natural resource damages arising from the contamination of the Lower Passaic River, Newark Bay and sur-
rounding water bodies. Bayer is currently unable to determine the extent of its liability. 

Asbestos: A further risk may arise from asbestos litigation in the United States. In many cases, the plaintiffs allege 
that Bayer and co-defendants employed third parties on their sites in past decades without providing them with 
sufficient warnings or protection against the known dangers of asbestos. Additionally, a Bayer affiliate in the Unit-
ed States is the legal successor to companies that sold asbestos products until 1976. Union Carbide has agreed to 
indemnify Bayer for this liability. Bayer believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to defend itself vigorously. 

TAX PROCEEDINGS 
Stamp taxes in Greece: In 2014, a Greek administrative court of first instance dismissed Bayer’s lawsuit against 
the assessment of stamp taxes and contingent penalties in the total amount of approximately €23 million on certain 
intra-Group loans to a Greek subsidiary. Bayer is convinced that the decision is wrong and has appealed. In two 
additional court proceeding of first instance before the same court, Bayer has filed lawsuits against the assessment 
of stamp taxes and contingent penalties in an amount of approximately €90 million and a further amount of approx-
imately €16 million. Bayer believes it has meritorious arguments to support its legal position and intends to defend 
itself vigorously. 

Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows 

The statement of cash flows shows how cash inflows and outflows during the fiscal year affected the cash and cash 
equivalents of the Bayer Group. Cash flows are classified by operating, investing and financing activities in accord-
ance with ias 7 (Statement of Cash Flows). Effects of changes in the scope of consolidation are stated separately.  

Of the cash and cash equivalents, an amount of €17 million (2014: €72 million) had limited availability due to for-
eign exchange restrictions. Past experience has shown such restrictions to be of short duration. The above amount 
included €3 million (2014: €64 million) of exchange-restricted cash in Venezuela. The conversion of cash from 
Venezuelan bolivars (vef) into u.s. dollars is subject to a government approval process.  

The cash flows reported by consolidated companies outside the eurozone are translated at average monthly ex-
change rates, with the exception of cash and cash equivalents, which are translated at closing rates. The “Change 
in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rate movements” is reported in a separate line item. 

 
 
 
 
332 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

33. Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 

The gross cash flow from continuing operations, amounting in 2015 to €6,999 million (2014: €6,707 million), is the 
cash surplus from operating activities before any changes in working capital. The cash flows by segment are shown 
in note [1]. 

The net operating cash flow (total) of €6,890 million (2014: €5,810 million) also takes into account the changes in 
working capital and other noncash transactions.  

An income-tax-related net cash outflow of €1,699 million (2014: €1,835 million) is included in the net cash flow for 
2015. The changes in income tax liabilities, income tax provisions and claims for reimbursement of income taxes 
are shown in the line item “Changes in other working capital, other noncash items.”  

The transfers of bonds with a total value of €300 million (2014: €250 million) to pension funds were noncash trans-
actions and therefore did not result in an operating cash outflow. 

34. Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 

The net cash outflow for investing activities in 2015 amounted to €2,762 million (2014: €15,539 million).  

Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in 2015 resulted in a cash outflow of 
€2,517 million (2014: €2,371 million). Cash inflows from sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible 
assets amounted to €193 million (2014: €143 million).   

The cash outflows of €176 million (2014: €13,545 million) for acquisitions primarily related to the acquisition of 
SeedWorks India Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, India, and further payments in connection with the acquisition of the con-
sumer care business of Merck & Co., Inc., United States. The prior-year figure mainly comprised the acquisitions of 
the consumer care business of Merck & Co., Inc., United States, and Algeta asa, Norway. Further details of acquisi-
tions and divestitures are given in notes [6.2] and [6.3], respectively. 

The net cash outflow for noncurrent and current financial assets amounted to €370 million (2014: €177 million).  

The transfers of bonds with a total value of €300 million (2014: €250 million) to pension funds were noncash trans-
actions and therefore did not result in an investing cash inflow.  

35. Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

In 2015 there was a net cash outflow of €3,974 million (2014: inflow of €9,736 million) for financing activities.  
Net loan repayments amounted to €2,929 million (2014: net borrowings of €11,838 million). 

Cash outflows for dividend payments amounted to €1,869 million (2014: €1,739 million). Net interest payments – 
including payments for and receipts from interest-rate swaps – rose to €652 million (2014: €362 million). The pro-
ceeds from the stock market flotation of Covestro AG amounted to €1,490 million. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

333 

Other Information 

36. Audit fees 

The following fees for the services of the worldwide network of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), including Pricewa-
terhouseCoopers Aktiengesellschaft Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft (PwC AG wpg), were recognized as expenses: 

Audit Fees 

[Table 4.94]

Financial statements auditing 

Audit-related services and other audit work 

Tax consultancy 

Other services 

Total 

2014 

PwC 

2015 

of which PwC AG WPG 

2014 

2015 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

12 

4 

2 

6 

24 

17 

9 

3 

7 

36 

4 

3 

– 

– 

7 

7 

9 

– 

5 

21 

The fees for the auditing of financial statements mainly comprised those for the audits of the consolidated financial 
statements of the Bayer Group and the financial statements of Bayer AG and its subsidiaries. The increase in fees 
for financial statements auditing and for audit-related services and other audit work mainly resulted from the carve-
out and stock market flotation of Covestro. 

The Independent Auditor’s Report on the consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2015 was signed by Dr. Peter 
Bartels and Eckhard Sprinkmeier. Dr. Peter Bartels signed the Independent Auditor’s Report for the first time for 
the year ended December 31, 2012, and Eckhard Sprinkmeier for the year ended December 31, 2014. PwC has 
served as the auditor of Bayer’s consolidated financial statements since the merger of Price Waterhouse Deutsch-
land and Coopers & Lybrand Deutsche Revision in 1998. The predecessor firm of Coopers & Lybrand Deutsche 
Revision had already audited Bayer’s consolidated financial statements for some years prior to that date. 

37. Related parties 

Related parties as defined in ias 24 (Related Party Disclosures) are those legal entities and natural persons that are 
able to exert influence on Bayer AG and its subsidiaries or over which Bayer AG or its subsidiaries exercise control 
or joint control or have a significant influence. They include, in particular, nonconsolidated subsidiaries, joint ven-
tures and associates included in the consolidated financial statements at cost of acquisition or using the equity 
method, and post-employment benefit plans, as well as the corporate officers of Bayer AG whose compensation is 
reported in note [38] and in the Compensation Report, which forms part of the Combined Management Report. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
334 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Transactions with nonconsolidated subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates included in the consolidated financial 
statements at cost of acquisition or using the equity method, and post-employment benefit plans are carried out on 
an arm’s-length basis. 

The following table shows the volume of transactions with related parties included in the consolidated financial 
statements of the Bayer Group at amortized cost or using the equity method, and with post-employment benefit 
plans: 

Related Parties 

Nonconsolidated 
subsidiaries 

Joint ventures 

Associates 

Post-employment  
benefit plans 

2014 

[Table 4.95]

2015 

Sales of 
goods and 
services 

Purchases of 
goods and 
services 

Receivables 

Liabilities 

Sales of 
goods and 
services 

Purchases of 
goods and 
services 

Receivables 

Liabilities 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

€ million 

21 

29 

33 

– 

4 

– 

758 

8 

4 

5 

– 

803 

18 

– 

5 

64 

21 

25 

36 

– 

4 

– 

645 

11 

4 

– 

– 

822 

22 

1 

4 

68 

Goods and services in the amount of €609 million (2014: €737 million) were purchased from the associate po jv, lp, 
Wilmington, United States, mainly in the course of day-to-day business operations.  

Intercompany profits and losses for companies accounted for in the consolidated financial statements using the 
equity method were immaterial in 2015 and 2014. 

Bayer AG has undertaken to provide jouissance right capital (Genussrechtskapital) in the form of an interest-
bearing loan with a nominal volume of €150 million (2014: €150 million) for Bayer-Pensionskasse VVaG. The entire 
amount remained drawn as of December 31, 2015. The carrying amount as of December 31, 2015, was €153 mil-
lion (2014: €150 million). Loan capital was first provided to Bayer-Pensionskasse VVaG in 2008 for its effective 
initial fund. This capital had a nominal volume of €595 million as of December 31, 2015 (2014: €595 million). The 
carrying amount as of December 31, 2015, was €610 million (2014: €595 million). The outstanding receivables, 
comprised of different tranches, are each subject to a five-year interest-rate adjustment mechanism. Net interest 
income of €22 million was recognized for 2015 (2014: €10 million).  

No impairment losses were recognized on receivables from related parties in 2015 or 2014. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group

Consolidated Financial Statements

335 

38.  Total compensation of the Board of Management  
and the Supervisory Board, advances and loans 

The compensation of the Board of Management comprises short-term payments, stock-based payments and post-
employment benefits.  

The following table shows the individual components of the Board of Management’s compensation according  
to ifrs:  

Board of Management Compensation according to IFRS 

Fixed annual compensation 

Fringe benefits 

Total short-term non-performance-related compensation 

Short-term performance-related cash compensation 

Total short-term compensation 

Stock-based compensation (virtual Bayer shares) earned in the respective year 

Change in value of existing entitlements to stock-based compensation (virtual Bayer shares) 

Stock-based compensation (Aspire) earned in the respective year 

Change in value of existing entitlements to stock-based compensation (Aspire) 

Total stock-based compensation (long-term incentive) 

Service cost for pension entitlements earned in the respective year 

Total long-term compensation 

Severance indemnity in connection with the termination of a service contract 

Aggregate compensation (IFRS) 

[Table 4.96]

2014 

2015 

€ thousand 

€ thousand 

4,118 

443 

4,561 

5,051 

9,612 

5,058 

1,559 

3,602 

687 

10,906 

1,716 

12,622 

– 

22,234 

4,455 

207 

4,662 

5,983 

10,645 

5,983 

556 

2,330 

272 

9,141 

2,891 

12,032 

1,131 

23,808 

In addition to the above compensation, actuarial gains of €2,309 thousand (2014: losses of €11,311 thousand) 
incurred in connection with pension obligations to the currently serving members of the Board of Management 
were recognized outside profit or loss. These changes mainly resulted from the slight increase (2014: sharp de-
cline) in the level of interest rates. 

Further details are provided in the Compensation Report, which forms part of the Combined Management Report. 

In addition to the provisions of €5,983 thousand (2014: €4,771 thousand) for the short-term variable cash compen-
sation, an amount of €18,663 thousand (2014: €17,775 thousand) was recognized in the statement of financial 
position for future payments of stock-based compensation based on virtual shares to the members of the Board of 
Management serving as of December 31, 2015. 

An amount of €7,110 thousand (2014: €7,155 thousand) was recognized in the statement of financial position for 
future payments of stock-based compensation based on the Aspire program to the members of the Board of Man-
agement serving as of December 31, 2015.  

The present value of the defined benefit pension obligation for the members of the Board of Management serving 
as of December 31, 2015, was €33,491 thousand (2014: €32,248 thousand).  

Pension payments to former members of the Board of Management and their surviving dependents amounted to 
€13,416 thousand (2014: €13,457 thousand). The defined benefit obligation for former members of the Board of 
Management and their surviving dependents amounted to €172,767 thousand (2014: €187,759 thousand). 

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
336 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Bayer Group 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

The compensation of the Supervisory Board amounted to €3,291 thousand (2014: €3,286 thousand). 

In addition to their compensation as members of the Supervisory Board, those employee representatives who are 
employees of Bayer Group companies receive compensation unrelated to their service on the Supervisory Board. 
The total amount of such compensation in 2015 was €741 thousand (2014: €737 thousand). 

Pension obligations for employee representatives on the Supervisory Board amounted to €3,756 thousand (2014: 
€3,623 thousand). 

There were no advances or loans to members of the Board of Management or the Supervisory Board outstanding 
as of December 31, 2015, nor at any time during 2015 or 2014.  

39. Events after the end of the reporting period 

DIABETES CARE BUSINESS 
Implementation of the agreement concerning the sale of the Diabetes Care business to Panasonic Healthcare Hold-
ings Co, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, began on January 4, 2016, and thus after the closing date for the financial statements. 
A payment of €0.9 billion was made in January 2016 in connection with the sale. Bayer has entered into further 
significant obligations, which are to be met over the next two years. 

REDEMPTION OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 
On January 25, 2016, Bayer AG redeemed at maturity a bond with a nominal volume of €500 million issued under 
the multi-currency European Medium Term Notes program. In addition, commercial paper and promissory notes in 
a total amount of €383 million were repaid in January and February, 2016, respectively.  

Leverkusen, February 16, 2016 

Bayer Aktiengesellschaft  

The Board of Management 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Responsibility Statement 

337 

Responsibility 
Statement 

To the best of our knowledge, and in accordance with the applicable reporting principles for financial 
reporting, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities,  
financial position and profit or loss of the Bayer Group, and the combined management report includes 
a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Bayer Group 
and Bayer AG, together with a description of the principal opportunities and risks associated with the 
expected development of the Bayer Group and Bayer AG. 

Leverkusen, February 16, 2016 
Bayer Aktiengesellschaft 

The Board of Management 

Dr. Marijn Dekkers 
Chairman 

Liam Condon 

Werner Baumann   

Johannes Dietsch   

Dr. Hartmut Klusik 

Erica Mann 

Kemal Malik 

Dieter Weinand 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
338 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Independent Auditor’s 
Report 

Report of the independent auditor of the consolidated financial statements 

To Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, Leverkusen 

The following Independent Auditor’s Report was issued for the complete set of consolidated financial 
statements and the combined management report of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, Leverkusen, and its 
subsidiaries. For reasons of clarity, the notes to the consolidated financial statements, to which this 
Independent Auditor’s Report also refers, are not included in this print version of the Annual Report. 
The consolidated financial statements including the notes thereto are published in German and English 
in the electronic version of the German Federal Gazette and will also be included in an augmented Ger-
man print version of the Annual Report to be available at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Bayer AG 
on April 29, 2016. 

REPORT ON THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft and 
its subsidiaries, which comprise the consolidated income statement and statement of comprehensive 
income, the consolidated statement of financial position, the consolidated statement of cash flows, the 
consolidated statement of changes in equity and the notes to the consolidated financial statements for 
the business year from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. 

Board of Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements 
The Board of Management of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft is responsible for the preparation of these con-
solidated financial statements. This responsibility includes that these consolidated financial statements 
are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the e.u., 
and the additional requirements of German commercial law pursuant to § (Article) 315a Abs. (para-
graph) 1 hgb (“Handelsgesetzbuch”: German Commercial Code) and that these consolidated financial 
statements give a true and fair view of the net assets, financial position and results of operations of the 
Group in accordance with these requirements. The Board of Management is also responsible for the 
internal controls as the Board of Management determines are necessary to enable the preparation of 
consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 
error. 

Auditor’s Responsibility  
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our 
audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with § 317 hgb and German generally accepted standards 
for the audit of financial statements promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer (Institute of 
Public Auditors in Germany) (idw) and additionally observed the International Standards on Auditing 
(isa). Accordingly, we are required to comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit 
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from mate-
rial misstatement. 

An audit involves performing audit procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The selection of audit procedures depends on the 
auditor’s professional judgment. This includes the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of 
the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In assessing those risks, the audi-
tor considers the internal control system relevant to the entity’s preparation of consolidated financial 
statements that give a true and fair view. The aim of this is to plan and perform audit procedures that 
are appropriate in the given circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal control system. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriate-

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

339 

ness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Board of 
Management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our audit opinion. 

Audit Opinion 
According to § 322 Abs. 3 Satz (sentence) 1 hgb, we state that our audit of the consolidated financial 
statements has not led to any reservations. 

In our opinion based on the findings of our audit, the consolidated financial statements comply, in all 
material respects, with ifrss, as adopted by the e.u., and the additional requirements of German com-
mercial law pursuant to § 315a Abs. 1 hgb and give a true and fair view of the net assets and financial 
position of the Group as at December 31, 2015 as well as the results of operations for the business year 
then ended, in accordance with these requirements.. 

REPORT ON THE COMBINED MANAGEMENT REPORT 
We have audited the accompanying Group management report of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft for the busi-
ness year from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015, which is combined with the management report 
of the company. The Board of Management of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft is responsible for the prepara-
tion of the combined management report in accordance with the requirements of German commercial 
law applicable pursuant to § 315a Abs. 1 hgb. We conducted our audit in accordance with § 317 Abs. 2 
hgb and German generally accepted standards for the audit of the combined management report prom-
ulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer (Institute of Public Auditors in Germany) (idw). Accord-
ingly, we are required to plan and perform the audit of the combined management report to obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether the combined management report is consistent with the consoli-
dated financial statements and the audit findings, as a whole provides a suitable view of the Group’s 
position and suitably presents the opportunities and risks of future development. 

According to § 322 Abs. 3 Satz 1 hgb, we state that our audit of the combined management report has 
not led to any reservations.  

In our opinion based on the findings of our audit of the consolidated financial statements and combined 
management report, the combined management report is consistent with the consolidated financial 
statements, as a whole provides a suitable view of the Group’s position and suitably presents the oppor-
tunities and risks of future development. 

Essen, February 17, 2016 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Aktiengesellschaft 
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft 

Dr. Peter Bartels  
Wirtschaftsprüfer 

Eckhard Sprinkmeier  
Wirtschaftsprüfer 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
340 

Independent Assurance Report 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Independent Practitioner’s Limited Assurance 
Report on the sustainability information in the 
online annexes of the augmented online 
version of the Annual Report of Bayer AG 2015 

To Bayer AG, Leverkusen 

We have been engaged to perform a limited assurance engagement on the sustainability information 
marked with „limited assurance“ in the online annexes of the augmented online version of the Annual 
Report of Bayer AG, Leverkusen, (hereinafter: the “Company”) for the period January 1, 2015 to 
December 31, 2015 (“Annual Report 2015 – Augmented Version”; hereinafter: “Online Version”). 

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY  
Company’s Management is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Online Version in 
accordance with the criteria as set out in the g4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines of the Global 
Reporting Initiative (gri) (hereafter the “gri-Criteria”) and for the selection of the information to be 
assessed.  

This responsibility includes the selection and application of appropriate methods to prepare the Online 
Version as well as the use of assumptions and estimates for individual sustainability disclosures which 
are reasonable in the circumstances. Furthermore, the responsibility includes designing, implementing 
and maintaining systems and processes relevant for the preparation of the Online Version, which is free 
of material misstatements due to intentional or unintentional errors.  

AUDIT FIRM’S INDEPENDENCE AND QUALITY CONTROL 
We have complied with the German professional provisions regarding independence as well as other 
ethical requirements. 

The audit firm applies the national legal requirements and professional standards – in particular the 
Professional Code for German Public Auditors and German Chartered Auditors (“Berufssatzung für 
Wirtschaftsprüfer und vereidigte Buchprüfer“: “bs wp/vBP”) as well as the joint opinion of the 
Wirtschaftsprüferkammer (Chamber of German Public Auditors; wpk) and the Institut der Wirtschafts-
prüfer (Institute of Public Auditors in Germany; idw): Requirements to quality control for audit firms 
(“Gemeinsamen Stellungnahme der wpk und des idw: Anforderungen an die Qualitätssicherung in der 
Wirtschaftsprüferpraxis”: “vo 1/2006”) – and accordingly maintains a comprehensive system of quality 
control including documented policies and procedures regarding compliance with ethical requirements, 
professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. 

PRACTITIONER’S RESPONSIBILITY 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the sustainability information marked with „limited assur-
ance“ in the Online Version based on our work performed.  

Within the scope of our engagement we did not perform an audit on external sources of information or 
expert opinions, referred to in the Online Version.  

We conducted our work in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements 
(isae) 3000 (Revised): “Assurance Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial 
Information” published by iaasb. This Standard requires that we plan and perform the assurance en-
gagement to obtain limited assurance whether any matters have come to our attention that cause us to 
believe that the sustainability information marked with „ limited assurance“ in the Online Version has 
not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the gri-Criteria. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

Independent Assurance Report 

341 

In a limited assurance engagement the evidence-gathering procedures are more limited than for a rea-
sonable assurance engagement and therefore significantly less assurance is obtained than in a reasona-
ble assurance engagement. The procedures selected depend on the practitioner's judgement. This 
includes the assessment of the risks of material misstatements of the sustainability information marked 
with „ limited assurance“in the Online Version with regard to the gri-Criteria.  

Within the scope of our work, we performed amongst others the following procedures: 
•  Obtaining an understanding of the structure of the sustainability organization and of the stakeholder 

engagement;  

•  Inquiries of personnel involved in the preparation of the Report regarding the preparation process 

and the underlying internal control system;  

•  Documentation of the processes and inspection of the systems and processes regarding the 

collection of the sustainability information as well as sample testing; 

•  Site visits as part of the inspection of processes and analysis of selected data at the following sites: 

– Bayer HealthCare, Berkeley, usa 
– Bayer CropScience, Muskegon, usa 
– Covestro, Maasvlakte, Niederlande 
– Covestro, Map Ta Phut, Thailand 
– Sites on the Lower Rhine, Germany; 

•  Analytical procedures on selected sustainability information of the Online Version; 
•  Inspection of internal documents, contracts and invoices as well as reports.  

CONCLUSION 
Based on our limited assurance engagement, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to be-
lieve that the sustainability information marked with „ limited assurance“ in the Online Version of the 
Company for the period January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 has not been prepared, in all material 
respects, in accordance with the gri-Criteria.  

EMPHASIS OF MATTER – RECOMMENDATIONS 
Without qualifying our conclusion above, we make the following recommendations for the further 
development of the Company's sustainability management and sustainability reporting: 

•  Further alignment of the sustainability reporting in consideration of the changing focus topics of a 

life science company: 

•  Further development of the management approaches and their presentation in the integrated 

reporting;  

•  Further focusing, improving and formalizing internal control systems at central level and at the level 

of individual sites. 

RESTRICTION ON USE AND DISTRIBUTION 
We issue this report on the basis of the engagement agreed with Bayer AG. The audit has been 
performed for purposes of Bayer AG and is solely intended to inform Bayer AG about the results of the 
audit. The report is not intended for any third parties to base any (financial) decision thereon.  
We do not assume any responsibility towards third parties.  

Munich, February 25, 2016 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Aktiengesellschaft 
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft 

Hendrik Fink 

ppa. Pia Schnück 

Wirtschaftsprüfer 
(German Public Auditor)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
342 

Further Information 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

03 

Further Information 

Governance Bodies 
Organization Chart 
GRI G4 Content Index with UNGC Principles 
Glossary
Financial Calendar 

343 
346
348
362
366 

 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

343 

Further Information

Governance Bodies

Governance Bodies 

Supervisory Board 

Members of the Supervisory Board held offices as members of the supervisory board or a comparable supervising body  
of the corporations listed (as at December 31, 2015 or the date on which they ceased to be members of the Supervisory Board  
of Bayer AG): 

WERNER WENNING  
Leverkusen, Germany 
(born October 21, 1946) 

DR. PAUL ACHLEITNER 
Munich, Germany 
(born September 28, 1956)  

DR. CLEMENS BÖRSIG 
Frankfurt am Main, Germany 
(born July 27, 1948) 

DR.-ING. THOMAS FISCHER 
Krefeld, Germany 
(born August 27, 1955) 

Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board effective October 2012 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2002 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2007 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective October 2005 

Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board of Deutsche Bank AG  

Member of various  
supervisory boards  

Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board of Bayer AG and 
Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board of E.ON SE  

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards:  

• E.ON SE (Chairman) 

•  Henkel Management AG 

• Siemens AG  

(Vice Chairman) 

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards:  

• Daimler AG 

• Deutsche Bank AG  

(Chairman) 

Memberships in comparable 
supervising bodies of German 
or foreign corporations:  

Memberships in comparable 
supervising bodies of German 
or foreign corporations: 

• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 

(Member of the  
Shareholders’ Committee) 

DR. RER. NAT. SIMONE  
BAGEL-TRAH 
Düsseldorf, Germany 
(born January 10, 1969) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2014 

Chairwoman of the  
Supervisory Board of Henkel 
AG & Co. KGaA and Henkel 
Management AG and  
Shareholders’ Committee of 
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards:  

• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 

(Chairwoman) 

• Heraeus Holding GmbH 

Memberships in comparable 
supervising bodies of German 
or foreign corporations:  

• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA  
(Chairwoman of the  
Shareholders’ Committee) 

• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 

(Member of the  
Shareholders’ Committee) 

OLIVER ZÜHLKE 
Solingen, Germany 
(born December 11, 1968) 

Vice Chairman of the  
Supervisory Board effective 
July 2015 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2007 

Chairman of the Bayer Central 
Works Council  

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards:  

• Bayer Pharma AG  

THOMAS DE WIN 
Cologne, Germany 
(born November 21, 1958) 

Vice Chairman of the  
Supervisory Board until  
June 2015 

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards:  

• Covestro Deutschland AG 

(formerly  
Bayer MaterialScience AG) 
(until June 2015) 

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards:  

• Daimler AG 

• Linde AG 

Memberships in comparable 
supervising bodies of German 
or foreign corporations:  

• Emerson Electric Co. 

• Istituto per le Opere di  

Religione (Member of the 
Board of Superintendence) 

ANDRÉ VAN BROICH 
Dormagen, Germany 
(born June 19, 1970) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2012 

Chairman of the Works Council 
of the Dormagen site 

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards:  

Chairman of the Managerial 
Employees’ Committee of 
Covestro Deutschland AG 
(formerly  
Bayer MaterialScience AG) 

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards: 

• Covestro AG  

(effective October 2015) 

• Covestro Deutschland AG 

(formerly  
Bayer MaterialScience AG) 

PETER HAUSMANN 
Winsen / Aller, Germany 
(born February 13, 1954) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board until October 2015 

Member of the Executive 
Committee of the German 
Mining, Chemical and  
Energy Industrial Union 

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards:  

• Bayer CropScience AG 

• Covestro AG  

THOMAS EBELING 
Muri bei Bern, Switzerland 
(born February 9, 1959) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2012 

Chief Executive Officer of 
ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG  

Memberships in comparable 
supervising bodies of German 
or foreign corporations:  

• Lonza Group AG 

(effective October 2015) 

• Covestro Deutschland AG 

(formerly  
Bayer MaterialScience AG) 
(effective September 2015) 

• Continental AG 

• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 

• 50Hertz Transmission GmbH 

• Vivawest Wohnen GmbH 

REINER HOFFMANN 
Wuppertal, Germany  
(born May 30, 1955)  

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective October 2006 

Chairman of the German  
Trade Union Confederation  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
344 

Further Information 

Governance Bodies 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

YÜKSEL KARAASLAN 
Hohen Neuendorf, Germany 
(born March 1, 1968) 

DR. RER. NAT. HELMUT PANKE 
Munich, Germany 
(born August 31, 1946) 

DR. KLAUS STURANY* 
Ascona, Switzerland 
(born October 23, 1946) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2012 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2007 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2007 

Chairman of the Bayer Group 
Works Council  

Member of various  
supervisory boards  

Vice Chairman of the Bayer 
Central Works Council  

Chairman of the Works Council 
of the Berlin site 

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards: 

• Bayer Pharma AG 

Memberships in comparable 
supervising bodies of German 
or foreign corporations:  

• Microsoft Corporation 

• Singapore Airlines Limited 

• UBS AG (until May 2015) 

Member of various  
supervisory boards 

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards:  

• Hannover Rück SE  
(Vice Chairman) 

Standing committees  
of the Supervisory Board  
of Bayer AG 
(as at December 31, 2015) 

PRESIDIAL COMMITTEE(cid:3031)/(cid:3031) 
MEDIATION COMMITTEE 
Wenning (Chairman), 
Achleitner, Reinbold-Knape, 
Zühlke 

Memberships in comparable 
supervising bodies of German 
or foreign corporations:  

• Sulzer AG 

AUDIT COMMITTEE 
Sturany* (Chairman), 
Fischer, Hoffmann, Panke, 
Wenning, Zühlke 

HUMAN RESOURCES  
COMMITTEE 
Wenning (Chairman), 
Achleitner, Karaaslan,  
Kronen 

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE 
Wenning (Chairman), 
Achleitner 

INNOVATION COMMITTEE 
Winnacker (Chairman), van 
Broich, Reinbold-Knape, 
Wenning, Wiestler, Zühlke 

* Independent expert member pursuant  

to Section 100 Paragraph 5 of the German 
Stock Corporation Act (AktG) 

PETRA KRONEN 
Krefeld, Germany 
(born August 22, 1964) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective July 2000 

Chairwoman of the Works 
Council of the Uerdingen site  

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards:  

• Covestro AG (Vice Chair-

woman) (effective October 
2015) 

• Covestro Deutschland AG 

(formerly  
Bayer MaterialScience AG) 
(Vice Chairwoman) 

FRANK LÖLLGEN 
Cologne, Germany 

(born June 14, 1961) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective November 
2015 

North Rhine District  
Secretary of the German  
Mining, Chemical and  
Energy Industrial Union  

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards: 

• Evonik Industries AG  

• IRR-Innovationsregion  
   Rheinisches Revier GmbH 

HEINZ GEORG WEBERS 
Bergkamen, Germany 
(born December 27, 1959) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective July 2015 

Chairman of the  
Bayer European Forum 

Chairman of the Works Council 
of the Bergkamen site  

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards: 

• Bayer Pharma AG 

PROF. DR. DR. H.C.  
OTMAR D. WIESTLER 
Berlin, Germany 
(born November 6, 1956) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective October 2014 

President of the  
Helmholtz Association of 
German Research Centers 

PROF. DR. DR. H.C. MULT. 
ERNST-LUDWIG WINNACKER 
Munich, Germany 
(born July 26, 1941) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 1997 

Professor-Emeritus of Ludwig-
Maximilians University Munich  

Memberships on other  
supervisory boards:  

•  Wacker Chemie AG 

SUE H. RATAJ 
Sebastopol, U.S.A. 

(born January 8, 1957) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2012 

Member of the Board of  
Directors of Cabot  
Corporation, Boston, U.S.A.  

Member of the Board of  
Directors of Agilent Technolo-
gies Inc., Santa Clara, U.S.A. 

PETRA REINBOLD-KNAPE 
Berlin, Germany 
(born April 16, 1959) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2012 

Member of the Executive 
Committee of the German 
Mining, Chemical and Energy 
Industrial Union  

Memberships on other super-
visory boards:  

• envia Mitteldeutsche  

Energie AG 

• Vattenfall Europe  
Generation AG 

• Vattenfall Europe Mining 
AG (Vice Chairwoman)  
(effective June 2015) 

Memberships in comparable 
supervising bodies of German 
or foreign corporations:  

• MDSE Mitteldeutsche  

Sanierungs- und Entsor-
gungsgesellschaft mbH 

MICHAEL SCHMIDT-KIESSLING 
Schwelm, Germany 
(born March 24, 1959) 

Member of the Supervisory 
Board effective April 2012 

Chairman of the Works Council 
of the Elberfeld site 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

345 

Further Information

Governance Bodies

Board of Management 

Members of the Board of Management held offices as members of the supervisory board or a comparable supervising  
body of the corporations listed (as at December 31, 2015): 

DR. MARIJN DEKKERS 
(born September 22, 1957) 

WERNER BAUMANN 
(born October 6, 1962) 

LIAM CONDON 
(born February 27, 1968) 

JOHANNES DIETSCH 
(born January 2, 1962) 

Chairman  
(effective October 1, 2010) 

Member of the Board of  
Management effective  
January 1, 2010, appointed  
until December 31, 2016  

• Board of Directors of  

General Electric Company 

Member of the Board of  
Management effective  
January 1, 2010, appointed 
until December 31, 2017  

• Bayer CropScience AG  

(Chairman)  

• Covestro Deutschland AG 

(formerly Bayer  
MaterialScience AG)  
(Chairman)  
(until March 2015) 

• Bayer Pharma AG  

(effective March 2015) 

Member of the Board of  
Management effective  
January 1, 2016, appointed 
until December 31, 2018  

Member of the Board of  
Management effective  
September 1, 2014, appointed 
until August 31, 2017 

• Bayer Business Services 

GmbH (Chairman)  

• Covestro AG  

(effective August 2015) 

•  Covestro Deutschland AG 

(formerly Bayer  
MaterialScience AG)  
(effective June 2015) 

DR. HARTMUT KLUSIK 
(born July 30, 1956) 

KEMAL MALIK 
(born September 29, 1962) 

ERICA MANN 
(born October 11, 1958) 

DIETER WEINAND 
(born August 16, 1960) 

Member of the Board of  
Management effective  
February 1, 2014, appointed 
until January 31, 2017  

Member of the Board of  
Management effective  
January 1, 2016, appointed 
until December 31, 2018  

Member of the Board of  
Management effective  
January 1, 2016, appointed 
until December 31, 2018  

• Board of Directors of 

HealthPrize Technologies 
LLC 

Member of the Board of  
Management effective  
January 1, 2016, appointed 
until December 31, 2018  

Labor Director  
(effective January 2016) 

• Bayer HealthCare AG  

(Chairman)  
(effective January 2016) 

• Bayer Pharma AG 

(Chairman)  
(effective January 2016) 

• Bayer Technology Services 

GmbH (Chairman)  
(effective January 2016) 

• Currenta Geschäftsführungs-

GmbH (Chairman)  
(effective January 2016) 

MICHAEL KÖNIG 
(born September 3, 1963) 

Member of the Board  
of Management until  
December 31, 2015 

Labor Director 

• Bayer HealthCare AG  

(Chairman) 

• Bayer Pharma AG  

(Chairman) 

• Bayer Technology Services 

GmbH (Chairman) 

• Currenta Geschäftsführungs- 

GmbH (Chairman) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
346

Further Information

Organization Chart

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Organization Chart

MARIJN DEKKERS 1
Chairman

JOHANNES DIETSCH
Finance

WERNER BAUMANN 1
Strategy & Portfolio 
Management

HARTMUT KLUSIK * 
Human Resources,  
Technology & Sustainability

M. Arnold 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:73)(cid:287)(cid:70)(cid:72)

H. Heitmann 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)
(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)

A. Rosar 
Investor Relations

R. Schwarz 
Internal Audit

P. Müller 
Finance 

U. Rahenbrock 2 
Accounting

G. Schildmeyer 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)

B.-P. Bier 
Taxes

R. Hartwig 
(cid:47)(cid:68)(cid:90)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)

T. Udesen 
Procurement

V. Hahn 
Regional Coordination

D. Hartert 
Business Services

T.-P. Hausner 
Strategy

F. Rittgen 
(cid:48)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)

M. Vehreschild 
Country & Functional  
Excellence

H.-U. Groh 
Human Resources  
& Organization

C. Pörtner 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:92)(cid:3) 
& Manufacturing

A. Knors 
Technology Services

W. Große Entrup 3 
Environment & Sustainability

H. Klusik 
(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)4

G. Hilken 
Currenta

* Labor Director

1  Effective May 1, 2016,(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:68)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:98)(cid:36)(cid:42)(cid:17)(cid:3)
(cid:39)(cid:85)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:77)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:88)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)30, 2016(cid:17)
2 Until March 31, 2016(cid:30)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:51)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:3)
3 From July 1, 2016(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:46)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:68)(cid:68)(cid:78)
4(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:46)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3) 
(cid:43)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:3) 
(cid:51)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:88)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:17)

5(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:76)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:73)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:3)
(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:287)(cid:70)

(cid:36)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:92)(cid:98)1, 2016

 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015

347

Further Information

Organization Chart

 [Graphic 5.1]

KEMAL MALIK 
Innovation

DIETER WEINAND 
Pharmaceuticals

ERICA MANN
Consumer Health

LIAM CONDON 
(cid:38)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)

A. Bouchon 
Bayer Life Science Center

J. Triana 
Finance

M. Lessl 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3) 
(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)

J. Federer 
(cid:39)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)

S. Guth 
(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)

A. Busch 
Drug Discovery

J. Möller 
(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)

M. Devoy 
(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:73)(cid:287)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)

R. Franzen 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3) 
EMEA 5

P. Blake 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3) 
Americas

W. Jiang 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3) 
China & APAC (cid:25)

C. Brunn 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:45)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:81)

O. Mauroy-Bressier 
Finance

N. N. 
(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)

J. O’Mullane 
(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)

J. Ohle 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3) 
International

N. Bartner 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3) 
North America

L. Yuen 
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)

N. N. 
(cid:39)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)

T. Hayes 
Integration

M. A. Schulz 
Finance

D. Backhaus 
(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:88)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:92)

M. Reichardt 
Agricultural Commercial  
(cid:50)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:86)

A. Percy 
(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)

M. Kremer 
(cid:38)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3) 
& Portfolio Management

B. Naaf  
Business Affairs  
& Communications

T. Menne 
Digital Farming

J. Applegate 
Environmental Science

D. Ehle 
Animal Health

348 

Further Information 

GRI Content Index 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

G4 Content Index of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) with the 10 Principles 
of the U.N. Global Compact  

For fiscal 2015, we are applying the gri g4 Guidelines in compliance with the “comprehensive” option for the first time.  
Where there is insufficient information for a particular gri indicator, we have explained this. In addition, the detailed gri Con-
tent Index includes the corresponding principles of the ungc and the assignment of our areas of activity to the gri aspects. 
Moreover, we indicate whether our scope to exercise influence lies within or outside the company (gri g4-19, g4-20, g4-21).  

For the implementation of the gri Materiality Disclosure Service the gri had access to the “Annual Report 2015 – Augmented 
Version.” The correct positioning of the “g4 materiality disclosures” (g4-17 – g4-27) was confirmed by the gri. 

GRI aspect 
limitation 

 G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

GRI G4 Content Index 

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

General Standard Disclosures 

Strategy and Analysis 

G4 – 1 

Statement from the most 
senior decision-maker 

1 – 7 

Key impacts, risks,  
and opportunities 
concerning sustainability 

48, 51 –  55, 57, 
59 – 61, 79 – 82, 
100, 104, 218 

G4 – 2 

Organizational Profile 

G4 – 3 

G4 – 4 

G4 – 5 

G4 – 6 

G4 – 7 

Name of the 
organization 

Primary brands, 
products, and services 

Location of the 
organization’s 
headquarters 

Countries with 
significant operations 

Nature of ownership  
and legal form 

G4 – 8 

Markets served 

G4 – 9 

Scale of the  
organization 

6 

G4 – 10 

Employees by 
employment type, 
gender and region 

49 

48, 51 

49 

46 – 47, 49 

42 – 43, 49 

46 – 47, 108,  
110 – 112 

46 – 47, 86, 104, 
230, 232 

46 – 47, 86,  
88 – 89, 91 

3 

G4 – 11 

Percentage of employees 
covered by collective 
bargaining agreements 

96 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

349 

Further Information

GRI Content Index

GRI aspect 
limitation 

 G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

General Standard Disclosures 

G4 – 12 

Description of the  
supply chain 

Significant changes 
during the reporting 
period 

97 – 98 

48 – 50, 76, 98,  
263, 268 – 269 

G4 – 13 

G4 – 14 

G4 – 15 

G4 – 16 

Implementation of the 
precautionary principle 

113 

External initiatives  
that the organization 
endorses 

30, 78 – 79, 84, 
95, 113, 132, 
138 

Significant memberships 
in industry and business 
associations 

83, 93, 100, 113, 
115 – 116, 119, 
127 

Identified Material Aspects and Boundaries 

Entities included in the 
consolidated financial 
statements 

30,  
260 – 263 

Process for defining  
the report content 

80 

G4 – 17 

G4 – 18 

348, 352 – 361; 
GRI Index; 
www.bayer.com/ 
key-areas-of-
activity 

348 – 361; GRI 
Index; 
www.bayer.com/ 
key-areas-of-
activity 

348 – 361, GRI 
Index; 
www.bayer.com/ 
key-areas-of-
activity 

30 

30 

G4 – 19 

Material Aspects 
identified 

G4 – 20 

Aspect Boundaries 
within the organization 

G4 – 21 

Aspect Boundaries 
outside the organization 

Restatements of 
information provided  
in previous reports 

Significant changes in 
the Scope and Aspect 
Boundaries 

G4 – 22 

G4 – 23 

Stakeholder Engagement 

G4 – 24 

G4 – 25 

G4 – 26 

G4 – 27 

Stakeholder groups 
engaged 

58, 82 

Identification and 
selection of stakeholders 

57, 81– 82 

Approach to stakeholder 
engagement and 
frequency 

Key topics and concerns 
raised through 
stakeholder engagement 
and response 

42, 57, 64, 80, 
82– 85, 92, 103, 
110 –111, 146, 
188  

57, 80, 82 – 85 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
350 

Further Information 

GRI Content Index 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

GRI aspect 
limitation 

 G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

General Standard Disclosures 

Report Profile 

G4 – 28 

Reporting period 

30 

G4 – 29 

Date of most recent 
previous report 

Annual Report: 
2015-02-25 

G4 – 30 

Reporting cycle 

Annually 

Contact point for 
questions regarding  
the report 

“In accordance” option 
with GRI and Content 
Index chosen 

External verification  
of the report 

G4 – 31 

G4 – 32 

G4 – 33 

Governance 

367 (back inside 
cover)  

30, 348 – 361 

31, 338 – 341  

Governance structure, 
incl. committees of the 
highest governance 
body 

Process for delegating 
authority for economic, 
environmental and social 
topics 

Executive-level position 
with responsibility for 
economic, environ- 
mental and social topics 

Processes for 
consultation between 
stakeholders and the 
highest governance 
body 

32 – 37, 183 – 185 

79 – 80, 183, 189 

38, 79 – 80, 86,  
183 – 184, 215 

43, 188, 366 

Composition of the 
highest governance 
body and its committees 

184 – 186 

Independence of the 
Chair of the highest 
governance body 

Nomination and 
selection processes for 
the highest governance 
body and its committees 

Process for avoiding 
conflicts of interest 

Highest governance 
body's role concerning 
strategy and goals 

Measures taken 
concerning the highest 
governance body’s 
knowledge in 
sustainability issues 

34 – 38, 184 

184 – 186 

185 – 186 

183 – 184 

36 

G4 – 34 

G4 – 35 

G4 – 36 

G4 – 37 

G4 – 38 

G4 – 39 

G4 – 40 

G4 – 41 

G4 – 42 

G4 – 43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

351 

Further Information

GRI Content Index

GRI aspect 
limitation 

 G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

General Standard Disclosures 

Evaluation of the highest 
governance body’s 
performance concerning 
sustainability 

35 

Highest governance 
body’s role concerning 
sustainability impacts, 
risks, and opportunities 

Highest governance 
body’s role concerning 
the effectiveness of the 
risk management 

Frequency of the highest 
governance body’s 
review of sustainability 
impacts, risks, and 
opportunities 

Highest committee  
that formally reviews 
and approves the 
sustainability report 

Process for 
communicating critical 
concerns to the highest 
governance body 

Critical concerns that 
were communicated to 
the highest governance 
body 

Remuneration policies 
for the highest 
governance body and 
senior executives 

184, 189 

35 – 37, 184,  
215– 216 

35, 37, 217 

80 

35 – 36, 43,  
189 –190,  
214 – 223; 
www.bayer.com/ 
stockholders-
meeting 

35 – 36; 
www.bayer.com/ 
stockholders-
meeting 

189, 192 – 196,  
200 – 201, 206, 
208 

Process for determining 
remuneration 

192 – 194, 
200 – 201, 206 

G4 – 44 

G4 – 45 

G4 – 46 

G4 – 47 

G4 – 48 

G4 – 49 

G4 – 50 

G4 – 51 

G4 – 52 

G4 – 53 

Stakeholders’ views 
regarding remuneration 

200, 206; 
www.bayer.com/ 
stockholders-
meeting 

Ratio of the highest 
annual total 
compensation to the 
median annual total 
compensation 

G4 – 54 

Ratio of percentage 
increase in the  
highest annual total 
compensation 

G4 – 55 

Not available: we do not consider this 
compensation detail to be of informative value 
for the evaluation of the appropriateness of our 
compensation structures. We report on these 
in detail in Chapter 6.3 “Employee 
Compensation and Variable Pay” and in our 
Compensation Report. 

Not available: we do not consider this 
compensation detail to be of informative value 
for the evaluation of the appropriateness of our 
compensation structures. We report on these 
in detail in Chapter 6.3 “Employee 
Compensation and Variable Pay” and in our 
Compensation Report. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
352 

Further Information 

GRI Content Index 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

GRI aspect 
limitation 

 G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

General Standard Disclosures 

Ethics and Integrity 

10 

G4 – 56 

Values, principles, 
standards and norms of 
behavior 

48, 80, 90, 95, 
187, 189 

10 

G4 – 57 

Mechanisms for seeking 
advice on ethical and 
lawful behavior 

189 

Mechanisms for 
reporting concerns 
about unethical or 
unlawful behavior 

10 

G4 – 58 

95, 189 – 190 

Specific Standard Disclosures         G4-19 

Economic 

Aspect: Economic Performance – 
Management Approach 

7 

G4-EC1 

Direct economic value 
created and distributed 

56, 143 – 144 

56, 94 – 95,  
143 – 144,  
276 – 279  

Financial implications 
and other risks and 
opportunities due to 
climate change 

219, 221– 222; 
www.bayer.com/ 
CDP-climate 

7 

G4-EC2 

G4-EC3 

Coverage of benefit plan 
obligations 

94 – 96, 297– 306 

Financial assistance 
received from 
government 

G4-EC4 

Aspect: Market Presence – 
Management Approach 

6 

64 

93 – 94 

6 

G4-EC5 

Ratios of standard entry 
level wage compared to 
local minimum wage 

6 

G4-EC6 

Proportion of senior 
management hired from 
the local community 

93 

within 

out- 
side 

Human capital 

X 

Product and 
process 
innovation 

Environmental 
protection 

X 

X 

X 

X 

Human capital 

X 

We align our compensation with local market 
conditions in Emerging Markets and 
developing countries. Furthermore, in keeping 
with our human rights position, we pursue the 
goal of paying adequate salaries that ensure a 
suitable standard of living for our employees 
and their families. In all Emerging Markets 
where we are active, the lowest salary paid by 
Bayer is at least in line with the applicable 
minimum wage and in most cases higher. We 
are not currently reporting on the margin 
between standard entry salary and minimum 
wage. We intend to perform a new survey on 
this aspect. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

353 

Further Information

GRI Content Index

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

GRI aspect 
limitation 

G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

Specific Standard Disclosures          G4-19 

Aspect: Indirect Economic  
Impacts – Management Approach 

Infrastructure 
investments and  
services provided 

G4-EC7 

G4-EC8 

Indirect economic 
impacts 

56, 143 – 145 

59, 102,  
144 – 146,  
167 – 168 

56, 167 – 168 

Aspect: Procurement Practices – 
Management Approach 

G4-EC9 

Proportion of spending 
on local suppliers 

97 – 98 

98, 365 

Environmental 

Sustainable food 
supply 

Access to          
health care 

Supplier 
management 

X 

X 

X 

For a declaration on the main business locations 
see the precise page in the glossary. 

Aspect: Materials –  
Management Approach 

7, 8 

55, 104,  
131 – 132 

Environmental 
protection 

X 

X 

7, 8 

G4-EN1 

Materials used by  
weight or volume 

99 

8 

G4-EN2 

Percentage of materials 
used that are recycled 
input materials 

Aspect: Energy –  
Management Approach 

7, 8, 9 

141 – 142 

54 – 55, 104,  
131 – 134 

7, 8 

G4-EN3 

Energy consumption 
within the organization 

132 – 134 

We do not report on the weight and volume of 
the materials used.  
This information constitutes a business secret. 

We do not provide any information on volumes 
relating to the total material use of secondary 
raw materials since this also constitutes a 
business secret. We do provide information on 
production-, material- and, where possible, 
product-related recycling. 

Energy consumption 
outside of the 
organization 

G4-EN4 

Such energy consumption is contained in the 
details of greenhouse gas emissions for Scope 
3, which we publish in the CDP Report. 

Environmental 
protection 

X 

X 

8 

G4-EN5  Energy intensity 

133 

8, 9 

G4-EN6 

Reduction of energy 
consumption 

133 – 134 

8, 9 

G4-EN7 

Reductions in energy 
requirements of 
products and services 

Aspect: Water –  
Management Approach 

7, 8 

54 – 55, 104,  
131 – 132, 138 

7, 8 

G4-EN8 

Total water with  
drawal by source 

138 – 139 

We do not consider this indicator to be 
applicable to our product portfolio as a Life 
Science company. Data are therefore not 
available. 

Environmental 
protection 

X 

X 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
354 

Further Information 

GRI Content Index 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

GRI aspect 
limitation 

G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

Specific Standard Disclosures          G4-19 

G4-EN9 

Water resources 
significantly affected 

G4-
EN10 

Water recycled and 
reused 

8 

8 

Aspect: Emissions –  
Management Approach 

7, 8, 9 

138; 
www.bayer.com/ 
CDP-water 

138 – 139 

54 – 55, 104,  
131 – 132,  
134 – 136 

G4-
EN15 

G4-
EN16 

G4-
EN17 

G4-
EN18 

G4-
EN19 

G4-
EN20 

G4-
EN21 

Direct greenhouse gas 
(GHG) emissions  
(Scope 1) 

Energy indirect 
greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions (Scope 2) 

135 – 136 

135 – 136 

Other indirect 
greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions (Scope 3) 

134, 136; 
www.bayer.com/ 
CDP-climate 

Greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions intensity 

Reduction of greenhouse 
gas (GHG) emissions 

Emissions of ozone-
depleting substances 
(ODS) 

NOx, SOx and other 
significant air emissions 

135 

136 

137 

137 

Aspect: Effluents and Waste – 
Management Approach 

55, 104,  
131 – 132, 138, 
140 

G4-
EN22 

Total water discharge by 
quality and destination 

138 – 140 

G4-
EN23 

G4-
EN24 

G4-
EN25 

G4-
EN26 

Total weight of waste  
by type and disposal 
method 

Total number and 
volume of significant 
spills 

Handling of hazardous 
waste 

Water bodies 
significantly affected  
by discharges of water 
and runoff 

140 – 141 

129 – 130 

140 – 142 

131 

7, 8 

7, 8 

7, 8 

8 

8, 9 

7;8 

7, 8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

Aspect: Products and Services – 
Management Approach 

7, 8, 9 

118 – 121,  
131 – 132, 134, 
142 

G4-
EN27 

7, 8, 9 

Mitigation of 
environmental impacts 
of products and services 

61, 119,  
121 – 122, 134 

Environmental 
protection 

X 

X 

Environmental 
protection 

X 

X 

We give detailed information on all water-related 
issues in our CDP Water Report 
www.bayer.com/CDP-water 

Product and 
process innovation 

X 

X 

Product 
stewardship 

Environmental 
protection 

X 

X  

X 

X 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

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Further Information

GRI Content Index

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

6 

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

GRI aspect 
limitation 

G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

Specific Standard Disclosures          G4-19 

G4-
EN28 

Reclaimed products  
and packaging 

142 

Aspect: Compliance –  
Management Approach 

54, 188 – 191, 
216, 223 

Fines and sanctions  
for non-compliance  
with environmental 
regulations 

G4-
EN29 

307, 327,  
330 – 331 

Aspect: Transport –  
Management Approach 

55, 107,  
131 – 132, 134 

G4-
EN30 

Significant 
environmental impacts 
of transporting products 

Aspect: Supplier Environmental 
Assessment – Management 
Approach 

107 – 108, 134 

53, 55, 97, 100,  
102 – 103, 221 

Percentage of new 
suppliers that were 
screened using 
environmental criteria 

Significant 
environmental impacts 
in the supply chain 

G4-
EN32 

G4-
EN33 

Aspect: Environmental  
Grievance Mechanisms – 
Management Approach 

102 – 103 

102 – 103 

189 – 190 

G4-
EN34 

Grievances about 
environmental impacts 

112, 120,190 

We do not report on the percentage of new 
suppliers screened using environmental 
criteria because these data are not available. 
We report on the procedure used for 
assessment. 

We do not report in detail on the negative 
environmental impact determined during 
supplier evaluation. We give details on the areas 
in which corrective measures were defined. 

We do not report on the number of grievances 
with respect to negative environmental impact. 
We report on the total number of notifications 
registered with the compliance hotline. We 
internally record the precise reason for the 
grievance, track how it is followed up and take 
corresponding action in line with our Group 
regulation. More detailed information on this 
would constitute a business secret. 

Business ethics 

X 

X 

Safety 

Environmental 
protection 

X 

X 

Supplier 
management 

X 

X 

X 

Business ethics 

X 

X 

Labor Practices and Decent Work 

Aspect: Employment –  
Management Approach 

52, 86, 91, 222 

Human capital 

X 

We are currently not reporting on new hires by 
age group. We plan to start reporting on this 
from 2018. 

6 

G4-LA1  

New employee hires  
and employee turnover 

G4-LA2  

Benefits provided to  
full-time employees 

6 

G4-LA3  

Return to work and 
retention rates after 
parental leave 

87 – 89  

94, 96 

91 – 92 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
356 

Further Information 

GRI Content Index 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

GRI aspect 
limitation 

G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

We do not report on the percentage of the total 
workforce represented in health and safety 
committees as these data are not available. We 
plan to record these data in the future. 

We do not report on occupational injuries by 
gender, as these data have to be collected in 
certain regions anonymously. It is important 
for us to have classification by incident type 
and a detailed analysis of the causes of the 
individual incidents. 

Specific Standard Disclosures          G4-19 

Aspect: Labor / Management 
Relations – Management Approach 

3 

3 

G4-LA4  

Minimum notice 
period(s) regarding 
operational changes 

92 

92 

Aspect: Occupational Health and 
Safety – Management Approach 

1, 6 

54, 55, 96 – 97, 
104, 123 – 126, 
221 

Percentage of total 
workforce represented 
in health and safety 
committees 

G4-LA5  

Injuries, occupational 
diseases, lost days, and 
work-related fatalities 

G4-LA6  

124 – 125 

Workers with high 
incidence or risk of 
diseases 

G4-LA7  

Health and safety topics 
covered in formal 
agreements with trade 
unions 

G4-LA8  

125 

126 

Aspect: Training and Education – 
Management Approach 

52, 86 – 87,  
89 – 91, 222 

G4-LA9  

Average hours of 
training 

90 

Programs that support 
the continued 
employability of 
employees 

Percentage of employees 
receiving regular 
performance and career 
development reviews 

90, 126 

89 – 91 

G4-
LA10 

G4-
LA11 

Aspect: Diversity and  
Equal Opportunity –  
Management Approach 

52, 54, 92 – 93, 
222 

6 

6 

6 

1, 6 

6 

6 

6 

Composition of 
governance bodies and 
breakdown of employees 
by aspects of diversity 

G4-
LA12 

88, 93, 96, 186,  
343 – 345 

We do not report on minorities, as these data 
may not be recorded in some countries on 
grounds of protection of personal rights. 

Aspect: Equal Remuneration  
for Women and Men –  
Management Approach 

93 – 94 

G4-
LA13 

Ratio of basic salary  
and remuneration of 
women to men 

93 – 94 

Aspect: Supplier Assessment  
for Labor Practices –  
Management Approach 

53, 55, 97, 100,  
102 – 103, 221 

We do not report quantitatively on the ratio of 
the basic salary and compensation of women 
to men. Male and female employees at Bayer 
receive equal compensation. It is awarded on 
the basis of qualifications and responsibility. 

Human capital 

X 

Safety 

X 

X 

Human capital 

X 

Human capital 

X 

Human capital 

X 

Supplier 
management 

X 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

357 

Further Information

GRI Content Index

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

Specific Standard Disclosures          G4-19 

Percentage of new 
suppliers that were 
screened using labor 
practices criteria 

G4-
LA14 

102 – 103 

G4-
LA15 

Significant impacts  
for labor practices in  
the supply chain 

102 – 103 

We do not report on the percentage of new 
suppliers screened using labor practices 
criteria because these data are not available. 
We report on the procedure used for 
assessment. 

We do not report in detail on the negative 
impact on labor practices determined during 
supplier assessment. We give details on the 
areas in which corrective measures were 
defined. 

GRI aspect 
limitation 

G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

Aspect: Labor Practices  
Grievance Mechanisms – 
Management Approach 

95, 189 – 190 

Business ethics 

X 

X 

We do not report on the number of grievances 
with respect to the negative impact on labor 
practices. We report on the total number of 
notifications registered with the compliance 
hotline. We internally record the precise 
reason for the grievance, track how it is 
followed up and take corresponding action in 
line with our Group regulation. More detailed 
information on this would constitute a 
business secret. 

We do not report on the number of incidents 
of discrimination. We report on the total 
number of notifications registered with the 
compliance hotline. We internally record the 
precise reason for the grievance, track how it 
is followed up and take corresponding action 
in line with our Group regulation. More 
detailed information on this would constitute a 
business secret. 

Business ethics 

X 

X 

Human capital 

X 

Supplier 
management 

X 

X 

Human capital 

Supplier 
management 

X 

X 

X 

G4-
LA16 

Grievances about  
labor practices 

190 

Human Rights 

Aspect: Non-discrimination – 
Management Approach 

6 

90, 95, 189 – 190 

G4-
HR3  

6 

Incidents of 
discrimination and 
corrective actions taken 

190 

Aspect: Freedom of Association  
and Collective Bargaining – 
Management Approach 

2, 3 

95 – 96, 100, 102, 
189 

Operations and suppliers 
identified in which the 
right to exercise 
freedom of association 
may be violated or at 
risk, and measures taken 

G4-
HR4  

2, 3 

95 – 96, 100, 102 

Aspect: Child Labor –  
Management Approach 

2, 5 

95, 100, 189 

Operations and suppliers 
having significant risk 
for incidents of child 
labor, and measures 
taken 

95, 100 – 102 

G4-
HR5  

2, 5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
358 

Further Information 

GRI Content Index 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

GRI aspect 
limitation 

G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

Specific Standard Disclosures          G4-19 

Aspect: Forced or Compulsory 
Labor – Management Approach 

2, 4 

95, 100, 102, 
189 

Operations and suppliers 
having significant risk 
for incidents of forced or 
compulsory labor, and 
measures taken 

G4-
HR6  

2, 4 

Aspect: Security Practices – 
Management Approach 

G4-
HR7  

Percentage of security 
personnel trained in the 
field of human rights 

Aspect: Supplier Human Rights 
Assessment – Management 
Approach 

Percentage of new 
suppliers that were 
screened using human 
rights criteria 

G4-
HR10 

95, 100, 102 

95 

95 

53, 55, 97, 100, 
102 – 103, 221 

102 – 103 

G4-
HR11 

Significant human rights 
impacts in the supply 
chain 

102 – 103 

1 

1 

2 

2 

2 

1 

Human capital 

Supplier 
management 

X 

X 

X 

Human capital 

X 

Supplier 
management 

X 

We do not report on the percentage of new 
suppliers screened using human rights criteria 
because these data are not available. We 
report on the procedure used for assessment. 

We do not report in detail on the negative 
impact on human rights determined during 
supplier evaluation. We give details on the 
areas in which corrective measures were 
defined. 

Aspect: Human Rights  
Grievance Mechanisms – 
Management Approach 

95, 189 – 190 

Business ethics 

X 

X 

We do not report on the number of formal 
grievances with respect to human rights 
violations.  We report on the total number of 
notifications registered with the compliance 
hotline. We internally record the precise 
reason for the grievance, track how it is 
followed up and take corresponding action in 
line with our Group regulation. More detailed 
information on this would constitute a 
business secret. 

Safety 

X 

X 

Stakeholder 
engagement / 
partnering 

Societal 
engagement 

X 

X 

X 

X 

G4-
HR12 

Grievances about  
human rights impacts 

1 

190 

Society 

Aspect: Local Communities – 
Management Approach 

1 

54, 85, 104, 107, 
123, 126 – 128, 
138, 221 

Percentage of operations 
with implemented local 
community engagement, 
impact assessments, and 
development programs 

Operations with actual 
and potential negative 
impacts on local 
communities 

81 – 82 

126 – 127, 129, 
138 

1 

G4-SO1  

1 

G4-SO2  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

359 

Further Information

GRI Content Index

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

GRI aspect 
limitation 

G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

Business ethics 

X 

X 

Business ethics 

X 

X 

Business ethics 

X 

X 

Business ethics 

X 

X 

Supplier 
management 

X 

Specific Standard Disclosures          G4-19 

Aspect: Anti-corruption – 
Management Approach 

10 

54,  109, 112, 
188 – 191, 216 

Percentage of operations 
assessed for risks related 
to corruption and risks 
identified 

189 – 190 

10 

G4-SO3  

10 

G4-SO4  

Communication  
and training on  
anti-corruption 

191 

10 

G4-SO5  

Confirmed incidents of 
corruption and actions 
taken 

Aspect: Public Policy –  
Management Approach  

10 

190  

65, 83 – 84 

10 

G4-SO6  

Total value of political 
contributions 

84 

We do not report such risks in relation to 
operations but in relation to sales. Complete 
coverage across business units and subgroups 
is key in compliance / anti-corruption in the 
first instance. Areas at risk are monitored more 
frequently than others. 

We do not report quantitatively on training for 
the Board of Management, Supervisory Board 
and business partners. Anti-corruption training 
is performed globally, we therefore do not 
disclose such information explicitly according 
to region.  

We do not report on the number of confirmed 
incidents of corruption. We report on the total 
number of notifications registered with the 
compliance hotline. We internally record the 
precise reason for the grievance, track how it 
is followed up and take corresponding action 
in line with our Group regulation. More 
detailed information on this would constitute a 
business secret. 

Aspect: Anti-competitive Behavior – 
Management Approach 

Legal actions for anti-
competitive behavior, 
anti-trust, and monopoly 
practices 

G4-SO7  

Aspect: Compliance –  
Management Approach 

Fines and sanctions for 
non-compliance with 
laws and regulations 

G4-SO8  

Aspect: Supplier Assessment  
for Impacts on Society – 
Management Approach 

2 

Percentage of new 
suppliers that were 
screened using criteria 
for impacts on society 

G4-SO9  

G4-
SO10 

Negative impacts on 
society in the supply 
chain and actions taken 

Aspect: Grievance Mechanisms  
for Impacts on Society – 
Management Approach 

2 

2, 3 

54, 112,  
188 – 190, 216, 
223 

307, 327, 329 

54, 188 – 191, 
216, 223 

307, 327,  
329 – 331 

53, 55, 97, 100, 
102 – 103, 128, 
221 

102 – 103, 128 

102 – 103, 128 

We do not report on the percentage of new 
suppliers screened using criteria for impact on 
society because these data are not available. 
We report on the procedure used for 
assessment. 

We do not report in detail on the negative 
impact on society determined during supplier 
evaluation. We give details on the areas in 
which corrective measures were defined. 

82, 85, 189 – 190 

Business ethics 

X 

X 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
360 

Further Information 

GRI Content Index 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

Specific Standard Disclosures          G4-19 

GRI aspect 
limitation 

G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

We do not report on the number of formal 
grievances with respect to the negative impact 
on society. We report on the total number of 
notifications registered with the compliance 
hotline. We internally record the precise 
reason for the grievance, track how it is 
followed up and take corresponding action in 
line with our Group regulation. More detailed 
information on this would constitute a 
business secret. 

G4-
SO11 

Number of grievances 
about impacts on society 

190 

2, 3 

Product Responsibility 

Aspect:  
Customer Health and Safety –  
Management Approach 

Percentage of significant 
product and service 
categories for which 
health and safety 
impacts are assessed 

Incidents of non-
compliance with 
regulations and 
voluntary codes 
concerning the health 
and safety impacts of 
products and services 

G4-PR1  

G4-PR2  

54, 55, 112 – 115, 
117 – 119,  
121 – 123,  
220 – 221 

67, 112 – 114,  
117 – 119,  
121 – 123 

We do not report on the number of incidents 
of non-compliance with regulations and 
voluntary codes concerning the health and 
safety impact of products and services. Any 
proceedings on account of violations would be 
reported in the Chapter “Legal Risks.” 

307, 327 – 329 

Sustainable food 
supply 

Product 
stewardship 

 X 

X 

X 

Product 
stewardship 

X 

X 

Aspect: Product and Service 
Labelling – Management Approach 

55, 108 – 114,  
120 

7 

7 

G4-PR3  

Principles / procedures 
for product and service 
information and labelling 

113 – 114, 117, 
120, 122 – 123 

Incidents of non-
compliance with 
regulations and 
voluntary codes 
concerning product  
and service information 
and labeling 

Results of surveys 
measuring customer 
satisfaction 

G4-PR4  

G4-PR5  

Aspect:  
Marketing Communications – 
Management Approach 

G4-PR6  

Sale of banned or 
disputed products 

7 

7 

Incidents of non-
compliance with 
regulations and 
voluntary codes 
concerning marketing 
communications 

G4-PR7  

Aspect: Compliance –  
Management Approach 

327 – 329 

110 – 112 

108 – 109,  
111 – 112 

 115, 122, 123 

327 – 329 

54, 188 – 191, 
216, 223 

We do not report on the number of incidents 
of non-compliance with regulations and 
voluntary codes concerning product and 
service information and labeling. Any 
proceedings on account of violations would be 
reported in the Chapter “Legal Risks.” 

We do not report on the number of incidents 
of noncompliance with regulations and 
voluntary codes concerning marketing 
communications. Any proceedings on account 
of violations would be reported in the Chapter 
“Legal Risks.” 

Product 
stewardship 

X 

X 

Business ethics 

X 

X 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

361 

Further Information

GRI Content Index

UNGC 
Prin- 
ciples 

 G4 Standard Disclosures 

Page 

Comments 

Bayer area of acticivity 

GRI aspect 
limitation 

G4-20      G4-21 

within 

out-
side 

Specific Standard Disclosures          G4-19 

Significant fines 
concerning the provision 
and use of products and 
services 

G4-PR9  

Further G4 Standard Disclosures 

Aspect: Biodiversity –  
Management Approach 

307, 327– 329 

55, 104,  
131 – 132,  
142 – 143 

8 

8 

8 

2 

1 

We use our site register to record all site-
related data (including size). For 
confidentiality reasons, we do not publish any 
size data on our sites, for example. 

G4-
EN11 

Operational sites  
in protected areas 

143 

G4-
EN12 

Impacts on protected 
areas or areas of high 
biodiversity value 

142 – 143 

Significant investment 
agreements and 
contracts that include 
human rights clauses  
or screening 

Employee training on 
human rights issues 

G4-
HR1  

G4-
HR2  

Aspect: Customer Privacy – 
Management Approach 

Substantiated 
complaints regarding 
breaches of customer 
privacy 

G4-PR8  

131 

95 

222  

222 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
362 

Further Information 

Glossary 

Glossary 

B 

Biocides are substances and 
products that control pests 
such as insects, mice and rats, 
as well as algae, fungi and 
bacteria. 

C 

cagr Abbreviation for com-
pound annual growth rate 

Capital invested (ci) Capital 
invested comprises the assets 
on which the company must 
obtain a return by generating 
an appropriate cash inflow; in 
some cases, the cost of ulti-
mately reproducing the assets 
must be earned in addition. 

Cash flow Key indicator for 
assessing a company’s finan-
cial strength; in addition to 
gross cash flow, the statement 
of cash flows also reports the 
cash flow from operating 
activities (net cash flow), 
which shows the amount of 
funds available from operating 
activities for financing invest-
ments, repaying debts or 
distributing dividends. The 
cash flows from investing and 
financing activities are also 
reported. 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Cash flow return on invest-
ment (cfroi) The cfroi is the 
difference between the gross 
cash flow in the reporting 
period and the cost of repro-
ducing depletable assets, 
divided by the capital invest-
ed. The cfroi is thus a meas-
ure of the return on capital 
employed in the reporting 
period. 

Cash value added (cva) This 
is the difference between the 
gross cash flow and the gross 
cash flow hurdle. It is there-
fore the amount by which the 
gross cash flow exceeds the 
return and reproduction re-
quirements. If cva is positive, 
the investors’ return and 
reproduction requirements 
have been satisfied and value 
has been created for the com-
pany. 

cdp (formerly Carbon Disclo-
sure Project) is an indepen-
dent, not-for-profit organiza-
tion that works on behalf of 
analysts and investors to 
promote the transparent re-
porting of greenhouse gas 
emissions and water use 
(Water Disclosure Report) by 
companies. cdp publishes two 
climate rankings each year: 
the Climate Disclosure Lead-
ership Index (cdli) rates the 
extent and quality of the 
disclosure of climate-relevant 
data, while the best-rated 
companies are additionally 
listed in the Climate Perfor-
mance Leadership Index 
(cpli). 

Compounding Tailored opti-
mization of plastic properties 
through admixture of fillers 
and additives 

Conflict minerals are those 
mined in conflict regions. 
They include tin, tungsten and 
tantalum ores, gold or their 
derivatives. Among the re-
gions in which armed conflicts 
over the control of these 
resources occur are the east-
ern part of the Democratic 
Republic of Congo and neigh-
boring countries. 

Continuing operations Reve-
nue and earnings reporting 
for continuing operations 
pertains only to business 
operations that are expected 
to remain in the company’s 
portfolio for the foreseeable 
future; opposite of discontin-
ued operations. 

Core earnings per share 
Earnings per share, plus / 
minus amortization and im-
pairment losses / impairment 
loss reversals of intangible 
assets and impairment losses / 
impairment loss reversals on 
property, plant and equip-
ment, plus special charges, 
minus special gains (other 
than amortization and im-
pairment losses / impairment 
loss reversals), plus / minus 
the related tax effects and the 
share of the adjustments 
attributable to noncontrolling 
interest; this indicator facili-
tates the comparability 
of performance over time. It is 
not defined in the Internation-
al Financial Reporting Stand-
ards. 

(Corporate) compliance 
comprises the observance of 
statutory and company regula-
tions on lawful and responsi-
ble conduct. 

Corporate governance com-
prises the long-term manage-
ment and oversight of the 
company in accordance with 
the principles of responsibility 
and transparency. The Ger-
man Corporate Governance 
Code sets out basic principles 
for the management and 
oversight of listed companies. 

Credit default swaps (cds) 
are tradable insurance con-
tracts used to hedge against 
the default of a borrower. 

D 

Denitrification is the bacterial 
breakdown of nitrate into 
nitrogen and oxygen through 
certain microorganisms 
known as denitrifiers. The 
process is used in biological 
wastewater treatment to break 
down nitrogen compounds. 

Discontinued operations 
Business operations already 
divested or earmarked for 
divestiture in the near future; 
opposite of continuing opera-
tions 

Diversity designates the 
variation within the workforce 
in terms of gender, origin, 
nationality, age, religion and 
physical capability. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

363 

Further Information

Glossary

E 

G 

ebit Income after income 
taxes, plus income taxes, plus 
financial result; ebit is not 
defined in the International 
Financial Reporting Stan-
dards. 

ebit before special items 
ebit plus special charges, 
minus special gains; this 
indicator is not defined in the 
International Financial Report-
ing Standards. 

ebitda ebit plus the amorti-
zation of intangible assets and 
the depreciation of property,  
plant and equipment, plus 
impairment losses and minus 
impairment loss reversals, 
recognized in profit or loss 
during the reporting period; 
this indicator is not defined in 
the International Financial 
Reporting Standards. 

ebitda before special items 
ebitda plus special charges, 
minus special gains; this 
indicator is not defined in the 
International Financial Report-
ing Standards. 

ebitda margin before special 
items The ebitda margin 
before special items is calcu-
lated by dividing ebitda be-
fore special items by sales. 
This indicator is not defined in 
the International Financial 
Reporting Standards. 

emtn program The multi-
currency European Medium 
Term Notes (emtn) program 
is a documentation platform 
that enables Bayer to raise 
capital by quickly issuing debt 
on the global capital market. 
Maturities, currencies and 
conditions can be very flexi-
bly designed. 

F 

fgd gypsum is a by-product 
of flue-gas desulfurization 
(fgd). 

Foreign exchange Claims for 
payments in foreign curren-
cies traded on foreign stock 
exchanges, usually in the  
form of assets held in foreign 
banks or bills of exchange or  
checks payable abroad; bank-
notes and coins denominated 
in foreign currencies are not  
considered to be foreign 
exchange. 

Fx & p adj. Abbreviation for 
currency- and portfolio-
adjusted  

ghg protocol The Greenhouse 
Gas Protocol Corporate Stan-
dard is an internationally 
recognized standard for the 
recording and reporting of 
greenhouse gas emissions. It 
covers direct (Scope 1) and 
indirect (Scope 2) greenhouse 
gas emissions relating to a 
company’s value-added chain, 
as well as emissions resulting 
from third-party and acquired 
upstream services (Scope 3). 
Dual reporting was introduced 
in 2015 with the updating of 
the ghg guidelines for Scope 
2. Indirect emissions have 
now to be reported using both 
the location-based and the 
market-based methods. The 
location-based method uses 
regional or national average 
emissions factors, while the 
market-based method applies 
provider- or product-specific 
emissions factors based on 
contractual instruments. 

Global commercial paper 
program Commercial paper 
(cp) issued under Bayer’s 
program is a short-term, 
unsecured debt instrument 
normally issued at a discount 
and redeemed at nominal 
value. It is a flexible way of 
obtaining short-term funding 
on the capital market. Bayer’s 
commercial paper program 
allows the company to issue 
commercial paper on both the 
u.s. and European markets. 

globalg.a.p is a globally 
recognized quality assurance 
system in the agriculture in-
dustry that is focused on food 
safety and good agricultural 
practice. It employs modular 
and customer-specific solu-
tions for the certification and 
inspection of agricultural 
enterprises and the estab-
lishment of training pro-
grams. globalg.a.p standards 
focus on product safety, envi-
ronmental compatibility and 
the health, safety and well-
being of people and animals.  

gri (Global Reporting Initia-
tive) is a nonprofit organiza-
tion that works to promote the 
dissemination and optimiza-
tion of sustainability report-
ing. The gri guidelines are 
considered the most frequent-
ly used and internationally 
most recognized standard for 
sustainability reporting. These 
guidelines are evolved in a 
multi-stakeholder process. gri 
was established in 1997 by 
ceres (Coalition for Environ-
mentally Responsible Econo-
mies) and unep (United  
Nations Environment Pro-
gramme). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
364 

Further Information 

Glossary 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

I 

L 

Gross cash flow Income after 
income taxes, plus income 
taxes, plus financial result, 
minus income taxes paid or 
accrued, plus depreciation, 
amortization and impairment 
losses, minus impairment loss 
reversals, plus / minus changes 
in pension provisions, minus 
gains / plus losses on retire-
ments of noncurrent assets, 
minus gains from the remeas-
urement of already held assets 
in step acquisitions; the 
change in pension provisions 
includes the elimination of 
noncash components of ebit. 
It also contains benefit pay-
ments during the year. This 
indicator is not defined in the 
International Financial Report-
ing Standards. 

Gross cash flow (gcf) hurdle 
The gcf hurdle is the gross 
cash flow that needs to be 
generated to satisfy investors’ 
return and reproduction re-
quirements. 

GxP is a collective term for all 
guidelines that govern “good 
working practice” and are 
particularly relevant for the 
fields of medicine, pharmacy 
and pharmaceutical chemistry. 
The “g” stands for “Good” and 
the “p” for “Practice,” while 
the “x” in the middle is re-
placed by the respective ab-
breviation for the specific area 
of application – such as Good 
Manufacturing Practice (gmp), 
Good Laboratory Practice 
(glp), Good Clinical Practice 
(gcp) or Good Agricultural 
Practice (gap). These guide-
lines are established by insti-
tutions such as the European 
Medicines Agency or the u.s. 
Food and Drug Administra-
tion. 

H 

hseq stands for health, safety, 
environment and quality. 

Hybrid bond A hybrid bond is 
a corporate bond with equity-
equivalent properties, usually 
with either no maturity date or 
a very long maturity. Due to 
its subordination, it has a 
lower likelihood of repayment 
than a normal bond in the 
event of issuer bankruptcy. 

ilo core labor standards The 
eight core labor standards of 
the ilo (International Labour 
Organization) that define the 
minimum requirements for 
humane working conditions 
are internationally recognized 
“qualitative social standards.” 
They represent universal 
human rights that are deemed 
valid in all countries regard-
less of their economic devel-
opment status. 

Innovative Medicine Initia-
tive (imi) is a public-private 
partnership developed by the 
European Commission and the 
European Federation of Phar-
maceutical Industries and 
Associations (efpia) with the 
goal of promoting biomedical 
research in Europe. imi fi-
nances research projects 
aimed at overcoming the 
major bottlenecks in the re-
search and development of 
new pharmaceuticals. The 
partnership provides funding 
to project participants from 
academic institutes, small and 
medium-sized businesses, 
patient organizations and 
other institutions. The phar-
maceutical industry contrib-
utes to these projects by donat-
ing capacities and resources. 

Life Sciences Field of activi-
ties comprising particularly 
health care and agriculture;  
at Bayer this refers to the 
activities of the Pharmaceuti-
cals, Consumer Health and 
Crop Science divisions and the 
Animal Health business unit. 

N 

Neonicotinoids Chemical 
class of systemic insecticides 

O 

otc At Bayer, otc (over-the-
counter) medicines are those 
obtainable without a prescrip-
tion. In finance, otc repre-
sents trade between financial 
market participants outside of 
an organized exchange. otc 
transactions are nevertheless 
subject to securities trading 
laws. 

P 

Pharmacovigilance is defined 
as the science of, and activi-
ties related to, the identifica-
tion, assessment, comprehen-
sion and prevention of side 
effects or other problems 
associated with pharmaceuti-
cal products.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bayer Annual Report 2015 

365 

Further Information

Glossary

R 

W 

Phase i-iv studies are clinical 
phases in the development of 
a drug product. The active 
ingredient candidate is gener-
ally tested in healthy subjects 
in Phase i, and in patients in 
Phases ii and iii. The studies 
test the therapeutic tolerabil-
ity and efficacy of active in-
gredients in a specific indica-
tion. Phase iv studies are 
conducted following the ap-
proval of a new drug product 
to monitor its safety and effi-
cacy over an extended period 
of time. The studies are sub-
ject to strict legal require-
ments and documentation 
procedures. 

Price / cash flow ratio The 
price / cash flow ratio is the 
ratio of the share price to 
gross cash flow per share. It 
shows how long it would take 
for the company’s cash flow to 
cover the share price. 

Price / earnings ratio This is 
the ratio of the current share 
price to earnings per share 
(eps). A high price / earnings 
ratio indicates that the market 
assigns a high value to the 
stock in the expectation of 
future earnings growth. 

3rs principle (replace, re-
duce, refine) Replace: prior to 
each project, Bayer checks 
whether an approved method 
is available that does not rely 
on animal studies and then 
applies it. Reduce: in case no 
alternative method exists, only 
as many animals are used as 
are needed to achieve scientif-
ically meaningful results 
based on statutory require-
ments. Refine: Bayer ensures 
that animal studies are per-
formed in a way that mini-
mizes the animals’ suffering. 

re-diss (Reliable Disclosure 
Systems for Europe) is a 
project aimed at the Europe-
wide coordination of electrici-
ty disclosure information to 
avoid double counting. 

S 

Short-Term Incentive pro-
gram (sti program) is a vari-
able income component for all 
managerial staff. 

Significant locations of oper-
ation A selection of countries 
that account for about 68%  
of total Bayer Group sales 
(United States, Puerto Rico, 
Germany, China, Brazil, Japan, 
Canada, Italy, U.K., Ireland, 
Mexico, Poland, Czech Repub-
lic, Slovakia, Hungary, Spain, 
Portugal) 

Syndicated credit facility 
Credit line agreed with a 
group of banks; generally 
used for extensive financing 
requirements, such as when 
making an acquisition, to 
increase available liquidity or 
as security for the issuance of 
debt instruments. The credit 
facility can be utilized and 
repaid flexibly, either in full or 
in portions, during its term. 

U 

ungc (United Nations Global 
Compact) The un Global 
Compact is a strategic policy 
initiative for businesses that 
are committed to aligning 
their operations and strategies 
with ten universally accepted 
principles in the areas of 
human rights, labor, environ-
ment and anticorruption. By 
doing so, business – as a 
primary driver of globalization 
– can help ensure that mar-
kets, commerce, technology 
and finance advance in ways 
that benefit economies and 
societies everywhere. By 
committing to the ungc, com-
panies agree to document 
each year their efforts to 
uphold the ten principles.  

Weighted average cost of 
capital (wacc) The weighted 
average cost of capital (wacc) 
represents the return ex-
pected by investors on the 
capital invested in the compa-
ny. It is computed as a 
weighted average of the cost 
of equity and debt. The cost of 
equity is derived from capital 
market information and repre-
sents the return expected by 
stockholders, while the cost of 
debt represents the conditions 
at which the company can 
borrow money over the long 
term. 

Working capital is the differ-
ence between short-term 
current assets and short-term 
liabilities; it is calculated by 
deducting short-term liabili-
ties from current assets (ex-
cluding cash and cash equiva-
lents). In financial accounting, 
the change in working capital 
is one of the variables used to 
assess a company’s financial 
health. The objective of work-
ing capital management is to 
reduce working capital by 
minimizing the “financing 
gap” caused by the time lapse 
between the disbursement of 
funds (= payment for neces-
sary raw materials) and the 
receipt of funds for the fin-
ished product. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
366 

Combined Management Report 

Financial Calendar 

Bayer Annual Report 2015

Financial Calendar 

q1 2016 Interim Report 

April 26, 2016 

Annual Stockholders’ Meeting 2016 

April 29, 2016 

Planned dividend payment date 

q2 2016 Interim Report 

q3 2016 Interim Report 

2016 Annual Report 

q1 2017 Interim Report 

May 2, 2016 

July 27, 2016 

October 26, 2016 

February 22, 2017 

April 27, 2017 

Annual Stockholders’ Meeting 2017 

April 28, 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Masthead

Publisher
Bayer AG, 51368 Leverkusen,
Germany

Editor
Jörg Schäfer, Tel. +49 214 30 39136
email: joerg.schaefer@bayer.com

Investor Relations
Peter Dahlhoff, Tel. +49 214 30 33022
email: peter.dahlhoff@bayer.com

Date of publication
Thursday, February 25, 2016 

Environment & Sustainability
Dagmar Jost, Tel. +49 214 30 75284
email: dagmar.jost@bayer.com

English edition
Currenta GmbH & Co. ohg
Language Service

issn 0343 / 1975

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Forward-Looking Statements 
This Annual Report may contain forward-looking 
statements based on current assumptions and 
forecasts made by Bayer management. Various 
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and 
other factors could lead to material differences 
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tion, development or performance of the compa-
ny and the estimates given here. These factors 
include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports 

which are available on the Bayer website at 
http://www.bayer.com/. The company assumes 
no liability whatsoever to update these forward- 
looking statements or to conform them to future 
events or developments. 

Legal Notice
The product names designated with ™ are 
brands of the Bayer Group or our distribution 
partners and are registered  trademarks in  
many countries.