SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 -------------- FORM 6-K Report of Foreign Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of August, 2003 -------------- Bayer Aktiengesellschaft (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Bayerwerk, Gebaude W1 D-51368 Leverkusen Germany (Address of principal executive offices) -------------- Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F X Form 40-F --- Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes No X --- If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- N/A EXHIBIT INDEX ------------- 1. Press release dated June 10, 2003 2. Press release dated June 13, 2003 3. Press release dated June 27, 2003 4. Press release dated June 30, 2003 5. Press release dated July 22, 2003 6. Press release dated o, 2003 7. Interim Report for First Half 2003 8. Press release dated August 6, 2003 9. Press release dated August 6, 2003 Exhibit 1 Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Herewith we would like to inform you that the next Baycol update is now available on our website: www.investor.bayer.com Leverkusen, June 10, 2003 Bayer AG, Investor Relations contacts: Dr. Alexander Rosar (+49-214-30-81013) Dr. Juergen Beunink (+49-214-30-65742) Peter Dahlhoff (+49-214-30-33022) Judith Nestmann (+49-214-30-66836) Exhibit 2 Bayer: Moody's downgrade incomprehensible ----------------------------------------- Debt reduction target exceeded, operating profit expected to grow ----------------------------------------------------------------- Leverkusen - Bayer regrets the decision by the ratings agency Moody's to cut the Bayer Group's credit rating by one notch from A2 to A3. The company fails to understand the reasons for the downgrade, particularly as its balance sheet ratios have greatly improved in the period since the Aventis CropScience acquisition. Thanks to strong cash flow generation, the Group significantly exceeded its published debt reduction target for 2002. We anticipate a further significant reduction in net debt in 2003, along with a double-digit percentage increase in operating performance. Our efficiency programs are fully on schedule. Apart from this change in the long-term rating, Moody's has also cut the short-term rating from Prime-1 to Prime-2. This downgrade is incomprehensible in that Bayer has a strong liquidity position, with the Group's liquidity well in excess of total current liabilities. Therefore the downgrade will have only a very limited impact on Bayer's interest charges. Leverkusen, June 13, 2003 Bayer AG, Investor Relations contacts: Dr. Alexander Rosar (+49-214-30-81013) Dr. Juergen Beunink (+49-214-30-65742) Peter Dahlhoff (+49-214-30-33022) Judith Nestmann (+49-214-30-66836) Forward-looking statements This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F). The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. Exhibit 3 Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, We would like to inform you that the next Baycol update is now available on our website: www.investor.bayer.com Leverkusen, June 27, 2003 Bayer AG, Investor Relations contacts: Dr. Alexander Rosar (+49-214-30-81013) Dr. Juergen Beunink (+49-214-30-65742) Peter Dahlhoff (+49-214-30-33022) Judith Nestmann (+49-214-30-66836) Exhibit 4 Bayer filed new Form 20-F ------------------------- Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Our new Form 20-F, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2003, is now available for download from the companies IR website at www.investor.bayer.com Printed hardcopies of the document are available on request. Leverkusen, June 30, 2003 Bayer AG, Investor Relations contacts: Dr. Alexander Rosar (+49-214-30-81013) Dr. Juergen Beunink (+49-214-30-65742) Peter Dahlhoff (+49-214-30-33022) Judith Nestmann (+49-214-30-66836) Exhibit 5 Q2 / 2003 Consensus Estimates ----------------------------- Ladies and Gentlemen, We like to thank you for providing us with your Q2/ 2003 estimates for Bayer. The calculated consensus is based on estimates contributed by 20 major banks. All consensus numbers are quoted in million Euros. Average High/Low ------- -------- Sales 7,321 7,589 / 6,805 Reported EBIT 466 727 / 310 Pre-tax income 279 547 / 145 EPS (Euro/share) 0.23 0.49 / 0.12 Best regards, Bayer AG Investor Relations Team Leverkusen, July 22, 2003 Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F). The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. Exhibit 6 Q2 / 2003 PUBLICATION SCHEDULE ------------------------------ Ladies and Gentlemen, For the release of our Q2/2003 figures we set up the following schedule: Wednesday, August 6, 2003 ------------------------- 7:30 a.m. CEST: Q2 / 2003 statement 6:30 a.m. BST The Shareholder's Newsletter will be available on the internet at: www.investor.bayer.com (english) www.investor.bayer.de (german) 7:00 p.m. CEST: Half-year Investor Conference 6:00 p.m. BST London, One Whitehall Place See details below Live broadcast (English only) available on the internet at: www.live.bayer.com (english) www.live.bayer.de (german) Thursday, August 7, 2003 ------------------------ 9:00 a.m. CEST: On-demand version of the conference webcast (english only) 8:00 a.m. BST Available on the internet at: www.live.bayer.com (english) www.live.bayer.de (german) Best regards, Bayer AG, Investor Relations contacts: Dr. Alexander Rosar (+49-214-30-81013) Dr. Juergen Beunink (+49-214-30-65742) Peter Dahlhoff (+49-214-30-33022) Judith Nestmann (+49-214-30-66836) Exhibit 7 Stockholders' Newsletter 2003 Interim Report for the First Half Second-quarter EBIT up 80 percent to (euro)454 million EBIT up 40 percent to (euro)1,529 million in the first half Negative currency effects on sales largely neutralized Bayer ended the first half of 2003 with a 40 percent increase in the operating result (EBIT) despite the continuing weakness of the global economy. Earnings growth was driven mainly by the performances of the Pharmaceuticals/ Biological Products, CropScience and Polyurethanes/Coatings/Fibers segments and by the efficiency programs implemented in all parts of the company. However, any stimulus to our business from the economic upswing anticipated after the end of the Iraq war has so far failed to materialize. With oil prices stable, financial markets showing a modest recovery and many countries adopting an expansionary monetary and fiscal policy, the conditions for economic recovery have been created. However, neither consumer nor corporate confidence is yet well enough entrenched to trigger a recovery in industrial demand. Bayer Group sales declined by 3.3 percent, or (euro)248 million, year-on-year in the second quarter of 2003, to (euro)7,256 million, due mainly to the effects of currency translation. In local currencies, sales expanded by 7.3 percent, driven by increases in both prices and volumes. First-half sales dipped by 0.8 percent after translation, but grew by 9.8 percent in local currencies. Bayer Group Highlights (euro) million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change Sales 7,504 7,256 -3.3% 14,737 14,612 -0.8% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 233 0 456 0 Change in sales ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Volume - 2% + 4% - 2% + 4% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Price - 4% + 3 - 4% + 1% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Currency -4% -11% - 2% - 11% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portfolio changes + 3% + 1% - 2% + 5% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA 1 1,034 1,100 +6.4% 2,522 2,882 + 14.3% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating results (EBIT) 252 454 +80.2% 1,092 1,529 + 40.0% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 21 0 43 0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which special items (84) 17 273 272 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 3.4% 6.3% 7.4% 10.5% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income 293 128 -56.3% 816 714 - 12.5% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share ((euro)) 0.40 0.18 1.12 0.98 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow 2 761 1,089 + 43.1% 1,595 2,491 + 56.2% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow per share ((euro)) 1.04 1.49 2.18 3.41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow 3 1,093 967 - 11.5% 1,333 1,130 - 15.2% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital expenditures 486 324 - 33.3% 1,016 800 - 21.3% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Depreciation and amortization 782 646 - 17.4% 1,430 1,353 - 5.4% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 127,800 117,500 - 8.1% Number of employees (as of June 30) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Personnel expenses 2,018 2,033 + 0.7% 3,966 3,958 - 0.2% 1 EBITDA = operating result (EBIT) plus depreciation and amortization 2 Gross cash flow = operating result (EBIT) plus depreciation and amortization, less gains on retirements of noncurrent assets, less income taxes, and adjusted for changes in long-term provisions 3 Net cash flow = cash flow from operating activities according to IAS 7 EBIT jumped by 80.2 percent to (euro)454 million in the second quarter. Before special items, EBIT improved by (euro)101 million or 30.1 percent, with the Pharmaceuticals/Biological Products and Polyurethanes/Coatings/Fibers segments making particularly strong contributions. EBIT for the first half of 2003 rose by (euro)437 million to (euro)1,529 million. There was also an encouraging improvement in gross cash flow, which grew 43.1 percent in the second quarter, to (euro)1,089 million, and 56.2 percent in the first half, to (euro)2,491 million. Second-quarter net income fell by 56.3 percent compared with the same period of 2002, to (euro)128 million, though it should be borne in mind that the previous year's figure was boosted by a (euro)269 million tax-free gain from the sale of Bayer's remaining interest in Agfa-Gevaert. Net income in the first half of 2003 was down by 12.5 percent to (euro)714 million. Net Sales (euro million) 02Q1 03Q1 02Q2 03Q2 02Q3 02Q4 Doesmtic 2,106 2,094 2,127 1,990 1,985 2,011 Foreign 5,127 5,262 5,377 5,266 5,474 5,417 Operating Result (EBIT) (euro million) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 02 840 252 848 (362) 03 1,075 454 Gross Cash Flow (euro million) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 02 834 761 601 820 03 1,402 1,089 Net Cash Flow (euro million) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 02 240 1,093 1,397 1,690 03 163 967 Performance by Business Area -- 2nd Quarter of 2003 (euro million) Operating Gross Net Sales Result (EBIT) Cash Flor Cash Flow HealthCare 2,204 379 450 112 CropScience 1,567 33 203 734 Polymers 2,451 69 245 51 Chemicals 871 2 92 51 Performance by Business Area -- 1st Half of 2003 (euro million) Operating Gross Net Sales Result (EBIT) Cash Flor Cash Flow HealthCare 4,312 859 918 445 CropScience 3,228 476 720 542 Polymers 5,003 143 546 152 Chemicals 1,743 40 192 68 PERFORMANCE BY BUSINESS AREA Our business activities are grouped together in the HealthCare, CropScience, Polymers and Chemicals business areas, comprising the following reporting segments: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Business Area Segments -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Biological Products; Consumer Care, Diagnostics; Animal Health -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CropScience CropScience -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Polymers Plastics, Rubber; Polyurethanes, Coatings, Fibers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chemicals Chemicals -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HealthCare Sales of the Pharmaceuticals and Biological Products segment in the second quarter of 2003 were 2.0 percent above the same period of last year, at (euro)1,190 million. In local currencies, sales grew by 15.2 percent. This increase was due particularly to first shipments of ciprofloxacin to Barr Laboratories in the United States. In addition, sales of the Factor VIII drug Kogenate(R) grew significantly, thanks largely to improved product availability. Sales of our plasma products in the United States were hampered chiefly by pressure on prices. Although sales of the anti-infective Avalox(R) / Avelox(R) showed a year-on-year decline in the second quarter, this was mainly attributable to inventory management effects and seasonal factors. In the first half overall, Avalox(R) /Avelox(R) posted strong growth from the previous year. EBIT increased in the second quarter by 43.1 percent to (euro)146 million, mainly due to higher sales of Ciprobay(R) /Cipro(R) and Kogenate(R) and improved cost structures. The (euro)378 million drop in net cash flow, to minus (euro)152 million, was attributable largely to disbursements of (euro)231 million following the settlement reached with U.S. authorities in the context of an investigation into pharmaceutical product prices. The market introduction of our new erectile dysfunction drug Levitra(R) is proceeding on schedule. In Europe, Levitra(R) is already on the market in 16 countries, three months after its registration. We expect to receive marketing authorization for the product in the United States in the third quarter of 2003. HealthCare (euro)million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales 2,350 2,204 -6.2% 4,760 4,312 -9.4% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proportion of Group sales 31.3% 30.4% 32.3% 29.5% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA* 405 503 +24.2% 799 1,108 +38.7% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 248 379 +52.8% 478 859 +79.7% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which special items 53 96 49 296 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 10.6% 17.2% 10.0% 19.9% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow* 245 450 +83.7% 511 918 +79.6% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow* 346 112 -67.6% 342 445 +30.1% * for definition see Bayer Group Highlights on page __ Following the first two successfully concluded Baycol(R) trials in Texas and Mississippi in March and April of this year, the number of rhabdomyolysis cases resolved by settlement increased substantially. As of August 1, 2003, 1,211 cases had been settled for payments totaling (euro)378 million (US$ 432 million). Moreover, Bayer is in settlement negotiations with several hundred further plaintiffs. Bayer remains willing to settle those cases in which plaintiffs suffered serious side-effects due to our product. As of August 1, 2003 approximately 10,100 cases remain pending. Where facts have been developed in the course of the litigation it so far appears that the vast majority of plaintiffs did not suffer serious side-effects. Should the U.S. plaintiffs in the Baycol(R) litigation or in the phenylpropanolamine (PPA) product liability litigation substantially prevail despite the existing meritorious defenses, it is possible that Bayer could face payments that exceed its insurance coverage. The same is true should an unexpectedly sharp increase in settlement cases occur in the Baycol(R) litigation. PPA, which was widely used as an active ingredient in appetite suppressants and cough-and-cold medications by many manufacturers, was voluntarily replaced by Bayer and other producers in the U.S. in 2000 after a recommendation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pharmaceuticals, Biological Products (euro)million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales 1,167 1,190 +2.0% 2,424 2,321 -4.2% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proportion of Group sales 15.6% 15.4% 16.4% 15.9% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pharmaceuticals 921 930 +1.0% 1,922 1,811 -5.8% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Biological Products 246 260 +5.7% 502 510 +1.6% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA* 173 202 +16.8% 377 456 +21.0% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 102 146 +43.1% 225 345 +53.3% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which special items 64 (23) 61 (3) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 8.7% 12.3% 9.3% 14.9% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow* 71 194 +173.2% 185 381 +105.9% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow* 226 (152) o 159 (45) o * for definition see Bayer Group Highlights on page __ Best-Selling HealthCare Products (euro)million 2nd Quarter 2003 Change 1st Half 2003 Change Ciprobay(R)/Cipro(R)(Pharmaceuticals) 443 +20% 779 + 1% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adalat(R)Pharmaceuticals 184 -22% 338 -24% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aspirin(R)(Consumer Care/ Pharmaceuticals) 151 +4% 286 -2% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kogenate(R)(Biological Products) 106 +33% 215 +31% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ascensia(R)(Elite Diagnostics) 96 -28% 199 -22% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADVIA(R)Centaur System (Diagnostics) 91 +8% 180 +13% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avalox(R)/Avelox(R)(Pharmaceuticals) 31 -30% 139 +24% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gamimune(R)N (Biological Products) 78 0% 138 -10% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Glucobay(R)(Pharmaceuticals) 65 -7% 135 -7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advantage(R)(Animal Health) 67 +24% 107 +16% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 1,312 +1% 2,516 -3% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proportion of HealthCare sales 60% 58% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Business in the Consumer Care and Diagnostics segment decreased by 17.6 percent in the second quarter to (euro)800 million, though in local currencies there was only a 4.2 percent decline. Sales were diminished by the divestiture of the household insecticides business. Adjusted for the effect of this divestiture, sales in local currencies posted an increase. Business with the ADVIA(R) Centaur and DCA 2000(R) laboratory diagnostic systems was encouraging. Sales of Rapidpoint(R) 400 systems, which offer innovative diagnostic techniques for the lung disease SARS, also expanded considerably. Business in products for self-testing was unsatisfactory as a result of intense competitive pressure. We believe we can regain market share in this area through new product introductions. Volumes were up markedly in the Consumer Care Division, with growth in sales of the recently launched One-A-Day Weight Smart(R) in the United States along with increases for Alka-Seltzer Plus(R) effervescent tablets. Second-quarter EBIT improved by (euro)85 million to (euro)188 million, thanks to (euro)122 million in proceeds from the divestiture of further parts of the household insecticides business. Earnings in Diagnostics were sharply down due to the weakness of the self-testing business and the cost of integrating the Visible Genetics acquisition. Consumer Care, Diagnostics (euro)million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales 971 800 -17.6% 1,921 1,598 -16.8% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proportion of Group sales 12.9% 11.0% 13.0% 10.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consumer Care 463 340 -26.6% 928 690 -25.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diagnostics 508 460 -9.4% 993 908 -8.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA* 180 248 +37.8% 311 552 +77.5% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 103 188 +82.5% 160 429 +168.1% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which special items (11) 118 (12) 297 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 10.6% 23.5% 8.3% 26.8% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow* 123 208 +69.1% 234 449 +91.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow* 93 242 +160.2% 165 448 +171.5% * for definition see Bayer Group Highlights on page __ Animal Health (euro)million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales 212 214 +0.9% 415 393 -5.3% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proportion of Group sales 2.8% 2.9% 2.8% 2.7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA* 52 53 +1.9% 111 100 -9.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 43 45 +4.7% 93 85 -8.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which special items 0 1 0 2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 20.3% 21.0% 22.4% 21.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow* 51 48 -5.9% 92 88 -4.3% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow* 27 22 -18.5% 18 42 +133.3% * for definition see Bayer Group Highlights on page __ Sales of the Animal Health segment rose by 0.9 percent in the second quarter to (euro)214 million. In local currencies, sales grew by 15.1 percent, helped by the successful U.S. launch of our anti-parasitic treatment Advantix(R). EBIT for the second quarter, at (euro)45 million, slightly exceeded the already high level of the previous year. CropScience Sales of the CropScience subgroup grew by 44.7 percent, or (euro)484 million, in the second quarter to (euro)1,567 million due to the acquisition of Aventis CropScience (ACS). As in the first three months, sales in the second quarter were hampered considerably by negative currency effects. Total first-half sales rose by 65.6 percent, or (euro)1,279 million, to (euro)3,228 million. Our market position held up well during the integration of ACS, which continues to proceed on schedule. CropScience (euro)million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales 1,083 1,567 +44.7% 1,949 3,228 +65.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proportion of Group sales 14.4% 21.6% 13.2% 22.1% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insecticides* 358 761 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fungicides* 333 660 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Herbicides* 540 1,073 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seed Treatment/Environmental Science/BioScience* 336 734 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA** 151 228 +51.0% 354 869 +145.5% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 22 33 +50.0% 166 476 +186.7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which special items 0 (49) 0 (15) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 2.0% 2.1% 8.5% 14.7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow** 154 203 +31.8% 261 720 +175.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow** 498 734 +47.4% 329 542 +64.7% * 2002 sales figures for product group are not available. ** for definition see Bayer Group Highlights on page __ Business in the United States benefited from sales gains in local currency for corn herbicides and insecticides. Sales in Japan and South Korea were below expectations. In South America we were encouraged by continuing indications that the economy is stabilizing. In Europe we gained market share despite a difficult business environment caused by the continuing drought conditions and lower demand for fungicides. EBIT increased by (euro)11 million in the second quarter of 2003, to (euro)33 million. While earnings in the first quarter had been boosted by seasonal business in high-margin products and special gains from product divestments made to comply with antitrust conditions, second-quarter earnings were hampered by sales declines, special charges totaling (euro)49 million and further substantial integration charges. Despite a comparatively weak second quarter, earnings remain on target, with EBIT at (euro)476 million for the first half and EBITDA at (euro)869 million, giving an EBITDA margin of 26.9 percent. Gross cash flow for the second quarter was (euro)203 million, with net cash flow rising to (euro)734 million thanks to a (euro)531 million reduction in working capital. Polymers In the Plastics and Rubber segment, second-quarter sales dropped by 13.5 percent to (euro)1,188 million, with a 5.0 percent decline before currency translations. Styrenics sales in Europe decreased due to lower demand and growing competition from Asian producers. By contrast, polycarbonate volumes remained steady despite excess capacities in the market. Sales of certain technical rubber products receded in Europe. The pressure on margins already evident in the first three months intensified in the second quarter, with raw material costs remaining very high and only limited opportunities arising for passing them along to customers. Against this background, EBIT fell to (euro)6 million after a (euro)30 million gain from the sale of PolymerLatex. Polymers (euro)million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change Sales 2,664 2,451 -8.0% 5,277 5,003 -5.2% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proportion of Group sales 35.5% 33.8% 35.8% 34.2% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA* 336 262 -22.0% 632 582 -7.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 15 69 o 36 143 o ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which special items (126) (19) (185) (32) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 0.6% 2.8% 0.7% 2.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow* 299 245 -18.1% 549 546 -0.5% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow* 244 51 -79.1% 459 152 -66.9% * for definition see Bayer Group Highlights on page __ Plastics, Rubber (euro)million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change Sales 1,374 1,188 -13.5% 2,638 2,460 -6.7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proportion of Group sales 18.3% 16.4% 17.9% 16.8% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thermoplastic Polymers 784 698 -11.0% 1,475 1,419 -3.8% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rubber Polymers 590 490 -16.9% 1,163 1,041 -10.5% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA* 120 89 -25.8% 243 200 -17.7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 22 6 -72.7% 31 9 -71.0% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which special items (64) 7 (61) 7 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 1.6% 0.5% 1.2% 0.4% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow* 95 68 -28.4% 199 166 -16.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow* 59 (172) o 164 (113) o ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Polyurethanes, Coatings, Fibers (euro)million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales 1,290 1,263 -2.1% 2,639 2,543 -3.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proportion of Group sales 17.2% 17.4% 17.9% 17.4% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Polyurethane Materials 783 786 +0.4% 1,602 1,563 -2.4% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coatings Materials 507 477 -5.9% 1,037 980 -5.5% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA* 216 173 -19.9% 389 382 -1.8% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) (7) 63 o 5 134 o ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which special items (62) (26) (124) (39) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales (0.5)% 5.0% 0.2% 5.3% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow* 204 177 -13.2% 350 380 +8.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow* 185 223 +20.5% 295 265 -10.2% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * for definition see Bayer Group Highlights on page __ Chemicals (euro)million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales 1,187 871 -26.6% 2,345 1,743 -25.7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 233 0 456 0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proportion of Group sales 15.8% 12.0% 15.9% 11.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Industrial Chemicals 262 257 -1.9% 512 501 -2.1% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Custom Manufacturing 57 39 -31.6% 115 94 -18.3% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Functional Chemicals 135 139 +3.0% 264 272 +3.0% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Process Chemicals 234 186 -20.5% 466 378 -18.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- H.C. Starck 159 147 -7.5% 317 284 -10.4% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wolff Walsrode 61 59 -3.3% 117 114 -2.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Others 279 44 -84.2% 554 100 -81.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA* 140 76 -45.7% 298 185 -37.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 32 2 -93.8% 91 40 -56.0% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which special items (12) (11) (45) (13) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 2.7% 0.2% 3.9% 2.3% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow* 122 92 -24.6% 239 192 -19.7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow* 147 51 -65.3% 216 68 -68.5% * for definition see Bayer Group Highlights on page __ Business in the Polyurethanes, Coatings and Fibers segment dipped by 2.1 percent to (euro)1,263 million. Sales in local currencies improved by 7.8 percent, leading to high capacity utilization, particularly in the MDI product segment. Pressure on prices has intensified again in recent months, especially in Asia. EBIT improved by (euro)70 million in the second quarter to (euro)63 million, chiefly as a result of optimized cost structures. This figure contains charges totaling (euro)49 million for termination of the joint venture Bayer-Shell Isocyanates N.V. (BSI) and personnel adjustments. Chemicals Sales of the Chemicals segment fell by 26.6 percent in the second quarter to (euro)871 million. Measured in local currencies, sales decreased by 19.6 percent. The decline was attributable to the divestiture of Haarmann & Reimer on September 30, 2002 and other portfolio effects. The Functional Chemicals product segment achieved gratifying growth in volumes, while business in Process Chemicals was down. Sales of H.C. Starck also declined, particularly due to the weak economy in the electronics sector. EBIT for the second quarter fell to (euro)2 million. Performance by Region -- 2nd Quarter of 2003 (by point of origin) (euro million) Latin America/ Africa/ Europe North Africa Asia/Pacific Middle East Sales 3,443 2,317 965 531 Operating result (EBIT) 157 130 94 135 Performance by Region -- 1st Half of 2003 (by point of origin) (euro million) Latin America/ Africa/ Europe North Africa Asia/Pacific Middle East Sales 7,154 4,499 1,933 1,026 Operating result (EBIT) 993 216 198 233 PERFORMANCE BY REGION The economy of the euro zone remains weak, with the E.U. performing less well than any other region. The economies of central and eastern Europe continue to expand but are being held back by the slow pace of growth in western Europe. Sales of our European companies fell by 2.1 percent or (euro)73 million in the second quarter of 2003, to (euro)3,443 million. EBIT dropped by 34.3 percent to (euro)157 million, or by 17.9 percent if special items are disregarded. Business developed well in the other regions, with substantial local-currency sales growth in some cases. Our companies in North America saw sales rise 16.7 percent in the second quarter despite the sluggishness of the U.S. economy in the wake of its surprisingly rapid expansion at the beginning of the year. Confidence was dampened by higher raw material costs and the price of natural gas, which was more than twice that of the previous year. Industry remained reluctant to invest despite a marked improvement in corporate earnings. Translated into euros, sales dipped 1.5 percent to (euro)2,317 million. EBIT rose strongly to (euro)130 million thanks to higher earnings in HealthCare. Business of our companies in the Asia/Pacific region increased by 4.8 percent in local currencies, even though the previous year's sales still included the household insecticides business and despite the slower growth in most Asian economies throughout the first half of 2003. After translation, sales fell by 10.6 percent to (euro)965 million. Our growth driver in the Far East continues to be China, where we achieved double-digit growth rates in local currencies in the first half of 2003 after adjusting for the divestment of the household insecticides. Second-quarter EBIT in Asia/Pacific improved by 9.3 percent to (euro)94 million. In the Latin America/Africa/Middle East region, too, economic development has so far fallen short of expectations. However, second-quarter sales of our companies in the region advanced by 19.0 percent in local currencies. Measured in euros, sales moved back 4.7 percent to (euro)531 million. EBIT rose by (euro)104 million to (euro)135 million. Bayer Group Summary Cash Flow Statements (euro) million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 2002 2003 Gross operating cash flow 761 1,089 1,595 2,491 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes in working capital 332 (122) (262) (1,361) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 1,093 967 1,333 1,130 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 16 0 38 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (4,289) (40) (4,406) 949 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations (6) 0 (34) 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 2,955 (1,349) 3,204 (1,102) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 0 0 5 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes in cash and cash equivalents (241) (422) 131 977 due to business activities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,092 2,165 719 767 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Change due to exchange rate movements and to changes in scope of consolidation (11) (15) (10) (16) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of first half 840 1,728 840 1,728 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marketable securities and other instruments 32 30 32 30 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liquid assets as per balance sheets 872 1,758 872 1,758 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The consolidated financial statements for the first half of 2003 have been prepared as for the year 2002 according to the rules issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), London. Reference should be made as appropriate to the notes to the 2002 statements. Gross cash flow increased by (euro)328 million, or 43.1 percent, in the second quarter of 2003 compared to the same period of the previous year, due mainly to the (euro)202 million growth in EBIT. The (euro)126 million decline in net cash flow to (euro)967 million resulted largely from an increase in working capital and from disbursements of (euro)231 million following the settlement reached with U.S. authorities in the context of an investigation into pharmaceutical product prices. Provisions for these payments had been established in 2002. Net cash used in investing activities came to only (euro)40 million. Here, cash outflows of (euro)324 million were largely offset by inflows from sales of property, plant, equipment and investments in affiliated companies. The latter included, in particular, the divestiture of PolymerLatex ((euro)107 million). Interest and other financial receipts amounted to (euro)177 million. Financing activities resulted in net cash outflows of (euro)1,349 million, including (euro)664 million in dividend payments, (euro)250 million in net loan repayments and (euro)435 million in interest paid after taxes. The (euro)69 million, or 18.9 percent, increase in interest expense was chiefly attributable to the financing of the Aventis CropScience acquisition. Cash and cash equivalents decreased in the second quarter by (euro)437 million to (euro)1,728 million. Including marketable securities and other instruments, the Group had liquid assets of (euro)1,758 million on June 30, 2003. Earnings (euro) million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 Change 2002 2003 Change Operating result (EBIT) 252 454 +80.2% 1,092 1,529 +40.0% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 21 0 43 0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which special items (84) 17 273 272 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-operating result 44 (176) o (113) (348) o ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes 296 278 -6.1% 979 1,181 +20.6% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income 293 128 -56.3% 816 714 -12.5% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EARNINGS PERFORMANCE EBIT increased by 80.2 percent in the second quarter to (euro)454 million, or by 30.1 percent if special items are disregarded. The special items in the second quarter of 2003 mainly comprise (euro)122 million in gains from the sale of further parts of the household insecticides business and a (euro)30 million gain from the divestiture of PolymerLatex, along with (euro)135 million in non-recurring charges, primarily for restructuring. EBIT for the same period of 2002 contained (euro)76 million in gains from the sale of the generics business. The non-operating result declined by (euro)44 million in the second quarter to minus (euro)176 million, mainly because the previous year's figure contained a (euro)269 million gain from the sale of our interest in Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Income tax expense for the second quarter of 2003 amounted to (euro)149 million, causing net income to fall by 56.3 percent to (euro)128 million. The effective tax rate, at 54 percent, was well above the theoretical Group tax rate of 39 percent, mainly due to one-time taxation effects. ASSET AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE Total assets decreased by (euro)1.1 billion compared with December 31, 2002, to (euro)40.6 billion. Intangible assets shrank by (euro)0.5 billion to (euro)8.4 billion. Property, plant and equipment decreased by (euro)1.0 billion overall, with (euro)0.6 billion in capital spending offset by (euro)0.8 billion in depreciation and (euro)0.2 billion in retirements. Negative currency effects diminished noncurrent assets by (euro)0.4 billion. Current assets rose by (euro)0.4 billion, or 2.1 percent, from the beginning of the year, to (euro)18.6 billion. Inventories grew by 3.0 percent to (euro)6.5 billion, while trade accounts receivable increased by 5.7 percent to (euro)5.9 billion. The divestitures made in connection with the acquisition of the Aventis CropScience group led to a 21.3 percent decline in other receivables, to (euro)3.3 billion, since the assets earmarked for divestment were included in this item at the end of 2002. Liquid assets grew by (euro)1.0 billion to (euro)1.8 billion. Stockholders' equity dropped by (euro)0.2 billion to (euro)15.1 billion. While (euro)0.7 billion was allocated out of net income, stockholders' equity was diminished by (euro)0.7 billion due to payment in the second quarter of the dividend for 2002. The reduction in stockholders' equity not recognized in net income amounted to (euro)0.3 billion. Equity coverage of total assets rose by 0.4 percentage points compared to the end of 2002, to 37.2 percent. Balance Sheet Structure (euro) million June 30, 2002 June 30, 2003 Dec. 31, 2002 Noncurrent assets 25,728 22,064 23,513 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Current assets 18,969 18,564 18,179 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stockholders' equity 15,648 15,123 15,335 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Minority stockholders' interest 149 129 120 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Liabilities 28,900 25,376 26,237 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total assets 44,697 40,628 41,692 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Liabilities fell by (euro)0.9 billion to (euro)25.4 billion, chiefly due to a decline in trade accounts payable and to the disbursements made following the settlement reached with U.S. authorities in the context of an investigation into pharmaceutical product prices. Gross financial liabilities dropped by (euro)0.1 billion to (euro)9.5 billion. Net debt declined by (euro)1.1 billion in the first half of 2003, to (euro)7.8 billion. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES In the second quarter of 2003 we spent (euro)324 million for intangible assets, property, plant and equipment. This was considerably less than in the same period of 2002, when capital expenditures totaled (euro)486 million. Total capital spending in the first half of 2003 amounted to (euro)800 million, down 21.3 percent from the first half of 2002. At 59.9 percent of our (euro)1,336 million scheduled depreciation and amortization, the level of capital expenditures was in line with our strategic objectives. Europe accounted for capital spending of (euro)517 million, 56.3 percent of which went for our sites in Germany. The Group's capital expenditure budget for the full year 2003 is (euro)2.0 billion. EMPLOYEES On June 30, 2003, the Bayer Group had 117,500 employees, 5,100 fewer than at the start of the year. Headcount was reduced by 2,500 in Europe, 1,000 in North America, 1,100 in Asia/Pacific and 500 in Latin America/Africa/Middle East. Personnel expenses in the first half of 2003 were down by (euro)8 million, or 0.2 percent, compared to the same period of 2002, to (euro)3,958 million. OUTLOOK We do not anticipate a meaningful recovery in economic demand in the second half of 2003. For that reason we will probably have only limited scope to increase selling prices. At the same time, the continuing weakness of the U.S. dollar and the high levels of raw material and energy costs - even if these have declined a little - are likely to hold back earnings, particularly in our industrial business. These effects should be mitigated by our programs aimed at improving operating efficiency and long-term profitability, which are going to plan so far. We expect CropScience sales to weaken further in the second half, primarily for seasonal reasons, with earnings of this business area also being hampered by integration-related charges. In HealthCare, earnings are likely to be restrained by launch costs for Levitra(R) and competitive pressure from generics in the United States. Here too, however, our efficiency programs should ease the situation. Provided there is no further deterioration in the economy as a whole, we continue to expect full-year EBIT before special items to increase by a double-digit percentage over 2002. Bayer Group Consolidated Statements of Income (Summary) (euro) million 2nd Quarter 1st Half 2002 2003 2002 2003 Net Sales 7,504 7,256 14,737 14,612 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 233 0 456 0 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost of goods sold (4,418) (4,151) (8,584) (8,130) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit 3,086 3,105 6,153 6,482 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selling expenses (1,663) (1,626) (3,291) (3,191) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research and development expenses (633) (607) (1,202) (1,127) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- General administration expenses (374) (389) (672) (770) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other operating income 168 296 738 717 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other operating expenses (332) (325) (634) (582) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 252 454 1,092 1,529 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 21 0 43 0 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-operating result 44 (176) (113) (348) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes 296 278 979 1,181 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income taxes 0 (149) (159) (459) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income after taxes 296 129 820 722 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minority stockholders' interest (3) (1) (4) (8) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Income 293 128 816 714 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share ((euro)) 0.40 0.18 1.12 0.98 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bayer Group Consolidated Balance Sheets (Summary) (euro)million June 30, June 30, Dec. 31, 2002 2003 2002 Assets Noncurrent assets Intangible assets 10,514 8,366 8,879 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property, plant and equipment 13,068 11,437 12,436 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investments 2,146 2,261 2,198 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25,728 22,064 23,513 Current assets Inventories 6,727 6,534 6,342 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Receivables and other assets Trade accounts receivable 7,008 5,860 5,542 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other receivables and other assets 3,100 3,313 4,210 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10,108 9,173 9,752 Liquid assets 872 1,758 796 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17,707 17,465 16,890 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred taxes 907 742 967 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred charges 355 357 322 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44,697 40,628 41,692 of which discontinuing operations 778 0 0 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stockholders' Equity and Liabilities Stockholder's equity Capital stock and reserves 4,812 4,812 4,812 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retained earnings 10,151 10,480 10,076 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income 816 714 1,060 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other comprehensive income ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Currency translation adjustment (206) (981) (593) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Miscellaneous items 75 98 (20) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15,648 15,123 15,335 Minority stockholder's interest 149 129 120 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liabilities Long-term liabilities Long-term financial liabilities 7,176 7,044 7,318 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Miscellaneous long-term liabilities 139 83 92 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits 4,693 4,992 4,925 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other long-term provisions 1,324 1,249 1,215 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13,332 13,368 13,550 Short-term liabilities Short-term financial liabilities 6,166 2,992 2,841 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trade accounts payable 2,477 1,983 2,534 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Miscellaneous short-term liabilities 2,168 1,950 2,138 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Short-term provisions 1,643 2,424 2,257 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12,454 9,349 9,770 25,786 22,717 23,320 of which discontinuing operations 224 0 0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred taxes 2,748 2,194 2,453 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred income 366 465 464 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44,697 40,628 41,692 Bayer Group Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Summary) Currency Miscel- Capital stock Retained Net translation laneous (euro) million and reserves earnings income adjustment items Total December 31, 2001 4,812 9,841 965 759 545 16,922 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend payment (657) (657) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allocation to retained earnings 310 (308) 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exchange differences (965) (965) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other changes in stockholder's equity (470) (470) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income 816 816 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 30, 2002 4,812 10,151 816 (206) 75 15,648 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31, 2002 4,812 10,076 1,060 (593) (20) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend payment (657) (657) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allocation to retained earnings 404 (403) 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exchange differences (388) (388) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other changes in stockholder's equity 118 118 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income 714 714 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 30, 2003 4,812 10,480 714 (981) 98 15,123 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Key Data by Segment ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Quarter HealthCare CropScience Segments Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Care, Animal CropScience Biological Diagnostics Health Products 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter (euro) million 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 Net sales (external) 1,167 1,190 971 800 212 214 1,083 1,567 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in (euro) -22.7% +2.0% -6.0% -17.6% -8.6% +0.9% +25.1% +44.7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in local currencies -18.1% +15.2% -0.1% -4.2% -3.6% +15.1% +28.4% +58.0% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intersegment sales 9 14 1 2 1 0 9 21 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 102 146 103 188 43 45 22 33 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 8.7% 12.3% 10.6% 23.5% 20.3% 21.0% 2.0% 2.1% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Depreciation and amortization 71 56 77 60 9 8 129 195 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow 71 194 123 208 51 48 154 203 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow 226 (152) 93 242 27 22 498 734 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Quarter Polymers Chemicals Segments Plastics, Polyurethanes, Chemicals Rubber Coatings, Fibers 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter (euro) million 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 Net sales (external) 1,374 1,188 1,290 1,263 1,187 871 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in (euro) -6.3% -13.5% -8.9% -2.1% -9.3% -26.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in local currencies -4.3% -5.0% -5.5% +7.8% -3.5% -19.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intersegment sales 35 13 10 66 93 105 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 22 6 (7) 63 32 2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 1.6% 0.5% (0.5)% 5.0% 2.7% 0.2% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Depreciation and amortization 98 83 223 110 108 74 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow 95 68 204 177 122 92 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow 59 (172) 185 223 147 51 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2nd Quarter Segments Reconciliation Bayer Group Of which discontinuing operations (Chemicals) 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter (euro) million 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 Net sales (external) 220 163 7,504 7,256 233 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ o Change in (euro) -7.0% -3.3% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ o Change in local currencies -3.0% +7.3% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Intersegment sales (158) (221) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Operating result (EBIT) (65) (29) 252 454 21 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return on sales 3.4% 6.3% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Depreciation and amortization 67 60 782 646 16 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gross cash flow (59) 99 761 1,089 29 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash flow (142) 19 1,093 967 17 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Key Data by Segment ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Half HealthCare CropScience Segments Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Care, Animal CropScience Biological Diagnostics Health Products 1st Half 1st Half 1st Half 1st Half (euro) million 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales (external) 2,424 2,321 1,921 1,598 415 393 1,949 3,228 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in(euro) -17.3% -4.2% -3.8% -16.8% +0.7% -5.3% +16.0% +65.6% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in local currencies -15.5% +8.6% -0.9% -2.8% +3.2% +8.9% +18.0% +77.7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intersegment sales 17 22 2 3 1 1 26 32 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 225 345 160 429 93 85 166 476 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 9.3% 14.9% 8.3% 26.8% 22.4% 21.6% 8.5% 14.7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Depreciation and amortization 152 111 151 123 18 15 188 393 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow 185 381 234 449 92 88 261 720 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow 159 (45) 165 448 18 42 329 542 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Half Polymers Chemicals Segments Plastics, Polyurethanes, Chemicals Rubber Coatings, Fibers 1st Half 1st Half 1st Half (euro) million 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales (external) 2,638 2,460 2,639 2,543 2,345 1,743 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in (euro) -11.7% -6.7% -5.9% -3.6% -14.1% -25.7% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in local currencies -11.2% +1.7% -4.5% +6.5% -10.7% -17.8% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intersegment sales 64 46 42 102 188 209 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 31 9 5 134 91 40 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 1.2% 0.4% 0.2% 5.3% 3.9% 2.3% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Depreciation and amortization 212 191 384 248 207 145 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow 199 166 350 380 239 192 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow 164 (113) 295 265 216 68 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Half Segments Reconciliation Bayer Group Of which discontinuing operations (Chemicals) 1st Half 1st Half 1st Half (euro) million 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 Net sales (external) 406 326 14,737 14,612 456 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in (euro) -7.7% -0.8% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in local currencies -5.8% +9.8% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intersegment sales (340) (415) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 321 11 1,092 1,529 43 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 7.4% 10.5% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Depreciation and amortization 118 127 1,430 1,353 31 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow 35 115 1,595 2,491 56 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash flow (13) (77) 1,333 1,130 39 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Key Data by Region ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Quarter Regions Europe North America Asia/Pacific 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter (euro) million 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales (external) - by market 3,128 3,098 2,322 2,299 1,277 1,116 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales (external) - by point of origin 3,516 3,443 2,352 2,317 1,079 965 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 126 0 49 0 30 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in(euro) -4.9% -2.1% -12.3% -1.5% +1.8% -10.6% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in local currencies -4.8% -1.2% -7.7% +16.7% +6.1% +4.8% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interregional sales 732 963 509 518 49 72 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 239 157 (39) 130 86 94 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 9 0 3 0 3 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 6.8% 4.6% (1.7)% 5.6% 8.0% 9.7% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow 458 589 243 347 92 91 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Quarter Regions Latin America/ Reconciliation Bayer Group Africa/Middle East 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter 2nd Quarter (euro) million 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales (external) - by market 777 743 7,504 7,256 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales (external) - by point of origin 557 531 7,504 7,256 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 28 0 233 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in (euro) -12.0% -4.7% -7.0% -3.3% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in local currencies +15.2% +19.0% -3.0% +7.3% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interregional sales 61 45 (1,351) (1,598) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 31 135 (65) (62) 252 454 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 6 0 0 0 21 0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 5.6% 25.4% 3.4% 6.3% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow 42 114 (74) (52) 761 1,089 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Half Regions Europe North America Asia/Pacific 1st Half 1st Half 1st Half (euro) million 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales (external) - by market 6,225 6,450 4,597 4,416 2,412 2,287 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales (external) - by point of origin 6,964 7,154 4,686 4,499 2,007 1,933 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 244 0 98 0 57 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in (euro) -8.7% +2.7% -8.2% -4.0% -1.9% -3.7% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in local currencies -8.8% +3.4% -8.1% +14.0% +1.1% +10.3% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interregional sales 1,527 2,070 1,015 982 102 131 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 1,134 993 (157) 216 158 198 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 21 0 2 0 6 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 16.3% 13.9% (3.4)% 4.8% 7.9% 10.2% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow 1,048 1,503 416 655 166 210 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Half Regions Latin America/ Reconciliation Bayer Group Africa/Middle East 1st Half 1st Half 1st Half (euro) million 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales (external) - by market 1,503 1,459 14,737 14,612 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales (external) - by point of origin 1,080 1,026 14,737 14,612 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 57 0 456 0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in (euro) -9.5% -5.0% -7.7% -0.8% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o Change in local currencies +8.6% +27.0% -5.8% +9.8% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interregional sales 83 82 (2,727) (3,265) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating result (EBIT) 75 233 (118) (111) 1,092 1,529 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of which discontinuing operations 14 0 0 0 43 0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return on sales 6.9% 22.7% 7.4% 10.5% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross cash flow 84 205 (119) (82) 1,595 2,491 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forward-Looking Statements This Stockholders' Newsletter contains forward-looking statements. These statements use words like "believes," "assumes," "expects" or similar formulations. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of our company and those either expressed or implied by these statements. These factors include, among other things: o downturns in the business cycle of the industries in which we compete; o new regulations, or changes to existing regulations, that increase our operating costs or otherwise reduce our profitability; o increases in the prices of our raw materials, especially if we are unable to pass these costs along to customers; o loss or reduction of patent protection for our products; o liabilities, especially those incurred as a result of environmental laws or product liability litigation; o fluctuation in international currency exchange rates as well as changes in the general economic climate; and o other factors identified in this Stockholders' Newsletter. These factors include those discussed in our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F). In view of these uncertainties, we caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We assume no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. Exhibit 8 Business performance in second quarter of 2003 ---------------------------------------------- Bayer boosts operating result (EBIT) by 80 percent o First-half EBIT up 40 percent to EUR 1.5 billion o CEO Wenning: "We are quite satisfied with our performance in the first half" o Company confirms forecast of double-digit earnings growth for the full year -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leverkusen -- The Bayer Group improved its year-on-year operating result (EBIT) by 80.2 percent in the second quarter of 2003, to EUR 454 million. Before special items, EBIT improved by EUR 101 million or 30.1 percent, with the Pharmaceuticals/ Biological Products and Polyurethanes/Coatings/Fibers segments making particularly strong contributions. EBIT for the first half of 2003 rose by 40.0 percent to EUR 1.5 billion. "After the strong first quarter, we are quite satisfied with our performance in the second quarter and with the first half overall," commented Werner Wenning, Management Board Chairman of Bayer AG. "Provided there is no further deterioration in the economy as a whole, we continue to expect the operating result from continuing operations to increase by a double-digit percentage over 2002." Although Group sales declined by 3.3 percent, to EUR 7.3 billion, in the second quarter due to the strength of the euro, business expanded in most regions, with sales increasing by 7.3 percent in local currencies. First-half sales totaled EUR 14.6 million, declining by 0.8 percent in euros but climbing by 9.8 percent in local currencies. Second-quarter net income fell by 56.3 percent to EUR 128 million, though here it should be borne in mind that the previous year's figure was boosted by a EUR 269 million tax-free gain from the sale of Bayer's interest in Agfa-Gevaert. As a result of these one-time effects and higher income tax expense, net income for the first half of 2003 was down by 12.5 percent year on year to EUR 714 million. Although sales of the HealthCare business area fell by 6.2 percent in the second quarter to EUR 2.2 billion, EBIT climbed by 52.8 percent to EUR 379 million. EBIT for the Pharmaceuticals/Biological Products segment increased in the second quarter by 43.1 percent to EUR 146 million, mainly due to higher sales of Ciprobay(R)/Cipro(R) and Kogenate(R) and to improved cost structures. Bayer also stated in its first-half report that the number of Baycol cases resolved by settlement has increased substantially. As of August 1, 2003, Bayer had settled 1,211 cases - without acknowledging any legal liability - for payments totaling EUR 378 million (US$ 432 million). Approximately 10,100 cases remain pending. Sales of Bayer CropScience grew by 44.7 percent in the second quarter to EUR 1.6 billion due to the acquisition of Aventis CropScience in 2002. Business trends varied according to region. Sales of corn herbicides and insecticides rose in the United States, and there were encouraging indications of a stabilizing economy in South America. However, sales in Japan and South Korea were below expectations. In Europe Bayer CropScience gained market share despite a difficult business environment caused by the continuing drought conditions and lower demand for fungicides. CropScience EBIT increased by 50 percent in the second quarter of 2003, to EUR 33 million. While earnings in the first quarter had been boosted by seasonal business in high-margin products and special gains from product divestments made to comply with antitrust conditions, second-quarter earnings were hampered by sales declines, special charges totaling EUR 49 million and further substantial integration charges. Bayer's industrial business continued to suffer from a weak economy in the second quarter. Although sales of the Polymers business area fell by 8.0 percent to EUR 2.5 billion, EBIT increased from EUR 15 million in the same period last year to EUR 69 million, chiefly as a result of improved cost structures in the Polyurethanes/Coatings/ Fibers segment. Sales of the Chemicals segment fell by 26.6 percent in the second quarter to EUR 871 million. The decline was mainly attributable to the divestiture of Haarmann & Reimer and other portfolio effects. EBIT for the second quarter fell to EUR 2 million, compared to EUR 32 million in the second quarter of 2002. Bayer is cautious about the prospects for the remainder of 2003 and does not anticipate a meaningful recovery in economic demand in the second half. For that reason the company expects it will have only limited scope to increase selling prices. At the same time, the continuing weakness of the U.S. dollar and high raw material costs are likely to hold back earnings, particularly in the industrial business. "For the time being we cannot expect any stimulus for our business through an improvement in the economy," explained Wenning. "So we will drive forward our thorough internal restructuring with even greater vigor in order to sustainably improve our earning power. The first half of 2003 has already shown how well our efficiency programs are working. The progress we have made compared to last year is an encouraging milestone along the way." Bayer expects CropScience sales to weaken in the second half, primarily for seasonal reasons, with earnings of this business area also being hampered by charges related to the integration of Aventis CropScience. In HealthCare, earnings are likely to be restrained by launch costs for the erectile dysfunction drug Levitra(R) and competitive pressure from generics in the United States. Here too, however, the company's efficiency programs should ease the situation. Leverkusen, August 6, 2003 Bayer AG, Investor Relations contacts: -------------------------------------- Dr. Alexander Rosar (+49-214-30-81013) Dr. Juergen Beunink (+49-214-30-65742) Peter Dahlhoff (+49-214-30-33022) Judith Nestmann (+49-214-30-66836) Forward-looking statements This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F). The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. BAYER AG 2003 INVESTOR CONFERENCE IN LONDON Ladies and Gentlemen, We would be delighted if you could join us for our London Investor Conference. Our presentation and a dinner will take place on: Date: Wednesday, August 6th, 2003 Time: 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception 6:00 p.m. presentation, followed by dinner Place: One Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A 2HD Visiting London will be Werner Wenning, CEO and Chairman, Klaus Kuhn, CFO and Board Member, Dr. Jochen Wulff, Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer CropScience and Dr. Alexander Rosar, Head of Investor Relations. Please send a response by July 30 to Eddie Arcari at Morrow & Co., 1 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9BT, E-mail: earcari@morrowco.com, Fax Number: (020) 7222 4651, Phone: (020) 7222 4645. We would be most grateful if you would advise us if you have any special dietary requirements for dinner. We very much hope that you will be able to join us. Sincerely, Bayer Investor Relations Team Exhibit 9 Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Herewith we would like to inform you that the Investor Handout 1 H 2003 is now available for download on our website: www.investor.bayer.com Leverkusen, August 6, 2003 Bayer AG, Investor Relations contacts: Dr. Alexander Rosar (+49-214-30-81013) Dr. Juergen Beunink (+49-214-30-65742) Peter Dahlhoff (+49-214-30-33022) Judith Nestmann (+49-214-30-66836) SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Bayer Aktiengesellschaft (Registrant) Date: August 11, 2003 By: /s/ ROSAR ----------------------------------------- Name: Dr. Alexander Rosar Title: Head of Investor Relations /s/ BUCHMEIER ----------------------------------------- Name: Dr. Armin Buchmeier Title: Senior Counsel