According to Jefferies analysts, Bayer is facing a range of challenges that are driving the need for strategic options. The halt to a late-stage clinical trial of experimental cardiovascular drug asundexian is pushing financial risk to the edge, while share-price falls increase sensitivity to rising provisions and potential trial losses in a legal battle over its Roundup weedkiller. This suggests that the German pharmaceutical and agricultural group might need to sell assets and scrap dividends to buy time. However, this may not be enough to enable large-scale investments needed in its pharma business, Jefferies notes. As a result, Jefferies has cut its recommendation on the stock from buy to hold. Despite this, shares are trading 0.3% higher following Monday’s heavy losses. (adria.calatayud@dowjones.com) Copyright ©2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8