Top DAX Index shares to watch next week: Bayer, Adidas, Merck, Lufthansa

The DAX Index held steady this week and moved close to the all-time high of €25,433 as the recent bull run gained steam. It has jumped by over 36% from its lowest level in April last year, making it one of the best-performing indices globally.

The index jumped this week after a report showed that European consumer inflation continued falling this year. It dropped to 1.7% in January, raising the possibility that the European Central Bank (ECB) will maintain a more dovish tone in the coming months.

The index reacted to key earnings reports by some of the biggest companies in the German DAX Index, including popular names like E.ON, HeidelbergCement, Allianz, Munich Re, Covestro, BASF, and MTU Aero Engines.

More German companies will publish their results next week, including popular names like Beiersdorf, Bayer, Adidas, Continental, Merck, Deutsche Post, and Lufthansa.

Adidas 

Adidas, a top player in the sporting industry, has come under pressure in the past few years, as competition has continued rising. It has dropped by over 37% from its highest level in February 2025.

The most recent results showed that Adidas’ revenue rose by 12% in the third quarter to over €6.63 billion, while its gross margin rose to 51.8%. Its operating profit rose by 23% to over €736 million.

Adidas revenue growth was driven by its European business whose revenue rose by 8% to €2.3 billion, and its emerging markets and Latin America. This growth was offset by the retreat in North America, where its revenue dropped by 5% to over €1.29 billion.

The upcoming results will provide more information about its business in the fourth quarter and its forward guidance this year.

Bayer 

Bayer stock price has retreated in the past two weeks, moving from a high of €49.77 to the current €41.85.  This retreat happened as investors watched the ongoing developments in the United States, where it is trying to resolve its legal issues. 

In a recent statement, the company agreed to pay over $7 billion to resolve Roundup suits in the United States. The new efforts came after the Supreme Court agreed to hear its appeal of a $1.25 million Missouri jury verdict against Monsanto on grounds that some of the claims were preempted by federal law.

The most recent results showed that its sales growth rose by 1% in the first nine months of the year to over €34.1 billion, helped by its crop science business. Its core EPS rose by 7% to €4.29.

Merck 

Merck, a top player in the pharmaceutical industry, has retreated in the past few years, a move that has shed billions of dollars in value. It crashed from a high of €218 in 2021 to the current €125.

The company will publish its financial results next week, shedding more color on its business. The most recent results showed that its sales rose by 1% in the third quarter. Its life sciences rose by 1.4%, while Healthcare rose by 3.2%.The electronics segment dropped by 5.2%.

The other top German companies to watch next week will be Continental, Lufthansa, and Beiersdorf.