The German financial regulator BaFin has launched an investigation into Gerresheimer AG, raising questions about potential accounting irregularities at the pharmaceutical packaging specialist. The probe focuses on whether the company properly recorded revenue from customer contracts in its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2024. This development has triggered significant market reaction, with Gerresheimer's stock experiencing substantial declines following the announcement.

According to regulatory filings, the investigation specifically examines "bill-and-hold" agreements made with customers during the final third of the 2024 fiscal year. These arrangements involve sales where products are billed to customers but physical delivery is postponed. The central question revolves around whether revenue from these transactions, totaling a low double-digit million euro amount, should have been recognized in 2024 or deferred to the current 2025 fiscal year. Gerresheimer reported total revenue of €2.036 billion for the 2024 fiscal year.

Gerresheimer has responded to the investigation by emphasizing its commitment to transparency and compliance. CFO Wolf Lehmann stated that the company takes the regulatory examination seriously and will cooperate fully with BaFin to ensure complete clarification. The company maintains that its accounting treatment of these transactions complied with relevant financial reporting standards and that revenue was properly recognized in the appropriate period.

The regulatory scrutiny comes amid broader discussions about Gerresheimer's strategic direction and potential portfolio optimization. While the investigation unfolds, market participants are weighing the potential implications for the company's valuation and future prospects. The outcome of BaFin's probe could have significant consequences for investor confidence and the company's market position in the competitive pharmaceutical packaging industry.