Group 1 - Baxter International (BAX) has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while LeMaitre Vascular (LMAT) has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [1] - Value investors utilize various metrics to identify undervalued companies, including P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share [2] - BAX has a forward P/E ratio of 12.46 and a PEG ratio of 1.25, while LMAT has a forward P/E of 49.01 and a PEG ratio of 2.39, indicating BAX is more favorably valued [2][3] Group 2 - BAX's P/B ratio is 2.44, compared to LMAT's P/B of 6.38, further supporting BAX's superior valuation [3] - Based on the valuation metrics, BAX holds a Value grade of A, while LMAT has a Value grade of D, reinforcing BAX as the better value option [3]

The proven Zacks Rank system focuses on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find winning stocks. Nevertheless, we know that our readers all have their own perspectives, so we are always looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong picks.Considering these trends, value investing is clearly one of the most preferred ways to find strong stocks in any type of market. Value investors use tried-and-true metrics and fundamental analysis to find companies that they believe are ...

Core Insights - Baxter International, Inc. launched its next-generation airway clearance system, The Vest Advanced Pulmonary Experience (APX) System, at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, receiving FDA 510(k) clearance in March 2024 [1][2] - The Vest APX System is designed for daily therapy for adults and children with chronic lung conditions, featuring enhanced comfort and patient-centered improvements [1][3] Company Developments - Following the product announcement, Baxter's shares increased by 0.8%, closing at $38.91 [2] - Baxter's market capitalization stands at $19.85 billion, with an earnings yield of 7.61%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.95% [2] Market Context - The global respiratory care devices market was valued at $22.9 billion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2030, indicating a positive outlook for Baxter's respiratory health business [2] - Over the past six months, Baxter's shares have decreased by 10.7%, contrasting with a 7.5% increase in the industry and a 9.6% rise in the S&P 500 [2] Product Features - The Vest APX System utilizes High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) technology to help dislodge mucus from airways, addressing issues faced by patients with bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis [3][4] - The new system includes a lightweight garment, wicking fabric for comfort, and a smaller control unit that is 19% smaller and 30% lighter than its predecessor [4] Business Strategy - Baxter entered the non-invasive respiratory health market in December 2021 through the acquisition of Hillrom, expanding its portfolio to include various airway clearance and non-invasive ventilation products [5] - The respiratory health portfolio includes the Volara System and the Monarch Airway Clearance System, which support patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other pulmonary conditions [5][6]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Medical – Products industry is experiencing revenue growth driven by strong demand for surgeries, new product launches, and market expansion [1][2] - An early surge in demand for respiratory products is positively impacting sales [1] - Industry players are increasing product and service prices to manage higher costs, benefiting both top and bottom lines [1] Market Dynamics - U.S. hospitals are likely to increase budgets due to improving demand and lower interest rates, which may enhance medical product sales [2] - Supply-chain constraints, rising material costs, and labor shortages are ongoing challenges for the industry [2][3] - A decline in demand for COVID-19-related products is negatively affecting revenues, alongside a soft market in China [2] Key Players - Companies like Boston Scientific, Baxter International, Haemonetics, and Phibro Animal Health are adapting to changing consumer preferences and are seeing share price increases [2] - The industry is ranked 63 in the Zacks Industry Rank, placing it in the top 25% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [8] Performance Metrics - The industry has outperformed its own sector with a collective stock increase of 21.6%, compared to the Zacks Medical sector's growth of 12.3% [9] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 22.2X, slightly above the S&P 500's 21.8X and the sector's 23.3X [10] Technological Trends - The adoption of AI, medical mechatronics, and robotics is shaping the future of the medical products industry, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries [4][5] - 3D printing technology is revolutionizing the medical devices sector by enabling the production of complex biological structures [5] Demand Trends - The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased global demand for diagnostic testing kits, shifting the focus towards rapid, point-of-care devices [6] - Emerging markets are showing strong demand for medical products due to rising medical awareness and economic growth [6] Company Highlights - **Boston Scientific**: Anticipates 13.5-14.5% net sales growth for the full year 2024, with a Zacks Rank of 2 [12][14] - **Baxter International**: Expects 3% sales growth for 2024, with a Zacks Rank of 2 [15][17] - **Haemonetics**: Forecasts 5-8% revenue growth for fiscal 2025, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 [18][19] - **Phibro Animal Health**: Projects a 19% CAGR in revenues from fiscal 2025-2027, despite facing regulatory challenges [20][21]

Baxter International (BAX) appears an attractive pick, as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade primarily reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.The sole determinant of the Zacks rating is a company's changing earnings picture. The Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years is tracked by the system.Indivi ...

Investors interested in stocks from the Medical - Products sector have probably already heard of Baxter International (BAX) and Insulet (PODD) . But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We'll need to take a closer look to find out.The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The proven Zacks Rank puts an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, while our Style Scores ...

Group 1: Baxter International (BAX) - Baxter International currently has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and an A grade for Value [2] - The stock's Forward P/E ratio is 12.59, significantly lower than the industry's average of 22.08 [2] - BAX's PEG ratio stands at 1.26, compared to the industry's average PEG of 2.19 [2] - The P/B ratio for BAX is 2.60, which is lower than the industry's average P/B of 5.34 [3] - BAX's P/S ratio is 1.35, slightly below the industry's average P/S of 1.45 [3] - Over the past 52 weeks, BAX's Forward P/E has ranged from a high of 14.92 to a low of 10.64, with a median of 12.30 [2] - The PEG ratio for BAX has fluctuated between a high of 4.33 and a low of 1.20, with a median of 2.13 [2] - BAX is considered one of the market's strongest value stocks due to its favorable earnings outlook [4] Group 2: Koninklijke Philips (PHG) - Koninklijke Philips has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and an A grade for Value [4] - The Forward P/E ratio for PHG is 18.06, lower than the industry's average of 22.08 [4] - PHG's PEG ratio is 0.94, significantly below the industry's average PEG of 2.19 [4] - The P/B ratio for PHG is 2.25, compared to the industry's average P/B of 5.34 [4] - Over the past 12 months, PHG's P/B has ranged from a high of 2.25 to a low of 1.28, with a median of 1.50 [4] - The data indicates that both Baxter International and Koninklijke Philips are likely undervalued currently [4]

Technical Analysis - Baxter International (BAX) has recently reached a key level of support and has overtaken the 200-day moving average, indicating a long-term bullish trend [1] - The 200-day simple moving average is a useful tool for determining long-term market trends and serves as a support or resistance level [1] Stock Performance - Shares of BAX have increased by 5.3% over the past four weeks [1] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting potential for continued upward movement [1] Earnings Estimates - There have been 8 upward revisions in earnings estimates for the current fiscal year, with no downward revisions, indicating strong investor confidence [1] - The consensus earnings estimate for BAX has also moved up, further supporting the bullish outlook [1] Investment Consideration - Investors are encouraged to consider adding BAX to their watchlist due to the positive technical indicators and earnings estimate revisions [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the identification of solid dividend stocks that are expected to provide high and sustainable dividends over the next decade, despite potential challenges in the market [2]. Group 1: Stock Selection Process - The selection process involves filtering from over 7500 U.S. stocks, focusing on those rated 4 or 5 by Morningstar, indicating undervaluation [3]. - Stocks are further filtered based on the presence of an economic moat, which signifies a company's competitive advantage [3]. - The final list includes approximately 30 stocks that have a history of paying and growing dividends for at least five years and yield over 2.5% [3][4]. Group 2: Selected Stocks Overview - Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (BMY) has a current dividend yield of 5.15% and has reduced long-term debt from $48 billion in 2020 to $32 billion by the end of 2023 [5]. - The Clorox Company (CLX) has improved gross margins to 46.5% from a low of 33% in 2022, despite facing challenges such as competition and inflation [6][7]. - Chevron (CVX) has a dividend yield of over 4.5% and a payout ratio of 52% on earnings, with a five-year dividend growth rate exceeding 6% [8]. - LyondellBasell Industries, NV (LYB) is 17% below its fair value and has a solid balance sheet with a net-debt/adjusted EBITDA multiple of 1.9x [9]. - Medtronic PLC (MDT) has a dividend growth rate of 6.75% over five years and has paid dividends for 47 consecutive years [10]. - Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) generated nearly $36 billion in revenue in 2023 but faced a decline in same-store sales and store traffic [10]. - United Parcel Service (UPS) has a dividend yield of 5.2% and has increased dividends for 14 years, despite facing a 29% decline in operating profits [11]. - U.S. Bancorp (USB) has a forward yield of 4.76% and is nearly 21% below its fair value, following its acquisition of MUFG Union Bank [12]. - Verizon Communications (VZ) has a high dividend yield of close to 6.6% and holds a significant market share in the U.S. postpaid wireless market [14]. - WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC) has raised its dividend for 20 consecutive years and plans to invest $23 billion through 2028 [15].

Baxter International, Inc. (BAX) recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its Vantive Kidney Care segment to Carlyle, a global investment firm, for $3.8 billion.In January 2023, Baxter announced its intention to create a standalone kidney care company intended to improve future performance and create value for all stakeholders. In March 2024, Baxter announced that it was in discussions to explore a potential sale of the Kidney Care segment.Following an analysis of the fin ...