Is Baxter International Stock Underperforming the Dow?

Company Overview - Baxter International Inc. (BAX) is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, and has a market cap of $11.9 billion, focusing on healthcare products related to hemophilia, immune disorders, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma, and other medical conditions [1][2] - The company's products are utilized in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, kidney dialysis centers, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors' offices, and research laboratories [1] Market Position - BAX is classified as a "large-cap stock" due to its market cap exceeding $10 billion, highlighting its size and influence in the medical instruments and supplies industry [2] - The company excels through a diversified portfolio of healthcare products and innovative expansions, with strategic acquisitions enhancing its connected care solutions [2] Stock Performance - BAX shares have decreased by 41.5% from their 52-week high of $40.49, reached on September 17, 2024, and have declined 20.5% over the past three months, underperforming the Dow Jones Industrials Average, which gained 9.4% in the same period [3] - Year-to-date, BAX shares are down 18.8%, and over the past 52 weeks, they have fallen 39.8%, significantly lagging behind the Dow Jones Industrials Average's YTD gains of 8.5% and 11.2% returns [4] Financial Performance - In Q2, BAX reported an adjusted EPS increase of 28.3% year-over-year to $0.59, with revenue of $2.8 billion, reflecting a 4.3% increase from the previous year [5] - The company's weak stock performance is attributed to ongoing operational challenges and cautious hospital expenditure, leading to a significant drop in share price following the Q2 results [5]