Baxter Trims Annual Outlook Again, Stock Hits 52-Week

Core Viewpoint - Baxter International Inc. has lowered its 2025 guidance again, leading to a decline in stock price, which hit a 52-week low [1][6] Financial Performance - The company reported a third-quarter adjusted EPS of 69 cents, exceeding management's guidance of 58-62 cents and Wall Street's estimate of 60 cents [2] - Sales for the third quarter reached $2.84 billion, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase on a reported basis and a 2% increase on an operational basis, nearly aligning with the consensus of $2.88 billion [2] Segment Performance - Medical Products & Therapies sales were approximately $1.33 billion, showing a decline of 1% on both a reported and operational basis, attributed to reduced sales in the Infusion Therapies & Technologies division, though offset by strong demand for Advanced Surgery products [3] - Healthcare Systems & Technologies sales amounted to $773 million, up 3% on a reported basis and 2% on an operational basis, driven by demand for Care & Connectivity Solutions products [4] - Pharmaceutical sales totaled approximately $632 million, increasing by 7% on both a reported and operational basis, reflecting strength in Drug Compounding and Injectables & Anesthesia products [4] Guidance Adjustments - Baxter has revised its fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings guidance from $2.42-$2.52 per share to $2.35-$2.40 per share, compared to the consensus of $2.44 [5] - The company lowered its 2025 sales guidance from a range of $11.27 billion to $11.38 billion down to $11.06 billion to $11.17 billion, against the consensus of $11.31 billion [5] - Baxter anticipates sales growth of 4%-5% on a reported basis (down from 6%-7%) and 1%-2% on an operational basis (down from 3%-4%) [5] Future Expectations - For the fourth quarter, Baxter expects adjusted earnings of 52-57 cents, below the consensus of 70 cents, with projected sales growth of approximately 2% on a reported basis and a decline of about 2% on an operational basis [6] - At the time of publication, Baxter's shares were down 13.31% at $19.43, trading near its 52-week low of $21.33 [6]