Core Insights - Baxter International Inc. shares experienced a 15% decline intra-day following the release of fourth-quarter earnings that fell short of expectations and a weaker-than-anticipated guidance for 2026 [1] Financial Performance - The company reported adjusted EPS of $0.44, which was below analyst estimates of $0.54 [2] - Revenue reached $2.97 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.84 billion, marking an 8% increase on a reported basis and a 3% operational growth compared to the previous year [2] - Despite the revenue exceeding expectations, concerns regarding profitability negatively impacted investor sentiment [2] Future Guidance - Baxter projected fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS to be in the range of $1.85 to $2.05, significantly lower than the analyst consensus of $2.25 [2] Operational Challenges - President and CEO Andrew Hider acknowledged that while sales growth was achieved across all segments, the fourth-quarter performance did not meet internal expectations, highlighting the company's focus on operational improvements [3] - The company reported a U.S. GAAP net loss from continuing operations of $2.01 per diluted share, which included a $485 million goodwill impairment charge related to its Front Line Care reporting unit and a $330 million valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets [3] Segment Performance - Medical Products & Therapies revenue increased by 6% to $1.39 billion [4] - Healthcare Systems & Technologies revenue rose by 5% to $827 million [4] - Pharmaceuticals revenue grew by 4% to $668 million [4]