Summary of Baxter International 2026 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Baxter International (NYSE: BAX) - **Date of Conference**: February 26, 2026 Key Industry Insights - **Medtech Fundamentals**: The underlying fundamentals of the medtech industry are described as solid and stable, despite stock performance concerns. Patient volumes and procedure volumes are in a decent place, with no significant hyperinflationary pressures noted [12][13]. - **IV Solutions Market**: Demand for IV solutions has decreased by approximately 10-15% from pre-hurricane levels, establishing a new baseline for the market. This decline is attributed to changes in clinical practices following a hurricane [13][14][41]. Company-Specific Developments - **Leadership Changes**: The arrival of a new CEO, Andrew, is seen as timely for Baxter, allowing the company to build on a clearer operational foundation after recent distractions from divestitures [20][21]. - **Operational Model**: The introduction of a new operating model (GPS) aims to enhance consistency in operations and performance tracking. This model is expected to lead to improved operational predictability [22]. - **Verticalization Strategy**: Baxter is evolving its business structure to allow for end-to-end ownership of profit and loss (P&L), moving away from a country-led structure. This change is intended to streamline decision-making and improve accountability [29][30][37]. Financial Performance and Guidance - **2026 Guidance**: The guidance for 2026 is described as prudent, factoring in challenges and opportunities. It does not include any sales from the Novum product, which is under a voluntary shipping hold [101][103]. - **Margin Expectations**: The company anticipates sequential improvement in gross and operating margins throughout 2026, particularly in the second half of the year, as operational issues are resolved [116][118]. - **Capital Allocation**: Baxter is focused on deleveraging its balance sheet, targeting a debt-to-EBITDA ratio of three times by the end of the year. Internal investments in R&D and capital spending remain a priority [131][134]. Product Innovations - **New Products**: The Connex 360, a next-generation monitoring device, and the Dynamo, a connected stretcher, are highlighted as key innovations expected to drive growth in 2026. Customer feedback has been positive for these products [76][78]. Challenges and Risks - **Supply Chain Issues**: The company has faced supply challenges in its pharmaceutical business, which have impacted production and market performance. These issues are expected to improve in the second half of 2026 [47][110]. - **Tariff Changes**: Uncertainty surrounding tariff changes is acknowledged, with ongoing efforts to assess their impact on the business [99][100]. Conclusion - Baxter International is positioned at a pivotal point, focusing on stabilizing operations, improving financial performance, and driving innovation. The company aims to build credibility with stakeholders through consistent execution and strategic growth initiatives as it moves into 2026 [145][151].