Core Insights - Baxter International Inc. has a market capitalization of $9.5 billion and specializes in medical products and therapies, focusing on renal care, medication delivery, and pharmaceuticals [1] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, Baxter's stock has decreased by 48.5%, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which gained 17.7% during the same period [2] - Year-to-date, Baxter's stock has fallen 36.7%, while the S&P 500 has risen by 16.3% [2] Sector Comparison - Baxter's shares have also underperformed compared to the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund, which saw a 2.6% drop over the past 52 weeks [3] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Baxter reported an adjusted EPS of $0.69, which was better than expected, but the stock plunged 14.5% due to revenue of $2.84 billion missing forecasts [4] - The company has cut its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $2.35 - $2.40 and reduced expected sales growth to 4% - 5% due to hurricane-related disruptions [4] Analyst Expectations - Analysts expect Baxter's adjusted EPS for the current fiscal year to grow by 24.9% year-over-year to $2.36 [5] - The consensus rating among 16 analysts covering the stock is a "Hold," with two "Strong Buy" ratings, 13 "Holds," and one "Moderate Sell" [5] Price Target Adjustments - Goldman Sachs has cut Baxter's price target to $22 while maintaining a "Neutral" rating [7] - The mean price target of $26.77 suggests a 44.9% premium to the current price, while the highest price target of $40 indicates a potential upside of 116.6% [7]

Core Insights - Baxter International Inc. (BAX) is set to release its third-quarter 2025 results on October 30, with expectations of modest growth despite recent mixed performance [1][3] Q3 Estimates - The consensus estimate for revenues is $2.87 billion, reflecting a 6.4% increase from the prior-year quarter [2] - Earnings per share (EPS) is projected at 60 cents, indicating a 25% year-over-year decline [2] Important Factors to Note - The company experienced a 4% growth in sales from continuing operations in the second quarter, supported by Drug Compounding, Advanced Surgery, and Care & Connectivity Solutions, but faced challenges in Infusion Therapies & Technologies and Injectables & Anesthesia [3] - Adjusted EPS for the second quarter was 59 cents, at the low end of guidance, while operating margin improved by 180 basis points to 15.1% [3] Management Expectations - For Q3, management anticipates revenue growth of 6-7% and operational growth of 3-4%, aided by foreign exchange tailwinds and approximately $80 million in MSA revenues from Vantive [4] - Adjusted EPS is expected to range between 58-62 cents, with margin stability anticipated despite volume pressures in IV solutions [4] Segmental Overview - **Medical Products & Therapies (MPT)**: Second-quarter sales rose 1% operationally to $1.3 billion, with Advanced Surgery growth offset by weakness in ITT [6] - **Healthcare Systems & Technologies (HST)**: Revenues increased 2% to $767 million, driven by 4% growth in CCS, with international strength [9] - **Pharmaceuticals**: Sales grew 1% to $612 million, with Drug Compounding growth offsetting declines in Injectables and anesthesia [10] - **Other Sales & Transitional Revenues**: Other sales totaled $13 million, with MSA revenues from Vantive contributing $98 million; projected MSA revenues for Q3 are nearly $80 million [11] Earnings Prediction Insights - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Baxter, as the Earnings ESP is 0.00% [12] - Baxter holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a hold position [13]