Assessing Baxter Intl: Insights From 4 Financial Analysts

4 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on Baxter Intl BAX over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.

The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.

Analysts have recently evaluated Baxter Intl and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $46.75, accompanied by a high estimate of $54.00 and a low estimate of $44.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $43.25, the current average has increased by 8.09%.

Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown

In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive Baxter Intl. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.

Key Insights:

• Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Baxter Intl. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
• Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of Baxter Intl compared to the broader market.
• Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for Baxter Intl's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.

Capture valuable insights into Baxter Intl's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.

Stay up to date on Baxter Intl analyst ratings.

Unveiling the Story Behind Baxter Intl

Baxter offers a variety of medical instruments and supplies to caregivers. It enhanced its portfolio of hospital-focused offerings by acquiring Hillrom in late 2021, which added basic equipment, including hospital beds, to the portfolio, although about half of Hillrom's revenue comes from more digitally connected offerings like its smart beds and Voalte medical communications app. From its legacy operations, Baxter offers tools to help patients with acute and chronic kidney failure, which it plans to spin off by mid-2024. It also sells a variety of injectable therapies for use in care settings, such as IV pumps, administrative sets, and solutions; nutritional products; and surgical sealants and hemostatic agents.

Baxter Intl: Delving into Financials

Market Capitalization Analysis: Reflecting a smaller scale, the company's market capitalization is positioned below industry averages. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.

Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Baxter Intl's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 3.74% as of 31 December, 2023, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Health Care sector.

Net Margin: Baxter Intl's net margin is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in maintaining strong profitability. With a net margin of 6.31%, the company may face hurdles in effective cost management.

Return on Equity (ROE): Baxter Intl's ROE is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 2.97%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns for shareholders.

Return on Assets (ROA): Baxter Intl's ROA is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.83%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.

Debt Management: Baxter Intl's debt-to-equity ratio surpasses industry norms, standing at 1.71. This suggests the company carries a substantial amount of debt, posing potential financial challenges.

How Are Analyst Ratings Determined?

Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a quarter.

Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.