Is BAX a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 35.0/100. It is ranked #3,609 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 37/100, Value 31/100, Momentum 22/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for BAX?

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 35.0 ranks it #3,609 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is BAX in?

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC operates in the Healthcare sector (Medical Equipment industry) with a market cap of $8.66 billion. It is classified as a mid-cap stock.

Does BAX pay a dividend?

BAX does not currently pay a regular dividend. The company may be reinvesting profits for growth.

What is BAX's P/E ratio?

BAX has a trailing P/E ratio of 27.24x. The Healthcare sector average is 23.6x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is BAX?

BAX's quality factor score is 37/100. Gross margin: 35.0%. ROE: 5.2% vs sector average -43.5%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is BAX valued compared to peers?

BAX's value factor score is 31/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 27.2x, EV/EBITDA 31.3x. Trading at a premium relative to peers.

What is BAX's debt level?

BAX's debt-to-equity ratio is 155%. Sector average: 32%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

BAX has a beta of 1.16, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 47/100.

Does BAX have high short interest?

BAX's short interest factor score is 54/100 (higher = less short selling). Moderate short interest.

BAX Stock Analysis: Top Mid-Cap Reduce (Score 35.0/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
BAX	-0.87%	+2.82%	-1.78%	-10.26%	-39.05%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLV	-1.35%	+0.34%	-3.81%	-4.84%	+9.21%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-0.80%	-0.79%	-2.11%	-9.90%	-68.58%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	+0.49%	+2.48%	+2.04%	-5.42%	-48.26%	-	-	-

Metric	BAX	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	27.2x	+15%
EV/EBITDA	31.3x	+393%
Price / Book	1.4x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
AZN ASTRAZENECA PLC	61	43	77	87	45.2x	88.7%	68.6%	28.3%	-	37.0x	$311.3B	VS
SLGL Sol-Gel Technologies Ltd.	57	41	36	98	-	-146.7%	100.0%	-91.7%	-	0.0x	$271M	VS
VMD VIEMED HEALTHCARE, INC.	53	50	63	60	27.6x	9.4%	57.8%	5.4%	30.8%	39.0x	$370M	VS
INVA Innoviva, Inc.	53	50	72	60	15.9x	9.2%	78.6%	23.9%	7.9%	39.0x	$1.7B	VS
HOLX HOLOGIC INC	53	50	43	58	31.7x	10.2%	51.4%	12.9%	3.6%	48.0x	$16.9B	VS
FONR FONAR CORP	52	48	50	57	11.1x	6.5%	88.3%	10.1%	2.4%	33.0x	$117M	VS
JNJ JOHNSON & JOHNSON	52	50	39	65	21.4x	32.9%	67.8%	29.0%	9.3%	51.0x	$588.0B	VS
UTHR UNITED THERAPEUTICS Corp	51	50	63	66	19.4x	18.0%	88.4%	40.7%	11.8%	11.0x	$25.0B	VS
DGX QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INC	51	50	62	55	21.2x	14.2%	33.2%	9.6%	17.5%	79.0x	$21.7B	VS
PFE PFIZER INC	49	50	59	48	11.1x	16.1%	74.7%	22.1%	25.4%	140.0x	$162.4B	VS
BAX BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC	35	37	31	22	27.2x	5.2%	35.0%	2.9%	-25.6%	155.0x	$8.7B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.3%	0.3%	0.4%	0.3%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	-0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	-0.0%	0.1%	0.0%	-0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.6%
Net Margin %	0.0%	-0.1%	-0.1%	0.2%	-0.2%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.5%
FCF Margin %	5.8%	-	5.4%	-	-	-	9.9%	12.4%	12.7%	10.4%	9.2%
ROE %	0.1%	-0.2%	-0.1%	0.3%	-0.4%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.6%
ROA %	0.0%	-0.0%	-0.0%	0.1%	-0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.0%	0.3%
ROIC %	0.0%	-1.6%	0.1%	1.4%	-6.8%	5.0%	11.4%	14.1%	13.2%	11.0%	6.9%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.3%

0.4%

0.3%

0.4%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

-0.0%

0.0%

-0.1%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

-0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

-0.1%

0.1%

0.2%

0.6%

Net Margin %

0.0%

-0.1%

0.2%

-0.2%

0.1%

0.5%

FCF Margin %

5.8%

5.4%

9.9%

12.4%

12.7%

10.4%

9.2%

ROE %

0.1%

-0.2%

-0.1%

0.3%

-0.4%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.6%

ROA %

0.0%

-0.0%

0.1%

-0.1%

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.3%

ROIC %

0.0%

-1.6%

0.1%

1.4%

-6.8%

5.0%

11.4%

14.1%

13.2%

11.0%

6.9%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$11.0B	$11.2B	$10.6B	$14.8B	$15.1B	$12.8B	$11.7B	$11.4B	$11.1B	$10.6B	$10.2B	$10.0B
	—	$7.9B	—	$9.8B	$9.7B	$7.7B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$3.8B	$3.4B	$4.0B	$5.0B	$5.4B	$5.1B	$4.6B	$4.8B	$4.8B	$4.5B	$4.1B	$4.1B
Gross Margin	35.0%	30.0%	37.5%	33.6%	35.7%	39.9%	39.3%	41.9%	42.9%	42.3%	40.5%	41.6%
	—	$2.9B	—	$3.9B	$3.9B	$2.9B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Research & Development	—	$518M	$590M	$667M	$605M	$534M	$521M	$595M	$654M	$613M	$647M	$603M
Depreciation	—	—	$997M	—	—	—	$823M	$789M	$785M	$750M	$800M	$759M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$3.7B	—	$4.6B	$7.3B	$3.4B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$576M	-$308M	$14M	$390M	-$1.9B	$1.7B	$1.6B	$1.8B	$1.6B	$1.3B	$724M	$449M
EBIT	$576M	-$308M	$14M	$390M	-$1.9B	$1.7B	$1.6B	$1.8B	$1.6B	$1.3B	$724M	$449M
EBITDA	$576M	-$308M	$1.0B	$390M	-$1.9B	$1.7B	$2.2B	$1.8B	$2.4B	$1.9B	$5.8B	$1.3B
Operating Margin	5.2%	-2.7%	0.1%	2.6%	-12.9%	13.4%	13.8%	15.6%	14.3%	12.2%	7.3%	4.5%
EBITDA Margin	5.3%	-2.7%	9.9%	2.6%	-12.9%	13.4%	19.3%	16.1%	21.9%	18.0%	57.3%	13.2%
	—	$290M	—	$512M	$415M	$206M	$134M	$71M	$45M	$55M	$66M	$126M
	—	-$505M	—	-$103M	-$2.4B	$1.5B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$395M	$37M	-$34M	$68M	$182M	$182M	-$41M	$65M	$493M	-$12M	$35M
	$315M	-$957M	-$638M	$2.7B	-$2.4B	$1.3B	$1.1B	$1.0B	$1.5B	$717M	$5.0B	$968M
Net Margin	2.9%	-8.5%	-6.0%	18.0%	-16.0%	10.1%	9.5%	8.9%	13.9%	5.7%	48.9%	9.7%
	$-1.87	$-1.87	$-1.27	$5.25	$-4.83	$2.56	$2.17	$1.97	$2.90	$1.32	$9.09	$1.78
Diluted EPS	$-1.87	$-1.87	$-1.27	$5.25	$-4.83	$2.53	$2.17	$1.97	$2.90	$1.32	$9.09	$1.78
Weighted Avg Basic	—	513M	—	506M	504M	502M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	513M	—	506M	504M	508M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$11.0B

$11.2B

$10.6B

$14.8B

$15.1B

$12.8B

$11.7B

$11.4B

$11.1B

$10.6B

$10.2B

$10.0B

—

$7.9B

—

$9.8B

$9.7B

$7.7B

—

$3.8B

$3.4B

$4.0B

$5.0B

$5.4B

$5.1B

$4.6B

$4.8B

$4.5B

$4.1B

Gross Margin

35.0%

30.0%

37.5%

33.6%

35.7%

39.9%

39.3%

41.9%

42.9%

42.3%

40.5%

41.6%

—

$2.9B

—

$3.9B

$2.9B

—

Research & Development

—

$518M

$590M

$667M

$605M

$534M

$521M

$595M

$654M

$613M

$647M

$603M

Depreciation

—

$997M

—

$823M

$789M

$785M

$750M

$800M

$759M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$3.7B

—

$4.6B

$7.3B

$3.4B

—

$576M

-$308M

$14M

$390M

-$1.9B

$1.7B

$1.6B

$1.8B

$1.6B

$1.3B

$724M

$449M

EBIT

$576M

-$308M

$14M

$390M

-$1.9B

$1.7B

$1.6B

$1.8B

$1.6B

$1.3B

$724M

$449M

EBITDA

$576M

-$308M

$1.0B

$390M

-$1.9B

$1.7B

$2.2B

$1.8B

$2.4B

$1.9B

$5.8B

$1.3B

Operating Margin

5.2%

-2.7%

0.1%

2.6%

-12.9%

13.4%

13.8%

15.6%

14.3%

12.2%

7.3%

4.5%

EBITDA Margin

5.3%

-2.7%

9.9%

2.6%

-12.9%

13.4%

19.3%

16.1%

21.9%

18.0%

57.3%

13.2%

—

$290M

—

$512M

$415M

$206M

$134M

$71M

$45M

$55M

$66M

$126M

—

-$505M

—

-$103M

-$2.4B

$1.5B

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$395M

$37M

-$34M

$68M

$182M

-$41M

$65M

$493M

-$12M

$35M

$315M

-$957M

-$638M

$2.7B

-$2.4B

$1.3B

$1.1B

$1.0B

$1.5B

$717M

$5.0B

$968M

Net Margin

2.9%

-8.5%

-6.0%

18.0%

-16.0%

10.1%

9.5%

8.9%

13.9%

5.7%

48.9%

9.7%

$-1.87

$-1.27

$5.25

$-4.83

$2.56

$2.17

$1.97

$2.90

$1.32

$9.09

$1.78

Diluted EPS

$-1.87

$-1.27

$5.25

$-4.83

$2.53

$2.17

$1.97

$2.90

$1.32

$9.09

$1.78

Weighted Avg Basic

—

513M

—

506M

504M

502M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

513M

—

506M

504M

508M

—

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC Do?

Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops and provides a portfolio of healthcare products worldwide. The company offers peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis, and additional dialysis therapies and services; intravenous therapies, infusion pumps, administration sets, and drug reconstitution devices; remixed and oncology drug platforms, inhaled anesthesia and critical care products and pharmacy compounding services; parenteral nutrition therapies and related products; biological products and medical devices used in surgical procedures for hemostasis, tissue sealing and adhesion prevention; and continuous renal replacement therapies and other organ support therapies focused in the intensive care unit. It also provides connected care solutions, including devices, software, communications, and integration technologies; integrated patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies to help diagnose, treat, and manage a various illness and diseases, including respiratory therapy, cardiology, vision screening, and physical assessment; surgical video technologies, tables, lights, pendants, precision positioning devices and other accessories. In addition, the company offers contracted services to various pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. Its products are used in hospitals, kidney dialysis centers, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors' offices, and patients at home under physician supervision. The company sells its products through direct sales force, as well as through independent distributors, drug wholesalers, and specialty pharmacy or other alternate site providers in approximately 100 countries. It has an agreement with Celerity Pharmaceutical, LLC to develop acute care generic injectable premix and oncolytic molecules. Baxter International Inc. was incorporated in 1931 and is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois. BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Healthcare sector, specifically within the Medical Equipment industry. The company is led by CEO José E. Almeida and employs approximately 60,000 people, headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois. With a market capitalization of $8.7B, BAX is one of the notable companies in the Healthcare sector.

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 35.0/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.BAX ranks #3,609 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Healthcare sector, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC ranks #578 of 838 stocks, placing it in the lower half of its Healthcare peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

BAX Stock Price and 52-Week Range

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) currently trades at $17.15. The stock lost $0.15 (0.9%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for BAX is $34.52, which means the stock is currently trading -50.3% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $16.84, putting the stock 1.8% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 3.5M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.

Is BAX Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) carries a value factor score of 31/100 in the Blank Capital model, signaling premium valuation that prices in significant future growth. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 27.24x, compared to the Healthcare sector average of 23.63x — a premium of 15%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 1.41x, versus the sector average of 2.75x. The price-to-sales ratio is 0.78x, compared to 1.66x for the average Healthcare stock. On an enterprise value basis, BAX trades at 31.28x EV/EBITDA, versus 6.34x for the sector.

At current multiples, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC trades at a premium to most Healthcare peers. This elevated valuation may be justified if the company can sustain above-average growth rates and profitability, but it also creates downside risk if earnings disappoint expectations.

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) earns a quality factor score of 37/100, signaling below-average profitability metrics relative to the broader market. The return on equity (ROE) is 5.2%, compared to the Healthcare sector average of -43.5%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 1.6% versus the sector average of -33.1%.

On a margin basis, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC reports gross margins of 35.0%, compared to 71.5% for the sector. The operating margin is 5.2% (sector: -66.1%). Net profit margin stands at 2.9%, versus -58.7% for the average Healthcare stock. Revenue growth is running at -25.6% on a trailing basis, compared to 10.6% for the sector. Profitability is below benchmark levels, which may reflect industry headwinds, elevated reinvestment, or structural challenges.

BAX Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC has a debt-to-equity ratio of 155.0%, compared to the Healthcare sector average of 32.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 2.31x, indicating strong short-term liquidity. Total debt on the balance sheet is $9.44B. Cash and equivalents stand at $1.73B.

BAX has a beta of 1.16, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC is 47/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC reported revenue of $10.97B and earnings per share (EPS) of $-1.87. Net income for the quarter was $315M. Gross margin was 35.0%. Operating income came in at $576M.

In FY 2025, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC reported revenue of $11.24B and earnings per share (EPS) of $-1.87. Net income for the quarter was $-957M. Gross margin was 30.0%. Revenue grew 5.7% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $-308M.

In Q3 2025, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC reported revenue of $2.83B and earnings per share (EPS) of $-0.09. Net income for the quarter was $-46M. Gross margin was 33.5%. Revenue grew 5.0% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $172M.

In Q2 2025, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC reported revenue of $2.81B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.18. Net income for the quarter was $91M. Gross margin was 35.3%. Revenue grew -26.3% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $191M.

Over the past 8 quarters, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $3.81B to $10.97B. Investors analyzing BAX stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

BAX Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) does not currently pay a dividend. This is common among smaller companies in the Medical Equipment industry that prefer to reinvest cash flows into business expansion rather than returning capital to shareholders. Income-focused investors looking for Healthcare dividend stocks may want to explore other Healthcare stocks or use the stock screener to filter by dividend yield.

BAX Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) has a momentum factor score of 22/100, signaling weak relative price performance. Stocks with low momentum scores have historically tended to continue underperforming in the near term. The investment factor score is 38/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 54/100 reflects moderate short selling activity.

BAX vs Competitors — Healthcare Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Healthcare sector, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) ranks #578 out of 838 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places BAX in the lower half of all Healthcare stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include ASTRAZENECA PLC (AZN) with a score of 61.4/100, Sol-Gel Technologies Ltd. (SLGL) with a score of 56.6/100, VIEMED HEALTHCARE, INC. (VMD) with a score of 53.4/100, Innoviva, Inc. (INVA) with a score of 52.7/100, and JOHNSON & JOHNSON (JNJ) with a score of 51.7/100.

Comparing BAX against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full BAX vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

BAX Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy BAX? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC suggests caution. The quality score of 37/100 flags below-average profitability. The value score of 31/100 indicates premium valuation. Momentum is weak at 22/100, a headwind for near-term performance.

In summary, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 35.0/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on BAX stock.

Related Resources for BAX Investors

Explore more research and tools: BAX vs S&P 500 comparison, top Healthcare stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare BAX head-to-head with peers: BAX vs AZN, BAX vs SLGL, BAX vs VMD.

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BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC Do?

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC (BAX) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

BAX Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is BAX Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

BAX Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

BAX Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

BAX Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

BAX vs Competitors — Healthcare Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

BAX Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy BAX? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for BAX Investors

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Intelligence Feed

Hologic hires former Baxter leader José Almeida as CEO

Hologic hires ex-Baxter leader Jos Almeida as CEO

Blackstone and TPG Complete Acquisition of Hologic

How Investors May Respond To Baxter International (BAX) Expanding Into Automated IV Line Labeling Systems

Robotic Pharmacy Prescription Market Research and Global Forecast Report 2025-2032