Yahoo Finance Here's Why You Should Invest in Baxter (BAX) Stock Right Now
Baxter International BAX is currently one of the top-performing stocks in the MedTech space. The company’s raised guidance for 2018 and global expansion are major tailwinds.
Shares Up
In the past year, Baxter’s shares have rallied 20.4%, compared with the industry’s growth of 10.3%.
The Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock currently has a Growth Score of A. This reflects possibilities of outperformance over the long haul. Our research shows that stocks with a Growth Score of A or B, when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2, are better picks than most.
In the last 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Baxter’s current-quarter earnings per share rose 1.4% to 71 cents.
Baxter International Inc. Price and Consensus
Baxter International Inc. Price and Consensus | Baxter International Inc. Quote
What Makes It an Attractive Pick?
Raised Guidance
Baxter has raised its guidance for 2018.
The company expects sales growth of 5% at cc. It expects adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations in the range of $2.85-$2.93 for the full year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $2.89, within the guided range.
For the second quarter of 2018, the company expects sales growth of approximately 5% at cc. Baxter expects adjusted earnings from continuing operations of 69-71 cents. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pinned at 71 cents, at the high end of the guided range.
Acquisitions & Collaborations
Baxter recently completed the acquisition of two hemostat and sealant products from Mallinckrodt plc to widen its surgical portfolio. The company bought RECOTHROM Thrombin topical and PREVELEAK Surgical Sealant product lines from Mallinckrodt.
Baxter also recently collaborated with the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) to spread awareness on chronic kidney diseases.
International Launches
Baxter aims to accelerate growth by offering its services overseas.
The company’s advanced surgery team recently began the rollout of TISSEEL Prima in Europe. In Japan, Baxter’s renal team has initiated the launch of the KAGUYA peritoneal dialysis technology.
Want More from the Industry?
Some other top-ranked stocks in the Medical Products space are Stryker Corp. SYK, Bio-Rad Laboratories BIO and Boston Scientific Corp. BSX.
Stryker’s long-term expected earnings growth is 9.7%. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Bio-Rad’s long-term projected earnings growth is 15%. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2.
Boston Scientific has an expected long-term earnings growth of 10.1%. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2.
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