Baxter International Inc (BAX) saw a price increase of 3.00%, reaching a 20-day high. This movement occurs amid broader market weakness, with the Nasdaq-100 down 0.27% and the S&P 500 down 0.13%.
The stock's rise comes despite significant legal challenges, as Baxter is facing a class action lawsuit over systemic defects in its Novum LVP devices. The lawsuit alleges that these defects pose serious risks to patients, potentially leading to severe consequences for the company's sales and reputation. Investors are concerned about the implications of this lawsuit, which could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and legal liabilities for Baxter.
The ongoing legal issues may overshadow the stock's recent performance, indicating that while the price has risen, investor sentiment remains cautious due to the potential financial and reputational impacts of the lawsuit.
Wall Street analysts forecast BAX stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for BAX is 21.73 USD with a low forecast of 15.00 USD and a high forecast of 30.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
12 Analyst Rating
Wall Street analysts forecast BAX stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for BAX is 21.73 USD with a low forecast of 15.00 USD and a high forecast of 30.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
2 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 19.730
Low
15.00
Averages
21.73
High
30.00
Current: 19.730
Low
15.00
Averages
21.73
High
30.00
Barclays
Matt Miksic
Overweight
downgrade
$36 -> $30
2026-01-09
Reason
Barclays
Matt Miksic
Price Target
$36 -> $30
AI Analysis
2026-01-09
downgrade
Overweight
Reason
Barclays analyst Matt Miksic lowered the firm's price target on Baxter to $30 from $36 and keeps an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm updated the company's model. The uncertainty related to Baxter's outlook is "adequately discounted" in the shares, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Barclays expects the company's Q4 results and 2026 outlook to "help unwind this uncertainty and drive the stock higher."
Goldman Sachs
Neutral
maintain
$22 -> $23
2026-01-09
Reason
Goldman Sachs
Price Target
$22 -> $23
2026-01-09
maintain
Neutral
Reason
Goldman Sachs raised the firm's price target on Baxter to $23 from $22 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares. After a year when fundamentals diverged from stock performance, 2026 should represent a return to normalized patterns where organic growth defines relative valuation, the analyst tells investors in a research note.
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Evercore ISI
Vijay Kumar
Outperform
downgrade
$24 -> $23
2026-01-05
Reason
Evercore ISI
Vijay Kumar
Price Target
$24 -> $23
2026-01-05
downgrade
Outperform
Reason
Evercore ISI analyst Vijay Kumar lowered the firm's price target on Baxter to $23 from $24 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. Recovering end markets and sector rotation have "set the stage for a 2026 Tools play," the analyst tells investors. In MedTech, the firm's survey work points to healthy procedure and CapEx trends into 2026 and early recovery signs in China support the group, but sector rotation and potential ACA and Medicare changes "have bears watching," the analyst added.
Citi
Neutral
maintain
$21
2025-12-11
Reason
Citi
Price Target
$21
2025-12-11
maintain
Neutral
Reason
Citi opens an "upside 90-day catalyst watch" on Baxter while keeping a Neutral rating on the shares with a $21 price target. The firm sees the upcoming guidance from new management as a "clearing event."
About BAX
Baxter International Inc. is a global medtech company. Its segments include Medical Products and Therapies, Healthcare Systems and Technologies, and Pharmaceuticals. The Medical Products and Therapies segment includes sales of its sterile IV solutions, infusion systems, administration sets, parenteral nutrition therapies and surgical hemostat, sealant, and adhesion prevention products. The Healthcare Systems and Technologies segment includes sales of its connected care solutions and collaboration tools, including smart bed systems, patient monitoring systems and diagnostic technologies, respiratory health devices, and advanced equipment for the surgical space, including operating room integration technologies, precision positioning devices, and other accessories. The Pharmaceuticals segment includes sales of specialty injectable pharmaceuticals, inhaled anesthesia, and drug compounding. It provides a portfolio of diagnostic, critical care, nutrition, hospital and surgical products.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
