Product Defect Exposure: Baxter International's Novum LVP product, launched between February 2022 and October 2025, is alleged to have systemic defects causing severe fluid delivery issues, which could endanger patient lives and directly impact the company's reputation and future sales.
Inadequate Customer Response: Despite being notified of multiple device malfunctions and injuries, Baxter's remedial actions have been deemed insufficient, potentially leading customers to withdraw existing devices, thereby affecting the company's market share.
Sales Suspension Risk: Due to ongoing design flaws, Baxter may face the risk of pausing all new sales, which would have a significant negative impact on its financial performance, especially in a highly competitive medical device market.
Increased Legal Liability: As the class action progresses, Baxter may face substantial compensation liabilities, further exacerbating investor concerns regarding the company's governance and transparency, which could negatively affect its stock performance.
BAX
$19.53+Infinity%1D
Analyst Views on BAX
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 23.67 USD with a low forecast of 19.00 USD and a high forecast of 36.00 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.
10 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 23.67 USD with a low forecast of 19.00 USD and a high forecast of 36.00 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
7 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 19.150
Low
19.00
Averages
23.67
High
36.00
Current: 19.150
Low
19.00
Averages
23.67
High
36.00
Citi
Neutral
maintain
$21
2025-12-11
New
Reason
Citi
Price Target
$21
2025-12-11
New
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."
Morgan Stanley
Patrick Wood
Underweight
downgrade
$19 -> $15
2025-12-02
Reason
Morgan Stanley
Patrick Wood
Price Target
$19 -> $15
2025-12-02
downgrade
Underweight
Reason
Morgan Stanley analyst Patrick Wood lowered the firm's price target on Baxter to $15 from $19 and keeps an Underweight rating on the shares. Going into 2026, MedTech "looks well-positioned on several fronts" as the firm thinks major product cycles and a supportive hospital spending environment, combined with trough valuations, make for "a solid industry setup," the analyst tells investors in a note for the group on the upcoming year.
Goldman Sachs
David Roman
Neutral
downgrade
$25 -> $22
2025-10-31
Reason
Goldman Sachs
David Roman
Price Target
$25 -> $22
2025-10-31
downgrade
Neutral
Reason
Goldman Sachs analyst David Roman lowered the firm's price target on Baxter to $22 from $25 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares. Total sales of $2.84B came in slightly below guidance and consensus, with shortfalls across all segments, most notably in MPT and Pharma, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Gross margins declined sharply to 39.4%, pressured by manufacturing variances expected to persist into 4Q25 and early 2026, though lower R&D and SG&A spending partially offset the impact. Management reduced FY25 organic growth and EPS guidance to 1%-2% and $2.35-$2.40, respectively, implying near-term softness and limited visibility into 2026, where earnings headwinds are expected to outweigh tailwinds, the firm says.
Argus
Steve Silver
Buy
to
Hold
downgrade
2025-10-31
Reason
Argus
Steve Silver
Price Target
2025-10-31
downgrade
Buy
to
Hold
Reason
Argus analyst Steve Silver downgraded Baxter to Hold from Buy.
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.
