Baxter International

Baxter International (BAX - Analyst Report) is seeing bullish earnings projections. The current full-year Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.79 per share was increased from $3.77 over the past 3 months. For 2010, the forecast jumped from $4.24 to $4.28 over the same time frame.

Company Description

Baxter International develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma and other chronic and acute medical conditions.

As a global diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide. The company's products are used by hospitals, kidney dialysis centers, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors' offices, clinical and medical research laboratories, and by patients at home under physician supervision. Baxter manufactures products in 26 countries and sells them in more than 100 countries.

Higher Forecasts

The company is seeing bullish earnings projections. The current full-year Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.79 per share was increased from $3.77 over the past 3 months. For 2010, the forecast jumped from $4.24 to $4.28 over the same time frame.

Baxter’s 2009 earnings guidance ranges between $3.76 and $3.80 per share.

Recent Events

The company recently discussed its long-term financial objectives, growth opportunities and various research and development (R&D) programs at its recently concluded Investor Conference in Chicago. For the full story, read the Analyst Blog titled Baxter's Long-Term Goals.

Rewarding Shareholders

In late July, Baxter declared a quarterly dividend of 26 cents per share, which was paid out on October 1. Baxter rewards shareholders with an industry-leading dividend yield of 2%.

A Solid Quarter

In mid-July, the company posted second-quarter earnings of 96 cents per share, topping the consensus estimate by 2% and surpassing the previous year's 85 cents.

Worldwide sales of $3.1 billion slipped by 2%. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, worldwide sales were up 8%. U.S. sales climbed 7% to $1.3 billion. International sales dipped by 8% to $1.8 billion. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, international sales increased 9%.

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