Baxter’s Long-Term Goals

Baxter International Inc. (BAX) discussed its long-term financial objectives, growth opportunities and various research and development (R&D) programs at its recently concluded Investor Conference in Chicago.

The long-term (5-year) financial objectives are as follows:

• Increase sales roughly 7% to 8% per annum, excluding foreign exchange translation effect
• Grow earnings per share in the range of 11% to 13% per annum
• Generate annual cash flow of approximately $4 billion by 2014

Baxter also plans to expand its strong existing product portfolio by enhancing R&D investments at a compound annual rate of a minimum 8% to 10% from 7% at the end of fiscal 2008. The company will continue to hunt for business development opportunities through its disciplined acquisition strategy.    

We are confident that Baxter will be able to deliver on its commitments. The company has achieved record sales, earnings and strong cash flows over the past few years. Baxter has initiated 14 phase III clinical trials in the last year and is conducting several early-stage trials that have the potential to increase efficiency in the treatment of several chronic diseases like cardiovascular, kidney failure, Alzheimer's, etc.  

Baxter is a leading global medical products and services company that develops, manufactures and markets products to save the lives of millions of people affected by hemophilia, kidney disease, infectious diseases, etc. Baxter’s life-sustaining product portfolio is a hedge against the current economic turmoil. The company’s main competitors include Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BDX) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).  

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