Baxter Eyes Swine Flu Market

Baxter International Inc. (BAX - Analyst Report) announced that it sees multiyear opportunity in H1N1 vaccines, commonly known as Swine Flu vaccines. The company expects to recognize $30 million to $40 million in revenues from swine flu vaccines in the fourth quarter. Baxter has not speculated on H1N1 vaccine sales beyond the fourth quarter. However, increasing demand has raised hopes for a multiyear opportunity. Baxter started shipping the product from August 2009.
 
Baxter and four other companies Sanofi-Aventis (SNY - Analyst Report); MedImmune, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca plc (AZN - Analyst Report); GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK - Analyst Report); and Novartis have received authorization to market H1N1 vaccines. Baxter has received approval only for a two-dose vaccine and not a single-dose. Baxter uses its cell culture-based technology instead of the traditional one to produce these vaccines.
 
Baxter recently announced strong third quarter results. Earnings per share stood at 98 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 97 cents and the year-ago earnings of 88 cents. Net sales were $3.1 billion, roughly flat year over year. However, excluding the unfavorable foreign currency translation, net sales increased approximately 6% year over year. The company also witnessed an expansion in margins.
 
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 main competitors include Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BDX - Analyst Report) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ - Analyst Report). Baxter’s products are primarily life-sustaining, a hedge against the current economic turmoil.