For the quarter ended September 2026, Baxter International (BAX Quick QuoteBAX - Free Report) reported revenue of $2.98 billion, up 5% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.58, compared to $0.69 in the year-ago quarter.

The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.9 billion, representing a surprise of +2.48%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +13.73%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.51.

While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.

Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.

Here is how Baxter performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:

• Net Sales- Healthcare Systems and Technologies- International: $205 million compared to the $204.69 million average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of +4.6% year over year.
• Net Sales- Other- U.S.: $40 million compared to the $50.01 million average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of -40.3% year over year.
• Net Sales- Other- International: $28 million compared to the $21.93 million average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of -17.7% year over year.
• Net Sales- Front Line Care- International: $69 million compared to the $72.44 million average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of -2.8% year over year.
• Net Sales- Infusion Therapies and Platforms- U.S.: $768 million versus $739.81 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +38.4% change.
• Net Sales- Medical Products and Therapies: $2.1 billion compared to the $2.03 billion average estimate based on four analysts. The reported number represents a change of +58.2% year over year.
• Net Sales- Other: $68 million versus the four-analyst average estimate of $75.47 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of -32.7%.
• Net Sales- Front Line Care: $308 million versus $305.36 million estimated by four analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +2.7% change.
• Net Sales- Healthcare Systems and Technologies: $806 million compared to the $799.14 million average estimate based on four analysts. The reported number represents a change of +4.3% year over year.
• Net Sales- Care and Connectivity Solutions: $498 million versus $493.78 million estimated by four analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +5.3% change.
• Net Sales- Advanced Surgery: $342 million compared to the $324.5 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +11.8% year over year.
• Net Sales- Infusion Therapies and Platforms: $1.76 billion compared to the $1.71 billion average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +72% year over year.

View all Key Company Metrics for Baxter here>>>

Shares of Baxter have returned +6.1% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.9% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.