Healthcare Stocks Underperform, Moderna Down 5.3%
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 12 2026
0mins
Should l Buy BAX?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Healthcare Sector Decline: The healthcare sector is the worst performer on Monday afternoon, down 0.7%, with Moderna Inc (MRNA) and Baxter International Inc (BAX) showing losses of 5.3% and 4.9%, respectively, indicating pressure on the industry that may affect investor confidence.
- ETF Performance Insight: The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV), which tracks the healthcare sector, is down 0.4% on the day but up 1.17% year-to-date, suggesting that despite short-term underperformance, the long-term trend remains positive, potentially attracting long-term investors.
- Energy Sector Weakness: The energy sector also shows weakness, down 0.7%, with Baker Hughes Company (BKR) and Valero Energy Corp (VLO) declining by 3.6% and 2.7%, respectively, reflecting volatility in the energy market that could impact earnings expectations for related companies.
- ETF Tracking Overview: The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is down 0.8% on the day but up 3.56% year-to-date, indicating that while facing short-term pressures, the long-term performance of energy stocks remains noteworthy, potentially attracting investors interested in the energy market.
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Analyst Views on BAX
Wall Street analysts forecast BAX stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for BAX is 21.73 USD with a low forecast of 15.00 USD and a high forecast of 30.00 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.
12 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 21.770
Low
15.00
Averages
21.73
High
30.00
Current: 21.770
Low
15.00
Averages
21.73
High
30.00
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.
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- Participation Details: Participants are required to pre-register via the provided link to receive call information, ensuring that investors can smoothly join and stay updated on the latest company developments.
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- Healthcare Sector Decline: The healthcare sector is the worst performer on Monday afternoon, down 0.7%, with Moderna Inc (MRNA) and Baxter International Inc (BAX) showing losses of 5.3% and 4.9%, respectively, indicating pressure on the industry that may affect investor confidence.
- ETF Performance Insight: The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV), which tracks the healthcare sector, is down 0.4% on the day but up 1.17% year-to-date, suggesting that despite short-term underperformance, the long-term trend remains positive, potentially attracting long-term investors.
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- ETF Tracking Overview: The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is down 0.8% on the day but up 3.56% year-to-date, indicating that while facing short-term pressures, the long-term performance of energy stocks remains noteworthy, potentially attracting investors interested in the energy market.
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- Job Data Expectations: The U.S. is expected to add 60,000 jobs in January, up from 50,000 in December, which could influence the Fed's monetary policy direction amidst ongoing economic uncertainty.
- Inflation Metrics Analysis: The January Consumer Price Index is projected to rise by 0.29% month-over-month and 2.5% year-over-year, showing improvement but still falling short of the Fed's 2% target, potentially affecting investor rate expectations.
- Market Reaction and Risks: Recent signs of labor market weakness, including an ADP report indicating only 22,000 new private sector jobs, may heighten expectations for further Fed rate cuts, although investors remain optimistic about economic resilience.
- Stock Market Rotation Trend: A significant rotation within the stock market is underway, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising over 2% this week, reflecting confidence in economic recovery, despite ongoing weakness in tech stocks.
See More
Baxter International Cuts Dividend to a Penny
- Dividend Cut Impact: Baxter International slashed its quarterly dividend from $0.17 to a mere penny, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.39%, which may deter income-focused investors from considering the stock.
- Poor Financial Performance: The company has faced inconsistent revenue and has reported losses, with its stock price plummeting approximately 75% over the past five years, raising concerns about its future performance, particularly following the dividend cut.
- Demand Outlook: Despite the challenges, Baxter's medical products are expected to see sustained demand due to the aging population, which is likely to drive future growth in the healthcare sector, highlighting the necessity of its offerings.
- Valuation Appeal: Following a significant price decline, Baxter's price-to-sales and price-to-book ratios are both below their five-year averages, and while losses render the price-to-earnings ratio unusable, the forward P/E is also below its long-term average, indicating potential investment value.
See More
Baxter International to Host Q4 2025 Earnings Call on February 12, 2026
- Earnings Call Announcement: Baxter International will host a conference call on February 12, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. Central Time to discuss its Q4 2025 financial results, aiming to provide investors and analysts with insights into its financial performance and future outlook.
- Participation Details: Participants are required to pre-register via the provided link to receive call information, ensuring that investors can smoothly join and stay updated on the latest company developments.
- Webcast Availability: The conference call will also be webcast on Baxter's website, allowing investors who cannot join by phone to listen to the meeting live, thereby enhancing transparency and information dissemination.
- Company Overview: With nearly a century of experience in the medtech field, Baxter is committed to providing medical devices and advanced injectable technologies, supported by approximately 38,000 employees, highlighting the company's significant role and impact in global healthcare.
See More
Earnings Momentum Review: BAX and Others Rated D
- Earnings Momentum Ratings: As the earnings season kicks off, Baxter International (BAX) and others are rated D for earnings momentum, indicating significant pressure on profitability that may undermine investor confidence.
- Multiple Companies Rated: Companies like Biogen (BIIB), Natera (NTRA), and Revolution Medicines (RVMD) also received D ratings, suggesting a notable decline in earnings expectations that could lead to stock price volatility.
- Market Impact: These ratings reflect a broader weakening of earnings momentum in the healthcare sector, potentially affecting the performance of related healthcare ETFs (such as XLV, VHT), prompting investors to reassess risks.
- Industry Outlook: As the earnings season progresses, market attention on healthcare stocks, particularly those with weak earnings momentum, may trigger broader industry adjustments and shifts in investment strategies.
See More
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- Market Size Analysis: The spinal non-fusion market is projected to grow significantly by 2036, with detailed epidemiology-based intervention volumes and market values across 39 countries, aiding companies in strategic decision-making.
- Diverse Product Categories: The market includes various devices such as Pedicle Screw-Based Dynamic Stabilization Systems, Interspinous Process Decompression Devices, and Artificial Disc Replacement Systems, addressing different spinal disorders and enhancing patient quality of life.
- Competitive Landscape Insights: The report provides market share and competitive dynamics analysis for major companies like Medtronic and B. Braun, helping investors identify potential investment targets and market opportunities to strengthen competitive positioning.
- Strategic Planning Support: By analyzing market trends and key technologies, companies can formulate effective sales and marketing strategies to capitalize on future growth opportunities in the spinal non-fusion market.
See More
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- Healthcare Sector Decline: The healthcare sector is the worst performer on Monday afternoon, down 0.7%, with Moderna Inc (MRNA) and Baxter International Inc (BAX) showing losses of 5.3% and 4.9%, respectively, indicating pressure on the industry that may affect investor confidence.
- ETF Performance Insight: The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV), which tracks the healthcare sector, is down 0.4% on the day but up 1.17% year-to-date, suggesting that despite short-term underperformance, the long-term trend remains positive, potentially attracting long-term investors.
- Energy Sector Weakness: The energy sector also shows weakness, down 0.7%, with Baker Hughes Company (BKR) and Valero Energy Corp (VLO) declining by 3.6% and 2.7%, respectively, reflecting volatility in the energy market that could impact earnings expectations for related companies.
- ETF Tracking Overview: The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is down 0.8% on the day but up 3.56% year-to-date, indicating that while facing short-term pressures, the long-term performance of energy stocks remains noteworthy, potentially attracting investors interested in the energy market.
See More
