Medical device makers aim for new growth

Article Excerpt

Demand for medical devices continues to improve, particularly as the aging baby boom generation requires more hospital and other care. We like the long-term outlook for Baxter and Becton Dickinson, particularly as they re-organize their businesses for new growth. However, Solventum’s high debt level will likely hurt its short-term prospects. BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC. $30 is a buy. The medical device maker (New York symbol BAX; Conservative Growth Portfolio; Manufacturing sector; Shares outstanding: 505.9 million; Market cap: $15.2 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.0; Dividend yield: 2.3%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.baxter.com) has narrowed its focus in the past few years. In September 2023, the company sold for $4.25 billion (or $3.4 billion after taxes) its BioPharma division, whose products and services help drugmakers manufacture their products. Baxter also recently agreed to sell its Renal Care and Acute Therapies unit to investment firm Carlyle Group Inc. (New York symbol CG). Called Vantive, that business makes kidney dialysis machines and related equipment; it accounts for 30% of Baxter’s total revenue. The company…