Baxter price target lowered to $19 from $21 at Jefferies

Jefferies lowered the firm’s price target on Baxter (BAX) to $19 from $21 and keeps a Hold rating on the shares. Baxter reported Q4 sales of $2.97B, above consensus but below internal expectations, with growth across all segments, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The shortfall was driven by weaker infusion therapies, lower pump sales amid Novum IQ return uncertainty, and continued softness in hospital IV solutions tied to post-hurricane fluid conservation efforts, the firm adds.