Baxter International Inc vs McCormick & Company, Incorporated — how do they compare? Baxter International Inc trades at $21.78 (market cap $11.26B), while McCormick & Company, Incorporated trades at $52.85 (market cap $14.21B). The key difference: McCormick & Company, Incorporated is the larger of the two by market cap, and McCormick & Company, Incorporated pays the higher dividend (3.63%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BAX | MKC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $11.26B | $14.21B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $29.22 | $72.81 |
52-Week Low | $15.80 | $45.60 |
Enterprise Value | $18.93B | $18.81B |
Dividend Yield | 0.92% | 3.63% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Baxter International (BAX) trades at $22.57, down 0.22% on the day, with mixed technical signals showing a bullish moving average trend but neutral oscillators. The company reported Q1 2026 earnings beat with $0.36 EPS versus $0.31 expected, though net income margin remains negative at -9.7%. Recent news highlights upcoming Q2 earnings call and sustainability initiatives, while analyst consensus sits at $22.67 price target with 42% buy ratings.
BAX faces fundamental challenges with negative profitability metrics and volatile cash flow, but valuation appears reasonable with P/S of 1.02. The stock offers potential upside to analyst targets if operational improvements materialize, though investors must weigh high debt levels and inconsistent earnings performance against turnaround prospects in the medical technology sector.
McCormick (MKC) trades at $53.75, up 2.48% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The stock shows strong profitability with a 21.91% net income margin and 25.7% ROE, while valuation metrics like a P/E of 8.94 appear attractive. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat estimates, and the company reaffirmed its 2026 outlook, supported by the transformative Unilever Foods deal announced in July 2026.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $59.67 offering 11% upside, driven by margin recovery and strategic acquisitions. Risks include soft consumer volumes in the Americas and integration challenges from the Unilever deal. The stock presents a value opportunity with a 4% dividend yield, but investors should monitor volume trends and deal execution.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Baxter offers a variety of medical instruments and supplies to caregivers. It enhanced its portfolio of hospital-focused offerings by acquiring Hillrom in late 2021. Legacy Baxter offers tools to help patients with acute and chronic kidney failure. It also sells a variety of injectable therapies for use in care settings, such as IV pumps, and administrative sets.
Read more on BAX →In its 130-year history, McCormick has grown to become the leading global manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of spices, herbs, extracts, seasonings, and other flavorings. Beyond end consumers, McCormick's customer base also includes top quick-service restaurants, retail grocery chains, and other packaged food and beverage manufacturers, with about 30% of sales generated beyond its home turf to include 150 other countries and territories. In addition to its namesake brand, the firm's portfolio includes Old Bay, Zatarain's, Thai Kitchen, Frank's RedHot, French's, and the recently acquired Cholula brand.
Read more on MKC →