5 Best Mid Cap Value Stocks to Buy in 2026

​3. Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) is one of the Best Mid Cap Value Stocks to Buy in 2026. On March 17, Travis Steed from Bank of America Securities maintained a Hold rating on Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) with a price target of $24.

​The rating comes after the S&P downgraded its outlook on the stock from Stable to Negative. The analyst emphasized in a research note that the company needs to avoid further guidance cuts and demonstrate stronger operational performance before justifying a more positive stance. He added that the S&P’s revised outlook assumes only modest leverage improvement alongside a gradual recovery in growth, margins, and cash generation.

​The analyst noted that the company’s free cash flow metrics remain below those of BBB- rated peers, which is also one of the reasons behind his Hold rating. Steed added that risks remain for the company regarding the resolution of cost-cutting actions and product challenges, such as Novum. Moreover, key inflection points are not anticipated until 2026–2027, contributing to a balanced risk-reward outlook of the company in the near-term.

​Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) is a global medtech company focused on essential healthcare products for hospitals, surgery, and critical care. The company operates through three main segments, including Medical Products and Therapies, Healthcare Systems and Technologies, and Pharmaceuticals.