Investors focused on the Medical space have likely heard of Baxter International (BAX Quick QuoteBAX - Free Report) , but is the stock performing well in comparison to the rest of its sector peers? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.

Baxter International is one of 817 individual stocks in the Medical sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #5 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.

The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find stocks with improving earnings outlooks. This system has a long record of success, and these stocks tend to be on track to beat the market over the next one to three months. BAX is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for BAX's full-year earnings has moved 3.32% higher. This means that analyst sentiment is stronger and the stock's earnings outlook is improving.

Our latest available data shows that BAX has returned about 9.02% since the start of the calendar year. At the same time, Medical stocks have gained an average of 5.87%. This shows that Baxter International is outperforming its peers so far this year.

Breaking things down more, BAX is a member of the Medical - Products industry, which includes 72 individual companies and currently sits at #109 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has gained an average of 16.47% so far this year, so BAX is slightly underperforming its industry in this area.

Investors with an interest in Medical stocks should continue to track BAX. The stock will be looking to continue its solid performance.