QuidelOrtho Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Rhea-AI Summary
QuidelOrtho (Nasdaq: QDEL) reported Q1 2026 results on May 5, 2026: total revenue $620 million, GAAP net loss $92 million, GAAP operating loss $32 million, and adjusted EBITDA $109 million. Point of Care revenue declined 34%; Labs revenue declined 5%; Immunohematology grew 8%.
The company completed the LEX Diagnostics acquisition in April, launched High-Sensitivity Troponin in the U.S., and updated full-year 2026 guidance: total revenue $2.70–2.75B and adjusted diluted EPS $1.80–2.00, reflecting China NHSA pricing draft and Middle East uncertainties.
Positive
- Total revenue of $620 million in Q1 2026
- Completed LEX Diagnostics acquisition in April 2026
- Immunohematology revenue growth of 8% year-over-year
- Adjusted EBITDA of $109 million reported in Q1 2026
Negative
- Point of Care revenue declined 34% year-over-year
- GAAP net loss of $92 million in Q1 2026
- Updated 2026 adjusted diluted EPS range reduced to $1.80–2.00
- Full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance narrowed lower to $615–630 million
News Market Reaction – QDEL
In the May 6 session, QDEL declined 6.00%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -12.5% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 22 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Previous Earnings Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 11 | FY25 earnings | Negative | -17.6% | FY25 results with large goodwill impairment and detailed FY26 guidance range. |
| Nov 05 | Q3 2025 earnings | Negative | -22.3% | Q3 revenue, big non-cash goodwill impairment and narrowed FY25 outlook. |
| Aug 05 | Q2 2025 earnings | Positive | -1.0% | Q2 growth in Labs and immunohematology with improved adjusted EBITDA margin. |
| May 07 | Q1 2025 earnings | Positive | +41.0% | Q1 revenue growth, margin expansion and significant operating margin improvement. |
| Feb 12 | FY24 earnings | Neutral | +4.3% | FY24 revenue decline with large goodwill impairment but detailed FY25 guidance. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Earnings have often triggered sharp moves, with negative or mixed prints frequently sold and only one recent quarter seeing a very strong positive reaction.
Recent earnings for QuidelOrtho show recurring GAAP losses tied to large goodwill impairments but improving adjusted EBITDA margins and detailed guidance. On Feb 11, 2026, FY25 results and initial FY26 guidance drew a -17.59% reaction. Prior quarters in 2025 showed sizable revenue, cost-savings progress, and reiterated guidance, yet price reactions ranged from about flat to steep selloffs, except Q1 2025, which jumped 41.04%. Today’s Q1 2026 update and guidance reduction fits into a pattern of earnings being key catalysts.
Key Terms
in vitro diagnostics medical
point-of-care molecular diagnostics medical
gaap financial
adjusted ebitda financial
free cash flow financial
non-gaap financial measures financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
― LEX Diagnostics Acquisition Expected to Accelerate Growth in Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics ―
― Key Product Launches in
― Company Updates Full-Year 2026 Financial Guidance ―
Key First Quarter 2026 Results:
(all comparisons are to the prior year period)
- Total revenue was
, as reported$620 million - Point of Care revenue of
declined by$113 million 34% as reported and35% in constant currency, primarily due to a significantly weaker respiratory season compared to the first quarter of 2025. - Labs revenue of
declined by$353 million 5% as reported and8% in constant currency, primarily due to slower distributor sales inChina that the Company believes is related to pending changes to the China National Health Security Administration ("NHSA") In Vitro Diagnostics ("IVD") pricing guidelines, business disruption related to theMiddle East conflict, and a decrease in revenue related in part to the Company's termination of its joint business arrangement with Grifols. - Immunohematology revenue of
grew$138 million 8% as reported and3% in constant currency, primarily driven by growth inNorth America ,China and JPAC.
- Point of Care revenue of
- GAAP net loss was
; GAAP operating loss was$92 million ; adjusted EBITDA was$32 million .$109 million - GAAP diluted loss per share was
; adjusted diluted loss per share was$1.35 .$0.04
"Our first quarter results were in line with our preliminary revenue announcement and reflected a significantly weaker respiratory season and business disruption in
"We completed our acquisition of LEX Diagnostics in April, adding an ultra-fast molecular diagnostics platform for point-of-care testing. We also advanced our key strategic priorities, including the
Full-year 2026 Financial Guidance
The Company provided its initial financial guidance for full-year 2026 on February 11, 2026. On April 15, 2026, the Company announced preliminary revenue for the first quarter 2026 and indicated that the low end of its full-year 2026 financial guidance ranges remained achievable. Considering first-quarter performance and current market dynamics in
Full-year 2026 Financial Guidance | Updated (as of 5/5/26) | Previous (as of 2/11/26) |
Total revenues (reported) | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | ||
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 23 % | 23.3 % |
Adjusted diluted earnings per share | ||
Free cash flow |
Please see page 6 of the First Quarter 2026 Financial Results presentation on the "Investor Relations" page of the Company's website for the full list of assumptions on which the Company's current 2026 financial guidance is based. |
A reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP measures, including adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted diluted earnings per share and free cash flow, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is not provided because comparable GAAP measures for such measures are not reasonably accessible or reliable due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying measures that would be necessary for such reconciliation. We are not, without unreasonable effort, able to reliably predict the impact of impairment charges and related tax benefits and other non-recurring adjustments. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors and may have a material impact on our future GAAP results. In addition, the Company believes any such reconciliation would imply a degree of precision and certainty that could be confusing to investors. See "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
Conference Call Information
Following the release of financial results, QuidelOrtho will hold a conference call today beginning at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss its financial results. Interested parties can access the call from the "Events & Presentations" section of the "Investor Relations" page of the Company's website at https://ir.quidelortho.com. Presentation materials will also be posted to the "Events & Presentations" section of the "Investor Relations" page of the Company's website at the time of the call.
A replay of the conference call will be available shortly after the event on the "Investor Relations" page of the Company's website under the "Events & Presentations" section.
QuidelOrtho is dedicated to advancing diagnostics to power a healthier future. For more information, please visit quidelortho.com and follow QuidelOrtho on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
About QuidelOrtho Corporation
With expertise spanning clinical chemistry, immunoassay, immunohematology and molecular testing, QuidelOrtho Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a leading global provider of diagnostic solutions, dedicated to advancing fast, accurate and reliable results that help improve patient outcomes – from the point of care to hospital, lab to clinic. Building on a legacy of innovation, QuidelOrtho works with healthcare providers to advance diagnostics that connect insights with solutions, defining a clearer path for informed decisions and better care.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are any statement contained herein that is not strictly historical, including, but not limited to, QuidelOrtho's commercial and other strategic goals, financial guidance for 2026 and related assumptions and other future financial condition and operating results, including growth expectations and expected results of operations, financial position or cost-savings and operational improvement initiatives, and other future plans, objectives, strategies, expectations and intentions. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "might," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "plan," "intend," "goal," "project," "strategy," "future," "continue," "aim," "strive," "seek" or similar words, expressions or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the beliefs and expectations of QuidelOrtho's management as of the date of this press release and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or outcomes may differ significantly from those set forth or implied in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those set forth or implied in the forward-looking statements: fluctuations in demand for QuidelOrtho's non-respiratory and respiratory products; supply chain, production, logistics, distribution and labor disruptions and challenges; inability to successfully identify, consummate or realize the anticipated benefits of strategic transactions, strategic restructurings, divestitures, spin-offs or discontinuances of certain business operations, or debt financings, on the anticipated timelines, or at all; delays in the development of or failures or delays in the receipt of approvals for new or enhanced products; failure of new products and services to be commercially viable or accepted; changes in reimbursement rates for our products, including reimbursement rate reductions proposed by the China NHSA; disruptions and challenges related to the ongoing conflicts in the
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release contains financial measures that are considered non-GAAP financial measures under applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, including but not limited to "constant currency Point of Care revenue changes," "constant currency Labs revenue changes," "constant currency Immunohematology revenue changes," "adjusted EBITDA," "adjusted EBITDA margin," "adjusted diluted loss per share," "free cash flow" and other non-GAAP financial measures included in the reconciliation tables accompanying this press release. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with
Investor Contact:
Juliet Cunningham
Vice President, Investor Relations
IR@QuidelOrtho.com
Media Contact:
Stephanie Kleewein
Senior Corporate Communications and PR Manager
media@QuidelOrtho.com
QuidelOrtho | |||
Three Months Ended | |||
March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||
Total revenues | $ 619.8 | $ 692.8 | |
Cost of sales, excluding amortization of intangibles | 356.0 | 349.5 | |
Selling, marketing and administrative | 199.3 | 187.0 | |
Research and development | 44.9 | 53.2 | |
Amortization of intangible assets | 46.8 | 48.0 | |
Restructuring, integration and other charges | 4.4 | 16.1 | |
Other operating expenses | 0.2 | 6.4 | |
Operating (loss) income | (31.8) | 32.6 | |
Interest expense, net | 51.1 | 40.0 | |
Other (income) expense, net | (3.4) | 1.4 | |
Loss before income taxes | (79.5) | (8.8) | |
Provision for income taxes | 12.3 | 3.9 | |
Net loss | $ (91.8) | $ (12.7) | |
Basic loss per share | $ (1.35) | $ (0.19) | |
Diluted loss per share | $ (1.35) | $ (0.19) | |
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic | 68.2 | 67.5 | |
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted | 68.2 | 67.5 | |
QuidelOrtho | |||
March 29, 2026 | December 28, 2025 | ||
ASSETS | |||
Current assets: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 140.4 | $ 169.8 | |
Accounts receivable, net | 359.9 | 417.0 | |
Inventories | 611.5 | 577.6 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 232.8 | 250.5 | |
Assets held for sale | 32.4 | 32.4 | |
Total current assets | 1,377.0 | 1,447.3 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 1,339.3 | 1,358.3 | |
Right-of-use assets | 158.0 | 155.5 | |
Intangible assets, net | 2,520.2 | 2,563.8 | |
Other assets | 234.2 | 244.4 | |
Total assets | $ 5,628.7 | $ 5,769.3 | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||
Current liabilities: | |||
Accounts payable | $ 243.5 | $ 279.4 | |
Accrued payroll and related expenses | 135.4 | 120.3 | |
Income tax payable | 12.7 | 11.5 | |
Current portion of borrowings | 228.2 | 178.3 | |
Other current liabilities | 342.6 | 376.6 | |
Total current liabilities | 962.4 | 966.1 | |
Operating lease liabilities | 155.4 | 154.4 | |
Long-term borrowings | 2,459.8 | 2,471.9 | |
Deferred tax liabilities | 87.3 | 90.0 | |
Other liabilities | 112.4 | 166.4 | |
Total liabilities | 3,777.3 | 3,848.8 | |
Total stockholders' equity | 1,851.4 | 1,920.5 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ 5,628.7 | $ 5,769.3 | |
QuidelOrtho | |||
Three Months Ended | |||
March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||
Cash (used for) provided by operating activities | $ (33.0) | $ 65.6 | |
Cash used for investing activities | (34.0) | (56.2) | |
Cash provided by financing activities | 37.6 | 17.6 | |
Effect of exchange rates on cash | — | 1.7 | |
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (29.4) | 28.7 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 169.8 | 98.5 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ 140.4 | $ 127.2 | |
Reconciliation to amounts within the consolidated balance sheets: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 140.4 | $ 127.1 | |
Restricted cash in Other assets | — | 0.1 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ 140.4 | $ 127.2 | |
QuidelOrtho | |||||||
Three Months Ended | |||||||
March 29, 2026 | Diluted EPS | March 30, 2025 | Diluted EPS | ||||
Net loss | $ (91.8) | $ (1.35) | $ (12.7) | $ (0.19) | |||
Adjustments: | |||||||
Amortization of intangibles | 46.8 | 48.0 | |||||
Restructuring, integration and other charges | 4.4 | 16.1 | |||||
Amortization of deferred cloud computing implementation costs | 8.0 | 4.3 | |||||
Employee compensation charges | 5.5 | — | |||||
Incremental depreciation on PP&E fair value adjustment | 3.3 | 5.2 | |||||
Accelerated depreciation | 2.0 | — | |||||
Loss (gain) on investments | 0.9 | (0.3) | |||||
EU medical device regulation transition costs | 0.7 | 0.2 | |||||
Other adjustments | 4.7 | 1.2 | |||||
Income tax impact of adjustments | 13.1 | (11.8) | |||||
Adjusted net (loss) income | $ (2.4) | $ (0.04) | $ 50.2 | $ 0.74 | |||
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted | 68.2 | 67.9 | |||||
QuidelOrtho | |||
Three Months Ended | |||
March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | ||
Net loss | $ (91.8) | $ (12.7) | |
Depreciation and amortization | 112.9 | 107.1 | |
Interest expense, net | 51.1 | 40.0 | |
Provision for income taxes | 12.3 | 3.9 | |
Restructuring, integration and other charges | 4.4 | 16.1 | |
Amortization of deferred cloud computing implementation costs | 8.0 | 4.3 | |
Employee compensation charges | 5.5 | — | |
Loss (gain) on investments | 0.9 | (0.3) | |
EU medical device regulation transition costs | 0.7 | 0.2 | |
Other adjustments | 4.7 | 1.2 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 108.7 | $ 159.8 | |
Total revenues | $ 619.8 | $ 692.8 | |
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 17.5 % | 23.1 % | |
QuidelOrtho | |||||||||
Three Months Ended | |||||||||
March 29, 2026 | March 30, 2025 | % Change | Currency | Constant | |||||
Labs | $ 353.1 | $ 373.0 | (5.3) % | 2.3 % | (7.6) % | ||||
Immunohematology | 138.3 | 128.5 | 7.6 % | 4.2 % | 3.4 % | ||||
Donor Screening | 7.8 | 12.8 | (39.1) % | 0.4 % | (39.5) % | ||||
Point of Care | 112.8 | 170.9 | (34.0) % | 0.6 % | (34.6) % | ||||
Molecular Diagnostics | 7.8 | 7.6 | 2.6 % | 4.4 % | (1.8) % | ||||
Total revenues | $ 619.8 | $ 692.8 | (10.5) % | 2.1 % | (12.6) % | ||||
(a) | The term "constant currency" means we have translated local currency revenues for all reporting periods to |
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SOURCE QuidelOrtho Corporation