Medical Devices & Supplies - Imaging, Diagnostics Stocks Q4 In Review: QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) Vs Peers

As the Q4 earnings season wraps, let’s dig into this quarter’s best and worst performers in the medical devices & supplies - imaging, diagnostics industry, including QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) and its peers.

The medical devices and supplies industry, particularly those specializing in imaging and diagnostics, operates with a comparatively stable yet capital-intensive business model. Companies in this space benefit from consistent demand driven by the essential nature of diagnostic tools in patient care, as well as recurring revenue streams from consumables, service contracts, and equipment maintenance. However, the industry faces challenges such as significant upfront development costs, stringent regulatory requirements, and pricing pressures from hospitals and healthcare systems, which are increasingly focused on cost containment. Looking ahead, the industry should enjoy tailwinds from advancements in technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency, as well as rising demand for imaging solutions driven by aging populations. On the other hand, headwinds could arise from a rethinking of healthcare costs potentially resulting in reimbursement cuts and slower capital equipment purchasing. Additionally, cybersecurity concerns surrounding connected medical devices could introduce new risks and complexities for manufacturers.

The 4 medical devices & supplies - imaging, diagnostics stocks we track reported a mixed Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.2% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 6.4% since the latest earnings results.

QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL)

Born from the 2022 merger of Quidel and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) develops and manufactures diagnostic testing solutions for healthcare providers, from rapid point-of-care tests to complex laboratory instruments and systems.

QuidelOrtho reported revenues of $707.8 million, down 4.7% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1.4%. Despite the top-line beat, it was still a slower quarter for the company with a significant miss of analysts’ full-year EPS guidance estimates.

“We are pleased with our 2024 business performance and ended the year with positive momentum leading into 2025,” said Brian J. Blaser, President and Chief Executive Officer, QuidelOrtho.

Medical Devices & Supplies - Imaging, Diagnostics Stocks Q4 In Review: QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) Vs Peers

QuidelOrtho delivered the slowest revenue growth of the whole group. The stock is down 14.9% since reporting and currently trades at $33.99.

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