QuidelOrtho Corp. (NASDAQ:QDEL) on Wednesday released its preliminary first-quarter 2026 revenue.
Weak Flu Season, China Snags Weigh On Q1 Sales
The diagnostic healthcare products maker reported preliminary unaudited revenue in the range of $615 million to $620 million for the first quarter, compared to the consensus of $680.59 million.
The results reflect a weaker respiratory season, with U.S. Influenza-like Illness visits down about 30% compared to the prior-year period, along with slower China distributor sales and delays in certain EMEA orders, the company said.
The San Diego, California-based company also expects free cash flow to be negative in the first half of 2026, with first-quarter free cash flow projected in the range of $(65) million to $(70) million.
Still, the full-year 2026 free cash flow is expected to be positive.
Analyst Flags Execution Risks Despite Management Confidence
William Blair said management …