QuidelOrtho Corporation announced on April 15 its preliminary unaudited revenue for the first quarter of 2026, estimating it between $615 million and $620 million. The company also provided an update on its full-year 2026 financial guidance and outlined plans to release complete quarterly results on May 5.
The announcement is significant as it reflects how external factors such as a weaker respiratory season, lower China distributor sales, and delays in EMEA orders due to Middle East conflict have affected the company’s performance. According to QuidelOrtho, U.S. Influenza-like Illness visits were down by about 30% compared to the same period last year.
Brian J. Blaser, President and Chief Executive Officer of QuidelOrtho, said, “Despite macroeconomic challenges and a softer first quarter respiratory season, QuidelOrtho is taking decisive cost actions to drive full-year 2026 performance. Our core business―representing more than 70% of total revenue―remains strong, providing a solid foundation amid near-term volatility. We remain focused on operational execution, margin expansion, cash flow improvement, and advancing our innovation pipeline to support durable long-term growth.” The company expects free cash flow for the first half of the year to be negative but maintains that positive free cash flow is anticipated for all of 2026.
The company stated that the low end of its previously issued full-year guidance remains achievable despite current challenges. These forecasts do not account for significant or prolonged impacts from proposed reimbursement rate reductions in China or ongoing disruptions related to conflict in the Middle East.
QuidelOrtho will discuss these results further during its earnings conference call scheduled for May 5 at https://ir.quidelortho.com under “Events & Presentations.” Presentation materials will be made available online after the event.
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Looking ahead, QuidelOrtho intends to maintain focus on operational improvements while monitoring global market conditions.
