Needham downgrades Hologic to 'hold' on 2025 growth hindrances

Hologic

03/02/2025 18:49

** Brokerage Needham downgrades medical device maker Hologic
 HOLX.O  to "hold" from "buy", initiates coverage with a PT of
$90
    ** Sees several headwinds that may lead to slower revenue
and profit growth for the company in 2025
    ** Sees breast-health segment growth remaining weak ahead of
the 2026 launch of Envision - the company's new 3D mammography
platform, as consumers may defer purchasing from the company's
existing platforms
    ** Says the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's plans to
add self-collected human papillomavirus (HPV) testing to its
cervical cancer screening recommendations will hurt HOLX's
cytology (pap test) business
    ** HOLX is expected to report Q1 results on Feb. 5, after
reporting missed Q1 sales in its preliminary results on Jan. 12
    ** Eight of 22 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, 13
"hold" and one "sell"; with a median PT of $85, according to
data compiled by LSEG
    ** HOLX rose ~1% in 2024

 (Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru)
 ((Neil.JKanatt@thomsonreuters.com;))