QuidelOrtho Announces Preliminary Q1 2026 Revenue, Updates Full-Year Guidance

Macroeconomic challenges and softer respiratory season impact first quarter, but company remains focused on operational execution and long-term growth.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:05am

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A photorealistic studio still-life image featuring a polished, geometric glass beaker filled with a vibrant blue liquid, symbolizing the precision and innovation of QuidelOrtho's diagnostic products. The beaker is placed on a clean, monochromatic background, using dramatic lighting and shadows to convey the company's commitment to advancing diagnostics.QuidelOrtho's innovative diagnostic solutions aim to provide fast, accurate and reliable results that help improve patient care.San Diego Today

QuidelOrtho Corporation, a global leader in in vitro diagnostics, announced preliminary unaudited revenue of $615-$620 million for the first quarter of 2026. The company cited a weaker respiratory season, slower China distributor sales, and delayed EMEA orders as factors impacting Q1 performance. Despite the near-term headwinds, QuidelOrtho remains confident in its core business and plans to discuss full-year 2026 guidance on its upcoming earnings call.

Why it matters

QuidelOrtho's preliminary Q1 results reflect broader macroeconomic and industry challenges, including fluctuations in respiratory disease demand, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory changes. However, the company's commitment to operational execution, margin expansion, and innovation pipeline development signals its intent to navigate near-term volatility and drive durable long-term growth.

The details

QuidelOrtho's preliminary unaudited Q1 2026 revenue was primarily impacted by a 30% decline in U.S. Influenza-like Illness visits compared to Q1 2025, slower China distributor sales related to proposed reimbursement rate reductions, and delayed EMEA orders due to the Middle East conflict. The company expects free cash flow to be negative in the first half of 2026 but positive for the full year.

  • QuidelOrtho will release its full Q1 2026 financial results on May 5, 2026.
  • The company will hold an earnings conference call on May 5, 2026 to discuss the Q1 results and full-year 2026 guidance.

The players

QuidelOrtho Corporation

A global leader of in vitro diagnostics, providing solutions for clinical chemistry, immunoassay, immunohematology, and molecular testing.

Brian J. Blaser

President and Chief Executive Officer of QuidelOrtho.

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What they’re saying

“Despite macroeconomic challenges and a softer first quarter respiratory season, QuidelOrtho is taking decisive cost actions to drive full-year 2026 performance.”

— Brian J. Blaser, President and Chief Executive Officer, QuidelOrtho

What’s next

QuidelOrtho plans to discuss its full-year 2026 financial guidance on the May 5, 2026 earnings conference call.

The takeaway

QuidelOrtho's preliminary Q1 results highlight the diagnostic industry's sensitivity to macroeconomic factors and seasonal disease trends, but the company's focus on operational execution, innovation, and long-term growth suggests it is well-positioned to navigate near-term volatility.