On Thursday, Craig-Hallum upgraded shares of Quidel Corp . (NASDAQ:QDEL) from Hold to Buy, simultaneously raising the price target to $57.00 from the previous $40.00. The firm anticipates that Quidel will realize its significant untapped earnings potential in the coming years.
The optimism for Quidel's financial outlook is based on the expectation of mid-to-high single-digit revenue growth. Moreover, the firm forecasts that Quidel could achieve mid-to-high 20s EBITDA margins by 2027, potentially reaching an EBITDA of at least $750 million, with scenarios indicating it could exceed $850 million.
The new 12-month price target of $57 is predicated on an enterprise value (EV) multiple of 11 times the projected 2025 EBITDA. This target is considered conservative when compared to similar companies in the sector, which are currently trading at multiples ranging from 12 to 14 times their forward-year EBITDA.
According to the analysis, if Quidel's shares were to trade at a comparable multiple to its peers, it's conceivable that the stock price could surge to $100 or more within the next two years. This projection underscores the firm's confidence in Quidel's growth trajectory and financial performance.
In other recent news, QuidelOrtho Corporation reported substantial second quarter revenue of $637 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $614 million. The diagnostics company also gained FDA approval for its VITROS syphilis assay, a significant development given the rising syphilis cases in the U.S.
QuidelOrtho is implementing cost-saving measures expected to save approximately $100 million, with the savings projected to be split mostly between selling, general, and administrative expenses and gross profit.
Citi has revised its financial outlook on QuidelOrtho, reducing its price target from $48 to $44, while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock. This adjustment considers QuidelOrtho's Q2 performance and uncertainties in the near-term outlook. However, the company remains optimistic about its long-term financial health, targeting an adjusted EBITDA margin in the mid to high 20% range within the next 2-3 years.
QuidelOrtho is preparing for the launch of the Savanna instrument and expansion of diagnostic panels, which are expected to contribute to revenue growth. The company's strategic priorities also include improving cost execution and preparing for 2025 clinical trials for various diagnostic panels.
These recent developments reflect QuidelOrtho's ongoing efforts to support healthcare providers with advanced diagnostic tools and maintain financial stability.
InvestingPro Insights
Following Craig-Hallum's upgrade of Quidel Corp. (NASDAQ:QDEL) to a Buy rating, a closer look at the company's financials through InvestingPro provides a deeper understanding of its current market position. With a market capitalization of approximately $2.81 billion, Quidel's financial health is a key factor for investors to consider.
Notably, the company has been operating with a significant debt burden, which is an important aspect to monitor. Despite this, analysts are expecting Quidel's net income to grow this year, which could signal a turnaround in its financial performance.
InvestingPro data shows a negative revenue growth of -10.34% over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, indicating recent challenges in increasing sales. However, the company's gross profit margin remains robust at 47.89%, suggesting that Quidel is maintaining profitability in its core operations. Moreover, the company's price is currently at 51.84% of its 52-week high, with an adjusted P/E ratio of -9.42, reflecting the market's tempered expectations of future earnings.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that while Quidel has not been profitable over the last twelve months, analysts predict the company will reach profitability this year. This aligns with Craig-Hallum's positive outlook on the company's potential to realize untapped earnings. It is also worth noting that Quidel does not pay a dividend, which may influence investment decisions for income-focused shareholders.
For investors looking for more detailed analysis and additional insights, there are 6 more InvestingPro Tips available, which can provide further guidance on Quidel's financial prospects. To explore these tips, interested parties can visit the InvestingPro platform for Quidel at https://www.investing.com/pro/QDEL.
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