Hologic(US:HOLX) ZACKSยท2025-08-08 13:46Core Insights - Hologic's Diagnostics unit has faced significant challenges this year due to geopolitical factors, particularly cuts in USAID funding affecting its HIV testing business in Africa and a difficult operating environment in China impacting its Cytology business, resulting in only 0.9% year-over-year growth in Q3 of fiscal 2025 [1][8] - Despite these challenges, the underlying growth drivers in the Diagnostics segment remain strong, with specific products like the BV, CV/TV assay and the Panther Fusion platform contributing positively to growth [2][3][8] - Hologic's entry into the oncology space through Biotheranostics is showing promise, particularly with the Breast Cancer Index test gaining strong adoption [4][8] Diagnostics Segment Performance - The BV, CV/TV assay has become Hologic's second-largest assay globally, targeting the estimated 60% of U.S. women who are not tested for vaginitis [2] - The Panther Fusion platform is gaining traction as customers adopt more testing menus, contributing to solid growth in the fiscal third quarter [3][8] - Hologic plans to expand its IVD test offerings for gastrointestinal and hospital-acquired infections, which is expected to enhance future growth in the Diagnostics segment [3] Competitive Landscape - Abbott's Diagnostics sales declined by 1.5% in Q2 of 2025, primarily due to decreased COVID-19 testing sales and challenges in China, which are projected to impact full-year sales growth by approximately $700 million [5] - Danaher reported growth in its molecular diagnostics business, offsetting declines in respiratory tests, and announced a partnership with AstraZeneca to develop precision medicine diagnostic tools [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - Hologic's stock has declined by 5.8% year-to-date, compared to an 11.7% decline in the industry [7] - The company is trading at a forward five-year price-to-earnings ratio of 15.05X, significantly lower than the industry average of 27.49X, indicating potential value [9]