Hologic’s Leadership Change: Implications for Investors to Hold or Sell?

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Hologic Strengthens Board with Wayde McMillan Amid Market Pressures

On Friday, Hologic HOLX welcomed finance expert Wayde McMillan to its board of directors, including his role on the Audit and Finance Committee. Mr. McMillan brings significant leadership experience, having previously served as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Vice President of Finance at Medtronic’s MDT Minimally Invasive Therapies Group. He also held critical positions at Covidien plc prior to its acquisition by Medtronic in 2015. Additionally, McMillan has been the CFO for leading healthcare companies like Solventum Corporation—part of 3M Company’s portfolio—and Insulet.

With McMillan’s appointment, Hologic aims to leverage his extensive financial expertise and deep understanding of the MedTech sector. Following the announcement, market sentiment improved, reflected in a 2.6% increase in the company’s shares during the April 4 after-hours trading session.

Stock Performance Relative to Industry

In the past month, HOLX shares have dipped by 7.2%, which is an improvement compared to the industry’s 10.3% decline and the broader Medical Market’s 9.2% drop. In the same timeframe, the S&P 500 composite fell by 9.7%. When compared to industry peers, Hologic has demonstrated greater resilience than Medtronic and Abbott ABT, which experienced declines of 11.6% and 9.4%, respectively.

HOLX 1-Month Price Performance

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As the U.S. introduces tariff pressures impacting the MedTech industry, Hologic shows relative strength. Abbott, which reported approximately 61% of its net sales from international markets in 2024, faces challenges stemming from a complex global supply chain. These logistical hurdles—such as material shortages, delayed deliveries, and contract negotiations—could escalate costs for healthcare providers and patients alike, exacerbating existing healthcare expenses. Consequently, these factors also impact Abbott’s stock performance.

Nevertheless, Hologic is not entirely shielded from these economic instabilities.

Current Challenges Facing Hologic

Hologic manufactures a large portion of its disposable Breast Health products and all Surgical products (except for Gynesonics) in Costa Rica, where a new 10% baseline tariff was introduced as part of Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff plan, effective April 5. Additionally, a 25% tariff now applies to imports from Mexico, leading to increased costs for Hologic’s Skeletal Health and Gynesonics products produced there. In a volatile global economy—characterized by inflation, supply chain issues, rising interest rates, and geopolitical tensions—the potential for additional tariffs or entry barriers could significantly affect Hologic’s operations, financial performance, and overall condition.

Furthermore, Hologic anticipates a revenue hit of up to $30 million for the remainder of fiscal 2025 due to disruptions from the temporary halt of U.S. foreign assistance funds to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), its main partner in HIV testing for developing nations. The stronger U.S. dollar is expected to further hinder results, with Hologic projecting a $30 million revenue headwind for the full year, a shift exceeding $60 million from earlier forecasts.

Hologic is also bracing for a slowdown in gantry placements within its Breast Health division. After a 9.1% growth in fiscal 2024, this segment experienced a 2.1% decline in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, primarily due to reduced capital equipment sales. The surge in mammography sales resulting from global chip shortages complicated Hologic’s view of what a normal gantry market would look like, leading to challenging year-over-year comparisons. As a result, the company has adjusted its fiscal 2025 revenue projections, now targeting $4.15 billion to $4.20 billion, a reduction of $100 million.

Technical Analysis of Hologic Stock

HOLX stock has been trading below the 50-day simple moving average (SMA), indicating a short-term bearish trend. Currently, shares are down 1.3% from the previous close.

Hologic Below 50-Day SMA

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Before making any investment decisions regarding Hologic, it’s crucial to consider the broader context. The company has established itself as a leading innovator in women’s health, benefiting from durable growth drivers across its business segments. Here, we explore two of its key strengths.

Diagnostics: Hologic’s Key Strength

The Diagnostics division represents Hologic’s largest sector, with Molecular Diagnostics as its core component. This area benefits from two significant growth drivers: the Biotheranostics lab testing business and the BV CV/TV assay. Hologic is strategically leveraging its physician sales capabilities to expand into the U.S. vaginitis testing market, tapping into a substantial growth opportunity. Furthermore, increasing adoption and coverage of the Breast Cancer Index test provides a promising outlook for Biotheranostics’ future growth.

Hologic’s core women’s health assays on the automated Panther platform continue to maintain leading market positions amid strong competition. In February, the company received FDA 510(k) clearance for the Aptima SARS-CoV-2 assay, following earlier Emergency Use Authorization granted in May 2020. Hologic is also advancing in Cytology and Perinatal markets with the FDA-cleared Genius Digital Diagnostics system, which enhances existing Pap test workflows through AI and innovative imaging technology for detecting pre-cancerous abnormalities and cervical cancer cells.

Hologic’s International Expansion Opportunities

Hologic’s international business remains a key driver of strong growth, demonstrating the company’s capability to convert potential opportunities into revenue. Many of its leading products, including ThinPrep Pap and its 2D and 3D mammography tests, are well-established in the U.S. but have low market shares abroad. The Surgical business is gaining global momentum, especially with the Myosure product, which addresses the increasing demand for minimally invasive treatments for uterine polyps and fibroids in underdeveloped markets.

In addition, the acquisition of Gynesonics in January 2025 has strengthened Hologic’s Surgical division by adding the Sonata System, which enhances the company’s array of minimally invasive solutions for heavy menstrual bleeding and fibroids. In the most recent fiscal…

Hologic’s Revenue Growth and Stock Valuation Insights

This year, Gynesonics generated nearly $28 million in revenues, showcasing a robust mix of international sales. Analysts project strong double-digit sales growth for Hologic, driven by its extensive Gyn sales team. The company is also focusing on expanding its direct operations in more regions while enhancing its global market access capabilities.

Current Valuation of HOLX Stock

Hologic’s forward five-year price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 13.66X, significantly below the industry average of 26.54X. The stock currently holds a Value Score of B.

Forward Twelve Months P/E Analysis

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In comparison, competitors Abbott and Medtronic have P/E ratios of 23.47X and 14.27X, positioning Hologic more favorably regarding valuation.

Investment Approach for HOLX Stock

Hologic’s leadership has strengthened, welcoming a finance expert with extensive knowledge of the MedTech sector. Currently, the Diagnostics division excels, driven by reliable growth factors. The international market presents considerable opportunities for growth, with the Surgical division poised to become a significant contributor. Given the stock’s appealing valuation relative to its peers, current shareholders may find it beneficial to remain invested. However, new investors might consider waiting for stabilization amid current macroeconomic uncertainties.

Hologic holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) at this time. For further insights, view the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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