bioMérieux Lowers Annual Targets After a 3.9% Decline in First Quarter
The in vitro diagnostics group bioMérieux has revised its annual targets downward following a first quarter impacted by weak respiratory epidemiology and an uncertain macroeconomic context. The group's revenue amounted to 984 million euros, marking an organic decline of 3.9% for the period.
Financial Performance in the First Quarter
bioMérieux's consolidated revenue reached 984 million euros in the first quarter of 2026, down 10.4% in reported figures compared to 1,098 million euros in the first quarter of 2025. On a like-for-like basis, organic growth was minus 3.9%. This performance primarily reflects a collapse in sales of BIOFIRE® respiratory panels, which fell by 23% organically. Instrument sales also declined by 18% in a market unfavorable to new installations. Conversely, reagents from the GO-28 growth engines grew by 6.5% organically, driven notably by a 31% increase in SPOTFIRE® reagent sales and an 8% growth in industrial application reagents.
Revised Outlook for 2026
In light of these performances and the current market dynamics, bioMérieux has revised its outlook for 2026 downward. Annual sales are now expected to grow organically between 3% and 5%, compared to a previous range of 5% to 7%. The organic growth of the annual contributory operating profit is lowered to between 0% and 10%, whereas the group previously aimed for at least 10%, excluding a prolonged impact of events in the Middle East. The group confirms a negative foreign exchange impact of between 50 and 60 million euros on the 2026 contributory operating profit. The impact of the US dollar weighed 73 million euros on sales for the past quarter.
Sales by Application
By application, sales in clinical applications, which represent 84% of total revenue, declined by 5% organically to reach 825 million euros. Non-respiratory BIOFIRE® panels recorded a growth of 4%, driven by the Blood Culture Identification and Joint Infection ranges. SPOTFIRE® advanced by 15%, with a 31% increase in reagent sales and an installed base exceeding 6,800 units. Microbiology progressed by 2%, while industrial applications grew by 5%. Geographically, North America experienced a decline of 7%, Latin America progressed by 16%, Europe-Middle East-Africa retracted by 1%, and Asia-Pacific decreased by 8%.
