BioMérieux, a French specialist in medical tests, announced on Thursday a decrease in its quarterly sales, facing an uncertain geopolitical environment and a mild winter in terms of epidemics, consequently lowering its forecasts for the year.
In the first quarter of 2026, the group saw its sales drop by 10.4%, compared to the same period last year, to 983.6 million euros. Even without considering the unfavorable exchange rate effects, the trend is downward (-3.9%).
“The first quarter was marked by a relatively low respiratory epidemiology,” the group noted in a statement, highlighting a less severe flu epidemic compared to the previous year.
For BioMérieux, which develops tests related to respiratory diseases, this has had an impact on its sales. Its flagship product, the Biofire respiratory tests, experienced a drop in revenue of almost a quarter.
However, the group also points to an “uncertain geopolitical and macroeconomic context weighing on customer investment decisions,” especially due to the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel at the beginning of 2026.
As a result, BioMérieux significantly lowers its forecasts for the year, now expecting only a 3% to 5% increase in sales – excluding currency effects and acquisitions or divestments of activities – compared to the previous 5% to 7% projection.
The group also anticipates lower profitability. The indicator they focus on – the contributory operational income – is expected to grow by less than 10% this year, compared to a previously higher increase.
Furthermore, any potential increase in this indicator is contingent on excluding any prolonged impact from events in the Middle East.
“We will maintain strict and disciplined management to ensure profitability continues to improve,” promised CEO Pierre Boulud, as quoted in the statement.
