Investing.com -- Shares of ICON plc (NASDAQ: ICLR) dropped 8% after the company issued its financial guidance for the full year 2025, which indicated slower growth and flat earnings compared to the previous year. The clinical research organization anticipates 2025 revenue to be between $8,050 million and $8,650 million, with a midpoint growth of approximately 1%. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) are expected to range from $13.00 to $15.00, mirroring the midpoint of the expected guidance for 2024.
The company's forecast falls short of consensus expectations, which projected a full year 2025 EPS of $14.93 and revenue of $8.5 billion. ICON's guidance excludes any potential impact from share repurchases or additional mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity.
CEO Dr. Steve Cutler addressed the cautious spending by biopharma customers impacting trial activity across both biotech and large pharma sectors. He noted that while strategic partnerships are expected to contribute to ICON's results, the company is facing a transition period with headwinds from its top two customers and an inconsistent recovery in biotech. Despite these challenges, Dr. Cutler emphasized ICON's commitment to managing the business through technology, automation, and cost management initiatives.
ICON also reaffirmed its guidance for the full year 2024, with expected revenue ranging from $8,260 million to $8,300 million and adjusted EPS between $13.90 and $14.10. Additionally, the company disclosed its recent stock repurchase activities, having bought back $400 million worth of stock in the fourth quarter of 2024 at an average price of $217, and a total of $500 million for the full year, with $250 million remaining under the current authorization from the Board of Directors.
Today's stock movement reflects investor reaction to the company's cautious outlook for 2025, as well as the broader market conditions affecting the clinical development sector. ICON's financial guidance and strategic efforts to navigate these conditions will continue to be closely watched by investors and market analysts.
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