LabCorp downgraded to Hold at Craig-Hallum on headwinds ahead

Craig-Hallum analyst Kevin Ellich downgraded LabCorp (LH) to Hold from Buy as he believes volume and reimbursement headwinds will intensify in 2019 keeping a lid on the stock. While lower 23andMe volume is understandable due to lower than forecast Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, the analyst is concerned about lower volume from hospitals, which might be attributable to hospitals keeping more testing in-house, especially with physician-owned practices. Given the lowered 2018 outlook and increased pressure in 2019, Ellich also reduced his estimates and lowered his price target on the shares to $152 from $193. Overall, the analyst argues that lost UnitedHealth (UNH) exclusivity starts snowball effect as “Winter is coming” for LabCorp with lowered FY18 guidance.
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