** Brokerage Needham downgrades medical device maker Hologic HOLX.O to "hold" from "buy", initiates coverage with a PT of $90
** Sees several headwinds that may lead to slower revenue and profit growth for the company in 2025
** Sees breast-health segment growth remaining weak ahead of the 2026 launch of Envision - the company's new 3D mammography platform, as consumers may defer purchasing from the company's existing platforms
** Says the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's plans to add self-collected human papillomavirus (HPV) testing to its cervical cancer screening recommendations will hurt HOLX's cytology (pap test) business
** HOLX is expected to report Q1 results on Feb. 5, after reporting missed Q1 sales in its preliminary results on Jan. 12
** Eight of 22 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, 13 "hold" and one "sell"; with a median PT of $85, according to data compiled by LSEG
** HOLX rose ~1% in 2024
(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru)
((Neil.JKanatt@thomsonreuters.com;))
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