Illumina Inc (NASDAQ:ILMN) shares are due to plummet on Friday after the gene sequencing company swung to a loss in the second quarter as revenue fell short of expectations and it cut its full-year outlook.
Revenue grew 3% year over year to US$1.16bn, up 5% on a constant-currency basis, but lower than the consensus estimate of US$1.22bn.
The company, which specialises in the analysis of genetic variation and biological function, reported a loss of US$535mln, swinging from a profit of US$185mln a year ago.
Illumina said it recognised US$609mln in legal contingencies, including an accrual of US$453mln recorded in the quarter for the potential fine that the EC may impose of up to 10% of its consolidated annual revenues and an estimated accrual of US$156mln related to the settlement of its litigation with BGI last month.
A US court case involving DNA sequencing was settled between BGI Group units, with Illumina announcing a payment of US$325mln to resolve the case.
"Our second quarter results did not meet our expectations as challenges in a complex macroeconomic environment more than offset the growth we continue to see in sequencing runs on our platforms," said Francis deSouza, chief executive, in a statement.
Illumina now expects full year consolidated revenue growth in the range of 4-5% and now expects diluted loss per share of US$2.93 to US$2.78 and underlying EPS of US$2.75 to US$2.90 per share.
Following the acquisition of blood test maker Grail last August, Illumina has two reportable segments, with core Illumina revenue growth to be in the range of 3.5%-4.5%, with Grail revenue to be in the range of US$50-$70mln.
Shares in the company fell 16.91% in after-hours trading to just under US$189.
The news is significant for UK shareholders, as London's largest investment trust Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust PLC (LSE:SMT) has a large stake.