Healius (ASX:HLS) said its pathology volumes grew 1.2% and revenue 3.5% in the fiscal first half, but volumes declined by 0.4% and revenue growth came in at a slower 2.4% for the 10 months to April, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.
The company now expects fiscal year underlying earnings before interest and tax of between AU$30 million and AU$35 million, per the filing.
Healius' pathology labor costs will be impacted by AU$1.8 million in the fiscal fourth quarter due to the Fair Work Commission's initial findings on gender-based undervaluation. These costs increased 0.8% in the 10 months to April, compared with previous guidance of broadly flat levels for the fiscal year, the company said.
It added that Australia's federal budget contains no new funding for pathology, a sector that is already under pressure and operating under an indexation freeze for most tests. The company has cut staff and closed collection centers and regional laboratories due to insufficient funding.
Additionally, Healius has engaged UBS Securities Australia to help explore a potential sale of Agilex Biolabs, which operates as a standalone business within Healius. The strategic review follows "several unsolicited approaches from credible parties," the company said.
Healius shares fell 21% in recent Wednesday trade and earlier hit an all-time low.