tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Harvard Bioscience (HBIO)
NASDAQ:HBIO

Harvard Bioscience (HBIO) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
232 Followers

Top Page

HB

Harvard Bioscience

(NASDAQ:HBIO)

Rating:48Neutral
Price Target:
$0.50
▲(6.38%Upside)
Harvard Bioscience's financial challenges, especially declining revenues and profitability issues, significantly impact its stock score. The bearish technical indicators and unattractive valuation further weigh on the score. Despite some optimism from the earnings call about product innovations and market recovery, corporate events such as management changes and delisting risks add to the concerns.
Positive Factors
Cost Management
Cost cutting is expected to reduce operating expenses by $1 million a quarter, overcoming cautious revenue expectations.
Product Innovation
Management remains optimistic about the prospects for newly launched products such as cellular organ models and large-scale electroporation, which offer higher margins and a proportionately higher recurring revenue stream.
Regulatory Support
New FDA policy supports the use of organoids and AI models for drug testing, benefiting Harvard Bioscience's MEA system.
Negative Factors
Financial Risk
HBIO recently violated the consolidated net leverage ratio covenant and is now operating under a waiver from its lenders.
Leadership Changes
Harvard Bioscience's CFO Jennifer Cote is leaving for a new opportunity, though it is not due to any disagreements with the company.
Market Uncertainty
The outlook for end-user markets in biomedical research continues to be challenging due to uncertainty around China tariffs, NIH funding, and biopharmaceutical research activity.

Harvard Bioscience (HBIO) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Harvard Bioscience Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHarvard Bioscience, Inc. develops, manufactures, and sells technologies, products, and services that enables fundamental research, discovery, and pre-clinical testing for drug development in the United States and internationally. The company offers cellular and molecular technology instruments, such as syringe and peristaltic pump products, as well as a range of instruments and accessories for tissue and organ-based lab research, including surgical products, infusion systems, and behavior research systems; and spectrophotometers, microplate readers, amino acid analyzers, gel electrophoresis equipment, and electroporation and electrofusion instruments. It also engages in the development and manufacture of precision scientific measuring instrumentation and equipment, which cover data acquisition systems with custom amplifier configurations for cellular analysis, micro electrode array solutions for in vivo recordings, and vitro-systems for extracellular recordings; and offers preclinical products. The company markets its products through sales organizations, websites, catalogs, and distributors to research scientists in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities, hospitals, and government laboratories, as well as to contract research organizations, academic labs, and government researchers. It primarily sells its products under Harvard Apparatus, DSI, Ponemah, Buxco, Biochrom, BTX, and MCS brand names. The company was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Holliston, Massachusetts.
How the Company Makes MoneyHarvard Bioscience generates revenue through the sale of its scientific instruments and equipment to research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and academic laboratories. The company's revenue streams are primarily driven by product sales, which include a wide array of laboratory and research equipment tailored for specific scientific applications. Harvard Bioscience also benefits from strategic partnerships with research organizations and universities, which enhance its product development and market reach. Additionally, the company may engage in service contracts and maintenance agreements, providing ongoing support and upgrades for its equipment, thereby ensuring long-term customer relationships and steady income.

Harvard Bioscience Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 12, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 46.87%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 06, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed picture with several innovative product launches and improvements in cash flow and debt reduction. However, significant challenges such as a decline in revenue, reduced gross margins, a major goodwill impairment charge, and difficulties in the APAC market pose concerns. Despite these issues, there is optimism about new product adoption and potential recovery in the China market.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
New Product Launches and Expansions
Successful launch of new SoHo family of implanted telemetry devices and expansion to cardiac and neuromonitoring. The Viva Mars system was successfully delivered to Labcorp and discussions for additional sites are ongoing.
Growth in Bioproduction and CAR-T Therapy
Reached approximately $1 million in consumable revenue from the first large bioproduction customer. Exploring opportunities with a large biotech for bioproduction of a CAR-T therapy.
Improved Cash Flow from Operations
Cash flow from operations improved to $3 million during Q1 2025 compared to $1.4 million in Q1 last year, primarily driven by improvements in working capital management.
Debt Reduction
Net debt is down $1 million from Q1 2024 and $2.4 million from year-end '24, reflecting improved operating cash flow and quarterly principal payments.
Positive Indications for China Market
Good news regarding potential agreement with China, which is significant as China represents around 10% of revenue.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline
Revenue for Q1 2025 was $21.8 million, down from $24.5 million in the prior year, reflecting a year-over-year decline.
Gross Margin Reduction
Gross margin decreased to 56% from 60.3% in Q1 2024, impacted by lower absorption of fixed manufacturing overhead and nominally by product mix.
Goodwill Impairment Charge
A non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $48 million was recorded due to a decrease in market capitalization, impacting operating expenses and resulting in a significant operating loss.
Challenges in APAC Market
APAC revenue was down 17% compared to the prior year Q1. The APAC market has been challenging with immediate softening of revenue in China following tariff announcements.
Uncertainty in Academic and NIH Funding
Uncertainty around NIH and academic research funding, with purchasing processes slowed due to a reduction in force impacting purchasing departments.
Company Guidance
In the first quarter of 2025, Harvard Bioscience Inc. reported revenue of $21.8 million, which was slightly below the previous year's $24.5 million but aligned with the higher end of the guidance provided in March. The gross margin decreased to 56% from 60.3% in the same period last year. The company recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $48 million, leading to an operating loss of $49.7 million, compared to a $2.3 million loss in the first quarter of 2024. Excluding this charge, the adjusted operating income was $0.3 million, compared to $1.2 million in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was $0.8 million, down from $1.6 million in the previous year, primarily due to reduced revenue. Cash flow from operations improved to $3 million from $1.4 million in the prior year, attributed to better working capital management. The company also reduced its net debt by $1 million compared to the first quarter of 2024. Looking ahead, for the second quarter, the company expects revenue between $18 million and $20 million and plans to reduce operating expenses by an additional $1 million per quarter starting in the second quarter.

Harvard Bioscience Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Harvard Bioscience faces significant financial challenges, particularly on the income statement with declining revenues and profitability issues. The balance sheet shows moderate financial stability with manageable debt levels, and cash flow improvements highlight positive cash management efforts. However, the company needs to enhance revenue generation and cost management for sustainable growth.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
The income statement shows a challenging picture for Harvard Bioscience. Over the TTM, the company experienced a decline in revenue and significant losses with a negative EBIT and EBITDA, indicating operational struggles. The net profit margin is negative, reflecting profitability issues. However, there is potential for improvement if operational efficiencies are enhanced.
Balance Sheet
50
Neutral
The balance sheet indicates a moderate financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio improving to 0.49, suggesting effective debt management compared to past periods. However, the equity ratio has decreased, which may indicate a potential risk if liabilities continue to grow. The company's liquidity appears constrained, as evidenced by the relatively low cash and equivalents.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Cash flow from operations has improved in the TTM, showing positive free cash flow despite prior periods of negative free cash flow. This improvement suggests better cash management, although capital expenditures continue to weigh on cash flow. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is positive, indicating cash generation from operations despite losses.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue91.40M94.14M112.25M113.33M118.90M102.10M
Gross Profit50.85M54.77M66.07M60.82M67.65M58.04M
EBITDA-39.57M-1.47M8.03M944.00K11.31M5.49M
Net Income-58.05M-12.40M-3.42M-9.52M-288.00K-7.81M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets137.37M126.64M137.37M145.36M162.34M156.25M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.28M4.11M4.28M4.51M7.82M8.32M
Total Debt42.77M44.49M42.77M46.82M48.33M48.01M
Total Liabilities64.29M63.30M64.29M73.14M78.94M79.57M
Stockholders Equity73.07M63.34M73.07M72.22M83.40M76.68M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow586.00K-1.20M11.72M-438.00K-83.00K8.18M
Operating Cash Flow3.02M1.44M14.03M1.15M1.26M9.33M
Investing Cash Flow-1.80M-1.34M-1.80M-1.59M-1.34M-1.40M
Financing Cash Flow-280.00K-131.00K-12.13M-2.84M-252.00K-7.97M

Harvard Bioscience Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price0.47
Price Trends
50DMA
0.42
Positive
100DMA
0.59
Negative
200DMA
1.42
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
<0.01
Positive
RSI
50.08
Neutral
STOCH
21.23
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HBIO, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 0.47 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 0.49, above the 50-day MA of 0.42, and below the 200-day MA of 1.42, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of <0.01 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 50.08 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 21.23 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for HBIO.

Harvard Bioscience Risk Analysis

Harvard Bioscience disclosed 30 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Harvard Bioscience reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Harvard Bioscience Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
$129.42M42.035.94%7.98%3304.55%
64
Neutral
¥343.76B10.59-2.88%2.57%11.81%-7.17%
54
Neutral
$65.94M-354.27%-14.55%34.87%
48
Neutral
$20.76M-138.80%-14.41%-549.88%
44
Neutral
$50.12M-88.36%-9.13%30.04%
$90.94M-66.48%
44
Neutral
$27.33M-239.87%61.97%-6.89%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HBIO
Harvard Bioscience
0.47
-2.25
-82.72%
INFU
InfuSystem Holdings
6.17
-0.19
-2.99%
MLSS
Milestone Scientific
0.63
-0.03
-4.55%
MBOT
Microbot Medical
2.50
1.44
135.85%
AKYA
Akoya Biosciences
1.35
-0.74
-35.41%
FEMY
Femasys
0.95
-0.16
-14.41%

Harvard Bioscience Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Harvard Bioscience Faces Nasdaq Compliance Challenge
Neutral
Jun 23, 2025

On June 18, 2025, Harvard Bioscience, Inc. informed Nasdaq that it is not in compliance with the audit committee requirements due to having only two members following Alan Edrick’s resignation on June 10, 2025. The company plans to appoint a new independent board member to regain compliance and intends to utilize the Nasdaq cure period, which extends until the next annual stockholders’ meeting or June 10, 2026, whichever comes first.

The most recent analyst rating on (HBIO) stock is a Buy with a $5.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Harvard Bioscience stock, see the HBIO Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Harvard Bioscience Approves Incentive Plan Amendment
Neutral
Jun 2, 2025

On May 30, 2025, Thomas Loewald resigned from the board of directors of Harvard Bioscience, Inc., with no disagreements related to company operations. On June 2, 2025, the company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the 2021 Incentive Plan, increasing the number of authorized shares by 3,923,000. John D. Duke was appointed to the board and as a member of the Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees, while Katherine Eade was named Lead Independent Director. The company held its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, where several proposals were voted on, including the election of a director and the ratification of Grant Thornton LLP as the independent accounting firm.

The most recent analyst rating on (HBIO) stock is a Buy with a $5.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Harvard Bioscience stock, see the HBIO Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Harvard Bioscience’s Bertrand Loy to Step Down
Neutral
Apr 16, 2025

On April 10, 2025, Bertrand Loy announced he will not seek re-election at Harvard Bioscience‘s 2025 Annual Meeting, ending his tenure that began in 2014. His departure is not due to any disagreements with the company, and he will continue his roles until the meeting, with the Board expressing gratitude for his service.

Delistings and Listing ChangesExecutive/Board ChangesRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Harvard Bioscience CFO Resignation and Interim Appointment
Negative
Apr 10, 2025

On April 4, 2025, Harvard Bioscience received a notification from Nasdaq indicating non-compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, as its stock price fell below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days. The company has until October 1, 2025, to regain compliance, failing which it may transfer to the Nasdaq Capital Market for an additional compliance period. Additionally, on April 7, 2025, Jennifer Cote announced her resignation as CFO, effective upon the filing of the company’s quarterly report. Mark Frost, with over 30 years of financial experience, has been appointed as the Interim CFO, effective after Ms. Cote’s departure.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jun 28, 2025