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Harvard Bioscience (HBIO)
NASDAQ:HBIO

Harvard Bioscience (HBIO) AI Stock Analysis

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HBIO

Harvard Bioscience

(NASDAQ:HBIO)

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Neutral 49 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:49Neutral
Price Target:
$0.65
▲(62.00% Upside)
The score is held back primarily by weak financial performance (declining revenue, losses, and leverage), with only partial support from improving cash flow. The earnings call was a relative positive—showing margin/EBITDA improvement, cost discipline, better cash generation, and debt reduction—but technical indicators remain soft and valuation is not informative due to negative earnings.
Positive Factors
Improving gross margins and cost discipline
Sustained gross margin expansion and structural cost reductions drive durable operating leverage. Higher margins and lower opex improved adjusted EBITDA, strengthening the firm's ability to fund R&D, consumables production and customer support, boosting long-term profitability resilience.
Product innovation and distribution expansion
New product platforms and a major distribution partnership expand market reach and accelerate adoption. Broader channel access plus differentiated instruments increase recurring consumables demand and deepen customer relationships, providing a durable revenue base if adoption continues.
Improved cash generation and strengthened liquidity
A sizable refinancing and board representation materially improves capital structure and governance, extending runway and reducing near-term refinancing risk. Combined with positive operating cash flow, this bolsters financial flexibility to invest in growth and de-lever sustainably.
Negative Factors
Declining revenue trend
A persistent top-line decline reduces scale benefits and limits margin recovery even with cost cuts. Without sustained revenue re-acceleration, investments in product development and channel expansion may be constrained, risking long-term competitiveness and margin sustainability.
Elevated leverage and negative equity returns
Elevated leverage and negative ROE constrain strategic flexibility and increase default or covenant risks. High debt servicing needs can divert cash from growth investments, making sustained recovery vulnerable to economic shocks or slower-than-expected revenue improvement.
Geographic and funding concentration risks
Significant China weakness and exposure to NIH-funded academic demand create concentration risk. Geographic or government funding shocks can depress orders cyclically; durable recovery requires geographic diversification and reduced dependence on government-funded purchasing cycles.

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 primarily through the sale of its laboratory instruments and related consumables. The company has a diverse revenue model that includes direct sales, distribution partnerships, and service agreements related to its equipment. Key revenue streams come from the sale of proprietary products, such as its microinjection systems and electrophysiology products, as well as recurring revenue from consumables used alongside its instruments. Additionally, HBIO benefits from strategic partnerships with universities and research institutions, which often leads to bulk purchases and long-term contracts that enhance its earnings stability. The company's focus on innovation and expanding its product offerings also contributes to its revenue growth, allowing it to tap into emerging markets and meet the evolving needs of the scientific community.

Harvard Bioscience Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 06, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted strong operational improvements, a significant increase in backlog and order growth, successful product launches, and positive cash flow management. However, these positives were somewhat offset by year-over-year revenue decline, challenges in the China market, and uncertainty due to the U.S. government shutdown affecting NIH funding. Overall, the company's efforts to enhance operational efficiency and increase product demand reflect a positive outlook despite some ongoing challenges.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue and Margin Performance
Revenue for Q3 2025 was $20.6 million, at the high end of the guidance range of $19-21 million, with a slight sequential increase in a typically weak quarter. Gross margin improved to 58.4%, exceeding the guidance range of 56-58%.
Operational Improvements
Adjusted EBITDA increased to $2 million from $1.3 million in Q3 2024. Operating expenses declined by $1.4 million due to efficiency measures, leading to improved adjusted operating income.
Product and Market Advancements
Successful launch of the Incub8 Multiwell System and expanded distribution agreement with Fisher Scientific. Increased demand for the SoHo Telemetry and Biochrom amino acid analyzer.
Strong Backlog and Order Growth
The backlog reached its highest level in nearly two years, with quarterly order growth for the first time in over 12 months and a strong uptick in Europe.
Positive Cash Flow and Debt Reduction
Generated $6.8 million in operating cash flow year-to-date, with net debt reduced by over $6 million from year-end 2024 to $27.5 million.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline Year-Over-Year
Revenue decreased from $22 million in Q3 2024 to $20.6 million in Q3 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decline.
Challenges in China
Revenue in China was down 6.3% sequentially and 19.6% year-over-year, despite recent positive developments in trade talks.
Potential Impact of U.S. Government Shutdown
Guidance reflects potential risks from a prolonged U.S. government shutdown, which could delay NIH funding and impact academic customer orders.
Company Guidance
During the third quarter of 2025, Harvard Bioscience reported revenue of $20.6 million, reaching the high end of their guidance range of $19 million to $21 million. The company achieved a gross margin of 58.4%, surpassing their guidance of 56% to 58%, and marked an improvement from 58.1% in the same quarter of the prior year. They recorded an adjusted EBITDA of $2 million, an increase from $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2024. Operating expenses were reduced by $1.4 million year-over-year, contributing to an improved adjusted operating income of $1.5 million compared to $0.8 million in the previous year. The company also maintained positive operating cash flow, generating $1.1 million in the third quarter, contributing to a year-to-date cash flow from operations of $6.8 million, a significant improvement from a negative $0.3 million in the prior year. Harvard Bioscience ended the quarter with a net debt of $27.5 million, reflecting a reduction of over $6 million from year-end 2024. The company anticipates fourth-quarter revenue to range between $22.5 million and $24.5 million, factoring in potential impacts from a prolonged U.S. government shutdown, with expected gross margins between 58% and 60%.

Harvard Bioscience Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Weak fundamentals overall: declining revenue and negative profitability (income statement score 35) plus elevated leverage and negative ROE (balance sheet score 40). Partly offset by improved cash generation with positive free cash flow growth and positive operating cash flow (cash flow score 50).
Income Statement
35
Negative
Harvard Bioscience's income statement reveals significant challenges. The company has experienced declining revenues, with a negative revenue growth rate in the TTM period. Profitability metrics are concerning, with negative net profit and EBIT margins indicating operational inefficiencies. The gross profit margin has decreased slightly over time, suggesting pressure on cost management. Overall, the income statement reflects a struggling financial performance with limited profitability.
Balance Sheet
40
Negative
The balance sheet shows a high debt-to-equity ratio in the TTM period, indicating increased leverage and potential financial risk. Return on equity is negative, reflecting ongoing losses and inefficiencies in generating shareholder value. The equity ratio has decreased, suggesting a weakening financial position. While the company has managed to reduce debt over time, the current leverage level remains a concern.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash flow analysis presents a mixed picture. The company has achieved positive free cash flow growth in the TTM period, a positive sign of cash generation. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is low, indicating challenges in converting earnings into cash. The free cash flow to net income ratio is positive, suggesting some ability to generate cash despite net losses. Overall, cash flow management shows some improvement but remains constrained by operational challenges.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue87.37M94.14M112.25M113.33M118.90M102.10M
Gross Profit48.59M54.77M66.07M60.82M67.65M58.04M
EBITDA-43.82M-1.47M8.03M944.00K9.02M5.17M
Net Income-53.84M-12.40M-3.42M-9.52M-288.00K-7.81M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets77.99M126.64M137.37M145.36M162.34M156.25M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments6.82M4.11M4.28M4.51M7.82M8.32M
Total Debt42.78M44.49M42.77M54.24M56.96M57.60M
Total Liabilities63.92M63.30M64.29M73.14M78.94M79.57M
Stockholders Equity14.07M63.34M73.07M72.22M83.40M76.68M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow6.88M-1.82M11.72M-438.00K-83.00K8.18M
Operating Cash Flow8.30M1.44M14.03M1.15M1.26M9.33M
Investing Cash Flow-1.73M-1.34M-1.80M-1.59M-1.34M-1.40M
Financing Cash Flow-4.84M-131.00K-12.13M-2.84M-252.00K-7.97M

Harvard Bioscience Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price0.40
Price Trends
50DMA
0.67
Negative
100DMA
0.57
Positive
200DMA
0.50
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.03
Positive
RSI
38.70
Neutral
STOCH
16.67
Positive
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 0.4 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 0.67, below the 50-day MA of 0.67, and below the 200-day MA of 0.50, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.03 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 38.70 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 16.67 is Positive, 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 31 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 (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
53
Neutral
$30.06M-1.59-85.01%-16.59%43.20%
51
Neutral
$7.86B-0.30-43.30%2.27%22.53%-2.21%
51
Neutral
$17.27M-4.26-58.34%73.38%34.87%
49
Neutral
$26.18M-0.48-135.62%-10.60%-271.93%
48
Neutral
$21.73M-3.26-8.05%-0.95%58.17%
42
Neutral
$22.54M-3.46-136.47%0.59%-39.76%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HBIO
Harvard Bioscience
0.59
-1.36
-69.90%
RVP
Retractable Technologies
0.73
-0.08
-10.26%
EKSO
EKSO BIONICS
8.86
-0.64
-6.74%
MLSS
Milestone Scientific
0.29
-0.98
-77.48%
NXGL
NexGel Inc
1.61
-1.76
-52.23%

Harvard Bioscience Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresPrivate Placements and Financing
Harvard Bioscience Issues Strategic Investor Update Presentation
Positive
Jan 12, 2026

In January 2026, Harvard Bioscience released an investor update presentation outlining its business strategy, operational progress and financial outlook, emphasizing its leading positions in high-demand preclinical telemetry tools, organoid research platforms and translational medicine tools. The company highlighted solid year-to-date performance, including third-quarter 2025 revenue of $20.6 million at the high end of guidance, gross margin expansion to 58.4% and higher adjusted EBITDA driven by lower operating expenses, and set 2025 priorities around maintaining financial discipline and positive cash generation, accelerating adoption of core growth platforms and strengthening its capital structure via debt refinancing, positioning itself for improved profitability and long-term growth for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (HBIO) stock is a Hold with a $0.78 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Harvard Bioscience stock, see the HBIO Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesPrivate Placements and Financing
Harvard Bioscience Secures $40M Loan Agreement
Positive
Dec 17, 2025

On December 17, 2025, Harvard Bioscience finalized a $40 million loan agreement with BroadOak Capital Partners to refinance its existing debt, improve liquidity, and strengthen its financial structure. The financing package includes three term loans with varying repayment and conversion terms, aimed at enhancing the company’s operational flexibility and stability. This agreement also grants BroadOak board representation, with Partner Bill Snider joining Harvard Bioscience’s board, alongside the establishment of a scientific advisory board to guide strategic opportunities. These developments mark a significant step in the company’s long-term growth and operational positioning within the life sciences sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (HBIO) stock is a Hold with a $0.79 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Harvard Bioscience stock, see the HBIO Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Harvard Bioscience Engages in Credit Agreement Discussions
Neutral
Dec 5, 2025

Harvard Bioscience is engaged in ongoing discussions to address its credit agreement with Citizens Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, and First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company. The company aims to complete the refinancing or repayment of this agreement by the fourth quarter of 2025, which could impact its financial operations and stakeholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (HBIO) stock is a Hold with a $0.76 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Harvard Bioscience stock, see the HBIO Stock Forecast page.

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: Jan 12, 2026