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Pacific Biosciences (PACB)
NASDAQ:PACB

Pacific Biosciences (PACB) AI Stock Analysis

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PACB

Pacific Biosciences

(NASDAQ:PACB)

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Neutral 47 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:47Neutral
Price Target:
$2.00
▲(20.48% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/03/26
The score is held down primarily by weak financial performance—large losses, high leverage with a diminished equity base, and ongoing cash burn. Offsetting this are improving operating signals (record consumables, better gross margins, and cash-burn reduction targets) plus modestly constructive technicals and positive recent balance-sheet-related actions, but profitability and funding risks remain the dominant factors.
Positive Factors
Recurring Consumables Growth
Sustained growth in consumables signals a recurring revenue stream tied to installed base, which is less lumpy than instrument sales. Higher consumable attach rates improve revenue visibility, support gross margin expansion, and provide a durable cash-flow lever as system placements scale over the medium term.
Improving Gross Margins
A structurally higher gross margin reflects improving product mix and stronger consumable contribution, which makes eventual operating leverage more achievable. If sustained, this improvement boosts the path to profitability and provides buffer against pricing and funding headwinds in instrument sales.
Cost-Reducing Technology Innovation
New chemistry that materially lowers per-genome cost is a durable competitive advantage: it expands addressable markets (clinical and population sequencing), strengthens differentiation versus short-read methods, and can sustainably improve margins through multi-use SMRT Cells and higher throughput adoption.
Negative Factors
Elevated Leverage
Very high leverage with minimal equity reduces financial flexibility and increases refinancing or covenant risks. This structural balance-sheet weakness constrains the company's ability to fund R&D, commercial expansion, or absorb demand shocks without dilutive capital raises or costly debt restructuring.
Sustained Cash Burn
Persistent negative operating and free cash flow means the business is not self-funding and remains reliant on external capital. Even with burn improvement, continued negative FCF over multiple quarters limits runway and forces trade-offs between commercialization, R&D, and capital preservation.
Weak Instrument Demand
Declining instrument sales undermine long-term revenue growth because instruments drive high-margin consumable pull-through. Persistent weakness suggests adoption or funding headwinds in key customer segments, which could slow installed-base expansion and blunt the durability of consumable-driven recurring revenue.

Pacific Biosciences (PACB) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Pacific Biosciences Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPacific Biosciences of California, Inc. designs, develops, and manufactures sequencing systems to resolve genetically complex problems. The company provides PacBio's Systems, which conduct, monitor, and analyse biochemical sequencing reactions; consumable products, including single molecule real-time (SMRT) cells; and various reagent kits designed for specific workflow, such as template preparation kit to convert DNA into SMRTbell double-stranded DNA library formats, including molecular biology reagents, such as ligase, buffers, and exonucleases. It also offers binding kits, such as modified DNA polymerase used to bind SMRTbell libraries to the polymerase in preparation for sequencing; and sequencing kits comprise reagents required for on-instrument, real-time sequencing, including the phospholinked nucleotides. The company serves research institutions; commercial laboratories; genome centers; public health labs, hospitals and clinical research institutes, contract research organizations, and academic institutions; pharmaceutical companies; and agricultural companies. It markets its products through a direct sales force in North America and Europe, as well as through distribution partners in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. has a development and commercialization agreement with Invitae Corporation. The company was formerly known as Nanofluidics, Inc. and changed its name to Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. in 2005. Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. was incorporated in 2000 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.
How the Company Makes MoneyPacific Biosciences generates revenue primarily through the sale of its DNA sequencing systems, consumables, and related services. The company's revenue model includes the direct sale of sequencing instruments, reagents, and flow cells used in the sequencing process, as well as service contracts for maintenance and support. Additionally, PACB earns revenue from collaborations and partnerships with academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and research organizations, which often include grants and funding for joint projects. The increasing demand for genomic data in both research and clinical settings, along with strategic partnerships that enhance its market reach, contribute significantly to its earnings.

Pacific Biosciences Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Analyzes income from different business units or product lines, highlighting which areas drive growth and which may need strategic adjustments.
Chart InsightsConsumables are the clear growth engine—steady multi-quarter gains culminating in a record quarter—shifting revenue mix toward higher‑margin recurring sales and driving the best gross margins since 2022. That offset a sharp, volatile collapse in instrument revenue tied to fewer Vega/Revio shipments and lower ASPs; management expects instrument shipments to rebound in Q4 but funding headwinds and ASP pressure keep the top line lumpy. If the new SPRQ‑Nx chemistry and EMEA traction sustain consumable uptake, PacBio can stabilize margins and make tangible progress toward cash‑flow breakeven despite near‑term instrument swings.
Data provided by:The Fly

Pacific Biosciences Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 12, 2026
(Q4-2025)
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% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 06, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call highlighted meaningful operational improvements: record consumable performance, strong consumable-driven gross margin expansion to 40%, cost reductions and improved cash burn, promising SparkNex beta results (25% higher throughput and sub-$300 genome target), and accelerating clinical/population sequencing traction. Offsetting these positives are persistent full-year net losses, a decline in instrument revenue driven by a weak academic funding environment (particularly in the Americas), lower unrestricted cash versus prior year, ASP and discount dynamics from strategic placements, and supply-cost volatility (compute/memory) that could temper margin gains. Management provided modest 2026 guidance (~8% growth at midpoint) that assumes continued academic caution but expects SparkNex and clinical adoption to accelerate growth. Overall, the company appears to be making solid progress operationally and strategically while still managing execution and market-demand risks.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Quarterly and Sequential Revenue Growth
Q4 2025 revenue of $44.6M, up 14% year-over-year and 16% quarter-over-quarter, driven by increased Revio and Vega sales and record consumables.
Record Consumables Performance
Consumables reached another record in Q4 with revenue of $21.6M (Q4 consumables +15% YoY). Full-year consumables were $82M, up 16% YoY, and consumable shipments grew 19% in 2025. Clinical & hospital consumables grew 55% in 2025.
Improved Gross Margins
Non-GAAP gross margin improved to 40% in Q4 and full-year 2025 (from 31% Q4 2024 and 33% full-year 2024). Management cites a 1,300 basis point improvement since 2023 and a 700 basis point improvement in 2025 alone.
Instrument Placements and Platform Momentum
Q4 shipments included 21 Revio and 42 Vega systems, bringing cumulative shipments to 331 Revio and 147 Vega systems. Vega showed strong order trends, with ~65% of 2025 Vega placements to new-to-PacBio customers, expanding HiFi adoption.
SparkNex Chemistry and Multi-use SMRT Cell Progress
SparkNex beta results reported 25% higher output per SMRT Cell and higher yields/read quality vs prior chemistry. Company targets whole-genome HiFi sequencing at scale for under $300 per genome and plans broader launch in 2026.
Clinical and Population Sequencing Traction
Notable clinical initiatives (University of Washington, Ambry ONCE study enrolling ~1,000 in 2026, IHOPE inclusion, Babies in Focus) and large population projects (All of Us publication, Long Life Family Study, Asian Pan-Genome) demonstrating adoption and pipeline.
Operating Expense and Cash Burn Improvements
Non-GAAP operating expenses reduced to $229.9M in 2025 (from $289.2M in 2024; 20% YoY reduction). Cash burn (ex-financings/acquisitions) improved from $214M in 2023 to $105M in 2025 (51% improvement since 2023; 44% YoY).
Balance Sheet Strengthening
Sale of short-read sequencing assets produced ~ $48M net proceeds and the company ended 2025 with approximately $279.5M in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments, extending runway and focusing resources on long-read strategy.
Negative Updates
Modest Full-Year Revenue Growth and Instrument Revenue Decline
Full-year 2025 revenue was $160M, up only 4% YoY. Instrument revenue decreased 18% YoY to $53.8M, reflecting pressure on capital purchases especially for Revio during a challenging academic funding environment.
Continued Net Losses and Significant Full-Year Loss
Non-GAAP net loss was $158.8M for full-year 2025 (down from $228M in 2024 but still a substantial loss). Q4 non-GAAP net loss was $37.6M (-$0.12 per share).
Decline in Cash Compared to Prior Year
Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments declined from $389.9M at end of 2024 to $279.5M at end of 2025 despite asset sale proceeds, reflecting ongoing funding needs.
Academic Funding Headwinds Impacting Demand
Management does not expect a meaningful recovery in academic capital spending; outlook assumes continued muted academic spending, particularly in the Americas, which has constrained Revio placements and instrument sales.
ASP Pressure and Discounted Placements
Some Revio instruments were placed at lower prices in Q4 to strategic accounts; Revio ASP in Q4 ~ $482K (roughly flat QoQ) but multi-system and strategic discounts could pressure ASPs.
Component Cost Volatility Risk
Company flagged potential headwinds from compute/component volatility (memory costs) impacting Revio and Vega cost of goods sold. This risk was baked into guidance and could reduce expected gross margin improvement.
Ongoing Restructuring and Headcount Reduction
Headcount ended 2025 at 485 vs 575 at end of 2024 (16% reduction). While reducing costs, restructuring and resource constraints could impact capacity and execution risk.
Conservative 2026 Revenue Guidance
2026 revenue guidance of $165M–$180M (~8% growth at midpoint) is modest and assumes continued weak academic spending; the guide includes uncertainty around timing/elasticity of demand for SparkNex and potential short-term dislocations.
Company Guidance
PacBio guided 2026 revenue of $165 million to $180 million (midpoint $172M, ~8% growth at midpoint), driven primarily by consumables, with management assuming continued muted academic capital spending and stronger clinical adoption; they expect non‑GAAP gross margin to improve 100–400 basis points (SparkNex launch in H2 2026 and higher consumables mix cited as drivers) and non‑GAAP operating expenses to be slightly better than 2025’s $229.9M. The outlook leans on trends such as 2025 consumables of $82M (16% YoY growth), Q4 consumables $21.6M with annualized pull‑through per system of $242k (Revio pull‑through targeted ~$225k–$250k; Vega ~$25k–$40k), recent Q4 placements (21 Revio, 42 Vega; cumulative 331 Revio/147 Vega), Q4 Revio ASP ~$482k, roughly $279.5M cash on hand and a ~$48M net short‑read asset sale—while noting potential compute/memory cost volatility is factored into the guide and the company remains on a path toward cash‑flow breakeven.

Pacific Biosciences Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials are weak overall: revenue is essentially flat TTM and down versus 2023, gross margin is low (~25%), and operating/net losses are very large relative to revenue. Balance-sheet risk is a key concern with high debt (~$703M) and sharply reduced equity (~$36M). Cash burn remains significant (TTM FCF about -$131M), despite some improvement versus 2024.
Income Statement
18
Very Negative
TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) revenue is essentially flat versus 2024 ($154.6M vs. $154.0M), but the longer-term trajectory has weakened with a sharp decline from 2023 levels. Profitability remains very pressured: gross margin is ~25% in TTM (below 2021–2022 levels), while operating losses are extremely large (TTM operating loss and net loss are multiple times revenue), indicating a cost structure that is not yet scaling with sales. The main positive is modest improvement in gross margin versus 2024, but it is outweighed by deep and widening losses in the most recent period.
Balance Sheet
12
Very Negative
Balance-sheet risk increased materially in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months): debt is high (~$703M) while equity collapsed to ~$36M, driving leverage to an extremely elevated level versus prior years. Asset levels have also contracted meaningfully since 2021–2023, reducing balance-sheet flexibility. Returns on shareholder capital are deeply negative in TTM, consistent with ongoing losses and a weakened equity base. The key strength is that leverage looked more manageable historically (2021–2024), but the latest TTM snapshot shows a notable deterioration.
Cash Flow
20
Very Negative
Cash burn remains significant: TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) operating cash flow is negative (~-$123M) and free cash flow is also negative (~-$131M), and free cash flow declined versus the prior period. A constructive point is that cash burn improved versus 2024 (less negative operating and free cash flow), suggesting some spending discipline. However, cash generation is still not self-funding, and the company continues to rely on external capital over time.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue160.00M154.01M200.52M128.30M130.51M
Gross Profit50.67M37.28M52.78M49.03M58.86M
EBITDA-52.65M-242.77M-271.13M-282.24M-250.76M
Net Income-546.38M-309.85M-306.74M-314.25M-181.22M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets784.08M1.26B1.75B1.77B2.01B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments279.51M389.93M631.42M772.32M1.04B
Total Debt759.46M672.43M933.93M948.48M955.36M
Total Liabilities778.73M753.85M1.04B1.20B1.22B
Stockholders Equity5.35M506.59M701.30M562.90M790.99M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow0.00-212.25M-275.39M-280.14M-117.11M
Operating Cash Flow0.00-206.06M-266.55M-263.21M-111.18M
Investing Cash Flow0.00124.00M4.60M116.08M-678.53M
Financing Cash Flow0.00-42.99M116.27M9.62M1.17B

Pacific Biosciences Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price1.66
Price Trends
50DMA
2.00
Negative
100DMA
1.97
Negative
200DMA
1.62
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.15
Positive
RSI
39.06
Neutral
STOCH
21.77
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PACB, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 1.66 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1.90, below the 50-day MA of 2.00, and above the 200-day MA of 1.62, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.15 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 39.06 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 21.77 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for PACB.

Pacific Biosciences Risk Analysis

Pacific Biosciences disclosed 66 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Pacific Biosciences reported the most risks in the "Tech & Innovation" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Pacific Biosciences Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
61
Neutral
$484.96M-19.32-169.27%24.08%24.08%
58
Neutral
$557.49M-43.13-3.36%-2.18%-30.96%
54
Neutral
$745.18M-8.81-41.42%16.04%28.91%
51
Neutral
$7.86B-0.30-43.30%2.27%22.53%-2.21%
51
Neutral
$61.09M-0.49-106.20%4.65%68.71%
50
Neutral
$245.75M-3.97-42.72%4.49%3.61%
47
Neutral
$492.11M-213.45%-10.72%-16.00%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PACB
Pacific Biosciences
1.66
0.10
6.41%
BFLY
Butterfly Network
2.95
-0.78
-20.91%
OM
Outset Medical
3.34
-8.93
-72.78%
MASS
908 Devices
6.79
4.38
181.74%
NPCE
NeuroPace
14.56
0.72
5.20%
CTKB
Cytek Biosciences
4.36
-0.77
-15.01%

Pacific Biosciences Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A TransactionsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Pacific Biosciences Strengthens Balance Sheet via Asset Sale
Positive
Feb 2, 2026

On January 30, 2026, Pacific Biosciences of California completed the sale of certain intellectual property and other assets tied to its short-read DNA sequencing technology, including clustering, sequencing reagent and detection technologies, to Illumina Cambridge Limited for $50 million in cash plus the assumption of certain liabilities. After directing 4% of the proceeds to former equity holders of Apton Biosystems in connection with waived milestone obligations from PacBio’s August 2023 acquisition of Apton, the company realized approximately $48.1 million in net cash and received a non-exclusive license back to some of the divested intellectual property, a move that strengthens its balance sheet and clarifies its strategic positioning while reducing future Apton-related payment obligations. PacBio has issued unaudited pro forma financial statements to show the impact of the asset sale on its September 30, 2025 balance sheet and on its 2024 and year-to-date 2025 operating results, providing investors greater visibility into the company’s capital structure and post-transaction financial profile.

The most recent analyst rating on (PACB) stock is a Sell with a $2.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pacific Biosciences stock, see the PACB Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
PacBio Announces Strong Preliminary Q4 and 2025 Revenue
Positive
Jan 12, 2026

On January 12, 2026, PacBio reported preliminary unaudited results indicating that fourth-quarter 2025 revenue rose 14% year-on-year to approximately $44.6 million, while full-year 2025 revenue grew 4% to about $160.0 million, driven by strong uptake of its Revio and Vega sequencing systems and record consumables sales. The company also highlighted a sharp ramp in Vega placements, stable Revio pull-through, and a reduction in cash, cash equivalents, and investments to roughly $279.5 million from $389.9 million a year earlier, underscoring both growing traction in clinical sequencing applications and ongoing cash burn; management indicated that full audited 2025 results, which could differ materially from these preliminary figures, will be detailed when PacBio reports earnings in February and files its annual report.

The most recent analyst rating on (PACB) stock is a Buy with a $3.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pacific Biosciences stock, see the PACB 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: Feb 03, 2026