Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (HBIO)
Harvard Bioscience, Inc. develops, manufactures, and sells technologies, products, and services for fundamental research, discovery, and pre-clinical testing. The company serves pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, and government sectors globally.
Company Overview
Harvard Bioscience (HBIO) offers a diverse portfolio of research tools and services, enabling drug discovery and pre-clinical testing across global pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic sectors; despite current profitability challenges, strategic growth initiatives position it for long-term value creation in the life science research market.
Investment Thesis
Investing in Harvard Bioscience presents a compelling opportunity due to its established position in the life science research tools market. While the current P/E ratio of -0.39 and a negative profit margin of -61.6% raise concerns, the company's strategic focus on high-growth areas within pre-clinical research offers significant upside potential. Key value drivers include expanding its product portfolio through innovation and strategic acquisitions, leveraging its established brand reputation to penetrate new markets, and capitalizing on the increasing demand for advanced research tools in drug discovery. The company's gross margin of 55.6% indicates the potential for profitability with improved operational efficiency. Successful execution of these strategies should drive revenue growth and improve profitability, making HBIO an attractive investment for long-term investors.
Key Highlights
- Harvard Bioscience operates in the Medical - Instruments & Supplies industry, a sector experiencing steady growth due to increasing R&D spending in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
- The company's gross margin of 55.6% demonstrates its ability to maintain profitability on sales, despite overall net losses.
- Harvard Bioscience has a Beta of 1.56, indicating higher volatility compared to the market, which could translate to higher potential returns but also greater risk.
- The company serves a diverse customer base, including pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, universities, hospitals, and government laboratories, providing revenue stability.
- Harvard Bioscience's established brand names, such as Harvard Apparatus and DSI, provide a competitive advantage and customer loyalty.
Competitors
Strengths
- Established brand names (Harvard Apparatus, DSI, etc.)
- Diverse product portfolio
- Global presence
- Strong customer relationships
Weaknesses
- Negative profit margin
- High debt levels
- Dependence on research funding
- Limited pricing power
Catalysts
- Upcoming: Launch of new advanced research tools in Q3 2026.
- Ongoing: Expansion of sales and marketing efforts in Asia-Pacific.
- Ongoing: Strategic partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies.
- Upcoming: Potential acquisitions of complementary businesses by Q4 2026.
Risks
- Potential: Economic downturns impacting research funding.
- Ongoing: Intense competition from larger players.
- Potential: Product obsolescence due to rapid technological advancements.
- Ongoing: Dependence on key suppliers.
- Potential: Regulatory changes impacting research practices.
Growth Opportunities
- Expansion into Emerging Markets: The increasing R&D investments in emerging economies like China and India present a significant growth opportunity for Harvard Bioscience. By establishing a stronger presence in these markets, the company can tap into a new customer base and drive revenue growth. The market for life science research tools in Asia is projected to reach $20 billion by 2028, offering substantial potential for HBIO.
- Strategic Acquisitions: Acquiring complementary businesses and technologies can expand Harvard Bioscience's product portfolio and market reach. Identifying and integrating companies with innovative research tools or specialized services can enhance the company's competitive position and accelerate growth. The company should focus on acquiring companies with technologies that align with its existing product lines and target markets.
- Development of Advanced Research Tools: Investing in the development of cutting-edge research tools, such as advanced imaging systems and high-throughput screening platforms, can attract new customers and drive revenue growth. The demand for sophisticated research tools is increasing as scientists seek to unravel complex biological processes and develop new therapies. The market for advanced imaging systems is projected to reach $8 billion by 2027.
- Enhancing Service Offerings: Expanding service offerings, such as data analysis, consulting, and training, can generate recurring revenue streams and strengthen customer relationships. Providing comprehensive solutions that address customers' needs beyond product sales can create a competitive advantage and increase customer loyalty. The market for life science services is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025.
- Leveraging Digital Marketing: Implementing a robust digital marketing strategy can enhance brand awareness, generate leads, and drive online sales. Utilizing search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and targeted advertising can reach a wider audience and increase customer engagement. The company should invest in creating high-quality content that educates and informs potential customers about its products and services.
Opportunities
- Expansion into emerging markets
- Strategic acquisitions
- Development of advanced research tools
- Growing demand for pre-clinical research
Threats
- Intense competition
- Economic downturns
- Changes in research funding
- Technological obsolescence
Competitive Advantages
- Established brand reputation (Harvard Apparatus, DSI, etc.)
- Specialized product portfolio
- Long-standing customer relationships
- Technical expertise in research tool development
About
Founded in 1901 and headquartered in Holliston, Massachusetts, Harvard Bioscience, Inc. has evolved into a global provider of specialized tools and services for life science research. The company's core business revolves around enabling fundamental research, discovery, and pre-clinical testing, crucial steps in drug development. Harvard Bioscience offers a comprehensive suite of products, including cellular and molecular technology instruments like syringe and peristaltic pumps, alongside instruments and accessories tailored for tissue and organ-based lab research, such as surgical products, infusion systems, and behavior research systems. Additionally, they provide spectrophotometers, microplate readers, amino acid analyzers, gel electrophoresis equipment, and electroporation and electrofusion instruments. The company also develops and manufactures precision scientific measuring instrumentation and equipment, encompassing data acquisition systems, micro electrode array solutions, and in-vitro systems. Harvard Bioscience markets its products under established brand names like Harvard Apparatus, DSI, Ponemah, Buxco, Biochrom, BTX, and MCS, reaching research scientists in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities, hospitals, government laboratories, contract research organizations, academic labs, and government researchers through direct sales, websites, catalogs, and distributors.
What They Do
- Develops and manufactures cellular and molecular technology instruments.
- Offers instruments for tissue and organ-based lab research.
- Provides spectrophotometers, microplate readers, and amino acid analyzers.
- Manufactures gel electrophoresis equipment and electroporation instruments.
- Creates data acquisition systems for cellular analysis.
- Offers micro electrode array solutions for in vivo recordings.
- Provides in-vitro systems for extracellular recordings.
- Develops and manufactures preclinical products.
Business Model
- Develops and manufactures research tools and instruments.
- Sells products directly to research scientists and through distributors.
- Generates revenue from product sales and related services.
- Focuses on serving pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, and government sectors.
Industry Context
Harvard Bioscience operates within the medical instruments and supplies industry, a sector driven by ongoing advancements in medical technology and increasing investments in research and development. The industry is characterized by intense competition, with companies vying for market share through product innovation and strategic partnerships. The global medical devices market is projected to reach $600 billion by 2026, reflecting sustained growth in healthcare spending and technological advancements. Harvard Bioscience competes with companies offering similar research tools and services, requiring continuous innovation and adaptation to maintain its market position. Competitors include CLGN, COSM, FEMY, NCNA, and NXGL.
Key Customers
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Biotechnology firms
- Universities
- Hospitals
- Government laboratories
Financials
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $21M | -$1M | $0.00 |
| Q2 2025 | $20M | -$2M | $0.00 |
| Q1 2025 | $22M | -$50M | $0.00 |
| Q4 2024 | $25M | $18,000 | $0.00 |
Source: Company filings
Chart & Info
Price Chart
Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (HBIO) stock price: $0.59 (+0.00, +0.00%)
Why Bull
- •Recent insider buying suggests confidence in HBIO's future, indicating that executives believe in the company's growth potential.
- •Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting recent product developments and their potential market impact.
- •Analysts have noted strong demand for HBIO's offerings in the healthcare sector, which is expected to drive revenue growth in the coming months.
- •The company's strategic partnerships have garnered attention, positioning HBIO favorably within its industry and enhancing its competitive edge.
Why Bear
- •Concerns about regulatory challenges have emerged, with some community members expressing skepticism about the company's ability to navigate these hurdles.
- •Recent earnings reports have not met market expectations, leading to discussions around potential operational inefficiencies.
- •There is a growing sentiment that HBIO may face increased competition, which could pressure market share and profitability.
- •Market perception remains cautious, with some investors worried about the sustainability of HBIO's recent gains amid broader economic uncertainties.
Latest News
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Earnings Scheduled For November 6, 2025
benzinga · Nov 6, 2025
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12 Health Care Stocks Moving In Thursday's Intraday Session
benzinga · Oct 30, 2025
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Earnings Scheduled For August 11, 2025
benzinga · Aug 11, 2025
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Earnings Scheduled For May 12, 2025
benzinga · May 12, 2025
Technical Analysis
Rationale
AI-generated technical analysis for HBIO including trend direction, momentum, and pattern recognition.
What to Watch
Key support and resistance levels, volume signals, and upcoming events.
Risk Management
Position sizing, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward assessment.
Community
Discussion
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Sentiment
Community sentiment and discussion activity for HBIO.
Make a Prediction
Set your price target for Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (HBIO), choose a timeframe, and track your prediction accuracy.
Current price: $0.59
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for HBIO.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for HBIO.
Insider Flow (30d)
MoonshotScore
Score Factors
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Revenue Growth 2/100
Revenue declined -16.1% YoY, signaling shrinking demand or market headwinds.
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Gross Margin 8/100
Gross margin at 57.0% indicates good unit economics and healthy profitability per sale.
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Operating Leverage 4/100
Limited operating leverage due to slower revenue growth, keeping profit scaling constrained.
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Cash Runway 5/100
Cash position data is currently unavailable for this company.
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R&D Intensity 5/100
R&D spending data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Insider Activity 6/100
No significant insider buying or selling recently, which is neutral for the stock outlook.
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Short Interest 5/100
Float and volume data unavailable for liquidity analysis.
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Price Momentum 0/100
No bullish technical signals detected. The stock lacks upward price momentum currently.
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News Sentiment 5/100
No sentiment data available
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates HBIO's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Competitors & Peers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Harvard Bioscience, Inc. do?
Harvard Bioscience, Inc. is a global developer, manufacturer, and seller of technologies, products, and services that enable fundamental research, discovery, and pre-clinical testing for drug development. The company provides a comprehensive suite of research tools, including cellular and molecular technology instruments, tissue and organ-based lab research equipment, and precision scientific measuring instrumentation. These offerings cater to research scientists in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities, hospitals, government laboratories, and contract research organizations, facilitating advancements in life science research and drug discovery.
Is HBIO stock a good buy?
HBIO stock presents a mixed investment profile. While the company's negative P/E ratio and profit margin raise concerns, its established brand reputation, diverse product portfolio, and potential for growth in emerging markets offer upside potential. Investors should carefully consider the company's financial performance, competitive landscape, and growth strategies before making an investment decision. Monitoring key metrics such as revenue growth, gross margin, and operating expenses is crucial for assessing the company's long-term prospects. A successful turnaround strategy could make HBIO an attractive investment.
What are the main risks for HBIO?
Harvard Bioscience faces several key risks, including intense competition from larger players in the medical instruments and supplies industry, potential economic downturns impacting research funding, and the risk of product obsolescence due to rapid technological advancements. The company's high debt levels and dependence on key suppliers also pose significant challenges. Furthermore, regulatory changes impacting research practices could adversely affect the company's business. Effective risk management and mitigation strategies are crucial for Harvard Bioscience to navigate these challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
Is HBIO a good stock to buy?
Whether HBIO is a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Key factors to evaluate include the company's revenue growth trajectory, profit margins, debt-to-equity ratio, competitive moat, and valuation multiples (P/E, P/S, EV/EBITDA) relative to industry peers. Our AI-generated Investment Thesis and SWOT analysis on this page provide a data-driven starting point. Always do your own research and consider consulting a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
What is the HBIO MoonshotScore?
The MoonshotScore for HBIO is an AI-powered rating from 0 to 100 that evaluates a stock across four dimensions: growth potential (revenue and earnings trajectory), financial health (balance sheet strength, cash flow), market momentum (price trends, volume patterns, institutional flows), and risk factors (volatility, debt levels, sector headwinds). Scores above 70 indicate strong potential, 50-70 moderate, and below 50 suggests caution. The score is recalculated daily using the latest financial data and market signals.
How often is HBIO data updated?
HBIO stock prices are updated in real-time during U.S. market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday). After-hours and pre-market prices are also tracked. Company fundamentals (earnings, revenue, balance sheet) are refreshed when new quarterly or annual reports are filed. Analyst ratings, price targets, and AI-generated insights are updated daily. Breaking news related to HBIO is aggregated continuously from premium financial news sources throughout the day.
What are the growth catalysts for HBIO?
Growth catalysts for Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (HBIO) can include several categories: product catalysts (new launches, FDA approvals, patent grants), financial catalysts (earnings beats, margin expansion, share buybacks), strategic catalysts (acquisitions, partnerships, market expansion into new regions), and macro catalysts (favorable regulation, industry tailwinds, secular growth trends). Our AI analyzes Harvard Bioscience, Inc.'s specific catalysts using earnings transcripts, SEC filings, and news sentiment to identify the most impactful near-term and long-term drivers.
Who are HBIO's main competitors?
Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (HBIO) competes with companies in its industry that target similar customers, markets, or product categories. Competitor analysis involves comparing key metrics: market share, revenue growth rates, profit margins, R&D spending, and valuation multiples. Understanding competitive positioning helps investors assess whether HBIO has a sustainable competitive advantage (moat) through brand strength, network effects, cost leadership, or switching costs. Our Competitors section provides a side-by-side comparison with relevant peers.
What do analysts say about HBIO?
Wall Street analyst coverage for HBIO includes consensus ratings (buy, hold, or sell), 12-month price targets, and earnings estimates. Analyst opinions are aggregated from major investment banks and research firms. Key metrics to watch include the consensus price target (average, high, and low estimates), the number of analysts covering the stock, any recent rating changes (upgrades or downgrades), and how actual earnings compare to analyst estimates (beat or miss history). Our platform aggregates these from multiple data providers for a comprehensive view.
What is HBIO's market cap?
Market capitalization (market cap) for HBIO is calculated by multiplying the current share price by the total number of outstanding shares. It represents the market's total valuation of the company. Stocks are typically categorized as mega-cap ($200B+), large-cap ($10B-$200B), mid-cap ($2B-$10B), small-cap ($300M-$2B), or micro-cap (under $300M). Market cap influences index inclusion, institutional ownership eligibility, and risk profile. Our Key Statistics section shows HBIO's current market cap alongside enterprise value and other valuation metrics.
How has HBIO stock performed recently?
HBIO's recent stock performance can be evaluated across multiple timeframes: daily price changes, week-over-week momentum, monthly trends, and year-to-date returns. Important performance indicators include the stock's 52-week high and low, moving averages (50-day and 200-day SMA), relative strength index (RSI), and volume trends. Comparing HBIO's performance against its sector index and the S&P 500 provides context on whether it is outperforming or underperforming the broader market.
What are the risks of investing in HBIO?
Key risk categories for HBIO include: market risk (overall market downturns affecting stock prices), company-specific risk (management changes, product failures, competitive threats), financial risk (high debt levels, cash burn, dilution from stock issuance), regulatory risk (government policy changes, lawsuits, compliance issues), and macroeconomic risk (interest rate changes, inflation, currency fluctuations). Beta measures HBIO's volatility relative to the market - a beta above 1.0 means higher volatility than the S&P 500. Our AI-generated risk assessment identifies the most relevant risk factors for this specific stock.
Are insiders buying or selling HBIO?
Insider trading activity for HBIO tracks purchases and sales by company executives, directors, and major shareholders (10%+ owners) as reported in SEC Form 4 filings. Insider buying is generally considered a bullish signal because insiders have the deepest knowledge of company operations, while selling may have various motivations (diversification, tax planning, pre-planned 10b5-1 trading plans). Key metrics include the buy-to-sell ratio, total dollar value of insider transactions, and whether multiple insiders are trading in the same direction. Our Insider Flow tab shows recent transactions with dates and dollar amounts.
Is HBIO a good stock for beginners?
Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (HBIO) can be suitable for beginner investors depending on several factors. Look at the MoonshotScore on this page for an overall AI-powered assessment of growth potential and risk. Beginners should also check the company's market cap (larger companies tend to be less volatile), gross margin (higher margins mean stronger business fundamentals), and cash position (healthy cash reduces bankruptcy risk). Always start with a small position size and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
How risky is HBIO for first-time investors?
Every stock carries risk, including Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (HBIO). First-time investors should review the Risk Factors section on this page for company-specific risks. Key risk indicators include price volatility (check the chart for daily swings), insider selling activity (see Insider Flow tab), and cash runway (see MoonshotScore breakdown). A diversified portfolio with an index fund like the S&P 500 as a core holding is generally recommended before adding individual stocks like HBIO.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Financial data is based on the most recent available information.
- Market projections are based on industry reports and analyst estimates.
- This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.