ProPak GMP Cytokines
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Should You Continue to Hold Bio-Techne Stock in Your Portfolio?
ZACKS· 2025-10-08 13:20
Core Insights - Bio-Techne (TECH) is expanding its portfolio through acquisitions and strategic investments, indicating strong growth potential, particularly in international markets [1][8] - The company has experienced a decline in share price by 20.3% over the past year, contrasting with a 5.8% decline in the industry and an 18.7% rise in the S&P 500 [2] - Bio-Techne's market capitalization stands at $9.64 billion, with earnings consistently surpassing estimates in the last four quarters, averaging a surprise of 9.2% [2] Expansion and Growth Strategies - In fiscal 2024, Bio-Techne completed the acquisition of Lunaphore, which achieved nearly 50% growth for the full year despite order timing delays [3] - The company holds a 20% stake in Wilson Wolf, which is expected to grow by more than 20% in fiscal 2025, maintaining EBITDA margins above 70% [3] - Bio-Techne introduced ProPak GMP Cytokines to support CAR-T and TCR-T manufacturing workflows, reinforcing its leadership in RUO assays through a partnership with Sphere Bio [4] International Market Performance - Bio-Techne's core portfolio includes over 6,000 protein and 400,000 antibody types, essential for life science research globally [5] - In the fiscal fourth quarter, sales in the Americas grew in the low single digits, while Europe saw mid-single-digit growth driven by biopharma demand [5] - The Asia-Pacific region, excluding China, experienced low single-digit growth, with China showing low double-digit growth due to improved demand [6] Financial Health - As of June 30, 2025, Bio-Techne's total debt was $346 million, with cash and cash equivalents at $162 million, indicating a stable liquidity position [9] - Despite higher quarterly debt compared to cash levels, the company had no short-term payable debt on its balance sheet [9] Challenges and Competitive Landscape - The macroeconomic environment has led to increased raw material and labor costs, impacting the company's operations and margins [10] - Bio-Techne faces intense competition from both large global companies and smaller niche competitors, leading to pricing pressures [11] - The company's cost of sales rose by 15% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, with selling, general, and administrative expenses increasing by 47.2% year over year [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Bio-Techne's fiscal 2026 earnings remains at $2.00, with revenues projected at $1.24 billion, reflecting a 1.7% increase from the previous year [12]
Is Bio-Techne Stock the Right Pick for Your Portfolio Now?
ZACKS· 2025-05-29 13:50
Core Insights - Bio-Techne's GMP reagents, including proteins and small molecules, are essential for its cell therapy offerings, with acquisitions playing a significant role in expanding its portfolio and entering adjacent markets [1] - The company is pursuing clinical diagnostic opportunities with its Ella platform, despite facing macroeconomic challenges that may impact operations [1][10] Financial Performance - Over the past year, Bio-Techne's shares have declined by 38.1%, underperforming the industry’s 15.3% decline, while the S&P 500 composite grew by 13.1% [2] - The company has a market capitalization of $7.63 billion, with earnings surpassing estimates in three of the last four quarters, averaging a surprise of 6.7% [2] Growth Drivers - The Cell and Gene Therapy segment is a major growth area, with the GMP reagents business experiencing high single-digit revenue growth in Q3 of fiscal 2025 and over 500 customers engaged in cell therapy development [3] - The GMP reagents business grew by just over 13% on a trailing 12-month basis, influenced by large, infrequent orders from late-stage clinical trials [3] - In China, the cell and gene therapy solutions are resilient despite funding challenges, with increasing adoption of organoid solutions expected to drive demand for GMP reagents [4] Strategic Initiatives - Bio-Techne has made several strategic acquisitions, including Lunaphore in fiscal 2024 and a 19.9% investment in Wilson Wolf, with plans to acquire the remaining ownership by the end of 2027 [5] - The launch of ProPak GMP Cytokines optimized for the Wilson WolfG-Rex bioreactor and an investment in Spear Bio for ultra-sensitive immunoassays highlight the company's focus on innovation [6] Market Opportunities - The Ella platform has received ISO 13485 certification and is being positioned for clinical diagnostics, with a partnership with Novomol-Dx to launch the BMP kit in India [7][9] - Ella is gaining traction among cell and gene therapy customers for viral titer and release testing, as well as among CROs for its high sensitivity and reproducibility [9] Challenges - The macroeconomic environment is causing increased raw material and labor costs, with a 2.8% rise in cost of sales and a 35.2% increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses year over year [10] - Funding challenges, particularly in China, are leading to extended sales cycles and production-related hazards, compounded by potential NIH funding cuts [11] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 earnings has decreased by a cent to $1.88, while revenue estimates are pegged at $1.22 billion, indicating a 5.2% increase from the previous year [12]