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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]