Harvard Bioscience (NASDAQ: HBIO) Q1 2026 margin up as loss shrinks
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Harvard Bioscience reported mixed first-quarter 2026 results. Revenue was $20.8 million versus $21.8 million a year earlier, while gross margin improved to 59% from 56% as the company shifted toward higher-margin products such as organoid platforms and BTX Electroporation and SoHo Telemetry systems.
Net loss narrowed sharply to $3.4 million from $50.3 million, which previously included a $48.0 million goodwill impairment. Adjusted EBITDA was $0.8 million, unchanged from last year, and adjusted EBITDA margin held at 3.7%. Operating cash flow moved from $3.0 million provided to $0.7 million used, largely due to one-time costs tied to debt refinancing.
Management said first-quarter revenue was in line with expectations, reaffirmed full-year 2026 guidance, and projected mid–single-digit revenue growth, margin expansion, and continued adjusted EBITDA profitability in the second quarter as new product adoption scales.
Positive
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Negative
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Insights
Q1 shows stable profitability metrics, stronger margins, but softer growth.
Harvard Bioscience delivered Q1 2026 revenue of $20.8M, down modestly from $21.8M, while expanding gross margin to 59% from 56%. Adjusted EBITDA stayed positive at $0.8M with a 3.7% margin, matching last year.
GAAP net loss shrank to $3.4M from $50.3M, mainly because the prior period included a large $48.0M goodwill impairment. However, operating cash flow swung from $3.0M provided to $0.7M used, attributed to one-time refinancing-related charges, while net debt ticked up to $32.9M.
Management highlighted adoption of higher-margin NPI offerings and ongoing manufacturing consolidation, and reaffirmed full-year 2026 guidance. They expect mid–single-digit Q2 revenue growth, margin expansion, and continued adjusted EBITDA profitability, with a revenue ramp in the second half of 2026 led by organoid and electroporation products.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
adjusted EBITDA financial
goodwill impairment financial
non-GAAP financial measures financial
reverse stock split financial
net debt financial
adjusted operating margin financial
Earnings Snapshot
For Q2 2026, the company expects mid–single-digit year-over-year revenue growth, margin expansion, and continued adjusted EBITDA profitability, and it reaffirmed full-year 2026 guidance with a revenue ramp in the second half driven by higher-margin NPI products.
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CURRENT REPORT
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Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On May 12, 2026, Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2026, and the details of a related conference call to be held at 8:00 AM ET on May 12, 2026. The press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
The information in Item 2.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K and Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit Number | Description |
| 99.1 | Press Release issued by Harvard Bioscience, Inc. on May 12, 2026 |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the XBRL document) |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC. | ||
| Date: May 12, 2026 | By: | /s/ Mark Frost |
| Mark Frost | ||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||
Exhibit 99.1
Harvard Bioscience Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
| · | First Quarter 2026 Revenues of $20.8M and Gross Margin of 59% |
| · | Consolidation of Manufacturing Operations Progressing on Schedule |
| · | Reaffirms Full Year 2026 Financial Guidance |
HOLLISTON, Mass., May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq: HBIO) (the “Company” or “Harvard Bioscience”) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.
“First quarter revenues were in line with our expectations and gross margin expanded year-over-year, while we remained profitable on an adjusted EBITDA basis,” said John Duke, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are encouraged by the adoption rates of our NPI portfolio – specifically the MeshMEATM organoid platform, and our BTX® Electroporation and SoHo™ Telemetry systems – which are deepening our reach into the biopharma sector. This shift toward a higher-margin product mix is expected to put us on a path toward consistent 60+% margin and higher recurring revenue. Additionally, our manufacturing consolidation is on track and is expected to yield significant efficiencies and cost savings. Looking ahead, we continue to focus on operational efficiency and believe we remain well positioned for our next phase of growth. We’re reaffirming our full year guidance, which anticipates high margin NPI sales growth driving bottom line growth in the second half of the year.”
First Quarter 2026 Results
For the first quarter of 2026, the Company reported revenues of $20.8 million compared to $21.8 million in the first quarter of 2025. Gross margin for the first quarter of 2026 was 59%, compared to 56% in the first quarter of 2025.
Net loss for the first quarter of 2026 was $(3.4) million, compared to a net loss of $(50.3) million in the first quarter of 2025, which included goodwill impairment of $(48.0) million. Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2026 was $0.8 million compared to $0.8 million in the first quarter of the prior year. Cash (used) in and provided by operations was $(0.7) million during the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to $3.0 million in the same period in 2025. The reduction in the cash balance is primarily due to one-time charges related to the process that resulted in the debt refinancing.
This press release includes certain financial information presented on an adjusted, or non-GAAP, basis. For additional information on the non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release, see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information” and “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Second Quarter 2026 Guidance
The Company’s Q2 outlook reflects year-over-year revenue growth in the mid-single digit range at the midpoint of guidance, margin expansion as NPI adoption scales, and continued profitability on an adjusted EBITDA basis. We expect:
| · | Revenue between $20.5 million and $22.5 million |
| · | Adjusted gross margin between 57% and 59% |
| · | Adjusted EBITDA between $1.0 and $2.0 million |
Full Year 2026 Guidance
The Company is reaffirming its full-year guidance and anticipates a ramp in revenue in the second half of the year, driven by expected sales growth in our higher margin NPI pipeline, which includes products for organoids and electroporation. The Company continues to expect:
| · | Revenue growth between 2% and 4% |
| · | Adjusted gross margin between 58% and 60% |
| · | Adjusted EBITDA growth between 6% and 10% |
Webcast and Conference Call Details
In conjunction with this announcement, Harvard Bioscience will be hosting a conference call and webcast today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A presentation that will be referenced during the webcast will be posted to the Company’s Investor Relations website shortly before the webcast begins.
Analysts who would like to join the call and ask a question must register here (https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIec8b2ff5898f4554a258f5a3be030ad5). Once registered, you will receive the dial-in numbers and a unique PIN number.
Participants who would like to join the audio-only webcast should go to our events and presentations on the investor website here (https://investor.harvardbioscience.com/events-and-presentations).
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
In this press release we have included non-GAAP financial information, including one or more of adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted operating margin, adjusted gross margin, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, diluted adjusted earnings (loss) per share, and net debt. We believe that this non-GAAP financial information provides investors with an enhanced understanding of the underlying operations of our business. For the periods presented, these non-GAAP financial measures have excluded certain expenses and income resulting from items that we do not believe are reflective of the underlying operations of the business. Items excluded include stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions, restructuring charges, other operating expenses, goodwill impairment, interest and other expense, net, loss on pension settlement, loss on equity securities, income taxes, and the tax impact of reconciling items. Management believes that this non-GAAP financial information is important in comparing current results with prior period results and is useful to investors and financial analysts in assessing the Company’s operating performance.
Historical non-GAAP financial information included herein is accompanied by a reconciliation to the nearest corresponding GAAP measure, which is included below.
The non-GAAP financial information provided in this press release should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, the financial information provided and presented in accordance with GAAP and may be different from other companies’ non-GAAP financial information.
About Harvard Bioscience
Harvard Bioscience, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and seller of technologies, products and services that enable fundamental advances in life science applications, including research, drug and therapy discovery, bio-production and preclinical testing for pharmaceutical and therapy development. Our customers range from renowned academic institutions and government laboratories to the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and contract research organizations. With operations in the United States, Europe, and China, we sell through a combination of direct and distribution channels to customers around the world.
For more information, please visit our website at www.harvardbioscience.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “believe” and similar expressions or statements that do not relate to historical matters. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, information concerning expected future financial and operational performance including revenues, adjusted gross margin, adjusted EBITDA, gross margin, cash and debt position, balance sheet, growth, adoption and the introduction of new products, the strength of the Company’s market position, business model and anticipated macroeconomic conditions. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and involve known and unknown uncertainties, risks, assumptions, and contingencies, many of which are outside the Company’s control. Risks and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those described in its forward-looking statements include those described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this document. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available.
Investor Inquiries:
Mark Frost
Chief Financial Officer
(508) 893-3120
investors@harvardbioscience.com
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||
| Revenues | $ | 20,755 | $ | 21,774 | ||||
| Cost of revenues | 8,511 | 9,590 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 12,244 | 12,184 | ||||||
| Sales and marketing expenses | 5,335 | 4,971 | ||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 4,702 | 5,185 | ||||||
| Research and development expenses | 2,326 | 2,321 | ||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 820 | 1,160 | ||||||
| Goodwill impairment | — | 47,951 | ||||||
| Other operating expenses | 235 | 264 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 13,418 | 61,852 | ||||||
| Operating loss | (1,174 | ) | (49,668 | ) | ||||
| Other expense: | ||||||||
| Interest expense | (1,728 | ) | (933 | ) | ||||
| Other expense, net | (405 | ) | (193 | ) | ||||
| Total other expense | (2,133 | ) | (1,126 | ) | ||||
| Loss before income taxes | (3,307 | ) | (50,794 | ) | ||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 117 | (454 | ) | |||||
| Net loss | $ | (3,424 | ) | $ | (50,340 | ) | ||
| Loss per share: | ||||||||
| Basic and diluted loss per share * | $ | (0.77 | ) | $ | (11.42 | ) | ||
| Weighted-average common shares: | ||||||||
| Basic and diluted * | 4,473 | 4,410 | ||||||
* Retroactively presented to reflect 1-for-10 reverse stock split effective on March 13, 2026.
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands)
| March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 7,098 | $ | 8,614 | ||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 14,572 | 16,043 | ||||||
| Inventories | 22,205 | 20,805 | ||||||
| Other current assets | 3,604 | 2,763 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 47,479 | 48,225 | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 4,869 | 4,787 | ||||||
| Goodwill and other intangibles | 16,278 | 17,198 | ||||||
| Other long-term assets | 9,312 | 9,861 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 77,938 | $ | 80,071 | ||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 23,863 | 21,960 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 23,863 | 21,960 | ||||||
| Long-term debt, net | 36,211 | 35,870 | ||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 7,818 | 8,507 | ||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 10,046 | 13,734 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 77,938 | $ | 80,071 | ||||
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, in thousands)
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2026 | March 31, 2025 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (3,424 | ) | $ | (50,340 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to operating cash flows | 1,968 | 49,814 | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | 794 | 3,512 | ||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | (662 | ) | 2,986 | |||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
| Additions to property, plant and equipment | (426 | ) | (513 | ) | ||||
| Acquisition of intangible assets | (194 | ) | (170 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (620 | ) | (683 | ) | ||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
| Repayment of term debt | — | (1,000 | ) | |||||
| Payment of debt issuance costs | (129 | ) | (129 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options and purchases | 150 | — | ||||||
| Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards | (30 | ) | (75 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (9 | ) | (1,204 | ) | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (225 | ) | 339 | |||||
| (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (1,516 | ) | 1,438 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period | 8,614 | 4,108 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period | $ | 7,098 | $ | 5,546 | ||||
HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data and percentages)
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2026 | March 31, 2025 | |||||||
| GAAP operating loss | $ | (1,174 | ) | $ | (49,668 | ) | ||
| Stock-based compensation | 257 | 600 | ||||||
| Acquired asset amortization | 820 | 1,160 | ||||||
| Goodwill impairment | — | 47,951 | ||||||
| Other operating expenses (1) | 235 | 264 | ||||||
| Other adjustments | 93 | 12 | ||||||
| Adjusted operating income | $ | 231 | $ | 319 | ||||
| Operating margin | (5.7 | %) | (228.1 | %) | ||||
| Adjusted operating margin | 1.1 | % | 1.5 | % | ||||
| GAAP net loss | $ | (3,424 | ) | $ | (50,340 | ) | ||
| Stock-based compensation | 257 | 600 | ||||||
| Acquired asset amortization | 820 | 1,160 | ||||||
| Goodwill impairment | — | 47,951 | ||||||
| Other operating expenses (1) | 235 | 264 | ||||||
| Other adjustments | 93 | 12 | ||||||
| Income taxes | 525 | (199 | ) | |||||
| Adjusted net loss | (1,494 | ) | (552 | ) | ||||
| Depreciation & amortization | 536 | 495 | ||||||
| Interest and other expense, net (2) | 2,133 | 1,126 | ||||||
| Adjusted income taxes (3) | (408 | ) | (255 | ) | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 767 | $ | 814 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 3.7 | % | 3.7 | % | ||||
| Diluted loss per share (GAAP) * | $ | (0.77 | ) | $ | (11.42 | ) | ||
| Diluted adjusted loss per share * | $ | (0.33 | ) | $ | (1.25 | ) | ||
| Weighted-average common shares: | ||||||||
| Diluted GAAP * | 4,473 | 4,410 | ||||||
| Diluted Adjusted * | 4,473 | 4,410 | ||||||
| March 31, | ||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||
| Debt, including unamortized deferred financing costs | $ | 36,211 | $ | 35,958 | ||||
| Unamortized deferred financing costs | 3,789 | 392 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | (7,098 | ) | (5,546 | ) | ||||
| Net debt | $ | 32,902 | $ | 30,804 | ||||
* Retroactively presented to reflect 1-for-10 reverse stock split effective on March 13, 2026.
(1) Other operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2026 includes $235 thousand of restructuring-related charges compared to $93 thousand of restructuring-related charges and $171 thousand of employee retention tax credit fees for the three months ended March 31, 2025.
(2) Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was $1.7 million, compared to $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Other expense, net was $405 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to $193 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2025.
(3) Adjusted income taxes includes the tax effect of adjusting for the reconciling items using the tax rates in the jurisdictions in which the reconciling items arise.