STOCK TITAN

Goodwill hit drives 2025 loss at Harvard Bioscience (NASDAQ: HBIO)

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Harvard Bioscience reported softer 2025 results driven by a large non-cash goodwill charge. Q4 2025 revenue was $23.7 million, slightly below $24.6 million a year earlier, but gross margin improved to 59.7% from 57.1%. Q4 net loss was $2.8 million versus breakeven, while adjusted EBITDA rose to $3.8 million from $3.0 million.

For full-year 2025, revenue declined to $86.6 million from $94.1 million amid weaker spending by CROs, distributors and academic customers. Net loss widened sharply to $56.7 million from $12.4 million, primarily due to a $48.0 million goodwill impairment, plus refinancing and pension settlement costs. Adjusted EBITDA improved to $8.1 million from $7.2 million, and cash from operations increased to $6.7 million from $1.4 million, reflecting better underlying cash generation despite the accounting loss.

Year-end 2025 cash was $8.6 million versus $4.1 million, debt was $35.9 million, and stockholders’ equity fell to $13.7 million from $63.3 million after the impairment. Management highlighted a strategic shift toward higher-margin translational science and New Approach Methodologies, aiming to support growth in 2026.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • Large goodwill impairment and deeper net loss: A $48.0 million goodwill impairment in 2025 drove net loss to $(56.7) million and reduced stockholders’ equity to $13.7 million, materially weakening the company’s balance sheet compared with 2024.

Insights

Results show revenue pressure and a major goodwill write-down, partially offset by stronger margins and cash flow.

Harvard Bioscience saw 2025 revenue decline to $86.6 million from $94.1 million, reflecting weaker demand from CROs, distributors and academic labs. Despite this, gross margin held relatively steady at 57.7%, supported by cost containment and a better product mix.

The key headline is a $48.0 million goodwill impairment in Q1 2025, driving the full-year net loss to $(56.7) million and reducing stockholders’ equity to $13.7 million as of December 31, 2025. While non-cash, it signals lowered expectations for acquired assets and a structurally smaller balance sheet.

Operationally, adjusted EBITDA improved to $8.1 million from $7.2 million, and cash from operations rose to $6.7 million from $1.4 million, showing better underlying cash generation. Management is emphasizing higher-margin translational science and New Approach Methodologies; future filings for 2026 will clarify whether this strategy stabilizes revenue and supports margin gains.

false 0001123494 0001123494 2026-03-12 2026-03-12 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_________________

 

FORM 8-K

_________________

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 12, 2026

_______________________________

 

 

HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

______________________________

 

Delaware 001-33957 04-3306140
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

84 October Hill Road

Holliston, MA 01746

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

(508) 893-8999

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

____________________________

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value HBIO The NASDAQ Capital Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

On March 12, 2026, Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025, and the details of a related conference call to be held at 8:00 AM ET on March 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 March 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: March 12, 2026 By: /s/ Mark Frost  
    Mark Frost
    Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

Harvard Bioscience Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Financial Results

 

·Fourth Quarter 2025 Revenues of $23.7M and Gross Margin of 59.7%
·Full Year 2025 Revenues of $86.6M and Gross Margin of 57.7%
·Interim CFO Mark Frost Appointed CFO on Permanent Basis
·Introduces Full Year 2026 Guidance which Reflects Anticipated Revenue Growth Driven by New Products for Translational Science

 

HOLLISTON, Mass., March 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq: HBIO) (the “Company” or “Harvard Bioscience”) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025.

 

“2025 was a pivotal year for Harvard Bioscience as we strengthened our balance sheet and streamlined our operating model. This culminated in fourth quarter results that reflect disciplined execution, an improved product mix, and the cost reductions implemented throughout the year,” said John Duke, President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we look ahead, we are evolving from a traditional life science tools provider into a leading enabler of translational science. By embracing the ongoing shift to New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and focusing on new products for translational science, we’ll help our customers generate more predictive, human-relevant data earlier in the drug development process. We believe we are well-positioned for a new phase of growth and are confident in our outlook and our ability to drive sustainable shareholder value in 2026 and beyond.”

 

“I’m pleased to have been appointed on a permanent basis and to continue working with the Harvard Bioscience team,” said Mark Frost, Chief Financial Officer. “We’ve made significant progress over the past year. I’m excited by the opportunity ahead, and I look forward to further engagement with our team, customers, and shareholders.”

 

Fourth Quarter 2025 Results

 

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company reported revenues of $23.7 million compared to $24.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Gross margin for the three months ended December 31, 2025 was 59.7%, compared to 57.1% in 2024. The year-over-year increase was mostly due to the impact of cost containment actions and favorable product mix.

 

Net (loss) income for the fourth quarter of 2025 was ($2.8) million compared to $18 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $3.8 million compared to $3.0 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Cash (used in) provided by operations was ($0.1) million during the three months ended December 31, 2025, compared to $1.7 million in the same period in 2024.

 

 

 

Results for Year Ended December 31, 2025

 

For the year ended December 31, 2025, revenues were $86.6 million compared to $94.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Revenues declined as a result of a challenging global market and reduced spending by CROs, distributors and academic research institutions. Gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2025 was 57.7%, compared to gross margin of 58.2% in the prior year. Gross margin was unfavorably impacted by the under-absorption of fixed manufacturing overhead costs, which was partially offset by a better mix of lower labor costs and higher margin products.

 

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2025 was ($56.7) million compared to net loss of ($12.4) million for the year ended 2024, primarily due to goodwill impairment in the first quarter of 2025 of $48.0 million. The Company’s net loss for 2025 included costs of ($1.8) million in connection with our debt refinancing and a loss on pension settlement of ($1.2) million. Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $8.1 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $7.2 million for the year ended 2024. Cash provided by operations was $6.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $1.4 million in the year ended 2024.

 

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.

 

First Quarter 2026 Guidance

 

The Company expects:

·Revenue between $20.0 million and $22.0 million
·Adjusted gross margin between 57% and 59%
·Adjusted EBITDA between $1.0 million and $2.2 million.

 

Note that the prior-year comparable first quarter period did not include tariff impacts and was minimally affected by NIH funding headwinds.

 

Full Year 2026 Guidance

 

Guidance for the full year 2026 is expected to be driven by higher margin New Product Innovation (NPI) revenue as the Company focuses on Translational Science. Growth is expected to be supported by a stabilized NIH funding environment and a reduction in tariff disruptions. The Company expects:

·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, the Company 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. 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 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, 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 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 and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, 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.

Consolidated Statements Of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   Three Months Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,
   2025  2024  2025  2024
             
Revenues  $23,735   $24,556   $86,550   $94,135 
Cost of revenues   9,563    10,545    36,640    39,369 
Gross profit   14,172    14,011    49,910    54,766 
                     
Sales and marketing expenses   5,093    5,395    19,216    22,212 
General and administrative expenses   4,119    4,803    17,742    21,493 
Research and development expenses   2,183    2,328    8,825    10,406 
Amortization of intangible assets   850    1,257    4,027    5,255 
Goodwill impairment   -    -    47,951    - 
Other operating expenses   217    217    729    1,611 
Total operating expenses   12,462    14,000    98,490    60,977 
                     
Operating income (loss)   1,710    11    (48,580)   (6,211)
                     
Other expense:                    
Interest expense   (1,660)   (1,180)   (4,917)   (3,536)
Loss on pension settlement   (1,233)   -    (1,233)   - 
Loss on equity securities   -    -    -    (1,593)
Other (expense) income, net   (2,021)   1,759    (2,656)   (325)
Total other expense   (4,914)   579    (8,806)   (5,454)
                     
(Loss) income before income taxes   (3,204)   590    (57,386)   (11,665)
Income tax (benefit) expense   (357)   572    (686)   740 
Net (loss) income  $(2,847)  $18   $(56,700)  $(12,405)
                     
(Loss) earnings per share:                    
Basic (loss) earnings per share  $(0.06)  $0.00   $(1.28)  $(0.28)
                     
Diluted (loss) earnings per share  $(0.06)  $0.00   $(1.28)  $(0.28)
                     
Weighted-average common shares:                    
Basic   44,602    43,659    44,391    43,538 
                     
Diluted   44,602    44,454    44,391    43,538 

 

 

 

 

HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
       
   December 31,
   2025  2024
Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents  $8,614   $4,108 
Accounts receivable, net   16,043    14,866 
Inventories   20,805    23,245 
Other current assets   2,763    2,898 
Total current assets   48,225    45,117 
Property, plant and equipment   4,787    5,106 
Goodwill and other intangibles   17,198    67,456 
Other long-term assets   9,861    8,965 
Total assets  $80,071   $126,644 
           
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity          
Current portion of long-term debt  $-   $36,956 
Other current liabilities   21,960    18,002 
Total current liabilities   21,960    54,958 
Long-term debt, net   35,870    - 
Other long-term liabilities   8,507    8,346 
Stockholders’ equity   13,734    63,340 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $80,071   $126,644 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
             
   Three Months Ended  Year Ended
   December 31, 2025  December 31, 2024  December 31, 2025  December 31, 2024
Cash flows from operating activities:                    
Net (loss) income  $(2,847)  $18   $(56,700)  $(12,405)
Adjustments to operating cash flows   3,669    2,300    57,756    13,780 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities   (918)   (593)   5,673    65 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   (96)   1,725    6,729    1,440 
                     
Cash flows from investing activities:                    
Additions to property, plant and equipment   (449)   (301)   (1,258)   (2,644)
Acquisition of intangible assets   (150)   (165)   (605)   (619)
Proceeds from sale of marketable equity securities   -    -    -    1,919 
Net cash used in investing activities   (599)   (466)   (1,863)   (1,344)
                     
Cash flows from financing activities:                    
Borrowing from revolving line of credit   -    -    -    8,800 
Borrowing from term loans   40,000    -    40,000    - 
Repayment of revolving line of credit   (12,650)   -    (12,650)   (2,550)
Repayment of term debt   (21,700)   (1,000)   (24,700)   (6,023)
Payment of debt issuance costs   (3,145)   -    (3,832)   (161)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options and purchases   1    161    47    380 
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards   (57)   (518)   (156)   (577)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   2,449    (1,357)   (1,291)   (131)
                     
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   43    (363)   931    (140)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   1,797    (461)   4,506    (175)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period   6,817    4,569    4,108    4,283 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period  $8,614   $4,108   $8,614   $4,108 

 

 

 

 

HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data and percentages)

 

   Three Months Ended  Year Ended
   December 31, 2025  December 31, 2024  December 31, 2025  December 31, 2024
             
GAAP operating income (loss)  $1,710   $11   $(48,580)  $(6,211)
Stock-based compensation   459    961    1,855    4,340 
Acquired asset amortization   850    1,257    4,027    5,255 
Goodwill impairment   -    -    47,951    - 
Other operating expenses (1)   217    217    729    1,611 
Other adjustments   46    42    181    299 
Adjusted operating income  $3,282   $2,488   $6,163   $5,294 
                     
Operating margin   7.2%   0.0%   (56.1%)   (6.6%)
Adjusted operating margin   13.8%   10.1%   7.1%   5.6%
                     
GAAP net (loss) income  $(2,847)  $18   $(56,700)  $(12,405)
Stock-based compensation   459    961    1,855    4,340 
Acquired asset amortization   850    1,257    4,027    5,255 
Goodwill impairment   -    -    47,951    - 
Other operating expenses (1)   217    217    729    1,611 
Loss on pension settlement   1,233    -    1,233    - 
Other adjustments   46    42    181    299 
Loss on equity securities   -    -    -    1,593 
Income taxes   (11)   191    (277)   568 
Adjusted net (loss) income   (53)   2,686    (1,001)   1,261 
Depreciation & amortization   501    503    1,918    1,902 
Interest and other expense, net   3,681    (579)   7,573    3,861 
Adjusted income taxes (2)   (346)   381    (409)   172 
Adjusted EBITDA  $3,783   $2,991   $8,081   $7,196 
Adjusted EBITDA margin   15.9%   12.2%   9.3%   7.6%
                     
Diluted (loss) earnings per share (GAAP)  $(0.06)  $0.00   $(1.28)  $(0.28)
                     
Diluted adjusted (loss) earnings per share  $(0.00)  $0.06   $(0.02)  $0.03 
Weighted-average common shares:                    
Diluted GAAP   44,602    43,659    44,391    43,538 
                     
Diluted Adjusted   45,220    44,454    44,674    44,391 
                     

 

       
   December 31,
   2025  2024
Debt, including unamortized deferred financing costs  $35,870   $36,956 
Unamortized deferred financing costs   4,130    394 
Cash and cash equivalents   (8,614)   (4,108)
Net debt  $31,386   $33,242 

 

(1) Other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2025, were $0.7 million, including a fee of $0.5 million in connection with the receipt of employee retention tax credits and restructuring costs of $0.2 million in connection with headcount reductions. Other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $1.6 million, including $0.8 million in connection with headcount reductions, a fee of $0.5 million in connection with the receipt of employee retention tax credits, and $0.3 million related to settlement of an unclaimed property audit. Other operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2025 includes $0.2 million of commission fee paid in connection with the receipt of employee retention credits. Other operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2024 includes $0.2 million of restructuring-related charges.

 

(2) 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.  

 

 

FAQ

How did Harvard Bioscience (HBIO) perform in Q4 2025?

Harvard Bioscience reported Q4 2025 revenue of $23.7 million, slightly below $24.6 million in Q4 2024. Gross margin improved to 59.7%, but the company posted a net loss of $2.8 million, while adjusted EBITDA rose to $3.8 million from $3.0 million.

What were Harvard Bioscience’s full-year 2025 financial results?

For 2025, Harvard Bioscience generated $86.6 million in revenue versus $94.1 million in 2024. The company posted a net loss of $56.7 million, mainly from a $48.0 million goodwill impairment, while adjusted EBITDA improved to $8.1 million from $7.2 million.

Why did Harvard Bioscience (HBIO) report a much larger net loss in 2025?

The 2025 net loss of $56.7 million primarily reflects a $48.0 million goodwill impairment recorded in the first quarter. Additional impacts came from $1.8 million of debt refinancing costs and a $1.2 million pension settlement loss, outweighing underlying operating improvements.

How did Harvard Bioscience’s cash flow and debt position change in 2025?

Cash provided by operations increased to $6.7 million in 2025 from $1.4 million in 2024, showing stronger cash generation. Year-end 2025 cash was $8.6 million, long-term debt was $35.9 million, and net debt was $31.4 million based on the company’s reconciliation.

What margin trends did Harvard Bioscience (HBIO) report for 2025?

Harvard Bioscience’s 2025 gross margin was 57.7%, slightly below 58.2% in 2024, pressured by under-absorbed overhead but helped by higher-margin products. Adjusted operating margin improved to 7.1% from 5.6%, and adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 9.3% from 7.6%.

How is Harvard Bioscience positioning its business for 2026?

Management is shifting focus toward translational science and New Approach Methodologies, aiming to grow higher-margin new product innovation revenue. They expect a stabilized NIH funding environment and reduced tariff disruptions to support 2026 performance, emphasizing sustainable shareholder value creation.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

4 documents
Harvard Biosci

NASDAQ:HBIO

View HBIO Stock Overview

HBIO Rankings

HBIO Latest News

HBIO Latest SEC Filings

HBIO Stock Data

22.09M
40.82M
Medical Instruments & Supplies
Laboratory Analytical Instruments
Link
United States
HOLLISTON