Healthcare
Biotechnology
$11.80B
3K
Bio-Techne Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells life science reagents, instruments, and services for the research, diagnostics, and bioprocessing markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Protein Sciences, and Diagnostics and Genomics. The Protein Sciences segment develops and manufactures biological reagents used in various aspects of life science research, diagnostics, and cell and gene therapy, such as cytokines and growth factors, antibodies, small molecules, tissue culture sera, and cell selection technologies. This segment also offers proteomic analytical tools for automated western blot and multiplexed ELISA workflow consists of manual and automated protein analysis instruments and immunoassays for use in quantifying proteins in various biological fluids. The Diagnostics and Genomics segment develops and manufactures diagnostic products, including controls, calibrators, and diagnostic assays for regulated diagnostics market, exosome-based molecular diagnostic assays, advanced tissue-based in-situ hybridization assays for spatial genomic and tissue biopsy analysis, and genetic and oncology kits for research and clinical applications; and sells products for genetic carrier screening, oncology diagnostics, molecular controls, and research, as well as instruments and process control products for hematology, blood chemistry and gases, and coagulation controls and reagents used in various diagnostic applications. The company has strategic partnership with ALZpath, Inc. to accelerate breakthroughs in neurodegenerative disease research and treatment, including Alzheimer's disease. The company was formerly known as Techne Corporation and changed its name to Bio-Techne Corporation in November 2014. Bio-Techne Corporation was incorporated in 1976 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Key insights and themes extracted from this filing
Consolidated net sales increased 5% to $1.22 billion in fiscal 2025 from $1.16 billion in fiscal 2024, with organic growth also at 5%. This growth was primarily fueled by strong commercial execution in the Protein Sciences segment (up 5%) and broad-based molecular diagnostics performance in Diagnostics and Spatial Biology (up 6%).
Consolidated net earnings decreased 56% to $73.4 million in fiscal 2025 from $168.1 million in fiscal 2024. This sharp decline was primarily impacted by a non-recurring arbitration award, impairment of assets held-for-sale, and restructuring and restructuring-related charges totaling $41.8 million, $80.5 million, and $28.2 million, respectively.
GAAP gross margin declined to 64.8% in fiscal 2025 from 66.4% in fiscal 2024 and 67.7% in fiscal 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to the reinstatement of incentive accruals and an unfavorable product mix, indicating operational challenges impacting profitability despite top-line growth.
The company completed the acquisition of Lunaphore for $169.7 million in fiscal 2024, adding automated spatial biology solutions. In fiscal 2025, Bio-Techne invested $15.0 million in Spear Bio and plans to acquire the remaining 80.1% ownership of Wilson Wolf by 2027, demonstrating a commitment to expanding into high-growth areas.
Bio-Techne introduced over 400 new products in fiscal 2025, highlighting continuous research and development efforts across all major product lines. This focus on innovation is a key strategic pillar to meet changing technologies and market needs.
Subsequent to fiscal year-end, the company announced a definitive agreement to sell its Exosome Diagnostics business for $15 million. This divestiture, following an impairment charge in fiscal 2025, indicates a strategic decision to optimize the business portfolio and focus resources.
Management initiated enterprise-wide restructuring actions in fiscal 2025, incurring $95.6 million in charges, including $83.1 million in asset impairment within the Diagnostics & Spatial Biology segment. These actions aim to optimize global manufacturing footprint and organizational efficiency.
Despite considerable employee mobility across industries, Bio-Techne 'significantly reduced our attrition rate to maintain durable stability across our enterprise' in the last fiscal year. This indicates effective human capital strategies in a competitive talent market.
Kim Kelderman was promoted to President and CEO on February 1, 2024, and Matthew McManus joined as President, Diagnostics and Spatial Biology on January 8, 2024. These leadership changes are part of ongoing strategic decisions and were associated with 'CEO transition charges' in fiscal 2024.
The company highlights significant risks from global economic conditions, military conflicts (Ukraine, Israel-Gaza), and trade tensions (US-China), which can negatively impact operations and financial results. Approximately 44% of fiscal 2025 sales revenue originated from outside the U.S., increasing exposure to these international factors.
Bio-Techne is subject to extensive and evolving regulations, including FDA, EU IVDR, HIPAA, and state data privacy laws. New regulations and changes in healthcare policies, such as those impacting lab-developed tests, could increase costs, limit profitability, and lead to significant fines for non-compliance.
The company relies on sole or limited source suppliers for certain critical materials, making it vulnerable to disruptions from natural disasters, trade protectionism, and increased raw material prices. Failure to adapt production capacity or manage purchase commitments could adversely affect financial results.
Bio-Techne operates in 'highly competitive markets' with a diverse range of competitors, from startups to large multinational companies. The company emphasizes that its success depends on its ability to differentiate offerings and avoid products becoming commodities.
Consolidation in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostics industries has created fewer customer accounts and concentrated purchasing decisions, leading to 'increased pricing pressure'. The entry of manufacturers from 'low-cost manufacturing locations' in Asia further exacerbates competitive pressures.
Management believes its 'competitive position is strong due to the unique aspects of many of our products and our product quality'. This indicates that innovation and quality are key competitive advantages in its life science and diagnostic markets.
Consolidated GAAP gross margin decreased from 67.7% in 2023 to 64.8% in 2025. This decline was attributed to the reinstatement of incentive accruals and an unfavorable product mix in fiscal 2025, and the Lunaphore acquisition impact in fiscal 2024, indicating challenges in maintaining cost efficiency.
In fiscal 2025, the company incurred $95.6 million in restructuring and restructuring-related charges, including $11.5 million in asset impairments related to adjusting manufacturing locations and protocols. These actions are designed to optimize global manufacturing processes and improve operating margins.
Bio-Techne employs techniques such as using safety stock, alternative materials, and qualifying multiple supply sources to address potential disruptions in its supply chain. This approach aims to ensure timely delivery and manage risks associated with complex manufacturing processes.
Research and development expenses increased 3% to $99.5 million in fiscal 2025 and 5% to $96.7 million in fiscal 2024, compared to prior years. This sustained investment led to the introduction of 'over 400 new products' in fiscal 2025, demonstrating a commitment to innovation.
The acquisition of Lunaphore for $169.7 million in fiscal 2024 added fully automated spatial biology solutions, while the Namocell acquisition in fiscal 2023 for $101.2 million brought single cell sorting and dispensing platforms. These acquisitions significantly bolster the company's technological capabilities in high-growth areas.
As of June 30, 2025, Bio-Techne held rights to approximately 1,340 granted patents and 270 pending patent applications. This robust IP portfolio, particularly in Analytical Solutions and Spatial Biology, is crucial for product development and differentiation in technology-driven markets.
The company significantly increased share repurchases to $275.7 million in fiscal 2025, up from $80.0 million in 2024 and $19.6 million in 2023. A new $500 million share repurchase plan was approved in April 2025, indicating management's belief in the company's intrinsic value.
Bio-Techne paid consistent annual cash dividends of $50.4 million in fiscal 2025 and 2024, and $50.3 million in 2023. This demonstrates a commitment to returning capital to shareholders, although the Board periodically reviews dividend payments for future growth investments.
The outstanding balance under the revolving credit facility increased to $346.0 million at June 30, 2025, from $319.0 million in 2024. This debt is used for working capital, capital expenditures, and financing permitted acquisitions, including the potential $1 billion acquisition of Wilson Wolf.
The company fosters an 'EPIC' culture (Empowerment, Passion, Innovation, Collaboration) and achieved 75% favorable feedback from its global workforce in the 2025 annual engagement survey. This indicates a positive internal environment and commitment to employee satisfaction and development.
As of June 30, 2025, 48% of the total employee population and 43% of managerial employees were female. Additionally, 39% of the total employee population and 28% of managerial employees identified as nonwhite, reflecting ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion.
The company recognizes that climate change could lead to increased energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and new regulatory requirements. Failure to adequately address stakeholder ESG expectations may result in reputational damage and impact business, indicating awareness of sustainability risks.
The company acknowledges that 'slower economic growth in the domestic or international markets, inflation, recession, volatility in the credit and currency markets' has adversely affected and may continue to affect its business. This indicates a cautious outlook on the broader macroeconomic landscape.
Ongoing military conflicts (Ukraine, Israel-Gaza) and trade tensions (US-China) are identified as factors that 'can negatively impact our operations and financial results'. With 44% of fiscal 2025 sales from outside the U.S., the company is significantly exposed to these global uncertainties.
The healthcare and life sciences industries face 'constant pressures and changes in an effort to reduce healthcare costs'. Changes in government reimbursement, drug price regulation, and increased scrutiny of lab-developed tests could 'negatively impact us directly or our customers and, correspondingly, our sales'.