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BEAM vs VIR
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Beam Therapeutics (BEAM) vs. Vir Biotechnology (VIR) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- BEAM is a clinical-stage gene-editing company advancing a base-editing platform, while VIR is an immunology company focused on infectious diseases and oncology T-cell engagers.
- BEAM has faced near-term selling pressure after updated BEAM-302 trial data underwhelmed and a securities-law investigation was announced, even as its cash runway extends into mid-2029.
- VIR has benefited from a strategic collaboration with Astellas, a Gilead licensing tie-up, and strong hepatitis delta data, driving strong year-to-date relative performance.
- Both companies remain pre-commercial and loss-making, making pipeline milestones and cash positions central to their market positioning.
- BEAM offers a concentrated gene-editing story, while VIR presents a more diversified oncology and infectious-disease pipeline.
Introduction
Biotechnology investors often weigh high-conviction science against near-term execution risk, and few comparisons illustrate that tension better than Beam Therapeutics and Vir Biotechnology. BEAM is a pioneer in precision base editing, while VIR is building a portfolio spanning hepatitis delta and solid-tumor T-cell engagers. Both trade well below their peaks, burn significant cash, and depend heavily on clinical catalysts rather than revenue. This stock comparison is relevant for investors evaluating relative performance, market positioning, and the trade-off between a single-platform thesis and a broader, partnership-backed pipeline in the current market environment.
BEAM Overview and Recent Performance
Beam Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing precision genetic medicines using its base-editing technology, which aims to correct disease-causing mutations at the DNA level. Its most advanced programs include BEAM-302 for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), risto-cel for sickle cell disease, and earlier-stage candidates for glycogen storage disease type Ia and phenylketonuria.
In recent market activity, BEAM has experienced volatility. Updated Phase 1/2 data for BEAM-302 were described by analysts as well-tolerated but not numerically improved over earlier readouts, and shares retreated meaningfully following the update. A subsequent announcement that a law firm opened an investigation into potential securities-law violations added a legal overhang. These developments have pressured sentiment even as the company maintains a strong balance sheet, reporting roughly $1.2 billion in cash, equivalents, and marketable securities, with management guiding that its runway extends into mid-2029. Analysts have largely retained positive ratings, with a consensus average price target above $50, reflecting longer-term confidence in the base-editing platform despite near-term momentum fading.
VIR Overview and Recent Performance
Vir Biotechnology is an immunology company developing treatments for serious infectious diseases and cancer. Its pipeline centers on a chronic hepatitis delta program combining tobevibart and elebsiran, plus PRO-XTEN dual-masked T-cell engagers (TCEs) targeting solid tumors, including VIR-5500 for prostate cancer and earlier-stage HER2- and EGFR-directed candidates.
VIR has shown comparatively strong momentum in recent market activity. The company closed a global strategic collaboration with Astellas valued at up to $1.7 billion around VIR-5500, secured a separate licensing agreement with Gilead for three preclinical TCE candidates, and reported encouraging long-term Phase 2 SOLSTICE data showing high rates of viral suppression in hepatitis delta. It also completed a follow-on offering and ended recent quarters with roughly $800 million to $1 billion in cash, funded into the second half of 2028. These catalysts have driven a substantial year-to-date gain, though the stock remains well below historical highs and carries execution risk ahead of pivotal ECLIPSE trial readouts.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ sharply in business model and diversification. BEAM is built around a single core technology—base editing—with multiple programs sharing that platform, creating concentrated scientific risk but potentially large, cross-program upside. VIR spans two therapeutic areas (infectious disease and oncology) and has layered on multiple pharmaceutical partnerships, spreading risk across more shots on goal.
On growth drivers, BEAM's near-term catalysts include a sickle cell biologics license application (BLA) submission and further BEAM-302 data, while VIR's hinge on ECLIPSE Phase 3 hepatitis delta readouts and VIR-5500 expansion data. Momentum currently favors VIR, which has posted a substantial year-to-date gain versus BEAM's weaker recent tape. However, BEAM carries a larger cash balance and longer runway (into mid-2029 versus the second half of 2028), a meaningful buffer against dilution. Sector exposure differs too: BEAM is a pure-play genetic-medicine story, whereas VIR blends virology with oncology, appealing to investors seeking diversification within a single biotech holding.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, recent relative performance, and catalyst breadth, Tickeron's AI would likely favor VIR in the current environment. VIR's multiple partnership announcements, positive clinical data, and stronger year-to-date momentum suggest more durable near-term trend support than BEAM, which faces a clinical-data setback and a legal overhang. That said, BEAM's longer cash runway and a high-conviction analyst consensus indicate the gap could narrow if its base-editing programs re-accelerate. The verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive: VIR currently shows better relative positioning, but both stocks remain high-risk, catalyst-dependent investments.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is BEAM is a Hold and VIR is a Hold.
BEAM saw its Stochastic Oscillator recovers from the overbought zone
The Stochastic Oscillator for BEAM moved out of overbought territory on November 02, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock and investors may want to consider selling or taking a defensive position. A.I.dvisor looked at 56 similar instances where the indicator exited the overbought zone. In 52 of the 56 cases the stock moved lower. This puts the odds of a downward move at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for BEAM moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 25 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 22 of the 25 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 88%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where BEAM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 84%.
BEAM broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on BEAM as a result. In 68 of 84 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for BEAM just turned positive on September 29, 2026. Looking at past instances where BEAM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 41 of 52 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
BEAM moved above its 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +15.82% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BEAM advanced for three days, in 197 of 260 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 5 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.503) is normal, around the industry mean (3.104). P/E Ratio (-37.493) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-0.958). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is also within normal values, averaging (9.059). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (129.907) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (15.314) is also within normal values, averaging (439.647).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. BEAM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 92 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. BEAM’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock worse than average.
VIR in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026
VIR moved above its 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 37 of 39 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on VIR as a result. In 75 of 92 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for VIR just turned positive on October 27, 2026. Looking at past instances where VIR's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 34 of 41 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 83%.
The 10-day moving average for VIR crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 15 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 88%.
Following a +8.06% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where VIR advanced for three days, in 203 of 266 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
VIR may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 128 of 159 cases where VIR Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 81%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 41 of 51 cases where VIR's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 80%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where VIR declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 81%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 21 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.895) is normal, around the industry mean (3.104). P/E Ratio (-6.215) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-0.958). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is also within normal values, averaging (9.059). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (129.907) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.168) is also within normal values, averaging (439.647).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 38 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. VIR’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 70 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 96 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. VIR’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 94, placing this stock worse than average.
BEAM | VIR | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 81 | 5 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 5 Undervalued | 21 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 92 | 96 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 46 | 38 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 43 | 70 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 90 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
BEAM's Valuation (5) in the null industry is in the same range as VIR (21). This means that BEAM’s stock grew similarly to VIR’s over the last 12 months.
BEAM's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the null industry is in the same range as VIR (100). This means that BEAM’s stock grew similarly to VIR’s over the last 12 months.
BEAM's SMR Rating (92) in the null industry is in the same range as VIR (96). This means that BEAM’s stock grew similarly to VIR’s over the last 12 months.
VIR's Price Growth Rating (38) in the null industry is in the same range as BEAM (46). This means that VIR’s stock grew similarly to BEAM’s over the last 12 months.
BEAM's P/E Growth Rating (43) in the null industry is in the same range as VIR (70). This means that BEAM’s stock grew similarly to VIR’s over the last 12 months.
| BEAM | VIR | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 88% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 90% | 1 day ago 80% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | 1 day ago 82% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 79% | 1 day ago 83% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 81% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 77% | 1 day ago 78% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 76% | 6 days ago 76% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 84% | 1 day ago 81% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 90% | 1 day ago 79% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | N/A | 1 day ago 81% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
BEAM’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while VIR’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- BEAM’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- VIR’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
BEAM’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while VIR’s TA Score has 7 bullish TA indicator(s).
- BEAM’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- VIR’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 2 bearish.
Price Growth
BEAM (@Biotechnology) experienced а +8.74% price change this week, while VIR (@Biotechnology) price change was -0.36% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Biotechnology industry was -0.92%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -13.16%, and the average quarterly price growth was -20.21%.
Reported Earning Dates
BEAM is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 2026.
VIR is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Biotechnology (-0.92% weekly)Biotechnology involves genetic or protein engineering to produce medicines/therapies for treating and preventing ailments. The industry also provides crucial ingredients for diagnostics. This multi-billion-dollar industry is heavily focused on research and development, as companies attempt to continually come up with cutting-edge solutions for health. New discoveries for the treatment of diseases provide opportunities for growth for a company in this industry. Discoveries, however, must pass the regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can make it to markets. Amgen Inc., Gilead Sciences, Inc. and Celgene Corporation are examples of companies in this industry.
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VIR and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, VIR has been loosely correlated with BEAM. These tickers have moved in lockstep 55% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if VIR jumps, then BEAM could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To VIR | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIR | 100% | -2.65% | ||
| BEAM - VIR | 55% Loosely correlated | -4.99% | ||
| EDIT - VIR | 54% Loosely correlated | -3.75% | ||
| DNLI - VIR | 53% Loosely correlated | -0.42% | ||
| PRME - VIR | 52% Loosely correlated | -5.93% | ||
| RCUS - VIR | 51% Loosely correlated | -1.87% | ||
More | ||||
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