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BFLY vs PACB
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Butterfly Network (BFLY) vs. Pacific Biosciences (PACB) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- BFLY (Butterfly Network) has shown strong recent momentum, with accelerating revenue growth and rising analyst price targets, while PACB (Pacific Biosciences) remains in a transition year marked by funding headwinds and lowered guidance.
- Both companies operate in life-science and medical-technology niches and remain unprofitable, making them higher-risk, growth-oriented holdings.
- Butterfly Network is expanding beyond handheld ultrasound into licensing and "Embedded" partnerships, while Pacific Biosciences is refocusing on long-read DNA sequencing after selling its short-read assets.
- Relative performance diverged sharply in recent quarters, with BFLY outperforming the broader market while PACB lagged.
- Sentiment, balance-sheet strength, and near-term catalysts currently tilt the comparison in favor of Butterfly Network.
Introduction
Butterfly Network and Pacific Biosciences of California both sell sophisticated technology to healthcare and research customers, yet they operate in very different segments and are moving in opposite directions on several key metrics. This stock comparison is relevant for growth-focused traders and investors weighing two unprofitable, innovation-driven medical-tech names against one another. By examining business models, recent price behavior, catalysts, and risk factors, readers can better assess each company's market positioning and relative performance in the current environment.
BFLY Overview and Recent Performance
BFLY, Butterfly Network, develops handheld, single-probe, whole-body ultrasound systems built on semiconductor (CMUT) technology, including its iQ, iQ+, and iQ3 devices, alongside the Compass AI enterprise software platform. The company's stated mission is to make medical imaging more affordable and accessible, and it has expanded into licensing its ultrasound-on-chip technology through its "Embedded" program.
Recent market activity has favored the stock. In the first quarter of 2026, Butterfly reported revenue of roughly $26.5 million, up about 25% year over year, with gross margin near 69%. The company subsequently posted record quarterly revenue and raised its full-year 2026 revenue outlook. Growth has been driven by higher-margin Embedded revenue, stronger iQ3 sales, medical-school adoption, and progress in its Home and Community Care initiative. Sentiment has been supported by new partnerships, including a licensing agreement with an artificial intelligence (AI) imaging company and a brain-computer interface (BCI) developer, as well as fresh Buy ratings from analysts. Shares have risen sharply over the past year, though the stock remains volatile and the company is still not profitable.
PACB Overview and Recent Performance
PACB, Pacific Biosciences of California (commonly called PacBio), designs and manufactures gene-sequencing systems, including its Revio and Vega instruments and single-molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology used for long-read DNA analysis. The company has been narrowing its focus to long-read sequencing, selling its short-read assets to Illumina for net proceeds of about $48 million.
Recent performance has been more mixed. First-quarter 2026 revenue of about $37.2 million was roughly flat year over year, and second-quarter revenue declined modestly, missing consensus estimates. The company lowered its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $155 million to $165 million, citing softer instrument demand and ongoing uncertainty around academic and government research funding. On the positive side, consumables revenue has grown, clinical adoption is increasing, and the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region expanded sharply. However, Asia-Pacific revenue declined materially, gross margin has contracted, and management pushed its cash-flow breakeven target to 2028. The stock has underperformed the broader market so far in 2026, and analyst ratings skew toward Hold and Sell.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most clearly on momentum and business focus. Butterfly Network is transitioning from a pure hardware seller into a broader, software-and-licensing platform, which has lifted gross margin and created multiple growth levers, including AI partnerships and embedded chip licensing. Pacific Biosciences, by contrast, is consolidating around its core long-read sequencing franchise while absorbing headwinds from academic funding and a product transition to its SPRQ-Nx chemistry.
Risk profiles also differ. Both companies burn cash, but Butterfly holds a comparatively strong cash position relative to its size and has narrowed its adjusted losses. Pacific Biosciences retains a solid cash balance yet faces a longer path to breakeven and greater sensitivity to government and academic budgets. Sector exposure is another contrast: BFLY sits in medical devices and point-of-care imaging, while PACB operates in genomics and life-science tools, where competition and capital-purchase cycles are pronounced. Market sentiment currently reflects these differences, with BFLY attracting Buy ratings and higher price targets while PACB faces more cautious analyst positioning.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, relative performance, stability, and the presence of near-term catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely favor BFLY in the current environment. Butterfly Network has demonstrated stronger and more consistent upward momentum, improving margins, rising guidance, and a broader set of growth catalysts, whereas Pacific Biosciences is managing a transition period with lower visibility and a more cautious outlook. This is a probabilistic assessment rather than a definitive forecast, and conditions could shift with either company's earnings, product launches, or broader market sentiment.
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 BFLY is a StrongBuy and PACB is a Buy.
BFLY's Stochastic Oscillator sits in oversold zone for 12 days
The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an uptrend is expected.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +6.48% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BFLY advanced for three days, in 185 of 225 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 129 of 156 cases where BFLY Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 83%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for BFLY moved out of overbought territory on September 23, 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 27 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 21 of the 27 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 78%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 06, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on BFLY as a result. In 66 of 83 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 80%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for BFLY turned negative on October 07, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 45 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 35 of the 45 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 78%.
BFLY moved below its 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for BFLY crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 13 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 81%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where BFLY 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 89%.
BFLY broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 22, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 15 (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 (9.504) is normal, around the industry mean (2.914). P/E Ratio (-23.310) is within average values for comparable stocks, (1.904). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is also within normal values, averaging (11.052). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (16.556) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 31 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 38 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. BFLY’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 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 SMR rating for this company is 97 (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. BFLY’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 95, placing this stock worse than average.
PACB in downward trend: price expected to drop as it breaks its higher Bollinger Band on October 05, 2026
PACB broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 05, 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. The A.I.dvisor looked at 49 similar instances where the stock broke above the upper band. In 46 of the 49 cases the stock fell afterwards. This puts the odds of success at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for PACB moved out of overbought territory on October 08, 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 31 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 26 of the 31 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 84%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on PACB as a result. In 74 of 89 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 83%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for PACB turned negative on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 39 of the 48 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 81%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where PACB 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 89%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 55 of 66 cases where PACB's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 83%.
PACB moved above its 50-day moving average on September 17, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for PACB crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 14 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 79%.
The 50-day moving average for PACB moved above the 200-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Following a +16.30% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PACB advanced for three days, in 221 of 262 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 84%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 117 of 138 cases where PACB Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 85%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. PACB’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 91 (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 Valuation Rating of 98 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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: PACB's P/B Ratio (-19.747) is slightly lower than the industry average of (2.914). P/E Ratio (-5.024) is within average values for comparable stocks, (1.904). PACB's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (180.110) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (11.052). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.565) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 100 (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. PACB’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 95, placing this stock worse than average.
BFLY | PACB | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 57 | 91 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 15 Undervalued | 98 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 97 | 100 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 38 | 35 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 43 | 91 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 31 | n/a |
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.
BFLY's Valuation (15) in the null industry is significantly better than the same rating for PACB (98) in the Biotechnology industry. This means that BFLY’s stock grew significantly faster than PACB’s over the last 12 months.
BFLY's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the null industry is in the same range as PACB (100) in the Biotechnology industry. This means that BFLY’s stock grew similarly to PACB’s over the last 12 months.
BFLY's SMR Rating (97) in the null industry is in the same range as PACB (100) in the Biotechnology industry. This means that BFLY’s stock grew similarly to PACB’s over the last 12 months.
PACB's Price Growth Rating (35) in the Biotechnology industry is in the same range as BFLY (38) in the null industry. This means that PACB’s stock grew similarly to BFLY’s over the last 12 months.
BFLY's P/E Growth Rating (43) in the null industry is somewhat better than the same rating for PACB (91) in the Biotechnology industry. This means that BFLY’s stock grew somewhat faster than PACB’s over the last 12 months.
| BFLY | PACB | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 84% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 87% | 1 day ago 83% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 80% | 1 day ago 83% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 81% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 87% | 1 day ago 82% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 84% | 1 day ago 83% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 13 days ago 82% | 4 days ago 84% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 89% | 9 days ago 89% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 80% | 1 day ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 83% | 1 day ago 85% |
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).
BFLY’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while PACB’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- BFLY’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- PACB’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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.
BFLY’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PACB’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- BFLY’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 7 bearish.
- PACB’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
BFLY (@Medical/Nursing Services) experienced а -6.76% price change this week, while PACB (@Medical/Nursing Services) price change was +21.97% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical/Nursing Services industry was -0.51%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -9.72%, and the average quarterly price growth was -10.64%.
Reported Earning Dates
BFLY is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
PACB is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Medical/Nursing Services (-0.51% weekly)The medical/nursing services includes companies that provide medical-related services such as ambulance services, dialysis centers, respiratory therapy, blood testing and rehabilitation services. DaVita Inc., Chemed Corporation and Guardant Health, Inc. are examples of companies in this industry.
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BFLY and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, BFLY has been loosely correlated with PACB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 52% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if BFLY jumps, then PACB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To BFLY | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BFLY | 100% | -0.73% | ||
| PACB - BFLY | 52% Loosely correlated | +2.43% | ||
| TXG - BFLY | 45% Loosely correlated | +2.58% | ||
| QSI - BFLY | 44% Loosely correlated | +21.74% | ||
| CERS - BFLY | 41% Loosely correlated | +0.87% | ||
| NTRA - BFLY | 38% Loosely correlated | +0.64% | ||
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PACB and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PACB has been loosely correlated with TXG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 52% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if PACB jumps, then TXG could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To PACB | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PACB | 100% | +2.43% | ||
| TXG - PACB | 52% Loosely correlated | +2.58% | ||
| BFLY - PACB | 52% Loosely correlated | -0.73% | ||
| ILMN - PACB | 48% Loosely correlated | +0.01% | ||
| QSI - PACB | 47% Loosely correlated | +21.74% | ||
| MASS - PACB | 46% Loosely correlated | +1.23% | ||
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