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BIO vs TMO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO) vs. Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO) has shown stronger short-term momentum, climbing roughly 19% in recent weeks on accelerating digital PCR (ddPCR) demand.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) offers far greater scale and diversification, with annual revenue above $45 billion versus Bio-Rad's roughly $2.5 billion.
- BIO trades at a steep premium (around 40x forward earnings) while still facing weak life science demand and a recent GAAP net loss tied to its Sartorius equity stake.
- TMO raised its full-year guidance and enjoys a "Buy" analyst consensus, but carries higher leverage after the $9 billion Clario acquisition.
- Both names are exposed to the same soft academic and government funding backdrop, though TMO leans more heavily on resilient pharma and biotech customers.
Introduction
Bio-Rad Laboratories and Thermo Fisher Scientific both operate in the life science tools and diagnostics space, yet they represent very different investment profiles. This stock comparison examines their relative performance, market positioning, and momentum to help traders and investors assess which name may better fit their strategy. Growth-oriented traders may focus on BIO's recent momentum and digital PCR story, while investors seeking scale, stability, and diversified end markets often gravitate toward TMO. Understanding the contrasts in business model, valuation, and catalysts is essential for evaluating how these two stocks stack up in the current environment.
BIO Overview and Recent Performance
Bio-Rad Laboratories is a global provider of life science research tools and clinical diagnostics. Clinical Diagnostics is its largest revenue stream, representing roughly 60% of sales, driven by quality controls, blood typing, and diabetes products, while Life Science contributes the balance. In recent market activity, BIO shares have rallied sharply, adding roughly 19% over the past month and outperforming the broader market, supported by accelerating droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) momentum, including double-digit instrument revenue growth and competitive wins on the new QX700 platform.
Sentiment has improved on these growth catalysts, but the picture remains mixed. Life science demand, particularly from academic and government customers, has stayed soft, and the company reported a GAAP net loss in its most recent quarter due to changes in the fair value of its Sartorius equity stake. Management also trimmed its 2026 revenue outlook amid geopolitical headwinds in the Middle East. The stock now trades at a sizable valuation premium, raising the bar for continued execution.
TMO Overview and Recent Performance
Thermo Fisher Scientific is the world's largest pure-play life science tools and services company, with annual revenue above $45 billion. Its four segments span life science solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services, giving it broad exposure across pharma, biotech, academic, government, and industrial customers. In recent weeks, TMO shares have shown strong momentum, with a roughly 26% gain over the trailing three months and a double-digit one-year total return.
Fundamentals have been supportive. The company reported revenue and adjusted earnings growth in its most recent quarter, raised full-year guidance, increased its dividend, and completed substantial share buybacks. Strategic moves such as the Clario acquisition, the Solventum filtration business, and AI-focused collaborations have reinforced its competitive position. Analysts remain broadly constructive, with a consensus "Buy" rating. Primary headwinds include soft academic and government instrument demand in the U.S. and China, tariff and foreign-exchange pressures, and elevated debt following recent acquisitions.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast is scale and diversification. TMO operates a broad, multi-segment platform with substantial recurring revenue from pharma and biotech services, while BIO is a smaller, more focused franchise concentrated in diagnostics and digital PCR. This gives TMO greater earnings stability but exposes it to slower organic growth, whereas BIO offers higher growth optionality tied to its ddPCR portfolio.
On valuation, BIO trades near 40x forward earnings, a meaningful premium to its industry, reflecting the market's enthusiasm for its digital PCR catalysts. TMO trades around 35x earnings, still above the broader market but more in line with large-cap life science peers. Risk profiles differ as well: BIO carries earnings volatility from its Sartorius mark-to-market and concentrated life science exposure, while TMO faces integration and leverage risk from recent acquisitions. Both contend with weak academic funding, though TMO's pharma-heavy mix provides a steadier demand base.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor TMO for its combination of trend consistency, diversified revenue, and confirmed catalysts such as a guidance raise, dividend increase, and improving pharma and biotech demand. While BIO has demonstrated stronger short-term price momentum and a compelling digital PCR narrative, its elevated valuation, soft life science demand, and earnings volatility make its trend less stable on a risk-adjusted basis. The AI's preference for TMO reflects a probabilistic assessment of steadier positioning rather than a definitive forecast, with BIO remaining a higher-beta momentum alternative for traders with a shorter time horizon.
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 BIO is a Hold and TMO is a StrongBuy.
Momentum Indicator for BIO turns positive, indicating new upward trend
BIO saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 96 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 74 of the 96 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where BIO's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 19 of 28 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for BIO just turned positive on October 23, 2026. Looking at past instances where BIO's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 37 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Following a +3.41% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BIO advanced for three days, in 194 of 299 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 45 of 64 cases where BIO's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
BIO moved below its 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for BIO crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 14 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 71%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where BIO 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 69%.
BIO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 27, 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 Aroon Indicator for BIO entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 2 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding 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 41 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. BIO’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 87 (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 Valuation Rating of 91 (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: P/B Ratio (1.365) is normal, around the industry mean (4.204). P/E Ratio (44.491) is within average values for comparable stocks, (1.723). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (4.006) is also within normal values, averaging (11.253). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.010) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.940) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
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. BIO’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.
Momentum Indicator for TMO turns positive, indicating new upward trend
TMO saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 87 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 58 of the 87 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +2.33% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where TMO advanced for three days, in 192 of 308 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 133 of 244 cases where TMO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 55%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for TMO moved out of overbought territory on October 01, 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 36 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 17 of the 36 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 47%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 38 of 67 cases where TMO's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for TMO turned negative on November 02, 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 43 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 24 of the 43 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 56%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where TMO 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 61%.
TMO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 14 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. TMO’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 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding 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 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a 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 Valuation Rating of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (4.791) is normal, around the industry mean (65.986). P/E Ratio (36.682) is within average values for comparable stocks, (3.066). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.021) is also within normal values, averaging (3.473). Dividend Yield (0.003) settles around the average of (0.002) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.247) is also within normal values, averaging (9.775).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 70 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. TMO’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 85, placing this stock better than average.
BIO | TMO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 21 | 38 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 91 Overvalued | 65 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 70 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 87 | 60 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 41 | 14 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 2 | 25 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
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.
TMO's Valuation (65) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as BIO (91). This means that TMO’s stock grew similarly to BIO’s over the last 12 months.
TMO's Profit vs Risk Rating (70) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as BIO (100). This means that TMO’s stock grew similarly to BIO’s over the last 12 months.
TMO's SMR Rating (60) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as BIO (87). This means that TMO’s stock grew similarly to BIO’s over the last 12 months.
TMO's Price Growth Rating (14) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as BIO (41). This means that TMO’s stock grew similarly to BIO’s over the last 12 months.
BIO's P/E Growth Rating (2) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as TMO (25). This means that BIO’s stock grew similarly to TMO’s over the last 12 months.
| BIO | TMO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 47% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 67% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 56% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 61% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 65% | 6 days ago 62% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 61% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 47% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 55% |
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).
BIO’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while TMO’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- BIO’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- TMO’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
BIO’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while TMO’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- BIO’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- TMO’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
BIO (@Medical/Nursing Services) experienced а -1.68% price change this week, while TMO (@Medical Specialties) price change was -0.33% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical/Nursing Services industry was +0.01%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -6.09%, and the average quarterly price growth was -8.21%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical Specialties industry was -2.34%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.26%, and the average quarterly price growth was +42.07%.
Reported Earning Dates
BIO is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
TMO is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Medical/Nursing Services (+0.01% 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.
@Medical Specialties (-2.34% weekly)Medical specialties are companies that make equipment used by the health care industry. Equipment manufactured and distributed by these companies include dialysis machines, blood analysis equipment, surgical equipment, dental instruments, and diagnostic tools, among other items. Large companies typically aim to produce and distribute high-quality products across a broad market spectrum. Smaller firms are more likely to specialize in a particular market segment. Due to the industry’s close association with medical treatments, they typically have low sensitivity to macroeconomic fluctuations. Within this industry, Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic Plc and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. are some of the companies with multi-billion market capitalizations in the U.S. stock markets.
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BIO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, BIO has been closely correlated with A. These tickers have moved in lockstep 68% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if BIO jumps, then A could also see price increases.
TMO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, TMO has been closely correlated with A. These tickers have moved in lockstep 74% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if TMO jumps, then A could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To TMO | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TMO | 100% | +2.30% | ||
| A - TMO | 74% Closely correlated | +2.02% | ||
| DHR - TMO | 72% Closely correlated | +0.94% | ||
| RVTY - TMO | 69% Closely correlated | +7.84% | ||
| IQV - TMO | 67% Closely correlated | +1.61% | ||
| BRKR - TMO | 67% Closely correlated | +1.45% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| MRGR | 45.29 | 0.23 | +0.52% |
| ProShares Merger ETF (MRGR) | |||
| QQA | 53.17 | 0.25 | +0.47% |
| Invesco QQQ Income Advantage ETF (QQA) | |||
| VCSH | 77.53 | -0.01 | -0.01% |
| Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) | |||
| QSIG | 47.59 | -0.01 | -0.02% |
| WisdomTree U.S. Short Term Corporate Bond Fund (QSIG) | |||
| FLEU | 33.86 | -0.16 | -0.48% |
| Franklin FTSE Eurozone ETF (FLEU) | |||