Life sciences and contract research organizations (CRO) stocks end 2025 on a mixed note amid policy uncertainty and sector-wide funding squeezes under the current Trump administration
Danaher (DHR.N) , Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO.N) , Waters (WAT.N) , and IQVIA (IQV.N) posted yearly gains of over 0.5%, 12%, 3%, and 15%, respectively, fueled by resilient core-segment growth and fading policy risks — despite lackluster China demand
TMO and DHR eye an end to a three-year losing streak, while IQV and WAT secure a place in the green for the second consecutive year
While ICON, (ICLR.O) Avantor (AVTR.N) , Neogenomics (NEO.O) , Charles River Laboratories (CRL.N) and Illumina (ILMN.O) head for 2025 losses as they faced customer losses, activist pressure, and soft big-pharma demand
ILMN caps a fourth straight losing year, AVTR, ICLR will notch a place in negative territory for the second straight year and NEO snaps a two-year gaining streak
Following several tough years marked by a post-COVID hangover and 2025 headwinds from DOGE, MFN, and tariffs, Jefferies analysts said in a note earlier this month they see life sciences firms poised for recovery next year
Investor sentiment has brightened amid pharma onshoring news and rising biotech funding, while bioprocessing shines as a standout on consumables strength, equipment rebound, and China upside, Jefferies added
Life Sciences and Contract Research stocks performance throughout 2025
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ILMN

Life sciences and contract research stocks ended 2025 mixed amid policy uncertainty and funding challenges. Danaher, Thermo Fisher, Waters, and IQVIA saw gains, while ICON, Avantor, Neogenomics, Charles River, and Illumina faced losses. Jefferies analysts predict a recovery for life sciences firms in 2026, driven by improved investor sentiment and rising biotech funding, despite recent headwinds.

BUZZ-Life sciences and contract research stocks navigate turbulence in 2025