Feb 2 (Reuters) - Medical equipment maker Revvity RVTY.N handily beat fourth-quarter estimates and forecast 2026 revenue and profit above Wall Street expectations on Monday, betting on continued strength in its diagnostics business even as weakness in academic research funding persists.

Life sciences firms are riding a wave of improving conditions in the pharmaceutical market and easing policy uncertainty, cushioning the impact of subdued spending by universities and research institutions.

Revvity now expects 2026 adjusted profit per share of $5.35 to $5.45, compared with analysts' estimates of $5.32, according to data compiled by LSEG.

The company also forecast annual sales between $2.96 billion and $2.99 billion, beating estimates of $2.93 billion.

"We finished 2025 on a strong note by delivering results that were solidly ahead of our expectations," said CEO Prahlad Singh.

Industry peers Danaher DHR.N and Thermo Fisher Scientific TMO.N also delivered better‑than‑expected fourth‑quarter results last week.

Revvity's diagnostics unit, which provides testing tools for processes such as genetic screening, was a standout performer in the quarter ended December 28, notching 7% organic growth and revenue of $390.1 million, well ahead of the $377.7 million analysts had penciled in.

The life sciences unit, which sells reagents and instruments used in drug discovery, recorded revenue of $382 million during the quarter, compared with estimates of $385.6 million.

Quarterly adjusted profit stood at $1.70 per share, beating estimates of $1.55 per share.

Quarterly sales came in at $772.1 million, exceeding estimates of $761.3 million.

(Reporting by Kamal Choudhury in Bengaluru; Editing by Jonathan Ananda)

((Kamal.Choudhury@thomsonreuters.com;))