Due to the efficiency of diagnosing and treating chronic and infectious diseases quickly, the diagnostics and research sector has seen a growing market and increased investor interest. As two prominent industry participants, Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) and Exact Sciences (NASDAQ:) should benefit from the industry’s growth. Which stock is better to buy right now? Find out more. Exact Sciences Corporation in Madison (Wisc.) and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. in Waltham (Mass.) are both prominent players within the diagnostics-and-research industry. TMO is a global provider of life sciences products, services, instruments and specialty diagnostics. It serves biotech and pharmaceutical companies as well as hospitals, clinical diagnostic laboratories, universities, research institutes and government agencies. EXAS offers cancer screening products and diagnostic tests internationally. Cologuard is a stool-based, non-invasive DNA screening test that can detect colorectal, pre-cancer and Oncotype DX. It also offers blood- and fluid-based testing.

The rapid growth of the diagnostics industry and the incorporation of new technologies and research breakthroughs has allowed for early diagnosis and analysis of acute illnesses. The heightened need for advanced diagnostics and research services in identifying chronic and infectious diseases should keep driving the industry’s growth. By 2025, the global market for point-of care diagnostics is projected to expand at an average 11.4% CAGR and reach $50.60 Billion. Both EXAS and TMO will be able to reap the benefits.

EXAS shares are down 27.8% year-to-date. TMO, however has risen 30%. TMO is a clear winner with 30.2% gains versus EXAS’ negative returns in terms of their past year’s performance. Which stock is better now? Let’s find out.

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