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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities if the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Reverse Stock Split
Reverse Stock Split
On August 19, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), with the approval of the Company's board of directors and shareholders, the Company effected a one-for-forty (1:40) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) for the Company’s common stock (inclusive of Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share). Accordingly, all common shares, common stock equity awards and common stock per share amounts presented herein have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split.
On the Effective Date, every forty shares of common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date were automatically combined into one share of such class of common stock without any change to the par value per share. The number of shares reserved under the Company’s equity plans and the number of shares underlying awards outstanding under the Company’s equity plans was reduced proportionately. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the
Reverse Stock Split. Shareholders entitled to receive a fractional share as a result of the Reverse Stock Split received a cash payment in lieu of such fractional shares. The number of authorized shares of common stock was not reduced.
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities
The Company evaluates its variable interests in variable interest entities (“VIE”) and consolidates VIEs when the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of each VIE based on its assessment of whether the Company possesses both (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses that could be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE. The Company reevaluates the accounting for its VIEs upon the occurrence of events that could change the primary beneficiary conclusion. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the maximum risk of loss related to the Company’s VIEs was limited to the carrying value of its investment in such entities.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and other market-specific or relevant assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Reported amounts and disclosures reflect the overall economic conditions that management believes are most likely to occur, and the anticipated measures management intends to take. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. All revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade accounts receivable, marketable securities and notes receivable. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are maintained in bank deposit accounts and money market funds that regularly exceed federally insured limits. The Company is exposed to credit risk on its cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the event of default by the financial institutions to the extent account balances exceed the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company believes that it is not exposed to significant credit risk as its deposits are generally held in financial institutions that management believes to be of high credit quality. To date, the Company has not experienced any material write-offs related to its trade accounts receivable. A portion of the Company’s Biosecurity revenue is derived from sales of services to foreign government agencies in certain developing countries. The Company is exposed to credit risk on its marketable securities. The Companys policy is for no one issuer or group of issuers from the same holding company is to exceed 10% of the marketable securities portfolio at the time of purchase, with the exception of U.S. government securities or agencies, U.S. Treasuries, bank sweep and deposit programs and money market funds. The Company’s maximum credit risk exposure with respect to notes receivable is equivalent to the carrying value of the notes as of the balance sheet date.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, one customer in the Cell Engineering segment accounted for 15% of the Company’s total revenue, while one customer in the Biosecurity segment accounted for 12% of the Company’s total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2024, two customers in the Cell Engineering segment accounted for 13% and 20% of the Company’s total revenue, while one customer in the Biosecurity segment accounted for 16% of the Company’s total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2023, one customer in the Cell Engineering segment and one customer in the Biosecurity segment accounted for 12% and 11%, respectively, of the Company's total revenue.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company’s cash is comprised of bank deposits, overnight sweep accounts and money market funds. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities.
Restricted Cash
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily includes cash balances collateralizing letters of credit associated with the Company’s facility leases and customer prepayments requiring segregation and restrictions in its use in accordance with the customer
agreement. Restricted cash is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
Allowance for Credit Losses
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses to provide for the estimated amounts of receivables that will not be collected over the estimated life of the assets. The allowance is calculated by considering previous loss history, delinquency of receivables balances, current economic conditions and anticipated future economic conditions in the geographies and industries in which the Company’s customers operate. To the extent an individual customer’s credit quality deteriorates, the Company measures an allowance based on the risk characteristics of the individual customer. Once a receivable is deemed to be uncollectible, such balance is charged against the allowance. The allowance is calculated at each reporting period with changes recorded to general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for credit losses of $2.2 million and $1.9 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. There were no material changes in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
Marketable Securities
In 2025, the Company began investing its excess cash in marketable debt securities. All debt securities are classified as available-for-sale at the time of purchase. Available-for-sale debt securities, including those with maturities extending beyond one year, are classified as current assets on the balance sheet due to their highly liquid nature and because they are considered available for use in current operations. Debt securities that are highly liquid and have original maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition are classified as cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company considers securities to be highly liquid if they can be readily converted to cash with an insignificant risk of changes in value, typically due to active markets and high credit quality.
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable debt securities that are not related to credit losses are included in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Amortization of premium or accretion of discount, along with interest income earned on debt securities, is included in interest income, net. Realized gains and losses, if any, are included in other income (expense), net, and the cost of securities sold is determined using the specific-identification method.
As of the balance sheet date, the Company evaluates its debt securities in an unrealized loss position to determine the extent of the loss, if any, that is attributable to expected credit losses. Expected credit losses on debt securities are recorded as an allowance on the balance sheet, with an offsetting amount recognized in other income (expense), net, in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. To date, the Company has not recorded any credit losses on its marketable debt securities.
Marketable securities also includes equity securities of publicly-traded companies that are considered to be available for use in current operations. Equity securities of publicly-traded companies that are not considered to be available for use in current operations are presented within investments on the consolidated balance sheet.
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Land is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the remaining lease term for leasehold improvements. Estimated lives of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
Estimated Useful Life
Computer equipment and software
2 to 5 years
Furniture and fixtures7 years
Lab equipment
1 to 5 years
Buildings and facilities
15 to 30 years
Vehicles5 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of useful life or remaining lease term
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is recorded in
the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Construction in progress relates to assets which have not been placed in service as of the period end.
Equity Method Investments
Equity Method Investments
The Company utilizes the equity method to account for its investments in common stock, or in-substance common stock, when it possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The Company uses judgment when determining the level of influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee considering key factors including, among others, the Company’s ownership interest, representation on the board of directors, participation in policy-making decisions and material contractual arrangements and obligations. Income and losses are allocated based upon relative ownership interest unless there is a substantive profit-sharing agreement in place.
For investments with a substantive profit-sharing agreement, the Company utilizes the hypothetical liquidation at book value (“HLBV”) method to allocate income and losses from the equity method investment. Under the HLBV method, the Company utilizes the capital account at the end of the period assuming the book value of the entity was liquidated or sold minus the same calculation at the beginning of the period. The difference is the share of earnings or losses attributable to the equity method investment.
Under the equity method, if there is a commitment for the Company to fund the losses of its equity method investees, the Company would continue to record its share of losses resulting in a negative equity method investment, which would be presented as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet. Commitments may be explicit and may include formal guarantees, legal obligations, or arrangements by contract. Implicit commitments may arise from reputational expectations, intercompany relationships, statements by the Company of its intention to provide support, a history of providing financial support or other facts and circumstances. When the Company has no commitment to fund the losses of its equity method investees, the carrying value of its equity method investments will not be reduced below zero. The Company had no commitment to fund additional losses of its equity method investments during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the investment may not be recoverable. The Company considers the investee’s financial position, forecasts and economic outlook, and the estimated duration and extent of losses to determine whether a recovery is anticipated. An impairment that is other-than-temporary is recognized in the period identified. The Company has not recognized an impairment loss related to its equity method investments for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
The Company may elect the fair value option for its equity method investments on an investment-by-investment basis. For all equity method investments accounted for under the fair value option, the Company carries the equity method investment at fair value and records all subsequent changes in fair value as a component of loss on equity method investments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Investments
Investments
Investments include marketable equity securities in publicly-traded companies, non-marketable equity securities in privately-held companies, Simple Agreement for Future Equity (“SAFE”) and warrants, in each case, in which the Company does not possess the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee.
Investments in marketable equity securities or warrants of publicly-traded companies are measured at fair value with subsequent changes in fair value recorded in loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Marketable equity securities are classified as non-current on the balance sheet if they are not currently available for sale.
Investments in non-marketable equity securities of privately-held companies and SAFEs, which do not have readily determinable fair values, are carried at cost, less any impairments, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. Each period the Company assesses relevant transactions to identify observable price changes, and the Company regularly monitors these investments to evaluate whether there is an indication of impairment. An equity security without a readily determinable fair value is written down to its fair value if a qualitative assessment indicates that the investment is impaired and the fair value of the
investment is less than its carrying value. For periods in which there is no estimate of fair value, the Company evaluates whether an event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the value of the investment. See Notes 5 and 7 for additional information on Investments.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at fair value in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance that establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis.
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”), establishes a fair value hierarchy for instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs). Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.
ASC 820 identifies fair value as the exchange price, or exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy that distinguishes among the following:
Level 1- Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2- Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
Level 3- Unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.
To the extent that the valuation is based on models or inputs that are either less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The Company valued its money market fund holdings, notes receivable marketable debt securities, marketable equity securities, warrant liabilities and contingent consideration liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. The carrying amounts of the Company’s other financial instruments, which include accounts receivable, certain prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews its long-lived assets or asset groups for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying value of the long-lived assets to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. In determining the expected future cash flows, the Company uses assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which inherently uncertain. Actual future cash flows may differ from the estimates used in impairment testing. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when and to the extent that the estimated fair value of long-lived asset is less than the carrying value. See Notes 3, 10 and 11 for a description of impairment losses recorded on long-lived assets.
Business Combinations
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. The Company recognizes the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values and recognizes any excess of the total consideration paid over the fair value of the identifiable net assets as goodwill. Any purchase price that is considered contingent consideration is measured at its estimated fair value at the acquisition date and remeasured at each reporting period, with changes in estimated fair value recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Acquisition transaction costs are expensed when incurred. The operating results of an acquisition are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the acquisition date.
Intangible Assets, net
Intangible Assets, net
Intangible assets, net consist of certain definite-lived assets including patents, processes and know-how related to technology acquired through business combinations and asset acquisitions. The Company amortizes such intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life.
Goodwill
Goodwill
Goodwill represented the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair market value of the net assets acquired. All goodwill was allocated to the Cell Engineering reporting unit and segment identified in Note 16. The Company considers various qualitative factors that could indicate impairment of goodwill such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market environment, overall financial performance of the Company, cash flow from operating activities and market capitalization. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs a quantitative assessment to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recognized limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. A combination of the income approach and the market approach may be used to determine fair value of the reporting unit. The Company recorded a full goodwill impairment during the year ended December 31, 2024 (see Note 9). No impairment losses were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2025, and 2023.
Leases
Leases
In accordance with ASC 842, Leases, the Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception based on the terms and conditions in the contract. A contract contains a lease if there is an identified asset and the Company has the right to control the asset. For leases with terms greater than 12 months, the Company recognizes a right-of-use asset (“ROU asset”) and a lease liability as of the lease commencement date on the balance sheet. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset over the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease ROU assets and liabilities are measured based on the present value of fixed lease payments that are unpaid as of the lease commencement date. The Company’s ROU assets balance is increased by any initial direct costs and reduced by lease incentives received or expected to be received. Some of the Company's leases include options to extend or terminate the lease; these options are included in the lease term for calculations of its ROU assets and liabilities when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise those options.
The Company’s leases are classified as either operating or finance, as determined at inception, with the classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of operations. A lease is classified as a finance lease if risks and rewards are conveyed without the transfer of control. For operating leases, expense is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, interest on the lease liability is recognized using the effective interest method, while the ROU asset is amortized on a straight-line basis from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the ROU asset or the end of the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less which meet the definition of a short-term lease are not recorded on the balance sheet and the lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In limited instances, the Company acts as a lessor, primarily with certain real estate subleases. Finance leases, short-term leases and subleases are not a significant component of the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The current portion of the Company’s operating lease liabilities is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the balance sheet.
The Company has lease agreements with both lease and non-lease components (such as real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance charges) and has elected the practical expedient to combine these lease and non-lease components for its real estate leases and non-lab equipment leases. The Company has not elected this practical expedient for lab equipment leases and the lease and non-lease components are accounted for separately for these leases. Non-lease components are typically variable in nature and are recognized as lease expense in the period in which they arise.
As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments and uses the implicit rate when it is readily determinable. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate is based on management’s estimate of the rate of interest the Company would have to pay to borrow on a fully collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
The Company accounts for revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Under ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue when the customer obtains control of the promised goods or services at an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that are within the scope of ASC 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the promises and distinct performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies the performance obligations.
Cell Engineering Revenue
The Company generates Cell Engineering service revenue by providing end-to-end cell engineering solutions and tools to customers.
We generate Cell Engineering revenue primarily through service and license agreements for our tools and solutions offerings. Under our automation solutions agreements we typically provide services related to the design, build, and deployment of our RAC systems as well as ongoing support services. These agreements typically include a fee for the sale and installation of RAC hardware and a fee for follow on support services and control software. Datapoints agreements typically include fixed fees for services related to producing a data package for our customers and are earned over a shorter time period than legacy cell engineering solutions projects. Under our solutions agreements, we typically provide R&D services for cell programming with the goal of producing an engineered cell that meets a mutually agreed specification. Our customers obtain license rights to the output of our services, which are primarily the optimized strains or cell lines, in order to manufacture and commercialize products derived from that licensed strain or cell line. Generally, the terms of these agreements provide that we receive some combination of: (1) service fees in the form of (i) upfront payments upon consummation of the agreement or other fixed payments, (ii) reimbursement for costs incurred for R&D services and (iii) milestone payments upon the achievement of specified technical criteria, plus (2) downstream value share payments in the form of (i) milestone payments upon the achievement of specified commercial criteria, (ii) royalties on sales of products from or comprising engineered organisms arising from the collaboration or licensing agreement and/or (iii) royalties related to cost of goods sold reductions realized by our customers. Royalties did not comprise a material amount of our revenue during any of the periods presented.
Cell Engineering revenue has historically included transactions with Platform Ventures and Legacy Structured Partnerships where we received non-cash consideration in the form of equity interests and financial instruments that are convertible into equity upon a triggering event. We view the upfront non-cash consideration as prepayments for licenses which will be granted in the future as we complete mutually agreed upon technical development plans. In these instances, we also receive cash consideration for the R&D services performed by us on a fixed fee or cost-plus basis. We are not compensated through additional milestone or royalty payments under these arrangements. As we perform R&D services under the mutually agreed upon development plans, we recognize a reduction in the prefunded obligation on a cost-plus basis. In some cases we issued the customer a prepaid Cell Engineering services credit in exchange for the upfront non-cash consideration, which can and has been drawn down as payment for R&D services performed under mutually agreed upon development plans. These arrangements are further described in Notes 7, 8, and 17.
Options to acquire additional distinct goods and services are evaluated to determine if such options provide a material right to the customer that it would not have otherwise received without entering into the contract. If so, the option is accounted for as a separate performance obligation. If not, the option is considered a marketing offer which is accounted for as a separate contract upon the customer’s election of the option.
At contract inception, the Company determines the transaction price, including fixed consideration and any estimated amounts of variable consideration. Any upfront cash payment received upon consummation of the contract is fixed and generally nonrefundable. Variable consideration is subject to a constraint, and amounts are included in the transaction price to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. This is attained when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Variable consideration may include reimbursement for costs incurred for the Company’s research and development efforts, milestone payments upon the achievement of certain technical and/or commercial criteria, and royalties on sales of products from or comprising engineered organisms arising from the contract. With respect to the research and development reimbursements and milestone payments, the Company uses the most likely amount method to estimate variable consideration. Milestone payments are generally not included in the transaction price until the milestone is achieved.
Certain agreements include payment in the form of equity securities or other financial instruments that convert into equity upon a triggering event. Any non-cash consideration is measured at its estimated fair value at contract inception. For equity securities and financial instruments that are not actively traded, the estimated fair value is generally determined by referencing a recent financing round or utilizing a scenario-based valuation model. Significant unobservable inputs are used in these valuations, including expectations regarding future financings of the customer, scenario dates and probabilities, expected volatility, discount rates, and recovery rates. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value of the non-cash consideration and, consequently, the total revenue recognized for the contract. The Company did not have material non-cash consideration included in contracts entered into during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, but does continue to recognize non-cash revenue from contracts originating in prior periods.
For agreements with promises that are combined into a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. For agreements with multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to the performance obligations using the relative standalone selling price methodology. For agreements featuring variable consideration, the Company allocates variable consideration to one or more, but not all, performance obligations if certain conditions are met. Specifically, the Company assesses whether the variable consideration relates solely to its efforts to satisfy the performance obligation and whether allocating such variable consideration entirely to the performance obligation is consistent with the overall allocation objective. If these conditions are not met, the Company allocates the variable consideration based on the relative standalone selling price methodology. The key assumptions utilized in determining the standalone selling price for each performance obligation include development timelines, estimated research and development costs, commercial markets, likelihood of exercise (in the case of options considered to be material rights), and probabilities of success.
For agreements where licenses or assignments are considered separate performance obligations or represent the only performance obligation, the Company recognizes revenue at the point in time when the license is effectively granted, as the licenses or assignments represent functional intellectual property. For agreements where licenses and research and development services are combined into a single performance obligation, the Company recognizes revenue over the performance period using the cost-to-cost method. This method measures progress based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to total estimated costs, as it best reflects the transfer of control to the customer for obligations satisfied over time. For automation sales the Company typically recognizes revenue at a point in time at which the hardware has been installed and passed acceptance testing at the customer site. The ongoing support services are recognized over time on a straight line basis over the related support period.
The Company evaluates its measure of progress to recognize revenue at each reporting period and, as necessary, adjusts the measure of progress and related revenue recognition. The Company’s measure of progress and revenue recognition involves significant judgment and assumptions, including, but not limited to, estimated costs to complete its performance obligations. The Company evaluates contract modifications and amendments to determine whether any changes should be accounted for prospectively or on a cumulative catch-up basis. The Company utilizes the right to invoice practical expedient when it has a right to consideration in an amount that corresponds directly with the value of the Company’s performance to date.
Royalties are recognized as revenue when (or as) the later of the sales occurrence or the satisfaction (or partial satisfaction) of the related performance obligation. The Company has determined that applying this exception is appropriate when the license granted in the contract is the predominant item to which the royalties relate.
As the Company receives upfront payments for technical services under certain of its arrangements, the Company evaluates whether any significant financing components exist given the term over which the fees will be earned may exceed one year. Based on the nature of the Company’s agreements, there are no significant financing components as the purpose of the upfront payment is not to provide financing, but rather to secure technical services, exclusivity rights, and Foundry capacity, or the timing of transfer of those goods or services is at the discretion of the customer.
Deferred revenue represents consideration received by the Company in excess of revenue recognized and primarily results from transactions where the Company receives upfront cash payments or non-cash equity consideration. In instances where the Company has received consideration in advance for an undefined number of technical development plans (“TDPs”) under its customer agreements, the Company records the advance payments as deferred revenue, net of current portion on the consolidated balance sheet. Upon the execution of a specific TDP, the Company reclassifies the estimated consideration to be earned under that TDP within the next twelve months as current deferred revenue. The Company also classifies unexercised material rights related to future TDPs as deferred revenue, net of current portion on the consolidated balance
sheet. When a TDP is executed, and the material right is exercised, the amount allocated to the material right, which will be earned within the next twelve months, is reclassified to current deferred revenue. All other deferred revenue is classified as current or non-current based on the timing of when the Company expects to earn the underlying revenue based upon the projected progress of activities under the TDP.
Through December 31, 2025 any costs to obtain contracts with customers were immaterial.
Biosecurity Revenue
The Company generates Biosecurity revenue through its biomonitoring and bioinformatics services provided to both government and non-government customers through the Company's two core offerings: Canopy and Horizon.
Prior to 2024, product revenue consisted of sales of lateral flow assay (“LFA”) diagnostic test kits, polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) sample collection kits, and pooled test kits, which the Company sold to customers on a standalone basis. Product revenue was billed and recognized when the test kits were shipped, and risk of loss was transferred to the carrier. The Company’s test kits were generally not subject to a customer right of return except for product recalls under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The Company included shipping and handling fees billed to customers as a component of Biosecurity revenue.
Biosecurity service revenue generally consists of various biomonitoring and bioinformatics services including, but not limited to, sample collection, sample storage and transportation, outsourced laboratory analysis, access to results reported through a web-based portal, analytical reporting of results, and overall program management. The various services are generally combined into one performance obligation as they are either not distinct or have substantially the same pattern of transfer to the customer. Service revenue is generally recognized over time using the time elapsed method as the related services are performed, which best depicts the pattern of transfer to the customer.
The Company’s contracts with customers are generally three years or less in length and contain a fixed amount of consideration. Under typical payment terms for testing services, amounts are billed monthly in arrears for services performed or in advance based on contractual billing terms.
Options to acquire additional services are evaluated to determine whether they provide the customer with a material right that it would not have otherwise received without entering into the contract. If so, the option is accounted for as a separate performance obligation. If not, the option is considered a marketing offer, and upon the customer's election of the option, it is accounted for as a separate contract.
Cost of Biosecurity Revenue
Cost of Biosecurity Revenue
The cost of Biosecurity service revenue consists of costs related to the Company's biomonitoring and bioinformatics services. This includes costs incurred for sample collection equipment, services and materials, outsourced laboratory analysis, access to results reported through a proprietary web-based portal, and reporting of results to public authorities. Additionally, the cost of Biosecurity service revenue includes direct labor cost associated with bioinformatics, lab network management, delivery logistics, and customer support. Prior to 2024, cost of Biosecurity product revenue consisted of costs associated with the sale of diagnostic and sample collection test kits, which included costs incurred to purchase test kits from third parties.
Cost of Other Revenue
Cost of other revenue consists of costs related to the Company's Cell Engineering tools offerings, including Datapoints and lab automation solutions. Such costs primarily include hardware, software, materials and labor. Costs related to the Company’s end-to-end cell engineering solutions offering in which the Company retains rights to intellectual property are included in research and development expenses.
Research and Development Costs
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist of direct and indirect internal costs related to specific projects and initiatives, acquired intellectual property deemed to be in-process research and development, as well as fees paid to other entities that conduct certain research and development activities on the Company’s behalf.
Patent Costs
Patent Costs
The Company expenses all costs as incurred in connection with the filing, prosecution, maintenance, defense, and enforcement of patent applications, including direct application fees and related legal and consulting expenses. Patent costs are included in general and administrative expenses within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based awards based on estimated grant-date fair values recognized over the requisite service period. For awards that vest solely based on a service condition, the Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For awards that vest based on multiple conditions, the Company recognizes compensation expense using the accelerated attribution method on a tranche-by-tranche basis over the requisite service period such that the amount of compensation expense recognized at each reporting period is at least equal to the vested tranches at that date. For awards with a performance-based vesting condition, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation when achievement of the performance condition is deemed probable. Upon achieving a performance condition that was not previously considered as probable, the Company records a cumulative catch-up adjustment to reflect the portion of the grantee’s requisite service that has been provided to date. For awards with market conditions, the compensation expense recognized over the requisite service period is not reversed if the market condition is not satisfied. The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur.
The Company estimates the grant date fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, inclusive of assumptions for expected term, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected dividend yield. The expected term is determined using the “simplified” method, which estimates the expected term as the average of the vesting term plus the contractual term. The Company uses the “simplified” method as it does not have sufficient historical data regarding employee exercise behavior. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's Class A common stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues similar in duration to the expected term of the stock options. The Company has not paid, and does not expect to pay, dividends in the foreseeable future.
For awards with market conditions, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation based on the estimated grant-date fair value of the awards, determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. This model incorporates assumptions for expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rates, expected term, and expected dividend yield. Volatility is estimated using either the historical volatility of the Company’s Class A common stock or a weighted average of its own historical volatility and the historical volatility of selected comparable publicly traded companies, particularly for awards granted when there was limited trading history for the Company’s Class A common stock. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the yield on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon securities with a duration similar to the expected term of the awards. The expected term equals the contractual term, and a dividend yield of zero is assumed.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or in the Company’s tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of the assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Potential for recovery of deferred tax assets is evaluated by considering several factors, including estimating the future taxable profits expected, estimating future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, considering taxable profits in carryback periods, and considering prudent and feasible tax planning strategies.
The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a more-likely-than-not threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in the law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity, and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions on an annual basis and adjusts the level of the liability to reflect any subsequent changes in the relevant facts surrounding the uncertain positions. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its provision for income taxes.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Other comprehensive loss consists of foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities.
Net Loss per Share
Net Loss per Share
The Company computes basic net loss per share by dividing the net loss attributable to Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For the purposes of the net loss per share calculation, the Company has combined Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock, as all classes of common stock are legally entitled to equal per-share distributions, whether through dividends or liquidation.
Diluted net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, increased to include the effect of dilutive potential common shares, such as outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock awards, unvested restricted stock units, warrants, and contingently issued shares. Dilutive securities are excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average common shares outstanding if their effect would be anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740), which focuses on improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The amendments in this ASU require that public business entities on an annual basis (1) disclose specific categories in the tabular rate reconciliation, using both percentages and reporting currency amounts, and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. In addition, all entities are required to disclose income taxes paid, net of refunds received disaggregated by federal, state/local, and foreign and by jurisdiction if the amount is at least 5% of total income tax payments, net of refunds received. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2025 using the prospective method. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This ASU requires public business entities to disaggregate, on both an interim and annual basis, each relevant expense caption presented on the face of the income statement into specific expense categories. Additionally, entities are required to provide a qualitative description of amounts remaining in relevant expense captions that are not separately disaggregated quantitatively, as well as disclosure of the total amount of selling expenses and, in annual reporting periods, an entity's definition of selling expenses. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this ASU will have on its disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.