LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / October 23, 2025 / Today, eXoZymes Inc. (NASDAQ:EXOZ) ("eXoZymes") - a pioneer of AI-engineered enzymes that can transform sustainable feedstock into nutraceuticals, medicines, and other essential chemicals - announced that CEO, Michael Heltzen, will present at the 2025 ThinkEquity Conference on October 30, 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City. CEO of eXoZymes, Michael Heltzen, states, "Most investors already know that - compared to the number of ...

Core Insights - Conestoga Capital Advisors reported that equity markets reached new all-time highs in Q3 2025, with the Conestoga Micro-Cap Composite returning 11.7% net-of-fees, while the Russell Microcap Growth Index returned 19.9% [1] Company Overview: Twist Bioscience Corporation - Twist Bioscience Corporation (NASDAQ:TWST) specializes in manufacturing and distributing synthetic DNA-based products, with a one-month return of 23.58% and a 52-week loss of 18.74% [2][3] - As of October 21, 2025, Twist Bioscience's stock closed at $33.39 per share, with a market capitalization of $2.015 billion [2] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Twist Bioscience reported revenue of $96.1 million, reflecting an 18% year-over-year growth and approximately 4% sequential growth [4] - The company faced challenges due to softened demand for synthetic DNA products in biotech and academic research markets, leading to slowed order growth amid tighter biopharma funding [3][4] Market Position and Investment Sentiment - Twist Bioscience was held by 23 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2025, a decrease from 30 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite the long-term growth potential in genomics and DNA data storage, concerns about cash burn and valuation compression across synthetic biology peers have impacted investor sentiment [3][4]

Industry Overview - Genomics is a comprehensive study of genomes, focusing on understanding gene functions and interactions within organisms and their environments [1][2] - The field of genomics is gaining traction among pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies due to recent breakthroughs and the potential for personalized medicine [2][4] Market Potential - The genomics market is projected to reach $80.17 billion by 2032, while the synthetic biology market was valued at $16.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.30% from 2025 to 2030 [7] Key Companies GeneDx Holdings Corp. - GeneDx is a leading genomics company specializing in exome and genome tests, which surged 69% year-over-year to $85.9 million in Q2 2025, with test volume increasing by 28% [10] - The company acquired Fabric Genomics in May 2025 to enhance genomic diagnostics through AI-powered interpretation services [11][12] - GeneDx currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [12] Twist Biosciences - Twist Biosciences has developed a DNA synthesis platform for engineering biology, producing synthetic DNA products for various applications, including drug discovery [13][14] - The company has expanded its offerings to include synthetic RNA and antibody proteins, catering to biotech, pharma, and industrial sectors [14][15] - Twist Biosciences holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [15] Wave Life Sciences - Wave Life Sciences focuses on RNA medicines, utilizing its PRISM platform to develop treatments for both rare and common disorders [16] - The company has a diverse pipeline targeting conditions such as obesity, AATD, DMD, and HD, with its first siRNA candidate, WVE-007, entering clinical development [17][18] - Wave Life Sciences ended Q2 with cash and equivalents of $208.5 million, sufficient to fund operations into 2027, and holds a Zacks Rank 3 [19]

Core Insights - Twist Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ:TWST) is recognized as a leading emerging technology stock, specializing in synthetic DNA manufacturing through a silicon-based synthesis platform, which offers scalable production with high accuracy and affordability compared to traditional methods [1][6] Company Performance - TD Cowen analyst Brendan Smith reaffirmed a Buy rating on Twist Bioscience with a price target of $36 following the company's presentation at the Baird Global Healthcare Conference 2025, where management discussed advancements in profitability and operational efficiency [3] - The company reported gross margins exceeding 50%, indicating effective scaling and disciplined execution, with a goal to achieve adjusted EBITDA breakeven by fiscal 2026 [4] - Management noted that each additional dollar of revenue contributes approximately $0.75 to $0.80 to gross margin [4] Growth Opportunities - Management identified several growth levers, including the expansion of the MRD opportunity, customer migration from microarrays to Twist's sequencing solutions, and further integration of synthetic biology with biopharma [5] - Despite the growth potential, challenges such as a tough funding environment and the need to balance cost discipline with innovation were acknowledged [5] Industry Context - The platform developed by Twist Bioscience has applications in various sectors, including drug discovery, diagnostics, agriculture, and data storage, positioning the company as a frontrunner in the commercial potential of synthetic biology [2]

Core Insights - Jinan City is implementing an "Industrial Strong City Development Strategy" with a focus on high-tech zones and 11 key industrial chains [1][3] - The High-tech Zone is adopting a "one chain, one policy" approach to strengthen its leading industries and promote future industrial growth [3] Industry Developments - The High-tech Zone has established a Future Industry Alliance to promote innovative applications in artificial intelligence, aerospace information, and humanoid robotics [3] - The quantum information industry has achieved comprehensive layout in communication, measurement, and computing, being recognized as a future industrial cluster in Shandong Province [3] - The aerospace information industry is forming clusters across multiple fields, enhancing its overall competitiveness [3] - The core artificial intelligence industry accounts for over 60% of the city's total, with more than 280 related enterprises concentrated in the area [3] - The cell and gene industry is leading with several domestic and international records for being the "largest" and "earliest" in various achievements [3] - Significant advancements have been made in next-generation industrial software, new energy storage, and synthetic biology, indicating a diversified growth strategy [3]

Core Insights - The global AI in Synthetic Biology market was valued at approximately USD 24.58 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 30.76 billion in 2025, with an expected value of around USD 192.95 billion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 28.63% from 2025 to 2034 [2][8]. Market Overview - The primary growth driver for the synthetic biology market is the increasing demand for sustainable solutions across various industries, particularly in response to environmental concerns [2][6]. - Synthetic biology offers bio-based solutions such as biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and environmentally friendly chemicals, which align with global sustainability goals [2][6]. Key Trends & Drivers - Advances in genetic engineering technologies, especially CRISPR and genome editing, are significant growth drivers, enhancing accuracy in genetic modifications and leading to breakthroughs in healthcare and agriculture [6][11]. - There is a growing consumer demand for sustainable alternatives to petrochemical products, which is further supported by government initiatives [6][11]. - Innovations in healthcare, including gene therapies and personalized medicine, are transforming treatment options for genetic disorders, contributing to market growth [6][11]. Regional Analysis - **North America**: This region is the largest market for synthetic biology, driven by significant investments, a strong presence of startups, and supportive government policies for biotechnology research [15][14]. - **Europe**: The European market is characterized by robust public and private funding for research and development, alongside strong regulatory frameworks that facilitate innovation [15][14]. - **Asia-Pacific**: Countries like China and India are emerging as key players in synthetic biology, with substantial government support and a growing biotechnology sector [15][14]. - **LAMEA**: The synthetic biology market in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa is still developing, with potential growth in agricultural biotechnology and biofuels [15][14]. Competitive Landscape - Key players in the AI in Synthetic Biology market include Ginkgo Bioworks, Amyris, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Illumina, and GenScript, among others [19][14]. - The market is characterized by high research and development costs, which can be a barrier for smaller companies [11][14]. Market Segmentation - The market is segmented by technology (Gene Synthesis, Genome Editing, Synthetic Biology Tools, Bioinformatics) and application (Healthcare & Medicine, Agricultural Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology) [21][8].

Financial Performance & Targets - Ginkgo achieved its target of $250 million in annualized run-rate cost savings from Q1 2024 to Q2 2025[13, 50] - Ginkgo's Q2 2025 Cell Engineering revenue was $39 million, an 8% increase year-over-year[34] - Biosecurity revenue for Q2 2025 was $10 million, a 48% decrease year-over-year[34] - The company reaffirms its total revenue guidance for FY2025, projecting $167-$187 million, including $117-137 million from Cell Engineering and $40+ million from Biosecurity[37, 52] - Ginkgo aims to reach Adjusted EBITDA breakeven by the end of 2026[11, 46, 53] - Ginkgo had $474 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities with no bank debt[15, 16] Strategic Initiatives - Ginkgo is expanding from its Solutions business into tools, launching its first direct-to-scientist product: a cell-free protein synthesis system[11, 43, 63] - Ginkgo's Automation and Datapoints are establishing themselves as critical tools in AI-enabled science[43, 143] - Ginkgo has sampled flights originating from 128 countries, representing 65% of nations globally[33]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fiscal year 2025 third quarter, the company reported record revenue of $96.1 million, an increase of 18% year over year [9][20] - Gross margin for the quarter was 53.4%, up from 43.3% in the previous year, reflecting improved operational efficiency and cost management [10][24] - Adjusted EBITDA loss was approximately $8 million, an improvement of about $14 million compared to the previous year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the synthetic biology (SynBio) segment was $35.2 million, reflecting a 7% year-over-year growth [10][20] - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revenue increased to $55.3 million, a 27% year-over-year growth, driven by commercial assays for diagnostic tests [11][20] - Biopharma services revenue was $5.6 million, a 10% increase year over year [12][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Healthcare revenue rose to $56.4 million, a 32% increase compared to the same period last year [21] - Industrial chemical revenue was approximately flat at $23.1 million, while academic revenue grew by 7% to $15.9 million [22] - Geographically, revenue in the Americas increased by 16% to $59.4 million, while EMEA revenue rose by 30% to $30.7 million [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its product portfolio and increasing market reach, particularly in the academic sector [9][10] - There is an emphasis on leveraging AI for drug discovery and enhancing customer engagement to drive growth [34] - The company aims to achieve adjusted EBITDA breakeven as a key operational milestone, with plans for continued top-line growth [18][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth potential in the SynBio and NGS segments, citing strong customer relationships and demand [11][34] - The company is adapting to market shifts and challenges, viewing them as opportunities for innovation and growth [31][34] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining gross margins above 50% while focusing on revenue growth [35] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with approximately $250.8 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments [27] - Guidance for total revenue for fiscal year 2025 is narrowed to $374 million to $376 million, indicating a year-over-year growth of approximately 19.7% at the midpoint [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on SynBio growth and customer trends - Management noted that existing products resonate well with customers, and there is a strong pipeline of new product introductions [39][40] Question: NGS product launch timelines and expectations - Management confirmed that product launches are on track, with expectations for significant growth in 2026 [46][49] Question: Impact of customer transition on revenue - Management indicated a $5 million revenue impact in Q4 due to a customer transition, with expectations for recovery in Q1 [60][61] Question: Academic market growth attribution - Management attributed growth in the U.S. academic market to the company's technology advantage and value proposition [64][66] Question: International growth and market adaptation - Management emphasized the company's low variable costs and ability to navigate tariff uncertainties, positioning it well for international growth [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record revenue of $96.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, an increase of 18% year over year [7][18] - Gross margin improved to 53.4%, up from 43.3% in the same quarter of fiscal 2024, reflecting better volume leverage and continuous improvement efforts [8][22] - Adjusted EBITDA loss was approximately $8 million, an improvement of about $14 million compared to fiscal 2024 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the synthetic biology (SynBio) segment was $35.2 million, reflecting a 7% year-over-year growth, with underlying revenue growth exceeding 20% when excluding a significant prior year order [9][18] - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revenue reached $55.3 million, a 27% increase year over year, driven by commercial assays for diagnostic tests [9][19] - Biopharma services revenue was $5.6 million, growing 10% year over year, with a strong order funnel [10][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Healthcare revenue rose to $56.4 million, a 32% increase year over year, driven by large pharma and biotech customers [19] - Industrial chemical revenue was approximately flat at $23.1 million, while academic revenue grew 7% to $15.9 million [20] - Geographically, revenue in the Americas increased 16% to $59.4 million, EMEA revenue rose 30% to $30.7 million, and APAC revenue was $5.9 million [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its product portfolio and increasing market reach, particularly in the academic sector [7][9] - Plans for new product launches in synthetic biology are expected to unlock new market opportunities [15][29] - The company aims to achieve adjusted EBITDA breakeven as a key operational milestone while continuing to drive top-line growth [16][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth potential in synthetic biology and NGS, highlighting strong customer relationships and demand [9][31] - The company is adapting to market shifts and leveraging AI as a catalyst for increased demand across its product offerings [31][32] - Management acknowledged potential short-term fluctuations in certain product groups but emphasized the resilience of their diversified customer base [31][32] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with approximately $250.8 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments [24] - Guidance for total revenue in fiscal 2025 is narrowed to $374 million to $376 million, indicating a year-over-year growth of approximately 19.7% at the midpoint [24][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on SynBio growth and customer trends - Management noted that existing products resonate well with customers, and there is a significant opportunity to convert smaller accounts into future growth drivers [36][38] Question: NGS product launch timelines and expectations - Management confirmed that product launches have been on time, with expectations for significant growth in MRD revenue in 2026 [42][46] Question: Impact of customer transition on revenue - Management indicated a $5 million revenue impact in Q4 due to a customer transition, with expectations for some recovery in Q1 [50][60] Question: U.S. academic market growth drivers - Management attributed growth in the U.S. academic market to their technology advantage and the ability to provide more value for the same budget [62] Question: International growth and market adaptation - Management highlighted their low variable costs and ability to navigate tariff uncertainties, positioning them well for continued growth [78][80]

Financial Performance - The company reported revenue of $96.1 million, meeting guidance of approximately $94-97 million[9] - Adjusted EBITDA was $(8.0) million, exceeding guidance of $(13) million[9] - Gross margin reached 53.4%, achieving the target of exceeding 50%+ by 4QFY25[9] - Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $250.8 million as of June 30, 2025[34] Segment Revenue - SynBio revenue was $35.2 million, a 7% year-over-year growth, with approximately 237,000 genes shipped[13] - NGS revenue was $55.3 million, a 27% year-over-year growth, driven by expanded collaborations[16] - Biopharma Solutions revenue was $5.6 million, a 10% year-over-year growth, with $6.2 million in orders[19] FY2025 Guidance - Q4 FY2025 revenue is projected to be approximately $96 to $98 million, with SynBio contributing ~$38 to 39 million, NGS ~$52 to 53 million, and Biopharma ~$6 million[37] - Full-year FY2025 revenue is guided at approximately $374 to $376 million, with SynBio contributing ~$144 to 145 million, NGS ~$207 to 208 million, and Biopharma ~$23 million[37] - Full-year FY2025 Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be ~$(45 to 47M)[37]