RAPID MICRO BIOSYSTEMS, INC.

Previous wording

We have incurred significant losses since our inception. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we incurred net losses of $46.9 million and $52.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $475.3 million. In July 2024, based on our enterprise-wide review of opportunities to realize operational efficiencies, we implemented certain cost-saving actions including a reduction in our workforce, the closure of open and planned positions and reductions in other non-headcount-related expenses across the business (the “Operational Efficiency Program”). However, in future periods, our operating expenses may continue to increase as we grow our business. Since our inception, we have financed our operations primarily from private placements of equity, the incurrence of indebtedness, our initial public offering, and to a lesser extent, revenue derived from our Growth Direct platform and non-commercial contracts. We have devoted substantially all of our resources to the development and commercialization of our Growth Direct platform and to development activities related to advancing and expanding our technological capabilities. While we implemented our Operational Efficiency Program with the goal of achieving positive cash flow without additional financing, there can be no assurance that we will attain this goal. Our Operational Efficiency Program and intention to reach positive cash flow are based on our expectations of business performance that are generally consistent with our historical performance, including with respect to revenue and gross margins, which may not be replicated in future periods. Our goal also depends on our ability to realize additional cost savings that we believe are reasonably achievable, but are not guaranteed. We will need to generate significant additional revenue, significantly improve our gross margin and/or further reduce costs to achieve positive cash flow and profitability, and even if achieved, we cannot be sure that we will sustain positive cash flow and profitability for any substantial period of time. While our goal to achieve positive cash flow is underpinned by our recent and historical performance, such performance is not necessarily indicative of our future results.

Current wording

We have incurred significant losses since our inception. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we incurred net losses of $47.1 million and $46.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $522.4 million. Since our inception, we have financed our operations primarily from private placements of equity, the incurrence of indebtedness, our initial public offering, and to a lesser extent, revenue derived from our Growth Direct platform and non-commercial contracts. We have devoted substantially all of our resources to the development and commercialization of our Growth Direct platform and to development activities related to advancing and expanding our technological capabilities. While we have a goal of achieving positive cash flow without additional financing, there can be no assurance that we will attain this goal. Our positive cash flow goal is based on our expectations of business growth that are generally consistent with our historical performance, including with respect to revenue and gross margins, which may not be replicated in future periods. Attaining our cash flow goal also depends on our ability to realize additional cost savings that we believe are reasonably achievable, but are not guaranteed. We will need to generate significant additional revenue, significantly improve our gross margin and/or further reduce costs to achieve positive cash flow and profitability, and even if achieved, we cannot be sure that we will sustain positive cash flow and profitability for any substantial period of time. While our goal to achieve positive cash flow is underpinned by our recent and historical performance, such performance is not necessarily indicative of our future results.

Previous wording

We launched our current second-generation Growth Direct platform in 2017 for which we are continuing to grow our manufacturing and sales and marketing capabilities. Consequently, predictions about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if our products had a longer commercial history. While our product and services revenue has continued to increase in recent periods, if our strategy to grow and scale our business is not successful, we may not be able to achieve continued revenue growth. Our limited operating history, evolving business and rapid growth make it difficult to evaluate our future prospects and the risks and challenges we may encounter, and we may not continue to grow at or near historical rates.

Current wording

Predictions about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if our products had a longer commercial history. While our product and services revenue has continued to increase in recent periods, if our strategy to grow and scale our business is not successful, we may not be able to achieve continued revenue growth. Our limited operating history, evolving business and rapid growth make it difficult to evaluate our future prospects and the risks and challenges we may encounter, and we may not continue to grow at or near historical rates.

Previous wording

In addition, as we seek to innovate in and disrupt the current microbial quality control market, we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other known and unknown challenges. We are transitioning to a company capable of supporting commercial manufacturing, sales and marketing at scale in the United States and abroad. We may not be successful in such a transition and, as a result, our business may be adversely affected.

Current wording

In addition, as we seek to innovate in and disrupt the current microbial quality control ("MQC") market, we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other known and unknown challenges. We are transitioning to a company capable of supporting commercial manufacturing, sales and marketing at scale in the United States and abroad. We may not be successful in such a transition and, as a result, our business may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

•significant acceptance by drug manufacturers of automated microbial quality control, or MQC, testing;

Current wording

•significant acceptance by drug manufacturers of automated MQC testing;

Previous wording

Our quarterly and annual operating results have fluctuated significantly in the past and may fluctuate significantly in the future, which makes it difficult for us to predict our future operating results. For example, we have experienced positive trends in our gross margins, improving from (3)% to 12% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, and improving from (24)% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 to (0.4)% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024. Expansion in gross margins in future periods may not be linear and may be subject to variability from period to period. These fluctuations may occur due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including, but not limited to:

Current wording

Our quarterly and annual operating results have fluctuated significantly in the past and may fluctuate significantly in the future, which makes it difficult for us to predict our future operating results. For example, while we have experienced positive trends in our gross margins, expansion in gross margins in future periods may not be linear and may be subject to variability from period to period. In that regards, our gross margins improved from (0.4)% for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024 to 3.1% for the 12 months ended December 31, 2025, while quarterly gross margins declined from 12% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, to (3)% for the three months ended December 31, 2025. Additionally, revenue growth and operating expenses may also be subject to variability from period to period. For example, in the fourth quarter we received a large multi-system customer order that had a meaningful impact on our revenue. Similar large multi-system customer orders may not be replicated in future periods. Additionally, the timing of consumables, validations and service revenue is variable. These fluctuations may occur due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including, but not limited to:

Previous wording

•lead time needed for validation prior to our customers’ using and purchasing our consumables;

Current wording

•lead time needed for validation prior to our customers’ purchasing and using our consumables;

Previous wording

•general market conditions and other factors, including factors, such as inflation, unrelated to our operating performance or the operating performance of our competitors.

Current wording

•general market conditions and other factors, including factors, such as inflation and tariffs, unrelated to our operating performance or the operating performance of our competitors.

Previous wording

Our actual business results may vary significantly from such guidance due to a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including our customers’ demand for our Growth Direct systems, the length of the sales cycle for purchases of our systems, customer site readiness and the lead time needed for validation of our systems prior to customers using and purchasing our consumables, the costs of manufacturing and shipping our products or of providing services to our customers, as well as the impact of global economic uncertainty and financial market conditions, geopolitical events, such as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, rising inflation, rising interest rates, and public health crises, all of which have in the past and may in the future adversely affect our business and operating results. Furthermore, if we make downward revisions of our previously announced guidance, or if our publicly announced guidance of future operating results fails to meet expectations of securities analysts, investors, or other interested parties, we may experience adverse effects on our business and reputation and the price of our common stock could decline.

Current wording

Our actual business results may vary significantly from such guidance due to a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including our customers’ demand for our Growth Direct systems, the length of the sales cycle for purchases of our systems, customer site readiness and the lead time needed for validation of our systems prior to customers purchasing and using our consumables, the costs of manufacturing and shipping our products or of providing services to our customers, as well as the impact of global economic uncertainty and financial market conditions, such as recently imposed and potential future tariffs, geopolitical events, rising inflation, rising interest rates, and public health crises, all of which have in the past and may in the future adversely affect our business and operating results. For example, guidance that we provide is based on system purchase order commitments that we have in hand or expect to receive in the future, which may not be a reliable indicator. We recognize revenue upon the delivery of our systems to customers, at which point we also classify such systems as placed. Delivery of our systems to customers is dependent on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including our customers’ plans and circumstances with respect to their manufacturing capabilities, such as the timing of construction activities. If our systems are not delivered on the timelines that we expect or at all, our expectations with respect to the recognition of revenue and number of systems placed may prove to be incorrect. Furthermore, if we make downward revisions of our previously announced guidance, or if our publicly announced guidance of future operating results fails to meet expectations of securities analysts, investors, or other interested parties, we may experience adverse effects on our business and reputation and the price of our common stock could decline.

Previous wording

We expect that our efforts to maintain our position in the MQC industry, including improving our Growth Direct platform and developing new products, will continue to require significant resources. Based upon our current operating plan, we believe our existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of December 31, 2024 of $50.7 million, and anticipated cash flow from operations, will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements for at least twelve months following the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This estimate and our expectation regarding the sufficiency of our existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments are based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Until such time, if ever, as we can generate sufficient cash flow, we may finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings and debt financings or other sources. We do not currently have any committed external source of funds. While we implemented our Operational Efficiency Program with the goal of achieving positive cash flow without additional financing, there can be no assurance that we will attain this goal. Our Operational Efficiency Program and intention to reach positive cash flow are based on our expectations of business performance that are generally consistent with our historical performance, including with respect to revenue and gross margins, which may not be replicated in future periods. Our goal also depends on our ability to realize additional cost savings that we believe are reasonably achievable, but are not guaranteed. In addition, we may selectively and opportunistically seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe that we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans.

Current wording

We expect that our efforts to maintain our position in the MQC industry, including improving our Growth Direct platform and developing new products, will continue to require significant resources. Based upon our current operating plan, we believe our existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $38.3 million as of December 31, 2025, will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements for at least 12 months following the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This estimate and our expectation regarding the sufficiency of our existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments are based on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Until such time, if ever, as we can generate sufficient cash flow, we may finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings and additional debt financings or other sources. We do not currently have any committed external source of funds that are not subject to conditions to access. While we have a goal of achieving positive cash flow without additional financing, there can be no assurance that we will attain this goal. Our goal to reach positive cash flow is based on our expectations of business performance that are generally consistent with our historical performance, including with respect to revenue and gross margins, which may not be replicated in future periods. Our goal also depends on our ability to realize additional cost savings that we believe are reasonably achievable, but are not guaranteed. In addition, we may selectively and opportunistically seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe that we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans.

Previous wording

Our funding requirements may increase significantly if one or more of the other risks, events or circumstances described elsewhere in these risk factors are realized. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of our common stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our common stockholders. In addition, debt financing and preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may be required to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, intellectual property, future revenue streams or products or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. Furthermore, any capital raising efforts may divert our management from their day-to-day activities, which may adversely affect our ability to advance product development activities. If we are unable to raise additional funds when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate product development or commercialization efforts.

Current wording

Our funding requirements may increase significantly if one or more of the other risks, events or circumstances described elsewhere in these risk factors are realized. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of our common stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our common stockholders. In addition, additional debt financing and preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may be required to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, intellectual property, future revenue streams or products or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. Furthermore, any capital raising efforts may divert our management from their day-to-day activities, which may adversely affect our ability to advance product development activities. If we are unable to raise additional funds when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate product development or commercialization efforts.

Previous wording

Our ability to expand our Growth Direct platform to customers who manufacture cell and gene therapies depends upon our ability to integrate our platform with the novel manufacturing processes being developed for these therapies. Companies that manufacture cell and gene therapies are developing new approaches to handle this manufacturing method, including novel facility layouts, new processes and workflows, and new quality and risk management frameworks. Unlike traditional “small molecule” drug manufacturing, the manufacture of biologics, and cell and gene therapies in particular, is more time sensitive and subject to increased risk of contamination due to material handling and process change-over. There are also currently a small number of cell and gene therapies approved by the FDA. While we have experience providing automated MQC testing for customers that manufacture a number of these approved therapies, we may encounter challenges or unexpected issues as we apply our Growth Direct platform to testing a greater number of therapies as they are approved in future. We cannot be certain that we will be able to successfully or consistently integrate our platform with this novel manufacturing process. If we are unable to successfully expand our Growth Direct platform into this growing segment of therapeutic manufacturing, our business and financial position may be adversely affected.

Current wording

Our ability to expand our Growth Direct platform to customers who manufacture cell and gene therapies depends upon our ability to integrate our platform with the novel manufacturing processes being developed for these therapies. Companies that manufacture cell and gene therapies are developing new approaches to handle this manufacturing method, including novel facility layouts, new processes and workflows, and new quality and risk management frameworks. Unlike traditional “small molecule” drug manufacturing, the manufacture of biologics, and cell and gene therapies in particular, is more time sensitive and subject to increased risk of contamination due to material handling and process change-over. There are also currently a small number of cell and gene therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). While we have experience providing automated MQC testing for customers that manufacture a number of these approved therapies, we may encounter challenges or unexpected issues as we apply our Growth Direct platform to testing a greater number of therapies as they are approved in future. We cannot be certain that we will be able to successfully or consistently integrate our platform with this novel manufacturing process. If we are unable to successfully expand our Growth Direct platform into this growing segment of therapeutic manufacturing, our business and financial position may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Even if we are successful in developing new products, it will require us to make significant additional investments in marketing and selling resources in order to commercialize any such products. For example, we recently made generally available for commercial sale our rapid sterility application for use on the Growth Direct system, for which we have expended significant time and resources to develop. We placed our first Growth Direct rapid sterility system with an existing customer in the second quarter of 2024. We are continuing to scale our manufacturing capabilities for the rapid sterility application. However, there can be no assurance that we will successfully commercialize this new sterility test, scale our manufacturing capabilities to support customer demand or that this product will achieve broad acceptance by customers. Furthermore, because this is a new application, we may encounter technical or other product challenges as customers adopt and implement Growth Direct rapid sterility into their workflows. We may be unsuccessful in commercializing new products that we develop, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Current wording

Even if we are successful in developing new products, it will require us to make significant additional investments in marketing and selling resources in order to commercialize any such products. For example, we recently made generally available for commercial sale our rapid sterility application for use on the Growth Direct system, for which we have expended significant time and resources to develop. We placed our first Growth Direct rapid sterility system with an existing customer in the second quarter of 2024. However, there can be no assurance that this new sterility test will gain broad commercial acceptance or that we will scale our manufacturing capabilities to support customer demand. Furthermore, because this is a new application, we may encounter technical or other product challenges as customers adopt and implement Growth Direct rapid sterility into their workflows. We may be unsuccessful in commercializing new products that we develop, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Previous wording

We provide products and services used for quality-control testing in pharmaceutical product manufacturing. Our customers are subject to extensive regulations by the FDA and similar regulatory authorities in other countries, including, for example, cGMP regulations and associated requirements to validate the methods used to manufacture their products. To meet their regulatory compliance requirements, our customers have implemented quality-control workflows to monitor for microbial growth and contamination. While our Growth Direct platform is not regulated directly by the FDA or other comparable authorities and we have not verified our Growth Direct platform for compliance with such regulations, we have designed our platform to be integrated as part of a compliant quality-control workflow. If our Growth Direct platform is unable to meet regulatory standards for compliance or we are unable to update our platform to meet new regulatory requirements, we will lose customers and our business will be adversely affected. While under our agreements with our customers we are not liable for non-compliance of our Growth Direct platform, if a customer experienced a compliance failure due to our Growth Direct platform, or that the customer attributes to our Growth Direct platform, our reputation could be harmed and our business prospects adversely affected.

Current wording

We provide products and services used for quality-control testing in pharmaceutical product manufacturing. Our customers are subject to extensive regulations by the FDA and similar regulatory authorities in other countries, including, for example, current good manufacturing practice regulations and associated requirements to validate the methods used to manufacture their products. To meet their regulatory compliance requirements, our customers have implemented quality-control workflows to monitor for microbial growth and contamination. While our Growth Direct platform is not regulated directly by the FDA or other comparable authorities and we have not verified our Growth Direct platform for compliance with such regulations, we have designed our platform to be integrated as part of a compliant quality-control workflow. If our Growth Direct platform is unable to meet regulatory standards for compliance or we are unable to update our platform to meet new regulatory requirements, we will lose customers and our business will be adversely affected. While under our agreements with our customers we are not liable for non-compliance of our Growth Direct platform, if a customer experienced a compliance failure due to our Growth Direct platform, or that the customer attributes to our Growth Direct platform, our reputation could be harmed and our business prospects adversely affected.

Previous wording

As the number of customers using the Growth Direct platform grows and our volume of installed systems increases, we will need to continue to increase our capacity for customer service and support, including maintenance services of our systems, and expand our manufacturing capabilities. As a result, we will also need to purchase additional equipment, some of which can take several months or more to procure, setup and validate, and increase our personnel levels to meet increased demand. Additionally, we maintain certain levels of inventory to support future manufacturing efforts. If our inventory should exceed our customer demand, then it may not be sold at a pace that keeps up with the development of our technology and may therefore become obsolete or no longer competitive in the marketplace. Products in our inventory that have shelf lives may also expire before we are able to sell them to customers. We may be unable to sell such excess inventory, which could adversely impact our working capital and result in our expenditure of resources to accumulate inventory that we are unable to sell. There is no assurance that any of these measures taken with respect to scale, expansion of personnel, equipment, manufacturing or services will be successfully implemented, or that we will have adequate space, including in our manufacturing facility, to accommodate such required expansion.

Current wording

As the number of customers using the Growth Direct platform grows and our volume of installed systems increases, we will need to continue to increase our capacity for customer service and support, including maintenance services of our systems, and expand our manufacturing capabilities. As a result, we will also need to purchase additional equipment, some of which can take several months or more to procure, setup and validate, and increase our personnel levels to meet increased demand. There is no assurance that any of these measures taken with respect to scale and expansion of personnel, equipment, manufacturing or services will be successfully implemented, or that we will have adequate space, including in our manufacturing facility, to accommodate such required expansion.

Previous wording

Competition for employees capable of selling expensive instruments into the pharmaceutical industry is intense. There are significant expenses and risks involved with having our own sales and marketing team, including our ability to hire, train, retain, and appropriately incentivize a sufficient number of qualified individuals, generate sufficient sales leads and provide our sales and marketing team with adequate access to customers who may want to purchase our products, effectively manage a geographically dispersed sales and marketing team, and other unforeseen costs and expenses. We may not be able to attract and retain personnel or be able to build an efficient and effective sales organization, which could negatively impact sales and market acceptance of our products and limit our revenue growth and potential profitability. In addition, the time and cost of establishing a specialized sales, marketing and service force for a particular product or service may be difficult to justify in light of the revenue generated or projected.

Current wording

Competition for employees capable of selling capital equipment such as the Growth Direct system into the pharmaceutical industry is intense. There are significant expenses and risks involved with having our own sales and marketing team, including our ability to hire, train, retain, and appropriately incentivize a sufficient number of qualified individuals, generate sufficient sales leads and provide our sales and marketing team with adequate access to customers who may want to purchase our products, effectively manage a geographically dispersed sales and marketing team, and other unforeseen costs and expenses. We may not be able to attract and retain personnel or be able to build an efficient and effective sales organization, which could negatively impact sales and market acceptance of our products and limit our revenue growth and potential profitability. In addition, the time and cost of establishing a specialized sales, marketing and service force for a particular product or service may be difficult to justify in light of the revenue generated or projected.

Previous wording

We may engage distributors or other strategic partners for the sale of our products, including in jurisdictions outside of the U.S. There can be no assurance that we can identify and enter into arrangements with distributors or other strategic partners on terms that are favorable to us or at all. In some cases, we would exert limited control over these distributors, and if their sales and marketing efforts for our products are not successful, our business would be materially and adversely affected. We may not be successful in locating, qualifying and engaging distributors with industry experience and knowledge, including that of jurisdictions outside of the U.S. Even if we are successful in identifying distributors, such distributors may engage in sales practices that violate federal, state, local or foreign laws or our internal policies. Furthermore, with respect to distributors in non-U.S. jurisdictions, sales practices utilized by any such distributors that are locally acceptable may not comply with sales practices standards required under U.S. laws that apply to us, which could create additional compliance risk.

Current wording

We may engage distributors or other strategic partners for the sale of our products, including in jurisdictions outside of the U.S. For example, in 2025, we entered into the Distribution Agreement with MilliporeSigma. There can be no assurance that we can identify and enter into additional arrangements with distributors or other strategic partners on terms that are favorable to us or at all. In some cases, we would exert limited control over these distributors, and if their sales and marketing efforts for our products are not successful, our business would be materially and adversely affected. We may not be successful in locating, qualifying and engaging distributors with industry experience and knowledge, including that of jurisdictions outside of the U.S. Even if we are successful in identifying distributors, such distributors may engage in sales practices that violate federal, state, local or foreign laws or our internal policies. Furthermore, with respect to distributors in non-U.S. jurisdictions, sales practices utilized by any such distributors that are locally acceptable may not comply with sales practices standards required under U.S. laws that apply to us, which could create additional compliance risk.

Previous wording

As a result, our competitors and potential competitors may be able to respond more quickly to changes in customer requirements, devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their platforms or instruments than we can or sell their platforms or instruments, or offer services competitive with our platform and services at prices designed to win significant levels of market share. We may not be able to compete effectively against these organizations.

Current wording

As a result, our competitors and potential competitors may be able to respond more quickly to changes in customer requirements, devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their platforms or systems than we can or sell their platforms or systems, or offer services competitive with our platform and services at prices designed to win significant levels of market share. We may not be able to compete effectively against these organizations.

Previous wording

Our Growth Direct platform includes the Growth Direct system, proprietary consumables and our LIMS connection software. There could be undetected errors or defects despite our rigorous testing of our platform and its components, and the Growth Direct platform may otherwise not meet the expectations of our customers. Disruptions or other performance problems with our platform or with the components that comprise our platform may adversely impact our customers’ manufacturing process, compliance workflow or business, harm our reputation and result in reduced revenue or increased costs, such as those associated with repairs, replacements or reacquisitions of our systems. If such challenges occur, the attention of our key personnel could be diverted, or other significant customer relations problems may arise. We may also be subject to warranty claims or breach of contract for damages related to errors or defects in our products. Additionally, we may be subject to legal claims arising from any defects or errors in our platform, and in the systems, consumables and software that comprise our platform. In the past, we have repaired, and in exceptional cases, replaced or reacquired Growth

Current wording

Our Growth Direct platform includes the Growth Direct system, proprietary consumables and our laboratory information management system ("LIMS") connection and other software. There could be undetected errors or defects despite our rigorous testing of our platform and its components, and the Growth Direct platform may otherwise not meet the expectations of our customers. Disruptions or other performance problems with our platform or with the components that comprise our platform may adversely impact our customers’ manufacturing process, compliance workflow or business, harm our reputation and result in reduced revenue or increased costs, such as those associated with repairs, replacements or reacquisitions of our systems. If such challenges occur, the attention of our key personnel could be diverted, or other significant customer relations problems may arise. We may also be subject to warranty claims or breach of contract for damages related to errors or defects in our products. Additionally, we may be subject to legal claims arising from any defects or errors in our platform, and in the systems, consumables and software that comprise our platform. In the past, we have repaired, and in exceptional cases, replaced or reacquired Growth Direct systems under warranty. In addition, we have undertaken, and in the future may undertake, goodwill and customer satisfaction initiatives that involve the shipping of additional or replacement deliveries of our products, such as consumables, at no charge to customers. Remedying such issues adversely impacts our gross margins and has required, and may in the future require, the expenditure of resources. Our failure to prevent or adequately address any of foregoing risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our success depends on, among other things, the market’s confidence that the Growth Direct platform is capable of substantially enhancing quality control in the conduct of manufacturing activities as compared to the traditional method of MQC testing or that of competitive products, and will enable more efficient or improved drug manufacturing. Pharmaceutical companies and contract development and manufacturing organizations, or CDMOs, are likely to be particularly sensitive to defects and errors in the use of our platform, including if our platform fails to deliver meaningful improvements in MQC testing with results at least as good as the results generated using the traditional method of MQC testing, or new methods of automated MQC testing being developed and sold by emerging competitors. There can be no guarantee that our platform will meet the expectations or needs of these companies or CDMOs.

Current wording

Our success depends on, among other things, the market’s confidence that the Growth Direct platform is capable of substantially enhancing quality control in the conduct of manufacturing activities as compared to the traditional method of MQC testing or that of competitive products, and will enable more efficient or improved drug manufacturing. Pharmaceutical companies and contract development and manufacturing organizations ("CDMOs"), are likely to be particularly sensitive to defects and errors in the use of our platform, including if our platform fails to deliver meaningful improvements in MQC testing with results at least as good as the results generated using the traditional method of MQC testing, or new methods of automated MQC testing being developed and sold by emerging competitors. There can be no guarantee that our platform will meet the expectations or needs of these companies or CDMOs.

Previous wording

The complexity of our products and the amount of lead time required to deliver products to our customers have caused in the past, and may cause in the future, delays in releasing new products and workflows. In addition, we have experienced in the past, and may experience in the future, challenges with respect to the reliability of our systems. If there are delays in delivering our products to our customers, or if our products fail to perform as well as or better than traditional MQC testing and competitive products or fail to generate reliable results for our customers, our revenue could be reduced or delayed, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Current wording

The complexity of our products and the amount of lead time required to deliver products to our customers have caused in the past, and may cause in the future, delays in releasing new products and workflows. In addition, we have experienced in the past, and may experience in the future, challenges with our products, such as the reliability of our systems. If there are delays in delivering our products to our customers, or if our products fail to perform as well as or better than traditional MQC testing and competitive products or fail to generate reliable results for our customers, or our products otherwise fail to meet our customers’ expectations our revenue could be reduced or delayed, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Previous wording

In addition, our future success and growth will depend in part on the continued service of our directors, employees and management personnel and our ability to identify, hire and retain additional personnel. If we lose one or more of our executive officers or key employees, our ability to implement our business strategy successfully could be seriously harmed. Furthermore, replacing executive officers and key employees may be difficult or costly and may take an extended period of time because of the limited number of individuals in our industry with the breadth of skills and experience required to develop, market and sell our products successfully. Competition to hire from this limited pool is intense, and we may be unable to hire, train, retain or effectively incentivize these additional key personnel on acceptable terms given the competition among numerous technology companies for similar personnel.

Current wording

In addition, our future success and growth will depend in part on the continued service of our directors, employees and management personnel and our ability to identify, hire and retain additional personnel. If we lose one or more of our executive officers or key employees, our ability to implement our business strategy successfully could be seriously harmed. Furthermore, replacing executive officers and key employees may be difficult or costly and may take an extended period of time because of the limited number of individuals in our industry with the breadth of skills and experience required to develop, market and sell our products successfully. Competition to hire from this limited pool is intense, and we may be unable to hire, train, retain or effectively incentivize these additional key personnel on acceptable terms given the competition among numerous technology companies for similar personnel. If we are unable to attract qualified personnel and retain our current employees, our ability to develop and sell our products could be limited and our business and customer relationships could be materially harmed.

Previous wording

We depend on information technology and telecommunications systems for significant elements of our operations, including our knowledge management system, our customer reporting, our platform, advanced automation systems, and advanced application and LIMS connection software. We have installed, and expect to expand, a number of enterprise software systems that affect a broad range of business processes and functional areas, including for example, systems handling human resources, financial controls and reporting, contract management, compliance and other infrastructure operations. These implementations can be expensive and require significant time and effort. These information technology and telecommunications systems support a variety of functions, including manufacturing operations, data analysis, quality control, customer service and support, billing, research and development activities, and general administrative activities.

Current wording

We depend on information technology and telecommunications systems for significant elements of our operations, including our knowledge management system, our customer reporting, our platform, advanced automation systems, and advanced application and LIMS connection software. We have installed, and expect to expand, a number of enterprise software systems that affect a broad range of business processes and functional areas, including for example, systems handling human resources, financial controls and reporting, contract management, compliance and other infrastructure operations. These implementations can be expensive and require significant time and effort. These IT and telecommunications systems support a variety of functions, including manufacturing operations, data analysis, quality control, customer service and support, billing, research and development activities, and general administrative activities.

Previous wording

Information technology and telecommunications systems are vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including telecommunications or network failures, malicious software, bugs or viruses, human acts and natural disasters. For example, in July 2024, many industries and businesses were disrupted globally by a software glitch associated with Crowdstrike's cybersecurity software. While we did not experience material downtime in our information technology systems, similar events in the future may disrupt our operations. Moreover, despite network security and back-up measures, our servers remain potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses and similar disruptive problems. Any disruption or loss of information technology or telecommunications systems on which critical aspects of our operations depend could have an adverse effect on our business and our reputation.

Current wording

IT and telecommunications systems are vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including telecommunications or network failures, malicious software, bugs or viruses, human acts and natural disasters. For example, in July 2024, many industries and businesses were disrupted globally by a software glitch associated with Crowdstrike's cybersecurity software. While we did not experience material downtime in our IT systems, similar events in the future may disrupt our operations. Moreover, despite network security and back-up measures, our servers remain potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses and similar disruptive problems. Any disruption or loss of IT or telecommunications systems on which critical aspects of our operations depend could have an adverse effect on our business and our reputation.

Previous wording

Cybersecurity incidents and data breaches, data loss and other disruptions could compromise sensitive information related to our business or prevent us from accessing critical information and expose us to liability, which could adversely affect our business and our reputation.

Current wording

Cybersecurity incidents and data breaches, data loss and other disruptions could compromise our confidential and/or proprietary information and other sensitive information related to our business or prevent us from accessing critical information and expose us to liability, which could adversely affect our business and our reputation.

Previous wording

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including personal information, intellectual property and proprietary business information owned or controlled by ourselves or our employees, customers and other parties. We manage and maintain our applications and data utilizing a combination of on-site systems and cloud-based data centers. We utilize external security and infrastructure vendors to manage parts of our data centers. These applications and data encompass a wide variety of business-critical information, including research and development information, customer information, commercial information and business and financial information. We, like all companies storing business-critical information, face a number of risks relative to protecting this critical information, including loss of access, inappropriate use or disclosure, unauthorized access or exfiltration, inappropriate modification, inappropriate destruction, and the risk of our being unable to adequately monitor and audit and modify our controls over our critical information. This risk extends to the third-party vendors and subcontractors we use to manage this sensitive data or otherwise process it on our behalf. The secure processing, storage, maintenance and transmission of this critical information are vital to our operations and business strategy, and we devote significant resources to protecting such information. Although we take measures to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, use or disclosure, our information technology and infrastructure may still be vulnerable to, and we have in the past experienced and may continue to experience in the future, attacks by hackers or viruses or data breaches due to employee error, malfeasance or other malicious or inadvertent disruptions. Further, attacks upon information technology systems, including ransomware attacks and digital extortion, business email compromises, social engineering, including phishing attacks, denial of service attacks, computer malware, malicious codes, viruses, wrongful intrusions, wrongful conduct by insider employees or vendors, data breaches, and other malicious internet-based activity are increasing in their frequency, levels of persistence, sophistication and intensity, and are being conducted by sophisticated and organized groups and individuals with a wide range of motives, capabilities, and expertise. We may also face increased cybersecurity risks due to our reliance on internet technology and the number of our employees who are working remotely, which may create additional opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities. Furthermore, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to, or to sabotage, systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a victim entity, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. While we have measures in place to identify, detect and …

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Current wording

Further, attacks upon IT systems, including ransomware attacks and digital extortion, business email compromises, social engineering, including phishing attacks, denial of service attacks, computer malware, malicious codes, viruses, wrongful intrusions, wrongful conduct by insider employees or vendors, data breaches, and other malicious internet-based activity are increasing in their frequency, levels of persistence, sophistication and intensity, and are being conducted by sophisticated and organized groups and individuals with a wide range of motives, capabilities, and expertise, and may be enhanced or facilitated by AI. For example, bad actors around the world are increasingly using AI to engage in illegal activities involving the theft and misuse of personal information, confidential information and intellectual property. Furthermore, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to, or to sabotage, systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a victim entity, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. While we have measures in place to identify, detect and mitigate security threats and incidents, they are not failproof, so we may also experience security incidents that may remain undetected for an extended period. Any such incident could result in the compromise of our information systems, and the data stored there could be accessed, encrypted, corrupted, modified, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such incident could result in legal notifications and/or disclosures, as well as legal claims or proceedings, including for breaches of confidential information obligations with contractual counterparties, and liability under federal or state laws that protect the privacy of personal information, and regulatory penalties. Notice of cybersecurity incidents and data breaches may be required to affected individuals, customers, or other state, federal or foreign regulators, and for extensive breaches, notice may need to be made to the media or State Attorneys General. Such a notice could harm our reputation and our ability to compete. Although we have implemented security measures to prevent, detect and respond to security incidents, our data is currently accessible through multiple channels, and there is no guarantee we can protect our data from breach. Unauthorized access to our information systems, and the loss, destruction or, dissemination of data stored within them could also disrupt or halt our operations and damage our reputation, any of which could adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

More than a dozen other U.S. states have passed their own comprehensive privacy laws with more expected to pass in the coming years. Such laws may add additional complexity, variation in requirements, restrictions and potential legal risk, require additional investment of resources in compliance programs, impact strategies and the availability of previously useful data and could result in increased compliance costs and/or adverse changes in business data collection and use practices and policies. Some states have also either passed or proposed privacy and data protection legislation specifically protecting health-related information. For example, Washington state’s My Health My Data Act, which entered into force on March 31, 2024, expands the definition of consumer health data, affords consumers with privacy rights and creates a private right of action, which could increase the risk of litigation. The existence of varying and potentially conflicting comprehensive privacy laws in different U.S. states could make our compliance obligations more complex, may require us to expend significant resources in connection with our compliance efforts and subject us to enforcement actions or otherwise incur liability for any actual or perceived noncompliance, including litigation, enforcement actions and reputational harm leading to a loss of existing and future business.

Current wording

More than a dozen other U.S. states have passed their own comprehensive privacy laws with more expected to pass in the coming years. Such laws may add additional complexity, variation in requirements, restrictions and potential legal risk, require additional investment of resources in compliance programs, impact strategies and the availability of previously useful data and could result in increased compliance costs and/or adverse changes in business data collection and use practices and policies. Some states have also either passed or proposed privacy and data protection legislation specifically protecting health-related information. The existence of varying and potentially conflicting comprehensive privacy laws in different U.S. states could make our compliance obligations more complex, may require us to expend significant resources in connection with our compliance efforts and subject us to enforcement actions or otherwise incur liability for any actual or perceived noncompliance, including litigation, enforcement actions and reputational harm leading to a loss of existing and future business.

Previous wording

Internationally, laws, regulations and standards in many jurisdictions apply broadly to the collection, use, retention, security, disclosure, transfer and other processing of personal information. For example, with respect to the collection and processing of personal data relating to our personnel, customers and establishments in Europe, we are subject to the EU General Data Protection Regulation, or EU GDPR, the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), as well as applicable data protection laws in effect in the Member States of the EEA and in the UK (including the UK Data Protection Act 2018) which govern the processing of personal data in connection with (a) our offering of goods or services to/the monitoring of the behavior of individuals in the UK and EEA; or (b) the activities of any of our establishments in the UK or any EEA Member State, such as our German subsidiary. In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, references to “GDPR” encompass both the EU GDPR and UK GDPR, unless specific otherwise. The GDPR is wide-ranging in scope and imposes numerous requirements on companies that process personal data, including requiring disclosures to individuals regarding data processing activities, requiring that safeguards are implemented to protect the security and confidentiality of personal data, limiting retention periods for personal data, creating mandatory data breach notification requirements in certain circumstances, and requiring that certain measures (including contractual requirements) are put in place when engaging third-party processors. The GDPR also imposes strict rules on the transfer of personal data to countries outside the EEA or the U.K., including transfers of personal data from Europe to the United States in certain circumstances. Any inability to transfer personal data from Europe to the United States in compliance with data protection laws may impede our operations and may adversely affect our business and financial position. Switzerland has also implemented data protection laws with similar obligations and triggers to the GDPR which we may be subject to in connection with our Swedish subsidiary, personnel and customers.

Current wording

Internationally, laws, regulations and standards in many jurisdictions apply broadly to the collection, use, retention, security, disclosure, transfer and other processing of personal information. For example, with respect to the collection and processing of personal data relating to our personnel, customers and establishments in Europe, we are subject to the EU General Data Protection Regulation ("EU GDPR"), the UK General Data Protection Regulation ("UK GDPR"), as well as applicable data protection laws in effect in the Member States of the EEA and in the UK (including the UK Data Protection Act 2018) which govern the processing of personal data in connection with (a) our offering of goods or services to/the monitoring of the behavior of individuals in the UK and EEA; or (b) the activities of any of our establishments in the UK or any EEA Member State, such as our German subsidiary. In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, references to “GDPR” encompass both the EU GDPR and UK GDPR, unless specific otherwise. The GDPR is wide-ranging in scope and imposes numerous requirements on companies that process personal data, including requiring disclosures to individuals regarding data processing activities, requiring that safeguards are implemented to protect the security and confidentiality of personal data, limiting retention periods for personal data, creating mandatory data breach notification requirements in certain circumstances, and requiring that certain measures (including contractual requirements) are put in place when engaging third-party processors. The GDPR also imposes strict rules on the transfer of personal data to countries outside the EEA or the U.K., including transfers of personal data from Europe to the United States in certain circumstances. Any inability to transfer personal data from Europe to the United States in compliance with data protection laws may impede our operations and may adversely affect our business and financial position. Switzerland has also implemented data protection laws with similar obligations and triggers to the GDPR which we may be subject to in connection with our Swiss subsidiary, personnel and customers.

Previous wording

Regulators and legislators in the U.S. are increasingly scrutinizing and restricting certain personal data transfers and transactions involving foreign countries. For example, Executive Order 14117 on Preventing Access to Americans’ Bulk Sensitive Personal Data and United States Government-Related Data by Countries of Concern, as implemented by Department of Justice regulations issued in December 2024, prohibits data brokerage transactions involving certain sensitive personal data categories, including health data, genetic data, and biospecimens, to countries of concern, including China. The regulations also restrict certain investment agreements, employment agreements and vendor agreements involving such data and countries of concern, absent specified cybersecurity controls. Actual or alleged violations of these regulations may be punishable by criminal and/or civil sanctions, and may result in exclusion from participation in federal and state programs.

Current wording

Regulators and legislators in the U.S. are increasingly scrutinizing and restricting certain personal data transfers and transactions involving foreign countries. For example, the Department of Justice Rule, implemented as of January 8, 2025, on Preventing Access to U.S. Sensitive Personal Data and Government-Related Data by Countries of Concern, or Covered Persons, prohibits data brokerage transactions involving certain sensitive personal data categories, including health data, genetic data, and biospecimens, to countries of concern, including China. The regulations also restrict certain investment agreements, employment agreements and vendor agreements involving such data and countries of concern, absent specified cybersecurity controls. Actual or alleged violations of these regulations may be punishable by criminal and/or civil sanctions, and may result in exclusion from participation in federal and state programs.

Previous wording

Like many companies, we use artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI) technologies, including generative AI, to efficiently grow and manage our business. These technologies have increasingly been the focus of attention for lawmakers and regulators around the globe.

Current wording

Like many companies, we use AI and machine learning technologies, including generative AI, to efficiently grow and manage our business. These technologies have increasingly been the focus of attention for lawmakers and regulators around the globe.

Previous wording

The use of AI tools by our employees or third parties on which we relay may increase over time and may lead to unauthorized or unintended disclosures of confidential information (including personal information or proprietary data). In addition, we may use AI outputs to inform certain decisions we make, and the outputs we rely on may be incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise flawed, despite appearing to be accurate and reliable. Potential flaws in the AI tools that we use, or our incorrect application of them, could cause us to make decisions that unfairly bias certain individuals or classes of individuals and adversely impact their rights. As a result, we could face adverse consequences, including exposure to reputational and competitive harm, loss of business, and legal and contractual liabilities. A growing number of legislators and regulators are adopting laws and regulations and have focused enforcement efforts on the adoption of AI, and use of such technologies in compliance with safety requirements, intellectual property and privacy laws, ethical standards and societal expectations. These developments may increase our compliance burden and costs in connection with use of AI and lead to legal liability if we fail to meet evolving legal standards or if use of such technologies results in harms or other causes of action we did not predict.

Current wording

The use of AI tools by our employees or third parties on which we relay may increase over time and may lead to unauthorized or unintended disclosures of confidential information (including personal information or proprietary data). In addition, we may use AI outputs to inform certain decisions we make, and the outputs we rely on may be incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise flawed, despite appearing to be accurate and reliable. Potential flaws in the AI tools that we use, or our incorrect application of them, could cause us to make decisions that unfairly bias certain individuals or classes of individuals and adversely impact their rights. As a result, we could face adverse consequences, including exposure to reputational and competitive harm, loss of business, and legal and contractual liabilities.

Previous wording

For example, in January 2025, we announced that Lonza successfully integrated our Growth Direct system with its MODA-EM module to combine paperless processes with automated microbial enumeration for pharmaceutical quality control, as discussed further under Item 1. Business—Integration with MODA® Platform. There can be no assurance that the benefits observed by Lonza will be replicated in the experiences of other customers, or that such benefits, even if achieved by other customers, will drive further market adoption of our platform. In addition, as a large, multinational manufacturing company, Lonza may seek similar collaboration opportunities to integrate other technologies and platforms, including those of our competitors. As a result, despite the current integration of our Growth Direct system with Lonza’s MODA-EM module, we may not experience increased sales of our products.

Current wording

For example, in January 2025, we announced that Lonza successfully integrated our Growth Direct system with its MODA-EM module to combine paperless processes with automated microbial enumeration for pharmaceutical quality control, as discussed further above under the section Item 1. Business – Integration with MODA® Platform appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. There can be no assurance that the benefits observed by Lonza will be replicated in the experiences of other customers, or that such benefits, even if achieved by other customers, will drive further market adoption of our platform. In addition, as a large, multinational manufacturing company, Lonza may seek similar collaboration opportunities to integrate other technologies and platforms, including those of our competitors. As a result, despite the current integration of our Growth Direct system with Lonza’s MODA-EM module, we may not experience increased sales of our products.

Previous wording

In addition, in February 2025, we entered into a Distribution and Collaboration Agreement with Millipore S.A.S., a subsidiary of the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates in the U.S. as MilliporeSigma, pursuant to which we granted our collaborator the co-exclusive right to distribute certain of our products, as described further under Item 1. Business—Distribution and Collaboration Agreement with Millipore S.A.S. Our ability to generate sales and product revenue under this agreement is dependent on the performance and cooperation of our distributor. Our distributor may not meet its obligations, including with respect to its initial purchase commitments, experience financial difficulties, undergo adverse changes in its business or shift its focus away from selling our products. Furthermore, during the term of the agreement, we are prohibited from engaging other third parties to sell our products so long as a purchase commitment by the distributor is in place. There can be no assurance that our distributor will make additional commitments to purchase our products. The interests of our distributor may diverge from ours, and disagreements over key decisions or strategies could lead to conflict, impaired collaboration or the dissolution of the collaboration. We may not successfully manage channel conflicts with our distributor and our selling efforts to certain customers may overlap with those of our distributor, which may lead to disputes over which party should receive credit for a given sale or which party should manage the customer relationships that are created or deepened during the course of the collaboration. Our distributor is headquartered in France and, as a subsidiary of a large, multinational science and technology company, may have different corporate cultures, operational procedures and business practices, all of which can be challenging to manage. In engaging in its selling and marketing efforts, our distributor may place substantial and time-sensitive demands on the attention and resources of our employees and management, including those related to answering questions and fielding requests from its salesforce and otherwise assisting our distributor with its commercial activities in respect of our products, all of which may divert the focus of our personnel.

Current wording

In addition, in February 2025, we entered into a Distribution and Collaboration Agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") with Millipore S.A.S., a subsidiary of the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates in the U.S. as MilliporeSigma, pursuant to which we granted our collaborator the co-exclusive right to distribute certain of our products, as discussed further above under the section Item 1. Business –Distribution and Collaboration Agreement with Millipore S.A.S. appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our ability to generate sales and product revenue under this agreement is dependent on the performance and cooperation of our distributor. Our distributor may not meet its obligations, including with respect to its initial purchase commitments, experience financial difficulties, undergo adverse changes in its business or shift its focus away from selling our products. Furthermore, during the term of the agreement, we are prohibited from engaging other third parties to sell our products so long as a purchase commitment by the distributor is in place. There can be no assurance that our distributor will make additional commitments to purchase our products. The interests of our distributor may diverge from ours, and disagreements over key decisions or strategies could lead to conflict, impaired collaboration or the dissolution of the collaboration. We may not successfully manage channel conflicts with our distributor and our selling efforts to certain customers may overlap with those of our distributor, which may lead to disputes over which party should receive credit for a given sale or which party should manage the customer relationships that are created or deepened during the course of the collaboration. Our distributor is headquartered in France and, as a subsidiary of a large, multinational science and technology company, may have different corporate cultures, operational procedures and business practices, all of which can be challenging to manage. In engaging in its selling and marketing efforts, our distributor may place substantial and time-sensitive demands on the attention and resources of our employees and management, including those related to answering questions and fielding requests from its salesforce and otherwise assisting our distributor with its commercial activities in respect of our products, all of which may divert the focus of our personnel.

Previous wording

Our distribution arrangement includes tier-based transfer pricing on the covered products, which may adversely impact the margins that we achieve on sales of our products. If our distributor achieves commercial traction with our products, we may become reliant on our distributor through increased sales to customers. In addition, if we enter into a supply agreement or a services agreement as contemplated by our distribution and collaboration agreement, we may become dependent on the distributor in our efforts to service our customers and lower the costs of our products. In that event, we may suffer significant and adverse consequences to our business operations, sales, revenue, product margins and customer experience in the event our collaboration is terminated.

Current wording

Our distribution arrangement includes tier-based transfer pricing on the covered products, which may adversely impact the margins that we achieve on sales of our products. If our distributor achieves commercial traction with our products, we may become reliant on our distributor through increased sales to customers. In addition, if we enter into a supply agreement or a services agreement as contemplated by our Distribution Agreement, we may become dependent on the distributor in our efforts to service our customers and lower the costs of our products. In that event, we may suffer significant and adverse consequences to our business operations, sales, revenue, product margins and customer experience in the event our collaboration is terminated.

Previous wording

Repair or replacement costs due to warranties we provide on our Growth Direct systems could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Activities associated with repair or replacement of our products, including due to warranties we provide on our Growth Direct systems and consumables, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our standard terms and conditions for customers generally provide for a one-year limited assurance warranty on Growth Direct systems, which is included in the sales price. Existing and future warranties place us at the risk of incurring future repair or replacement costs. We establish our accrual for estimated warranty expenses based on historical information, current cost data and future forecasts. We exercise judgment in determining the expected product warranty costs, using estimated material, labor and other costs. While we believe that historical experience provides a reliable basis for estimating such warranty cost, unforeseen quality issues or component failure rates could result in future costs in excess of such estimates. As of December 31, 2024, we had an amount reserved for warranty costs of $0.5 million. Substantial amounts of warranty claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

In connection with the foregoing activities, we establish an accrual for estimated warranty expenses based on historical information, current cost data and future forecasts. We exercise judgment in establishing these reserves, which includes determining the expected product warranty costs using estimated material, labor and other costs, as well as the expected volume of repairs or replacements that we may make. While we believe that historical experience provides a reliable basis for estimating such costs, unforeseen quality issues or component failure rates could cause actual costs to exceed such estimates. As of December 31, 2025, we had $0.9 million reserved for warranty costs. The amounts that we accrue for estimated warranty expenses adversely impact our gross margins. Our warranty activity could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

•logistics and regulations associated with shipping systems and parts and components for systems and consumables, as well as transportation delays;

Current wording

•logistics and regulations associated with shipping systems and parts and components for systems and consumables, such as import and export controls that apply or may become applicable to our products, or changes in such controls that impact our ability to source, manufacture and deliver products to our customers, as well as transportation delays;

Previous wording

High inflation rates could negatively impact our revenues and profitability if increases in the prices of our Growth Direct systems or a decrease in customer spending results in lower sales. In addition, if our costs increase and we are not able to pass along these price increases to our customers, our net income would be adversely affected, and the adverse impact may be material.

Current wording

High inflation rates, and the potential for a change in macroeconomic conditions, could negatively impact our revenues and profitability if increases in the prices of our Growth Direct systems or a decrease in customer spending results in lower sales. In addition, if our costs increase and we are not able to pass along these price increases to our customers, our net income would be adversely affected, and the adverse impact may be material.

Previous wording

Increased inflation may result in decreased demand for our products and services, increased operating costs (including our labor costs), reduced liquidity, and limitations on our ability to access credit or otherwise raise debt and equity capital. In addition, the United States Federal Reserve has raised, and may again raise, interest rates in response to concerns about inflation. Increases in interest rates, especially if coupled with reduced government spending and volatility in financial markets, may have the effect of further increasing economic uncertainty and heightening these risks. In an inflationary environment, we may be unable to raise the sales prices of our products and services at or above the rate at which our costs increase, which could/would reduce our profit margins and have a material adverse effect on our financial results and net income. We also may experience lower than expected sales and potential adverse impacts on our competitive position if there is a decrease in spending by our customers or they have a negative reaction to our pricing. A reduction in our revenue would be detrimental to our profitability and financial condition and could also have an adverse impact on our future growth.

Current wording

Increased inflation, and the potential for a change in macroeconomic conditions, may result in decreased demand for our products and services, increased operating costs (including our labor costs), reduced liquidity, and limitations on our ability to access credit or otherwise raise debt and equity capital. Increases in interest rates, especially if coupled with reduced government spending and volatility in financial markets, may have the effect of further increasing economic uncertainty and heightening these risks. Recently imposed and potential future tariffs may have an inflationary effect on the prices of goods and services, including those that we utilize in the production of our products and delivery of our services. In a volatile economic environment, we may be unable to raise the sales prices of our products and services at or above the rate at which our costs increase, which could/would reduce our profit margins and have a material adverse effect on our financial results and net income. We also may experience lower than expected sales and potential adverse impacts on our competitive position if there is a decrease in capital spending by our customers or they have a negative reaction to our pricing. A reduction in our revenue would be detrimental to our profitability and financial condition and could also have an adverse impact on our future growth.

Previous wording

Our business could be adversely affected by unstable economic and political conditions within the United States and foreign jurisdictions, including as a result of an economic downturn and geopolitical events, such as changes in U.S. federal policy that affect the geopolitical landscape. Changes to policy implemented by the U.S. Congress, the Trump administration or any new administration have impacted and may in the future impact, among other things, the U.S. and global economy, international trade relations, unemployment, immigration, healthcare, taxation, the U.S. regulatory environment, inflation and other areas. For example, during the prior Trump administration, increased tariffs were implemented on goods imported into the U.S., particularly from China, Canada, and Mexico. On February 1, 2025, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, which were subsequently suspended for a period of one month, and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China. Historically, tariffs have led to increased trade and political tensions, between not only the U.S. and China, but also between the U.S. and other countries in the international community. In response to tariffs, other countries have implemented retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Political tensions as a result of trade policies could reduce trade volume, investment, technological exchange and other economic activities between major international economies, resulting in a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. Any changes in political, trade, regulatory, and economic conditions, including U.S. trade policies, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Until we know what policy changes are made, whether those policy changes are challenged and subsequently upheld by the court system and how those changes impact our business and the business of our competitors over the long term, we will not know if, overall, we will benefit from them or be negatively affected by them. The global credit and financial markets have also generally experienced severe volatility and disruptions in the past several years. A severe or prolonged economic downturn, such as the global financial crisis, could result in a variety of risks to our business, including our ability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. There can be no assurance that further deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will not occur.

Current wording

Political tensions as a result of trade policies could reduce trade volume, investment, technological exchange and other economic activities between major international economies, resulting in a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. Any changes in political, trade, regulatory, and economic conditions, including U.S. trade policies, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Tariffs may also have an inflationary effect on the prices of goods and services, including those that we utilize in the production of our products and delivery of our services. If we are unable to manage such inflationary pressures, such as by passing along price increases to our customers or reduce product costs or operating expenses in other areas of our business, our gross margins, cash position and other elements of our results of operations may suffer. The global credit and financial markets have also generally experienced severe volatility and disruptions. A severe or prolonged economic downturn, such as the global financial crisis, could result in a variety of risks to our business, including our ability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. There can be no assurance that further deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will not occur.

Previous wording

A weak or declining economy could also result in supply chain disruptions, volatile demand for our products, abrupt changes in our customers’ buying patterns, limitations on our customers’ access to financial resources and ability to satisfy obligations to us, or other adverse impacts to our ability to place our Growth Direct systems. Furthermore, although we do not have any customer or direct supplier relationships in Ukraine, Russia or the Middle East at this time, the ongoing military conflicts in those regions and related sanctions, as well as export controls or actions that may be initiated by nations including the United States, the European Union, Russia or other jurisdictions, and other potential uncertainties could adversely affect our business and/or our supply chain, business partners or customers. In the event geopolitical tensions fail to abate or deteriorate further, additional governmental sanctions may be enacted adversely impacting the global economy, its banking and monetary systems, markets or customers for our products.

Current wording

A weak or declining economy could also result in supply chain disruptions, volatile demand for our products, abrupt changes in our customers’ buying patterns, limitations on our customers’ access to financial resources and ability to satisfy obligations to us, or other adverse impacts to our ability to place our Growth Direct systems. Global geopolitical tensions and military conflicts could adversely affect our business and/or our supply chain, business partners or customers. In the event geopolitical tensions fail to abate or deteriorate further, additional governmental sanctions may be enacted adversely impacting the global economy, its banking and monetary systems, markets or customers for our products.