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Cytek Biosciences, Inc.

For the period ended Sep 30, 2025. Filed Nov 5, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Sep 30, 2025 · Filed Nov 5, 2025

CTKB$5.83+8.0%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-06-30; filed 2025-08-06.

0001628280-25-038422

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-09-30; filed 2025-11-05.

0001628280-25-049697

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 381 previous paragraphs and 380 current paragraphs.

353 unchanged; 23 reworded; 3 added; 3 removed; 2 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (3)

Current report

Disruptions at the FDA, the SEC, and other government agencies and regulatory authorities from funding cuts, personnel losses, regulatory reform, government shutdowns, and other developments could hinder their ability to hire and retain key leadership and other personnel, prevent new products and services from being developed or commercialized in a timely manner, or otherwise prevent those agencies from performing normal business functions on which the operation of our business may rely, which could negatively impact our business.

Current report

The ability of the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, their ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and statutory, regulatory, and policy changes. Average review times at the FDA have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of the SEC and other government agencies on which our operations may rely, including those that fund research and development activities, is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable.

Current report

Over the last several years, the U.S. government has shut down several times, including the ongoing government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025 and the government shutdown that lasted from December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019, and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the SEC, have had to furlough critical employees and stop critical activities. Even the threat of a government shutdown or prolonged budget negotiation uncertainty may adversely affect the broader U.S. economy, investor confidence, and capital markets. Such conditions could negatively impact the liquidity or trading volume of our securities and our customers’ ability to finance and/or purchase our products. Accordingly, a federal government shutdown—or uncertainty regarding the continuity of government operations—could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and stock price.
Removed paragraphs (3)

Previous report

Trade disputes, tariffs, restrictions and other political tensions between the United States and other countries may also exacerbate unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary pressures, foreign exchange volatility, financial market instability, and economic recessions or downturns. The ultimate impact of current or future tariffs and trade restrictions remains uncertain and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and prospects. While we actively monitor these risks, any prolonged economic downturn, escalation in trade tensions, or deterioration in international perception of U.S.-based companies could materially and adversely affect our business, ability to access the capital markets or other financing sources, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. In addition, tariffs and other trade developments have and may continue to heighten the risks related to the other risk factors described in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Previous report

In addition, we may offer and sell up to$150 million shares of common stock registered under our universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 pursuant to the sales agreement (“Sales Agreement”) with Piper Sandler & Co.

Previous report

(“Piper”) as sales agent in one or more “at the market” offerings. To date, we have not made any sales of common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement. The extent to which we utilize the Sales Agreement with Piper as a source of funding will depend on a number of factors, including the prevailing market price of our common stock, general market conditions and other restrictions and the extent to which we are able to secure funds from other sources.
Reworded paragraphs (23)

Previous wording

•We are highly dependent on a limited number of product offerings. Our revenue has been primarily generated from sales of our core Cytek Aurora, Northern Lights and Aurora cell sorter (“Aurora CS”) systems, which require a substantial sales cycle and are prone to quarterly fluctuations in revenue.

Current wording

•We are highly dependent on a limited number of product offerings. Our revenue has been primarily generated from sales of our core Cytek Aurora, Cytek Aurora Evo, Northern Lights and Cytek Aurora cell sorter (“Cytek Aurora CS”) systems, which require a substantial sales cycle and are prone to quarterly fluctuations in revenue.

Previous wording

•We currently rely on single source suppliers and, in some cases, sole source suppliers, for certain components and materials used in our systems and, other than our agreement with Coherent NA, Inc. (“Coherent”), we do not currently have long-term supply contracts with our sole and single source suppliers of key components. As a result, we may not be able to find replacements or immediately transition to alternative suppliers, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

•We currently rely on single source suppliers and, in some cases, sole source suppliers, for certain components and materials used in our systems and, other than our agreement with Coherent NA, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Coherent”), we do not currently have long-term supply contracts with our sole and single source suppliers of key components. As a result, we may not be able to find replacements or immediately transition to alternative suppliers, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

•Concentration of ownership of our common stock among our executive officers, directors, principal stockholders and their respective affiliates may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions. Based on shares outstanding as of June 30, 2025, our executive officers, directors, holders of 5% or more of our common stock and their respective affiliates (based on filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)), in the aggregate, own approximately 39.3% of our common stock. These stockholders, acting together, will be able to significantly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election and removal of directors and any merger or other significant corporate transaction.

Current wording

•Concentration of ownership of our common stock among our executive officers, directors, principal stockholders and their respective affiliates may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions. Based on shares outstanding as of September 30, 2025, our executive officers, directors, holders of 5% or more of our common stock and their respective affiliates (based on filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)), in the aggregate, own approximately 39.2% of our common stock. These stockholders, acting together, will be able to significantly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election and removal of directors and any merger or other significant corporate transaction.

Previous wording

We are highly dependent on a limited number of product offerings. Our revenue has been primarily generated from sales of our core Cytek Aurora, Northern Lights and Aurora CS systems, which require a substantial sales cycle and are prone to quarterly fluctuations in revenue.

Current wording

We are highly dependent on a limited number of product offerings. Our revenue has been primarily generated from sales of our core Cytek Aurora, Northern Lights, Cytek Aurora CS, and Cytek Aurora Evo systems, which require a substantial sales cycle and are prone to quarterly fluctuations in revenue.

Previous wording

Sales of the Cytek Aurora, Northern Lights and Aurora CS systems together accounted for a substantial portion of our revenue for the periods presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We expect that, for at least the foreseeable future, sales of our Cytek Aurora, Northern Lights and Aurora CS systems will continue to account for a substantial portion of our revenue. The sales cycle for our instruments is slow and can take up to six months or longer to complete. As a result of this lengthy and unpredictable sales cycle, we will be prone to quarterly fluctuations in our revenue as sales of the Cytek Aurora, Northern Lights and Aurora CS systems are expected to continue to comprise a significant component of our revenue. Additionally, we experience seasonality in our business, with revenue in the fourth quarter typically being higher as a result of higher sales volume. Quarterly fluctuations may make it difficult for us to predict our future operating results. Consequently, comparisons of our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful. Investors should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future performance.

Current wording

Sales of the Cytek Aurora, Northern Lights, Cytek Aurora CS, and Cytek Aurora Evo systems together accounted for a substantial portion of our revenue for the periods presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We expect that, for at least the foreseeable future, sales of our Cytek Aurora, Northern Lights, Cytek Aurora CS, and Cytek Aurora Evo systems will continue to account for a substantial portion of our revenue. The sales cycle for our instruments is slow and can take up to six months or longer to complete. As a result of this lengthy and unpredictable sales cycle, we will be prone to quarterly fluctuations in our revenue as sales of the Cytek Aurora, Northern Lights, Cytek Aurora CS, and Cytek Aurora Evo systems are expected to continue to comprise a significant component of our revenue. Additionally, we experience seasonality in our business, with revenue in the fourth quarter typically being higher as a result of higher sales volume. Quarterly fluctuations may make it difficult for us to predict our future operating results. Consequently, comparisons of our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful. Investors should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future performance.

Previous wording

We have sourced and will continue to source certain components of the Cytek Aurora, Cytek Northern Lights, Cytek Aurora CS and Cytek Aurora Evo systems from a limited number of suppliers and, in some cases, sole source suppliers. Key components in our products that are supplied by sole or single source suppliers include certain lasers and semiconductors that are used in our optical, electrical and fluidic subassemblies. On August 25, 2021, we and Cytek (Wuxi) Biosciences Co., Ltd, our Wuxi, China subsidiary (“Cytek Wuxi”), entered into a Supply Agreement (the “Coherent Agreement”) with Coherent. Pursuant to the Coherent Agreement, Coherent has agreed to sell and supply to us and Cytek Wuxi, on a non-exclusive basis, laser products manufactured by Coherent. We and Cytek Wuxi provide Coherent with rolling forecasts of our and Cytek Wuxi’s anticipated orders, which are non-binding. Purchase orders submitted by us and Cytek Wuxi pursuant to the terms of the Coherent Agreement will be deemed accepted upon written acknowledgement of acceptance by Coherent. Other than the Coherent Agreement, we do not currently have long-term supply contracts with our sole and single source suppliers of key components. Additionally, we believe we are not a major customer to most of our suppliers. Our suppliers may therefore give other customers’ needs higher priority than ours, and we may not be able to obtain adequate supply in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms. While we are in the process of qualifying additional sources of supply, qualifications can take 12 to 24 months and, in some cases, longer. If we were to lose one or more of our sole or single source suppliers, it would take significant time and effort to qualify alternative suppliers, if available. Moreover, in the event that we transition to a new supplier, particularly from any of our single source suppliers, doing so could be time-consuming and expensive, may result in interruptions in our ability to supply our products to the market and could affect the performance of our products, resulting in increased costs and negative customer perception.

Current wording

We have sourced and will continue to source certain components of the Cytek Aurora, Cytek Northern Lights, Cytek Aurora CS and Cytek Aurora Evo systems from a limited number of suppliers and, in some cases, sole source suppliers. Key components in our products that are supplied by sole or single source suppliers include certain lasers and semiconductors that are used in our optical, electrical and fluidic subassemblies. On August 25, 2021, we and Cytek (Wuxi) Biosciences Co., Ltd, our Wuxi, China subsidiary (“Cytek Wuxi”), entered into a Supply Agreement with Coherent, which was amended on August 12, 2025 by Contract Amendment No. 1 (as amended, the “Coherent Agreement”) to extend the term, update pricing, and add our Singapore subsidiary, Cytek Biosciences Pte. Ltd. (“Cytek Singapore”), as a party to the agreement. Pursuant to the Coherent Agreement, Coherent has agreed to sell and supply to us, Cytek Wuxi, and Cytek Singapore, on a non-exclusive basis, laser products manufactured by Coherent. We, Cytek Wuxi, and Cytek Singapore provide Coherent with rolling forecasts of our anticipated orders, which are non-binding. Purchase orders submitted by us, Cytek Wuxi, and Cytek Singapore pursuant to the terms of the Coherent Agreement will be deemed accepted upon written acknowledgement of acceptance by Coherent. Other than the Coherent Agreement, we do not currently have long-term supply contracts with our sole and single source suppliers of key components. Additionally, we believe we are not a major customer to most of our suppliers. Our suppliers may therefore give other customers’ needs higher priority than ours, and we may not be able to obtain adequate supply in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms. While we are in the process of qualifying additional sources of supply, qualifications can take 12 to 24 months and, in some cases, longer. If we were to lose one or more of our sole or single source suppliers, it would take significant time and effort to qualify alternative suppliers, if available. Moreover, in the event that we transition to a new supplier, particularly from any of our single source suppliers, doing so could be time-consuming and expensive, may result in interruptions in our ability to supply our products to the market and could affect the performance of our products, resulting in increased costs and negative customer perception.

Previous wording

We operate in a global economy, which includes utilizing third-party suppliers in several countries outside the United States. There is inherent risk, based on the complex relationships among the U.S. and the countries in which we conduct our business, that political, diplomatic, and national security factors can lead to global trade restrictions and changes in trade policies and export regulations that may adversely affect our business and operations. The current international trade and regulatory environment is subject to significant ongoing uncertainty. The U.S. government has recently announced substantial new tariffs affecting a wide range of products and jurisdictions and has indicated an intention to continue developing new trade policies. In response, certain foreign governments have announced or implemented retaliatory tariffs against U.S. goods and other non-tariff protectionist measures, such as procurement preferences or informal disincentives to engage with, purchase from or invest in U.S. entities, which may limit our ability to compete internationally and attract non-U.S. investment, employees, customers and suppliers. Foreign governments may also take other retaliatory actions against U.S. entities, such as decreased intellectual property protection, increased enforcement actions, or delays in regulatory approvals, which may result in heightened international legal and operational risks. In addition, the United States and other governments have imposed and may continue to impose additional sanctions, such as trade restrictions or trade barriers, which could restrict us from doing business directly or indirectly in or with certain countries or parties and may impose additional costs and complexity to our business. These developments have created a dynamic and unpredictable trade landscape, which may adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

Current wording

We operate in a global economy, which includes utilizing third-party suppliers in several countries outside the United States. There is inherent risk, based on the complex relationships among the United States and the countries in which we conduct our business, that political, diplomatic, and national security factors can lead to global trade restrictions and changes in trade policies and export regulations that may adversely affect our business and operations. The current international trade and regulatory environment is subject to significant ongoing uncertainty. In 2025, the U.S. government announced substantial new tariffs affecting a wide range of products and jurisdictions and has indicated an intention to continue developing new trade policies. In response, certain foreign governments have announced or implemented retaliatory tariffs against U.S. goods and other non-tariff protectionist measures, such as procurement preferences or informal disincentives to engage with, purchase from or invest in U.S. entities, which may limit our ability to compete internationally and attract non-U.S. investment, employees, customers and suppliers. Foreign governments may also take other retaliatory actions against U.S. entities, such as decreased intellectual property protection, increased enforcement actions, or delays in regulatory approvals, which may result in heightened international legal and operational risks. In addition, the United States and other governments have imposed and may continue to impose additional sanctions, such as trade restrictions or trade barriers, which could restrict us from doing business directly or indirectly in or with certain countries or parties and may impose additional costs and complexity to our business. These developments have created a dynamic and unpredictable trade landscape, which may adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

Previous wording

The imposition of tariffs and trade restrictions as a result of international trade disputes or changes in trade policies may adversely affect our sales and profitability. For example, our components are subject to the most recent tariffs, which may increase our manufacturing costs and could make our products less competitive than those of our competitors whose inputs are not subject to these tariffs. These tariffs, and the related geopolitical uncertainty between the United States and China, may cause decreased demand for our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. For example, certain of our foreign customers may respond to the imposition of tariffs or threat of tariffs on products we produce by delaying purchase orders or purchasing products from our competitors. Ongoing international trade disputes and changes in trade policies could also impact economic activity and lead to a general contraction of customer demand. In addition, tariffs on components that we may import from China or other nations will adversely affect our profitability unless we are able to exclude such components from the tariffs or we raise prices for our products, which may result in our products becoming less attractive relative to products offered by our competitors. In addition, certain Chinese biotechnology companies and contract manufacturing organizations may become subject to trade restrictions, sanctions, other regulatory requirements, or proposed legislation by the U.S. government, which could restrict or even prohibit our ability to work with such entities, thereby potentially disrupting the supply of material to our Wuxi facility. Such disruption could have adverse effects on the development of our product candidates and our business operations. Future actions or escalations by either the United States or China that affect trade relations may also negatively affect our business, or that of our suppliers or customers, and we cannot provide any assurances as to whether such actions will occur or the form that they may take. To the extent that our sales or profitability are negatively affected by any such tariffs or other trade actions, our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

The imposition of tariffs and trade restrictions as a result of international trade disputes or changes in trade policies may adversely affect our sales and profitability. For example, our components are subject to the tariffs imposed in 2025, which may increase our manufacturing costs and could make our products less competitive than those of our competitors whose inputs are not subject to these tariffs. These tariffs, and the related geopolitical uncertainty between the United States and China, may cause decreased demand for our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. For example, certain of our foreign customers may respond to the imposition of tariffs or threat of tariffs on products we produce by delaying purchase orders or purchasing products from our competitors. Ongoing international trade disputes and changes in trade policies could also impact economic activity and lead to a general contraction of customer demand. In addition, tariffs on components that we may import from China or other nations will adversely affect our profitability unless we are able to exclude such components from the tariffs or we raise prices for our products, which may result in our products becoming less attractive relative to products offered by our competitors. In addition, certain Chinese biotechnology companies and contract manufacturing organizations may become subject to trade restrictions, sanctions, other regulatory requirements, or proposed legislation by the U.S. government, which could restrict or even prohibit our ability to work with such entities, thereby potentially disrupting the supply of material to our Wuxi facility. Such disruption could have adverse effects on the development of our product candidates and our business operations. Future actions or escalations by either the United States or China that affect trade relations may also negatively affect our business, or that of our suppliers or customers, and we cannot provide any assurances as to whether such actions will occur or the form that they may take. To the extent that our sales or profitability are negatively affected by any such tariffs or other trade actions, our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our customer base includes academic and government institutions, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical research organizations and clinical laboratories focused on cell analysis. Approximately 48% and 43% of our revenue came from sales to academic and government-owned institutions and 52% and 57% of our revenue came from sales to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, distributors and CROs in the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our success will depend upon our ability to increase our market penetration. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to further penetrate our existing markets or that these markets will be able to sustain our current and future product and service offerings. Any failure to increase penetration in our existing markets would adversely affect our ability to improve our operating results.

Current wording

Our customer base includes academic and government institutions, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical research organizations and clinical laboratories focused on cell analysis. Approximately 34% and 41% of our revenue came from sales to academic and government-owned institutions and 66% and 59% of our revenue came from sales to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, distributors and CROs in the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our success will depend upon our ability to increase our market penetration. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to further penetrate our existing markets or that these markets will be able to sustain our current and future product and service offerings. Any failure to increase penetration in our existing markets would adversely affect our ability to improve our operating results.

Previous wording

Approximately 48% and 43% of our revenue came from sales to academic and government-owned institutions in the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Much of their funding was, in turn, provided by various state, federal and foreign government agencies. In the near term, we expect that a large portion of our revenue will continue to be derived from sales to academic and government-owned institutions. As a result, the demand for our solutions may depend upon the research and development budgets of these customers, which are impacted by factors beyond our control, such as:

Current wording

Approximately 34% and 41% of our revenue came from sales to academic and government-owned institutions in the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Much of their funding was, in turn, provided by various state, federal and foreign government agencies. In the near term, we expect that a large portion of our revenue will continue to be derived from sales to academic and government-owned institutions. As a result, the demand for our solutions may depend upon the research and development budgets of these customers, which are impacted by factors beyond our control, such as:

Previous wording

In addition, various state, federal and foreign agencies that have traditionally provided grants and other funding for basic research, research and development, and clinical testing have been and may be subject to further stringent budgetary constraints that could result in spending reductions, reduced grant making, reduced allocations or budget cutbacks, including as a result of negative or worsening conditions in the general economy, which could jeopardize the ability of these customers, or the customers to whom they provide funding, to purchase our solutions. Recent U.S. government actions have included, among other things, suspending, terminating and withholding of disbursements of funds owed under ongoing contracts, grants, and other financial assistance agreements; declining to continue multi-year research projects for additional annual budget periods; canceling or delaying solicitations for new contract, grant and other financial assistance awards; canceling or delaying proposal evaluation processes and issuance of such new awards; substantially reducing federal agency staff responsible for managing contract and financial assistance programs; eliminating agency information and resources for facilitating research activity; delaying or terminating federal agency procedures for authorizing international transactions; initiating aggressive enforcement actions that may disrupt the operations of major research universities that are significant contributors to life sciences research in the U.S., and threatening access to federal agency contracts and other funding awards based on companies’ otherwise lawful corporate policies and choice of counsel. For example, the Trump Administration is seeking to reduce research funding by the NIH for medical research. If the funding is reduced for studies related to the medical indications on which we are focused or on which researchers were or may have been considering applying for federal grants, our research and development initiatives could be delayed or otherwise affected. There is no guarantee that NIH appropriations will not decrease or halt in the future. A decrease in the amount of or halt of, or delay in the approval of, appropriations to NIH or other similar United States or foreign organizations, such as the Medical Research Council in the United Kingdom, could result in fewer grants benefiting life sciences research. These reductions or delays could also result in a decrease in the aggregate amount of grants awarded for life sciences research or the redirection of existing funding to other projects or priorities, any of which in turn could cause our customers and potential customers to reduce or delay purchases of our solutions. Our operating results may fluctuate substantially due to any such reductions and delays. Any decrease in our customers’ budgets or expenditures, or in the size, scope or frequency of their capital or operating expenditures, could materially and adversely affect our busines…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

In addition, various state, federal and foreign agencies that have traditionally provided grants and other funding for basic research, research and development, and clinical testing have been and may be subject to further stringent budgetary constraints that could result in spending reductions, reduced grant making, reduced allocations or budget cutbacks, including as a result of negative or worsening conditions in the general economy, which could jeopardize the ability of these customers, or the customers to whom they provide funding, to purchase our solutions. Recent U.S. government actions have included, among other things, suspending, terminating and withholding of disbursements of funds owed under ongoing contracts, grants, and other financial assistance agreements; declining to continue multi-year research projects for additional annual budget periods; canceling or delaying solicitations for new contract, grant and other financial assistance awards; canceling or delaying proposal evaluation processes and issuance of such new awards; substantially reducing federal agency staff responsible for managing contract and financial assistance programs; eliminating agency information and resources for facilitating research activity; delaying or terminating federal agency procedures for authorizing international transactions; initiating aggressive enforcement actions that may disrupt the operations of major research universities that are significant contributors to life sciences research in the United States., and threatening access to federal agency contracts and other funding awards based on companies’ otherwise lawful corporate policies and choice of counsel. For example, the Trump Administration is seeking to reduce research funding by the NIH for medical research. If the funding is reduced for studies related to the medical indications on which we are focused or on which researchers were or may have been considering applying for federal grants, our research and development initiatives could be delayed or otherwise affected. There is no guarantee that NIH appropriations will not decrease or halt in the future. A decrease in the amount of or halt of, or delay in the approval of, appropriations to NIH or other similar United States or foreign organizations, such as the Medical Research Council in the United Kingdom, could result in fewer grants benefiting life sciences research. These reductions or delays could also result in a decrease in the aggregate amount of grants awarded for life sciences research or the redirection of existing funding to other projects or priorities, any of which in turn could cause our customers and potential customers to reduce or delay purchases of our solutions. Our operating results may fluctuate substantially due to any such reductions and delays. Any decrease in our customers’ budgets or expenditures, or in the size, scope or frequency of their capital or operating expenditures, could materially and adversely affect o…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

We provide a one-year assurance-type warranty on our instruments. Existing and future warranties place us at the risk of incurring future repair and/or replacement costs. At the time revenue is recognized, we establish an accrual for estimated warranty expenses based on historical data and trends of product reliability and costs of repairing and replacing defective products. We exercise judgment in estimating the expected product warranty costs, using data such as the actual and projected product failure rates, estimated repair costs, freight, material, labor and overhead 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, or alternatively, improved quality and reliability in our products and consumables could result in actual expenses that are below those currently estimated. As of June 30, 2025, we had accrued approximately $1.7 million in expenses relating to product warranty accruals. Substantial amounts of warranty claims could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We provide a one-year assurance-type warranty on our instruments. Existing and future warranties place us at the risk of incurring future repair and/or replacement costs. At the time revenue is recognized, we establish an accrual for estimated warranty expenses based on historical data and trends of product reliability and costs of repairing and replacing defective products. We exercise judgment in estimating the expected product warranty costs, using data such as the actual and projected product failure rates, estimated repair costs, freight, material, labor and overhead 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, or alternatively, improved quality and reliability in our products and consumables could result in actual expenses that are below those currently estimated. As of September 30, 2025, we had accrued approximately $1.5 million in expenses relating to product warranty accruals. Substantial amounts of warranty claims could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We rely on a significant base of peer-reviewed publications to showcase and validate the importance and application of our technology in academic and clinical research settings. As of June 30, 2025, there have been more than 2,800 peer-reviewed articles published since our first commercial launch in 2017, including many published in prominent journals, using data generated by our technology across a wide range of key scientific research areas, including immunology and inflammation, infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, oncology and others. We believe that expanding the base of these publications, and otherwise developing and maintaining awareness of our brand in a cost-effective manner is critical to achieving broad acceptance of our solutions and attracting new customers. Such publications and other brand promotion activities may not generate customer awareness or increase revenue and, even if they do, any increase in revenue may not offset the costs and expenses we incur in building our brand. If we fail to successfully promote, maintain and protect our brand, we may fail to attract or retain the customers necessary to realize a sufficient return on our brand-building efforts, or to achieve the widespread brand awareness that is critical for broad customer adoption of our solutions.

Current wording

We rely on a significant base of peer-reviewed publications to showcase and validate the importance and application of our technology in academic and clinical research settings. As of September 30, 2025, there have been more than 3,200 peer-reviewed articles published relating to our FSP products since our first commercial launch in 2017, including many published in prominent journals, using data generated by our technology across a wide range of key scientific research areas, including immunology and inflammation, infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, oncology and others. We believe that expanding the base of these publications, and otherwise developing and maintaining awareness of our brand in a cost-effective manner is critical to achieving broad acceptance of our solutions and attracting new customers. Such publications and other brand promotion activities may not generate customer awareness or increase revenue and, even if they do, any increase in revenue may not offset the costs and expenses we incur in building our brand. If we fail to successfully promote, maintain and protect our brand, we may fail to attract or retain the customers necessary to realize a sufficient return on our brand-building efforts, or to achieve the widespread brand awareness that is critical for broad customer adoption of our solutions.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2025, we had 688 full-time employees. As our sales and marketing strategies develop, we expect to need additional managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial and other personnel. Future growth would impose significant added responsibilities on members of management, including:

Current wording

As of September 30, 2025, we had 692 full-time employees. As our sales and marketing strategies develop, we expect to need additional managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial and other personnel. Future growth would impose significant added responsibilities on members of management, including:

Previous wording

In addition to selling our products internationally directly through our sales teams, we currently engage third parties outside of the United States, and may engage additional third parties outside of the United States, to sell our products internationally and to obtain necessary permits, licenses, patent registrations and other regulatory approvals. We have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or government-affiliated hospitals, universities and other organizations. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of our employees, agents, contractors and other third-party collaborators, even if we do not explicitly authorize or have actual knowledge of such activities. Any violations of the laws and regulations described above may result in substantial civil and criminal fines and penalties, imprisonment, the loss of export or import privileges, debarment, tax reassessments, breach of contract and fraud litigation, reputational harm, and other consequences.

Current wording

In addition to selling our products internationally directly through our sales teams, we currently engage third parties outside of the United States, and may engage additional third parties outside of the United States, to sell our products internationally and to obtain necessary permits, licenses, patent registrations and other regulatory approvals. We have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or government-affiliated hospitals, universities and other organizations. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of our employees, agents, contractors and other third-party collaborators, even if we do not explicitly authorize or have actual knowledge of

Previous wording

Including rights acquired in connection with the FCI Acquisition, as of June 30, 2025, we own 37 issued U.S. utility patents, ten issued Japan utility patents, seven issued European utility patents, four issued China utility patents, one Canada utility patent, one India utility patent, two Australian utility patents, andthree Singapore utility patents. We have 75 pending utility patent applications, including 49 utility patent applications in the United States, two international utility patent applications, ten utility patent applications in the European Union, nine utility patent applications in China, andfive utility patent applications in Japan. Assuming all maintenance fees are paid, the U.S. issued patents are expected to naturally expire between years 2025 and 2038. Additionally, patents covering intellectual property relating to design specific technologies invented by our researchers in Shanghai and Wuxi, China are filed in China and owned by our China subsidiaries, respectively. As of June 30, 2025, our Shanghai subsidiary owns 12 issued utility patents andeight issued invention patents and hastwo pending invention patent applications, and our Wuxi subsidiary owns 42 issued patents and hasseven pending invention patent applications andone pending utility patent application.

Current wording

Including rights acquired in connection with the FCI Acquisition, as of September 30, 2025, we own 39 issued U.S. utility patents, ten issued Japan utility patents, seven issued European utility patents, four issued China utility patents, one Canada utility patent, one India utility patent, two Australian utility patents, andthree Singapore utility patents. We have 73 pending utility patent applications, including 46 utility patent applications in the United States, three international utility patent applications, ten utility patent applications in the European Union, nine utility patent applications in China, andfive utility patent applications in Japan. Assuming all maintenance fees are paid, the U.S. issued patents are expected to naturally expire between years 2025 and 2038. Additionally, patents covering intellectual property relating to design specific technologies invented by our researchers in Shanghai and Wuxi, China are filed in China and owned by our China subsidiaries, respectively. As of September 30, 2025, our Shanghai subsidiary owns 12 issued utility patents andeight issued invention patents and hastwo pending invention patent applications, and our Wuxi subsidiary owns 42 issued utility patents andone issued invention patent and hasfive pending utility patent applications andeight pending invention patent applications.

Previous wording

Patents have a limited lifespan. In the United States, the natural expiration of a utility patent is generally 20 years after its effective filing date and the natural expiration of a design patent is generally 14 years after its issue date, unless the filing date occurred on or after May 13, 2015, in which case the natural expiration of a design patent is generally 15 years after its issue date. However, the actual protection afforded by a patent varies from country to country, and depends upon many factors, including the type of patent, the scope of its coverage, the availability of regulatory-related extensions, the availability of legal remedies in a particular country and the validity and enforceability of the patent. The laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States, and we may encounter significant problems in protecting our proprietary rights in these countries. Various extensions may be available;

Current wording

Patents have a limited lifespan. In the United States, the natural expiration of a utility patent is generally 20 years after its effective filing date and the natural expiration of a design patent is generally 14 years after its issue date, unless the filing date occurred on or after May 13, 2015, in which case the natural expiration of a design patent is generally 15 years after its issue date. However, the actual protection afforded by a patent varies from country to country, and depends upon many factors, including the type of patent, the scope of its coverage, the availability of regulatory-related extensions, the availability of legal remedies in a particular country and the validity and enforceability of the patent. The laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States, and we may encounter significant problems in protecting our proprietary rights in these countries. Various extensions may be available; however, the life of a patent, and the protection it affords, is limited. Without patent protection for our current and any future products and services, we may be open to competition, which may harm our business prospects. Further, if we encounter delays in our development efforts, the period of time during which we could market our current and any future products and services under patent protection would be reduced and, given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of planned or future products, patents protecting our current and any future products might expire before or shortly after such products are commercialized. As our patents expire, the scope of our patent protection will be reduced, which may reduce or eliminate any competitive advantage afforded by our patent portfolio. As a result, our patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to ours.

Previous wording

As is common in the life sciences industry, our employees, consultants and advisors may be currently or previously employed or engaged at universities or other life sciences companies, including our competitors and potential competitors. Although we try to ensure that our employees, consultants and advisors do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, we may in the future become subject to claims that we or these people have, inadvertently or otherwise, used or disclosed intellectual property, including trade secrets or other proprietary information, of their current or former employer. Also, we may in the future be subject to claims that these people are violating non-compete agreements with their former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.

Current wording

Although we try to ensure that our employees, consultants and advisors do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, we may in the future become subject to claims that we or these people have, inadvertently or otherwise, used or disclosed intellectual property, including trade secrets or other proprietary information, of their current or former employer. Also, we may in the future be subject to claims that these people are violating non-compete agreements with their former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.

Previous wording

We use open source software in connection with the software integrated in our instruments. Companies that incorporate open source software into their products have, from time to time, faced claims challenging their use of open source software and compliance with open source license terms. As a result, we could be subject to lawsuits by parties claiming ownership of what we believe to be open source software or claiming noncompliance with open source licensing terms. Some open source software licenses require users who distribute software containing open source software to publicly disclose all or part of the source code to the licensee’s software that incorporates, links or uses such open source software, and make available to third parties for no cost, any derivative works of the open source code created by the licensee, which could include the licensee’s own valuable proprietary code. While we monitor our use of open source software and try to ensure that none is used in a manner that would require us to disclose our proprietary source code or that would otherwise breach the terms of an open source agreement, such use could inadvertently occur, or could be claimed to have occurred, in part because open source license terms are often ambiguous. There is little legal precedent in this area and any actual or claimed requirement to disclose our proprietary source code or pay damages for breach of contract could harm our business and could help third parties, including our competitors, develop products and services that are similar to or better than ours. Any of the foregoing could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Current wording

We use open source software in connection with the software integrated in our instruments as well as our Cytek Cloud software. Companies that incorporate open source software into their products have, from time to time, faced claims challenging their use of open source software and compliance with open source license terms. As a result, we could be subject to lawsuits by parties claiming ownership of what we believe to be open source software or claiming noncompliance with open source licensing terms. Some open source software licenses require users who distribute software containing open source software to publicly disclose all or part of the source code to the licensee’s software that incorporates, links or uses such open source software, and make available to third parties for no cost, any derivative works of the open source code created by the licensee, which could include the licensee’s own valuable proprietary code. While we monitor our use of open source software and try to ensure that none is used in a manner that would require us to disclose our proprietary source code or that would otherwise breach the terms of an open source agreement, such use could inadvertently occur, or could be claimed to have occurred, in part because open source license terms are often ambiguous. There is little legal precedent in this area and any actual or claimed requirement to disclose our proprietary source code or pay damages for breach of contract could harm our business and could help third parties, including our competitors, develop products and services that are similar to or better than ours. Any of the foregoing could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Previous wording

We have also filed a registration statement to register shares reserved for future issuance under our equity compensation plans. As a result, subject to the satisfaction of applicable exercise periods and applicable volume and restrictions that apply to affiliates, the shares issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options or upon settlement of outstanding restricted stock unit awards are available for immediate resale in the United States in the open market.

Current wording

We have filed a registration statement to register shares reserved for future issuance under our equity compensation plans. As a result, subject to the satisfaction of applicable exercise periods and applicable volume and restrictions that apply to affiliates, the shares issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options or upon settlement of outstanding restricted stock unit awards are available for immediate resale in the United States in the open market.

Previous wording

Based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2025, our executive officers, directors, holders of 5% or more of our common stock and their respective affiliates (based on filings with the SEC), in the aggregate, own approximately 39.3% of our common stock. These stockholders, acting together, will be able to significantly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election and removal of directors and any merger or other significant corporate transactions. The interests of this group of stockholders may not coincide with the interests of other stockholders. For example, because many of these stockholders purchased their shares at prices substantially below the current market price of our shares and have held their shares for a longer period, they may be more interested in selling our company to an acquirer than other investors, or they may want us to pursue strategies that deviate from the interests of other stockholders.

Current wording

Based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2025, our executive officers, directors, holders of 5% or more of our common stock and their respective affiliates (based on filings with the SEC), in the aggregate, own approximately 39.2% of our common stock. These stockholders, acting together, will be able to significantly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election and removal of directors and any merger or other significant corporate transactions. The interests of this group of stockholders may not coincide with the interests of other stockholders. For example, because many of these stockholders purchased their shares at prices substantially below the current market price of our shares and have held their shares for a longer period, they may be more interested in selling our company to an acquirer than other investors, or they may want us to pursue strategies that deviate from the interests of other stockholders.

Previous wording

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.

Current wording

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our

Previous wording

The rules dealing with U.S. federal, state and local income taxation are constantly under review by the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Treasury Department and other governmental bodies. Changes to tax laws (which changes may have retroactive application) could adversely affect us or holders of our common stock. In recent years, many such changes have been made and changes are likely to continue to occur in the future. Future changes in tax laws could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow. For instance, legislation commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “OBBBA”), enacted on July 4, 2025, makes significant changes to the U.S. tax laws. For example, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, the OBBBA restores the tax deductibility of domestic research and experimental expenditures in the year incurred, which expenses had been required under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to be capitalized and subsequently amortized over five years. The OBBBA did not change the tax treatment of expenses incurred in research and development activities conducted outside the United States, which expenses continue to be required to be capitalized and amortized over 15 years. We are currently evaluating the impact of the OBBBA on our consolidated financial statements, including the effects on its deferred tax assets and liabilities. The impact of the OBBBA will be reflected in our interim financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ending

Current wording

The rules dealing with U.S. federal, state and local income taxation are constantly under review by the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Treasury Department and other governmental bodies. Changes to tax laws (which changes may have retroactive application) could adversely affect us or holders of our common stock. In recent years, many such changes have been made and changes are likely to continue to occur in the future. Future changes in tax laws could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow. For instance, legislation commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “OBBBA”), enacted on July 4, 2025, makes significant changes to the U.S. tax laws. For example, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, the OBBBA restores the tax deductibility of domestic research and experimental expenditures in the year incurred, which expenses had been required under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to be capitalized and subsequently amortized over five years. The OBBBA did not change the tax treatment of expenses incurred in research and development activities conducted outside the United States, which expenses continue to be required to be capitalized and amortized over 15 years. We continue to evaluate the impact of the OBBBA on our consolidated financial statements, including the effects on our deferred tax assets and liabilities. The provisions of the OBBBA provide that the Company is no longer required to capitalize domestic research and development expenses in 2025, which has resulted in the Company forecasting a taxable loss for the fiscal year and a corresponding elimination of taxpayer favorable permanent deductions for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income and Foreign Derived Intangible Income, causing an increase in the effective tax rate. In addition, there will be an impact in future years due to changes in these two deductions that are not expected to have a material impact to the Company. We urge investors to consult with their legal and tax advisers regarding the implication of potential changes in tax laws on an investment in our common stock.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

As is common in the life sciences industry, our employees, consultants and advisors may be currently or previously employed or engaged at universities or other life sciences companies, including our competitors and potential competitors.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (2)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

however, the life of a patent, and the protection it affords, is limited. Without patent protection for our current and any future products and services, we may be open to competition, which may harm our business prospects. Further, if we encounter delays in our development efforts, the period of time during which we could market our current and any future products and services under patent protection would be reduced and, given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of planned or future products, patents protecting our current and any future products might expire before or shortly after such products are commercialized. As our patents expire, the scope of our patent protection will be reduced, which may reduce or eliminate any competitive advantage afforded by our patent portfolio. As a result, our patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to ours.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

September 30, 2025, the period in which the OBBBA was enacted. We urge investors to consult with their legal and tax advisers regarding the implication of potential changes in tax laws on an investment in our common stock.