Q12026 Cytek BioSciences Inc Earnings Call

May 7, 2026

Speaker #1: Sciences, first quarter 2026 earnings conference call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session.

Operator: I will now turn the conference over to Paul Goodson, Head of Investor Relations. You may begin.

Speaker #1: If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star, followed by the number 1 on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, press star 1 again.

Speaker #1: I will now turn the conference over to Paul Goodson, Head of Investor Relations. You may begin.

Operator: 2026 earnings conference call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks there wil be an question-and -answer session.I will now turn the conference over to Paul Goodson, Head of Investor Relations. You may begin.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Operator. Earlier today, Cytek Biosciences released financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. If you haven't received this news release, or if you'd like to be added to the company's distribution list, please send an email to investors@cytekbio.com.

Paul Goodson: Thank you, operator. Earlier today, Cytek Biosciences released financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2026. If you haven't received this news release or if you'd like to be added to the company's distribution list, please send an email to investors@cytekbio.com. A copy of the news release is also available on the investor relations section of Cytek's website at investors.cytekbio.com. Please note that we will be referencing a slide presentation during the call today that has been posted to the investors section of our corporate website. Joining me today from Cytek are Wenbin Jiang, CEO, and Bill McComb, CFO. As a reminder, on slide 2, we will make statements during this call that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal Securities laws, including statements regarding Cytek's business plans, strategies, opportunities, and financial projections.

Paul Goodson: Thank you, operator. Earlier today, Cytek Biosciences released financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2026. If you haven't received this news release or if you'd like to be added to the company's distribution list, please send an email to investors@cytekbio.com. A copy of the news release is also available on the investor relations section of Cytek's website at investors.cytekbio.com. Please note that we will be referencing a slide presentation during the call today that has been posted to the investors section of our corporate website. Joining me today from Cytek are Wenbin Jiang, CEO, and Bill McCombe, CFO. As a reminder, on slide 2, we will make statements during this call that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal Securities laws, including statements regarding Cytek's business plans, strategies, opportunities, and financial projections.

Speaker #2: A copy of the news release is also available on the Investor Relations section of Cytek's website, at investors.cytekbio.com. Please note that we will be referencing a slide presentation during the call today that has been posted to the Investors section of our corporate website.

Speaker #2: Joining me today from Cytek are Wenbin Jiang, CEO and Bill McCombe, CFO. As a reminder, on slide 2, we will make statements during this call that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal Securities Laws, including statements regarding Cytek's business plans, strategies, opportunities, and financial projections.

Speaker #2: These statements are based on the company's current expectations and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to materially differ from those anticipated in these statements.

Paul Goodson: These statements are based on the company's current expectations and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to materially differ from those anticipated in these statements. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties appears in our slide presentation in the section entitled Forward-Looking Statements in the press release Cytek issued today and in Cytek's filings with the SEC. This call will also include a discussion of certain financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Additional information regarding our use of non-GAAP financial measures, including reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, may be found in our slide presentation and in today's press release.

Speaker #2: Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties appears in our slide presentation, in the section entitled Forward-Looking Statements. In the press release Cytek issued today, and in Cytek's filings with the SEC.

Speaker #2: This call will also include a discussion of certain calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Additional information regarding our use of non-GAAP financial measures including reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures may be found in our slide presentation, and in today's press release.

Speaker #2: While the company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information for investors, the presentation of this information does not intend to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP.

Paul Goodson: While the company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information for investors, the presentation of this information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. Except as required by law, Cytek disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or changes in its expectations. This conference call contains time-sensitive information and is accurate only as of the live broadcast 7 May 2026. With that, I will turn the call over to Wenbin.

Speaker #2: Except as required by law, Cytek disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or changes in its expectations.

Speaker #2: This conference call contains time-sensitive information, and is accurate only as of the live broadcast, May 7, 2026. With that, I will turn the call over to Wenbin.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Paul. Welcome, everyone, and thank you for your interest in Cytek. On today's call, I would like to start with a discussion on our performance in the first quarter of 2026.

Wenbin Jiang: Thanks, Paul. Welcome, everyone, thank you for your interest in Cytek. On today's call, I would like to start with a discussion on our performance in Q1 2026 before turning the call over to Bill for a detailed look at our financials and our guidance outlook for the full year. Turning to slide 3. Q1 2026 revenue was $44.1 million, representing 6% growth year-over-year compared to $41.5 million in Q1 2025. This reflects continued positive momentum from H2 2025, marks a constructive start to the year and what appears to be a return to normal market conditions in the US. Continue the secular growth in APAC, excluding China, recurring revenue growth globally, and the diversity of our portfolio.

Speaker #3: Before turning the call over to Bill for a detailed look at our financials and our guidance outlook for the full year, turning to slide 3.

Speaker #3: First quarter 2026 revenue was $44.1 billion, representing 6% growth year over year compared to $41.5 million in Q1 2025. This reflects continued positive momentum from the second half of 2025 and the March constructive start to the year, and what appears to be a return to normal market conditions in the US, continued secure growth in APAC, excluding China, recurring revenue growth globally, and the domestic pay of our portfolio.

Wenbin Jiang: Importantly, we believe our revenue growth in Q1 was particularly notable against the continued broad market challenges in the life science tools industry. This performance further demonstrates Cytek's technology leadership, as is also evidenced by the strong customer demand for the Cytek Aurora Evo analyzer since its launch last year. Our growing installed base continues to fuel expansion in our service and reagent businesses, as represented by the continued growth we are seeing with recurring revenue as a percentage of total revenue. Turning to slide 4. Looking at total revenue geographically, in the US, Q1 revenue was $24.4 million, an increase of 32% compared to $18.5 million in Q1 of last year. Our strength in the US was broad-based and included sales to leading academic institutions and biopharma companies.

Speaker #3: Importantly, we believe our revenue growth in the first quarter was particularly notable against the continued broad market challenges in the life science tools industry.

Speaker #3: This performance further demonstrates Cytek's technology leadership. As is also evidenced by the strong customer demand for the Cytek Aurora Evo analyzer, since its launch last year.

Speaker #3: Further, our growing install base continues to fuel expansion in our service and region businesses, as represented by the continued growth we are seeing with recurring revenue as a percentage of total revenue.

Speaker #3: Turning to slide 4, looking at total revenue geographically, in the US, first quarter revenue was $24.4 million. An increase of 32% compared to 18.5 million in Q1 of last year.

Speaker #3: Our strength in the US was broad-based and included sales to leading academic institutions and biopharma companies. These organizations continue to be repeat buyers with a high percentage of them having purchased at least one instrument from us in the prior four quarters.

Wenbin Jiang: These organizations continue to be repeat buyers with a high percentage of them having purchased at least one instrument from us in the prior four quarters. I'm pleased to report that our Aurora flagship product continue to gain traction with these buyers, which suggests how well Cytek's products have been addressing the needs of our user base. In EMEA, Q1 revenue was $10.8 million, a decrease of 7% versus Q1 2025. Instrument revenue in the region was softer in the quarter due to disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East and an end of quarter shipment delay in another region. These pressures were partially offset by continued growth in our service business. APAC, including China, declined 13% year over year, primarily due to accelerated order timing in the Q1 of last year in China.

Speaker #3: I'm pleased to report that our Aurora flagship products continue to gain traction with these buyers. Which suggests how well Cytek's products have been addressing the needs of our user base.

Speaker #3: In a year, first quarter revenue was $10.8 million. A decrease of 7% versus Q1 2025. Instrument revenue in the region was softer in the quarter due to disruption caused by the conflicts in the Middle East and an end-of-quarter shipment delay in another region.

Speaker #3: These pressures were partially offset by continued growth in our service business. APAC, including China, declined 13% year-over-year, primarily due to accelerated order timing in the first quarter of last year in China.

Wenbin Jiang: Excluding China, the remainder of APAC continued to show very strong growth across instruments, reagents, and service. Turning to slide 5. Our recurring revenue base continued to strengthen in Q1, with combined reagents and service revenue reaching $18.4 million in Q1. On a trailing 12-month basis in Q1, recurring revenue represented 35% of total revenue, and notably grew 19% year-over-year. We expect recurring revenue to represent an increasing percentage of total revenue over time, driven by faster growth in our service and reagent businesses. Service revenue alone grew 15% year-over-year to $15.4 million, continuing to benefit from growth in our installed base and the active utilization of our instruments by customers worldwide.

Speaker #3: Excluding China, the remainder of APAC continued to show very strong growth across instruments, regions, and service. Turning to slide 5, our recurring revenue base continued to strengthen in the first quarter, with combined regions and service revenue reaching $18.4 million in the first quarter.

Speaker #3: On a trailing 12-month basis in the first quarter, recurring revenue represented 35% of total revenue and notably grew 19% year over year. We expect recurring revenue to represent an increasing percentage of total revenue over time.

Speaker #3: Driven by faster growth in our service and region businesses, service revenue alone grew 15% year over year to $15.4 million continuing to benefit from growth in our install base and the active utilization of our instruments by customers worldwide.

Wenbin Jiang: Reagent revenue grew mid-teens on a percentage basis over Q1 of 2025, also reflecting active usage of our installed base. I would now like to update you on the progress our team has made across our core strategic pillars, instruments, applications, bioinformatics, and clinical, to further reinforce Cytek's position as a market leader in next-gen cell analysis solutions. Starting with our core instruments on slide 6. We continue to expand our global footprint in Q1, adding 125 units and bringing Cytek's total installed base to 3,789 units. Instrument unit performance was a key highlight in Q1, with total unit volume increase of 9% year over year, including a 3% year over year increase of SSP instruments. We are also pleased with the ongoing market reception for the Cytek Aurora Evo system.

Speaker #3: Region revenue grew mid-teens on a percentage basis over Q1 of 2025, also reflecting active usage of our install base. I would now like to update you on the progress our team has made across our core strategic pillars.

Speaker #3: Instruments, applications, bioinformatics, and clinical to further reinforce Cytek's position as a market leader in next-gen cell analysis solutions. Starting with our core instruments on slide 6, we continue to expand our global footprint in the first quarter adding 125 units and bringing Cytek's total install base to 3,789 units.

Speaker #3: Instrument unit performance was a key highlight in the first quarter with total unit volume increase of 9% year over year. Including a 3% year over year increase of FSP instruments.

Speaker #3: We are also pleased with the ongoing market reception for the Cytek Aurora Evo system. Since its introduction, it has consistently driven revenue and unit volume growth, revenue for the Aurora analyzer category up 8% year over year.

Wenbin Jiang: Since its introduction, it has consistently driven revenue and unit volume growth, revenue for the Aurora category up 8% year over year. We believe our continued focus on technological differentiation positions Cytek well in the broader flow cytometry market. Turning to our next growth pillar, applications, which is comprised of our reagent business. Reagent revenue grew 16% versus Q1 2025. Reagent revenue growth was broad-based across regions, with particular strength in APAC and the rest of the world regions, where reagent revenue together grew more than 40% year over year and double digits in the US. Our reagent strength in Q1 reflects the continued benefits of the initiatives we undertook in 2025, including best-in-class delivery times, expanded reagent offerings, and our dedicated reagent sales team. Our bioinformatics platform continues to deepen customer engagement and support our reagent growth engine.

Speaker #3: We believe our continued focus on technological differentiation positions Cytek well in the broader pro-cyclometry market. Turning to our next growth pillar, applications, which is comprised of our region business.

Speaker #3: Region revenue grew 16% versus Q1 2025. Region revenue growth was broad-based across regions with particular strength in APAC and the rest of the world regions where region revenue together grew more than 40% year over year, and the double digits in the US.

Speaker #3: Our region strength in Q1 reflects the continued benefits of the initiative we undertook in 2025, including best-in-class delivery times expanded region offerings and our dedicated region sales team.

Speaker #3: Our bioinformatics platform continues to deepen customer engagement and support our region growth engine. As of March 31, 2026, Cytek Cloud has grown to more than 26,000 users.

Wenbin Jiang: As of 31 March 2026, Cytiva Crowd has grown to more than 26,000 users, representing an average of 8 users per installed Cytek FSP instruments. As users on the Cytiva Crowd increase, the value proposition of our integrated ecosystem strengthens and enhances customer engagement. Turning to slide 7. As part of our strategic and business growth process, we have been planning to refocus our operations into 3 distinct customer-aligned business units, which will be completed in Q3 of this year. The new Solutions and Clinical Business Unit will bring successful platforms such as reagents, Guava Muse Micro, and Northern Lights into markets historically dominated by larger incumbents, while the Research Technology Business Unit will continue to advance Cytek's leadership in high parameter flow cytometry within the research use only market.

Wenbin Jiang: As of 31 March 2026, Cytiva Crowd has grown to more than 26,000 users, representing an average of 8 users per installed Cytek FSP instruments. As users on the Cytiva Crowd increase, the value proposition of our integrated ecosystem strengthens and enhances customer engagement. Turning to slide 7. As part of our strategic and business growth process, we have been planning to refocus our operations into 3 distinct customer-aligned business units, which will be completed in Q3 of this year. The new Solutions and Clinical Business Unit will bring successful platforms such as reagents, Guava Muse Micro, and Northern Lights into markets historically dominated by larger incumbents, while the Research Technology Business Unit will continue to advance Cytek's leadership in high-parameter flow cytometry within the research use only market.

Speaker #3: Representing an average of 8 users per installed Cytek FSP instrument. As users on the Cytek Cloud increase, the value proposition of our integrated ecosystem strengthens and enhances customer engagement.

Speaker #3: Turning to slide 7, as part of our strategic and business growth process, we have been planning to refocus our operations into three distinct customer-aligned business units.

Speaker #3: Which will be completed in the third quarter of this year. The new solutions and clinical business units will bring accessible platforms such as regions Guava Milk Micro and Northern Lights into markets to start locally dominated by larger incumbents while the research technology business unit will continue to advance Cytek's leadership in high-parameter pro-cyclometry within the research use-only market.

Wenbin Jiang: This structure will create more focus on aligning marketing, sales, and R&D resources to expand Cytek's share of the reagent and low to mid-tier instrument market. Together, these 2 units position Cytek to capture 2 major business opportunities. First, for the solution and clinical business unit, growth in reagent consumables and low to mid-tier instruments for QA and QC workflows. Second, for research technology, a robust high-performance instrument replacement cycle, with tens of thousands of instruments eventually needing to be replaced. Finally, our service business unit will provide the foundation that supports the installed base of instruments for both the solutions and clinical and the research technology units. Collectively, this structure positions Cytek to accelerate its next phase of growth and reinforce our competitive leadership as the market evolves.

Speaker #3: This structure will create more focus on aligning marketing sales and R&D resources to expand Cytek's share of the region and low-mid-tier instrument market. Together, these two units position Cytek to capture two major business opportunities.

Speaker #3: First, for the solution and clinical business unit, growth in region consumables and low-to-mid-tier instruments for QA and QC are workflows and second, for research technology a robust high-performance instrument replacement cycle.

Speaker #3: With tens of thousands of instruments eventually needing to be replaced. Finally, our service business unit will provide the foundation that supports the install base of instruments for both the solutions and clinical and the research technology units.

Speaker #3: Collectively, this structure positions Cytek to accelerate its next phase of growth and reinforce our competitive leadership as the market evolves. Under the new solutions and clinical business unit, with the meaningful growth opportunities in the clinical research market where the need for high-parameter high-performance cell analysis solutions is growing, in part, this is already being reflected by an increase in region cell supporting clinical applications.

Wenbin Jiang: Under the new solutions and clinical business unit, we see meaningful growth opportunities in the clinical research market, where the need for high parameter, high performance cell analysis solutions is growing. In fact, this is already being reflected by an increase in reagent sales supporting clinical applications. Cytek's technology platform is well-suited to support this expansion, and we are investing to meet the evolving needs of clinical researchers and translational scientists. Now, I would like to ask Bill to review our financials.

Wenbin Jiang: Under the new solutions and clinical business unit, we see meaningful growth opportunities in the clinical research market, where the need for high-parameter, high performance cell analysis solutions is growing. In fact, this is already being reflected by an increase in reagent sales supporting clinical applications. Cytek's technology platform is well-suited to support this expansion, and we are investing to meet the evolving needs of clinical researchers and translational scientists. Now, I would like to ask Bill to review our financials.

Speaker #3: Cytek's technology platform is well-suited to support this expansion and we are investing to meet the evolving needs of clinical researchers and translational scientists. Now I would like to ask Bill to reveal our financials.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Wenbin. First quarter 2026 revenue was $44.1 million and increased to 6% year over year compared to $41.5 million in Q1 2025. As Wenbin noted, revenue growth was led by strong growth in US instruments and continued double-digit growth in both global services and reagents.

Bill McComb: Thanks, Wenbin. Q1 2026 revenue was $44.1 million, an increase of 6% year-over-year compared to $41.5 million in Q1 2025. As Wenbin noted, revenue growth was led by strong growth in US instruments and continued double-digit growth in both global services and reagents. These were partially offset by disruptions in softer instrument demand in EMEA and the order timing-related slowdown in APAC. Turning to slide 8. Product revenue comprised of instruments and reagents was $28.8 million, an increase of approximately 2% year-over-year. US product revenue rebounded strongly compared to a weak Q1 2025, returning to a more normal growth path consistent with the years prior to last year. This was driven by improved sentiment and strong demand growth in both the academic and government and biopharma customer segments.

Bill McCombe: Thanks, Wenbin. Q1 2026 revenue was $44.1 million, an increase of 6% year-over-year compared to $41.5 million in Q1 2025. As Wenbin noted, revenue growth was led by strong growth in US instruments and continued double-digit growth in both global services and reagents. These were partially offset by disruptions in softer instrument demand in EMEA and the order timing-related slowdown in APAC. Turning to slide 8. Product revenue comprised of instruments and reagents was $28.8 million, an increase of approximately 2% year-over-year. US product revenue rebounded strongly compared to a weak Q1 2025, returning to a more normal growth path consistent with the years prior to last year. This was driven by improved sentiment and strong demand growth in both the academic and government and biopharma customer segments.

Speaker #2: These were partially offset by disruptions and softer instrument demand in EMEA and the order timing-related slowdown in APAC. Turning to slide 8, product revenue comprised of instruments and reagents was $28.8 million and increased to approximately 2% year over year.

Speaker #2: US product revenue rebounded strongly compared to a weak Q1 25, returning to a more normal growth path consistent with the years prior to last year.

Speaker #2: This was driven by improved sentiment and strong demand growth in both the academic and government and biopharma customer segments. EMEA product revenue declined versus Q1 25 as a result of lost orders due to the Middle East conflicts and end-of-quarter shipping delay in another region and softer instrument demand.

Bill McComb: EMEA product revenue declined versus Q1 2025 as a result of lost orders due to the Middle East conflicts and end of quarter shipping delay in another region and softer instrument demand. In APAC, product revenue was also lower. This was due to the acceleration of orders in China in H1 of last year into Q1. Growth in other APAC regions in Q1 of this year was very high on a year-over-year basis, and the overall secular growth trend of the region remains strong. Reagents continued on its strong growth trajectory with 16% quarter-over-quarter growth, primarily driven by the US and APAC regions. Service revenue was $15.4 million, growing 15% year-over-year, driven by our expanding installed base of instruments and active system utilization globally.

Bill McCombe: EMEA product revenue declined versus Q1 2025 as a result of lost orders due to the Middle East conflicts and end of quarter shipping delay in another region and softer instrument demand. In APAC, product revenue was also lower. This was due to the acceleration of orders in China in H1 of last year into Q1. Growth in other APAC regions in Q1 of this year was very high on a year-over-year basis, and the overall secular growth trend of the region remains strong. Reagents continued on its strong growth trajectory with 16% quarter-over-quarter growth, primarily driven by the US and APAC regions. Service revenue was $15.4 million, growing 15% year-over-year, driven by our expanding installed base of instruments and active system utilization globally.

Speaker #2: In APAC, product revenue was also lower. This was due to the acceleration of orders in China in the first half of last year into Q1.

Speaker #2: Growth in other APAC regions in Q1 of this year was very high on a year-over-year basis. And the overall secular growth trend of the region remained strong.

Speaker #2: Reagents continued on its strong growth trajectory with 16% quarter-over-quarter growth primarily driven by the US and APAC regions. Service revenue was $15.4 million growing 15% year over year driven by our expanding installed base of instruments and active system utilization globally.

Speaker #2: Turning to total revenues by geographic region, US revenues grew 32% driven by a strong rebound in instruments as I mentioned before and continued growth in services.

Bill McComb: Turning to total revenues by geographic region, US revenues grew 32%, driven by a strong rebound in instruments, as I mentioned before, and continued growth in services. EMEA was down 7% due to the Middle East conflicts and the end of quarter shipping delay I mentioned before. APAC was also down 13% due to the order timing issue, as I mentioned before. Turning to slide 9. GAAP gross profit was $21.3 million in Q1 2026, representing a gross margin of 48% compared to 49% in Q1 2025. Product gross margin was flat versus the year ago quarter, whereas service gross margin was slightly lower due to higher labor costs. Adjusted gross margin, which excludes stock-based compensation and amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, was 51% in Q1, compared to 52% in the prior year quarter.

Bill McCombe: Turning to total revenues by geographic region, US revenues grew 32%, driven by a strong rebound in instruments, as I mentioned before, and continued growth in services. EMEA was down 7% due to the Middle East conflicts and the end of quarter shipping delay I mentioned before. APAC was also down 13% due to the order timing issue, as I mentioned before. Turning to slide 9. GAAP gross profit was $21.3 million in Q1 2026, representing a gross margin of 48% compared to 49% in Q1 2025. Product gross margin was flat versus the year ago quarter, whereas service gross margin was slightly lower due to higher labor costs. Adjusted gross margin, which excludes stock-based compensation and amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, was 51% in Q1, compared to 52% in the prior year quarter.

Speaker #2: EMEA was down 7% due to the Middle East conflicts and the end-of-quarter shipping delay I mentioned before. APAC was also down 13% due to the order timing issue as I mentioned before.

Speaker #2: Turning to slide 9, gap growth profit was $21.3 million in Q1 2026 representing a gross margin of 48% compared to 49% in Q1 2025.

Speaker #2: Product gross margin was flat versus the year-ago quarter whereas service gross margin was slightly lower due to higher labor costs. Adjusted gross margin which excludes stock-based compensation and amortization of acquisition-related intangibles was 51% in the first quarter compared to 52% in the prior year quarter.

Speaker #2: For subsequent quarters of this year, we expect gross margins to increase as our revenue increases consistent with our typical seasonal pattern. Total operating expenses were $39.7 million in Q1 up 13% versus Q1 of 2025.

Bill McComb: For subsequent quarters of this year, we expect gross margins to increase as our revenue increases consistent with our typical seasonal pattern. Total operating expenses were $39.7 million in Q1, up 13% versus Q1 2025. Research and development expenses were $9.6 million, down 1% versus Q1 2025 due to lower compensation expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were $11.6 million, down 7% versus Q1 2025 due to lower compensation and selling commission expenses. General and administrative expenses were $18.5 million, up $5.6 million or 43%. The increase was primarily due to higher legal expenses associated with the previously disclosed patent litigation case, outside consulting expenses, and bad debt reserves. The loss from operations was $18.5 million in the current quarter versus $15 million in the year ago quarter.

Bill McCombe: For subsequent quarters of this year, we expect gross margins to increase as our revenue increases consistent with our typical seasonal pattern. Total operating expenses were $39.7 million in Q1, up 13% versus Q1 2025. Research and development expenses were $9.6 million, down 1% versus Q1 2025 due to lower compensation expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were $11.6 million, down 7% versus Q1 2025 due to lower compensation and selling commission expenses. General and administrative expenses were $18.5 million, up $5.6 million or 43%. The increase was primarily due to higher legal expenses associated with the previously disclosed patent litigation case, outside consulting expenses, and bad debt reserves. The loss from operations was $18.5 million in the current quarter versus $15 million in the year ago quarter.

Speaker #2: Research and development expenses were $9.6 million, down 1% versus Q1 '25 due to lower compensation expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were $11.6 million, down 7% versus Q1 '25 due to lower compensation and selling commission expenses.

Speaker #2: General and administrative expenses were $18.5 million up 5.6 million or 43%. The increase was primarily due to higher legal expenses associated with the previously disclosed patent litigation case.

Speaker #2: Outside consulting expenses and bad debt reserves. The loss from operations was $18.5 million in the current quarter versus $15 million in the year-ago quarter.

Speaker #2: GAAP net loss in the first quarter was $18.9 million, compared to a GAAP net loss of $11.4 million in the prior year quarter. The increased GAAP net loss was primarily due to higher operating expenses of $4.6 million, lower other income due to a $1.2 million foreign exchange loss in the current quarter compared to a $1.3 million FX gain in the prior year quarter, and a tax expense of $1.5 million versus a tax expense of $0.1 million a year ago.

Bill McComb: GAAP net loss in Q1 was $18.9 million, compared to a GAAP net loss of $11.4 million in the prior year quarter. The increased GAAP net loss was primarily due to higher operating expenses of $4.6 million, lower other income due to a $1.2 million foreign exchange loss in the current quarter, compared to a $1.3 million FX gain in the prior year quarter, and a tax expense of $1.5 million versus a tax expense of $0.1 million a year ago. adjusted EBITDA, which excludes stock-based compensation and foreign exchange impacts, was a loss of $9.1 million in Q1 2026, compared to a loss of $3.3 million in Q1 2025.

Bill McCombe: GAAP net loss in Q1 was $18.9 million, compared to a GAAP net loss of $11.4 million in the prior year quarter. The increased GAAP net loss was primarily due to higher operating expenses of $4.6 million, lower other income due to a $1.2 million foreign exchange loss in the current quarter, compared to a $1.3 million FX gain in the prior year quarter, and a tax expense of $1.5 million versus a tax expense of $0.1 million a year ago. adjusted EBITDA, which excludes stock-based compensation and foreign exchange impacts, was a loss of $9.1 million in Q1 2026, compared to a loss of $3.3 million in Q1 2025.

Speaker #2: Adjusted EBITDA which excludes stock-based compensation and foreign exchange impacts was a loss of 9.1 million in Q1 2026 compared to a loss of $3.3 million in Q1 2025.

Speaker #2: The increased adjusted EBITDA loss was primarily due to the $4.6 million increase in operating expenses and $1.8 million lower stock-based compensation which is an add-back.

Bill McComb: The increased adjusted EBITDA loss was primarily due to the $4.6 million increase in operating expenses and $1.8 million lower stock-based compensation, which is an add back. We expect adjusted EBITDA to increase in subsequent quarters, driven by normal seasonal revenue patterns, and that we will deliver positive adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2026. Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $262.2 million as of 31 March 2026, compared to $261.5 million at year-end 2025. Our strong balance sheet continues to provide the financial flexibility to invest in our global growth priorities. Turning to slide 10. Today, we are reaffirming our full year 2026 revenue guidance of $205 million to $212 million, assuming no change in currency exchange rates.

Bill McCombe: The increased adjusted EBITDA loss was primarily due to the $4.6 million increase in operating expenses and $1.8 million lower stock-based compensation, which is an add back. We expect adjusted EBITDA to increase in subsequent quarters, driven by normal seasonal revenue patterns, and that we will deliver positive adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2026. Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $262.2 million as of 31 March 2026, compared to $261.5 million at year-end 2025. Our strong balance sheet continues to provide the financial flexibility to invest in our global growth priorities. Turning to slide 10. Today, we are reaffirming our full year 2026 revenue guidance of $205 million to $212 million, assuming no change in currency exchange rates.

Speaker #2: We expect adjusted EBITDA to increase in subsequent quarters driven by normal seasonal revenue patterns and that we will deliver positive adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2026.

Speaker #2: Cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $262.2 million as of March 31, 2026 compared to $261.5 million at year-end 2025. Our strong balance sheet continues to provide the financial flexibility to invest in our global growth priorities.

Speaker #2: Turning to slide 10, today we are reaffirming our full year 2026 revenue guidance of $205 million to $212 million assuming no change in currency exchange rates.

Speaker #2: This outlook reflects the positive growth we've seen recently in the US and APAC as well as some stabilization in the EU. With that, I will turn it back over to Wenbin.

Bill McComb: This outlook reflects the positive growth we've seen recently in the US and APAC, as well as some stabilization in the EU. With that, I will turn it back over to Wenbin.

Bill McCombe: This outlook reflects the positive growth we've seen recently in the US and APAC, as well as some stabilization in the EU. With that, I will turn it back over to Wenbin.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Phil. Turning to slide 11, I want to close by thanking the entire Cytek team for their continued focus and execution on behalf of our customers and shareholders.

Wenbin Jiang: Thanks, Bill. Turning to slide 11. I want to close by thanking the entire Cytek team for their continued focus and execution on behalf of our customers and shareholders. Our Q1 performance reflects the ongoing resilience and diversification of our business model. Our recurring revenue base continues to grow and now represents 35% of total revenue on a trailing 12-month basis, a testament to the value of our growing install base and the strength of our customer relationships. Our priorities for 2026 remain clear and consistent, accelerating the market penetration of our instrument platforms, advancing our technological leadership through continuous innovation, expanding our recurring revenue lines, and delivering profitable, sustainable growth. We believe the investment we have made in our products, our people, and our operational infrastructure position Cytek well for the remainder of 2026 and beyond. I want to thank everyone for joining today's call.

Speaker #1: Our first quarter performance reflects the ongoing resilience and diversification of our business model. Our recurring revenue base continues to grow and now represents 35% of total revenue on a trading 12-month basis.

Speaker #1: Testament to the value of our growing installer base and the strength of our customer relationships. Our priorities for 2026 remain clear and consistent. Accelerating the market penetration of our instrument platforms advancing our technological leadership through continuous innovation.

Speaker #1: Expanding our recurring revenue line and delivering profitable, sustainable growth. We believe the investment we have made in our products, our people, and our professional infrastructure positions Cytek well for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

Speaker #1: I want to thank everyone for joining today's call. We will now open it up for questions. Alfredo.

Wenbin Jiang: We will now open it up for questions. Operator.

Speaker #3: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, you will need to press star, then the number 1 on your telephone keypad. And if you would like to withdraw your question, press star 1 again.

Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, you will need to press star, then the number 1 on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star 1 again. We will pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster. Your first question comes from the line of Mason Carrico with Stephens Inc. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: We will pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster. Your first question comes from the line of Mason Carvico with Stephens, Inc. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hi, this is Harrison from Mason. Thanks for taking the questions. On the year 2026 guide, you're calling for 2% to 5% growth. Could you just walk us through what needs to go right to get to the high end versus what would keep you towards the lower end of that range for the year?

Harrison: Hey, this is Harrison. I'm from Mason. Thanks for taking the questions. On your 2026 guide, you're calling for 2% to 5% growth. Could you just walk us through what needs to go right to get to the high end versus what would keep you towards the lower end of that range for the year?

[Analyst] (Stephens Inc): Hey, this is Harrison. I'm from Mason. Thanks for taking the questions. On your 2026 guide, you're calling for 2% to 5% growth. Could you just walk us through what needs to go right to get to the high end versus what would keep you towards the lower end of that range for the year?

Speaker #1: Sure. This is Phil. So the way that we put together the guide and what we're reaffirming today is continue growth in services and reagents, at levels broadly consistent with recent quarters.

Bill McComb: Sure. This is Bill. The way that we put together the guide and what we're reaffirming today is continued growth in services and reagents at levels, you know, broadly consistent with recent quarters. Flat to modest growth in instruments, on top of that, a contingency for, you know, unforeseen or developing macro risks. You know, that's the framework. We feel very comfortable with the growth in services and reagents. The instrument market is, you know, we did see positive growth in Q1. You know, we don't see any reason why that shouldn't continue.

Bill McCombe: Sure. This is Bill. The way that we put together the guide and what we're reaffirming today is continued growth in services and reagents at levels, you know, broadly consistent with recent quarters. Flat to modest growth in instruments, on top of that, a contingency for, you know, unforeseen or developing macro risks. You know, that's the framework. We feel very comfortable with the growth in services and reagents. The instrument market is, you know, we did see positive growth in Q1. You know, we don't see any reason why that shouldn't continue.

Speaker #1: And then flat to modest growth in instruments and then on top of that, a contingency for unforeseen or developing macro risks and that's the framework.

Speaker #1: We feel very comfortable with the growth in services and reagents. The instrument market is we did see positive growth in Q1. And we don't see any reason why that shouldn't continue.

Bill McComb: You know, as we all know, there are macro risks out there, so we like to have a contingency in our guide in order to cover for things that we can't foresee at the moment.

Speaker #1: But as we all know, there are macro risks out there, so we'd like to have a contingency in our guide in order to cover for things that we can't foresee at the moment.

Bill McCombe: You know, as we all know, there are macro risks out there, so we like to have a contingency in our guide in order to cover for things that we can't foresee at the moment.

Speaker #4: Got it. Thanks. That's helpful. And then I did want to ask what's the customer mix today between academic and government versus biopharma customers purchasing the Aurora Evo instrument?

Harrison: Got it. Thanks. That's helpful. Then I did wanna ask, what's the customer mix today between academic and government versus biopharma customers purchasing the Aurora Evo instrument? Can you just talk about the key benefits that each of those customer segments see with that product today?

[Analyst] (Stephens Inc): Got it. Thanks. That's helpful. Then I did wanna ask, what's the customer mix today between academic and government versus biopharma customers purchasing the Aurora Evo instrument? Can you just talk about the key benefits that each of those customer segments see with that product today?

Speaker #4: And can you just talk about the key benefits that each of those customers segments see with that product today?

Bill McComb: As we will release shortly or about to release in the Q, the customer mix for the quarter overall was 62% biopharma distributor CRO and 38% academic and government. That's the Q1 mix. Generally speaking, you know, last for full year 2025, that mix was 58/42, it was a little higher. We had a stronger performance in the biopharma segment. As it relates to Aurora Evo, I don't have the numbers to hand, and we don't usually report customer mix down to that level other than to say this is a product that was really designed for the pharma customer with its higher throughput.

Speaker #1: The as we we will release shortly or about to release in the queue the customer mix for the quarter overall was 62% biopharma distributor CRO and 38% academic and government.

Bill McCombe: As we will release shortly or about to release in the Q, the customer mix for the quarter overall was 62% biopharma distributor CRO and 38% academic and government. That's the Q1 mix. Generally speaking, you know, last for full year 2025, that mix was 58/42, it was a little higher. We had a stronger performance in the biopharma segment. As it relates to Aurora Evo, I don't have the numbers to hand, and we don't usually report customer mix down to that level other than to say this is a product that was really designed for the pharma customer with its higher throughput.

Speaker #1: So that's the Q1 mix. Generally speaking, last for full year '25, that mix was 58, 42. So it was a little higher. We had a stronger performance in the biopharma segment.

Speaker #1: As it relates to Aurora Evo, I don't have the numbers to hand. And we don't usually report customer mix down to that level. Other than to say that this is a product that was really designed for the pharma customer.

Speaker #1: With its higher throughput, but it's seen a strong reception on in both customer segments, both biopharma and academic and government. Won't be anything that you would add to that?

Bill McComb: It's seen a strong reception in both customer segments, both biopharma and academic and government. Ming-Day, anything you would add to that?

Bill McCombe: It's seen a strong reception in both customer segments, both biopharma and academic and government. Wenbin, anything you would add to that?

Speaker #4: That's right. And also included integrated intelligence automatically shut down and turn on and all of those will really help the researchers to schedule planning.

Ming-Day: That's right. Also included integrated intelligence, automatic shutdown and turn on, and all of those will really help the researchers to schedule planning. It has also integrated a nanoparticle detection in the system.

Wenbin Jiang: That's right. Also included integrated intelligence, automatic shutdown and turn on, and all of those will really help the researchers to schedule planning. It has also integrated a nanoparticle detection in the system.

Speaker #4: And it has also integrated nanoparticle detection in the system. Great. Thanks for taking the questions.

Harrison: Great. Thanks for taking the questions.

[Analyst] (Stephens Inc): Great. Thanks for taking the questions.

Speaker #3: Once again, everyone, if you would like to ask a question, press star then the number 1 on your telephone keypad. Your next question comes from the line of David Westenberg with Piper Sandler.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of David Westenberg with Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hi, good afternoon. This is Skye. I'm for David. Thanks for taking the question. So just on NIH funding uncertainty, which was a risk factor for 2026, do you see any measurable impact on US academic government instrument demand or the order tiring in first quarter?

Skye: Hi, good afternoon. This is Skye on for David. Thanks for taking the question. Just on NIH funding uncertainty, which was a risk factor for 2026, do you see any measurable impact on US academic government instrument demand or the order timing in Q1? How are you thinking about that exposure for the remainder of the year?

[Analyst] (Piper Sandler): Hi, good afternoon. This is Skye on for David. Thanks for taking the question. Just on NIH funding uncertainty, which was a risk factor for 2026, do you see any measurable impact on US academic government instrument demand or the order timing in Q1? How are you thinking about that exposure for the remainder of the year?

Speaker #5: And how are you thinking about that exposure for the remainder of the year?

Bill McComb: Academic and government, you know, in Q1, in the US, was up substantially on Q1 of last year. And it was back to a level more consistent with what we've seen in years prior to 2025. You know, in fact, it was our strongest first quarter in US academic and government, in, you know, in a number of years, maybe ever. We did see a strong rebound to more normal levels. And with respect to NIH funding, I mean, the budget, we saw strong disbursements in Q4 of last year. You know, momentum in the academic and government market seems to have carried over into Q1.

Speaker #1: Academic and government in Q1 was up in the US, was up substantially on Q1 of last year. And it was back to a level more consistent with what we've seen in years prior to Q to 2025.

Bill McCombe: Academic and government, you know, in Q1, in the US, was up substantially on Q1 of last year. And it was back to a level more consistent with what we've seen in years prior to 2025. You know, in fact, it was our strongest first quarter in US academic and government, in, you know, in a number of years, maybe ever. We did see a strong rebound to more normal levels. And with respect to NIH funding, I mean, the budget, we saw strong disbursements in Q4 of last year. You know, momentum in the academic and government market seems to have carried over into Q1.

Speaker #1: In fact, it was out strongest first quarter in US academic and government in a number of years, maybe ever. So we did see a strong rebound to more normal levels.

Speaker #1: And with respect to NIH funding, I mean, the budget we saw a strong disbursements in Q4 of last year. Momentum in the academic and government market seems to have carried over into Q1.

Bill McComb: You know, the budget for this coming year is obviously still under discussion in Congress. The initial proposal from the administration was not as draconian as the initial proposal last year. We'll have to see where it settles out. You know, in Q1, our academic and government sector performance in the US was pretty strong.

Speaker #1: And the budget for this coming year is not is obviously still under discussion. In Congress, the initial proposal from the administration was not as draconian as the initial proposal last year.

Bill McCombe: You know, the budget for this coming year is obviously still under discussion in Congress. The initial proposal from the administration was not as draconian as the initial proposal last year. We'll have to see where it settles out. You know, in Q1, our academic and government sector performance in the US was pretty strong.

Speaker #1: So we'll have to see where it settles out. But in the first quarter, our academic and government sector performance in the US was pretty strong.

Speaker #5: Great. Thank you. That's very helpful. And then with sales and marketing expenses declining in Q1, how are you thinking about commercial investment for the remainder of the year?

Skye: Great. Thank you. That's very helpful. With sales and marketing expenses declining in Q1, how are you thinking about commercial investment for the remainder of the year? Thank you.

[Analyst] (Piper Sandler): Great. Thank you. That's very helpful. With sales and marketing expenses declining in Q1, how are you thinking about commercial investment for the remainder of the year? Thank you.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Bill McComb: We're gonna continue to invest at a good level. You know, this was more of a quarterly blip than a trend. You know, we expect to continue investing aggressively in sales and marketing for the balance of the year.

Speaker #1: We're going to continue to invest at a good level. This was more of a quarterly blip. Then a trend. But we expect to continue investing aggressively in sales and marketing for the balance of the year.

Bill McCombe: We're gonna continue to invest at a good level. You know, this was more of a quarterly blip than a trend. You know, we expect to continue investing aggressively in sales and marketing for the balance of the year.

Speaker #5: Okay. Great. Thank you very much.

Skye: Okay. Great. Thank you very much.

[Analyst] (Piper Sandler): Okay. Great. Thank you very much.

Operator: There are no further questions at this time. That concludes today's call. Thank you all for joining, and you may now disconnect.