Ginkgo Bioworks Releases Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results: Significant Revenue Decline and Strategic Partnerships

Ginkgo Bioworks Reports Financial Results for Q3 2025

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DNA) released its financial outcomes for the third quarter ending on September 30, 2025, revealing a notable decrease in total revenue. The total revenue for this quarter was $39 million, reflecting a drastic decline of 56% compared to $89 million in the same quarter of the previous year. Noteworthy was that the prior year's figures included a substantial non-cash revenue of $45 million stemming from the mutual termination of a customer agreement. When adjusted for this, the revenue drop remained significant at 11% compared to the previous year's results.

Breakdown of Revenue

The decline affected various segments of Ginkgo's business. For Cell Engineering revenue, the figures fell to $29 million this quarter from $75 million last year, a staggering 61% decrease, once again influenced by the aforementioned non-cash revenue impact. Meanwhile, Biosecurity revenue also showed a reduction, declining to $9 million from $14 million over the same period the previous year.

Despite these challenges, Ginkgo’s leadership emphasized their ongoing commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships. CEO Jason Kelly remarked, "Our recent announcements regarding partnerships illustrate Ginkgo's potential with AI-enabled cloud lab technologies which can significantly boost U.S. scientific innovation. The AI Action Plan put forth by President Trump encourages investment in such technologies to safeguard the competitiveness of the American bioeconomy."

Financial Performance Insights

The financial results also showcased a GAAP net loss of $81 million for the quarter, in contrast to a net loss of $56 million the previous year. This underscores the impact of the prior year’s non-cash deferred revenue release on profitability. Meanwhile, the adjusted EBITDA worsened to $(56) million, compared to $(20) million the prior year. Ginkgo's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $462 million by the end of September, indicating a substantial financial cushion as they navigate these challenges.

A Future-Oriented Approach

Ginkgo Bioworks believes that the integration of AI into biotechnology will yield transformative results. They see potential in reasoning models that can streamline lab automation and predict biological discoveries. Ginkgo is already advancing research solutions utilizing in-house robotics to clinch new agreements, notably with Bayer to extend collaboration in agricultural biological research.

Furthermore, Ginkgo recently secured a project worth $22.2 million with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), aimed at enhancing monoclonal antibody biomanufacturing, showcasing the company’s pivot toward more lucrative governmental contracts.

Operational Innovations

Ginkgo has also announced plans to expand its frontier autonomous lab located in Boston, where they aim to utilize 46 major instruments across 36 Reconfigurable Automation Carts (RACs). These innovations will facilitate the application of AI reasoning models, thereby accelerating the pace of scientific inquiry and innovation.

Ginkgo has reiterated their projected revenues for the full year of 2025, estimating a range of $167-$187 million in total revenues. Specific expectations are set for Cell Engineering revenue at $117-$137 million and a minimum of $40 million from Biosecurity.

Engaging Stakeholders

On November 6, 2025, Ginkgo Bioworks hosted a video conference to discuss these financial results, providing further insights into ongoing strategies and potential outcomes as Ginkgo strives to adapt and thrive in a competitive landscape. Stakeholders were encouraged to engage via social media or email to submit questions, indicating a commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement.

In conclusion, as Ginkgo navigates through challenging financial waters, their focus on strategic partnerships and technological innovations could pave the way for resilience and growth in an evolving industry landscape.