Twist Bioscience Corp stock (US90130A1016): revenue keeps rising as Cathie Wood trims position

Twist Bioscience has extended its streak of sequential revenue growth with its fiscal Q2 2026 results, while high-profile investor Cathie Wood has taken some profits after a strong share price run. What this means for US-focused biotech investors at a glance.

Twist Bioscience Corp has drawn renewed attention from US investors after reporting fiscal second-quarter 2026 results on May 4, 2026, showing its 13th consecutive quarter of sequential revenue growth, while prominent fund manager Cathie Wood recently sold a small portion of her position following a sharp year-to-date share price increase, according to TheStreet as of 05/08/2026 and the company’s earnings release cited therein.

As of: 05/14/2026

By the editorial team – specialized in equity coverage.

At a glance

• Name: TWST
• Sector/industry: Synthetic biology / life sciences tools
• Headquarters/country: San Francisco, United States
• Core markets: Genomics, drug discovery, biologics and data storage applications
• Key revenue drivers: DNA synthesis, next-generation sequencing tools, antibody discovery services
• Home exchange/listing venue: Nasdaq (ticker: TWST)
• Trading currency: USD

Twist Bioscience Corp: core business model

Twist Bioscience Corp operates in synthetic biology, focusing on manufacturing DNA at scale using a silicon-based platform that aims to reduce cost and increase throughput for research and commercial customers. The company supplies DNA-based products that support pharmaceutical research, industrial biotechnology and academic laboratories, according to its corporate materials and regulatory filings referenced by financial media.

The business model centers on designing and producing synthetic DNA oligonucleotides and longer constructs that enable customers to run experiments in genomics, drug discovery and diagnostic test development. Instead of relying on traditional well-plate chemistry, Twist Bioscience uses a semiconductor-like manufacturing process to print DNA on silicon wafers, which is designed to improve efficiency.

Twist Bioscience generates revenue primarily by selling catalog and custom DNA products through direct sales and online ordering, allowing customers to configure sequences tailored to their research needs. The company has also expanded into higher-value solutions, such as libraries for antibody discovery and tools for next-generation sequencing, which are intended to deepen relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients in the United States and internationally.

Beyond its tools for research laboratories, Twist Bioscience has explored emerging applications such as DNA-based data storage, where digital information is encoded into DNA strands. While this area is still at an early stage commercially, it reflects management’s strategy to leverage the firm’s DNA synthesis capabilities into new markets over time, as described in company presentations summarized by outlets like MarketBeat as of 05/14/2026.

Main revenue and product drivers for Twist Bioscience Corp

Twist Bioscience’s recent fiscal second-quarter 2026 results highlight the company’s current revenue mix and growth drivers. For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, the company reported revenue of $110.7 million, up 19% year over year, marking its 13th consecutive quarter of sequential revenue growth, according to earnings figures cited by TheStreet as of 05/08/2026.

Within that total, DNA Synthesis and Protein Solutions revenue reached $53.3 million in the fiscal second quarter of 2026, up 28% compared with the same period a year earlier, reflecting robust demand from drug discovery programs and biologics research. This segment has become a core growth engine as biopharmaceutical customers scale up their use of synthetic DNA libraries and antibody discovery platforms in preclinical and early clinical pipelines.

Gross margin in the fiscal second quarter of 2026 was 51.6%, improving by roughly two percentage points versus the prior-year quarter, indicating that the business is gaining operational leverage as manufacturing volumes rise. At the same time, the company remains loss-making: adjusted EBITDA came in at a negative $13.3 million for the quarter, an improvement from a negative $14.8 million in the fiscal second quarter of 2025, as reported in the same earnings summary.

Twist Bioscience’s management has emphasized disciplined spending and a path toward profitability, according to comments summarized in financial coverage. The narrowing adjusted EBITDA loss suggests progress, but investors still monitor cash burn and the timeline for achieving positive operating income. These metrics are particularly relevant for US growth investors who often focus on the balance between rapid top-line expansion and the need for capital raises in the biotechnology tools sector.

Market data show that Twist Bioscience’s stock has experienced substantial appreciation in 2026, with shares rising from around $31.72 at the start of the year to the mid-$50 range by mid-May, representing a gain of more than 70% year to date, according to price information compiled by MarketBeat as of 05/14/2026. This performance reflects investor optimism about continued revenue growth and margin improvement in synthetic biology tools.

Industry trends and competitive position

Twist Bioscience operates within the broader life sciences tools and synthetic biology industry, which benefits from rising global spending on genomic research, biologic drugs and precision medicine. In the United States, large pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations and academic centers are consistently increasing their reliance on high-throughput DNA synthesis and sequencing technologies, creating a supportive demand backdrop for specialized suppliers.

The company competes with both traditional DNA synthesis providers and newer high-throughput platforms. Its silicon-based manufacturing approach is positioned as a cost-efficient and highly scalable alternative to conventional methods, which may provide a competitive edge in producing large libraries of DNA constructs. Financial media coverage notes that the firm has pursued strategic partnerships to embed its technology into broader drug discovery workflows, providing recurring revenue potential when collaborations scale.

At the same time, the synthetic biology tools space remains competitive, with multiple players seeking to capture market share in oligonucleotide synthesis, gene libraries and protein engineering services. Pricing pressure, rapid technological advances and customer consolidation can influence margins and contract terms. For US investors, Twist Bioscience’s ability to differentiate through quality, turnaround time and integrated solutions will likely be an important factor in sustaining growth against established life sciences tools companies.

Why Twist Bioscience Corp matters for US investors

For US-based investors, Twist Bioscience offers exposure to the intersection of biotechnology, genomics and advanced manufacturing. The company’s products are used by American and global drug developers working on therapies in areas such as oncology, immunology and rare diseases, which ties the company’s growth prospects to broader trends in the US healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. As research programs progress, demand for complex DNA libraries and antibody discovery tools may increase.

Twist Bioscience’s Nasdaq listing and trading in US dollars make it accessible for US retail and institutional investors who may already follow biotechnology and life sciences tools stocks. The company’s achievements in expanding revenue and improving gross margins have attracted attention from growth-oriented funds, including those that focus on disruptive innovation themes, as reflected in historical holdings by ARK Invest reported by outlets like Investing.com as of 05/09/2026.

Recent short interest data also highlight that the stock remains actively debated in the market. As of April 30, 2026, Twist Bioscience had 13.91 million shares sold short, representing about 23.06% of the public float, according to statistics compiled by MarketBeat as of 05/10/2026. Elevated short interest can contribute to share price volatility, which is an important consideration for US retail investors assessing risk.

Risks and open questions

Despite strong revenue growth, Twist Bioscience remains unprofitable on an adjusted EBITDA basis, and the pace at which it can move toward sustained positive earnings remains an open question. Continued investment in manufacturing capacity, research and development and commercial infrastructure may weigh on near-term profitability, even as gross margins improve. Investors follow management guidance closely to evaluate how quickly operating leverage may materialize.

Another area of focus is competition and technological change in synthetic biology. If rival platforms achieve comparable or better cost and throughput metrics, Twist Bioscience could face pressure on pricing and margins. In addition, demand for DNA synthesis products is linked to the health of the biotechnology funding environment; slower venture funding or reduced R&D budgets could affect order volumes from early-stage customers.

Corporate governance and insider activity also draw scrutiny. Financial coverage has noted insider share sales in recent months, such as transactions involving senior executives, according to analyses like those discussed by Simply Wall St in early 2026. While insider sales do not automatically signal a negative outlook, they are often monitored by investors as part of a broader assessment of management’s confidence in the company’s trajectory.

Key dates and catalysts to watch

Looking ahead, the timing of Twist Bioscience’s future quarterly earnings reports will remain central catalysts, as investors seek updates on revenue momentum, gross margin expansion and progress toward breakeven on an adjusted EBITDA basis. For a fiscal calendar with quarters ending in December, March, June and September, market participants often look for company announcements or investor relations materials confirming specific reporting dates, as these events can trigger notable share price reactions.

In addition to scheduled earnings, developments in partnerships, large customer wins or expansions of multi-year contracts may act as catalysts. For a synthetic biology tools provider, announcements related to collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations or technology partners can influence perceptions of long-term growth visibility. US investors may also monitor conferences and industry meetings where Twist Bioscience presents scientific or commercial updates, as these venues sometimes provide insights into pipeline opportunities and competitive positioning.

Conclusion

Twist Bioscience Corp has continued to grow revenue at a double-digit pace, delivering its 13th consecutive quarter of sequential revenue expansion and improving gross margins in fiscal Q2 2026, while still operating at a loss on an adjusted EBITDA basis. The stock’s strong year-to-date performance and elevated short interest illustrate that expectations are high and views are divided. For US investors following the synthetic biology and life sciences tools space, the company’s progress toward profitability, its ability to sustain demand for DNA synthesis and antibody discovery solutions, and its responses to competitive pressures remain key factors to monitor over the coming quarters.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute investment advice. Stocks are volatile financial instruments.