What drove the significant changes in Tempus AI's operating expenses in 2024?

Tempus AI's operating expenses in 2024 were significantly impacted by several key factors:

1. **Strategic Investments and Acquisitions**: Tempus AI made significant investments in its technology and research, as well as acquired companies like Ambry Genetics to enhance its genetic testing capabilities. These strategic moves expanded its testing portfolio and disease coverage, which required additional resources and expenses.
2. **Stock Compensation and Related Expenses**: The company reported substantial stock compensation expenses, which are common in companies with significant equity grants to employees as part of their incentive packages. These expenses totaled $22.2 million, contributing to the net loss.
3. **Personnel-Related Costs**: Increased personnel-related costs, including salaries, benefits, and recruitment, were a major factor in the rise of operating expenses. This was due to the company's expansion and the need to build a skilled workforce to support its growing operations.
4. **Material and Service Costs**: Higher costs related to materials and services, particularly in the Genomics segment, were driven by the increased demand for clinical oncology tests and data deliveries. This reflects the company's growing service offerings and the associated costs.
5. **Interest and Financing Costs**: The company's interest expense increased by 11% due to compounding interest on the Amended Note. Additionally, the interest income saw a significant increase of 223% due to higher cash on hand, indicating efficient cash management despite the interest expense burden.

In summary, Tempus AI's operating expenses in 2024 were driven by strategic investments, acquisitions, stock compensation, personnel costs, material and service expenses, and financing costs. These factors combined to impact the company's financials, including increased operating expenses and net losses.