Overview:

We are a world leader in the production of high value natural products derived from microalgae. Incorporated in 1983, we are guided by the principle of providing beneficial, quality microalgal products for health and human nutrition in a sustainable, reliable and environmentally sensitive operation. We are Good Manufacturing Practices ("GMP") certified by the Merieux NutriSciences, reinforcing our commitment to quality in our products, quality in our relationships (with our customers, suppliers, employees and the communities we live in), and quality of the environment in which we work. Our products include:





  ? BioAstin® Hawaiian Astaxanthin® - a powerful dietary antioxidant shown to
    support and maintain the body's natural inflammatory response, to enhance
    skin, and to support eye, joint and immune health*. It has expanding
    applications as a human dietary supplement and dietary ingredient; and




  ? Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica® - a nutrient-rich dietary supplement used for
    extra energy, a strengthened immune system, cardiovascular benefits and as a
    source of antioxidant carotenoids*



*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Microalgae are a diverse group of microscopic plants that have a wide range of physiological and biochemical characteristics and contain, among other things, high levels of natural protein, amino acids, vitamins, pigments and enzymes. Microalgae have the following properties that make commercial production attractive: (1) microalgae grow much faster than land grown plants, often up to 100 times faster; (2) microalgae have uniform cell structures with no bark, stems, branches or leaves, permitting easier extraction of products and higher utilization of the microalgae cells; and (3) the cellular uniformity of microalgae makes it practical to control the growing environment in order to optimize a particular cell characteristic. Efficient and effective cultivation of microalgae requires consistent light, warm temperatures, low rainfall and proper chemical balance in a very nutrient-rich environment, free of environmental contaminants and unwanted organisms. This is a challenge that has motivated us to design, develop and implement proprietary production and harvesting technologies, systems and processes in order to commercially produce human dietary supplement products derived from microalgae.

Our production of these products at the 96-acre facility on the Kona Coast of the island of Hawaii provides several benefits. We selected the Keahole Point location in order to take advantage of relatively consistent warm temperatures, sunshine and low levels of rainfall needed for optimal cultivation of microalgae. This location also offers us access to cold deep ocean water, drawn from an offshore depth of 2,000 feet, which we use in our Ocean-Chill Drying system to eliminate the oxidative damage caused by standard drying techniques and as a source of trace nutrients for microalgal cultures. The area is also designated a Biosecure Zone, with tight control of organisms allowed into the area and free of genetically modified organisms ("GMO"). We believe that our technology, systems, processes and favorable growing location generally permit year-round harvest of our microalgal products in a cost-effective manner.





Results of Operations


The following tables present selected consolidated financial data for each of the periods indicated ($ in thousands):





                                              Three Months Ended
                                                   June 30,
                                              2022           2021
Net sales                                   $   6,716       $ 8,964
Net sales decrease                               25.1 %
Gross profit                                $   2,318       $ 3,672
Gross profit as % of net sales                   34.5 %        41.0 %
Operating expenses                          $   2,743       $ 3,053
Operating expenses as % of net sales             40.8 %        34.1 %
Operating (loss) income                     $    (425 )     $   619
Operating (loss) income as % of net sales        (6.3 )%        6.9 %
Income tax expense                          $       3       $     4
Net (loss) income                           $    (472 )     $   520




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Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

Net Sales (in thousands)
                                Three Months Ended
                                     June 30,                $            %
                                 2022          2021        Change      Change
Packaged sales
Astaxanthin                   $    3,524      $ 4,040     $   (516 )     (12.8 )%
Spirulina                          1,511        2,742       (1,231 )     (44.9 )%
Total Packaged sales          $    5,035      $ 6,782     $ (1,747 )     (25.6 )%

Bulk sales
Astaxanthin                   $      494      $   405     $     89        22.0 %
Spirulina                          1,093        1,583         (490 )     (31.0 )%
Total Bulk sales              $    1,587      $ 1,988     $   (401 )     (20.2 )%

Contract extraction revenue   $       94      $   194     $   (100 )     (51.5 )%

Total sales
Astaxanthin                   $    4,018      $ 4,445     $   (427 )      (9.6 )%
Spirulina                          2,604        4,325       (1,721 )     (39.8 )%
Contract extraction revenue           94          194         (100 )     (51.5 )%
Total sales                   $    6,716      $ 8,964     $ (2,248 )     (25.1 )%



Net Sales The net sales decrease of 25.1% for the current quarter compared to the same period last year was primarily driven by a decrease in spirulina and astaxanthin packaged sales, spirulina bulk sales and contract extraction sales. The decrease in both spirulina and astaxanthin packaged sales in the current quarter was primarily due to decreased sales due to timing of shipments to a significant customer as we transitioned to their selling platform in the prior year, offset by strong sales to key existing customers. Sales of bulk products were lower due to lower demand by our top customer for the quarter coupled with timing of orders from other customers.

Gross Profit Gross profit as a percent of net sales decreased by 6.5 percentage points compared to the same period last year, which was the result of higher costs per kilogram of astaxanthin in the current quarter as well as customer mix.

Operating Expenses Operating expenses decreased by $0.3 million, or 10.2%, for the current year first quarter compared to the prior year same quarter, primarily due to marketing mix.

Income Taxes We recorded a state income tax expense of $3,000 for the first quarter of this fiscal year compared to an income tax expense of $4,000 for the same period last year. We continue to carry a full valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of June 30, 2022, we had cash of $0.7 million and working capital of $11.0 million compared to $2.6 million and $11.4 million, respectively, at March 31, 2022. We have a Credit Agreement with the Bank that allows us to borrow up to $2.0 million on a revolving basis. At June 30, 2022 and March 31, 2022, we had no outstanding borrowings on the line of credit. The line of credit is subject to renewal on August 30, 2022, and we intend to renew or replace it with another line of credit on or before the expiration date. We also have a $0.5 million of borrowing capacity under the Revolver with Skywords Family Foundation. At June 30, 2022 and March 31, 2022, we had no outstanding borrowings on the Revolver. The Revolver expires on April 12, 2024.

As of June 30, 2022, we had $3.8 million in Term Loans payable to the Bank that require the payment of principal and interest monthly through August 2032. Pursuant to the Term Loans and the Credit Agreement, we are subject to annual financial covenants, customary affirmative and negative covenants and certain subjective acceleration clauses. As of March 31, 2022, we were in compliance with all required annual financial covenants under the Term Loans and the Credit Agreement.

In April 2019, we obtained a loan in the amount of $1.5 million from a related party. The proceeds were used to pay down accounts payable and for general operating capital purposes. On April 12, 2021, we amended this loan (see Notes 5 and 12 in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).





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Funds generated by operating activities and available cash are expected to continue to be our most significant sources of liquidity for working capital requirements, debt service and funding of maintenance levels of capital expenditures. We have developed our operating plan to produce the cash flows necessary to grow our business and meet all financing requirements. Although we have a history of either being in compliance with debt covenants or obtaining the necessary waivers, execution of our operating plan is dependent on many factors, some of which are not within the control of the Company. Consequently, future results may vary significantly from expected results.

Cash Flows The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated ($ in thousands):





                                      Three Months Ended
                                           June 30,
                                       2022          2021
Total cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities                $   (1,299 )   $ (1,858 )
Investing activities                      (376 )       (171 )
Financing activities                      (177 )       (677 )

(Decrease) increase in cash         $   (1,852 )   $ (2,706 )

Cash used in operating activities for the three months ended June 30, 2022 was the result of a net loss of $0.5 million, an increase of $1.2 million in inventories, offset by non-cash charges of $0.5 million.

Cash used in investing activities for the three months ended June 30, 2022 primarily includes costs for acquiring equipment and leasehold improvements at our Kona facility.

Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended June 30, 2022 consists primarily of debt service payments of $0.2 million.





Sources and Uses of Capital


As of June 30, 2022, our working capital was $11.0 million, a decrease of $0.4 million compared to March 31, 2022. There was an increase in inventories in the first quarter of fiscal 2023, due to lower bulk sales and as we commence cultivation of astaxanthin. Cultivation improvements that we have made allow us to produce all of the required demand for astaxanthin during the most favorable growing season.

Our results of operations and financial condition can be affected by numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control and could cause future results of operations to fluctuate materially as it has in the past. Future operating results may fluctuate as a result of changes in sales volumes to our largest customers, weather patterns, increased competition, increased materials, nutrient and energy costs, government regulations and other factors beyond our control.

A significant portion of our expense levels are relatively fixed, so the timing of increases in expenses is based in large part on forecasts of future sales. If net sales are below expectations in any given period, the adverse impact on results of operations may be magnified by our inability to adjust spending quickly enough to compensate for the sales shortfall. We may also choose to reduce prices or increase spending in response to market conditions, which may have a material adverse effect on financial condition and results of operations.

Based upon our current operating plan, analysis of our consolidated financial position and projected future results of operations, we believe that our operating cash flows, cash balances and working capital will be sufficient to finance current operating requirements, debt service requirements, and routine planned capital expenditures, for the next twelve (12) months.





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Outlook


This outlook section contains a number of forward-looking statements, all of which are based on current expectations. Actual results may differ materially.

Our strategic direction has been to position as a world leader in the production and marketing of high-value natural products from microalgae. We are vertically aligned, producing raw materials in the form of microalgae processed at our 96-acre facility in Hawaii, and integrating those raw materials into finished products. Our primary focus is stabilizing our production volume, rationalizing market channel participation, and leveraging our centers of core competence. We will continue to place emphasis on our Nutrex Hawaiian consumer products while exploring further opportunities for bulk sales orders for Spirulina and Astaxanthin, both domestically and internationally. Extraction services to third party customers utilizing our 1,000 bar super critical CO2 extractor process are expected to generate additional income throughout the year. We will leverage our experience and reputation for quality, nutritional products which promote health and well-being. The foundation of our nutritional products is naturally cultivated Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica® in powder and tablet form; and BioAstin® Hawaiian Astaxanthin® antioxidant in extract and softgel form. Information about our Company and our products can be viewed at www.cyanotech.com and www.nutrex-hawaii.com. Consumer products can also be purchased online at www.nutrex-hawaii.com.

Gross profit margin percentages going forward can be impacted by lower production volumes along with pressure on input costs as well as greater competition in the market place. This could cause margins to decline in future periods. We will continue to focus on higher margin consumer products that promote health and well-being and strive for continuous improvements in processes and production methods to stabilize costs and production levels for the future. However, significant sales variability between periods may occur based on historical results.

Producing the highest quality microalgae is a complex biological process which requires balancing numerous factors including microalgal strain variation, temperature, acidity, nutrient and other environmental considerations, some of which are not within our control. An imbalance or unexpected event can occur resulting in production levels below normal capacity. The allocation of fixed production overheads (such as depreciation, rent and general insurance) to inventories is determined based on normal production capacity. When our production volumes are below normal capacity limits, certain fixed production overhead costs cannot be inventoried and are recorded immediately in cost of sales. In addition, when production costs exceed historical averages, we evaluate whether such costs are one-time-period charges or an ongoing component of inventory cost.

To manage our cash resources effectively, we will balance production with sales demand, minimizing the cost associated with inventory levels when appropriate and manage our expenses judiciously. We could experience unplanned cash outflows and may need to utilize other cash resources to meet working capital needs. A prolonged downturn in sales could impair our ability to generate sufficient cash for operations and hamper our ability to attract additional capital investment which could become necessary to maintain optimal production levels and efficiencies.

Our future results of operations and the other forward-looking statements contained in this Outlook, in particular the statements regarding revenues, gross margin and capital spending, involve a number of risks and uncertainties. In addition to the factors discussed above, any of the following could cause actual results to differ materially: business conditions and growth in the natural products industry and in the general economy; changes in customer order patterns; changes in demand for natural products in general; changes in weather conditions; changes in health and growing conditions of our astaxanthin and spirulina products; competitive factors, such as increased production capacity from competing spirulina and astaxanthin producers and the resulting impact, if any, on world market prices for these products; government actions and increased regulations both domestic and foreign; shortage of manufacturing capacity; and other factors beyond our control. Risk factors are discussed in detail in Part II, Item 1A of this quarterly report and in Part I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K report for the year ended March 31, 2022.

We believe that our technology, systems, processes and favorable growing location generally permit year-round harvest of our microalgal products in a cost-effective manner. However, previously experienced imbalances in the highly complex biological production systems, together with volatile energy costs and rapidly changing world markets, suggest a need for continuing caution with respect to variables beyond our reasonable control. Therefore, we cannot, and do not attempt to, provide any definitive assurance with regard to our technology, systems, processes, location, or cost-effectiveness.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of June 30, 2022, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations.





Impact of Inflation


Inflationary factors such as increases in the costs of materials and labor directly affect our operations. While we have experienced some cost inflation on our inputs, it has not had a material effect on our financial results for the current quarter. Most of our leases provide for cost-of-living adjustments and require us to pay for insurance and maintenance expenses, all of which are subject to inflation. Additionally, our future lease cost for new facilities may include potentially escalating costs of real estate and construction. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on increased costs to our customers.





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Depreciation expense is based on the historical cost of fixed assets and is therefore potentially less than it would be if it were based on current replacement cost. While property and equipment acquired in prior years will ultimately have to be replaced at higher prices, it is expected that replacement will be a gradual process over many years.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our critical accounting policies and estimates are disclosed in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on June 22, 2022. In the three months ended June 30, 2022, there were no changes to the application of critical accounting policies previously disclosed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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