UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

For Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2015

Or

For the Transition Period From                to               

Commission File Number 0-14602

CYANOTECH CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

73-4460 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy. #102, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

(Address of principal executive offices)

(808) 326-1353

(Registrant’s telephone number)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ☐  No ☒

Number of common shares outstanding as of August 3, 2015:

CYANOTECH CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PART 1.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited)

CYANOTECH CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands except par value and number of shares)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

CYANOTECH CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

CYANOTECH CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

CYANOTECH CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2015
(Unaudited)

Item 2.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Report and other presentations made by Cyanotech Corporation (“CYAN”) and its subsidiary contain “forward-looking statements,” which include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and usually include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plan,” “believes,” “predicts”, “estimates” or similar expressions. In addition, any statement concerning future financial performance, ongoing business strategies or prospects and possible future actions are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and the accuracy of assumptions concerning CYAN and its subsidiary (collectively, the “Company”), the performance of the industry in which CYAN does business, and economic and market factors, among other things. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the Report, presentation or filing in which they are made. Except to the extent required by the Federal Securities Laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Our forward-looking statements in this Report include, but are not limited to:

These forward-looking statements are subject to risk, uncertainties and assumptions about us and our operations that are subject to change based on various important factors, some of which are beyond our control. The following factors, among others, could cause our financial performance to differ significantly from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements:

Other risks or uncertainties described elsewhere in this Report and in other periodic reports previously and subsequently filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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 GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified by the Natural Products Association™, reinforcing our commitment to quality in our products, quality in our relationships (with our customers, suppliers, co-workers and the communities we live in), and quality of the environment in which we work. Our products include:

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 provide human nutritional products derived from microalgae.

Our production of these products at the 90-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, free of pesticides and herbicides. 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):

Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

Net Sales Net sales declined 0.4% for the quarter, driven by a 4% increase in our packaged products, offset by a 16% decrease in bulk sales. Growth in our packaged product sales was driven by a 4% increase in astaxanthin sales and a 6% increase in spirulina sales. Sales of our bulk products decreased 16%, made up by a 13% increase in spirulina sales and a 56% decrease in astaxanthin sales. This decrease in bulk astaxanthin sales was driven by low levels of inventory available for sale as a result of the decreased astaxanthin production in the last quarter of fiscal 2015 and first quarter of fiscal 2016. International sales represented 28% of net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to 24% for the same period a year ago. There was one customer with sales equaling or exceeding 10% of our total net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2015. There were no customers with sales equaling or exceeding 10% for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Gross Profit Our gross profit as a percent of net sales decreased by 1.6 points in the current quarter as a result of non-inventoriable start-up costs totaling $0.2 million related to our extraction operations. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we began investments in projects to increase our astaxanthin production capacity. These projects are expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2016, during which time, we will experience lower production compared to prior years as we convert current leasehold improvements to higher performing assets. As a result, we recognized non-inventoriable costs this quarter of $0.04 million resulting from lower than normal astaxanthin production. There were $0.08 of non-inventoriable costs in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.

Operating Expenses Operating expenses decreased $1.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the same period in fiscal 2015.  Included in this is a decrease in general and administrative expenses of $1.5 million, or 56%, including a decrease in legal fees of $1.4 million. Sales and marketing expenses increased $0.5 million, or 40%, due primarily to costs to support our regional brand expansion at Costco.

Income Taxes We recorded an income tax benefit of $0.1 million in the current quarter compared to $0.7 million for the same period in fiscal 2015. Our effective tax rate was 52.1% for the current quarter and 64.5% for the same period last year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

Cash used in investing activities in the current quarter includes costs for leasehold improvements and equipment acquisitions to increase our astaxanthin production capacity at our Kona facility.

Cash used in financing activities consists of $0.5 million in proceeds from a short-term loan, offset by principal payments on debt in the normal course of business.

Sources and Uses of Capital

At June 30, 2015, our working capital was $6.6 million, a decrease of $0.8 million compared to March 31, 2015. The decrease is due primarily to investments in equipment and leasehold improvements.

On April 21, 2015, we executed a short term loan agreement in the amount of $0.5 million with First Foundation Bank. This loan has a maturity date of September 18, 2015. Proceeds of this loan were used to fund our capital projects related to increasing our astaxanthin production capacity. We are in the process of and expect to finalize a $2.5 million loan with a lender, secured under the provisions of a United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Rural Development Guarantee program. Proceeds of this loan will be used to pay off the $0.5 million short term loan, with the remainder to be used for the astaxanthin production projects.

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. We expect liquidity in the remainder of fiscal 2016 to be generated from operating cash flows.

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 the Company 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 90-acre facility in Hawaii, and integrating those raw materials into finished products. In fiscal 2016, our primary focus is in building our consumer brands, increasing our astaxanthin production volume and improving the consistency of our production for both astaxanthin and spirulina. We will continue to put emphasis on our Nutrex Hawaii consumer products to introduce them to a broader consumer market, and leverage our experience and reputation for quality, building nutritional brands 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, softgel caplet and micro-encapsulated beadlet 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.

We are focused on sustainability of production levels in order to promote growth in our astaxanthin and spirulina product lines. We will continue to improve and expand these lines to meet the demand of consumers. We will continue to promote the nutritional superiority of Hawaiian grown microalgae to maintain and expand market share. Significant sales variability between periods and even across several periods can be expected based on historical results.

Rising crude oil prices in prior years resulted in increased nutrient, utility and transportation costs which reflect and respond to oil prices. We feel that these conditions are likely to continue and/or reoccur from time to time in the future, and consequently, we are putting greater focus on prudent cost controls and expense avoidance.

Gross profit margin percentages going forward will be impacted by production volumes and continued pressure on input costs and 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. We are dedicated to continuous improvements in process and production methods to stabilize and increase production levels for the future.

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 continue to balance production in light of sales demand, minimizing the cost associated with build-ups in inventory when appropriate. 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 minimize our ability to attract additional capital investment which could become necessary in order to expand facilities, enter into new markets or maintain optimal production levels.

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; 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 Item 1A in our Form 10-K report for the year ended March 31, 2015.

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.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We do not enter into any transactions using derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments and believe that our exposure to market risk associated with other financial instruments is not material.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer (“CEO”) and chief financial officer (“CFO”), we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2015. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” (2013 Framework), which assessment identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting. Based on that assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of June 30, 2015.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2015, the Company determined the following control deficiency that constituted the material weakness:

During the year end closing procedures, our external auditors identified invoices containing delivery terms of FOB Origin for which we had accepted customer purchase orders with vague terms or terms that indicated FOB Destination which were not delivered to the customer by March 31, 2015. We did not have controls in place to identify, clarify and resolve conflicts of terms between our customers’ purchase orders and our invoices. This design deficiency in our internal control over financial reporting resulted in the recognition of revenue before transfer of title had occurred.

As a result of this finding, we have undertaken the following actions to address the material weakness:

Changes to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system no matter how well designed and implemented, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues within a company are detected. The inherent

limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistakes. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, or by collusion of two or more people. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Item 9A “Controls and Procedures” of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015, filed July 15, 2015.

PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

From time to time the Company may become party to lawsuits and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business relating to employment, intellectual property, and other matters. There were no significant legal matters outstanding at June 30, 2015.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3.    Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 5.    Other Information

None.

Item 6.    Exhibits

a)     The following exhibits are furnished with this report:

SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 EXHIBIT INDEX

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