Aquabounty Technologies Inc 10-Q for FY2021 Q3
Aquabounty Technologies Inc (AQB)
About this 10-Q
Aquabounty Technologies Inc filed this 10-Q on November 4, 2021, covering the quarter ended September 30, 2021 (FY2021 Q3).
Headline figures
Quarter ended September 30, 2021, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $455.4K
- up 572.0% from $67.76K a year earlier
- Net loss
- $6.86M
- compared with a net loss of $3.65M a year earlier
|
|
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________
Form
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended
or
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________________ to _____________________
Commission File Number:
____________
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)
|
|
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
(
(Address and telephone number of the registrant’s principal executive offices)
|
|
|
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of exchange on which registered |
The |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) during the preceding 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 o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Large accelerated filer | o | Accelerated filer | o | x | Smaller reporting company | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨ No
At November 3, 2021, the registrant had
|
|
AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. | ||
FORM 10-Q | ||
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2021 | ||
| ||
TABLE OF CONTENTS | ||
| ||
Page | ||
1 | ||
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 14 | |
19 | ||
19 | ||
| ||
20 | ||
20 | ||
23 | ||
23 | ||
23 | ||
23 | ||
25 | ||
25 | ||
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, particularly the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward looking statements. All statements other than present and historical facts and conditions contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial positions, business strategy, plans, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “is designed to,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “objective,” “should,” or the negative of these and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements that are not historical facts, including statements regarding management’s expectations for future financial and operational performance and operating expenditures, expected growth, and business outlook; the nature of and progress toward our commercialization plan; the future introduction of our products to consumers; the countries in which we may obtain regulatory approval and the progress toward such approvals; the volume of eggs or fish we may be able to produce; the timeline for our production of saleable fish; the expected advantages of land-based systems over sea cage production; the validity and impact of legal actions; the completion of renovations at our farms; and the establishment of a larger-scale grow-out facility.
We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, which could cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from any results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include, but are not limited to, statements about:
the anticipated benefits and characteristics of AquaBounty’s genetically engineered (“GE”) Atlantic salmon product;
the implementation and likelihood of achieving the business plan, future revenue, and operating results;
our plans for (including without limitation, projected costs, locations and third-party involvement) and the timing of the development of new farms and the output of those farms;
developments concerning our research projects;
our expectations regarding our ability to successfully enter new markets or develop additional products;
our competitive position and developments and projections relating to our competitors and our industry;
expectations regarding anticipated operating results;
our cash position and ability to raise additional capital to finance our activities;
the impact of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic (the “COVID-19 pandemic”) on our business, operations and financial results, any of which could be significantly impaired by the COVID-19 pandemic;
our ability to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights and technologies;
the impact of and our ability to adapt to changes in laws or regulations and policies;
the ability to secure any necessary regulatory approvals to commercialize any products;
the rate and degree of market acceptance of any products developed through the application of bioengineering, including genetically engineered fish;
our ability to retain and recruit key personnel;
the success of any of our future acquisitions or investments;
our expectations regarding the time during which we will be an emerging growth company under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”);
our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements, and needs for additional financing; and
other risks and uncertainties referenced under “Risk Factors” below and in any documents incorporated by reference herein.
We caution you that the foregoing list may not contain all of the risks to which the forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are subject. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions, and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. We have included important factors in the cautionary statements included, particularly in the section titled “Risk Factors,” that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments that we may make.
Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect future events or developments unless required by federal securities law. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such risks.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
AquaBounty Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| As of | ||||||
| September 30, |
| December 31, | ||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | |
| $ | | ||
Marketable securities |
| |
|
| — | ||
Inventory |
| |
|
| | ||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
| |
|
| | ||
Total current assets |
| |
|
| | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
| |
|
| | ||
Right of use assets, net |
| |
|
| | ||
Intangible assets, net |
| |
|
| | ||
Restricted cash |
| |
|
| | ||
Other assets |
| |
|
| | ||
Total assets | $ | |
| $ | | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Liabilities and stockholders' equity |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | |
| $ | | ||
Other current liabilities |
| |
|
| | ||
Current debt |
| |
|
| | ||
Total current liabilities |
| |
|
| | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Long-term lease obligations |
| |
|
| | ||
Long-term debt, net |
| |
|
| | ||
Total liabilities |
| |
|
| | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Commitments and contingencies |
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Stockholders' equity: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common stock, $ |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| |
|
| | |||
Additional paid-in capital |
| |
|
| | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
| ( |
|
| ( | ||
Accumulated deficit |
| ( |
|
| ( | ||
Total stockholders' equity |
| |
|
| | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | |
| $ | | ||
See accompanying notes to these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
AquaBounty Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Three Months Ended September 30, |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||||
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product revenues | $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product costs |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Sales and marketing |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Research and development |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
General and administrative |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Total costs and expenses |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss |
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Other income (expense), net |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Total other income (expense) |
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss | $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency |
| ( |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| ( |
Unrealized gains |
| |
|
| — |
|
| |
|
| — |
Total other comprehensive income (loss) |
| ( |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive loss | $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted net loss per share | $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
Weighted average number of common shares - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
basic and diluted |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
See accompanying notes to these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
AquaBounty Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Common stock issued and outstanding |
| Par value |
| Additional paid-in capital |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
| Accumulated deficit |
| Total | ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2019 |
| |
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
| $ | |
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Share based compensation |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Balance at March 31, 2020 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| |
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Share based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Balance at June 30, 2020 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| |
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Exercise of warrants for common stock |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Share based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Balance at September 30, 2020 |
| |
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
| $ | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Common stock issued and outstanding |
| Par value |
| Additional paid-in capital |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
| Accumulated deficit |
| Total | ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
| |
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
| $ | |
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Cashless exercise of options for common stock |
| |
|
| |
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| — |
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Exercise of warrants for common stock |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Share based compensation |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Balance at March 31, 2021 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| |
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Exercise of warrants for common stock |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Share based compensation |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Balance at June 30, 2021 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| |
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
Share based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Balance at September 30, 2021 |
| |
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
| $ | |
See accompanying notes to these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
AquaBounty Technologies, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||
Operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss | $ | ( |
| $ | ( |
Adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash used in |
|
|
|
|
|
operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
| |
|
| |
Share-based compensation |
| |
|
| |
Other non-cash charge |
| |
|
| |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Inventory |
| |
|
| ( |
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
| ( |
|
| ( |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
| |
|
| |
Net cash used in operating activities |
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
| ( |
|
| ( |
Proceeds from sale of asset held for sale |
| — |
|
| |
Purchases of marketable securities, net |
| ( |
|
| — |
Proceeds from legal settlement, net |
| — |
|
| |
Other investing activities |
| ( |
|
| ( |
Net cash used in investing activities |
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of debt |
| |
|
| |
Repayment of term debt |
| ( |
|
| ( |
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net |
| |
|
| |
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants |
| |
|
| |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
| |
|
| ( |
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
| |
|
| |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period |
| |
|
| |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | |
| $ | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported |
|
|
|
|
|
in the consolidated balance sheet: |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | |
| $ | |
Restricted cash |
| |
|
| — |
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | |
| $ | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information and |
|
|
|
|
|
non-cash transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid in cash | $ | |
| $ | |
Property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | |
| $ | |
See accompanying notes to these condensed interim consolidated financial statements.
AquaBounty Technologies, Inc.
Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
(unaudited)
AquaBounty Farms, Inc. (the “U.S. Subsidiary”) was incorporated in December 2014 in the State of Delaware for the purpose of conducting field trials and commercializing the Parent’s products in the United States. During June 2021, the Company established AquaBounty Farms Ohio LLC (the “Ohio Subsidiary”), a wholly owned entity of the U.S. Subsidiary.
In February 2021, the Company completed an equity raise with net proceeds of $
Inventories are mainly comprised of feed, eggs and fish in process. Fish in process inventory is measured based on the estimated biomass of fish on hand. The Company has established a standard procedure to estimate the biomass of fish on hand using counting and sampling techniques. The Company measures inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value (NRV). The NRV calculation contains various estimates and assumptions in regard to the calculation of the biomass, including expected yield, the market value of the biomass and estimated costs of completion and transportation.
The Company records revenue on the sale of a product when all revenue recognition criteria are fulfilled, including identifying the contract with a customer; identifying the performance obligations in the contract; determining the transaction price; allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and recognizing revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company evaluates customer credit risk in order to conclude it is “probable” it will collect the amount of consideration due in exchange for the goods or services.
Basic and diluted net loss per share available to common stockholders has been calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Basic net loss per share is based solely on the number of common shares outstanding during the year. Fully diluted net loss per share includes the number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants and options with an exercise price less than the fair value of the common stock unless the impact of the warrant or option is anti-dilutive to the calculation. Since the Company is reporting a net loss for all periods presented, all potential common shares are considered anti-dilutive and are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share.
At September 30, 2021, the Company had
Management does not expect any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards to have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition.
The Company is subject to risks and uncertainties common in the biotechnology and aquaculture industries. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) results from current and planned product development studies and trials; (ii) decisions made by the FDA or similar regulatory bodies in other countries with respect to approval and commercial sale of any of the Company’s proposed products; (iii) the commercial acceptance of any products approved for sale and the Company’s ability to produce, distribute, and sell for a profit any products approved for sale; (iv) the Company’s ability to obtain the necessary patents and proprietary rights to effectively protect its technologies; and (v) the outcome of any collaborations or alliances entered into by the Company.
COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has diminished in the United States and other parts of the world as vaccines have become more readily available, several variants of the virus continue to spread. Local governmental authorities in the United States and Canada have issued, and continue to update, directives aimed at minimizing the spread of the virus and the Company continues to monitor its status.
The ultimate impact of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s operations will depend on future developments, which cannot be predicted with confidence, and the Company cannot predict the extent or impact of the extended period of continued business interruption and reduced operations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or any additional preventative or protective measures taken in response. In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, management made modifications to biosecurity procedures at the farm sites in early 2020 to adapt to local requirements and to provide a safe work environment. The Company’s current preventative and protective measures include, but are not limited to, segregating farm workers to specific locations, rotating shifts, and monitoring worker temperatures upon arrival at the Company’s facilities. To the extent possible, work-from-home is utilized for employees that do not have fish care responsibilities.
Due to the pandemic, the Company has experienced delays and cost increases in capital projects, additional challenges in its efforts to meet the capacity expectations at existing facilities and continues to experience extended lead times on equipment purchases. The Company may continue to experience delays and cost increases on farm construction, purchases of capital equipment and supplies and other materials required in its operations due to vendor shortages and labor shortages. The Company also expects to continue to be impacted by transportation or other supply chain disruptions to its partners or customers. In addition, the Company is carefully managing and monitoring the impact of labor shortages on its ability to meet the annual capacity expectations at its existing facilities.
The Company was initially impacted by a reduction in the market price and demand for Atlantic salmon due to the pandemic’s impact on the food service sector. This had a negative impact on revenue and inventory value, as the Company was not yet an established vendor and customers were reluctant to add a new supplier during a period of depressed demand.
During the third quarter, the Company was impacted by a shortage of labor at its Indiana farm and increased costs for third-party processing and transportation. This had a negative effect on revenue and inventory values and resulted in higher than expected sales costs for the period. This is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
The Company remains focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet, liquidity, and financial flexibility and continues to monitor developments as it deals with the disruptions and uncertainties from a business and financial perspective related to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Concentration of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and debt. This risk is mitigated by the Company’s policy of maintaining all balances with highly rated financial institutions, investing cash equivalents with maturities of less than 90 days, and investing marketable securities with maturities of less than 180 days. The Company’s cash balances may at times exceed insurance limitations. The Company holds cash balances in bank accounts located in Canada to fund its local operations. These amounts are subject to foreign currency exchange risk, which is minimized by the Company’s policy to limit the balances held in these accounts. Balances in Canadian bank accounts totaled $
Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale. The following table summarizes the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and the fair value as of September 30, 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Amortized |
|
| Unrealized |
|
| Unrealized |
|
| Market |
|
| Cost |
|
| Gains |
|
| Losses |
|
| Value |
| September 30, 2021 | ||||||||||
Government bonds | $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | ( |
| $ | |
Corporate bonds |
| |
|
| |
|
| ( |
|
| |
Commercial paper |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Marketable securities | $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | ( |
| $ | |
Major classifications of inventory are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
| September 30, 2021 |
| December 31, 2020 | ||
Feed | $ | |
|
| |
Eggs and fry |
| |
|
| |
Packaging |
| — |
|
| |
Fish in process, net |
| |
|
| |
Inventory, net | $ | |
|
| |
Major classifications of property, plant and equipment are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
| September 30, 2021 |
| December 31, 2020 | ||
Land | $ | |
| $ | |
Building and improvements |
| |
|
| |
Construction in process |
| |
|
| |
Equipment |
| |
|
| |
Office furniture and equipment |
| |
|
| |
Vehicles |
| |
|
| |
Total property and equipment | $ | |
| $ | |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
| ( |
|
| ( |
Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | |
| $ | |
Depreciation expense was $
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities include the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
| September 30, 2021 |
| December 31, 2020 | ||
Accounts payable | $ | |
| $ | |
Accrued payroll including vacation |
| |
|
| |
Accrued professional fees and contract services |
| |
|
| |
Accrued taxes and other |
| |
|
| |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | |
| $ | |
The current material terms and conditions of debt outstanding are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Interest |
| Monthly |
| Maturity |
| September 30, 2021 |
| December 31, 2020 | ||
ACOA AIF Grant |
|
| Royalties |
|
| $ | |
| $ | | ||
ACOA term loan #1 |
|
| C$ |
|
|
| |
|
| | ||
ACOA term loan #2 |
|
| C$ |
|
|
| |
|
| | ||
ACOA term loan #3 |
|
| C$ |
|
|
| |
|
| — | ||
Kubota Canada Ltd |
|
| C$ |
|
|
| |
|
| | ||
PEI Finance term loan |
|
| C$ |
|
|
| |
|
| | ||
DFO term loan |
|
| C$ |
|
|
| |
|
| — | ||
First Farmers Bank & Trust term loan |
|
| $ |
|
|
| |
|
| | ||
Total debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | |
| $ | |
less: debt issuance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
less: current portion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
Long-term debt, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | |
| $ | |
Estimated principal payments remaining on loan debt are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| AIF |
| ACOA |
| FPEI |
| Kubota |
|
| DFO | FFBT |
| Total | |||||||
2021 | $ |
|
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ |
|
| $ | |
| $ | |
2022 |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
2023 |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2024 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2025 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Thereafter |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Total | $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | |
| $ | |
In September 2020, the Canadian Subsidiary entered into a Contribution Agreement with DFO's Atlantic Fisheries Fund, whereby it is eligible to receive up to C$
On July 8, 2021, the Canadian Subsidiary entered into a contribution agreement with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency under its REGI-Business Scale-up and Productivity program that can provide up to C$
The Company recognized interest expense of $
Lease expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, amounted to $
The table below summarizes the Company’s lease obligations and remaining payments at September 30, 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| September 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||
| Lease | Lease | Remaining | Remaining | Lease | Remaining | Lease |
| Type | Term | Years | Payments | Liability | Payments | Liability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maynard Office Lease | Operating | | | | | | |
Indiana Auto Lease | Operating |
| - | - | | | |
Indiana Well Lease | Operating | | | | | | |
Total |
|
|
| | | | |
Less: current portion |
|
|
| ( | ( | ( | ( |
Long-term leases |
|
|
| $ | $ | $ | $ |
Remaining payments under leases are as follows at September 30, 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
|
| Office | Well | Amount |
2021 |
|
|
| | | |
2022 |
|
|
| | | |
2023 |
|
|
| | | |
2024 |
|
|
|
| | |
2025 |
|
|
|
| | |
Thereafter |
|
|
|
| | |
Total Lease Payments |
|
|
| | | |
Recent issuances
On February 8, 2021, the Company completed a public offering of
Warrants
The following table summarizes information about outstanding warrants at September 30, 2021, all of which were issued in conjunction with a public equity offering in January 2018:
|
|
|
|
|
| Number of |
| Weighted | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | |
| $ | |
Issued |
|
|
|
|
Exercised | ( |
|
| |
Expired |
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at September 30, 2021 | |
|
| |
Exercisable at September 30, 2021 | |
|
| |
All remaining warrants have an expiration date of
Share-based compensation
At September 30, 2021, the Company has reserved
Restricted stock
A summary of the Company’s restricted Common Shares as of September 30, 2021, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
| Shares |
| Weighted | |
Balance at December 31, 2020 | |
| $ | |
Granted | |
|
| |
Vested | ( |
|
| |
Balance at September 30, 2021 | |
| $ | |
During the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company expensed $
Stock options
The Company’s option activity is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
| Number of |
| Weighted | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | |
| $ | |
Granted | |
|
| |
Exercised | ( |
|
| |
Forfeited | ( |
|
| |
Expired | ( |
|
| |
Outstanding at September 30, 2021 | |
| $ | |
Exercisable at September 30, 2021 | |
| $ | |
Unless otherwise indicated, options issued to employees, members of the Board of Directors, and non-employees are vested daily over one to three years and are exercisable for a term of ten years from the date of issuance.
The fair values of stock option grants to employees and members of the Board of Directors during 2021 were measured on the date of grant using Black-Scholes, with the following weighted average assumptions:
|
|
|
|
| March 2021 |
Expected volatility |
| |
Risk free interest rate |
| |
Expected dividend yield |
| |
Expected life (in years) |
|
The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, was $
The total intrinsic value of all options outstanding was $
The following table summarizes information about options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
| Number of |
| Weighted |
| Number of |
|
$ |
| |
| |
| |
|
$ |
| |
| |
| |
|
$ |
| |
| |
| |
|
$ |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Total share-based compensation on stock options amounted to $
The Company recognizes and discloses commitments when it enters into executed contractual obligations with other parties. The Company accrues contingent liabilities when it is probable that future expenditures will be made and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated.
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims arising in the normal course of business. The Company records estimated losses from these legal proceedings and claims when it determines that it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Litigation is subject to many factors that are difficult to predict so that there can be no assurance, in the event of a material unfavorable result in one or more claims, the Company will not incur material costs. There have been no other material changes to the commitments and contingencies disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Company estimates an annual effective tax rate of
Due to the Company’s history of losses since inception, there is not enough evidence at this time to support that the Company will generate future income of a sufficient amount and nature to utilize the benefits of its net deferred tax assets. Accordingly, the deferred tax assets have been reduced by a full valuation allowance, since the Company does not currently believe that realization of its deferred tax assets is more likely than not.
Letter Agreement with Third Security
On July 30, 2021, the Company entered into a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) with TS Aquaculture LLC (“TS Aquaculture”) and certain of its affiliates that required the Company to file a registration statement to register the shares of Common Stock held by TS Aquaculture and certain of its affiliates and keep it effective for a period of not less than 24 months. The registration statement was filed on August 5, 2021. TS Aquaculture agreed to pay all expenses incurred in connection with such registration statements. The Company and TS Aquaculture also agreed to modify the terms of the relationship agreement between the Company and TS Aquaculture as successor in interest to Intrexon Corporation (the “Relationship Agreement”) so as to restrict assignments of the rights of TS Aquaculture thereunder.
The entry into the Letter Agreement constituted a “related party transaction” as defined by Item 404 of Regulation S-K because TS Aquaculture is an affiliate and has appointed three members of the Company’s board pursuant to the Relationship Agreement. Because of this, the Letter Agreement was approved by the disinterested directors and the Audit Committee was responsible for reviewing, negotiating and approving the terms of the Letter Agreement. Additionally, the Company has a policy that the Audit Committee is responsible for the review and approval of any “related party transaction”, as such term is defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K, after it has reviewed and considered all relevant facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, whether the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in an arm’s length transaction and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction.
This transaction was approved by the disinterested members of the Board on July 27, 2021, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee.
14. Subsequent Events
On October 12, 2021, the Company and First Farmers Bank & Trust agreed to a modification to the terms of its outstanding loan. The new terms delay the start date of certain of the loan’s negative covenants to the quarter commencing on October 1, 2022 and raises the required restricted cash balance amount from $
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial information and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was filed on March 9, 2021.
Overview
We believe that we are a leader in the field of land-based aquaculture and the use of technology for improving its productivity and sustainability. Our lead product is our GE Atlantic salmon, which received FDA approval in 2015 as the first genetically engineered animal available for sale for human consumption. We have commenced commercial activities with operations in the United States and Canada where we have received regulatory approval. We are actively engaged in genetic, genomic, fish health and fish nutrition research, which drive continuous improvement in our operations and may lead to new, disruptive technologies and products that could further expand our competitive offerings.
COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has diminished in the United States and other parts of the world as vaccines have become more readily available, several variants of the virus continue to spread. Local governmental authorities in the United States and Canada have issued, and continue to update, directives aimed at minimizing the spread of the virus and we continue to monitor their status.
The ultimate impact of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic on our operations will depend on future developments, which cannot be predicted with confidence, and we cannot predict the extent or impact of the extended period of continued business interruption and reduced operations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or any additional preventative or protective measures taken in response. In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, we made modifications to biosecurity procedures at the farm sites in early 2020 to adapt to local requirements and to provide a safe work environment. Our current preventative and protective measures include, but are not limited to, segregating farm workers to specific locations, rotating shifts, and monitoring worker temperatures upon arrival at our facilities. To the extent possible, work-from-home is utilized for employees that do not have fish care responsibilities.
Due to the pandemic, we have experienced delays and cost increases in capital projects, additional challenges in our efforts to meet the capacity expectations at our existing facilities and continue to experience extended lead times on equipment purchases. We may continue to experience delays and cost increases on farm construction, purchases of capital equipment and supplies and other materials required in our operations due to vendor shortages and other labor shortages. We also expect to continue to be impacted by transportation or supply chain disruptions to our partners or customers. In addition, we are carefully managing and monitoring the impact of labor shortages on our ability to meet the annual capacity expectations at our existing facilities.
Our operations were initially impacted by a reduction in the market price and demand for Atlantic salmon due to the pandemic’s impact on the food service sector. This had a negative impact on revenue and inventory value, as we were not yet an established vendor and customers were reluctant to add a new supplier during a period of depressed demand.
During the third quarter, we were impacted by a shortage of labor at our Indiana farm and increased costs for third-party processing and transportation. This had a negative effect on revenue and inventory values and resulted in higher than expected sales costs for the period. We expect this to continue for the foreseeable future.
We remain focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet, liquidity, and financial flexibility and continue to monitor developments as we deal with the disruptions and uncertainties from a business and financial perspective relating to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Revenue
We currently generate product revenue through the sales of our GE Atlantic salmon, conventional Atlantic salmon eggs and fry, and salmon byproducts. We expect revenues for the remainder of 2021 to slowly grow as we increase our harvesting capability at our Indiana and Rollo Bay farm sites. In the future, we believe that our revenue will depend upon the number and capacity of grow-out farms we have in operation and the market acceptance we achieve.
Production Costs
Production costs include the labor and related costs to grow out our fish, including feed, oxygen, and other direct costs; overhead; and the cost to process and ship our products to customers. A portion of production costs are absorbed into inventory as fish in process to the extent that these costs do not exceed the net realizable value of the fish biomass. The costs that are not absorbed into inventory, as well as any net realizable inventory value adjustments, are classified as production costs. As of September 30, 2021, we had sixty-one employees engaged in production activities.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Our sales and marketing expenses currently include consulting fees for market-related activities and the cost of our salmon donation program. As of September 30, 2021, we had one employee dedicated to sales and marketing. We expect our sales and marketing expenses to increase as our production output and revenues grow.
Research and Development Expenses
As of September 30, 2021, we employed twenty scientists and technicians at our facilities on Prince Edward Island to oversee our broodstock of GE Atlantic salmon, as well as the lines of fish we maintain for research and development purposes. We recognize research and development expenses as they are incurred. Our research and development expenses consist primarily of:
salaries and related overhead expenses for personnel in research, development functions, and brood-stock husbandry;
fees paid to contract research organizations and consultants who perform research for us;
costs related to laboratory supplies used in our research and development efforts; and
costs related to the operation of our field trials.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related costs for employees in executive, corporate, and finance functions. Other significant general and administrative expenses include corporate governance and public company costs, regulatory affairs, rent and utilities, insurance, and legal service. We had fifteen employees in our general and administrative group at September 30, 2021.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense includes the interest on our outstanding loans and amortization of debt issuance costs. Other income (expense) includes bank charges, fees, interest income, miscellaneous gains or losses on asset disposals and realized gains or losses on investments.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2021, to the three months ended September 30, 2020
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, together with the changes in those items in dollars and as a percentage (all dollar amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Three Months Ended September 30, |
| Dollar |
| % | ||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| Change |
| Change | ||
|
| (unaudited) |
|
|
|
| |||
Product revenue | $ | 455 |
| $ | 68 |
| 387 |
| 569% |
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product costs |
| 4,311 |
|
| 1,356 |
| 2,955 |
| 218% |
Sales and marketing |
| 202 |
|
| 144 |
| 58 |
| 40% |
Research and development |
| 580 |
|
| 458 |
| 122 |
| 27% |
General and administrative |
| 2,177 |
|
| 1,723 |
| 454 |
| 26% |
Operating loss |
| 6,815 |
|
| 3,613 |
| 3,202 |
| 89% |
Total other expense |
| 50 |
|
| 37 |
| 13 |
| 35% |
Net loss | $ | 6,865 |
| $ | 3,650 |
| 3,215 |
| 88% |
Product Revenue
Product revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2021 consisted of sales of our GE Atlantic salmon and conventional Atlantic salmon fry and eggs. Product revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2020 consisted of sales of conventional Atlantic salmon and eggs. We expect revenues for the remainder of 2021 to slowly grow as we increase our harvesting capability at our Indiana and Rollo Bay farm sites. During the current period, we began harvesting and selling our GE Atlantic salmon from both our Indiana and Rollo Bay farms.
Production Costs
Production costs for the three months ended September 30, 2021, were up from the corresponding period in 2020, due to production cost increases related to the commencement of harvesting at the Indiana and Rollo Bay farms. Increases included headcount additions, feed costs and other direct supplies, as well as the costs for processing and transportation to bring our product to market. Current period costs also include a net realizable inventory value adjustment of $1.5 million based on our current quarter production yields and transportation costs. Current period costs were higher as a result of lower production yields for harvested GE salmon and higher transportation costs as compared to our expectations as of the end of the second quarter of 2021.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021, were up from the corresponding period in 2020 due to an increase in head count and promotional expenses related to marketing activities for our salmon.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021, were up from the corresponding period in 2020 due to an increase in outside contract service fees and personnel costs, offset by an increase in broodstock cost transferred to production costs for related product revenue during the period. During the current period, research activities included feed nutrition trials and discovery research in salmon immunology.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021, were up from the corresponding period in 2020 due to an increase in outside consulting and advisory fees, auditing fees, insurance costs, personnel costs, and travel, offset by a decrease in legal fees.
Total Other (Income) Expense
Total other (income) expense is comprised of interest on debt, bank charges, and interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2021, and interest on debt, bank charges, gain loss on equipment and interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2021, to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, together with the changes in those items in dollars and as a percentage (all dollar amounts in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| Dollar |
| % | ||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| Change |
| Change | ||
|
| (unaudited) |
|
|
|
| |||
Product revenue | $ | 757 |
| $ | 77 |
| 680 |
| 883% |
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product costs |
| 7,713 |
|
| 3,238 |
| 4,475 |
| 138% |
Sales and marketing |
| 1,069 |
|
| 332 |
| 737 |
| 222% |
Research and development |
| 1,512 |
|
| 1,663 |
| (151) |
| (9)% |
General and administrative |
| 6,542 |
|
| 5,053 |
| 1,489 |
| 29% |
Operating loss |
| 16,079 |
|
| 10,209 |
| 5,870 |
| 57% |
Total other expense |
| 175 |
|
| 74 |
| 101 |
| 136% |
Net loss | $ | 16,254 |
| $ | 10,283 |
| 5,971 |
| 58% |
Product Revenue
Product revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 consisted of sales of our GE Atlantic salmon and conventional Atlantic salmon fry and eggs. Product revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 consisted of sales of conventional Atlantic salmon fry and eggs. During the current nine month period, we began harvesting and selling our GE Atlantic salmon from both our Indiana and Rollo Bay farms. We expect revenues for the remainder of 2021 to slowly grow as we increase our harvesting capability at our Indiana and Rollo Bay farm sites.
Production Costs
Production costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, were up from the corresponding period in 2020, due to production cost increases related to the commencement of harvesting at the Indiana and Rollo Bay farms. Increases included headcount additions, feed costs and other direct supplies, as well as the costs for processing and transportation to bring our product to market. The current nine month period also includes a net realizable inventory value adjustment of $1.5 million based on our third quarter production yields and transportation costs. Costs were higher as a result of lower production yields for harvested GE salmon and higher transportation costs as compared to our expectations as of the end of the second quarter of 2021.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, were up from the corresponding period in 2020 due to an increase in headcount, promotional expenses related to marketing activities for our salmon. Costs for the period also include a $514 thousand charge related to the donation program of conventional Atlantic salmon to local food charities.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, were down from the corresponding period in 2020 due to an increase in broodstock cost transferred to production costs for related product revenue during the period, offset by increased outside contract service fees, field trials and personnel costs. During the current period, research activities included feed nutrition trials, discovery research in salmon immunology and work on a genome study to identify genes associated with economically important traits in salmon.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, were up from the corresponding period in 2020 due to an increase in outside consulting and advisory fees, auditing fees, insurance costs, and personnel costs, offset by a decrease in legal fees, stock compensation charges and travel.
Total Other (Income) Expense
Total other (income) expense is comprised of interest on debt, bank charges, and interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and interest on debt, bank charges, gain loss on equipment and interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth the significant sources and uses of cash for the periods set forth below (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| Dollar |
| % | ||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| Change |
| Change | ||
|
| (unaudited) |
|
|
|
| |||
Net cash provided by (used in): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating activities | $ | (15,111) |
| $ | (10,585) |
| (4,526) |
| 43% |
Investing activities |
| (83,819) |
|
| (1,545) |
| (82,274) |
| 5,325% |
Financing activities |
| 121,331 |
|
| 48,840 |
| 72,491 |
| 148% |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
| 27 |
|
| (19) |
| 46 |
| (242)% |
Net increase in cash | $ | 22,428 |
| $ | 36,691 |
| (14,263) |
| (39)% |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily comprised of our $16.3 million net loss, offset by non-cash depreciation and stock compensation charges of $1.6 million and increased by working capital uses of $484 thousand. Net cash used in operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily comprised of our $10.3 million net loss, offset by non-cash depreciation and stock compensation charges of $1.5 million and increased by working capital uses of $1.8 million.
Spending on operations increased in the current period due to increases in production activities at our Rollo Bay and Indiana farm sites and outside consulting and advisory fees. Cash used by working capital increased in the current period and was driven by increases in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and receivables, offset by a reduction in inventory.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we used $4 million for renovations to our Indiana farm site, construction charges at our Rollo Bay farm site and renovations at our Fortune Bay hatchery, $196 thousand on deposits on equipment purchases and $79.6 million on marketable securities purchases. During the same period in 2020, we used $2.6 million for renovations to our Indiana farm site and for construction charges at our Rollo Bay site, offset by $100 thousand in proceeds from the sale of equipment and $1 million in net proceeds from a legal settlement.
We expect expenditures on capital projects to increase in future periods as we commence construction of our Ohio farm. We currently estimate the construction costs to be in the range of $290 million to $320 million, including a reserve for potential contingencies of $30 million. We expect to finance this project cost through a combination of cash on hand and debt. Estimating the cost and timing for the completion of this new and complex capital project is inherently difficult and subject to change based on a number of factors, including design changes, fluctuating costs of materials, labor shortages, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, construction delays, dependence on contractors, financing costs, customer requirements and unexpected complications.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we received approximately $119.1 million in net proceeds from the issuance of Common Shares in a public offering, $1.7 million from the exercise of warrants, and $606 thousand from new debt. This was offset by $120 thousand in debt repayment. During the same period in 2020, we received approximately $44 million in net proceeds from the issuance of Common Shares in two public offerings, $524 thousand from the exercise of warrants, and $4.1 million from new debt. This was offset by $50 thousand in the repayment of debt.
Future Capital Requirements
In February 2021, we completed an equity raise with net proceeds of $119.1 million and we have $198 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of September 30, 2021. While we have experienced net losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, we believe that we have sufficient cash to meet our requirements for at least the next twelve months from the filing date.
Until such time, if ever, as we can generate positive operating cash flows, we may finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, government or other third-party funding, strategic alliances, and licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of holders of our common stock will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of holders of our common stock. Debt financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, or declaring dividends. If we raise additional funds through government or other third-party funding; marketing and distribution arrangements; or other collaborations, strategic alliances, or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs, or product candidates or to grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us.
If we are unable to generate additional funds in the future through financings, sales of our products, government grants, loans, or from other sources or transactions, we will exhaust our resources and will be unable to maintain our currently planned operations. If we cannot continue as a going concern, our stockholders would likely lose most or all of their investment in us.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which we have prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
There have been no material changes to these estimates, or the policies related to them, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. For a full discussion of these estimates and policies, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The following sections provide quantitative information on our exposure to interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk. We make use of sensitivity analyses, which are inherently limited in estimating actual losses in fair value that can occur from changes in market conditions.
Interest Rate Risk
Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk associated with debt financing that we utilize from time to time to fund operations or specific projects. The interest on this debt is usually determined based on a fixed rate and is contractually set in advance. At September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, we had $6.0 million in interest-bearing debt instruments on our consolidated balance sheet. All of our interest-bearing debt is at fixed rates, except for our loan with First Farmers Bank and Trust, which has a rate reset in July 2025.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Our functional currency is the U.S. Dollar. The functional currency of our Canadian subsidiary is the Canadian Dollar, and the functional currency of our U.S. and Brazil subsidiaries is the U.S. Dollar. For the Canadian Subsidiary, assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, equity accounts are translated at the historical exchange rate, and the income statement accounts are translated at the average rate for each period during the year. Net translation gains or losses are adjusted directly to a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareholders’ equity.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(g) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this report that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are not party to any legal proceedings the outcome of which, we believe, if determined adversely to us, would individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our future business, consolidated results of operations, cash flows, or financial position. We may, from time to time, be subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the normal course of business activities.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
As disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was filed on March 9, 2021, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 and for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, there are a number of risk factors that could affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The following risk factors are either new or have changed materially from those set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 or our 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 and for the 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. You should carefully review the risks described below and those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes, and in other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in evaluating our business. We cannot assure you that any of the events discussed in the risk factors below will not occur. These risks could have a material and adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects. If that were to happen, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks faced by us described below, elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in our Quarterly Report on 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 and for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for information relating to these forward-looking statements.
Risks Relating to our Business and Operations
We have a history of net losses and will likely incur future losses and may not achieve or maintain profitability.
In the period from incorporation to September 30, 2021, we have incurred cumulative net losses of approximately $165 million. These losses reflect our personnel, research and development, production and marketing costs. We have constructed a 250-metric-ton annual capacity production facility in Rollo Bay and in 2017 we acquired a facility in Indiana, which has undergone renovations to increase its annual capacity to 1,200 metric tons. We expect revenues to be modest for the remainder of 2021 as we increase our harvesting capability at our Indiana and Rollo Bay farms. However, our ability to realize revenues and the timing thereof are not certain, and achieving revenues does not assure that we will become profitable.
Our business plans include the need for substantial additional capital and we may not be able to implement our strategy as planned or at all.
Our strategy depends on our ability to develop and construct additional farms, including our planned Ohio farm. We have not yet begun construction of this farm and its construction, and others in the future, is contingent on a number of significant uncertainties, including those described below. As a result, we may be unable to construct such facilities as planned or at all. We may not be able to obtain the financing necessary to commence construction of our proposed facilities. We estimate that the construction cost for the Ohio farm will range between $290 million and $320 million, although this figure is likely to change as we finalize the design and proceed with construction. We do not have the financial resources required to commence the construction of the Ohio farm. We will seek to raise part of these necessary funds through debt financing. We may also need further funding if there are delays in construction or increased construction costs at our proposed construction site in Ohio. We may finance unanticipated construction costs by issuing equity securities or debt. The delay or failure of regulatory bodies to approve our construction plans, disruption and volatility in the financial markets, tighter credit markets and a downturn in the seafood market may negatively impact our ability to obtain financing. We may not have access to the required funding, or funding may not be available to us on acceptable terms.
While we are currently negotiating the terms of the acquisition of the site in Ohio for this farm, if we are unable to secure this location or others for future farms that satisfy our requirements, our business and results of operations would be materially and adversely impacted.
We may not be able to obtain the approvals and permits that will be necessary in order to construct our facilities as planned. We will need to obtain a number of required permits in connection with the hydrology, construction and operation of our farms, which is often a time-consuming process. If we experience delays in obtaining the required approvals and permits for our farms, our expected construction start date, commercial stocking and first sale of our GE salmon may be delayed. If we are unable to obtain the required approvals and permits for our farms, we will not be able to construct the farms. In addition, federal, state and local governmental requirements could substantially increase our costs, which could materially harm our results of operations and financial condition.
We have encountered cost increases in the expected construction cost of the Ohio farm, and may encounter further unanticipated difficulties and cost overruns in constructing this farm and other future farms. Preparing cost and timing estimates for complex RAS farms is inherently difficult and subject to change based on a number of factors, including site availability and characteristics, design changes, fluctuating costs of materials, labor shortages, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, construction delays, dependence on contractors, financing costs, customer requirements and other unexpected complications. As a result, we may encounter unanticipated difficulties and the construction and development of our proposed farms may be more costly or time-consuming than we anticipate.
Delays and defects may cause our costs to increase to a level that would make one or more of our farms too expensive to construct or unprofitable. We may suffer significant delays or cost overruns at our farms that could prevent us from commencing operations as expected as a result of various factors. These factors include shortages of workers or materials, construction and equipment cost escalation, transportation constraints, adverse weather, unforeseen difficulties or labor issues, or changes in political administrations at the federal, state or local levels that result in policy change towards genetically engineered foods in general or our products and farms in particular. Defects in materials or workmanship could also delay the commencement of operations of our planned farms, increase production costs or negatively affect the quality of our products. Due to these or other unforeseen factors, we may not be able to proceed with the construction or operation of our farms in a timely manner or at all.
Business, political, or economic disruptions or global health concerns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could seriously harm our current or planned business and increase our costs and expenses.
Broad-based business or economic disruptions, political instability, or global health concerns could adversely affect our current or planned production, sale, distribution, research and development, and expansion. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to spread, and the related adverse public health developments, including orders to shelter-in-place, travel restrictions, and mandated business closures, have adversely affected workforces, organizations, customers, economies, and financial markets globally, leading to an economic downturn and increased market volatility. It has also disrupted the normal operations of many businesses, including ours.
Global health concerns like the coronavirus pandemic could in themselves result in social, economic, and labor instability in the countries in which we or the third parties with whom we engage operate. The COVID-19 pandemic and government measures taken in response have also had a significant impact, both direct and indirect, on businesses and commerce, as worker shortages have occurred, such as the shortage of packaging workers and transportation suppliers that we have experienced leading to slower and more expensive harvests; supply chains have been disrupted; facilities and production have been suspended; and demand for certain goods and services, such as medical services and supplies, has spiked, while demand for other goods and services, including salmon in the institutional sales chain that includes restaurants, has fallen, with a resulting drop in the prices for those goods and services. We have been impacted by the reduction in food service demand for salmon due to the pandemic in the form of significantly lower than expected sales and a reduction in the value of our inventory. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have provided our administrative employees with the option to work remotely, and we have limited the number of staff in any given area of our farm sites. We have also implemented policies and procedures at our farms to react to any outbreak of the virus.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have and may continue to experience disruptions that could severely impact our business, including disruptions or restrictions on our ability to travel, obtain regulatory approvals from the FDA and other regulators, pursue partnerships and other business transactions, conduct production activities, and make shipments, as well as be impacted by the temporary closure of the facilities of suppliers. While we have taken steps to address the impact of the coronavirus on our operations, we and our service providers have experienced labor and transportation shortages that have slowed the pace and increased the expense of commercial harvests of our products. In addition, labor shortages are creating additional challenges to our efforts to meet the annual harvest expectations at our existing facilities, which has necessitated increased culling to rebalance the biomass of our fish and lower our stocking densities. Though we believe this action will position us to achieve an annual harvest volume of 1,200 metric tons at the farm, we do not expect to reach this level during the next twelve months.
We also cannot presently predict the scope and severity of any additional business shutdowns or disruptions or the future impact on consumer demand. For example, we have been primarily impacted by a reduction in the market price and demand for Atlantic salmon due to the pandemic’s impact on the food service sector. This had and continues to have a negative impact on our revenue and inventory value. If we or any of the third parties with whom we engage, including suppliers, distributors, service providers, regulators,
and overseas business partners, experience additional or continued shutdowns or other disruptions, or consumer demand remains materially reduced, our ability to conduct our business in the manner and on the timelines presently planned could be materially and negatively impacted, our anticipated revenues could decrease, and our costs and expenses could continue to rise as a result of our efforts to address such disruptions.
In addition, the trading prices for our common stock and the stock of other biotechnology and food companies have been highly volatile as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we may face difficulties raising capital through sales of our common stock or such sales may be on unfavorable terms. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rapidly evolve, and the extent to which it may impact our business and planned programs will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, such as the ultimate geographic spread of the disease; the duration of the pandemic; travel restrictions and other actions to contain the pandemic or address its impact, such as social distancing and quarantines or lock-downs in the United States, Canada, and other countries; business closures or business disruptions; and the effectiveness of actions taken in the United States, Canada, and other countries to contain and address the disease.
Ethical, legal, and social concerns about genetically engineered products could limit or prevent the use of our products and limit our revenues.
Our technologies include the use of genetic engineering. Public perception about the safety and environmental hazards of, and ethical concerns over, genetically engineered products could influence public acceptance of our technologies and products. Activist groups opposing the genetic engineering of organisms have in the past pressured a number of retail food outlets and grocery chains to publicly state that they will not carry genetically engineered Atlantic salmon, and they could file lawsuits to prevent the production and sale of our products. If we are not able to overcome the ethical, legal, and social concerns relating to genetic engineering, products using our technologies may not be accepted in the marketplace, and demand for our products could fall short of what we expect. These concerns could also result in increased expenses, regulatory scrutiny, delays, or other impediments to implementation of our business plan. For example, in January 2021 the House of Representatives introduced the Prevention of Escapement of Genetically Altered Salmon in the United States Act (“HR 273”), which would prohibit our business unless we obtain permits from the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, in consultation with the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies.
The subject of genetically engineered products has received negative publicity, which has aroused public debate. This adverse publicity could lead to lawsuits against the production, distribution, and sale of genetically engineered products; greater regulation of those products; and trade restrictions on their importation. Further, there is a concern that products produced using our technologies could be perceived to cause adverse events, which could also lead to negative publicity.
We may incur significant costs complying with environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, and failure to comply with these laws and regulations could expose us to significant liabilities.
Our operations are subject to a variety of federal, state, local, and international laws and regulations governing, among other matters, the use, generation, manufacture, transportation, international shipment, storage, handling, disposal of, and human exposure to our products in both the United States and overseas, including regulation by governmental regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, capital and operating expenditures and other costs in the ordinary course of our business in complying with these laws and regulations. Additional laws and regulations, such as HR 273, could be adopted in the future further regulating our business.
We may become subject to increasing regulation, changes in existing regulations, and review of existing regulatory decisions.
Regulations pertaining to genetically engineered animals are still developing and could change from their present state. In addition, new legislation could require new regulatory frameworks, changes in existing regulation, or re-evaluation of prior regulatory decisions. For example, despite the FDA’s final determination that AquAdvantage salmon may be sold without being labeled as a genetically engineered product, a provision added to the 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act required the FDA to issue final guidance for such labeling. The FDA was therefore obligated to maintain an Import Alert starting in January 2016 that prohibited import of AquAdvantage salmon until such guidance was finalized or the provision was no longer effective. On March 8, 2019, several months after the USDA promulgated its final rule establishing the Disclosure Standard, which included disclosure requirements for bioengineered foods, including AquAdvantage salmon, the FDA lifted the Import Alert.
Similarly, in July 2017, a bill was introduced in the United States Senate that could have, had it become law, required labeling unique to, as well as re-examination of the environmental assessments used by the FDA in its 2015 approval of the NADA for, AquAdvantage salmon. While this bill was reintroduced in January 2019 without the requirement for re-examination of those environmental assessments, any such legislatively imposed review of a completed regulatory process could result in new restrictions on, or delays in, commercialization of our product in the United States. We could be subject to increasing or more onerous regulatory hurdles as we attempt to commercialize our product, which could require us to incur significant additional capital and operating expenditures and
other costs in complying with these laws and regulations. Our regulatory burdens could also increase if AquAdvantage salmon are found, or believed, to grow to a larger final size than conventional Atlantic salmon.
In addition, the 2020 Appropriations Act, which was signed into law in December 2019, contained an amendment that requires that any bioengineered animal approved by FDA prior to the effective date of the Disclosure Standard shall include the words ‘‘genetically engineered’’ prior to the existing acceptable market name. While the Company believes that this labeling requirement is unnecessary and redundant to the requirement of the Disclosure Standard, it will comply with all applicable laws.
Further, in January 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced HR 273, which would place significant restrictions and regulatory requirements on our business. This act is currently under review by the House of Representatives’ natural resources committee.
Additional regulatory and lawmaking activity within the United States and abroad could increase our costs and/or delay or prevent the production and sales of our AquAdvantage salmon.
We may be required to write-down the value of our inventory if its net realizable value is less than its accumulated cost at the end of a reporting period.
Our fish-in-process inventory is a biological asset and is stated on our balance sheet at the lower of cost or net realizable value, where net realizable value is calculated as the estimated market price less the estimated costs of processing, packaging and transportation. Any adjustments to the carrying value of inventory are reported as a component of production costs on our income statement. Such adjustments may be material in any given period and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Until such time as our net realizable value is consistently in excess of inventory costs, our inventory may be subject to significant market value risk. During the third quarter of 2021, we recognized a $1.5 million charge to reduce the value of our inventory to its net realizable value, based on our current quarter production yields and transportation costs which were higher than our expectations as of the end of the second quarter of 2021.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Letter Agreement with Third Security
On July 30, 2021, we entered into a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) with TS Aquaculture LLC (“TS Aquaculture”) and certain of its affiliates that required that we file a registration statement to register the shares of Common Stock held by TS Aquaculture and certain of its affiliates and keep it effective for a period of not less than 24 months. The registration statement was filed on August 5, 2021. TS Aquaculture agreed to pay all expenses incurred in connection with such registration statements. We and TS Aquaculture also agreed to modify the terms of the relationship agreement between us and TS Aquaculture as successor in interest to Intrexon Corporation (the “Relationship Agreement”) so as to restrict assignments of the rights of TS Aquaculture thereunder.
The entry into the Letter Agreement constituted a “related party transaction” as defined by Item 404 of Regulation S-K because TS Aquaculture is an affiliate and has appointed three members of our board pursuant to the Relationship Agreement. Because of this, the Letter Agreement was approved by the disinterested directors and the Audit Committee was responsible for reviewing, negotiating and approving the terms of the Letter Agreement. Additionally, the Company has a policy that the Audit Committee is responsible for the review and approval of any “related party transaction”, as such term is defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K, after it has reviewed and considered all relevant facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, whether the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in an arm’s length transaction and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction.
This transaction was approved by the disinterested members of the Board on July 27, 2021, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee.
As of September 30, 2021, the registration statement filed pursuant to the Letter Agreement for the Common Stock held by TS Aquaculture and certain of its affiliates was active and no shares have been sold to date.
Indemnification Agreements
On July 27, 2021, the Board approved an Indemnification Agreement for our officers and directors. A separate version of the Indemnification Agreement was approved for directors appointed by Third Security.
Item 6. Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit Number |
| Exhibit Description |
| ||
| ||
| ||
32.1+ |
| |
101.INS |
| XBRL instance document. |
101.SCH |
| XBRL taxonomy extension schema document. |
101.CAL |
| XBRL taxonomy extension calculation linkbase document. |
101.LAB |
| XBRL taxonomy label linkbase document. |
101.PRE |
| XBRL taxonomy extension presentation linkbase document. |
101.DEF |
| XBRL taxonomy extension definition linkbase document. |
104 |
| Cover Page Interactive Data File-the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because the XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
+ The certification furnished in Exhibit 32.1 hereto is deemed to accompany this Form 10-Q and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
| AQUABOUNTY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
|
|
|
November 4, 2021 |
| /s/ Sylvia Wulf |
|
| Sylvia Wulf |
|
| President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
November 4, 2021 |
| /s/ David A. Frank |
|
| David A. Frank |
|
| Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |