IMMUCELL CORP DE

1. BUSINESS OPERATIONS

ImmuCell Corporation (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, “our”) was originally incorporated in Maine in 1982 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1987, in conjunction with an initial public offering of common stock. We are an animal health company whose purpose is to create scientifically proven and practical products that improve the health and productivity of dairy and beef cattle. As disclosed in Note 17, “Segment Information”, one of our business segments is dedicated to Scours and the other is focused on Mastitis. We manufacture and market theFirst Defense® product line, providingImmediate Immunity™ to prevent scours in newborn dairy and beef calves. We have expanded this line into four different products with formulations targetingE. coli, coronavirus and rotavirus pathogens. We are also in the late stages of developingRe-Tain®, a treatment for lactating dairy cows with subclinical mastitis. Mastitis is the most significant cause of economic loss to the dairy industry. These products help reduce the need to use traditional antibiotics in food producing animals. We are subject to certain risks including dependence on key individuals and third-party providers of critical goods and services, competition from other larger companies, the successful sale of existing products and the development of new viable products with appropriate regulatory approvals, where applicable. A combination of the conditions, trends and concerns related to or arising from inflation, rising interest rates and potential recessionary conditions in the United States and/or internationally, could have a corresponding negative effect on our business and operations. We are experiencing price increases in key components, supportive services, transportation and other supplies that are causing our costs of goods sold to increase. We have historically experienced some contamination events in our production process, as disclosed previously. We implemented a production slowdown to remediate this problem, which led to the recognition of lower sales and gross margin during the first ten months of 2023.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Basis of Presentation

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited financial statements reflecting all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) that are, in our opinion, necessary in order to ensure that the financial statements are not misleading. We follow accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The FASB sets Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) that we follow to ensure we accurately report our financial condition, results of operations, earnings per share and cash flows. References to GAAP in these footnotes are to the FASBAccounting Standards Codification™ (Codification). We believe that the disclosures are adequate to ensure that the information presented is not misleading.

(b) Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investment instruments that mature within three months of their purchase dates to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are principally invested in securities backed by the U.S. government. We hold no cash or cash equivalents in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) limits of $250,000 per financial institution per depositor. See Note 3.

(c) Trade Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are carried at the original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful collection when applicable. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts on a monthly basis by identifying troubled accounts and by using historical experience applied to an aging of accounts and other relevant factors. Accounts receivable are considered to be past due if a portion of the receivable balance is outstanding for more than 30 days. Past due accounts receivable are subject to an interest charge. It was not necessary to charge interest on past due accounts during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 or 2023 because the time past due was not significant, and there was no accrual for such interest charges as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible. No accounts receivable were written off during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 or 2023. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded as income when received. No such recoveries were recorded during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 or 2023. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we determined that no allowance for doubtful accounts was necessary. See Note 4.

(d) Inventory

Inventory includes raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods and is recorded at the lower of cost, on the first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value (determined as the estimated selling price in the normal course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation). Work-in-process and finished goods inventories include materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. At each balance sheet date, we evaluate our ending inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. Inventories that we consider excess or obsolete are written down to estimated net realizable value. Once inventory is written down and a new cost basis is established, it is not written back up. We believe that supplies and raw materials for the production of our products are available from more than one vendor or farm. Our policy is to maintain more than one source of supply for the components used in our products when feasible. See Note 5.

(e) Property, Plant and Equipment, net

We depreciate property, plant and equipment on the straight-line method by charges to operations and costs of goods sold in amounts estimated to expense the cost of the assets from the date they are first put into service to the end of the estimated useful lives of the assets. The facility we have constructed at 33 Caddie Lane to produce the Nisin Drug Substance (DS) forRe-Tain® (Building 33) is being depreciated over 39 years from when a Certificate of Occupancy was issued during the fourth quarter of 2017. We began depreciating the equipment for our Nisin DS facility when it was placed in service during the third quarter of 2018. Approximately 87% of these assets are being depreciated over 10 years. We began depreciating the leasehold improvements to our new**First Defense®**production facility at 175 Industrial Way (Building 175A) over the remainder of the 10-year lease term beginning when a Certificate of Occupancy was issued during the second quarter of 2020. During August of 2022, this lease term was extended to January of 2043 in connection with a new lease covering additional space at 175 Industrial Way (Building 175B). As a result, the net book value of these leasehold improvements as of August 31, 2022 is now being depreciated over the remainder of the extended lease term. Significant repairs to property, plant and equipment that benefit more than a current period are capitalized and depreciated over their useful lives. Insignificant repairs are expensed when incurred. See Notes 2(h) and 7 for additional information.

(f) Operating Leases

We account for our real estate leases using a right-of-use model, which recognizes that at the date of commencement, a lessee has a financial obligation to make lease payments to the lessor for the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term and recognizes a corresponding right-of-use (ROU) asset related to this right. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the future lease payments over the expected lease term. The ROU asset is also adjusted for any lease prepayments made, lease incentives received and initial direct costs incurred. For operating leases with lease payments that fluctuate over the lease term, the total lease costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Our leases, at times, may include options to extend the term of the lease. When it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option, we include the impact of the option in the lease term for purposes of determining future lease payments. For all underlying classes of assets, we made an accounting policy election to not recognize assets or liabilities for leases with a term of twelve months or less and to account for all components in a lease arrangement as a single combined lease component. Short-term lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis. Certain of our lease agreements include variable rent payments, consisting primarily of amounts paid to the lessor based on cost or consumption, such as maintenance and real estate taxes. These costs are recognized in the period in which the obligation is incurred. Because our leases do not specify an implicit rate, we use an incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the lease commencement date to determine the present value of the lease payments. We evaluate our ROU asset for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. See Notes 2(h) and 12 for additional information.

(g) Intangible Assets and Goodwill

We amortize intangible assets on the straight-line method by charges to costs of goods sold in amounts estimated to expense the cost of the assets from the date they are first put into service to the end of the estimated useful lives of the assets. We have recorded intangible assets related to customer relationships, non-compete agreements and developed technology, each with defined useful lives. Amounts paid in excess of the fair value of the net assets (including tax attributes) are recorded as goodwill under the acquisition method of accounting. We assess the impairment of intangible assets that have indefinite lives (when applicable) and goodwill (at the reporting unit level) on an annual basis (as of December 31 st) and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. We would record an impairment charge if such an assessment were to indicate that the fair value of such assets was less than the carrying value. Judgment is required in determining whether an event has occurred that may impair the value of goodwill or identifiable intangible assets. Factors that could indicate that an impairment may exist include significant under-performance relative to plan or long-term projections, significant changes in business strategy and significant negative industry or economic trends. Although we believe intangible assets and goodwill are properly stated in the accompanying financial statements, changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require an adjustment to the recorded balance in the future. No goodwill impairments were recorded during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 or 2023. See Notes 2(h) and 8 for additional information.

(h) Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets, consisting principally of property, plant and equipment, operating lease right-of-use asset and amortizable intangible assets, for potential impairment. In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance for the treatment of long-lived assets, we review the carrying value of our long-lived assets or asset group that is held and used, including intangible assets subject to amortization, for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Under the held for use approach, the asset or asset group to be tested for impairment should represent the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. No impairment was recognized during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 or 2023.

(i) Fair Value Measurements

In determining fair value measurements, we follow the provisions of Codification Topic 820,Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. Codification Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. The topic provides a consistent definition of fair value which focuses on an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The topic also prioritizes, within the measurement of fair value, the use of market-based information over entity-specific information and establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based on the nature of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. The amount outstanding under our bank debt facilities is measured at carrying value in our accompanying balance sheets. Our bank debt facilities are valued using Level 2 inputs. The three-level hierarchy is as follows:

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level of an asset or liability within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment. We also hold money market accounts in our bank account, which are classified as cash equivalents and measured at fair value. The fair value of these investments is based on their closing published net asset value.

We assess the levels of the investments at each measurement date, and transfers between levels are recognized on the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer in accordance with our accounting policy regarding the recognition of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no transfers between levels. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our Level 1 assets measured at fair value by quoted prices in active markets consisted of cash and money market accounts. There wereno assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. The carrying values of our cash and money market accounts as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023 approximated their fair market values. Due to inflation and the changing interest rate environment, the carrying values of our fixed rate bank debt as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 differed from their fair market values. These values are reflected in the following tables:

(j) Concentration of Risk

Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is principally limited to certain customers to whom we make substantial sales. To reduce risk, we routinely assess the financial strength of our customers and, as a consequence, believe that our accounts receivable credit risk exposure is limited. We maintain an allowance for potential credit losses when deemed necessary, but historically we have not experienced significant credit losses related to an individual customer or groups of customers in any particular industry or geographic area. Sales to significant customers that amounted to 10% or more of total product sales are detailed in the following table:

Trade accounts receivable due from significant customers that amounted to 10% or more of our total trade accounts receivable are detailed in the following table:

(k) Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with Codification Topic 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606). ASC 606 is a single comprehensive model for companies to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The core principle is that we recognize the amount of revenue to which we expect to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We conduct our business with customers through valid purchase orders or sales orders which are considered contracts and are not interdependent on one another. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct product to the customer. The transaction price is the amount of consideration we expect to receive under the arrangement. Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The transaction price of a contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized when or as the customer receives the benefit of the performance obligation. Product transaction prices on a purchase or sales order are discrete and stand-alone. We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation in a contract by transferring control over a product to a customer when product ships to a customer. Amounts due are typically paid approximately 30 days from the time control is transferred. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight are accounted for as a fulfillment cost in costs of goods sold. We do not bill for or collect sales tax because our sales are generally made to distributors and thus our sales to them are not subject to sales tax. We generally have experienced an immaterial amount of product returns. See Note 14 for additional information.

(l) Expense Recognition

We do not incur costs in connection with product sales to customers that are eligible for capitalization. Advertising costs are expensed when incurred, which is generally during the month in which the advertisement is published. All product development expenses are expensed as incurred, as are all related patent costs. We capitalize costs to produce inventory during the production cycle, and these costs are charged to costs of goods sold when the inventory is sold to a customer or is deemed to be in excess or obsolete.

(m) Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with Codification Topic 740,Income Taxes, which requires that we recognize a current tax liability or asset for current taxes payable or refundable and a deferred tax liability or asset for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards to the extent they are realizable. We consider future taxable income and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets at the end of each quarter. If we determine that it is more likely than not that we will realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount over a reasonably short period of time, a reduction of the valuation allowance would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, if we determine that it is more likely than not that we will not realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an increase to the valuation allowance would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

Codification Topic 740-10 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position must meet before being recognized in the financial statements. In the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. In addition, we are subject to periodic audits and examinations by the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing authorities. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2021. We have evaluated the positions taken on our filed tax returns and have concluded that no uncertain tax positions existed as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates. See Note 16.

(n) Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with Codification Topic 718,Compensation-Stock Compensation, which generally requires us to recognize non-cash compensation expense for stock-based payments using the fair-value-based method. The fair value of each stock option grant has been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Accordingly, we recorded compensation expense pertaining to stock-based compensation of $81,110 and $96,116 during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. See Note 13.

(o) Net Loss Per Common Share

Net loss per common share has been computed in accordance with Codification Topic 260-10,Earnings Per Share. The net loss per share has been computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. All stock options have been excluded from the denominator in the calculation of dilutive earnings per share when we are in a loss position because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. Outstanding stock options that were not included in this calculation because the effect would be anti-dilutive amounted to 599,500 and 626,000 during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

(p) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Although we regularly assess these estimates, actual amounts could differ from those estimates and are subject to change in the near term. Changes in estimates are recorded during the period in which they become known. Significant estimates include our valuation of inventory, deferred tax assets and costs of goods sold.

(q) New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07,Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant expenses. The amendments will require disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to our chief operating decision-maker and included within segment profit and loss. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and will be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating ASU 2023-07 to determine its impact on our financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09*, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures*, which includes amendments that further enhance income tax disclosures, primarily through standardization and disaggregation of income tax rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We are currently evaluating ASU 2023-09 to determine its impact on our financial statements.

3. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents amounted to $960,347 and $978,741 as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

4. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Trade accounts receivable amounted to $2,622,532 and $2,185,383 as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. No allowance for bad debt or product returns was recorded as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. We anticipate no future events or conditions that would impact our ability to collect our accounts receivable. Because of the generally short duration from the balance sheet date to the date of collection, our collection rate is not expected to be significantly impacted by events occurring after the balance sheet date. The trade accounts receivable balances included $25,646 and $42,507 due from a related party as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. See Note 18.

5. INVENTORY

Inventory consisted of the following:

These inventory figures are net of write-offs of scrapped inventory in the amounts of $116,778 and $236,456 during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, that resulted principally from contamination events and other production process losses.

6. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, construction in progress consisted principally of payments toward theFirst Defense® production capacity expansion project and equipment needed to bring the formulation and aseptic filling forRe-Tain® in-house. Property, plant and equipment disposals were$0 and $42,259 during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Depreciation expense was $662,477 and $652,134 during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets of $191,040 were valued using the relief from royalty method and are being amortized to costs of goods sold over their useful lives, which are estimated to be 10 years. Intangible amortization expense was $4,776 during both of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. The net value of these intangibles was $33,432 and $38,208 as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Intangible asset amortization expense is estimated to be $19,104 per year through December 31, 2025.

Intangible assets as of March 31, 2024 consisted of the following:

Intangible assets as of December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:

9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:

10. BANK DEBT

Loans #1 and #2: During the first quarter of 2020, we closed on a debt financing with Gorham Savings Bank (GSB) aggregating $8,600,000, which was comprised of a $5,100,000 mortgage note (Loan #1) that bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.50% per annum (with a 10-year term and 25-year amortization schedule and a balloon principal payment of $3,145,888 due during the first quarter of 2030) and a $3,500,000 note (Loan #2) that bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.50% per annum (with a 7-year term and amortization schedule). The proceeds from the 2020 debt refinancing were used to repay all bank debt outstanding at the time of closing and to provide some additional working capital. During the first quarter of 2022, we closed on an additional $2,000,000 in mortgage debt, which bears interest at the fixed rate of 3.58% per annum. This was accomplished through an amendment of the original mortgage note (Loan #1) that increased the then outstanding principal balance from $4,233,957 to $6,233,957 bearing interest at the blended fixed rate of 3.53% per annum. This increased the balloon payment from $3,145,888 to $3,687,511 and extended the due date of the balloon payment from the first quarter of 2030 to the first quarter of 2032.

Line of Credit (LOC): Also during the first quarter of 2020, GSB extended a $1,000,000 LOC to us that is available, as needed, through September 11, 2025. Interest on borrowings against the LOC is variable at the National Prime Rate per annum. There was no outstanding balance under this LOC as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

Loan #3: During the second quarter of 2020, we received a loan from the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) in the aggregate principal amount of $500,000. The first 2.25 years of this loan were interest-free with no interest accrual or required principal payments. Beginning during the fourth quarter of 2022, Loan #3 became subject to quarterly principal and interest payments at a fixed rate of 5% per annum over the final five years of the loan, through the third quarter of 2027 if not repaid before then.

Loan #4: During the fourth quarter of 2020, we closed on a $1,500,000 note with GSB that bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.50% per annum (with a 7-year term and amortization schedule). Proceeds of $624,167 were used to prepay a portion of the outstanding principal on our mortgage note (Loan #1), which reduced the outstanding balance to 80% of the most recent appraised value of the property securing the debt, which allowed GSB to release the $1,400,000 that had been held in escrow. The remaining proceeds were available for general working capital purposes.

Loan #5: On June 30, 2021, we executed definitive agreements covering a second loan from the MTI in the aggregate principal amount of $400,000, proceeds from which were received in July of 2021. The first two years of this loan were interest-free with no interest accrual or required principal payments. Principal and interest payments at a fixed rate of 5% per annum are due quarterly over the final 5.5 years of the loan, beginning during the third quarter of 2023 and continuing through the fourth quarter of 2028 if not repaid before then.

**Loan #6:**During the third quarter of 2023, we closed on a $2,000,000 term loan bearing interest at a fixed rate of 7% per annum from GSB. The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) provided $1,000,000 of loan insurance to GSB. This loan is repayable under a 7-year amortization schedule with a balloon payment of $1,285,060 due during the third quarter of 2026.

Loan #7: Also during the third quarter of 2023, we closed on a $1,000,000 term loan bearing interest at a fixed rate of 8% per annum from FAME. The loan is repayable under a 7-year amortization schedule with a balloon payment of $649,238 due during the third quarter of 2026.

Loans #1, #2, #4, #6 and #7 are secured by liens on substantially all of our assets and are subject to certain restrictions and financial covenants. Loan #7 is subordinated to Loans #1, #2, #4 and #6. Reflecting our poor financial performance during 2023, the debt covenant requirements for the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024 were waived pre-emptively by our lenders. We are required to meet a minimum debt service coverage (DSC) ratio of 1.35 for the twelve-month period ending September 30, 2024 and then annually after that beginning with the year ending December 31, 2024. In connection with these credit facilities, we incurred aggregate debt issuance and debt discount costs of $173,305 ($5,037 and $0 of which was incurred during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively). The amortization of these debt issuance and debt discount costs is being recorded as a component of interest expense, included in other expenses, net, and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the underlying terms of the notes. Loans #3 and #5 are unsecured and subordinated to our indebtedness to GSB and FAME. Failure to make timely payments of principal and interest, or otherwise to comply with the terms of the agreements of Loans #3 and #5, would entitle the MTI to accelerate the maturity of such debt and demand repayment in full. These loans may be prepaid without penalty at any time.

Debt proceeds received and principal repayments made (excluding our $1,000,000 line of credit) during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are reflected in the following table by period and by loan:

Debt proceeds received and principal repayments made (excluding our $1,000,000 line of credit) during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are reflected in the following table by period and by loan:

Principal payments (net of debt issuance and debt discount costs) due under bank loans outstanding as of March 31, 2024 (excluding our $1,000,000 line of credit) are reflected in the following table by the year that payments are due:

11. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS

Our bylaws, as amended, in effect provide that the Company will indemnify its officers and directors against any liability arising from their responsibilities as officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law. In addition, we make similar indemnity undertakings with each director through a separate indemnification agreement with that director. The maximum payment that we may be required to make under such provisions is theoretically unlimited and is impossible to determine. We maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, which may provide reimbursement to the Company for payments made to, or on behalf of, officers and directors pursuant to the indemnification provisions. Our indemnification obligations were grandfathered under the provisions of Codification Topic 460*, Guarantees*. Accordingly, we have recorded no liability for such obligations as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. Since our incorporation, we have had no occasion to make any indemnification payment to any of our officers or directors for any reason.

The development, manufacturing and marketing of animal health care products entails an inherent risk that liability claims will be asserted against us during the normal course of business. We are aware of no such claims against us as of the date of this filing. We believe that we have reasonable levels of liability insurance to support our operations.

We enter into agreements with third parties in the ordinary course of business under which we are obligated to indemnify such third parties from and against various risks and losses. The precise terms of such indemnities vary with the nature of the agreement. In many cases, we limit the maximum amount of our indemnification obligations, but in some cases those obligations may be theoretically unlimited. We have not incurred material expenses in discharging any of these indemnification obligations and based on our analysis of the nature of the risks involved, we believe that the fair value of the liabilities potentially arising under these agreements is minimal. Accordingly, we recorded no liabilities for such obligations as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

We plan to purchase certain key parts (syringes) and services (formulation, aseptic filling and final packaging) pertaining toRe-Tain® Drug Product (DP), our Nisin-based intramammary treatment of subclinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows, exclusively from contractors. The contract for formulation, aseptic filling and final packaging of DP is scheduled to terminate after the supply of product for our initial controlled market launch. We initiated an investment in the necessary equipment to perform the DP formulation and aseptic filling services in-house, but this investment has been paused at the present time.

Effective March 28, 2022, we entered into an Amended and Restated Separation and Deferred Compensation Agreement (the “Deferred Compensation Agreement”) with Mr. Brigham (our President and CEO) that superseded and replaced in its entirety a March 2020 severance agreement between the Company and Mr. Brigham. Upon separation from the Company for any reason, Mr. Brigham’s Deferred Compensation Agreement allows Mr. Brigham to be paid, among other amounts, all earned and unused paid time off (which expense totaling $222,379 was accrued during the first quarter of 2022 and $230,162 was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying balance sheets as of both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023) and to receive up to an additional $300,000 in deferred compensation (which amount is being accrued over the three-year period ending in January 2025). This deferred compensation payment vested as to $100,000 on January 1, 2023 and an additional $100,000 on January 1, 2024. An additional $100,000 will vest on January 1, 2025, provided that Mr. Brigham is employed by the Company as of such date. The vested amounts would be paid upon the earlier of January 31, 2025 or within thirty (30) days following his separation from the Company. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $225,000 and $200,000, respectively, was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying balance sheets. In addition, upon termination of Mr. Brigham’s employment (a) by the Company other than for cause, (b) due to death or disability or (c) by Mr. Brigham for good reason, in each case as described and defined in the Deferred Compensation Agreement, the Company agrees to pay Mr. Brigham 100% of his then current annual base salary and a lump sum payment equal to the employer portion of the costs of continued health benefits for Mr. Brigham and his covered dependents for a twelve-month period following termination, and certain equity incentive awards granted to Mr. Brigham would continue to vest following such termination in accordance with the terms of the Deferred Compensation Agreement.

Incentive compensation agreements may be entered into with Mr. Brigham, Ms. Brockmann (our Vice President of Sales and Marketing) and Ms. Williams (our Vice President of Manufacturing Operations) which, at times, allow these executives to earn incentive compensation if certain regulatory and financial objectives are met during the year to which the agreement relates, as specified in their agreements. Amounts related to these incentive compensation agreements are accrued over the period they are earned (when it is probable that the amounts will be earned) based on our best estimate of the amounts expected to be earned.

In addition to the commitments discussed above, we had committed $5,000 to increase our production capacity for theFirst Defense® product line, $2,052,000 to the purchase of inventory and $378,000 to other obligations as of March 31, 2024.

12. OPERATING LEASE

On September 12, 2019, we entered into a lease covering approximately 14,300 square feet of office and warehouse space with a possession date of November 15, 2019 and a commencement date of February 13, 2020. The property is located at 175 Industrial Way in Portland (Building 175A), which is a short distance from our headquarters and manufacturing facility at 56 Evergreen Drive. We renovated this space to meet our needs in expanding our production capacity for theFirst Defense® product line. The original lease term wasten years with a right to renew for a second 10-year term and a right of first offer to purchase. At the time we entered into this lease, we were not reasonably assured that we would exercise this renewal option in place of other real estate options. For that reason, a 10-year period was reflected in the right-of-use (ROU) asset and lease liability on our balance sheet. During the third quarter of 2022, we committed to lease an additional 15,400 square feet of space at 175 Industrial Way (Building 175B), which is connected to the original space, over a 20-year term. The ROU asset and lease liability for the committed space atBuilding 175B was recorded as of April 1, 2023 after construction of the building shell was completed in accordance with the lease agreement. Monthly lease payments commenced as of August 1, 2023. In connection with the lease commitment for space atBuilding 175B,the term of the original lease forBuilding 175A was extended by approximately 13 years. On November 14, 2023, we amended this lease further to provide for certain tenant improvements on the leased premises to be paid for by our landlord. These improvements will provide heat to an unfinished space, provide additional warehouse space, and create a new primary shipping and receiving facility. In consideration for the landlord agreeing to pay for the cost of those certain tenant improvements, we are obligated to make additional rent payments of $20,000 per month from November 2023 through June 2024 and a one-time additional rent payment of $488,743 in July 2024. The total lease liability for both leases over the amended terms (including inflationary adjustments) aggregated $4,739,077 as of November 14, 2023. Because of this modification to the lease payments, the ROU asset and lease liability associated with the space atBuilding 175B were remeasured as of the modification date. Our leases include variable non-lease components. Such payments primarily include common area maintenance charges. As of March 31, 2024, the balance of the operating lease ROU asset was $4,546,061 and the operating lease liability was $4,658,862. As of December 31, 2023, the balance of the operating lease ROU asset was $4,571,149 and the operating lease liability was $4,721,385. The calculated amount of the ROU asset and lease liability is impacted by the length of the lease term and the discount rate used for the present value of the minimum lease payments. We elected not to separate lease and non-lease components for all classes of underlying assets, and instead to account for them as a single lease component. Variable lease cost primarily represents variable payments such as real estate taxes and common area maintenance. The following tables describe our lease costs and other lease information:

Future lease payments required under non-cancelable operating leases in effect as of March 31, 2024 were as follows:

13. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Stock Issuances

From February 2016 to April 2021, we sold the aggregate of 4,553,017 shares of common stock in six different transactions raising gross proceeds of $26,714,403 at the weighted average price of $5.87 per share. These funds have been essential to funding our business growth plans. The details of each transaction are discussed below:

1. During February of 2016, we sold 1,123,810 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $5.25 per share in an underwritten public offering pursuant to our effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3, raising gross proceeds of $5,900,003 and resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $5,313,224 (after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses incurred in connection with the equity financing).

2. During October of 2016, we sold, in a private placement,659,880 shares of common stock to nineteen institutional and accredited investors at $5.25 per share, raising gross proceeds of $3,464,370 and resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $3,160,923 (after deducting placement agent fees and other expenses incurred in connection with the equity financing).

3. During July of 2017, we sold 200,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $5.25 per share in a public, registered sale to two related investors pursuant to our effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3, raising gross proceeds of $1,050,000 and resulting in net proceeds of $1,034,164 (after deducting expenses incurred in connection with the equity financing).

4. During December of 2017, we sold 417,807 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $7.30 per share in an underwritten public offering pursuant to our effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3, raising gross proceeds of $3,049,991 and resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $2,734,173 (after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses incurred in connection with the equity financing).

5. During March of 2019, we sold 1,636,364 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $5.50 per share in an underwritten public offering pursuant to our effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3, raising gross proceeds of $9,000,002 and resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $8,303,436 (after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses incurred in connection with the equity financing).

6. During April of 2021, we sold 515,156 shares of our common stock at a price of $8.25 per share in a public, registered sale to seven investors pursuant to our effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3, raising gross proceeds of $4,250,038 and resulting in net proceeds of $4,233,026 (after deducting expenses incurred in connection with the equity financing).

7. On April 9, 2024, our shelf registration on Form S-3 (File No. 333-278438) relating to the offer, issuance and sale by the Company of up to $20,000,000 of securities was declared effective by the SEC. Also on April 9, 2024, we entered into an At-The-Market Offering Agreement (ATM Agreement) with Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC, pursuant to which we may offer and sell up to $11,000,000 of shares of our common stock. As of May 3, 2024, we had sold 61,010 shares pursuant to the ATM Agreement. Legal, accounting and other fees of approximately $136,477 associated with the completion of the shelf registration and the ATM Agreement were capitalized as of March 31, 2024 and were offset against the initial proceeds received during the second quarter of 2024. Gross proceeds from the at the market offering conducted pursuant to the ATM Agreement (excluding the upfront legal, accounting and other fees), less sales commissions of approximately $9,000, were approximately $300,000 through May 3, 2024.

Stock Option Plans

In June 2010, our stockholders approved the 2010 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”) pursuant to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, under which employees and certain service providers may be granted options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at no less than fair market value on the date of grant. At that time,300,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2010 Plan and subsequently no additional shares have been reserved for the 2010 Plan. Vesting requirements are determined by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis. All options granted under the 2010 Plan expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant. The 2010 Plan expired in June 2020, after which date no further options can be granted under the 2010 Plan. However, options outstanding under the 2010 Plan at that time can be exercised in accordance with their terms. There were 186,500 and 188,500 options outstanding under the 2010 Plan as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

In June 2017, our stockholders approved the 2017 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) pursuant to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, under which employees and certain service providers may be granted options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at no less than fair market value on the date of grant. At that time,300,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2017 Plan. An amendment to the 2017 Plan increasing the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2017 Plan from 300,000 shares to 650,000 shares was approved by a vote of stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in June 2022. Vesting requirements are determined by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis. All options granted under the 2017 Plan expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant. The 2017 Plan expires in March 2027, after which date no further options can be granted under the 2017 Plan. However, options outstanding under the 2017 Plan at that time can be exercised in accordance with their terms. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were 413,000 and 430,000 options outstanding under the 2017 Plan, respectively.

Activity under the stock option plans described above was as follows:

The following table displays additional information about the stock option plans described above:

No stock options were exercised during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. The weighted average remaining life of the options outstanding under the 2010 Plan and the 2017 Plan as of March 31, 2024 was approximately 5 years and 5 months. The weighted average remaining life of the options exercisable under these plans as of March 31, 2024 was approximately 3 years and 5 months. The exercise price of the options outstanding as of March 31, 2024, ranged from $4.00 to $10.04 per share. The 2,000 stock options granted during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 had an exercise price of $5.15 per share. The weighted-average grant date fair values of options granted during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were $2.89 and $2.88 per share, respectively. As of March 31, 2024, total unrecognized stock-based compensation related to non-vested stock options aggregated $510,125 which will be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of approximately 1 year and 5 months. The fair value of each stock option grant has been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, for the purpose discussed in Note 2(n), with the following weighted-average assumptions:

Common Stock Rights Plan

In September 1995, our Board of Directors adopted a Common Stock Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend of one common share purchase right (a “Right”) for each of the then outstanding shares of the common stock of the Company. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one share of common stock at an initial purchase price of $70.00 per share, subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement between the Company and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent.

The Rights (as amended) become exercisable and transferable apart from the common stock upon the earlier of i) 10 days following a public announcement that a person or group (Acquiring Person) has, without the prior consent of the Continuing Directors (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement), acquired beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding common stock or ii) 10 days following commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in ownership by a person or group of 20% or more of the outstanding common stock (the earlier of such dates being called the Distribution Date).

Upon the Distribution Date, the holder of each Right not owned by the Acquiring Person would be entitled to purchase common stock at a discount to the initial purchase price of $70.00 per share, effectively equal to one half of the market price of a share of common stock on the date the Acquiring Person becomes an Acquiring Person. If, after the Distribution Date, the Company should consolidate or merge with any other entity and the Company were not the surviving company, or, if the Company were the surviving company, all or part of the Company’s common stock were changed or exchanged into the securities of any other entity, or if more than 50% of the Company’s assets or earning power were sold, each Right would entitle its holder to purchase, at the Rights’ then-current purchase price, a number of shares of the acquiring company’s common stock having a market value at that time equal to twice the Right’s exercise price.

At any time after a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person and prior to the acquisition by such person or group of 50% or more of the outstanding common stock, the Board of Directors of the Company may exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by such person or group which have become void), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock per Right (subject to adjustment). At any time prior to 14 days following the date that any person or group becomes an Acquiring Person (subject to extension by the Board of Directors), the Board of Directors of the Company may redeem the then outstanding Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.005 per Right, subject to adjustment.

During the third quarter of 2011, our Board of Directors voted to authorize an amendment to the Rights Plan to increase the ownership threshold for determining “Acquiring Person” status to 20%. During the second quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors also voted to authorize an amendment to remove a provision that prevented a new group of directors elected following the emergence of an Acquiring Person (an owner of more than 20% of our stock) from controlling the Rights Plan by maintaining exclusive authority over the Rights Plan with pre-existing directors. We did this because such provisions have come to be viewed with disfavor by Delaware courts. Each time that we made such amendments we entered into amendments to the Rights Agreement with the Rights Agent reflecting such extensions, threshold increases or provision changes. No other changes have been made to the terms of the Rights or the Rights Plan.

At various times over the years, our Board of Directors, which has the authority to amend the Rights Plan, has voted to authorize amendments to the Rights Plan to extend the expiration date of the Rights Plan. Our Board of Directors decided to seek an advisory vote by stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in June 2022, as to whether to extend the Rights Plan by one year to September 19, 2023. Of the votes actually cast on this proposal, 65% voted in favor, 32% voted against and 3% abstained. On the basis of this vote, our Board of Directors voted to extend the Rights Plan by one year to September 19, 2023. Our Board of Directors decided to seek another advisory vote by stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in June 2023, as to whether to extend the Rights Plan by another year to September 19, 2024. Of the votes actually cast on this proposal, 65.10% voted in favor, 34.60% voted against and 0.30% abstained. On the basis of this vote, our Board of Directors voted to extend the Rights Plan by one year to September 19, 2024. Recognizing that there might be a substantial number of broker non-votes, our Board of Directors disclosed that it would be guided by the votes actually cast on these proposals in deciding whether to extend the expiration date of such plan by one year.

Authorized Common Stock

At the June 14, 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, our stockholders voted to approve an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance from 8,000,000 to 11,000,000. At the June 10, 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, our stockholders voted to approve an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance from 11,000,000 to 15,000,000.

14. REVENUE

We primarily offer theFirst Defense® product line to dairy and beef producers to prevent scours in newborn calves. Generally, our products are promoted to veterinarians as well as dairy and beef producers by our sales team and then sold through distributors. Our primary market is North America. We do sell into select international regions and may expand this international reach in the future. There were no material changes between the allocation and timing of revenue recognition during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 or 2023. We do not have any contract assets for which we have satisfied the performance obligations, but do not yet have the right to bill for, or contract liabilities such as customer advances. All trade receivables on our balance sheet are from contracts with customers. We incur no material costs to obtain contracts.

The following table presents our product sales disaggregated by geographic area:

The following table presents our product sales disaggregated by major product category:

15. OTHER EXPENSES, NET

Other expenses net, consisted of the following:

16. INCOME TAXES

Our income tax expense aggregated $1,340 and $1,525 (amounting to less than 1% of our loss before income taxes) during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $17,759,519 of which $16,047,612 do not expire and of which $1,711,907 expire in 2034 through 2037 (if not utilized before then) and state net operating loss carryforwards of $4,681,644 that expire in 2037 through 2038 (if not utilized before then). Additionally, we had federal general business tax credit carryforwards of $726,474 that expire in 2027 through 2042 (if not utilized before then) and state tax credit carryforwards of $775,473 that expire in 2024 through 2042 (if not utilized before then).

The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between book and tax treatment of assets and liabilities and carryforwards to the extent they are realizable. During the second quarter of 2018, we assessed our historical and near-term future profitability and recorded $563,252 in non-cash income tax expense to create a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets (which consist largely of net operating loss carryforwards and federal and state credits) based on applicable accounting standards and practices. At that time, we had incurred a net loss for six consecutive quarters, had not been profitable on a year-to-date basis since the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 and projected additional net losses for some period going forward before returning to profitability. Should future profitability be realized at an adequate level, we would be able to release this valuation allowance (resulting in a non-cash income tax benefit) and realize these deferred tax assets before they expire. We will continue to assess the need for the valuation allowance at each quarter and, in the event that actual results differ from these estimates, or we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to adjust our valuation allowance. Currently, we adjust the valuation allowance at the end of each quarter to reduce the value of our deferred tax assets tozero.

Net operating loss carryforwards, credits, and other tax attributes are subject to review and possible adjustment by the Internal Revenue Service. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code contains provisions that could place annual limitations on the future utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and credits in the event of a change in ownership of the Company, as defined.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and several state jurisdictions. We currently have no tax examinations in progress. We also have not paid additional taxes, interest or penalties as a result of tax examinations nor do we have any unrecognized tax benefits for any of the periods in the accompanying unaudited financial statements.

17. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our business operations (being the development, acquisition, manufacture and sale of products that improve the health and productivity of dairy and beef cattle) are described in Note 1. Pursuant to Codification Topic 280,Segment Reporting, we operate in the followingtwo reportable business segments: i) Scours and ii) Mastitis. The Scours segment consists of theFirst Defense® product line. The core technology underlying the Scours segment is derived around polyclonal antibodies. The Mastitis segment includes our products,CMTandRe-Tain®.Re-Tain®is projected to be the driver of this segment when approved for sale. The core technology underlying the Mastitis segment is derived around a bacteriocin called Nisin. The category we define as “Other” includes unallocated administrative and overhead expenses and other products. The significant accounting policies of these segments are described in Note 2. Product sales are the primary factor we use in determining our reportable segments. The governing regulatory authority (USDA forFirst Defense® or FDA forRe-Tain®) is also a factor in determining our reportable segments. Management monitors and evaluates segment performance from sales to net operating income (loss) closely. We are not organized by geographic region. No segments have been aggregated. The revenues and expenses allocated to each segment are in some cases direct and in other cases involve reasonable and consistent estimations by management. Each operating segment is defined as the component of our business for which financial information is available and evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision-maker is our President and CEO.

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

David S. Tomsche (Chair of our Board of Directors) is a controlling owner of Leedstone Inc., a domestic distributor of our products (theFirst Defense® product line andCMT). His affiliated company purchased $133,911 and $27,290 of products from us during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, all on terms consistent with those offered to other distributors of similar status. Our accounts receivable (subject to standard and customary payment terms) due from this affiliated company aggregated $25,646 and $42,507 as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

19. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

We have a 401(k) savings plan (the Plan) in which all employees completing one month of service with the Company are eligible to participate. Participants may contribute up to the maximum amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Service. We currently match 100% of the first 3% of each employee’s salary that is contributed to the Plan and 50% of the next 2% of each employee’s salary that is contributed to the Plan. Under this matching plan, we paid $54,935 and $44,942 into the Plan for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

20. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

We have evaluated subsequent events through the time of filing on the date we have issued this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. On April 9, 2024, we entered into an At-The-Market Offering Agreement (ATM Agreement) with Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC, pursuant to which we may offer and sell up to $11,000,000 of shares of our common stock. As of May 3, 2024, we had sold 61,010 shares pursuant to the ATM Agreement. Gross proceeds from the at the market offering conducted pursuant to the ATM Agreement (excluding approximately $136,477 in upfront legal, accounting and other fees), less sales commissions of approximately $9,000, were approximately $300,000. As of the time of filing, there were no additional material, reportable subsequent events.