EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1005286
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 1005286_10-K_2024_0001005286-24-000124.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
Corporate Overview
Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Lifecore”, the “Company”, “we” or “us”) is a fully integrated contract development and manufacturing organization (“CDMO”) that offers highly differentiated capabilities in the development, fill and finish of sterile injectable pharmaceutical products in syringes, vials and cartridges, including complex formulations. As a leading manufacturer of premium, injectable grade sodium hyaluronic (“HA”) in bulk form as well as formulated and filled syringes and vials for injectable products used in treating a broad spectrum of medical conditions and procedures. Lifecore uses its fermentation process and aseptic formulation and filling expertise to be a leader in the development of HA-based products for multiple applications and to take advantage of non-HA device and drug opportunities which leverage its expertise in manufacturing and aseptic syringe filling capabilities. Lifecore CDMO provides product development services to its partners for HA-based, as well as non-HA based, aseptically formulated and filled products. These services include activities such as technology development, material component changes, analytical method development, formulation development, pilot studies, stability studies, process validation and production of materials for clinical studies. The Company brings more than 40 years of expertise as a partner for global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories to bring their innovations to market.
Built over many years of experience, Lifecore separates itself from its competition based on its five areas of expertise, including but not limited to Lifecore’s ability to:
Establish strategic relationships with market leaders:
Lifecore continues to develop applications for products with partners who have strong marketing, sales, and distribution capabilities to end-user markets. Through its strong reputation and history of providing pharmaceutical grade HA and products, Lifecore has established long-term relationships with global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories and leverages those partnerships to attract new relationships in other medical markets.
Expand medical applications for HA:
Due to the growing knowledge of the unique characteristics of HA and Lifecore’s unique strength and history as a trusted manufacturer of pharmaceutical injectable grade HA products, Lifecore continues to identify and pursue opportunities for the use of HA in other medical applications, such as wound care, aesthetic surgery, drug delivery, next generation orthopedics and device coatings, and through sales to academic and corporate research customers. Further applications may involve expanding process development activity and/or additional licensing of technology.
Utilize manufacturing infrastructure to meet customer demand:
Lifecore has made strategic capital investments in its CDMO business focusing on extending its aseptic filling capacity and capabilities to meet increasing partner demand and to attract new contract filling opportunities outside of HA markets. Lifecore is using its manufacturing capabilities to provide contract manufacturing and development services to its partners in the area of sterile pre-filled syringes and vials, as well as fermentation and purification requirements.
Maintain flexibility in product development and supply relationships:
Lifecore’s vertically integrated development and manufacturing capabilities allow it to establish a variety of contractual relationships with global corporate partners. Lifecore’s role in these relationships extends from supplying HA raw materials to providing technology transfer and development services to manufacturing aseptically filled, finished sterile products, and assuming full supply chain responsibilities.
Deliver consistent quality:
Lifecore has built a world class quality and regulatory system that is demonstrated in its results, processes and customer relationships. With over 38 years of a superior track record with global regulatory bodies (FDA (as defined below), EMA, ANVISA, etc.), Lifecore is the partner of choice for companies looking for proven experience in delivering QbD, cGMP compliance, and manufacturing excellence with pharmaceutical elegance and quality. Lifecore’s world class quality and regulatory system and excellent track record with the global regulatory bodies ensure partners that they will safely bring innovative therapies to market.
We are focused on driving profitable growth with product development and manufacturing of sterile injectable products. Lifecore seeks to expand its presence in the CDMO marketplace by partnering with biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring their unique therapies to market. Lifecore’s goal of continuing success will be to execute on its three strategic priorities:
1) Managing Business Development Pipeline: Accelerate product development activities for virtual, small and large biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in various stages of the product lifecycle, spanning clinical development stage to commercialization, which aligns with the business’ overall product development strategy.
2) Maximizing Capacity: Meet customer demand by maximizing capacity in the syringe, vial and cartridge multi-purpose filler production line to significantly increase the number of products produced.
3) Advancing Product Commercialization: Continue to seek out opportunities to advance customers’ late-stage product development activities by supporting their clinical programs and commercial process scale-up activities.
The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 3515 Lyman Boulevard, Chaska, Minnesota 55318, and the telephone number is (952) 368-4300.
Reportable Segments
The Company operates in one reportable segment: Lifecore, which is described in further detail below. This is based on the objectives of the business and how our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), the President and Chief Executive Officer, regularly reviews and manages the business, monitors operating performance and allocates resources.
Sales and Marketing
Lifecore relies on name recognition and referrals regarding its biomedical-based CDMO and manufacturing experience and expertise to attract new customers and offers its services with minimal marketing and sales infrastructure.
Manufacturing and Processing
The commercial production of HA requires fermentation, separation, purification and aseptic processing capabilities. HA can primarily be produced in two ways, either through bacterial fermentation or through extraction from rooster combs. Lifecore
produces HA only from bacterial fermentation, using an efficient microbial fermentation process and an effective purification operation.
Lifecore’s facilities in Chaska, Minnesota are used for the HA and non-HA manufacturing process, formulation, aseptic syringe, vial and cartridge filling, analytical services, secondary packaging, warehousing raw materials and finished goods, and distribution. Lifecore provides versatility in the manufacturing of various types of finished products and supplies several different forms of HA and non-HA products in a variety of molecular weight fractions as powders, solutions and gels, and in a variety of bulk and single-use finished packages. The Company believes that its current manufacturing capacity plan will be sufficient to allow it to meet the needs of its current customers for the foreseeable future.
Competition
Our competition in the CDMO market includes a number of full-service contract manufacturers and large pharmaceutical companies that have the ability to insource manufacturing. Also, some pharmaceutical companies have been seeking to divest all or portions of their manufacturing capacity, and any such divested assets may be acquired by our competitors. Some of our significantly larger and global competitors have substantially greater financial, marketing, technical and other resources than we do. Moreover, additional competition may emerge and may, among other things, create downward pricing pressure, which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Seasonality
Lifecore is not significantly affected by seasonality. However, the timing of customer orders, the scale, scope, mix, and the duration of our fulfillment of such customer orders can result in variability in our periodic revenues.
Government Regulation
The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) regulates and/or approves the clinical trials, commercial production, manufacturing, labeling, distribution, import, export, sale and promotion of medical devices and drug products in or from the United States. Some of the Company’s and its customers’ products are subject to extensive and rigorous regulation by the FDA, which regulates some of the products as medical devices or drug products, that in some cases require FDA approval or clearance, prior to U.S. distribution of Pre-Market Approval for device products, or New Drug Applications for drug products, or Pre-Market Notifications, or other submissions and by foreign countries, which regulate some of the products as medical devices or drug products.
Other regulatory requirements are placed on the design, manufacture, processing, packaging, labeling, distribution, record-keeping and reporting of a medical device or drug products and on the quality control procedures. For example, medical device and drug manufacturing facilities are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA and other international regulatory agencies to assure compliance with device and/or drug requirements, as applicable. The FDA and other international regulatory agencies may conduct pre-approval inspections for device and drug product introductions. For device and drug products, the company that owns the product submission is required to submit an annual report and also to obtain approval, as applicable, for modifications to the device, drug product, or its labeling. FDA also maintains adverse event reporting requirements for drug products, among other post-market regulatory requirements.
Human Capital
Our Mission
The strength of our team and our workplace culture is essential to our ability to achieve our broader mission. Attracting, developing and retaining exceptional employees is vitally important to us, and we invest in creating a differentiated culture for our team that enables continuous innovation at scale. We want to be a force for good, a team that is helping to improve the quality of life for our customers and employees. As of May 26, 2024, the Company had 524 full-time employees, of whom 484 were dedicated to research, development, manufacturing, quality control and regulatory affairs, and 40 were dedicated to sales, marketing and administrative activities. Substantially all of our employees are located in the United States. None of our employees are represented by labor unions or collective bargaining agreements. Lifecore intends to recruit additional personnel in connection with the development, manufacturing and marketing of its products.
On July 8, 2024, we implemented a strategic reduction of the Company’s workforce (the “Workforce Reduction Plan”) to terminate 46 full-time employees of the Company, representing approximately 9% of the Company’s workforce, as part of an initiative to strategically optimize the Company’s cost structure. In connection with the Workforce Reduction Plan, the Company
estimates that it will incur termination benefit costs of approximately $1.0 million, which primarily consist of one-time severance benefits. These costs are expected to be incurred in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 and paid during both the first and second quarters of fiscal year 2025.
Our Employee Engagement and Culture
Our hiring process has been designed to provide an equitable candidate experience, facilitate the inclusion of new perspectives, foster innovation and creativity and leverage technology and data analytics to address gaps in representation.
We provide training to our employees in the areas of safety and human resources along with production area specific training. Individual training plans for continued growth are developed between employees and supervisors or managers. Frontline supervision workers at factory locations are provided improvement tools for training, as well as employee interface training.
We seek to empower our employees to own their career path and seek out training programs to take them to the next level. We are currently in the process of developing a platform for growth opportunities and ways to understand and communicate career pathways. We have also invested in our training and development programs and infrastructure for our employees.
Available Information
Lifecore’s website is www.lifecore.com. Lifecore makes available free of charge copies of its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically with, or otherwise furnishing it to, the SEC. In addition, these materials may be obtained at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The reference to the Company’s website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website, and the information contained on the website is not part of this document.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business faces significant risks and uncertainties. Certain important factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations, any of which could subsequently have an adverse effect on the trading price of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), and you should carefully consider them. Accordingly, in evaluating our business, we encourage you to consider the following discussion of risk factors in its entirety, in addition to other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other public filings with the SEC. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations in future periods.
Risk Factor Summary
Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those highlighted in this section titled “Risk Factors” and summarized below. We have various categories of risks, including risks related to our business and operations, risks related to ownership of our Common Stock, and general risks, which are discussed more fully below. As a result, this risk factor summary does not contain all of the information that may be important to you, and you should read this risk factor summary together with the more detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties set forth following this summary, as well as elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
•We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, which if not remediated, could adversely affect our business.
•We are highly leveraged, and our contractual obligations may limit our operational flexibility and cash flow available to invest in the ongoing needs of our business or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations.
•We have limited capital and will need to raise additional capital in the immediate future.
•Our failure to timely file certain periodic reports with the SEC and our prior restatements have had, and may in the future have further, material adverse consequences to our business, our financial condition, results of operations and our cash flows.
•A significant portion of our revenue has been concentrated on a few large customers, including Alcon, one of our primary lenders. Cancellations or delays of orders by our customers may adversely affect our business and the sophistication and buying power of our customers could have a negative impact on profits.
•Actions of activist stockholders could be disruptive and costly, and the possibility that activist stockholders may seek changes that conflict with our strategic direction could cause uncertainty about the strategic direction of our business.
•Our sale of some products may expose us to product liability claims.
•We are subject to increasing competition in the marketplace.
•If we are unable to secure contract manufacturers with capabilities to produce the products that we require, our CDMO services are highly complex and failure to provide quality and timely services to our CDMO customers, could adversely impact our business.
•We may be adversely impacted by the terms of our refinancing transactions with Alcon and by Alcon’s concentrated relationship with us as a significant customer of ours and as our lender.
•Our operations are subject to regulations that directly impact our business.
•Our stockholder value creation program may not have the anticipated results we intended, expose us to additional restructuring costs and operational risks, and may be negatively perceived in the markets.
•We may not be able to achieve acceptance of our new products in the marketplace.
•We have a concentration of manufacturing and may have to depend on third parties to manufacture our products.
•Potential indemnification obligations related to divestitures made in connection with the sale transactions related to Project SWIFT may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
•Our dependence on single-source suppliers and service providers may cause disruption in our operations should any supplier fail to deliver materials.
•Our profitability is dependent upon our ability to obtain appropriate pricing for our products and to control our cost structure.
•We depend on our infrastructure to have sufficient capacity to handle our on-going production needs.
•We depend on strategic partners and licenses for future development.
•Any new business acquisition will involve uncertainty relating to integration.
•Our future operating results are likely to fluctuate which may cause our stock price to decline.
•Our stock price may fluctuate in response to various conditions, many of which are beyond our control.
•Our Convertible Preferred Stock has rights, preferences, and privileges that are not held by, and are preferential to, the rights of holders of our Common Stock.
•We have never paid any dividends on our Common Stock.
•Our corporate organizational documents and Delaware law have anti-takeover provisions that may inhibit or prohibit a takeover of us and the replacement or removal of our management.
•Our business and operations could be negatively affected if it becomes subject to any securities litigation or stockholder activism, which could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of business and growth strategy and impact its stock price.
•Our Common Stock may be delisted from Nasdaq, which could significantly adversely affect us, our business, and the value and liquidity of our Common Stock.
•Changes to U.S. trade policy, tariff and import/export regulations may have a material adverse effect on our business.
•We may be exposed to employment-related claims and costs that could materially adversely affect our business.
•We may be subject to unionization, work stoppages, slowdowns or increased labor costs.
•We are dependent on our key employees and if one or more of them were to leave, we could experience difficulties in replacing them, or effectively transitioning their replacements and our operating results could suffer.
•Our reputation and business may be harmed if our computer network security or any of the databases containing our trade secrets, proprietary information or the personal information of our employees, or those of third parties, are compromised.
•We depend on our intellectual property, and we may be unable to adequately protect our intellectual property rights or may infringe intellectual property rights of others.
•We have access to certain intellectual property and information of our customers and suppliers, and failure to protect that intellectual property or information could adversely affect our future growth and success.
•The global economy is experiencing continued volatility, which may have an adverse effect on our business.
•Litigation costs and the outcome of litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business.
•Increasing attention to Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) matters may impact our business, financial results or stock price.
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, which if not remediated, could adversely affect our business.
As previously disclosed, material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting have been identified, which have not been remediated. In addition, as previously disclosed, material weaknesses have been identified in our internal control
over financial reporting in the past, which have not been remediated. A “material weakness” is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal controls over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls or fraud. Even effective internal controls over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business and financial results could be harmed, and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations. Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of May 26, 2024. In making this assessment, we identified deficiencies in the internal control over financial reporting that aggregated to material weaknesses in certain components of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) framework. As a result, our control activities were ineffective and represent a material weakness. Additionally, material errors in the Company's financial statements were identified in the 2023 Annual Report, primarily relating to the areas of inventory valuation, the capitalization of interest on assets under construction, recording of development revenue and related cost of sales, the presentation of certain operating costs and expenses of continuing operations and discontinued operations, and the write off of other receivables of the Company’s former Curation Foods businesses that were not collectible prior to the fiscal year periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. If the steps we take do not remediate the material weakness in a timely manner, we may be unable to conclude in the future that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting. The material weaknesses and the remediation thereof have caused, and are expected in the future to cause, us to incur significant accounting, legal, and other advisory costs and expenses, and substantial time from our management time and employees. See Item 9A., “Controls and Procedures,” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the identified material weaknesses and our actions to date to remediate the material weaknesses.
The implementation of procedures to remediate the material weaknesses is ongoing and will require validation and testing of the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over a sustained period of financial reporting cycles. We cannot be certain that these measures will successfully remediate the material weaknesses or that other material weaknesses and control deficiencies will not be identified in the future. If our efforts are not successful or other material weaknesses or control deficiencies occur in the future, we may be unable to report our financial results accurately on a timely basis or help prevent fraud, which could cause our reported financial results to be materially misstated and result in the loss of investor confidence or delisting and cause the market price of our securities to decline.
We are highly leveraged, and our contractual obligations may limit our operational flexibility and cash flow available to invest in the ongoing needs of our business or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations.
We are highly leveraged. As of May 26, 2024, we had approximately $164.5 million in total indebtedness and $12.3 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility.
We are party to two credit agreements, which contain a number of covenants that limit our ability and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, create liens, engage in transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate with other companies, or sell substantially all of our assets. In addition, the holders of our Convertible Preferred Stock have certain consent rights over our ability to incur indebtedness above certain thresholds, which could further limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness. The New Term Loan Credit Facility with Alcon also contains certain operational requirements and limitations, including that the Company’s material uncured violation of the Alcon Supply Agreement constitutes an event of default under the New Term Loan Credit Facility. The terms of our credit agreements may restrict our current and future operations and could adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs or to execute preferred business strategies. In addition, complying with these covenants may make it more difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy and compete against companies who are not subject to such restrictions. Our credit agreements also contain covenants related to maintaining current financial reporting and going concern maintenance. As previously disclosed, we have, in the past, determined we were not in compliance with the covenants under our credit agreements, including with respect to our timely financial reporting and going concern, which were subsequently remediated. In addition, although we have received waivers from our lenders regarding our current financial reporting delays, there can be no assurances that we will not be in non-compliance in the future.
A failure by us to comply with the covenants specified in our credit agreements, as amended, could result in an event of default under the agreements, which would give the lenders the right to terminate their commitments to provide additional loans under our credit agreements and to declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable. In addition, the lenders would have the right to proceed against the collateral we granted to them, which consists of substantially all of our assets. As previously disclosed, we have been in noncompliance with our credit
agreements in the past, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to remain in compliance with all applicable covenants under the credit agreements in the future, that our lenders will elect to provide waivers or enter into amendments in the future, or, if the lenders do provide waivers, that those waivers will not be conditioned upon additional costs or restrictions that could materially or adversely impact our business, cash flows, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, if the debt under our credit agreements were to be accelerated, we may not have sufficient cash or be able to borrow sufficient funds to refinance the debt or sell sufficient assets to repay the debt, which could immediately, materially and adversely affect our business, cash flows, results of operations, and financial condition, and there would be no guarantee that we would be able to find alternative financing. Even if we were able to obtain alternative financing, it may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or on terms that are acceptable to us.
The degree to which we are leveraged could have important adverse consequences to holders of our securities, including the following:
•we must dedicate a substantial portion of cash flows from operations to the payment of principal and interest on applicable indebtedness which, in turn, reduces funds available for operations, capital expenditures and growth;
•our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the markets in which we compete may be limited;
•we may be at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors with less indebtedness; and
•we are rendered more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions.
In addition, our ability to make payments on our debt, fund our other liquidity needs, and make planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Our historical financial results have been, and we anticipate that our future financial results will be, subject to fluctuations. Our ability to generate cash, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot guarantee that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from our operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to make payments of our debt, fund other liquidity needs, and make planned capital expenditures.
We have limited capital and will need to raise additional capital in the immediate future.
We anticipate the need to raise additional capital to execute on our strategies for growth and to fund our significant capital expenditures. We may be unable to obtain additional capital when required or on favorable terms. Future capital expenditures, including the installation of our fillers, our exploration, development, production and marketing activities, as well as our administrative requirements (such as salaries, insurance expenses and general overhead expenses, as well as legal compliance costs and accounting expenses) have required, and are anticipated to continue to require, a substantial amount of additional capital and cash flow. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility matures on December 31, 2025, which, if not extended, will need to be refinanced.
We may pursue sources of additional capital through various financing transactions or arrangements, including equity financing, collaboration, strategic alliances or licensing arrangements, debt financing or other means. We may not be successful in identifying suitable financing transactions in the time period required or at all, and we may not obtain the capital we require by other means. If we do not succeed in raising additional capital, our resources may not be sufficient to fund our growth strategies and budgeted capital expenditures, which could have significant adverse impacts on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, if we do not succeed in raising additional capital in the near-term, we may determine in subsequent periods that substantial doubt exists as to our ability to continue as a going concern for the year following the reporting of our financial statements for such period, which management must assess in connection with the issuance of its financial statements for each period based on the events and conditions at that time (including any significant indebtedness that may become due during that year, such as the Revolving Credit Facility, as noted above). If we were to make that determination in connection with the filing of any subsequent periodic report, it our ability to continue as a going concern for the year following the reporting of our financial statements for such period, which management must assess in connection with the issuance of its financial statements for each period based on the events and conditions at that time (including any significant indebtedness that may become due during that year, such as the Revolving Credit Facility, as noted above). If we were to make that determination in connection with the filing of any subsequent periodic report, it would cause a violation of our covenants under our credit agreements, as well as other significant adverse impacts to us, including but not limited to harm to our reputation, investor confidence, customer relationships, relationships with our lenders, and the willingness for third parties to do business with us on favorable terms, or at all, in the future, costs and distractions for management and the business, and additional challenges in raising capital on favorable terms, or at all.
Our ability to obtain financing, if and when necessary, may be impaired by such factors as the capital markets (both generally and in our industry in particular), our recent operating and delinquent reporting history, our risk of delisting, our prospects for expansion, and the recently announced changes to our Board and key employees. Further, the holders of our Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to certain participation rights with respect to any equity financing (subject to certain limitations) and certain consent rights related to further increases in indebtedness or other material transactions, in each case, as further described under the applicable documents related thereto, which could adversely impact the Company’s ability to obtain financing terms on favorable terms, or at all. If the amount of capital we are able to raise from financing activities, together with our revenues from operations, is not sufficient to satisfy our capital needs, third parties may be reluctant to provide the services we need in order to operate and we may be required to cease our operations, divest our assets at unattractive prices or obtain financing on unattractive terms.
Any additional capital raised through the sale of equity may dilute the ownership percentage of our stockholders. Raising any such capital could also result in a decrease in the fair market value of our equity securities because our assets would be owned by a larger pool of outstanding equity. In addition, the holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock, by virtue of their anti-dilutive protections and participation rights, may cause such an equity raise to be further dilutive to the Company’s other existing stockholders, and potentially create further consolidation of ownership among our largest stockholders. In addition, the terms of securities we issue in future capital transactions may be more favorable to our new investors, and may include preferences, superior voting rights and the issuance of other derivative securities, and issuances of incentive awards under equity employee incentive plans, which may have a further dilutive effect.
If we raise additional funds through collaboration, strategic alliances or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or product candidates, or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us. Debt financing, if available, would result in increased fixed payment obligations, may be subject to consent requirements from our lenders and holders of Convertible Preferred Stock and may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions such as incurring debt or making capital expenditures.
We may incur substantial costs in pursuing future capital financing, including investment banking fees, legal fees, accounting fees, securities law compliance fees, printing and distribution expenses and other costs. We may also be required to recognize non-cash expenses in connection with certain securities we may issue, which may adversely impact our financial condition.
Our failure to timely file certain periodic reports with the SEC and our prior restatements have had, and may in the future have further, material adverse consequences to our business, our financial condition, results of operations and our cash flows.
As previously publicly disclosed, we have failed to timely file certain of our periodic reports with the SEC. We failed to timely file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2023, which we filed late on March 20, 2024. We failed to timely file our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ending August 27, 2023, November 26, 2023, and February 25, 2024, which we filed late on August 9, 2024.
Also as previously publicly disclosed, we have restated previously issued financial statements for several periods, including, most recently, on May 20, 2024, the restatement of our previously issued consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended May 29, 2022, and May 30, 2021 included in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K or Form 10-K/A, and our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods ending August 30, 2020, November 29, 2020, February 28, 2021, August 29, 2021, November 28, 2021, February 27, 2022, August 28, 2022, November 27, 2022 and February 26, 2023 included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Form 10-Q/A.
Our failure to timely file certain periodic reports with the SEC and our prior restatements have had, and may in the future have further, material adverse consequences to, and pose significant risk to, our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, our financial condition, our results of operations and our cash flows. These adverse consequences include, but are not limited to, the potential delisting of our Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (“Nasdaq”), stockholder litigation, SEC investigations, stockholder activism, violations of our obligations under our existing material arrangements, including our credit agreements and the terms of our Convertible Preferred Stock, our ability to raise capital on attractive terms, or at all, significant fluctuations in the value of our Common Stock, among others. See the following Risk Factors “-Our Common Stock may be delisted from Nasdaq, which could significantly adversely affect us, our business, and the value and liquidity of our Common Stock;” “-Actions of activist stockholders could be disruptive and costly, and the possibility that activist stockholders may seek changes that conflict with our strategic direction could cause uncertainty about the strategic direction of our business;” “-We have limited capital and expect to need to raise additional capital in the near future;” and “-We are highly leveraged, and our contractual obligations may limit our operational flexibility and cash flow available to invest in the ongoing needs of our business or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations” for more information.
Our failure to timely file certain periodic reports with the SEC and our prior restatements have subjected us to, and may in the future, subject us to further, stockholder litigation or governmental or regulatory investigations. For example, as further described “Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies - SEC Subpoena” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, on February 16, 2024, the Chicago Regional Office of the SEC issued a subpoena to the Company seeking documents and information concerning the Restatement. Also, as further described “Note 12- Subsequent Events-Class Action Complaint” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, on July 29, 2024, shareholder David Carew filed a putative class action complaint on behalf of our stockholders in the United States District Court of Minnesota, captioned Carew v. Lifecore Biomedical, Inc., et. al., No. 0:24-cv-03028 (D. Minn. 2024), against us and certain of our current and prior named executive officers (the “Defendants”). The complaint generally alleges that statements made to our shareholders between October 7, 2020 and March 19, 2024 regarding our financial results, internal controls, remediation efforts, periodic reporting, and financial prospects were false and misleading in violation of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, and that the individual defendants are liable for such statements because they are controlling persons under Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The complaint seeks compensatory damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees. In addition, in March 2024, one of our stockholders, 22NW, LP (“22NW”), threatened to bring claims against us relating to its acquisition of economic interests in the Company, including its investment in the Convertible Preferred Stock. We have incurred, and may be required in future to incur further, significant legal fees and other expenses related to this threatened litigation by 22NW, the Carew securities class action lawsuit, and the SEC investigation. In addition, any adverse determination in any of these matters could expose us to significant liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We also may fail to be timely on our future filings, which, in addition to the risks and consequences described above, may create further harm to us. For example, as further described in “Note 2-Convertible Preferred Stock-Registration Rights Agreement” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have been incurring penalty fees owed to holders of our Convertible Preferred Stock under the Registration Rights Agreement as a result of our failure to maintain effectiveness of the registration statement related to the registration of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock, and we expect to continue to incur those fees unless or until we are able to become current on our periodic reports, and are thus able to request effectiveness for the registration statement. In addition, the holders of Convertible Preferred Stock may raise additional claims resulting from the Company’s inability to timely and accurately report its financial information, which could cause further harm to the Company and its stockholders, all of which could materially and adversely affect to our business, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
A significant portion of our revenue has been concentrated on a few large customers, including Alcon, one of our primary lenders. Cancellations or delays of orders by our customers may adversely affect our business and the sophistication and buying power of our customers could have a negative impact on profits.
During the fiscal year ended May 26, 2024, the Company had sales concentrations of 10% or greater from two customers within the Lifecore segment, including Alcon, which is also one of our primary lenders. We expect that, for the foreseeable future, a limited number of customers may continue to account for a substantial portion of our revenues. We may experience changes in the composition of our customer base as we have experienced in the past. The reduction, delay or cancellation of orders from one or more major customers for any reason or the loss of one or more of our major customers, whether through competition, consolidation, or otherwise, could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. In addition, since some of the products processed by Lifecore are sole sourced to customers, our operating results could be adversely affected if one or more of our major customers were to develop other sources of supply. Our current customers may not continue to place orders, orders by existing customers may be canceled or may not continue at the levels of previous periods, or we may not be able to obtain orders from new customers.
Actions of activist stockholders could be disruptive and costly, and the possibility that activist stockholders may seek changes that conflict with our strategic direction could cause uncertainty about the strategic direction of our business.
In June 2024, we entered into cooperation agreements with various existing stockholders of the Company, including 22NW, who had previously submitted a nomination proposal to elect six directors to the Board and to hold a special meeting to address certain stockholder proposals, pursuant to which we agreed to the appointment of certain Board observers and Board members and other changes to the composition and structure of the Board and its committees, in return for certain customary confidentiality and standstill provisions. The Company also previously entered into similar arrangements with Legion Partners and Wynnefield Capital. Each of 22NW, Legion Partners and Wynnefield Capital (and their respective affiliates) continue to beneficially own significant percentages of the Company’s Common Stock, including beneficially owning Convertible Preferred Stock. Although the cooperation agreements contained standstill provisions with respect to customary governance-related activism, it did not contain a release from litigation claims, and thus 22NW or other investors remain able to bring such claims
against the Company. These negotiations resulted in substantial costs for us, and future activism may similarly create substantial costs for us in the future.
Activist investors may attempt to effect changes in our strategic direction and how we are governed, or to acquire control over us. Some investors seek to increase short-term stockholder value by advocating corporate actions, such as financial restructuring, increased borrowing, special dividends, stock repurchases, or even sales of assets or the entire company. In addition, holders of Convertible Preferred Stock may have interests that are different from, or may conflict with, those of other stockholders. While we welcome varying opinions from all stockholders, activist campaigns that contest or conflict with our strategic direction could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as responding to proxy contests and other actions by activist stockholders can disrupt our operations, be costly and time-consuming, and divert the attention of our Board and senior management from the pursuit of business strategies.
In addition, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of changes to the composition of our Board may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business, instability or lack of continuity, which may be exploited by our competitors, may cause concern to our current or potential customers, may result in the loss of potential business opportunities and may make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners. These types of actions could cause significant fluctuations in our stock price based on temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business.
Our sale of some products may expose us to product liability claims.
The testing, manufacturing, marketing, and sale of the products we develop involve an inherent risk of allegations of product liability. If any of our products are determined or alleged to be contaminated or defective or to have caused an illness, injury or harmful accident to an end-customer, we could incur substantial costs in responding to complaints or litigation regarding our products and our product brand image could be materially damaged. Such events may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, we may be required to participate in product recalls or we may voluntarily initiate a recall as a result of various industry or business practices or the need to maintain good customer relationships.
Although we have taken and intend to continue to take what we consider to be appropriate precautions to minimize exposure to product liability claims, we may not be able to avoid significant liability. We currently maintain product liability insurance. While we think the coverage and limits are consistent with industry standards, our coverage may not be adequate or may not continue to be available at an acceptable cost, if at all. A product liability claim, product recall or other claim with respect to uninsured liabilities or in excess of insured liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
We are subject to increasing competition in the marketplace.
Competitors may succeed in developing alternative technologies and products that are more effective, easier to use or less expensive than those which have been or are being developed by us or that would render our technology and products obsolete and non-competitive. We operate in highly competitive and rapidly evolving fields, and new developments are expected to continue at a rapid pace. Competition from large industrial, medical and pharmaceutical companies is expected to be intense. In addition, the nature of our collaborative arrangements may result in our corporate partners and licensees becoming our competitors. Many of these competitors have substantially greater financial and technical resources and production and marketing capabilities than we do, and may have substantially greater experience in conducting clinical and field trials, obtaining regulatory approvals and manufacturing and marketing commercial products.
If we are unable to secure contract manufacturers with capabilities to produce the products that we require, as our CDMO services are highly complex, our failure to provide quality and timely services to our CDMO customers could adversely impact our business.
The CDMO services we offer can be highly complex, due in part to strict regulatory requirements and the inherent complexity of the services provided. A failure of our quality control systems in our facilities could cause problems in connection with facility operations for a variety of reasons, including equipment malfunction, viral contamination, failure to follow specific manufacturing instructions, protocols and standard operating procedures, problems with raw materials or environmental factors. Such issues could affect production of a single manufacturing run or manufacturing campaigns, requiring the destruction of products, or could halt manufacturing operations altogether. In addition, any failure to meet required quality standards may result in our failure to timely deliver products to our customers which, in turn, could damage our reputation for quality and service. Any such incident could, among other things, lead to increased costs, lost revenue, reimbursement to customers for lost product,
damage to and possibly termination of customer relationships, time and expense spent investigating and remediating the cause and, depending on the cause, similar losses with respect to other manufacturing runs. In addition, such issues could subject us to litigation, the cost of which could be significant.
We may be adversely impacted by the terms of our refinancing transactions with Alcon and by Alcon’s concentrated relationship with us as a significant customer of ours and as our lender.
As described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in May 2023, we entered into Refinancing Transactions with Alcon, a significant customer of the Company, pursuant to which Alcon agreed to become the Company’s lender under the New Term Loan Credit Facility. On May 3, 2023, the Company also entered into the Alcon Supply Agreement with Alcon, which amended and restated certain existing supply agreements entered into between the Company and Alcon related to the Company’s manufacture and supply of HA for Alcon, which significantly expanded the anticipated commercial relationship between the Company and Alcon. As publicly disclosed, we also have other commercial arrangements with Alcon. As a result of these transactions, the Company may be subject to risks related to the nature and significance of this relationship. For example, given the increased scope of the customer relationship and the relative increased customer concentration, the Company’s revenues and operational results may become more reliant on the success and health of that relationship, including on Alcon’s continued ability and desire to use the Company for the manufacture and supply of HA, and give them greater influence over the Company’s operations generally.
Additionally, Alcon has not traditionally acted as a lender, and, as a result, the Company may be subject to risks related to the unique nature of the relationship between the Company and Alcon, including the fact that Alcon may not have the same motivations, incentives and practices as a traditional lender. For example, pursuant to the terms of the Term Loan Credit Facility, the Company’s material uncured violation of the Alcon Supply Agreement constitutes an event of default under the Term Loan Credit Facility. Similarly, if Alcon were to foreclose on the assets owned under the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement and prevent us from use of those assets, our ability to service other customers would be severely hindered. Any of those effects could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Our operations are subject to regulations that directly impact our business.
Our products and operations are subject to governmental regulation in the United States and foreign countries. The manufacture of our products is subject to detailed standards for product development, manufacturing controls, ongoing quality monitoring and analysis, and periodic inspection by regulatory authorities. We may not be able to obtain necessary regulatory approvals on a timely basis or at all. Delays in receipt of or failure to receive approvals or loss of previously received approvals would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although we have no reason to believe that we will not be able to comply with all applicable regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of our products and polymer materials, regulations are always subject to change and depend heavily on administrative interpretations and the country in which the products are sold. Future changes in regulations or interpretations relating to matters such as safe working conditions, laboratory and manufacturing practices, produce safety, environmental controls, and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances may adversely affect our business.
Failure to comply with the applicable regulatory requirements can, among other things, result in:
•the issuance of adverse inspectional observations,
•Warning or Courtesy Letters,
•import refusals,
•fines, injunctions, civil penalties, and facility suspensions,
•withdrawal of regulatory approvals or registrations,
•product recalls and product seizures, including cessation of manufacturing and sales,
•operating restrictions, and
•criminal prosecution
Compliance with foreign, federal, state, and local laws and regulations is costly and time-consuming. We may be required to incur significant costs to comply with the laws and regulations in the future which may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Lifecore’s existing products and the products that Lifecore is developing for its customers are considered to be medical devices, drug products, or combination products, and therefore, require clearance or approval by the FDA before commercial sales can be made in the United States. The products also require the approval of foreign government agencies before sales may be
made in many other countries. The process of obtaining these clearances or approvals varies according to the nature and use of the product. It can involve lengthy and detailed safety and efficacy data, including clinical studies, as well as extensive site inspections and lengthy regulatory agency reviews. There can be no assurance that any of the clinical studies utilizing product produced by Lifecore for its customers will be authorized to proceed, or if authorized will show safety or effectiveness; that any of the products that Lifecore is producing for its customers that require FDA clearance or approval will obtain such clearance or approval on a timely basis, on terms acceptable to the sponsor company for the purpose of actually marketing the products, or at all; or that following any such clearance or approval previously unknown problems will not result in restrictions on the marketing of the products or withdrawal of clearance or approval.
In addition, most of the existing products being sold by Lifecore and its customers are subject to continued regulation by the FDA, various state agencies and foreign regulatory agencies, which regulate the design, nonclinical and clinical research studies, manufacturing, labeling, distribution, post-marketing product modifications, advertising, promotion, import, export, adverse event and other reporting, and record keeping procedures for such products. Aseptic processing and shared equipment manufacturing require specific quality controls. If we fail to achieve and maintain these controls, we may have to recall product, or may have to reduce or suspend production while we address any deficiencies. Marketing clearances or approvals by regulatory agencies can be withdrawn due to failure to comply with regulatory standards or the occurrence of unforeseen problems following initial clearance or approval. These agencies can also limit or prevent the manufacture or distribution of Lifecore’s products or change or increase the regulatory requirements applicable to such products. A determination that Lifecore is in violation of such regulations could lead to the issuance of adverse inspectional observations, a warning letter, imposition of civil penalties, including fines, product recalls or product seizures, preclusion of product import or export, a hold or delay in pending product approvals, withdrawal of marketing authorizations, injunctions against product manufacture and distribution, and, in extreme cases, criminal sanctions.
Federal, state and local regulations impose various environmental controls on the use, storage, discharge or disposal of toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals and gases used in some of our manufacturing processes. Our failure to control the use of, or to restrict adequately the discharge of, hazardous substances under present or future regulations could subject us to substantial liability, cause us to clean up and incur remediation expenses, or cause our manufacturing operations to be suspended. In addition, changes in environmental regulations may impose the need for additional capital equipment or other requirements.
Our stockholder value creation program may not have the anticipated results we intended, expose us to additional restructuring costs and operational risks, and may be negatively perceived in the markets.
Over the past few years, we implemented our previously announced stockholder value creation program, Project SWIFT, which was designed to strategically realign our business to focus on its strategic assets and redesign the organization, including the divestiture of substantially all of our Curation Foods business and assets and a structuring of the overall business. We are still in the process of integrating these changes, and have experienced challenges in connection therewith, including additional restructuring costs, unexpected operational challenges, including with respect to financial reporting as described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and similar or other issues may arise in the future. In addition, we may not be able to realize the expected benefits from such realignment and restructuring plans or other similar restructurings on the anticipated timing, or at all. The implementation of our restructuring efforts, including the potential reduction of our facilities and workforce, may not improve our operational and cost structure or result in greater efficiency of our organization; and we may not be able to support sustainable revenue growth and profitability following such restructurings.
We may not be able to achieve acceptance of our new products in the marketplace.
Our success in generating significant sales of our products depends in part on our ability and that of our partners and licensees to achieve market acceptance of our new products and technology. The extent to which, and rate at which, we achieve market acceptance, including customer preferences and trends, and penetration of our current and future products is a function of many variables including, but not limited to price, safety, efficacy, reliability, conversion costs, regulatory approvals, marketing and sales efforts, and general economic conditions affecting purchasing patterns.
We may not be able to develop and introduce new products and technologies in a timely manner or new products and technologies may not gain market acceptance. We and our partners/customers are in the early stage of product commercialization of certain HA-based products and non-HA products. We expect that our future growth will depend in large part on our and our partners’/customers’ ability to develop and market new products in our target markets and in new markets. Our failure to develop new products or the failure of our new products to achieve market acceptance would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have a concentration of manufacturing and may have to depend on third parties to manufacture our products.
We have a limited number of manufacturing facilities, all of which use specialized manufacturing equipment to operate our business. Any disruptions in our primary manufacturing operations would reduce our ability to sell our products and would have a material adverse effect on our financial results and create significant additional costs and inefficiencies if we were required to replace such facilities. Additionally, we may need to consider seeking collaborative arrangements with other companies to manufacture our products. If we become dependent upon third parties for the manufacture of our products, our profit margins and our ability to develop and deliver those products on a timely basis may be adversely affected. In that event, additional regulatory inspections or approvals may be required, and additional quality control measures would need to be implemented. Failures by third parties may impair our ability to deliver products on a timely basis and impair our competitive position. We may not be able to continue to successfully operate our manufacturing operations at acceptable costs, with acceptable yields, and retain adequately trained personnel.
Potential indemnification obligations related to divestitures made in connection with the sale transactions related to Project SWIFT may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The transaction documents related to the Eat Smart Disposition, the BreatheWay Disposition, the Yucatan Disposition, and the O Olive Sale provide for, among other things, our retention of certain historical known liabilities related to the Curation Foods business, and certain indemnification obligations designed to make us potentially financially responsible for certain breaches in any of our representations or warranties or covenants, and certain other matters pursuant to such agreements. Pursuant to these terms, we have agreed remain responsible for certain liabilities notwithstanding these sales, including the matters described in “Legal Proceedings” and certain contractual obligations, which we expect will result in future expenses and costs to the Company. In addition, we may be subject to unforeseen or unanticipated liabilities, which may be material and which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our dependence on single-source suppliers and service providers may cause disruption in our operations should any supplier fail to deliver materials.
Several of the raw materials we use to manufacture our products are currently purchased from a single source, including raw materials for our HA products. Any interruption of our relationship with single-source suppliers or service providers could delay product shipments and materially harm our business. We may experience difficulty acquiring materials or services for the manufacture of our products or we may not be able to obtain substitute vendors on a timely basis or at all. In addition, we may not be able to procure comparable materials at similar prices and terms within a reasonable time, if at all, all of which could materially harm our business.
Our profitability is dependent upon our ability to obtain appropriate pricing for our products and to control our cost structure.
Our profitability and success depends on our ability to obtain appropriate pricing for our products and services. In many cases, our contractual arrangements with customers establish pricing terms and mechanics for price increases that will govern the relationship for long periods of time (including, in certain cases, up to several years), and therefore well in advance of our delivery of the products and services. Accordingly, our profitability is heavily reliant on accurately predicting our costs, which rely upon assumptions and estimates that may not ultimately be correct. In addition, these pricing arrangements subject us to risks arising from unanticipated increases in our cost structure, including with respect to raw material and labor costs, facility and equipment costs, unanticipated inefficiencies, product loss, or shipping and storage costs. Competition in our industry can also put downward pressure on pricing, which, in turn, can decrease our margins and increase the pressure placed on our ability to accurately predict our costs.
Our attempts to offset increased costs through pricing actions for our products and services may not be sufficient or successful, particularly in light of the limitations created by our existing arrangements and competitive pressures. In addition, our efforts to constrain the cost of our operations may not be effective, or may be inadequate to offset pricing pressures or any unanticipated increases in costs. If we are unable to obtain adequate pricing for our products and services, our profitability, results of operations and financial position could be materially adversely affected.
We depend on our infrastructure to have sufficient capacity to handle our on-going production needs.
If our machinery or facilities are damaged or impaired due to natural disasters or mechanical failure, or we lose members of our workforce such that our workforce falls below the levels needed to maintain our business, we may not be able to operate at
a sufficient capacity to meet our production needs. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, which could impact our results of operations and our financial condition.
We depend on strategic partners and licenses for future development.
Our strategy for development, clinical and field testing, manufacture, commercialization and marketing for some of our current and future products includes entering into various collaborations with corporate partners, licensees, and others. We are dependent on our corporate partners to develop, test, manufacture and/or market some of our products. Although we believe that our partners in these collaborations have an economic motivation to succeed in performing their contractual responsibilities, the amount and timing of resources to be devoted to these activities are not within our control. Our partners may not perform their obligations as expected or we may not derive any additional revenue from the arrangements. Our partners may not pay any additional option or license fees to us or may not develop, market or pay any royalty fees related to products under such agreements. Moreover, some of the collaborative agreements provide that they may be terminated at the discretion of the corporate partner, and some of the collaborative agreements provide for termination under other circumstances. Our partners may pursue existing or alternative technologies in preference to our technology. Furthermore, we may not be able to negotiate additional collaborative arrangements in the future on acceptable terms, if at all, and our collaborative arrangements may not be successful.
Any new business acquisition will involve uncertainty relating to integration.
We have acquired other businesses in the past and may make additional acquisitions in the future. The successful integration of new business acquisitions may require substantial effort from the Company’s management. The diversion of the attention of management and any difficulties encountered in the transition process could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions. The successful combination of new businesses also requires coordination of research and development activities, manufacturing, sales and marketing efforts. In addition, the process of combining organizations located in different geographic regions could cause the interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, the Company’s activities. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to retain key management, technical, sales and customer support personnel, or that the Company will realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions, and the failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
Our future operating results are likely to fluctuate, which may cause our stock price to decline.
In the past, our results of operations have fluctuated significantly from quarter to quarter and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future. Lifecore can be affected by the timing of orders from its relatively small customer base and the timing of the shipment of those orders. Our earnings may also fluctuate based on our ability to collect accounts receivable from customers. Other factors that affect our operations include:
•our ability to obtain an adequate supply of labor;
•the availability and quantity of our supplies;
•the effectiveness of worldwide distribution systems;
•total worldwide industry volumes;
•the timing of consumer demand; and
•foreign importation restrictions and foreign political risks.
Our stock price may fluctuate in response to various conditions, many of which are beyond our control.
The market price of our Common Stock may fluctuate significantly in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:
•technological innovations applicable to our products,
•pandemics, epidemics and other natural disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic,
•our attainment of (or failure to attain) milestones in the commercialization of our technology,
•our development of new products or the development of new products by our competitors,
•new patents or changes in existing patents applicable to our products,
•our acquisition of new businesses or the sale or disposal of a part of our businesses,
•development of new collaborative arrangements by us, our competitors, or other parties,
•changes in government regulations, interpretation, or enforcement applicable to our business,
•changes in investor perception of our business,
•fluctuations in our operating results, and
•changes in the general market conditions in our industry.
Fluctuations in our quarterly results may, particularly if unforeseen, cause us to miss projections which might result in analysts or investors changing their valuation of our stock.
Our Convertible Preferred Stock has rights, preferences, and privileges that are not held by, and are preferential to, the rights of holders of our Common Stock.
We have issued Convertible Preferred Stock, which have rights, preferences and privileges that are not held by, and are preferential to, the Company’s Common Stock, including with respect to dividends, distributions and payments on liquidation, winding up and dissolution, which could adversely impact the rights of the holders of the Company’s Common Stock. In addition, subject to the terms of the Certificate of Designations, the holders of Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to designate two members of the Board, to vote on an as-converted basis with the Company’s Common Stock, and to separate consent rights over certain matters. These rights, combined with the fact that ownership of the Convertible Preferred Stock is highly concentrated, provide the holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock with significant influence over the Company. This influence may increase over time, as the Convertible Preferred Stock entitles the holders thereof to dividends that are paid-in-kind (“PIK”), which increases the holders’ ownership of Convertible Preferred Stock, and thus, beneficial ownership of the Company, subject to the limitations set forth in the agreements governing the Convertible Preferred Stock. The holders of the Convertible Preferred Stock may have interests that are different from those of the holders of Common Stock, and could adversely impact the Company’s ability to effectuate its strategic initiatives and operate its business. For example, see “-Actions of activist stockholders could be disruptive and costly, and the possibility that activist stockholders may seek changes that conflict with our strategic direction could cause uncertainty about the strategic direction of our business” and “-Our failure to timely file certain periodic reports with the SEC and our prior restatements have had, and may in the future have further, material adverse consequences to our business, our financial condition, results of operations and our cash flows.”
In addition, the conversion price of the Convertible Preferred Stock may be adjusted in connection with certain dilutive events, including in the event of subsequent equity offerings at a price below the current conversion price. These rights could adversely impact the Company’s access to equity capital, and otherwise compound the dilutive effects of future equity raises by the Company. See “-We have limited capital and will need to raise additional capital in the near future.”
The Board may issue additional Convertible Preferred Stock in the future, or could authorize the issuance of new securities with priority as to dividends, distributions and payments on liquidation, winding up and dissolution over the rights of the holders of our Common Stock, all of which could further enhance or expand the risks described above.
We have never paid any dividends on our Common Stock.
We have not paid any dividends on our Common Stock since inception and do not expect to in the foreseeable future. Any dividends may be subject to preferential dividends payable on any preferred stock we may issue.
Our corporate organizational documents and Delaware law have anti-takeover provisions that may inhibit or prohibit a takeover of us and the replacement or removal of our management.
The anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law, as well as the provisions contained in our corporate organizational documents, may make an acquisition of us more difficult. For example:
•our certificate of incorporation includes a provision authorizing our Board of Directors to issue blank check preferred stock without stockholder approval, which, if issued, would increase the number of outstanding shares of our capital stock and could make it more difficult for a stockholder to acquire us;
•our certificate of incorporation limits the number of directors that may serve on the Board of Directors without the majority approval of all of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock;
•our amended and restated bylaws require advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations;
•our Board of Directors has the right to implement additional anti-takeover protections in the future, including stockholder rights plans and other amendments to our organizational documents, without stockholder approval; and
•Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law may prevent large stockholders from completing a merger or acquisition of us.
These provisions may prevent a merger or acquisition of us which could limit the price investors would pay for our Common Stock in the future.
Our business and operations could be negatively affected if it becomes subject to any securities litigation or stockholder activism, which could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of business and growth strategy and impact its stock price.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Stockholder activism, which could take many forms or arise in a variety of situations, has been increasing recently. Volatility in the stock price of our Common Stock or other reasons may in the future cause it to become the target of securities litigation or stockholder activism. Securities litigation and stockholder activism, including potential proxy contests, could result in substantial costs and divert management’s and Board’s attention and resources from our business. Additionally, such securities litigation and stockholder activism could give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect its relationships with service providers and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. Also, we may be required to incur significant legal fees and other expenses related to any securities litigation and activist stockholder matters. Further, its stock price could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the events, risks and uncertainties of any securities litigation and stockholder activism.
Our Common Stock may be delisted from Nasdaq, which could significantly adversely affect us, our business, and the value and liquidity of our Common Stock.
Our Common Stock is currently listed on Nasdaq. As previously disclosed, on February 13, 2024, we received a Staff Delisting Determination (the “Staff Determination”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq notifying us that Nasdaq has initiated a process which could result in the delisting of our Common Stock from Nasdaq as a result of our failure to comply with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), which requires listed companies to timely file all required periodic financial reports with the SEC. We have appealed the Staff Determination, and, on April 16, 2024, we appeared for a hearing before the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”), in which we requested a further stay of any suspension or delisting action to enable us to regain compliance with the Listing Rule. The Panel has not yet issued a final decision. In addition, on June 3, 2024, we received a notice from Nasdaq indicating that, because we had not yet held our annual meeting of stockholders (the “2023 Annual Meeting”) within twelve months of our fiscal year end, the Company is not in compliance with the requirements for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620.
On August 9, 2024, we made the late filing of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ending August 27, 2023, November 26, 2023, and February 25, 2024. Additionally, on August 15, 2024, we held the 2023 Annual Meeting and regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620. With our filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1). However, based on our history of noncompliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules related to filing our periodic reports (as has been previously disclosed), we can provide no assurances that Nasdaq will not proceed with the process of delisting our Common Stock if we fail to remain in compliance with Nadaq’s Listing Rules. If Nasdaq does proceed with the process of delisting our Common Stock, pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, we understand that Nasdaq would promptly halt trading of our Common Stock, and, absent any permitted appeal, would submit an application on Form 25 to the SEC to delist our Common Stock. Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, we understand that we would be entitled to appeal the determination to the Nasdaq Listings Council for up to 15 calendar days after the determination, but such appeal would not operate as a stay of the determination.
There can be no assurance as to whether the Company will remain compliant with the Nasdaq Listing Rules. A delisting of our Common Stock from Nasdaq (whether or not our Common Stock is subsequently listed on any of the marketplaces of the OTC Markets Group (the “OTC Markets”) thereafter) could have significant adverse impacts on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows by, among other things: reducing the liquidity, public float and market price of our Common Stock; reducing the number of investors, including institutional investors, willing to hold or acquire our Common Stock, which could negatively impact our ability to raise equity; decreasing the amount of news and analyst coverage relating to us; limiting our
ability to issue additional securities, obtain additional financing or pursue strategic restructuring, refinancing or other transactions; and impacting our reputation and, as a consequence, our ability to attract new business. In addition, the delisting of our Common Stock from Nasdaq could constitute a breach of many of our existing material arrangements (whether or not our Common Stock is subsequently listed on any of the OTC Markets), including the terms of our credit facilities, the terms of our Convertible Preferred Stock and related Registration Rights Agreement. If a delisting of our Common Stock were to cause us to violate our obligations under our credit facilities, such occurrence could trigger an event of default, which could have significant adverse impacts on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
If our Common Stock were to be delisted from Nasdaq, we intend to take actions to apply for listing the Company’s Common Stock on one of the OTC Markets. However, we understand that to be eligible for quotation on certain of the OTC Market, issuers must remain current in their filings with the SEC, and we cannot provide assurances as to when that would occur, or if it will occur at all. In addition, even if our Common Stock is listed on the OTC Markets, the OTC Markets are generally regarded as a less efficient trading market than Nasdaq, and being listed on the OTC Markets may not resolve any breaches that may arise under our existing material arrangements, and thus many of the same risks described above would still apply.
General Risks
Changes to U.S. trade policy, tariff and import/export regulations may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Changes in U.S. or international social, political, regulatory and economic conditions or in laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, development and investment in the territories or countries where we currently sell our products or conduct our business, as well as any negative sentiment toward the U.S. as a result of such changes, could adversely affect our business. For example, the previous U.S. presidential administration instituted or proposed changes in trade policies that include the negotiation or termination of trade agreements, the imposition of higher tariffs on imports into the U.S., economic sanctions on individuals, corporations or countries, and other government regulations affecting trade between the U.S. and other countries where we conduct our business.
As a result of such policy changes of the previous U.S. presidential administration and U.S. government proposals, there may be greater restrictions and economic disincentives on international trade. Tariffs and other changes in U.S. trade policy could trigger retaliatory actions by affected countries, and certain foreign governments have instituted or are considering imposing trade sanctions on certain U.S. goods. Such changes have the potential to adversely impact the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof, our industry and the global demand for our products, and as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be exposed to employment-related claims and costs that could materially adversely affect our business.
We have been subject in the past, and may be in the future, to claims by employees based on allegations of discrimination, negligence, harassment, and inadvertent employment of undocumented workers or unlicensed personnel, and we may be subject to payment of workers’ compensation claims and other similar claims. We have incurred and, in the future, could incur substantial costs and our management could spend a significant amount of time responding to such complaints or litigation regarding employee claims, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, several recent decisions by the United States NLRB have found companies that use contract employees could be found to be “joint employers” with the staffing firm, which may increase our potential exposure for any such claims from contract employees.
We may be subject to unionization, work stoppages, slowdowns or increased labor costs.
None of our U.S. based employees are represented by a union. However, our employees have the right under the National Labor Relations Act to form or affiliate with a union. If some or all of our workforce were to become unionized and the terms of the collective bargaining agreement were significantly different from our current compensation arrangements, it could increase our costs and adversely impact our profitability. Moreover, participation in labor unions could put us at increased risk of labor strikes and disruption of our operations.
We are dependent on our key employees and if one or more of them were to leave, we could experience difficulties in replacing them, or effectively transitioning their replacements and our operating results could suffer.
The success of our business depends to a significant extent on the continued service and performance of a relatively small number of key senior management, technical, sales, and marketing personnel. The loss of any of our key personnel for an extended period may cause hardship for our business. In addition, competition for senior level personnel with knowledge and experience in our different lines of business is intense. If any of our key personnel were to leave, we would need to devote
substantial resources and management attention to replacing them. As a result, management attention may be diverted from managing our business, and we may need to pay higher compensation to replace these employees.
Our reputation and business may be harmed if our computer network security or any of the databases containing our trade secrets, proprietary information or the personal information of our employees, or those of third parties, are compromised.
Cyberattacks or security breaches could compromise our confidential business information, cause a disruption in the Company’s operations or harm our reputation. We maintain numerous information assets, including intellectual property, trade secrets, banking information and other sensitive information critical to the operation and success of our business on computer networks, and such information may be compromised in the event that the security of such networks is breached. We also maintain confidential information regarding our employees and job applicants, including personal identification information. The protection of employee and company data in the information technology systems we utilize (including those maintained by third-party providers) is critical. Despite the efforts by us to secure computer networks utilized for our business, security could be compromised, confidential information, such as Company information assets and personally identifiable employee information, could be misappropriated, or system disruptions could occur, and there can be no assurance that our cybersecurity risk management program and processes, including our policies, controls or procedures, will be fully implemented, complied with or effective in protecting our systems and information.
In addition, cyberattacks on our customers or vendors could disrupt our ability to procure product from our vendors or our customers’ ability to order our products, and may negatively impact our reputation. Any of these occurrences could disrupt our business, result in potential liability or reputational damage, or otherwise have an adverse effect on our financial results.
In addition, we may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyberattacks. Attacks may be targeted at us, our customers, or others who have entrusted us with information. Actual or anticipated attacks may cause us to incur increasing costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees, and engage third-party experts and consultants. Advances in computer capabilities, new technological discoveries or other developments may result in the technology used by us to protect sensitive Company data being breached or compromised. Furthermore, actual or anticipated cyberattacks or data breaches may cause significant disruptions to our network operations, which may impact our ability to deliver shipments or respond to customer needs in a timely or efficient manner.
Data and security breaches could also occur as a result of non-technical issues, including an intentional or inadvertent breach by our employees or by persons with whom we have commercial relationships that result in the unauthorized release of confidential information related to our business or personal information of our employees. Any compromise or breach of our computer network security could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, costly investigations and litigation, and potential regulatory or other actions by governmental agencies. As a result of any of the foregoing, we could experience adverse publicity, the compromise of valuable information assets, loss of sales, the cost of remedial measures and/or significant expenditures to reimburse third parties for resulting damages, any of which could adversely impact our brand, our business and our results of operations.
We depend on our intellectual property, and we may be unable to adequately protect our intellectual property rights or may infringe intellectual property rights of others.
We may receive notices from third parties, including some of our competitors, claiming infringement by our products of their patent and other proprietary rights. Regardless of their merit, responding to any such claim could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation and require us to enter royalty and licensing agreements which may not be offered or available on terms acceptable to us. If a successful claim is made against us and we fail to develop or license a substitute technology, we could be required to alter our products or processes and our business, results of operations or financial position could be materially adversely affected. Our success depends in large part on our ability to obtain patents, maintain trade secret protection, and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of third parties. Any pending patent applications we file may not be approved and we may not be able to develop additional proprietary products that are patentable. Any patents issued to us may not provide us with competitive advantages or may be challenged by third parties. Patents held by others may prevent the commercialization of products incorporating our technology. Furthermore, others may independently develop similar products, duplicate our products or design around our patents.
We have access to certain intellectual property and information of our customers and suppliers, and failure to protect that intellectual property or information could adversely affect our future growth and success.
We have access to sensitive intellectual property and confidential information of our customers and supplies, and rely on nondisclosure agreements, information technology security systems and other measures to protect certain customer and supplier
information and intellectual property that we have in our possession or to which we have access. Our efforts to protect such intellectual property and proprietary rights may not be sufficient, which could subject us to judgments, penalties and significant litigation costs, reputational harm, or temporarily or permanently disrupt our sales and marketing of the affected products or services and could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
The global economy is experiencing continued volatility, which may have an adverse effect on our business.
In recent years, the U.S. and international economy and financial markets have experienced significant volatility due to uncertainties related to the availability of credit, energy prices, the COVID-19 pandemic, national elections and other political events, difficulties in the banking and financial services sectors, diminished market liquidity, and geopolitical conflicts. Ongoing volatility in the economy and financial markets could further lead to reduced demand for our products, which in turn, would reduce our revenues and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, volatility in the global markets have resulted in softer demand and more conservative purchasing decisions by customers, including a tendency toward lower-priced products, which could negatively impact our revenues, gross margins and results of operations. In addition to a reduction in sales, our profitability may decrease because we may not be able to reduce costs at the same rate as our sales decline. We cannot predict the ultimate severity or length of the current period of volatility, or the timing or severity of future economic or industry downturns.
Given the current uncertain economic environment, our customers, suppliers, and partners may have difficulties obtaining capital at adequate or historical levels to finance their ongoing business and operations, which could impair their ability to make timely payments to us. This may result in lower sales and/or inventory that may not be saleable or may result in bad debt expenses for us. A worsening of the economic environment or continued or increased volatility of the U.S. economy, including increased volatility in the credit markets, could adversely impact our customers’ and vendors’ ability or willingness to conduct business with us on the same terms or at the same levels as they have historically. Further, this economic volatility and uncertainty about future economic conditions makes it challenging for the Company to forecast its operating results, make business decisions, and identify the risks that may affect its business, sources and uses of cash, financial condition and results of operations.
Litigation costs and the outcome of litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business.
From time to time, we have been subject to, and may in the future be subject to, litigation claims regarding, but not limited to, employment matters, safety standards, product liability, security of customer and employee personal information, contractual relations with vendors, marketing and infringement of trademarks and other intellectual property rights, and compliance with laws. Litigation to defend ourselves against claims by third parties or enforcement actions by regulators, or to enforce any rights that we may have against third parties, has been and may continue to be necessary, which has resulted and in the future could result in substantial costs, penalties, limitations on our business and diversion of our resources, causing a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Increasing attention to Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) matters may impact our business, financial results or stock price.
Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny from stakeholders related to their ESG practices and disclosures, including practices and disclosures related to climate change, diversity and inclusion and governance standards. Investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, lenders, investment funds and other influential investors are also increasingly focused on ESG practices and disclosures and in recent years have placed increasing importance on the implications and social cost of their investments. In addition, government organizations are enhancing or advancing legal and regulatory requirements specific to ESG matters. The heightened stakeholder focus on ESG issues related to our business requires the continuous monitoring of various and evolving laws, regulations, standards and expectations and the associated reporting requirements. A failure to adequately meet stakeholder expectations may result in noncompliance, the loss of business, reputational impacts, diluted market valuation, an inability to attract customers and an inability to attract and retain top talent. In addition, our adoption of certain standards or mandated compliance to certain requirements could necessitate additional investments that could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
As of May 26, 2024, the Company owned or leased the following principle physical properties:
Location Ownership Facilities
Chaska, MN Owned 148,200 square feet of office, laboratory and manufacturing space
Chaska, MN Leased 80,950 square feet of office, manufacturing and warehouse space
Chanhassen, MN Leased 21,384 square feet of warehouse and office space
Leases for these leased facilities expire at various dates through the year 2033. All of our owned real property is subject to liens in favor of the lenders under our 2020 credit agreement, as amended, with BMO Harris Bank N.A. (“BMO”) as administrative agent.
The Company does not anticipate experiencing significant difficulty in retaining occupancy of any of our manufacturing, laboratory, or office facilities through lease renewals prior to expiration or through month-to-month occupancy, or in replacing them with equivalent facilities. We believe our existing facilities, both owned and leased, are in good condition and suitable for the conduct of our business.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The information contained in “Part IV, Item 15. Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
The Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “LFCR”.
Performance graph
The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total shareholder return, calculated on a dividend-reinvested basis, for (1) the Company’s common stock, (2) the NASDAQ Composite and (3) the Russell 2000 Index, for the period from June 30, 2019 through June 30, 2024. The graph assumes the value of the investment in our common stock and each index was $100 on June 30, 2019 and that all dividends were reinvested. The graph plots the value of the initial $100 investment at annual intervals for the years shown. We have not paid any cash dividends and, therefore, the cumulative total return calculation for us is based solely upon stock price appreciation and not upon reinvestment of cash dividends. Historic stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
Index Data: Copyright NASDAQ OMX, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Index Data: Copyright Russell Investments. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
The graph is furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” with the SEC or subject to Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.
Holders
As of August 23, 2024, there were approximately 46 holders of record of our Common Stock. Since certain holders are listed under their brokerage firm’s names, the actual number of stockholders is higher.
Dividends
The Company has not paid any dividends on the Common Stock since its inception. The Company presently intends to retain all future earnings, if any, for its business and does not anticipate paying cash dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities
During the year ended May 26, 2024 issued a restricted stock unit (“RSU”) award with respect to 525,000 shares of its common stock and a performance stock unit (“PSU”) award for up to 1,500,000 shares of its common stock to Paul Josephs under
the Company’s Equity Inducement Plan adopted on March 20, 2024 (the “Inducement Plan”). The RSU award and PSU award were granted in reliance upon the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The securities have not been registered under the Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold without registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part IV, Item 15 of this report. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those mentioned in this report and, in particular, the factors described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors”. Please see “Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements”.
Corporate Overview
The Company is a fully integrated CDMO that offers highly differentiated capabilities in the development, fill and finish of complex sterile injectable pharmaceutical products in syringes and vials. As a leading manufacturer of premium, injectable grade HA in bulk form as well as formulated and filled syringes and vials for injectable products used in treating a broad spectrum of medical conditions and procedures. Lifecore uses its fermentation process and aseptic formulation and filling expertise to be a leader in the development of HA-based products for multiple applications and to take advantage of non-HA device and drug opportunities which leverage its expertise in manufacturing and aseptic syringe filling capabilities. Lifecore CDMO provides product development services to its partners for HA-based, as well as non-HA based, aseptically formulated and filled products. These services include activities such as technology development, material component changes, analytical method development, formulation development, pilot studies, stability studies, process validation and production of materials for clinical studies. The Company brings more than 40 years of expertise as a partner for global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories to bring their innovations to market.
Built over many years of experience, Lifecore separates itself from its competition based on its five areas of expertise, including but not limited to Lifecore’s ability to:
Establish strategic relationships with market leaders:
Lifecore continues to develop applications for products with partners who have strong marketing, sales, and distribution capabilities to end-user markets. Through its strong reputation and history of providing pharmaceutical grade HA and products, Lifecore has established long-term relationships with global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories and leverages those partnerships to attract new relationships in other medical markets.
Expand medical applications for HA:
Due to the growing knowledge of the unique characteristics of HA and Lifecore’s unique strength and history as a trusted manufacturer of pharmaceutical injectable grade HA products, Lifecore continues to identify and pursue opportunities for the use of HA in other medical applications, such as wound care, aesthetic surgery, drug delivery, next generation orthopedics and device coatings, and through sales to academic and corporate research customers. Further applications may involve expanding process development activity and/or additional licensing of technology.
Utilize manufacturing infrastructure to meet customer demand:
Lifecore has made strategic capital investments in its CDMO business focusing on extending its aseptic filling capacity and capabilities to meet increasing partner demand and to attract new contract filling opportunities outside of HA markets. Lifecore is using its manufacturing capabilities to provide contract manufacturing and development services to its partners in the area of sterile pre-filled syringes and vials, as well as fermentation and purification requirements.
Maintain flexibility in product development and supply relationships:
Lifecore’s vertically integrated development and manufacturing capabilities allow it to establish a variety of contractual relationships with global corporate partners. Lifecore’s role in these relationships extends from supplying HA raw
materials to providing technology transfer and development services to manufacturing aseptically filled, finished sterile products, and assuming full supply chain responsibilities.
Deliver consistent quality:
Lifecore has built a world class quality and regulatory system that is demonstrated in its results, processes and customer relationships. With over 38 years of a superior track record with global regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA, ANVISA, etc.), Lifecore is the partner of choice for companies looking for proven experience in delivering QbD, cGMP compliance, and manufacturing excellence with pharmaceutical elegance and quality. Lifecore’s world class quality and regulatory system and excellent track record with the global regulatory bodies ensure partners that they will safely bring innovative therapies to market.
Reportable Segments
The Company operates in one reportable segment: Lifecore, which is described in further detail below. This is based on the objectives of the business and how our CODM, the President and Chief Executive Officer, regularly reviews and manages the business, monitors operating performance and allocates resources.
Related Party Transactions
For a discussion of significant related party transactions, refer to “Part IV, Item 15. Note 1 - Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
A discussion of changes in our results of operations and cash flows from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2022 has been omitted from this Annual Report on Form 10-K, but may be found in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2024, which is available free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and at www.lifecore.com, by clicking “Investors” located at the top of the page. The content of any website referred to in this document is not incorporated by reference into this document.
Year Ended May 26, 2024 Compared to May 28, 2023
Revenues and Gross Profit:
Lifecore generates revenues from the development and manufacture of HA products and providing contract development and aseptic manufacturing services to customers. Lifecore generates revenues from two integrated activities: (1) CDMO and (2) fermentation.
There are numerous factors that can influence gross profit including product mix, customer mix, manufacturing costs, volume, sales discounts, and charges for excess or obsolete inventory, to name a few. Many of these factors influence or are interrelated with other factors. The Company includes in cost of sales all of the following costs: raw materials (including packaging, syringes, fermentation and purification supplies), direct labor, overhead (including indirect labor, depreciation, and facility-related costs), and shipping and shipping-related costs.
(In thousands, except percentages) Year Ended Change
May 26, 2024 May 28, 2023 Amount %
Total Revenues
$ 128,261 $ 103,269 $ 24,992 24%
Gross Profit $ 41,850 $ 27,985 $ 13,865 50%
The increase in revenues for fiscal year 2024, compared to fiscal year 2023, was due to (i) a $20.2 million increase in CDMO revenues consisting of a $9.9 million increase related to the launch of a new commercial product and a $10.3 million increase primarily due to increased order volume from existing customers; and (ii) a $4.8 million increase in fermentation revenues due to increased order volume from existing customers.
The increase in gross profit for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to increased revenues resulting in a favorable volume variance of $6.8 million and a favorable sales mix and adjustments to write down inventories to their net realizable value in the comparable periods driving a favorable rate variance of $7.1 million.
Gross profit margin percentage increased from 27.1% to 32.6%. The 553 basis points (“bps”) improvement is due to a 380 bps increase in CDMO gross profit margin percentage as a result of a favorable sales mix and increased customer pricing and a 189 bps increase primarily due to adjustments to write down inventories to their net realizable value in the comparable periods partially offset by a slight decrease of 16 bps in fermentation gross profit margin percentage.
Operating Expenses:
(In thousands, except percentages) Year Ended Change
May 26, 2024 May 28, 2023 Amount %
Research and Development $ 8,575 $ 8,736 $ (161) (2)%
Selling, general and administrative 40,463 38,969 1,494 4%
Gain on sale of divested business - (2,108) 2,108 100%
Restructuring costs 1,656 4,184 (2,528) (60)%
Total Operating Expenses $ 50,694 $ 49,781 $ 913 2%
Research and Development (“R&D”)
R&D expenses consist primarily of product development and commercialization initiatives. R&D expenses are focused on new products and applications for HA-based and non-HA biomaterials.
The decrease in R&D expenses for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 was not significant.
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)
SG&A expenses consist primarily of sales and marketing expenses associated with Lifecore’s product sales and services, business development expenses, and staff and administrative expenses.
The increase in SG&A expenses for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to increases in non-cash stock-based compensation expense due to the higher mix of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) grants over stock options of $2.6 million, a non-cash right-of-use impairment for the Santa Maria building (a divested business office) of $1.4 million, partially off-set by a reduction in consulting fees of $0.9 million incurred in completing the year-end audit.
Gain on sale of Divested Businesses
On June 2, 2022, the Company and Curation Foods entered into an asset purchase agreement and consummated the transactions contemplated thereby, pursuant to which Curation Foods sold all of its assets related to BreatheWay packaging technology business in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $3.1 million. Upon the sale, the Company recorded a gain of $2.1 million.
Restructuring Costs
Beginning in fiscal year 2020, the Company announced a restructuring plan to drive enhanced profitability, focus the business on its strategic assets and redesign the organization to be the appropriate size to compete and thrive. This included a reduction in force, a reduction in leased office spaces and the sale of non-strategic assets. The Company recorded $1.7 million and $4.2 million during the years ended May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively, related to the restructuring plan. Restructuring costs for the year ended May 26, 2024 decreased $2.5 million compared to the prior year period due as a result of the restructuring
plan to divest the Curation Foods businesses being substantially complete. Refer to “Part IV, Item 15. Note 10 - Restructuring Costs” in the notes for more information.
Other Income (Expenses):
(In thousands, except percentages) Year Ended Change
May 26, 2024 May 28, 2023 Amount %
Interest expense, net $ (18,090) $ (17,581) $ (509) 3%
Transition services income $ - $ 349 $ (349) (100)%
Loss on debt extinguishment $ - $ (23,741) $ 23,741 (100)%
Other (expense) income, net $ (3,052) $ (1,159) $ (1,893) 163%
Change in fair value of debt derivative liability, related party $ 39,500 $ - $ 39,500 100%
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit $ (183) $ (308) $ 125 (41)%
Interest Expense, net
The decrease in Interest Expense, net for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 was primarily a result of fluctuations in the principal balance under the Company’s revolving credit facility.
Transition Services Income
In fiscal year 2023, the Company earned $0.3 million of transition services income related to the BreatheWay Disposition. No such transition services income was present during fiscal year 2024.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
The loss on debt extinguishment of $23.7 million in fiscal year 2023 was due to the New Term Loan Credit Facility with Alcon entered into in May 2023, including the $12.9 million prepayment fee to Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group, L.P. (“Goldman”), the prior lender, write-off unamortized deferred financing fees related to the Prior Term Loan Facility (defined below) of $7.6 million and third-party fees of $3.3 million. Refer to “Part IV, Item 15. Note 6 - Debt” for additional information.
Other (Expense) Income, net
Other (expense) income, net for fiscal year 2024 includes $3.3 million in monetary penalties related to Convertible Preferred Stock, partially offset by sub-lease rental income of $0.2 million.
Change in fair value of debt derivative liability, related party
The increase for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023, was due to a reduction in the fair market value of the debt derivative liability in the current period as a result of the Company’s Term Loan Credit Facility. The key inputs to the valuation models that were utilized to estimate the fair value of the debt derivative liability were (i) an estimated probability related to the timing of a change in control over the 12 months following the end of the fiscal period; (ii) the estimated probability related to an event of default of the Alcon Supply Agreement, as amended, over the 12 months following the end of the fiscal period; and (iii) a risk-adjusted discount rate. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 and continuing through the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, there were sequential declines in the change in control probabilities assumptions in connection with the Company’s review of the strategic alternatives initiative that significantly impacted the fair value of the debt derivative liability.
Income Tax (Provision) Benefit
The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2024 changed from a tax provision expense of 0.48% to a tax provision expense of 1.93% in comparison to fiscal year 2023. The decrease in the income tax expense for fiscal year 2024 was primarily due to a valuation allowance decrease of $5.8 million resulting from utilization of net operating loss deferred tax assets and by an increase in deferred tax liabilities for debt discount of $7.9 million. The decrease in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to a significant valuation allowance increase and the impairment of Yucatan Foods, LLC (“Yucatan”) goodwill.
Non-GAAP Financial Information and Reconciliations
EBITDA and Consolidated adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA from continuing operations represents net income (loss) from continuing operations before interest expense, interest income, income tax (benefit) expense, and depreciation and amortization expense. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations reflects adjustments to EBITDA from continuing operations to identify items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the assessment of earnings results between periods. This information is provided in order to allow investors to make meaningful comparisons of the Company’s earnings performance between periods and to view the Company’s business from the same perspective as Company management. As the Company cannot predict the timing and amount of charges that include, but are not limited to, items such as costs associated with our reorganization, including associated divestitures, movement of headquarters, transactional impacts of these transactions, remaining costs associated with divested businesses and associated cost of third parties (collectively, “Reorganization Costs”), restructuring programs, mark-to-market adjustments on derivative contracts, non- interest financing costs, stock compensation, product launch and start-up costs and other items that may arise from time to time that would impact comparability, management does not consider these costs when evaluating the Company’s performance, when making decisions regarding the allocation of resources, in determining incentive compensation, or in determining earnings estimates. EBITDA from continuing operations and adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations are performance measures commonly used by management to assess operating performance and incentive compensation, and the Company believes they are commonly reported and widely used by investors and other interested parties as a measure of a company’s operating performance between periods.
The table below includes reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their respective most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).
(In thousands, except percentages) Year Ended
May 26, 2024 May 28, 2023 May 29, 2022
Net income (loss) $ 12,013 $ (99,563) $ (116,715)
Interest Expense, net of interest income 18,090 17,581 15,470
Provision for income tax expense (benefit) 183 308 (5,211)
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment 7,954 10,315 7,136
Total EBITDA $ 38,240 $ (71,359) $ (99,320)
Restructuring costs 1,656 4,184 8,359
Reorganization costs (1) 9,796 15,949 7,526
Change in fair value of debt derivative liability, related party (39,500) - -
Financing fees (non-interest) 3,513 788 -
Contract cancellation and other costs 567 716 -
Loss on debt extinguishment - 23,741 -
Start-up costs 1,684 - -
Franchise tax equivalent to income tax 272 241 -
Stockholder activist settlement 459 - -
Gain on sale of divested business - (2,108) -
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes (2,682) 35,327 101,239
Stock-based Compensation 6,201 3,612 2,608
Total adjusted EBITDA - Consolidated $ 20,206 $ 11,091 $ 20,412
(1)Reorganization costs mainly relate to activities in connection with the approved restructuring plan.
a.For fiscal year 2024, the Company incurred non-recurring charges primarily related to: (i) $4.1 million of incremental audit and consulting fees specifically related to the audit of the numerous non-standard transactions that occurred in fiscal year 2023 associated with the sale of the Yucatan and O Olive businesses, (ii) $2.1 million of costs associated with maintaining abandoned facilities (including the prior headquarters) after the sale of the businesses and incremental compensation expenses for reorganization of the business including costs associated with duplicative roles as the headquarters transitioned to Minnesota, (iii) $1.6 million litigation costs associated with the divested businesses, (iv) $1.2 million in fees for exploration of strategic opportunities to best position Lifecore as a standalone CDMO, and (v) $0.8 million for severance for the Company’s former CEO.
b.For fiscal year 2023, the Company incurred non-recurring charges primarily related to: (i) $6.3 million for financial advisor and legal fees related to management of the prior term loan lenders, (ii) $6.4 million of incremental audit and consulting fees specifically related to the audit of the numerous non-standard transactions that occurred in fiscal year 2022 associated with the sale of the Eat Smart business, (iii) and $3.2 million for litigation costs associated with the divested businesses, costs associated with maintaining abandoned facilities (including the prior headquarters) after the sale of the Yucatan and O Olive businesses, and incremental compensation and operating expenses for reorganization of the business.
c.For fiscal year 2022, the Company incurred non-recurring charges primarily related to: (i) $4.6 million net Transaction Services Agreement ("TSA") costs that will not recur upon exit from the TSA associated with the divested Eat Smart business, (ii) $1.5 million incremental compensation expenses related to reorganization of the business including costs associated with duplicative roles as the headquarters transitioned to Minnesota and consulting fees associated with the employee programs put in place as part of the headquarters transition and sale of the Eat Smart business, and (iii) and $1.4 million for litigation costs associated with the divested businesses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of May 26, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $8.5 million, a net decrease of $10.6 million from $19.1 million at May 28, 2023. The Company believes that its cash from operations, along with existing cash and cash equivalents and availability under its line of credit will be sufficient to finance its operational and capital requirements for at least the next twelve months.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal year 2024 was $0.2 million compared to $17.4 million of net cash used during fiscal year 2023.
The primary impact to net cash from operating activities during fiscal year 2024 were (1) $12.0 million of net income; (2) non-cash add backs of (i) $14.2 million on interest expense with a related party, (ii) $15.1 million of depreciation/amortization and stock-based compensation expense, and (iii) $1.4 million non-cash restructuring and impairment of assets charges; and (3) $3.8 million net increase in operating working capital. These were partially offset by a $39.5 million non-cash change in debt derivative liability with related party.
The primary factors for the $3.8 million overall net cash used related to operating working capital during fiscal year 2024 was (1) cash sources related to an $0.3 million increase in other accrued liabilities, (2) a $2.4 million decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets, and (3) a $1.4 million increase in accrued compensation, (4) a $0.9 million decrease in inventories, offset by (1) cash uses related to a $2.4 million increase in accounts receivable driven by timing of customer payments, (2) a decrease in accounts payable of $6.7 million related to the timing of payments, and (3) $0.1 million for a decrease in deferred revenue.
The primary uses of net cash in operating activities during fiscal year 2023 were (1) a $99.6 million net loss and (2) a $1.8 million net gain on the sales of BreatheWay and O Olive. These uses of cash were partially offset by (1) a $20.0 million net decrease in working capital, (2) $0.6 million non-cash restructuring and impairment of assets charges, (3) $16.8 million of depreciation/amortization and stock-based compensation expense, (4) $20.7 million loss on sale of Yucatan and (5) $23.7 million loss on early debt extinguishment.
The primary factors for the decrease in working capital during the fiscal year ended 2023 was a $10.8 million decrease in accounts receivable driven by sales decreases and timing of customer payments, and an increase in accounts payable of $16.0 million related to the increase in Lifecore inventory and timing of payments. These were partially offset by a decrease of $14.8 million in inventory driven by the increase in total inventory of Lifecore, which is in alignment with our expectations for production season, and a $4.5 million net decrease in accrued compensation driven by severance accruals.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal year 2024 was $17.9 million, due to the purchase of equipment to support the growth of the business in line with the planned capital project spending.
Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal year 2023 was $4.8 million, primarily due to $21.5 million of purchases of equipment to support the growth of the business, offset by $16.7 million of proceeds from the sale of divested business.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal year 2024 was $7.5 million, primarily due to (1) $149.6 million net proceeds from revolving credit facility, and (2) $0.7 million proceeds from exercise of options, partially offset by (1) $0.6 million of principal payments on equipment financing, (2) $0.2 million payments for debt issuance costs, (3) $0.1 million principal payments on finance leases, and (4) $0.2 million of taxes paid by Company for employee stock plans.
Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal year 2023 was $39.7 million, primarily due to (1) $0.0 million proceeds from long-term debt, (2) $38.1 million proceeds from sale of preferred stock and (3) $4.8 million proceeds from sale of Common Stock, partially offset by (1) $123.7 million of payments on long-term debt, (2) $31.5 million net draw down on the Company’s line of credit and (3) $6.1 million of payments for debt issuance costs.
Capital Expenditures
The Company incurred $17.9 million and $21.5 million of capital expenditures during fiscal years 2024 and 2023, respectively, which was primarily represented by facility expansions and purchased equipment to support the growth of the Lifecore business. The decrease in capital expenditures from fiscal year 2023 to 2024 was due to the planned decrease in capital project spending.
Contractual Obligations
The Company’s material contractual obligations for the next five years mainly relate to its debt and lease obligations.
The Company’s future capital requirements will depend on numerous factors, including the progress of its research and development programs; the continued development of marketing, sales and distribution capabilities; the ability of the Company to establish and maintain new licensing arrangements; the costs associated with employment-related claims; any decision to pursue additional acquisition opportunities; the timing and amount, if any, of payments received under licensing and research and development agreements; the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, defending, and enforcing intellectual property rights; the ability to comply with regulatory requirements; the emergence of competitive technology and market forces; the effectiveness of product commercialization activities and arrangements; and other factors. If the Company’s currently available funds, together with the internally generated cash flow from operations are not sufficient to satisfy its capital needs, the Company would be required to seek additional funding through other arrangements with collaborative partners, additional bank borrowings and public or private sales of its securities. There can be no assurance that additional funds, if required, will be available to the Company on favorable terms, if at all.
Debt
As of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, the Company had $157.3 million and $142.5 million in borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Facility, at an effective annual interest rate of 22.5%.
As of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, the Company had $19.7 million and $16.8 million in borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, at an effective annual interest rate of 8.35% and 12.16%, respectively.
As of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, except for the requirements to deliver certain historical financial statements, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Term Loan Credit Facility and Revolving Credit Facility (as discussed below). In December 2023, the Company entered into limited waivers and amendments to credit agreements, as discussed in the “Limited Waivers and Amendments to Credit Agreements” section below.
Prior Term Loan Facility
On December 31, 2020, the Company refinanced its previously existing term loan and revolving credit facility by entering into (i) a credit agreement with Goldman and Guggenheim Credit Services, LLC, as lenders, which provided the Company, Curation Foods and Lifecore, as co-borrowers, with term loan borrowings of up to $170.0 million (the “Prior Term Loan Facility”), and (ii) a credit agreement with BMO as lender, which provided the Company, Curation Foods and Lifecore, as co-borrowers, with an up to $75.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and together with Prior Term
Loan Facility, the “Prior Credit Facilities”). The Revolving Credit Facility is, and the Prior Term Loan Facility was, guaranteed, and secured by, substantially all of the Company’s and the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries’ assets.
In April 2022, the Company amended the Prior Credit Facilities to make available an additional $20.0 million of term debt that had been previously repaid. In connection with this amendment, the Company incurred debt issuance costs from the lender of $0.7 million.
On January 9, 2023, the Company entered into further amendments to the Prior Credit Facilities to, among other things, provide for the limited waiver from events of default under the Prior Credit Facilities related to certain financial covenant requirements, as well as a waiver of certain existing terms and covenants under the Prior Term Loan Facility, including with respect to the fixed coverage ratio leverage ratio and minimum liquidity covenants, 2% increase of annual interest rate, which was payable in kind, and a one-time amendment fee in an amount equal to 3% of the principal amount as of January 9, 2023. This amendment also reduced the maximum commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility from $75.0 million to $60.0 million, which was further reduced to $40.0 million upon the sale of Yucatan.
The Prior Term Loan Facility would have matured on December 31, 2025. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on December 31, 2025.
Interest on the Revolving Credit Facility is based upon the Company’s average availability, at a per annum rate of either (i) SOFR rate plus a spread of between 2.00% and 2.50% or (ii) base rate plus a spread of between 1.00% and 1.50%, plus a commitment fee, as applicable, of 0.375% and plus (iii) for the period from December 1, 2022 until January 31, 2023, additional 2% per annum. Interest on the Prior Term Loan Facility was at a per annum rate based on either (i) the base rate plus a spread of 7.50% or (ii) the SOFR rate plus a spread of 8.50%. The Prior Term Loan Facility also provided that in the event of a prepayment of any amount other than the scheduled installments within twelve months after the closing date, a penalty will be assessed equal to the aggregate amount of interest that would have otherwise been payable from date of prepayment event until twelve months after the closing date plus 3% of the amount prepaid.
The Revolving Credit Facility contains, and the Prior Term Loan Facility contained, customary financial covenants and events of default under which the obligations thereunder could be accelerated and/or the interest rate increased in specified circumstances.
In connection with the January 2023 amendments to the Prior Credit Facilities, the Company incurred debt issuance costs from the lender and third parties of $4.2 million (comprised of $1.1 million in cash and $3.1 million PIK) and $62.5 thousand, respectively, during the year ended May 28, 2023.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
On May 22, 2023, the Company Curation and Lifecore Biomedical Operating Company, Inc. (together with the Company and Curation, the “Borrowers”) entered into the New Term Loan Credit Facility (as defined below) with Alcon. The proceeds of this New Term Loan Credit Facility were used to repay the Prior Term Loan Facility in its entirety. In connection with the New Term Loan Credit Facility, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended May 28, 2023, amounting to $23.7 million, comprised of a prepayment penalty of $12.9 million, write-off unamortized deferred financing fees related to the Prior Term Loan Facility of $7.6 million and third-party fees of $3.3 million.
New Term Loan Credit Facility
On May 22, 2023, the Company and Alcon entered into a Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Facility”). The Term Loan Credit Facility refinanced in full all obligations of the Company and their subsidiaries under its prior term loan credit facility. Upon entry into the Term Loan Credit Facility, the Prior Term Loan Facility was terminated and all noncompliance with debt covenants were thereby cured.
The Term Loan Credit Facility provides for up to $142.3 million in term loans, subject to certain adjustments based on the post-closing adjustments to the Purchase Price (as defined in the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement, defined below), which were funded in full on May 22, 2023. The obligations under the New Term Loan Credit Facility mature on May 22, 2029. The New Term Loan Credit Facility is secured by the same collateral that secures the Revolving Credit Facility, with relative priorities in respect thereof, as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement (as defined below).
The loans under the New Term Loan Credit Facility have a fixed interest rate equal to 10% per annum. Interest is payable-in-kind until the third anniversary of the closing date and following the third anniversary of the closing date is payable at
a rate equal to 3% per annum in cash with the remainder payable-in-kind, in each case, unless otherwise elected by the Borrowers to pay a greater proportion in cash. The New Term Loan Credit Facility contains customary affirmative covenants including, but not limited to, financial reporting requirements and maintenance of existence requirements and negative covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on the incurrence of debt, liens, investments, restricted payments, restricted debt payments, and affiliate transactions. The New Term Loan Credit Facility contains one financial covenant, a minimum liquidity covenant, requiring $4.0 million of Consolidated Liquidity (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Facility) as of May 28, 2023 and as of the end of the first, second and third fiscal quarters of 2024 of the Company. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, the minimum liquidity covenant was increased to $4.5 million.
The Company identified a number of embedded derivatives that require bifurcation from the New Term Loan Credit Facility that were separately accounted for in the consolidated financial statements as one compound derivative liability (the “debt derivative liability”). Certain of these embedded features include change in control provisions, events of default and contingent rate increases and were determined to qualify as an embedded derivative under ASC 815-40. The embedded derivative and the New Term Loan Credit Facility obligation have been bifurcated to result in a net embedded derivative liability and is classified as a Level 3 financial liability in the fair value hierarchy as of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023. The fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities associated with the term loans was estimated using the discounted cash flow method under the income approach. This involves significant Level 3 inputs and assumptions including an estimated probability and timing of a change in control and events of default. The Company will re-evaluate this assessment each reporting period and record any gains or losses in other income (expense). The initial recognition of the embedded derivative liability upon issuance of the New Term Loan Credit Facility on May 22, 2023 was $64.9 million and is recorded as a reduction the term loan obligation in the consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of the debt discount is based on the effective interest method over the term of the debt. The amortization of the debt discount between the issuance of May 22, 2023 and May 28, 2023 was $0.1 million, and for the year ended May 26, 2024 was $2.4 million. At May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, the fair value of the embedded derivative liability approximated $25.4 million and $64.9 million, respectively.
Pledge and Security Agreement
Also on May 22, 2023, the Borrowers and certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries, as grantors (collectively, the “Grantors”), entered into that certain Pledge and Security Agreement (the “Term Loan Security Agreement”), dated as of May 22, 2023, with Alcon, as collateral agent. Pursuant to the Term Loan Security Agreement, the Grantors secured their obligations under the New Term Loan Credit Facility by granting to Alcon, as collateral agent, a first priority security interest in certain collateral, including but not limited to equipment, fixtures, real property and intellectual property. The security interest granted by the Grantors under the Term Loan Security Agreement continues in effect until the payment in full of all of the secured obligations under the New Term Loan Credit Facility.
Amendment to Revolving Credit Facility
On May 22, 2023, the Borrowers and certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries, as guarantors, entered into a Limited Waiver, Consent and Fifth Amendment (the “Revolving Loan Amendment”) to the credit agreement with BMO, as lender (the “Revolving Credit Facility”).
The Revolving Loan Amendment provides for, among other things, (i) a waiver of all known existing defaults under a revolving credit agreement as of the date of the Revolving Loan Amendment, (ii) the reduction of the maximum amount available under a revolving credit agreement to up to the lesser of (x) $40.0 million, less a reserve for certain secured credit products, if any, and (y) the borrowing base (which, pursuant to the Revolving Loan Amendment, was modified to include a further reduction of the borrowing base by an additional $4.0 million), (iii) the modification of the springing minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00, with such covenant not tested until the fiscal quarter ending on or about February 28, 2024 and, on or thereafter, upon the earlier of the occurrence of an event of default or availability being less than the greater of 10% of the maximum borrowing amount and $4.0 million, (iv) cash dominion at all times the Revolving Credit Facility remains outstanding, and (v) certain other revisions to align with the terms of the New Term Loan Credit Facility and address the relative priorities and credit for borrowings related to the Company’s commercial relationships with Alcon.
In connection with the entry into the Revolving Loan Amendment, the Company also agreed to pay to BMO an amendment fee of $1.2 million, $0.8 million of which is paid concurrently with the Company’s entry into the Revolving Loan Amendment. The remaining $0.4 million obligation is payable at the earlier of (i) repayment in full of the Company’s obligations, and termination of all commitments, under the Revolving Credit Facility and (ii) the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility). The Company will accrete the remaining amendment fee over the life of the credit facility. In connection with the entry into the Revolving Loan Amendment, the Company recorded $1.2 million of debt origination costs.
The Company records its Revolving Credit Facility deferred finance costs as an asset; as such, $1.6 million were recorded as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of May 26, 2024. As of May 28, 2023, $0.9 million and $1.4 million were recorded as other current assets and other long-term assets, respectively.
As the Company's borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility for the next twelve months will increase to above the $19.7 million as of the balance sheet date, and scheduled repayments are not due until December 31, 2025, we have determined the line of credit to be classified as a long-term liability as of May 26, 2024.
BMO and Alcon also entered into an intercreditor agreement regarding their relative rights, as lenders, in the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries that serve as collateral for their respective credit facilities (the “Intercreditor Agreement”).
On May 10, 2024, the Company also entered into the Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement, by and among Lifecore., Curation Foods, Inc., Lifecore Biomedical Operating Company, Inc., and BMO Bank N.A (the “ABL Loan Agreement”) with its ABL lender to execute a “first-in, last-out” tranche of revolving loans under the ABL Loan Agreement (the “FILO Amendment”). While not increasing the overall revolver commitment of $40 million, the FILO Amendment provides for up to approximately $2.5 million of incremental revolving loan capacity to the Company, subject to a variable cap, without changing the collateral. In connection with the FILO Amendment, the margin rate applicable to the borrowings pursuant to the FILO Amendment was increased to SOFR plus 4.25%, which is expected to increase annual cash interest expense by approximately $44,000 assuming $2.5 million in FILO tranche borrowings thereunder. The maximum capacity of permitted borrowings pursuant to the FILO Amendment will be reduced on a monthly basis commencing October 1, 2025. The Company paid a fee of $50,000 to BMO in connection with the FILO Amendment.
Limited Waivers and Amendments to Credit Agreements
On December 31, 2023, the Company entered into (i) a Limited Waiver and First Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the “Alcon Amendment”), with Alcon, which amended the Term Loan Credit Facility, and (ii) the Limited Waiver and Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “BMO Amendment” and, together with the Alcon Amendment, the “Credit Agreement Amendments”) which amended the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Alcon Amendment provides for, among other things, (i) a waiver of the specified defaults listed therein under the Term Loan Credit Facility as of the date of the Alcon Amendment, (ii) a waiver of the requirement to deliver certain historical financial statements, (iii) the inclusion of a requirement that the Company notify Alcon in advance of any layoff(s) by the Company and/or its subsidiaries that would result in a reduction in the overall headcount of the Company’s full-time manufacturing and support personnel by more than 20 persons in the aggregate, and (iv) an amendment to the financial reporting requirements under the Term Loan Credit Facility providing additional time for the Company’s delivery of its financials for the quarter ended November 26, 2023.
The BMO Amendment provides for, among other things, (i) a waiver of the specified defaults listed therein under the Revolving Credit Facility as of the date of the BMO Amendment, (ii) a waiver of the requirement to deliver certain historical financial statements, (iii) an amendment to the definition of “Applicable Margin” with respect to loans under the Revolving Credit Facility from December 31, 2023 until the “Specified Adjustment Date” (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility as amended by the BMO Amendment) (i.e., the date on which 2024 audited annual financial statements and certain other materials are delivered by the Company to BMO), and (iv) an amendment to the definition of “Eligible Accounts” thereunder in respect of certain accounts.
The Company was not required to pay any fees in connection with the Credit Agreement Amendments.
On August 8, 2024, the Company received limited waivers under its Credit Agreements relating to not timely providing (i) notice of the occurrence of a default; and (ii) the Lifecore financial plan for the fiscal year ending May 25, 2025.
Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreements
On May 22, 2023, the Company entered into that certain Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement (the “Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement”), dated May 22, 2023, with Alcon, wherein the Company sold $10.0 million (subject to certain post-closing adjustments) (the “Purchase Price”) of certain equipment, machinery, and other property associated with the production of sodium hyaluronate (the “Equipment”) to Alcon. The Equipment Sale Leaseback Agreement contains an option for the Company to repurchase the Equipment upon the earlier of (i) seven (7) years and (ii) the expansion of the Company’s existing production capacity with respect to sodium hyaluronate, for a purchase price equal to the Purchase Price, less the aggregate of all Paydown Payments (as defined in the Equipment Lease Agreement). The Purchase Price was subsequently reduced to $7.7 million based on the fair value of the equipment, as required by the terms of the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement. The difference of $2.3 million between the initial sales value of $10.0 million and the $7.7 million was added to the term loan
agreement, which resulted in a term loan amount of $142.3 million and the proceeds to Lifecore across the two agreements did not change.
Concurrently with the entry into the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement, the Company entered into that certain Equipment Lease Agreement (the “Equipment Lease Agreement” and, together with the Equipment Sale Leaseback Agreement, the New Term Loan Credit Facility, the Term Loan Security Agreement, and the Revolving Loan Amendment, collectively, the “Refinancing Transactions”), dated May 22, 2023, with Alcon, wherein Alcon leased the Equipment back to the Company. The Equipment Lease Agreement expires upon the earlier of (i) May 22, 2033, and (ii) the date that the Equipment is repurchased by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Equipment Lease Agreement. Upon the expiration of the Equipment Lease Agreement on May 22, 2033, the Company shall automatically repurchase the Equipment for $1.00 (if not previously repurchased pursuant to the option under the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement).
During the lease term, the Company is obligated to make quarterly rental payments to Alcon equal to (i) 1/40th of the Purchase Price (the “Paydown Payments”), plus (ii) 1.5% times the Purchase Price less cumulative Paydown Payments made. The Company concluded that the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement did not meet the requirements for sale-leaseback accounting, therefore the carrying value of the equipment remains on the balance sheet and the $7.7 million Purchase Price (as adjusted) of the equipment sale finance obligation (the “Equipment Sale Finance Liability”) has been classified in Long Term debt.
The Equipment Lease Agreement contains terms and provisions (including representations, covenants and conditions) that are generally customary for a commercial lease of this nature, including obligations relating to the use, operation and maintenance of the Equipment. During the term of the lease, Alcon is not permitted to sell or encumber the Equipment. Alcon is only entitled to cancel the Equipment Lease Agreement in the event of insolvency, liquidation or bankruptcy, and its remedies for other breaches of the Equipment Lease Agreement are otherwise limited to monetary damages.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The accounting estimates that require management’s most significant and subjective judgments include revenue recognition; recognition and measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities; the assessment of recoverability of long-lived assets (including intangible assets and goodwill) and inventory; the valuation of debt derivatives liability, and the valuation of performance share units.
These estimates involve the consideration of complex factors and require management to make judgments. The analysis of historical and future trends can require extended periods of time to resolve, and are subject to change from period to period. The actual results may differ from management’s estimates. Our accounting policies are more fully described in “Part IV, Item 15. Note 1 - Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with our Board of Directors.
Revenue Recognition
The Company follows the five step, principles-based model to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue, net of estimated allowances and returns, is recognized when or as the Company satisfies its performance obligations under a contract and control of the product is transferred to the customer.
Lifecore generates revenue from two integrated activities: CDMO and Fermentation. CDMO is comprised of aseptic and development services. Lifecore’s standard terms of sale are generally included in its contracts and purchase orders. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are recorded in both revenue and cost of goods sold. Lifecore has elected to account for shipping and handling as fulfillment activities, and not as a separate performance obligation. Lifecore’s standard payment terms with its customers generally range from 30 days to 60 days.
CDMO - Aseptic
Lifecore provides aseptic formulation and filling of syringes, vials and cartridges with precisely formulated medical grade HA and non-HA materials for injectable products used for medical purposes. In instances where our customers contract with us to aseptically fill syringes, vials and cartridges with our HA, the goods are distinct in the context of the contract. Lifecore
generally recognizes revenue for these products at the point in time when the product is released through the completion of the certificate of analysis or at the time shipment is made or upon delivery of the product.
CDMO - Development Services
Lifecore provides product development services to assist its customers in obtaining regulatory approval for the commercial sale of their drug product. These services include activities such as technology development, material component changes, analytical method development, formulation development, pilot studies, stability studies, process validation, production of proprietary materials for use within clinical studies and the transfer of proprietary process documentation and results of validation to the customers. The Company’s customers benefit from the expertise of its scientists who have extensive experience performing such tasks and from the proprietary documentation and validation of processes that are received upon completion of the services that can be used by the customer.
Each of the promised goods and services are not distinct in the context of the contract as the goods and services are highly interdependent and interrelated. The services described above are significantly affected by each other because Lifecore would not be able to fulfill its promise by transferring each of the goods or services independently.
Revenues generated from development services arrangements are recognized over time as Lifecore is creating an asset without an alternate use as it is unique to the customer. Furthermore, the Company has an enforceable right to payment for the performance completed to date for its costs incurred in satisfying the performance obligation plus a reasonable profit margin. For each of the development activities performed by Lifecore as described above, labor is the primary input (i.e., labor costs represent the majority of the costs incurred in the completion of the services). The Company determined that labor hours are the best measure of progress as it most accurately depicts the effort extended to satisfy the performance obligation over time and therefore recognizes development services revenue over time based on the proportion of labor hours incurred compared to total estimated hours for an individual arrangement.
Fermentation
Lifecore manufactures and sells HA in bulk form to its customers. The HA produced is distinct as customers are able to utilize the product provided under HA supply contracts when they obtain control. Lifecore recognizes revenue for these products at the point in time when legal title to the product is transferred to the customer, which is at the time that shipment is made or upon delivery of the product to our customer.
During the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal years 2024 and 2023, we entered into a bill-and-hold arrangement with a customer. Revenue for bill-and-hold arrangements is recognized when control transfers to the customer, even though the customer does not have physical possession of the goods. Control transfers when the bill-and-hold arrangement has been determined to have substantive reason, the product is identified as belonging to the customer, the product is ready for physical transfer to the customer and the product cannot be used or directed to another customer.
Impairment Review of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset
The Company tests its goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives annually for impairment in the fiscal fourth quarter or earlier if there are indications during a different interim period that these assets may have become impaired.
On a quarterly basis, the Company considers the need to update its most recent annual tests for possible impairment of its indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill, based on management’s assessment of changes in its business and other economic factors since the most recent annual evaluation. Such changes, if significant or material, could indicate a need to update the most recent annual tests for impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible assets during the current period. The results of these tests could lead to write-downs of the carrying values of these assets in the current period.
With respect to goodwill, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macro-economic conditions, industry and market environment, cost factors, overall financial performance of the Company, cash flow from operating activities, market capitalization, litigation, and stock price. If the result of a qualitative test indicates a potential for impairment of a reporting unit, a quantitative test is performed. The quantitative test compares the carrying amount of a reporting unit that includes goodwill to its fair value. The Company determines the fair value using an income approach. Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the Company and the rate of return an outside investor could expect to earn. A goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
To determine the fair value of a reporting unit as part of its quantitative test, the Company considers both the market and income approach as it believes that this approach is the most reliable indicator of the fair value of its businesses and the fair value of their future earnings and cash flows. The income approach is a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method which requires significant judgments. The Company estimates the future cash flows and discounts these cash flows at a rate of return that reflects their relative risk. The cash flows used in the DCF method are consistent with those the Company uses in its internal planning, which gives consideration to actual business trends experienced, and the broader business strategy for the long term. The other key estimates and factors used in the DCF method include, but are not limited to, future volumes, net sales and expense growth rates, gross margin and gross margin growth rates, and the discount rate applied. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce different results.
For trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macro-economic conditions, industry and market environment, cost factors, overall financial performance of the Company, litigation, and changes in the business in its annual, qualitative analysis to test for impairment. If the results of a qualitative test indicate a potential for impairment of an intangible asset with an indefinite life, a quantitative test is performed. The quantitative test compares the estimated fair value of an asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of such asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value. The Company uses the income approach to estimate the fair value of its trademarks. This approach requires significant judgments in determining the royalty rates and the assets’ estimated cash flows as well as the appropriate discount rates applied to those cash flows to determine fair value. Changes in such estimates or the use of alternative assumptions could produce different results.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with accounting guidance which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. The Company maintains valuation allowances when it is likely that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s income tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company takes into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect utilization of a deferred tax asset, carryback and carryforward periods and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset.
In addition to valuation allowances, the Company establishes accruals for uncertain tax positions. The tax-contingency accruals are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. The Company’s effective tax rate includes the impact of tax-contingency accruals as considered appropriate by management.
A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which the Company has accrued, is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies by jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, the Company believes its tax-contingency accruals are adequate to address known tax contingencies. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could increase the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Any resolution of a tax issue may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The Company’s tax-contingency accruals are recorded in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Debt Derivative Liability, related party
The key inputs to the valuation models that were utilized to estimate the fair value of the debt derivative liability, related party, were (i) a weighted average probability related to the timing of a change in control over the remaining term of the debt. Changes to this input has the most significant impact to the determination of fair value; (ii) the estimated probability related to an event of default of the Alcon Supply Agreement, as amended, weighted as to 30 days from the reporting date and at the end of the term of the Term Loan agreement. Changes to this key input could have a significant impact to the determination of fair value, but the risk of a default is low; and (iii) a risk-adjusted discount rate, which has historically been moderate and does not have a significant impact to the determination of fair value. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 and continuing through the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, there were sequential declines in the change in control probabilities assumptions in connection with the Company’s review of the strategic alternatives initiative that significantly impacted the fair value of the debt derivative liability, related party. As the Board concluded its strategic alternatives review in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, the Company determined that the probability of a change of control event within 12 months after the end of the quarter was no longer appropriate and began applying a probability weighted estimate of change of control over the remaining term of the Term Loan Credit Facility, related party. The Company has estimated that the probability related to event of default of the Supply Agreement to be low and it remained unchanged during fiscal year 2024.
Performance Share Units Valuation
The key inputs to the valuation of Performance Share Units are award term, valuation date stock price, expected volatility, and risk-free interest rate. These factors are utilized in a Monte Carlo Model.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Exposure
Our net interest expense is sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates. In this regard, changes in interest rates will affect our net interest expense, as well as the fair value of our debt.
Interest on the Revolving Credit Facility is based upon the Company’s average availability, at a per annum rate of either: (i) SOFR rate plus a spread of between 2.75%; (ii) SOFR FILO rate plus a spread of 4.25%; (ii) Base Rate plus a spread of 1.75%, or (iv) Base Rate FILO plus a spread of 3.25%, plus a commitment fee, as applicable of 0.375%. Interest on the Term Loan Facility is at a per annum rate of 10.0%.
A hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in weighted average interest rates under our refinance revolver, based upon the face value of such instruments, would increase our interest expense by approximately $0.2 million over a twelve-month period.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The information contained in Part IV, Item 15 included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as 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-K. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon the evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that due to material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as described in the “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of May 26, 2024.
As further described below, the Company’s management is in the process of evaluating and implementing plans to remediate the material weaknesses identified, but they have not been remediated as of the date of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Despite the existence of these material weaknesses, our management believes that the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly present, in all material respects, the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13(a)-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and presentation of consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and even when determined to be effective, these controls can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or because the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of May 26, 2024. In making this assessment, which was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). As part of our annual assessment, management has concluded that we did not we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 26, 2024.
The Company has identified deficiencies in the internal control over financial reporting that aggregated to material weaknesses in the following components of the COSO framework:
a.Control Environment - maintaining a sufficient complement of personnel to timely support the Company’s internal control objectives and ensuring personnel conduct internal control related responsibilities;
b.Risk Assessment - identification and assessment of risks and changes in the business model resulting from recent disposition activities that impacted the design of control activities, including the precision of management review controls, and the completeness of controls required to support the financial reporting framework;
c.Information and Communication - Design of controls to validate the completeness and accuracy of information used in the performance of control activities; and
d.Monitoring - As a result of the material weaknesses described above, the Company failed to design and implement certain monitoring activities that were responsive to timely identification and remediation of control deficiencies.
e.Control Activities - As a result of the material weaknesses in the COSO components identified above, the control activities were ineffective and represent a material weakness.
The material weaknesses previously identified related to the accounting for and classification of certain non-standard transactions, which included discontinued operations, restructuring costs, and indefinite-lived and long-lived asset impairment tests for the year ended May 29, 2022 continued to exist as of May 28, 2023 and May 26, 2024 and are included and appropriately reside within the material weaknesses relating to components of the COSO framework as described above.
Management’s Plan for Remediation of the Material Weaknesses
Management, with the oversight of the Audit Committee, is committed to remediating the control deficiencies. The remediation efforts are intended to both address the identified material weaknesses and to enhance our overall control environment.
Steps taken by management to date include the following:
•Engaged a third-party consultant to assist with remediation efforts, including enhancing our risk assessment, evaluating gaps in current processes and controls, and developing a remediation plan.
•Committing to adding a sufficient number of qualified personnel within our accounting and finance team with the appropriate qualified experience in financial reporting, consolidations, technical accounting, and application of GAAP.
In addition to the above efforts undertaken, the Company plans to initiate the following steps intended to remediate the material weaknesses described above and strengthen its internal control over financial reporting:
•Performing an updated risk assessment responsive to changes in the business and establishing processes to update timely for future changes.
•Implementing new and enhanced controls and procedures responsive to our risk assessment at an appropriate level of precision related to management review and the completeness of controls required to support the financial reporting framework.
•Conducting broad based training over the application of the 2013 COSO framework for key process owners and control operators.
•Implementing a Section 302 sub-certification program by business leadership and process owners to reinforce the Company’s culture of compliance.
•Evaluating accounting policies and procedures by performing a detailed review of the Company’s policies against GAAP and SEC reporting checklists.
•Establishing and implementing a SOX Steering Committee.
•Implementing a process to identify and maintain the information required to support the functioning of internal controls over financial reporting.
•Enhancing reviews of non-recurring transactions, including preparing technical accounting memos and consulting with subject matter experts, as needed.
•Expanding the internal audit function to perform timely assessment of design and operating effectiveness of controls and evaluation of remediation of control deficiencies.
The material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until management designs and implements effective controls that operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are effective. As we continue to evaluate operating effectiveness and monitor improvements to our internal control over financial reporting, we may take additional measures to address control deficiencies or modify the remediation plan described above.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, BDO USA, P.C., has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting which appears in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Except for the remediation efforts described above, there have been no changes in our system of internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended May 26, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
During the fiscal quarter ended May 26, 2024, none of our officers or directors adopted or terminated any “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” in each case, as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement relating to our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which we will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) no later than September 23, 2024 (120 days after the fiscal year end covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K) and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement relating to our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which we will file with the Commission no later than September 23, 2024 (120 days after the fiscal year end covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K) and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement relating to our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which we will file with the Commission no later than September 23, 2024 (120 days after the fiscal year end covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K) and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement relating to our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which we will file with the Commission no later than September 23, 2024 (120 days after the fiscal year end covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K) and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement relating to our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which we will file with the Commission no later than September 23, 2024 (120 days after the fiscal year end covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K) and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) 1. Consolidated Financial Statements of Lifecore Biomedical, Inc.
Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (BDO USA, P.C., PCAOB ID: 243)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Ernst & Young LLP, PCAOB ID: 42)
Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023.
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended May 26, 2024, May 28, 2023, and May 29, 2022.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended May 26, 2024, May 28, 2023, and May 29, 2022.
Consolidated Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity for the Years Ended May 26, 2024, May 28, 2023, and May 29, 2022.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended May 26, 2024, May 28, 2023, and May 29, 2022.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. All schedules provided for in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted since they pertain to items which do not appear in the financial statements of Lifecore and its subsidiaries or to items which are not significant or to items as to which the required disclosures have been made elsewhere in the financial statements and supplementary notes and such schedules.
3. Index of Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index of Exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report.