Aeluma, Inc. 10-Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise indicates, references to “Aeluma,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or similar terms refer to Aeluma, Inc. and Subsidiary. You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included in this report. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this report, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the disclosure under the heading “Risk Factors” in other filings we make with the SEC for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as predictive of future results. Overview We develop novel optoelectronic devices for sensing and communications applications. Aeluma has pioneered a technique to manufacture devices using high performance compound semiconductor materials on large-diameter substrates that are commonly used to manufacture mass market microelectronics. This enables cost-effective manufacturing of high-performance photodetectors and photodetector array circuits for imaging applications in mobile devices, as well as other technologies. This technology has the potential to enhance the performance and capability of camera image sensors, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), facial recognition, and other applications. Because we will leverage compound semiconductor materials, our devices may operate at longer wavelengths than traditional silicon-based image sensors, up to at least 1600 nm, which is advantageous for a number of reasons including eye safety. Beyond 1400 nm is considered eye safe at significantly higher optical power levels relative to that at shorter wavelengths. Therefore, for LiDAR sensing systems, the range (the detectable object distance) can be increased significantly. Operating at specific longer wavelengths (for example, near 1550 nm) also enables imaging both in low light (dark) conditions, as well as in direct sunlight. Therefore, images could be captured outdoors and in various conditions. Additionally, Aeluma’s technology may be used to manufacture other electronic and optoelectronic devices in the future including lasers, transistors, and solar cells. Aeluma has acquired key manufacturing equipment, and has headquarters in Goleta, California with a manufacturing cleanroom to house this equipment. Recent Government Contract On September 6, 2024, the Company won $11.717 million DARPA contract for nano-scale semiconductors to develop heterogeneous integration technology compatible with leading edge and future advanced-node semiconductors. Technology applications include AI, mobile devices and 5G/6G. This DARPA contract to Aeluma is structured with $5.974 million provided over 18 months, and the $5.743 million balance provided over the following 18 months as Aeluma meets certain milestones. Teledyne Scientific Company, the Central Research Laboratory of Teledyne, is a proposed subcontractor to assist with defining target materials and with developing strategies for demonstrating program metrics. The University of California Santa Barbara is also a proposed subcontractor to support the implementation of test devices. 15 Private Placements Between August 5, 2024 and August 27, 2024, we issued convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $3,145,000 to 10 accredited investors, pursuant to a private note financing. The Notes mature in June 2026 and do not carry any interest. The Notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) upon the occurrence of certain events, (i.e., qualified financing resulting in at least $5,000,000 to the Company, if the Common Stock is uplisted to a national securities exchange or if neither of those such events occur prior to the maturity date, (together with Sale of the Company (as hereinafter defined), a “Conversion Event”)). In the event the Company does not complete qualified financing or uplist at or before the maturity date, the outstanding balance of the Notes shall automatically convert without any further action by the Holder into shares of the Company’s common stock equal to eighty-five percent (85%) to the VWAP of the Common Stock on the OTC Markets for the five trading days immediately prior to maturity date. The Note also provides that if there is a Sale of the Company, as defined in the Note, the Holder may elect to receive a cash payment equal to the aggregate amount of principal then outstanding under such Holder’s Note or convert the Note into shares of Common Stock equal to 85% of the VWAP of the Common Stock on the OTC Markets for the five trading days immediately prior to the Sale of the Company. Although the conversion price is dependent upon the type of Conversion Event that occurs, the Note does carry a ceiling and floor price: the applicable conversion price will not be lower than 85% of the 5-day VWAP on the applicable Closing Date (the “Floor Price”) nor will the applicable conversion price be higher than $3.50 per share (the “Ceiling Price”); the Floor Price and Ceiling Price shall automatically adjust in the event of a stock split or consolidation by the Company. The Floor Price for the investors who participated in this initial closing is equal to $2.68 per share. Since the Floor Price is tied to the Closing Date, the Floor Price may be different for investors that are part of a different closing, should the Company hold additional closings. The Investors were granted piggyback registration rights for the shares of Common Stock underlying the Note. The Note Purchase Agreement (“NPA”) also contains customary representation and warranties of the Company and the Investors, indemnification obligations of the Company, termination provisions, and other obligations and rights of the parties. The foregoing description of the NPA and the Note is qualified by reference to the full text of the forms of NPA and Note, which are filed as Exhibits hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Plan of Operations We have been developing our materials and characterization capabilities at our headquarters in Goleta, California, in connection with the further development of our business and the implementation of our plan of operations. We have installed key manufacturing equipment at our headquarters and will continue to develop relationships with manufacturing partners to carry out certain steps of our manufacturing processes externally. We have gained access to a rapid prototyping facility and are leveraging this access to fabricate early-stage prototypes. In the future, we intend to implement appropriate quality and manufacturing controls. Some equipment was procured previously, and other equipment is being procured through purchase orders with equipment vendors. The primary sources of funding for equipment procurement and installation are the seed funding raised prior to becoming a public company and the funding raised from our financings. We have also leveraged funds to continue strengthening our intellectual property including patent applications, trademarks, and development of trade secrets and manufacturing process recipes. We will continue to develop our manufacturing and product development strategy by further engaging customers and strategic partners. Limited Operating History We cannot guarantee that the proceeds from the Offering will be sufficient to carry out all of our business plans. Our business is subject to risks inherent in growing an enterprise, including limited capital resources, risks inherent in the research and development process and possible rejection of our products in development. If financing is not available on satisfactory terms, we may be unable to carry out all of our operations. Equity financing will result in dilution to existing stockholders. Components of Results of Operations Revenue Our revenue currently consists of commercial product sales and government contracts. 16 Operating Expenses Cost of revenue consists of costs of materials, as well as direct compensation and expenses incurred to provide deliverables that resulted in payment of our success fee and wafers delivered. We anticipate that our cost of revenue will vary substantially depending on the nature of products and/or services delivered in each customer engagement. Research and development expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for personnel, including stock-based compensation and employee benefits, costs associated with design, fabrication, packaging and testing of our devices, and facility lease and utility expenses. We expense research and development expenses as incurred. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for personnel, including stock-based compensation and employee benefits. In addition, general and administrative expenses include third-party consulting, legal, insurance, audit and accounting services, and office lease and utility expenses. Other Income (Expense) Interest income consists primarily of interest earned in interest-bearing savings account in bank. Amortization of discount on convertible notes represents the non-cash interest expense associated with the amortization of convertible notes issued to our debtholders. Changes in the fair value of derivative liabilities reflect valuation changes in the derivatives held by the Company. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense consists primarily of income taxes in certain state jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Results of Operations Three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 31, 2023 Our results of operations for the three ended September 30, 2024, as compared to the same period of 2023, were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023 $ Change % Change Revenue $ 480,735 $ 32,400 $ 448,335 n/m Operating expenses (1,212,115 ) (1,515,111 ) 302,996 -20.0 % Other income (expense) 1,761 402 1,359 n/m Loss before income tax expense (729,619 ) (1,482,309 ) 752,690 -50.8 % Income tax expense - - - - Net loss $ (729,619 ) $ (1,482,309 ) $ 752,690 -50.8 % Revenue : Revenue increased $448,335 to $480,735, of which $430,735 was from government contracts and $50,000 was from commercial product and service contract, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $32,400, all of which was from commercial product and service contracts for the same period in 2023. Operating expenses : Operating expense decreased $302,996, or 20.0%, to $1,212,115 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $1,515,111 for the same period in 2023, due primarily to decreases in consulting and professional expenses, offset partially by increases in cost of revenue associated with increased revenue and higher seasonal utility charges. Other income (expense): Other income (expense) consists of amortization of discount on convertible notes of ($144,776), changes in fair value of derivative liabilities of $146,435 and interest income of $102 for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Income tax expense : We did not record income tax expense for either of the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. 17 Impact of COVID-19 With the exception of some lingering supply chain challenges, the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Capital Resources and Liquidity Our financial statements have been presented on the basis that are a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As presented in the financial statements, we incurred a net loss of $729,619 and $1,482,309 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and losses are expected to continue in the near term. The accumulated deficit was $14,353,980 at September 30, 2024. We have been funding our operations through the sale of common stock in private placement transactions. Management anticipates that significant additional expenditures will be necessary to develop and expand our business before significant positive operating cash flows can be achieved. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to raise additional capital and to ultimately achieve sustainable revenues and profitable operations. At September 30, 2024, we had $3,502,520 of cash and cash equivalents. These funds are insufficient to complete our business plan and as a consequence, we will need to seek additional funds, primarily through the issuance of debt or equity securities for cash to operate our business. No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to us. Even if we are able to obtain additional financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing or cause substantial dilution for our stockholders, in the case of equity financing. Management has undertaken steps as part of a plan to improve operations with the goal of sustaining our operations for the next twelve months and beyond. These steps include (a) raising additional capital and/or obtaining financing; (b) controlling overhead and expenses; (c) executing material sales or research contracts; and (d) pursuing additional sales and contracts. There can be no assurance that we can successfully accomplish these steps and it is uncertain that we will achieve a profitable level of operations and obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that any additional financing will be available to us on satisfactory terms and conditions, if at all. As of the date of this Report, we have not entered into any formal agreements regarding the above. In the event we are unable to continue as a going concern, the Company may elect or be required to seek protection from its creditors by filing a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or may be subject to an involuntary petition in bankruptcy. To date, management has not considered this alternative, nor does management view it as a likely occurrence. We had working capital of $1,395,817 and $766,160 at September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively. Current assets increased $2,634,144 to $4,026,990 at September 30, 2024 from $1,392,846 at September 30, 2024, primarily due to a $2,211,448 increase in cash. Current liabilities increased $2,004,487 to $2,631,173 at September 30, 2024 from $626,686 at June 30, 2024, due primarily to increases in derivative liabilities. The following table shows a summary of our cash flows for the periods presented: Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023 $ Change % Change Net cash provided by (used in) Operating activities $ (931,915 ) $ (1,303,362 ) $ 371,447 -28.5 % Investing activities (1,637 ) (7,100 ) 5,463 -76.9 % Financing activities 3,145,000 (4,001 ) 3,149,001 n/m Increase (decrease) in cash $ 2,211,448 $ (1,314,463 ) $ 3,525,911 -268.2 % 18 Net cash used in our operating activities were $931,915 and $1,303,362 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, due primarily to net losses of $729,619 and $1,482,309 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Net cash used in our investing activities was $1,637 and $7,100 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Investing activities include purchase of equipment. Net cash provided by our financing activities was $3,145,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and net cash used in our financing activities was $4,001 for the same period of 2023. We received $3,145,000 from issuing convertible notes for the three months ended September 30, 20214 and paid $4,001 to purchase Lee McCarthy’s unvested restricted shares for the same period of 2023. Critical Accounting Policies During the three months ended September 30, 2024, there were no significant changes in our critical accounting policies. (not needed) Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk Not applicable.