Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements
contained in this section are not historical facts, including statements about our strategies and expectations about new and existing
products, market demand, acceptance of new and existing products, technologies and opportunities, market and industry segment growth,
and return on investments in products and markets. These statements are forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from
those indicated by the forward looking statements. All forward looking statements in this section are based on information available to
us on the date of this document, and we assume no obligation to update such forward looking statements. Readers of this Form 10-K are
strongly encouraged to review the section entitled “Risk Factors” .
Outlook
Installed Base of AEM Monitoring Equipment .
We believe that we are gaining more awareness in medico-legal circles and publications and from presentations at medical meetings. We
believe that improvement in the quality of sales representatives carrying our AEM products line, along with increased marketing efforts
and the introduction of new products, may provide the basis for increased sales and continuing profitable operations. However, these measures,
or any others that we may adopt, may not result in either increased sales or continuing profitable operations.
Possibility of Operating Losses. We have
an accumulated deficit of $22,765,245 at March 31, 2025. We have made significant strides toward improving our operating results. However,
due to the ongoing need to develop new products, the need to develop, optimize and train our sales distribution network and the need to
increase sustained sales to a level adequate to cover fixed and variable operating costs, we may operate at a net loss in future periods.
Sales Growth . We expect to generate increased
sales in the U.S. from sales to new hospital customers and to grow AEM instrumentation sales to existing accounts. In fiscal year 2026,
we will focus on growing our AEM franchise through a campaign focused on the clinical, economic and safety benefits of AEM technology,
a medico-legal initiative and our new AEM products. In addition, prior years’ efforts in vertical integration have given us three
core competencies – electrosurgery, instrument design, and manufacturing – which we expect will allow us to increase sales
from our strategic partnership initiatives. Our goal is to offer our customers an AEM disposable counterpart for each AEM reusable instrument.
Gross Margin. We believe that if our fiscal
year 2026 revenues increase, then our fiscal year 2026 gross profit and gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, will increase due to
a higher gross margin on product revenue as a result of an increase in product produced.
Sales and Marketing Expenses. We continue
our efforts to expand domestic and international distribution capability, and we believe that sales
and marketing expenses will need to be maintained at a healthy level in order to expand our market visibility and optimize the field sales
capability of converting new hospital customers to AEM technology . Sales and marketing expenses
are expected to increase as we increase our marketing efforts to support our direct sales representatives. In fiscal year 2026, we expect
to have five direct sales managers. Each direct sales manager also manages a separate territory.
Manufacturing .
We believe that we will be able to achieve cost reductions, and provide better control over
quality and consistency, by producing products on our own. We manufacture our own disposable scissor inserts and are exploring other products
that we may manufacture internally.
Research and Development Expenses . Research
and development expenses are expected to increase to support expansion to our AEM product line, which will further expand the instrument
options for the surgeon. New refinements to AEM product lines are planned for introduction
in fiscal year 2026.
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Results of Operations
Net Product
revenue. Net product revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 (“FY25”)
was $6,217,687, and for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 (“FY24”), net revenue was $6,431,969, or a decrease of 3%. Product
revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 decreased primarily because of the decrease in non-essential surgical procedures performed
during this period.
Net Service
revenue . Net service revenue for FY25 was $337,628 and for FY24 net service revenue
was $153,913. Net service revenue for FY24 was for engineering services performed under a Master Services Agreement with Vicarious Surgical
Inc.. Under the agreement, we collaborated on the integration of AEM technology into and provide certain related design services for elements
of Vicarious’ robotic surgical system.
Gross
profit. Gross profit in FY25 was $3,511,286, which represented an increase of $375,324, or 12%, from gross profit in FY24 of $3,135,962.
Gross profit margin was 54% of net product revenue for FY25 and 48% of net product revenue for FY24. Gross profit increased in FY25 from
FY24 due principally to a reduction in material cost on high volume product. In FY25, we had an increase in high-margin service revenue.
Sales
and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were $1,689,503 in FY25, an increase of $55,379, or 3%, from $1,634,124 in FY24.
The increase was because of increased commissions and travel expenses.
General
and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $1,400,611 in FY25, a decrease of $120,116 or 8%, from
$1,520,727 in FY24. The decrease was because of decreased regulatory fees, compensation, and outside service expenses in
FY25.
Research
and development expenses. Research and development expenses were $ 593,152 in FY25, a decrease
of $28,742 or 5%, from $621,894 in FY24. The decrease was the result of decreased compensation and outside services.
Other (expense), net. Other (expense), net
of $48,218 for FY25, a decrease of 2,782 or 6%, from 51,000 in FY25. This decrease was
primarily due to reduced interest expenses.
Net loss. Net loss in FY25 of $220,198 represented
a decrease of $471,585 compared to FY24 net loss of $691,783. The net loss decrease was principally because of higher service revenue,
increased product margins, and decreased operating expenses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
To date, operating funds have been provided primarily
by issuances of our common stock and warrants, the exercise of stock options to purchase our common stock, loans and, in some years, by
operating profits. To date, common stock and additional paid in capital totaled $24,416,347 from our inception through March 31, 2025.
Our operations used $54,948 and provided $144,389 of cash in FY25 and FY24, respectively, on net revenue of $6,555,315 and $6,585,882
in FY25 and FY24, respectively. Working capital was $1,036,850 at March 31, 2025 compared to $1,357,937 at March 31, 2024. The decrease
in working capital was primarily caused by the FY25 net loss, which resulted in increased utilization of the Pathward line of credit,
a current liability. Current liabilities were $1,575,915 at March 31, 2025 compared to $1,068,337 at March 31, 2024.
On November 2, 2022, we entered into a loan and security
agreement with Pathward, N.A. The loan is due on demand and has no financial covenants. Under the agreement, we were provided with a line
of credit that is not to exceed the lesser of $1,000,000 or 85% of eligible accounts receivable. The interest rate is prime rate plus
0.5%, with a floor of 6.75%, plus a monthly maintenance fee of 0.4%, based on the average monthly loan balance. Interest is charged on
a minimum loan balance of $300,000, a loan fee of 0.5% at closing and annually, and an exit fee of 3%, 2% and 1% during years one, two
and three, respectively. The balance under the line of credit is fully collateralized by invoices included in our accounts receivable.
We believe that the unique performance of AEM
technology and our breadth of independent endorsements provide an opportunity for market share growth. We believe that the market awareness
of AEM technology and its endorsements is continually improving and that this will benefit revenue efforts in FY 26. We believe that we
enter FY 26 having achieved improvements in the clinical credibility of our technology. Our FY 26 operating plan is focused on growing
revenue, increasing gross profits, increasing research and development costs while increasing profits and positive cash flows. We cannot
predict with certainty the expected revenue, gross profit, net income or loss and usage of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
for FY 26. We believe that cash resources and borrowing capacity will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve
months under our current operating plan. If we are unable to manage business operations in line with our budget expectations, it could
have a material adverse effect on business viability, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Further, if we are not
successful in sustaining profitability and remaining at least cash flow break-even, additional capital may be required to maintain ongoing
operations.
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We have explored and are continuing to explore
options to provide additional financing to fund future operations as well as other possible courses of action. Such actions include, but
are not limited to, securing a larger credit facility, sales of debt or equity securities (which may result in dilution to existing shareholders),
licensing of technology, strategic alliances and other similar actions. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional
funding (if needed) through a sale of our common stock or loans from financial institutions or other third parties or through any of the
actions discussed above on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we cannot sustain profitable operations and additional capital is unavailable,
lack of liquidity could have a material adverse effect on our business viability, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Income
Taxes
As of March 31, 2025, net operating loss carryforwards
totaling approximately $8.2 million were available to reduce taxable income in the future. The net operating loss carryforwards expire,
if not previously utilized, at various dates beginning in fiscal year 2025. We have not paid income taxes since our inception. The Tax
Reform Act of 1986 and other income tax regulations contain provisions which may limit the net operating loss carryforwards available
to be used in any given year if certain events occur, including changes in our ownership. We have established a valuation allowance for
the entire amount of our deferred tax asset since inception due to our history of losses. Should we achieve sufficient, sustained income
in the future, we may conclude that some or all of the valuation allowance should be reversed.
Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements
We do not utilize variable interest entities
or other off-balance sheet financial arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
Effective November 9, 2017, we extended our noncancelable
lease agreement through July 31, 2024, and further extended it through October 31, 2026, for our facilities at 6797 Winchester Circle,
Boulder, Colorado. Lease expense was $384,184 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and $357,503 for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2024. The minimum future lease payment, by fiscal year, as of March 31, 2025 is as follows:
Fiscal Year
Amount
2026
430,398
2027
266,212
Total
$ 696,610
On August 4, 2020, we received $150,000 in loan
funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program
administered by the SBA, which program was expanded pursuant to the CARES Act. The EIDL is evidenced by a promissory note, dated August
1, 2021 in the original principal amount of $150,000 with the SBA, the lender. Under the terms of the Note, interest accrues on the outstanding
principal at the rate of 3.75% per annum. The term of the Note is thirty years, though it may be payable sooner upon an event of default
under the Note.
The minimum future EIDL payment, by fiscal year,
as of March 31, 2025 is as follows:
Fiscal Year
Amount
2026
$ 5,275
2027
5,275
2028
5,275
2029
5,275
Thereafter
129,646
Total
$ 150,746
During September 2020, we entered into a note
agreement with U.S. Bank for $92,000. The note is for five years at a 5% interest rate and the proceeds were used to purchase equipment.
The note is secured by the equipment.
The minimum future U.S. Bank payment, by fiscal
year, as of March 31, 2025 is as follows:
Fiscal Year
Amount
2026
15,333
Total
$ 15,333
During June 2022, we entered into a note agreement
with U.S. Bank for $118,970. The note is for five years at a 6% interest rate and the proceeds were used to purchase equipment. The note
is secured by the equipment.
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The minimum future principal U.S. Bank payment,
by fiscal year, as of March 31, 2025 is as follows:
Fiscal Year
Amount
2026
23,794
2027
23,794
2028
7,931
Total
$ 55,519
Payment due by period
Contractual obligations
Totals
Less than 1 year
1-3
years
3-5
years
More
than 5 years
Lease obligations
$ 696,610
$ 430,398
$ 266,212
$ —
$ —
EIDL note
150,746
5,275
10,550
10,550
124,371
U.S. Bank note
15,333
15,333
—
—
—
U.S. Bank note
55,519
23,794
31,725
—
—
Totals
$ 918,208
$ 474,800
$ 308,487
$ 10,550
$ 124,371
Aside from
the operating lease, we do not have any material contractual commitments requiring settlement in the future.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion
and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States . The preparation
of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales
and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including
those related to bad debts, inventories, sales returns, warranty, contingencies and litigation.
We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances,
the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent
from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following
critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
We record
revenue at a single point in time, when control is transferred to the customer, which is consistent with past practice. We will continue
to apply our current business processes, policies, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure. Our shipping policy is
FOB Shipping Point. We recognize revenue from sales to stocking distributors when there is no right of return, other than for normal warranty
claims. We have no ongoing obligations related to product sales, except for normal warranty obligations. We evaluated the requirement
to disaggregate product revenue, and concluded that substantially all of its revenue comes from multiple products within a line of medical
devices. Our engineering service contracts are billed on a time and materials basis and revenue is recognized over time as the services
are performed.
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We maintain
allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the
financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their
ability to make payments, additional allowances would be required, which would increase our expenses during the periods in which any such
allowances were made. The amount recorded as a provision for bad debts in each period is based upon our assessment of the likelihood that
we will be paid on our outstanding receivables, based on customer-specific as well as general considerations. To the extent that our estimates
prove to be too high, and we ultimately collect a receivable previously determined to be impaired, we may record a reversal of the provision
in the period of such determination.
We provide
for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time sales are recognized. While we engage in extensive product quality programs and
processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers,
we have experienced some costs related to warranty. The warranty accrual is based upon historical experience and is adjusted based on
current experience. Should actual warranty experience differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability would be
required.
We reduce
inventory for estimated obsolete or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market
value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If a ctual market conditions
are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Any write-downs of inventory
would reduce our reported net income during the period in which such write-downs were applied.
We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities
for the expected future income tax consequences, based on enacted tax laws, of temporary differences between the financial reporting and
tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are then reduced, if deemed necessary, by a valuation allowance for the amount
of any tax benefits which, more likely than not based on current circumstances, are not expected to be realized. Should we achieve sufficient,
sustained income in the future, we may conclude that all or some of the valuation allowance should be reversed.
Property and equipment are stated at cost, with
depreciation computed over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to seven years. We use the straight-line method of
depreciation for property and equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated
useful life of the asset. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and major additions, replacements and improvements are capitalized.
We amortize
our patent costs over their estimated useful lives, which is typically the remaining statutory life. From time to time, we may be required
to adjust these lives based on advances in technology, competitor actions, and the like . We
review the recorded amounts of patents at each period end to determine if their carrying amount is still recoverable based on our expectations
regarding sales of related products. Such an assessment, in the future, may result in a conclusion that the assets are impaired, with
a corresponding charge against earnings.
Stock-based
compensation is presented in accordance with the guidance of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards
Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718 ”).
Under the provisions of ASC 718, companies are required to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards made to employees and
directors including employee stock options based on estimated fair values on the date of grant
using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over
the requisite service periods in our statements of operations.
Certain prior
year balances have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. In presenting the Company’s consolidated
balance sheet at March 31, 2024, the Company presented $156,685 EIDL note payable as a line of credit. In presenting the
Company’s consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2025, the Company has reclassified the balance of $5,000 as part of Secured
notes, a current liability, and the balance of $151,685 is presented as a part of Long-term liability in the accompanying March 31,
2025 financial statements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk
Not required
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