Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item
7 . Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
eXoZymes
is a biotechnology, pre-revenue, development stage company. Management believes that eXoZymes’s technology is a differentiated
and unique synthetic biology platform. Management believes the platform will enable scalable production of chemical molecules found in
nature in a process that is alternative to and more environmentally friendly and sustainable than the typical methods used today, such
as chemical synthesis, natural extraction, and synthetic biology. eXoZymes believes its technology could significantly change biomanufacturing
through leveraging cell-free, multi-step enzyme-based systems that will be able to transform natural or renewable resources into sought
after chemicals. As the eXoZymes synthetic biology platform continues to develop over time, it is expected to enable the production
of a diverse range of selected chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, fuels, materials, food additives, and novel compounds
Results
of Operations
The
Company has determined its reporting units in accordance with ASC (Accounting Standards Codification) 280, Segment Reporting. The Company
has one reportable segment for eXoZymes as a whole. A single management team that reports to the Chief Executive Officer comprehensively
manages the business. Accordingly, the Company does not have separate reportable segments.
30
The
Company’s consolidated statements of operations as discussed herein are presented below.
Year
ended December 31,
2025
2024
$
Change
%
Change
Total operating income
$ -
$ -
-
0.0 %
Operating costs:
General and administrative costs:
Compensation
3,635,756
2,527,772
1,107,984
43.8 %
Professional fees
1,441,659
1,167,249
274,410
23.5 %
Information technology
95,989
38,658
57,331
148.3 %
General and administrative-other
836,076
329,660
506,416
153.6 %
Total general and administrative costs
6,009,480
4,063,339
1,946,141
47.9 %
Research and development
costs
3,706,991
1,868,766
1,838,225
98.4 %
Total operating costs
9,716,471
5,932,105
3,784,366
63.8 %
Net operating loss
(9,716,471 )
(5,932,105 )
(3,784,366 )
63.8 %
Other income/(expense):
Interest income, net
363,786
77,612
286,174
368.7 %
Other income/(expense)
88,746
(6,834 )
95,580
-1,398.6 %
Change in fair value of
SAFE
-
(8 )
8
-100.0 %
Loss before income taxes
(9,263,939 )
(5,861,335 )
(3,402,604 )
58.1 %
Income tax benefit
105,205
-
105,205
100. 0 %
Net loss
$ (9,158,734 )
$ (5,861,335 )
(3,297,399 )
56.3 %
31
General
and Administrative Costs .
During
years ended December 31, 2025, and 2024, respectively, several factors contributed to changes in various expense categories:
●
Compensation
Expense: For the year ended December 31, 2025, the increase was primarily driven by the hiring of additional administrative staff
whose costs were not funded by grants.
●
Professional
Fees: Compared to year ended December 31, 2024, the increase was primarily attributable to higher consulting costs supporting operational
activities, as well as increased legal, tax, and audit fees related to financial reporting. In addition, Nasdaq and SEC compliance
and filing fees increased following the 2024 IPO.
●
Information
Technology Costs: This increase was primarily related to additional IT projects undertaken to enhance the Company’s infrastructure
and operational capabilities.
●
Other
General and Administrative Costs: The increase was primarily related to D&O insurance costs and director fees, which were not
incurred in 2024.
Research
and Development Costs .
For
the year ended December 31, 2025, research and development costs increased by $1,838,225 compared to the same period in 2024, primarily
due to higher salary, bonus accruals, stock-based compensation and laboratory expenses, as well as a reduction in grant funding. It is
important to note that the decrease in grant funding was not attributable to any specific event.
Consolidated
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024
December
31, 2025
December
31, 2024
$
Change
%
Change
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 3,039,343
$ 9,719,310
(6,679,967 )
-68.7 %
Grants receivable
517,359
737,282
(219,923 )
-29.8 %
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets
382,886
363,790
19,096
5.2 %
Total current assets
3,939,588
10,820,382
(6,880,794 )
-63.6 %
Property and equipment, net
764,401
882,445
(118,044 )
-13.4 %
Operating lease right-of-use asset, net
1,053,641
1,331,577
(277,936 )
-20.9 %
Finance lease right-of-use asset, net
108,682
-
108,683
100.0 %
Tax receivable
105,205
-
105,205
100.0 %
Total
assets
$ 5,971,517
$ 13,034,404
(7,062,887 )
-54.2 %
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable
$ 1,235,337
$ 924,252
311,085
33.7 %
Due to affiliates
5,330
178,966
(173,636 )
-97.0 %
Operating lease liabilities – Current
281,979
230,027
51,952
22.6 %
Finance lease liabilities
– Current
44,255
-
44,255
100.0 %
Total current Liabilities
1,566,901
1,333,245
233,656
17.5 %
Deferred grant reimbursement
90,365
123,579
(33,214 )
-26.9 %
Operating lease liabilities - Long term
852,575
1,156,805
(304,230 )
-26.3 %
Finance lease liabilities
- Long term
64,427
-
64,427
100.0 %
Total liabilities
$ 2,574,268
$ 2,613,629
(39,361 )
-1.5 %
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock
-
-
-
0.0 %
Common shares
8
8
(0 )
0.0 %
Additional Paid-in-capital
24,501,933
22,366,725
2,135,208
9.5 %
Accumulated deficit
(21,104,692 )
(11,945,958 )
(9,158,734 )
76.7 %
Total equity
3,397,249
10,420,775
(7,023,526 )
-67.4 %
Total
liabilities and equity
$ 5,971,517
$ 13,034,404
(7,062,887 )
-54.2 %
32
Financial
Condition:
The decrease in assets was due
to changes in several asset classes, but primarily in cash and cash equivalents. The decrease in grants receivable was driven by completion
of certain grants and timing of grant drawdowns. The increase in prepaid expenses was mainly explained by the increase of
prepaid related to software acquisition. The decrease in property and equipment was due to the ongoing accumulated depreciation of fixed
assets. The decrease in operating lease right-of-use assets resulted from the usage and payments of office space during the period.
The decrease in total liabilities was primarily attributable to the reduction of operating lease obligations and
related-party debt. In contrast, accounts payable increased, driven mainly by higher supplier-financed commercial activity and the accrual
of employee bonuses.
The
equity decrease was due to losses generated by operations.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources – December 31, 2025, and 2024
The
Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows as discussed herein are presented below.
Year
ended December 31,
2025
2024
Net cash (used in) operating activities
$ (6,502,040 )
(8,505,650 )
Net cash (used in) investing activities
(150,218 )
(359,216 )
Net cash (used in) by
financing activities
(27,709 )
18,517,643
Net increase (decrease)
in cash and cash equivalents
$ (6,679,967 )
9,652,777
On
December 31, 2025, the Company had working capital of $2,372,687, as compared to working capital of $9,487,137, on December 31, 2024,
reflecting a decrease in working capital of $(7,114,450). This decrease in working capital was the result of usage of cash and cash equivalents
to fund operations. On December 31, 2025, the Company had cash of $3,039,343 available to fund its operation.
On
November 11, 2024, the Company signed a firm commitment underwriting agreement for its IPO, in which it sold an aggregate of 1,987,666
shares of Common Stock, including 112,666 shares pursuant to the underwriter overallotment option, for gross proceeds of $15,901,328,
and net proceeds of approximately $15,206,543. The Company used approximately $4,243,022 to repay loans from MDB Capital Holdings, LLC
shortly after the closing of the IPO. The balance of the proceeds as of December 31, 2025, will continue to be used throughout 2025,
in the expansion of its production capabilities, staffing, R&D, and other working capital requirements.
In
a private placement (“Concurrent Private Offering”) completed concurrently with the IPO, the Company sold to accredited investors
an aggregate of 93,750 warrants to purchase up to 93,750 shares of Common Stock (the “Private Warrants”). The Private Warrants
were sold at a purchase price of $0.125. The Private Warrants have an exercise price of $8.00 per share, are exercisable beginning six
months after issuance, and expire five years from the date of issuance. The Private Warrants have a cashless exercise provision and registration
rights for the underlying shares of Common Stock. The gross proceeds from the Concurrent Private Offering were approximately $11,719,
and if the Private Warrants are fully exercised, for cash, the Company will receive up to $750,000.
In
October 2024, the Company received a cost share grant from the Department of Defense (DOD) BioMADE initiative to help fund next steps
toward cell-free biomanufacturing of isobutanol in the amount of approximately $1,000,000 against our own required expenses of an equal
amount.
In
March 2025, the Company received an additional grant in the amount of $283,805 from the National Institute of Health (NIH) BioClick.
The BioClick grant focuses on a cell free high-throughput platform for engineering of enzymatic group transfer reactions. The Company
intends to pursue additional grants from time to time, which if granted to the Company will further improve its working capital position.
Based
on its working capital of approximately $2,372,687 as of December 31, 2025, the Company believes that there remains substantial
doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern due to anticipated funding shortfalls and the Company’s pre-revenue
status. The Company’s ability to meet its long-term liabilities and obligations depends on securing additional financial
support, whether through continued shareholder funding, raising equity or debt financing, or ultimately achieving profitable
operations. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classification of
recorded asset amounts or the classification of liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a
going concern.
33
Operating
Activities.
For
the year ended December 31, 2025, operating activities used cash of $6,502,040 primarily due to increased research and development costs
and higher general and administrative expenses.
For
the year ended December 31, 2024, operating activities used cash of $8,505,650, which was driven by an increased research and development
activity, as well as increased general and administrative costs. Additionally, the Company paid $4,243,022 in related party loans to
MDB Capital Holdings, LLC.
Investing
Activities .
For
the years ended December 31, 2025, and 2024, investing activities consisted of the purchase of laboratory equipment.
Financing
Activities .
For
the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company incurred cash payments of $27,709 related to its finance lease obligations.
For
the year ended December 31, 2024, financing activities consisted of loans from a related party and the proceeds from the IPO.
Accounting
Pronouncements Issued and Not Yet Adopted
ASU
2024-03
In
November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No.
2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (DISE) (“ ASU 2024-03” ), which requires disclosure
of certain categories of expenses such as the purchase of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization
that are components of existing expense captions presented on the face of the income statement. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual periods
beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2024-03 should
be applied prospectively; however, retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating ASU 2024-03 to determine the impact
it may have on its consolidated financial statements.
ASU
2025-11
In
December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11 Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements (ASU 2025-11), which clarifies and
improves the guidance for interim financial reporting. The amendments introduce a disclosure principle requiring entities to disclose
events since the end of the previous annual reporting period that materially affect the entity, consolidate a comprehensive list of interim
disclosure requirements within ASC 270, and provide guidance on the form and content of condensed interim financial statements. ASU 2025-11
will be effective for interim reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The Company
is currently evaluating ASU 2025-11 to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.
Recently
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
ASU
2023-07
In
November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU
2023-07”) , which requires all public entities, including public entities with a single reportable segment, to provide in interim
and annual periods one or more measures of segment profit or loss used by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and
assess performance. Additionally, the standard requires disclosures of significant segment expenses and other segment items as well as
incremental qualitative disclosures. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 effective December 31, 2024, on a retrospective basis. The adoption
of 2023-07 did not change the way that the Company identifies its reportable segments and, as a result, did not have a material impact
on the Company’s segment-related disclosures.
ASU
2023-09
In
December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures ( ASU 2023-09 ), which is
intended to enhance the transparency of income tax matters within consolidated financial statements, providing stakeholders with a clearer
understanding of an entity’s operations and the associated tax risks. ASU 2023-09 requires public business entities to disclose,
on an annual basis, specific categories in the rate of reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet
a specific quantitative threshold. There is a further requirement that public business entities will need to disclose a tabular reconciliation,
using both percentages and reporting currency amounts. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The
adoption of ASU 2023-09 resulted in modifications to our income tax disclosures for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.
34
Critical
Accounting Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with general accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
We have identified certain accounting policies as being critical because they require us to make difficult, subjective, or complex judgments
about matters that are uncertain. We believe that the judgment, estimates, and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated
financial statements are appropriate given the factual circumstances at the time. However, actual results could differ, and the use of
other assumptions or estimates could result in material differences in our results of operations or financial condition. Our critical
accounting estimates are:
Accounting
for Research Grants
eXoZymes
receives grant reimbursements, which are netted against research and development expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.
Grant reimbursements for capitalized assets are recognized over the useful life of the assets, with the unrecognized portion considered
a deferred liability and are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet.
Grants
that operate on a reimbursement basis are recognized on the accrual basis as revenues to the extent of disbursements and commitments
that are allowable for reimbursement of allowable expenses incurred as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 and expected to be received
from funding sources in the subsequent year. Management considers such receivables on December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, to
be fully collectable, due to the historical experience with the Federal Government of the United States of America. Accordingly, no
allowance for grants receivable was recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Research
grants received from organizations are subject to the contract agreement as to how eXoZymes conducts its research activities, and eXoZymes
is required to comply with the agreement terms relating to those grants. Amounts received under research grants are nonrefundable, regardless
of the success of the underlying research project, to the extent that such amounts are expended in accordance with the approved grant
project. eXoZymes is permitted to draw down (a process of submitting expenses for reimbursement) the research grants after incurring
the related expenses. Amounts received under research grants are offset against the related research and development costs in the Company’s
consolidated statement of operations.
External
Risks Associated with the Company’s Business Activities
Inflation
Risk . The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material effect on its operations to date, other than its impact
on the general economy.
Supply
Chain Issues . The Company continues to monitor changes in tariffs and indirect trade restraints. The Company does not currently
expect that supply chain issues will have a significant impact on its business activities.
Potential
Recession . There are various indications that the United States economy may be entering a recessionary period. Also, there
is possible economic instability due to the possibility of tariffs and other economic changes due to government policy of the United
States and other countries. Although unclear at this time, an economic recession would likely impact the general business environment
and the capital markets, which could, in turn, affect the Company.
The
Company is continuing to monitor these matters and will adjust its current business and financing plans as more information and guidance
become available.
Technology.
The Company’s endeavors to create and bring new technologies to the market may never come to fruition or might not
reach a level of development sufficient for commercial viability. Even if they do achieve a commercial level of development, the acceptance
of these technologies within the marketplace is uncertain. There’s a possibility that the technologies they develop may not gain
widespread or timely acceptance. Moreover, technologies from our Company that undergo regulatory scrutiny, testing, and approval may
ultimately fail to receive the necessary approvals from relevant regulatory bodies.
35
Trends,
Events and Uncertainties
Other
than as discussed above, we are not currently aware of any trends, events or uncertainties that are likely to have a material effect
on our financial condition in the near term, although it is possible that new trends or events may develop in the future that could have
a material effect on our financial condition.
Item
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We
are a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, therefore we are not required to provide the information
under this item.
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