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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2011

Commission File Number 0-146-02

CYANOTECH CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (808) 326-1353

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $.02 par value
(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes]  x No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. o Yes  x No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes  o No

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes  o No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). o Yes  x No

The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on June 17, 2011 was approximately $10,992,377 based on the closing sale price of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on that date.

Number of shares outstanding of Registrant’s Common Stock at June 17, 2011 was 5,395,168.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or prior to July 22, 2011 and to be used in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders expected to be held on August 29, 2011, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Report and other presentations made by Cyanotech Corporation (“CYAN”) and its subsidiaries contain “forward-looking statements,” which include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and usually include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plan,” “believes,” “predicts”, “estimates” or similar expressions. In addition, any statement concerning future financial performance, ongoing business strategies or prospects and possible future actions are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and the accuracy of assumptions concerning CYAN and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), the performance of the industry in which CYAN does business, and economic and market factors, among other things. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.  Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the Report, presentation or filing in which they are made. Except to the extent required by the Federal Securities Laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Our forward-looking statements in this Report include, but are not limited to:

·                  Statements relating to our business strategy;

·                  Statements relating to our business objectives; and

·                  Expectations concerning future operations, profitability, liquidity and financial resources.

These forward-looking statements are subject to risk, uncertainties and assumptions about us and our operations that are subject to change based on various important factors, some of which are beyond our control. The following factors, among others, could cause our financial performance to differ significantly from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements:

·                  The added risks associated with the current local, national and world economic crises, including but not limited to, the volatility of crude oil prices, inflation and currency fluctuations;

·                  The effects of competition, including locations of competitors and operating and market competition;

·                  Demand for the company’s products, the quantities and qualities thereof available for sale and levels of customer satisfaction;

·                  Changes in domestic and/or foreign laws, regulations or standards, affecting nutraceutical products or the Company’s methods of operation;

·                  Environmental restrictions, soil and water conditions, variations in daylight hours and seasonal weather patterns, particularly heavy rain, wind and other hazards;

·                  Access to available and reasonable financing on a timely basis;

·                  Changes in laws, including new corporate governance requirements and increased tax rates, regulations or accounting standards, and decisions of courts, regulators and governmental bodies;

·                  Our dependence on the experience, continuity and competence of our executive officers and other key employees;

·                  The risk associated with the geographic concentration of the company’s business;

·                  Acts of war, terrorist incidents or natural disasters; and

·                  Other risks or uncertainties described elsewhere in this Report and in other periodic reports previously and subsequently filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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PART I

Item 1.  Business

General

Cyanotech Corporation is a world leader in the production of high value natural products derived from microalgae. Incorporated in 1983, the Company is guided by the principle of providing beneficial, quality microalgal products for health and human nutrition in a sustainable, reliable and environmentally sensitive operation. We are ISO 9001:2008 compliant and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified by the Natural Products Association™, reinforcing our commitment to quality in our products, quality in our relationships (with our customers, suppliers, co-workers and the communities we live in), and quality of the environment we work in. Our products include:

·                  Hawaiian BioAstin® natural astaxanthin is a powerful dietary antioxidant with expanding applications as a human nutraceutical and functional food ingredient, shown to support and maintain the body’s natural inflammatory response, to enhance skin, eye and joint health; and

·                  Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica® is a nutrient-rich dietary supplement used for extra energy, a strengthened immune system, cardiovascular benefits and as a source of antioxidant carotenoids.

Microalgae are a diverse group of microscopic plants that have a wide range of physiological and biochemical characteristics and contain, among other things, high levels of natural protein, amino acids, vitamins, pigments and enzymes. Microalgae have the following properties that make commercial production attractive: (1) microalgae grow much faster than land grown plants, often up to 100 times faster; (2) microalgae have uniform cell structures with no bark, stems, branches or leaves, permitting easier extraction of products and higher utilization of the microalgae cells; and (3) the cellular uniformity of microalgae makes it practical to manipulate and control growing conditions in order to optimize a particular cell characteristic. Efficient and effective cultivation of microalgae requires consistent light, warm temperatures, low rainfall and proper chemical balance in a very nutrient-rich environment, free of environmental contaminants and unwanted organisms. This is a challenge that has motivated us to design, develop and implement proprietary production and harvesting technologies, systems and processes in order to provide human nutritional products derived from microalgae.

Our production of these products at the 90-acre facility on the Kona Coast on the island of Hawaii provides several benefits. We selected the Keahole Point location in order to take advantage of relatively consistent warm temperatures, sunshine and low levels of rainfall needed for optimal cultivation of microalgae. This location also offers us access to cold deep ocean water, drawn from an offshore depth of 2,000 feet, which we use in our patented Ocean-Chill Drying system to eliminate the oxidative damage caused by standard drying techniques and as a source of trace nutrients for microalgal cultures. The area is also designated a Biosecure Zone, free of pesticides and herbicides. We believe that our technology, systems, processes and favorable growing location generally permit year-round harvest of our microalgal products in a cost-effective manner.

Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “Cyanotech” refer to Cyanotech Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Nutrex Hawaii, Inc. (“Nutrex Hawaii” or “Nutrex”), a Hawaii corporation.

Cyanotech’s Business

The Company operates entirely in one operating segment, the cultivation and production of microalgae into high-value, high-quality natural health and nutrition products. We cultivate, on a large-scale basis, two microalgal species from which our two major product lines, spirulina products and natural astaxanthin products, are derived. We record revenue and cost of sales information by product category but do not record operating expenses by such product category.

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The following table sets forth, for the three years ended March 31, 2011, the net sales contributed by each of our product lines (in thousands):

Spirulina Products

We have been producing a strain of spirulina microalgae marketed as Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica since 1984. Spirulina Pacifica represents 50%, 49% and 49% of net sales for the years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Spirulina Pacifica provides a vegetable-based, highly absorbable source of protein, natural beta-carotene, mixed carotenoids, B vitamins, gamma linolenic acid, essential amino acids and other phytonutrients. Spirulina Pacifica is produced in two forms: powder and tablets. Powder is used as an ingredient in nutritional supplements and health beverages; tablets are consumed as a daily dietary supplement. Both forms are sold as raw material ingredients in bulk quantities, as a private label consumer packaged product and as packaged consumer products under the Nutrex Hawaii label.

Spirulina Pacifica is GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for addition to a variety of foods as determined by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Our all natural Spirulina Pacifica is also certified Kosher by Organized Kashrus Laboratories of Brooklyn, New York, certified Halal by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America and is cultivated without the use of herbicides or pesticides.

Our Spirulina Pacifica is cultivated in a combination of fresh water and a metered amount of nutrient-rich deep ocean water (containing essential trace elements), drawn from a depth of 2,000 feet below sea level. This water mixture is supplemented with other major required nutrients. With the exception of deep ocean water, the raw materials and nutrients required in our spirulina production are available from multiple sources; however, there can be no assurance that the pricing from a new source will be comparable to current pricing. In the case of deep ocean water, although abundantly available at this location, the facility to pump and deliver the water to the Company is owned by the State of Hawaii. The facility is constructed of two separately located pump stations providing redundancy should one station fail. The State of Hawaii sets the price for deep ocean water annually based on its cost to deliver the water. If the pricing for a critical raw material or nutrient significantly increases, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The ability of our suppliers to meet performance and quality specifications and delivery schedules is also important to operations.

Continuing the production process, the spirulina crop in each pond is circulated by paddlewheels to keep an even blend of nutrients in suspension and a uniform exposure of the algae to sunlight. Our ponds are engineered to maintain the right media depth for sunlight to permeate each crop completely, facilitating rapid growth. The design of our cultivation ponds promotes efficient growing conditions, allowing the Spirulina Pacifica algae to reproduce rapidly. Each pond can be harvested, on average, in six days. As sunlight is a major component of cultivation, production can be impacted by seasonality changes during the winter months, with shortened daylight hours and potential inclement weather.

Once ready for harvest, a majority of the spirulina algae are pumped from a pond to our processing building where the crop is separated from the culture media. The culture remaining in the ponds serves as an inoculum for the next growth cycle. Harvested spirulina is washed with fresh water and filtered before moving to the drying stage. Culture media separated from spirulina algae during processing are conserved and recycled. Our Integrated Culture Biology Management (“ICBM”) technology for microalgae cultivation has proven to be a reliable and stable operating environment, allowing us to grow and harvest spirulina without significant contamination by unwanted microorganisms and without associated loss of productivity.

Spirulina Pacifica powder is dried via our patented low-oxygen Ocean-Chill Drying process, thereby preserving high levels of antioxidant carotenoids and other nutrients sensitive to heat and oxygen. The drying process takes about six seconds and results in a dark green powder. Spirulina powder is difficult to form into tablets. Most tablet manufacturers either add high amounts (from 10% to 30%) of inert substances to “glue” the tablet together or use a heat granulation process that destroys nutrients. In contrast, our Spirulina Pacifica tablets contain a maximum of 2% of such substances and are produced in cold press compression tablet-making machines. Our Spirulina Pacifica flakes are produced by combining freshly harvested Spirulina Pacifica with food-grade lecithin and drying this blend in a proprietary system.

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Each production lot of Spirulina Pacifica is sampled and subjected to thorough quality control analyses including testing for moisture, carotenoids, minerals, color and taste, among others. Further, each lot of our Spirulina Pacifica undergoes a prescribed set of microbiological food product tests, including total aerobic bacteria, coliform bacteria and E. coli. The Spirulina Pacifica powder, flakes and tablets are packed. This packaging ensures product freshness and extends the shelf life of bulk Spirulina Pacifica products. Our packaged consumer products are bottled and labeled by two contractors in California. These contractors are subject to regular government inspections and hold Drug Manufacturing Licenses & Processed Food Registrations with the State of California Department of Health. Such packaging services are readily available from multiple sources.

The majority of our bulk spirulina sales are to health food manufacturers and formulators with their own spirulina product lines, many of whom identify and promote Cyanotech’s Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica in their products. Such customers purchase bulk powder or bulk tablets and package these products under their brand label for sale to the health and natural food markets. Some of the brands produced by these customers are marketed and sold domestically in direct competition with the packaged consumer products sold through our Nutrex Hawaii subsidiary. Nutrex Hawaii packaged consumer products are sold through an established health food distribution network in the domestic market and shipped through our wholesale distributors. In selected foreign markets, we have exclusive sales distributors for both our bulk and packaged consumer products.

Our Spirulina Pacifica products compete with a variety of vitamins, dietary supplements, other algal products and similar nutritional products available to consumers. The nutritional products market is highly competitive and includes international, national, regional and local producers and distributors, many of whom have greater resources than Cyanotech and many of whom offer a greater variety of products. Our direct competition in the spirulina market is currently from Dainippon Ink and Chemical Company’s Earthrise facility in California, Parry Nutraceuticals, a division of Murugappa Group of India and several farms in China. Other competitors include numerous smaller farms in China, India, Thailand, Taiwan, Cuba, South Africa and South America. We have experienced increased price competition due to more spirulina suppliers as well as customers who generally treat these products as commodities with price being the major determining factor driving their purchasing decision. As one of the largest producers of spirulina, our challenge is to increase our market share among customers who seek the high-quality products we produce while concurrently adjusting our product mix to meet our revenue and profitability targets.

Natural Astaxanthin Products

We commenced commercial production of natural astaxanthin in 1997. Astaxanthin is a red pigment which we initially sold to the aquaculture market, primarily to impart a pink to red color to the flesh of commercially raised fish and shrimp. In 1999, BioAstin, our natural astaxanthin product for the human health and nutrition market was introduced. Over time, we have shifted our focus and resources on producing and marketing natural astaxanthin for the higher value human nutrition market. BioAstin sales accounted for 50%, 51% and 51% of net sales for the years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

BioAstin is produced in three forms: a liquid lipid extract, gelcaps and microencapsulated “beadlets” with all three forms sold in bulk quantities. BioAstin gelcaps are also sold as a private label consumer packaged product and in packaged consumer form under the Nutrex Hawaii label. A growing body of scientific literature suggests that the beneficial properties of natural astaxanthin as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, for joint, skin and eye health. Its antioxidant properties may surpass many of the antioxidant properties of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and other carotenoids. Independent scientific studies indicate that in certain models, natural astaxanthin has up to 550 times the antioxidant activity of vitamin E and 10 times the antioxidant activity of beta-carotene.

We produce natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae grown in fresh water supplemented with nutrients. As these algae are extremely susceptible to contamination by unwanted algae, protozoa and amoebae, we developed a proprietary system known as the PhytoDome Closed Culture System or PhytoDome CCS to overcome this problem. Using these large-scale photobioreactors, we have generally been able to grow consistently large volumes of contaminant-free Haematococcus culture. Raw materials and nutrients for our natural astaxanthin production share the same sourcing constraints and pricing risks as those existing in our spirulina production. Fresh water is critical to the production of our natural astaxanthin and is supplied by the County of Hawaii. While we have not experienced any constraint on fresh water availability to date, availability could be impacted by a significant population growth in the region as well as throughput constraints on the water delivery infrastructure. We have met with officials of the County of Hawaii to assess the fresh water situation and evaluate the probability of future risks. We recycle fresh water in its production process where possible and continue to explore further recycling opportunities. However, there is no guarantee that these efforts will result in significant changes to our fresh water utilization.

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For the final stage of cultivation, the Haematococcus algae is transferred to open ponds where an environmental stress is applied causing the algae to form spores which accumulate high levels of astaxanthin. Once ready for harvest, the media containing these spores is transported through underground pipes to our astaxanthin processing building where the culture media and algal spores are separated. Fresh water recovered from this stage of processing may be recycled for further use in cultivation. The harvested algal spores are dried to flakes or a fine powder. During processing, the spores are cracked in a proprietary system to assure high bioavailability of astaxanthin. Each production lot of astaxanthin is sampled and tested for astaxanthin concentration. Finally, the bulk powder is vacuum-packed.

Unlike spirulina, astaxanthin is produced in a batch-mode and each cultivation pond must be completely drained and thoroughly cleaned between cycles. Pond cultivation can be negatively impacted seasonally with shortened daylight hours and potential inclement weather in winter months.

Natural astaxanthin for human consumption is processed further utilizing a high-pressure extraction process. The resulting product is a lipid extract insoluble in water used for the production of gelcaps. This product can also be micro-encapsulated into “beadlets” which our customers use in other formulations. All natural astaxanthin products destined for human consumption undergo a prescribed set of microbiological food product tests to ensure safety and quality. We use third party contract manufacturers for the extraction services, the production of gelcaps and the production of beadlets. . All third party contract manufacturers are audit inspected by Cyanotech’s Quality Control Department, and are required to comply with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulations. The majority of these contract manufacturers hold independent third party GMP certifications. Although these services are available only from a limited number of sources, we believe we have the ability to use other parties if any of the current contract manufacturers become unavailable; however, there is no assurance that the pricing from a new contract manufacturer will be comparable to current negotiated pricing. In addition, a new contract manufacturer would have to pass our qualification process ensuring quality standards can be met or exceeded. Significant pricing increases for any of these services could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The potential benefits of astaxanthin to human health are continuing to emerge. Natural astaxanthin is one of the most potent and bioactive biological antioxidants found in nature therefore, the number of potential roles of natural astaxanthin for human health is growing. Much research has been published in recent years on the beneficial roles of antioxidants in our health, in the aging process and on specific health conditions. The full efficacy of BioAstin as a human nutraceutical supplement requires further significant clinical study. We have spent limited amounts on clinical trials over the past few fiscal years. Independent antioxidant research and prior clinical trials show promising human applications. The Company holds three United States patents relating to the usage of BioAstin in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the treatment of canker/cold sores and for its use as a topical and oral sunscreen.

BioAstin is sold in liquid lipid form as a raw ingredient to dietary supplement manufacturers, health food formulators and cosmetic manufacturers, and BioAstin gelcaps and beadlets are sold in bulk quantities to distributors. BioAstin gelcaps are also sold as a packaged consumer product through Nutrex Hawaii directly to natural product distributors, retailers and consumers. In 2007, we also introduced a line of BioAstin based nutritional supplements, MDFormulas. MDFormulas combined the health benefits of BioAstin with other proven nutrients with benefits for targeted applications such as skin, heart and joint health.

BioAstin and MDFormulas compete directly with similar products marketed by other manufacturers including Fuji Chemical of Japan, Algatechnologies of Israel, and Valensa (formally U.S. Nutraceuticals) in the United States. In the general category of nutritional supplements, BioAstin also competes with a variety of vitamins, dietary supplements and other antioxidant products available to consumers. The nutritional products market is highly competitive and includes international, national, regional and local producers and distributors, many of whom have greater resources than Cyanotech and many of whom offer a greater variety of products.

Major Customers

The Company has two major European customers. Sales to a single spirulina customer were approximately $1,037,000, or 6% of our total net sales for the year ended March 31, 2011. Sales to this customer for fiscal 2010 and 2009 were $1,027,000 (7% of net sales) and $1,521,000 (11% of net sales), respectively. Sales to a single astaxanthin customer were approximately $1,064,000 or 7% of sales for the year ended March 31, 2011. Sales to this customer were $784,000 (5% of net sales) and $1,806,000 (13% of net sales), for the fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company has one major US customer. Astaxanthin sales to this customer for the year ended March 31, 2011 were approximately $780,000 or 5% of our total net sales. Sales to this customer were approximately $1,653,000 (10% of net sales) and $821,000 (6% of net sales), for the fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively.

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Research and Development

Our expertise for many years has been in the development of efficient, stable and cost-effective production systems for microalgal products. We have learned production levels from our systems may not be sustainable across periods of days, weeks, or even months. Accordingly, we typically investigate each specific microalgae identified in the scientific literature for potentially marketable products and for solutions to production stability and efficiency challenges, and then strive to develop the technology to grow such microalgae on a commercial scale or to incorporate procedures or technology to improve production stability and efficiency. Successful microalgal product developments and technical solutions are highly uncertain and dependent on numerous factors, many beyond our control. Products and solutions or improvements that appear promising in early phases of development may be found to be ineffective, may be uneconomical because of manufacturing costs or other factors, may be precluded from commercialization due to the proprietary rights of other companies, or may fail to receive necessary regulatory approvals. We had research and development expenditures of $282,000, $264,000 and $206,000 in fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We invested $66,000 and $68,000 in scientific clinical trials during fiscal years 2011 and 2010, respectively. No investment was made in scientific clinical trials during fiscal 2009.

Patents, Trademarks and Licenses

We have received five United States patents: two on aspects of our production methods and three relating to usage of our BioAstin products. We view our proprietary rights as important but believe that a loss of such rights is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our present business as a whole. Our operations are not dependent upon any single trademark, although some trademarks are identified with a number of the our products and are important in the sale and marketing of such products.

Regulations

Several governmental agencies regulate various aspects of our business and our products in the United States, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the State of Hawaii Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Postal Service, state attorney general offices and various agencies of the states and localities in which our products are sold. We believe we are in compliance the all material government regulations which apply to our products and operations. However, we are not able to predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, nor can we predict what effect future changes would have on our business.

Our international customers are subject to similar governmental agency regulations in their various geographic regions. Compliance by our customers with such local regulations is beyond our control and we cannot predict their ability to maintain such compliance. However, we strive to assist our customers in meeting local regulations pertaining to the use and sale of our products whenever possible.

Environmental Matters

In 2002, we were issued under the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) an Incidental Take Permit (“ITP”) by the United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (“FWS”). The ESA defines “incidental take” as “incidental to, and not for the purpose of, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity.” This permit authorizes incidental take of the endangered Hawaiian stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) that is anticipated to occur as a result of ongoing operations and maintenance at our Kona facility. As a mandatory component for the issuance of such permit, we submitted and maintain a Habitat Conservation Plan (“HCP”) to ensure that the effects of the permitted action on listed species are adequately minimized and mitigated.

The HCP called for the creation of a nesting and breeding ground for the Hawaiian stilt to offset any take activity. We have complied with these requirements since 2002. The breeding program was so successful that the increase in the Hawaiian stilt population in the area became a potential hazard for the adjacent State airport facility. We disassembled the stilt habitat and are mitigating “take” by using standard non-lethal hazing devices to discourage nesting and breeding.

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A requirement of the ITP is to provide insurance coverage for funding the project for the term of the ITP. Our insurance broker was unable to locate an underwriter who would provide such a bond. As permitted by law, the FWS waived this requirement recognizing that this HCP did not involve a significant capital expenditure. However, under Hawaii state law, no waiver provision is available. A new ITP was issued by the FWS on September 29, 2006 and by the State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) on October 13, 2006, both which expire on March 17, 2016. In October, 2005, we submitted a new ten-year HCP to the FWS and the DOFAW.

Employees

As of March 31, 2011, we employed 71 people on a full-time basis and 1 person on a part-time basis. Of the total, 35 are involved in harvesting, production and quality, the remainder in maintenance, shipping, sales, administration and support. Management believes that its relations with employees are good. Attracting permanent entry level and skilled employees can be difficult due to the limited local population to draw from. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

Internet Information

Our Internet address is www.cyanotech.com. There we make available, free of charge, copies of Cyanotech documents, news releases and financial statements issued in the last 12 months. Included are copies of the Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, and the Charter and Powers of the Audit Committee. The information found on our Web site, unless otherwise indicated, is not part of this or any other report we file or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Spirulina Pacifica® and BioAstin® are sold directly online through the Company’s website, www.nutrex-hawaii.com, as well as through resellers in over 40 countries worldwide. Corporate data and product information are also available at www.cyanotech.com.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described below which we believe are significant but not the only ones we face. Any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. You should also refer to the other information contained in this report, including our financial statements and the related notes.

The nutritional products industry is extremely competitive. Many of our significant competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do, and one or more of these competitors could use their greater resources to gain market share at our expense.

The nutritional products market includes international, national, regional and local producers and distributors, many of whom have substantially greater production, financial, research and development, personnel and marketing resources than we do, and many of whom offer a greater variety of products. As a result, each of these companies could compete more aggressively and sustain that competition over a longer period of time than we could. Our lack of resources relative to our significant competitors may cause us to fail to anticipate or respond adequately to development of new products and changing consumer demands and preferences, or may cause us to experience significant delays in obtaining or introducing new or enhanced products. These failures or delays could reduce our competitiveness and cause a decline in our market share and sales. Increased competition in our industry could result in price reductions, reduced gross profit margin or loss of market share, any of which could have a material effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We depend heavily on the unique abilities and knowledge of our officers and key personnel. Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Scientific Officer have knowledge and experience critical to the ongoing operations of the Company. We also depend on the unique knowledge of our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Administration, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Vice President of Quality & Regulatory Affairs. Cyanotech is a small company and the loss of any such personnel or the delay in the replacement of one could significantly delay the achievement of our business objectives and could adversely affect our ability to do business or could hinder our ability to provide needed management.

Our success depends, to a significant extent, upon the services and collective experience of such personnel. The Company conducted an eight month search to identify a Chief Executive Officer who has the industry knowledge, experience and operating discipline essential for the management of the Company and consistent delivery of our products. The new Chief Executive Officer commenced his duties on January 11, 2011. The Interim President and Chief Executive Officer who filled this position during the eight month search, has vital knowledge and experience gained through his prior work experience in related industries and his activities as a Director of the Company since 2000 allowing him to direct the Company during this period.

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The Chief Scientific Officer and founder of the Company is the Company’s primary scientific resource, continuing to improve production and cultivation technology and to investigate new microalgal products. Our Chief Financial Officer has a unique understanding of the Company’s financial systems and needs. Our Vice President Operations has years of experience with the mechanical operation of the production facility and continues to improve our production process. Our Vice President Sales and Marketing has developed valuable personal relationships with domestic and foreign customers. Our Vice President of Quality and Regulatory Affairs has experience and knowledge of federal and state regulations governing our production processes and product representation essential to continuing compliance. Attracting permanent skilled employees can be difficult due to limited local qualified applicants.

Our production of algae involves an agricultural process, subject to such risks as weather, disease and contamination.

The production of our algae products involves complex agricultural systems with inherent risks including weather, disease, and contamination. These risks are unpredictable and also include such elements as the control and balance of necessary nutrients and other factors. The efficient and effective cultivation of microalgae requires consistent light, warm temperatures, low rainfall and proper chemical balance in a very nutrient-rich environment. If the chemical composition of a pond changes from its required balance, unusually high levels of contamination due to the growth of unwanted organisms or other biological problems may occur. These often arise without warning and sometimes there are few or no clear indicators as to appropriate remediation or corrective measures. We believe that our technology, systems, processes and favorable growing location generally permit year-round harvest of our microalgal products in a cost-effective manner. However, environmental factors cannot be controlled in an open air environment, therefore, we cannot, and do not attempt to, provide any form of assurance with regard to our systems, processes, location, or cost-effectiveness.

There is risk in operating entirely in one business segment such as the cultivation and production of microalgae at a single production facility.

Single location agricultural and production facilities do not provide the protections and assurances afforded by operations in two or more widely separated locations. Our single location in Hawaii is susceptible to increased energy and transportation costs, and energy and transportation disruptions with either limited alternatives or no alternatives. The Company’s most significant operating expenditures are for electricity, related water pumping and nutrient and supply costs. These costs are directly or substantially affected by the price of fuel oil since Hawaii has virtually no hydroelectric power resources and only limited alternative electrical energy resources. Also, a single agricultural facility provides limited biologic diversity protection against invasive, mutant, or harmful organisms.

Our operations are vulnerable because we have limited personnel and redundancy and backup systems in our data management function.

Our internal order, inventory and product data management system is an electronic system through which orders are placed for our products and through which we manage product pricing, shipment, returns and other matters. This system’s continued and uninterrupted performance is critical to our day-to-day business operations. Despite our precautions, unanticipated interruptions in our computer and telecommunications systems have, in the past, caused problems or stoppages in this electronic system. These interruptions, and resulting problems, could occur again in the future. We also have limited personnel available to process purchase orders and to manage product pricing and other matters in any manner other than through this electronic system. Any significant interruption or delay in the operation of this electronic management system could cause a decline in our sales and profitability.

A significant or prolonged economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our results of operations are affected by the business activity of our customers who in turn are affected by the level of economic activity in the industries and markets that they serve. A decline in the level of business activity of our clients or the economy as a whole could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profit margin.

The global cost of oil derived energy impacts Cyanotech in several ways, and it may hinder our efforts to achieve profitability. Oil prices primarily impact Cyanotech through the costs of electricity, transportation, materials and supplies which are tied to the cost of oil either directly or indirectly. The return of a high cost of oil on a global basis may signal a prolonged economic downturn resulting in a material adverse effect on our business.

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Our quarterly operating results may vary from quarter to quarter, which may result in increased volatility of our share price.

We have experienced, and may in the future continue to experience, fluctuations in our quarterly operating results. These fluctuations could reduce the market price of our Common Stock. Factors that may cause our quarterly operating results to vary include, but are not limited to:

·      business decisions of our customers regarding orders for our products;

·      increased energy costs;

·      increased raw material costs;

·      production problems which we cannot solve technically or economically;

·      weather-related cultivation difficulties;

·      contamination of our cultivation and production facilities;

·      effects of weather on customer demand patterns;

·      the introduction of new products by us or our competitors;

·      changes in our pricing policies or those of our competitors;

·      changes in seasonal and other trends in our customers’ buying patterns;

·      changes in government regulation, both domestic and foreign;

·      fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates, although our exposure is currently not material;

·      global economic and political conditions and related risks, including acts of terrorism; and

·      other factors beyond our control.

A significant portion of our expense levels are relatively fixed, and the timing of increases in expense levels is based in large part on our forecasts of future sales. If net sales are below expectations in any given period, the adverse impact on results of operations may be magnified by our inability to adjust expenses quickly enough to compensate for the sales shortfall.

Our global operations expose us to complex management, foreign currency, legal, tax and economic risks, which we may not be able to address quickly and adequately.

Our products are marketed in a number of countries around the world. For the year ended March 31, 2011, approximately 42% of our net sales were from sales to foreign customers. As a result, we are subject to a number of risks which include, but are not limited to:

·      the burden of complying with a wide variety of national and local laws;

·      potentially longer payment cycles for foreign sales;

·      restrictions (government and otherwise) on the movement of cash;

·      the absence in some jurisdictions of effective laws protecting our intellectual property rights;

·      changes in government regulations, both domestic and foreign;

·      global economic and political conditions and related risks, including acts of terrorism; and

·      fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, although our exposure is currently not material.

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If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights or if we infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others our business may be harmed.

Cyanotech has received five United States patents: two on aspects of our production methods and three for use of our BioAstin® products. Although we regard our proprietary technology, trade secrets, trademarks and similar intellectual property as important, we rely on a combination of trade secret, contract, patent, copyright and trademark law to establish and protect our rights in our products and technology. There can be no assurance that we will be able to protect our technology adequately or that competitors will not be able to develop similar technology independently. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect the Company’s intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Litigation in the United States or abroad may be necessary to enforce our patent or other intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement. Such litigation, even if successful, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, if any such claims are asserted against us, we may seek to obtain a license under the third party’s intellectual property rights. There can be no assurance, however, that a license would be available on terms acceptable or favorable to us, if at all.

Insurance liability coverage is limited.

In the ordinary course of business, we purchase insurance coverage (e.g., property and liability coverage) to protect the Company against loss of or damage to its properties and claims made by third parties and employees for property damage or personal injuries. However, the protection provided by such insurance is limited in significant respects and, in some instances, the Company has no coverage and certain of the Company’s insurance has substantial “deductibles” or has limits on the maximum amounts that may be recovered. For example, if a hurricane or other uninsured catastrophic natural disaster should occur, we may not be able to recover all facility restoration costs and revenues lost from business interruption. In addition, we maintain product liability insurance in limited amounts for all of its products involving human consumption; however, broader product liability coverage is prohibitively expensive. Insurers have also introduced new exclusions or limitations of coverage for claims related to certain perils including, but not limited to, mold and terrorism. If a series of losses occurred, such as from a series of lawsuits in the ordinary course of business each of which were subject to the deductible amount, or if the maximum limit of the available insurance were substantially exceeded, we could incur losses in amounts that would have a material adverse effect on its result of operations and financial condition.

Our ability to develop and market new products or modify existing products and production methods may be adversely affected if we lose the services of or cannot replace certain employees knowledgeable in advanced scientific and other fields.

Our products are derived from and depend on proprietary and non-proprietary processes and methods founded on advanced scientific knowledge, skills, and expertise. If the services of employees knowledgeable in these fields are lost and cannot be replaced in a reasonable time frame at reasonable costs, our ability to develop and market new products or modify existing products and production methods would be adversely impacted. At the same time, regulatory compliance surrounding our products and financial matters generally requires a basic knowledge and level of expertise related to production, quality assurance, and financial control. If we lose the services or cannot reasonably replace employees who have the necessary knowledge and expertise our ability to remain in regulatory compliance could be adversely affected.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future which may not be available.

At March 31, 2011, our working capital was $6,285,000. Cash and cash equivalents at the same date totaled $2,062,000. Our cash requirements will depend on numerous factors, including demand for products; normal requirements to maintain and upgrade facilities and equipment, whether opportunities emerge in either new markets or in research and development activities, or in the event we need to expand or contract our production or distribution infrastructure.

On February 19, 2008, Cyanotech Corporation entered into a Senior Debt direct financial obligation term loan with Bridgeview Capital Solutions, LLC (“Bridgeview”) under the provisions of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Guarantee program. Term Loan proceeds, remaining after deducting closing costs, statutory fees, and other customary borrowing costs, were used for working capital purposes. The full amount of the obligation assumed February 19, 2008 was $1,078,000, payable in monthly installments to Bridgeview. The obligation fully amortizes over seven (7) years at an interest rate of Prime plus one percent (1%) per annum, adjustable on the first day of each calendar quarter for the term of the obligation. Repayment may be accelerated under specified conditions of default if the Company is not able to remedy such default within the terms and conditions of the Loan. The Term Loan is fully secured by all of the

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assets of Cyanotech. Also, because the Loan is under a USDA Rural Development Guarantee program, Bridgeview has certain rights of recourse to the Rural Development Guaranty program to recover up to eighty percent (80%) of Bridgeview loss on the Term Loan. The Term Loan contains certain restrictive covenants requiring the consent of Bridgeview prior to taking action. The obligation is similar to and in addition to Cyanotech Corporation’s previously reported Senior Debt obligation payable to Bridgeview (the “Term Loan A”) under the USDA Rural Development Guarantee program originally incurred April 21, 2000. The amount of such previously reported Senior Debt at March 31, 2010, was $80,000 plus accrued interest of $300.  This loan (“Term Loan A”) was paid in full at maturity and has no remaining balance as of March 31, 2011. Cyanotech Corporation’s remaining obligation to Bridgeview Capital Solutions, LLC under the USDA Rural Development Guarantee program total approximately $660,000 plus accrued interest of $2,400.

On March 25, 2010, the Company renewed the agreement with First Hawaiian Bank for a Line of credit in the amount of $350,000 with a maturity date of April 1, 2012. The obligation is secured by the Company’s U.S. accounts receivable and bears a variable interest rate based on prime plus 2%. The line of credit has been extended for an additional twelve months and there was no outstanding balance as of March 31, 2011.

We believe our cash and cash equivalents to be provided from operations will be sufficient to meet our capital and operating requirements for at least the next 12 months, but we may need to raise additional funds and we may not be able to secure funding on acceptable terms, if at all. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our then current stockholders may be reduced. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of convertible debt securities, or through additional debt or similar instruments, such securities, debt, or similar instruments could have rights senior to those of our common stockholders and such instruments could contain provisions restricting our operations. If adequate funds are not available to satisfy either short-term or long-term capital requirements, we may be required to limit operations with adverse results.

We have incurred significant losses in the past. If we incur significant losses in the future, we will experience negative cash flow which may hamper current operations and prevent us from sustaining or expanding our business.

We have incurred net losses in two of the last five fiscal years. As of March 31, 2011, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $16.8 million. The Company had net income of $1,730,000, $1,391,000 and $1,142,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  However, in fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, we incurred net losses in the amounts of $1,139,000 and $7.4 million, respectively. The 2007 loss included $4.5 million due to a non-cash impairment loss on equipment and leasehold improvements. These account for approximately 51% of our accumulated deficit since our inception. Historically, we have relied upon cash from operations and financing activities to fund all of the cash requirements of our business. However, extended periods of net income do not assure positive cash flows. Future periods of net losses from operations could result in negative cash flow, and may hamper ongoing operations and prevent us from sustaining or expanding our business. We cannot assure you that we will sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. If we do not achieve, sustain or increase profitability, our business will be adversely affected and our stock price may decline. The global cost of oil derived energy impacts Cyanotech in several ways, and it may hinder our efforts to achieve profitability. Oil prices primarily impact Cyanotech through the costs of electricity, transportation, materials and supplies which are tied to the cost of oil either directly or indirectly.

Our stock price is volatile, which could result in substantial losses for investors purchasing shares of our common stock.

The market price of our common stock has fluctuated significantly in the past and may continue to fluctuate significantly in the future. During the first two months of fiscal 2012, the high and low closing bid prices of a share of our common stock were $3.69 and $3.04, respectively. During fiscal 2011, the high and low closing bid prices of a share of our common stock were $3.90 and $1.55, respectively. During fiscal 2010, the high and low closing bid prices of a share of our common stock were $5.68 and $1.78, respectively. During fiscal 2009, the high and low closing bid prices of a share of our common stock were $2.12 and $1.12, respectively. The market price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate in response to one or more of the following factors, many of which are beyond our control:

·      volatility resulting from minimal trading activity;

·      changes in market valuations of similar companies;

·      stock market price and volume fluctuations generally;

·      economic conditions specific to the nutritional products industry;

·      economic conditions tied to global resource markets, such as fuel costs;

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·      announcements by us or our competitors of new or enhanced products or of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments;

·      fluctuations in our quarterly or annual operating results;

·      changes in our pricing policies or the pricing policies of our competitors;

·      changes in foreign currency exchange rates affecting our product costs, pricing or our customers markets;

·      regulatory developments effecting our specific products or industry; and

·      additions or departures of key personnel.

The price at which you purchase shares of our common stock may not be indicative of the price that will prevail later in the trading market. You may be unable to sell your shares of common stock at or above your purchase price, which may result in substantial losses to you. As of March 31, 2011, there were approximately 5.4 million shares of our common stock outstanding. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of shares of our common stock into the public market will have on the market price of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock, including shares issued upon the exercise of stock options, or in anticipation of such sales, may materially and adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock.

Recent European Union regulations include stringent requirements for health claims on food and supplement labels.

The European Union has harmonized standards amount Member States for health claims on food and supplement labels. The scientific assessment of health claims is performed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an advisory panel to the European Commission. The European Commission will consider the opinions of EFSA in determining whether to include a health claim on a Positive List of permissible claims. Once the list is published, only health claims for ingredients and products included on the list may be used in promotional materials for products marketed and sold in the European Union. This could severely decrease or limit the marketability for our products in this market area. We are developing strategies that we believe will allow for continued and increasing sales of our products in the European Union. However there can be no guarantee that such strategies will be successful.

Item 2.  Properties

Our principal facility and corporate headquarters are located at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (“NELHA”) at Keahole Point in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. It encompasses approximately 90 fully developed acres containing microalgal cultivation ponds, processing facilities, research and quality control laboratories, and sales and administrative offices. The property is leased from the State of Hawaii under a 30-year commercial lease expiring in 2025. We believe that there is sufficient available land at NELHA to meet anticipated needs if a revised NELHA lease can be negotiated with acceptable terms. Under the terms of the existing NELHA lease, we could be required to remove improvements at the end of the lease term. Based upon our analysis, we do not believe the projected cost for such removal to be material to the consolidated financial statements, or likely, given historical practices. However, conditions could change in the future. It is not possible to predict such changes or estimate any impact thereof. We also rent warehouse space near NELHA and in Ontario, California.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

From time to time the Company may become party to lawsuits and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business relating to employment, intellectual property, and other matters. There were no significant legal matters outstanding at March 31, 2011.

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PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s common stock is listed and traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “CYAN”. The closing price of our common stock was $3.12 as of June 17, 2011. The approximate number of holders of record of our common stock was 1,500. The high and low selling prices as reported by NASDAQ were as follows:

The Company is prohibited from declaring any common stock dividends without the prior written consent of a lender per the conditions of an existing term loan agreement with such lender. The Company has never declared or paid cash dividends on its common stock. We currently intend to retain all of our earnings for use in the business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on common stock in the foreseeable future.

The following table sets forth the Company’s common shares authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans:

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Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. For a more comprehensive description of the Company’s products and markets for such products, see Part I. Item 1. Business.

Results of Operations for the 2011, 2010 and 2009 Fiscal Years

Overview

Cyanotech Corporation’s core competency is cultivating and processing microalgae into high-value, high-quality natural products for the human nutrition market. Our products are sold in bulk quantities to manufacturers, formulators and distributors in the health foods and nutritional supplements markets and as packaged consumer products to distributors, retailers and direct consumers. The Company manufactures its products in Hawaii, but markets them worldwide, generating 42%, 43% and 47% of its revenues outside of the United States for each of the years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Competing in a global marketplace, the Company is influenced by the general economic conditions of the countries in which its customers operate, including adherence to its customers’ local governmental regulations and requirements. The Company currently has no material foreign exchange exposure as all sales are in U.S. currency.

The Company reported a net income of $1,730,000 or $.32 per diluted share for fiscal 2011 compared to net income of $1,391,000, or $.26 per diluted share for fiscal year 2010. Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2011 were $2,062,000, up $1,245,000 from a year ago. Working capital increased 27% to $6,285,000 at March 31, 2011 from working capital of $4,942,000 a year ago, primarily due to increased cash balances.

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The following table details selected financial data highlighting three key areas:

Net sales for fiscal 2011 were $16,827,000, or 6.9% higher than the $15,742,000 reported for the prior fiscal year. Sales increased in both spirulina and astaxanthin lines as production levels remained good and the Company focused on human nutrition and expansion of its higher margin consumer products.

The Company’s emphasis is on growing the market for its high quality health and nutritional product, BioAstin and Spirulina Pacifica, in both bulk form for use worldwide and in consumer packaged goods distributed primarily in the U.S. Mainstream media touted the health benefits of both astaxanthin and spirulina resulting in a increase in fourth quarter sales in both bulk and packaged products. The Company cannot predict the impact of this publicity on future period sales. The Company will continue to emphasize the higher nutritional content of its Hawaiian spirulina and the benefits of our natural astaxanthin over synthetics, however, increased competition may result in the decline of margins in the future.

The Company’s gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 38% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, down from 42% for fiscal 2010 and 40% for fiscal 2009. The fiscal year 2011 gross margin decrease of 4% was primarily due to irregular production events resulting in non-inventoriable production costs in the third and fourth quarters.

Spirulina and astaxanthin production levels decreased by 14% from the prior year. The decrease in production levels was the result of three factors:  management’s decision to reduce inventory, a foreign microbial plant inhibiting algae growth and a production equipment failure which introduced metal into some finished goods. These factors combined to reduce output and increase the unit costs of our two algae.  The two preceding years reported lower unit costs as production levels were high, with no measurable weather events or production interruptions. It is important to maintain reasonably strong production volumes in order to support the basic resource levels required to sustain a large scale, open culture, natural agricultural facility. Complex biological processes are involved and these processes are influenced by factors beyond the Company’s control—the weather, for example—we cannot assure that high production levels will continue.

The Company continues to strive to increase production efficiencies in volume yield, potency and quality consistent with the Company’s commitment to produce high-value, high-quality products. However, these efforts cannot be guaranteed to achieve the desired results.

Results of Operations

Revenues  Net sales for fiscal 2011 totaled $16,827,000, a 6.9% increase from net sales of $15,742,000 in fiscal 2010 and a 20.6% increase from net sales of $13,950,000 reported in fiscal 2009. The following is a discussion of revenues by major product category.

Spirulina  The Company has been producing Spirulina Pacifica, a strain of spirulina microalgae, since 1985. Revenues generated from the Company’s spirulina products are a significant portion of total revenues, amounting to $8,387,000, $7,744,000 and $6,835,000 for the years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Spirulina revenues as a percentage of total revenues for each of the three years ended March 31, 2011, is 50%, 49% and 49%, respectively. Approximately $1,037,000 or 6% of net sales for the year ended March 31, 2011 were to a spirulina marketing and distribution company based in the Netherlands. Sales to this customer during fiscal years 2010 and 2009 amounted to $1,027,000 or 7% of net sales, and $1,521,000 or 11% of net sales, respectively.

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Fiscal 2011 spirulina sales increased $643,000 or 8%, the result of a 10% increase in units sold and 2% decrease in average selling price as compared to 2010. In fiscal 2010, sales increased 13% from 2009 resulting from 11% more units sold and 2% increase in average selling price. Competition for sales of spirulina remains intense due to the high number of suppliers. We expect competitive pricing pressure to continue in future periods and will continue to focus on the higher quality of Hawaiian spirulina in support of customers who demand higher quality raw materials for their formulations.

Natural Astaxanthin  In fiscal 2011, the Company’s sales of its natural astaxanthin products totalled $8,434,000, an increase of 6% from $7,978,000 in fiscal 2010, and an increase of 19% from $7,093,000 in fiscal 2009. The increase in natural astaxanthin sales for 2011 was the result of a 13% increase in units sold and a decrease in average selling price of 6%. The increase in natural astaxanthin sales for 2010 was the result of a 9% increase in units sold and an increase in average selling price of 3%. Two customers accounted for $1,844,000 or 11% of net sales for the year ended March 31, 2011. A single customer accounted for $1,653,000 or 10% of net sales for the year ended March 31, 2010. We believe that sales to these customers will continue to represent a significant portion of total net sales in future periods.

Cost of Sales  Cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, was at 62%, 58% and 60% for fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Cost of sales includes the cost of nutrients and materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead costs; depreciation and amortization of production equipment, buildings and leasehold improvements associated with the production of inventory units sold; and other production-related period costs. The cost of sales as a percent of sales increase of 4 points between 2011 and 2010 is the result of reduced production and increased inventory reserve recognition. The decrease of 2 points between 2010 and 2009, is the result of improved control of customary and complex production variables related to astaxanthin and spirulina production. Customary variables include availability and costs of personnel, raw materials, energy, water and freight. These variables fluctuate based on changes in the local, national and world economies. Complex variables include cultivation methods, feeding formulations and harvesting processes, all of which include efforts to anticipate the extent of weather and environmental events and make timely and sufficient adjustments. Although the variability of such costs cannot be fully anticipated, the Company has focused increased effort in this area in order to produce both spirulina and astaxanthin at levels sufficient to fully absorb production costs into inventory. Because the Company’s processes are agricultural, it is important to maintain production volumes in order to support the minimal resource levels required to sustain a large-scale open culture agricultural facility. Fresh water is critical for the Company’s natural astaxanthin production and, while the Company has not experienced any constraint on fresh water availability, future availability could be negatively impacted by significant growth in the local population as well as by throughput constraints on the water delivery infrastructure owned by the County of Hawaii. Given the criticality of fresh water to our operations and the community, the Company recycles fresh water where possible and has developed additional water recycling systems in its efforts to utilize fresh water efficiently. Both fresh and sea water require electricity for pumping; and electricity, the Company’s single largest expenditure, depends on the cost of fuel oil which is, in turn, tied to the global price of crude oil.

Fuel costs remained at consistent levels throughout most of fiscal 2011, trending upward the latter half of the fiscal year compared to 2010. The Company did not incur the extreme highs experienced in fiscal 2009. Continued volatility in fuel cost in the future is likely. Therefore, the Company expects that electricity, water and shipping costs could be higher due to the impact of fuel cost increases for fiscal 2012.

The Company utilizes two third-party contractors for the process of extraction for its natural astaxanthin product for the human nutrition market, and several third-party contractors are utilized for both encapsulation (for gelcaps) and micro-encapsulation (for beadlets). Although these services are available from a limited number of sources, management believes the Company has the ability to use other parties if any of the current contractors become unavailable. If pricing for any of these services significantly increases, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. There have not been any significant changes in the cost of extraction or encapsulation services and none are currently anticipated.

To offset increased production costs, the Company seeks ways to increase production efficiencies in volume yield, potency, and quality consistent with the Company’s commitment to produce high-value, high-quality products. However, these efforts cannot be guaranteed to achieve the desired results.

The Company recognizes abnormal production costs, including fixed cost variances from normal production capacity, as an expense in the period incurred. Abnormal amounts of freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) are recognized as current-period charges and fixed production overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on the normal capacity of production facilities. Normal capacity is defined as “the production expected to be achieved over a number of periods or seasons under normal circumstances, taking into account the loss of capacity resulting from planned maintenance.” The Company expensed abnormal production costs of $439,000, $0 and $77,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Non inventoriable fixed costs were $71,000, $0 and $59,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

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Unforeseen changes in any of the factors surrounding the estimates imbedded in the determination of inventory values and cost of sales could have a material impact on cost of sales. Such changes in factors and estimates include but are not limited to production levels and capacity; changes in the prices paid for raw materials, supplies, and labor; changes in yield, potency, and quality of biomass; and changes in processing or production methods.

Gross Profit Margin  The Company’s gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales decreased 4 points to 38% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, down from 42% for fiscal 2010. The decline is the result of lower production volume and increased inventory reserves resulting in higher costs. The Company’s gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales increased 2 points to 42% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, up from 40% for fiscal 2009. The improvement is the result of increased sales volume driven by product availability and quality, price increases instituted throughout 2009 and increases in units produced resulting in lower unit costs.

Management expects the Company’s fiscal 2012 gross profit margin to improve from the results reported for fiscal 2011.  There is currently no planned production slowdown to reduce inventory and the production interruptions experienced in fiscal year 2011 have been resolved. However, as discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report, management cannot predict future production levels. Producing the highest quality microalgae is a complex biological process which requires the tenuous balancing of numerous factors including microalgal strain variations, temperature, acidity, nutrient and other environmental considerations, some of which are not in the Company’s control. As a result, it can be difficult and time consuming to adjust, improve or correct production process when quality levels fall below specifications. While the Company generally possesses scientific knowledge and resources to correct its production processes, there are too many variables involved for the Company to make reliable projections concerning such efforts. However, management constantly strives to anticipate events requiring adjustments to nutrients, processes, customer demands, etc. and strive to achieve increased production yields and improve quality. In addition to the items discussed above, there are many factors which could materially diminish gross profit.

Operating Expenses  Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales were 30% for fiscal 2011, 33% for fiscal 2010 and 30% for fiscal 2009. Total operating expense decreased by $20,000 or less than 1% from 2010 levels. The decrease includes a decrease in General and administrative expenses of $489,000, an increase Sales and marketing expense of $584,000, an increase in Research and development expense of $18,000 and a decrease in loss on disposal of equipment and leasehold improvements of $133,000. The increase in 2010 from 2009 as a percentage of sales was primarily due to an increase in General and administrative expenses of $438,000, an increase Sales and marketing expense of $277,000, an increase in Research and development expense of $58,000 and an increase in loss on disposal of equipment and leasehold improvements of $155,000.

General and administrative expenses were $2,822,000, $3,311,000 and $2,873,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. General and administrative expenses decreased 15% from 2010 due to the costs associated with separation of the Chief Executive Officer in March 2010. General and administrative expenses increased 15% from 2009 to 2010 due to costs associated with separation of the Chief Executive Officer in March 2010 and salary and benefits increases. The Company is committed to ongoing cost containment aimed at controlling its level of operating expenses, but may increase some discretionary spending in future periods as necessary to maintain product quality and the Company’s competitive position.

Sales and marketing costs were $1,986,000, $1,402,000 and $1,125,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, increasing 42% in 2011 from fiscal 2010 and increasing 25% in 2010 from fiscal 2009. The increase in 2011 over 2010 is due to the Company expanding advertising and promotional programs in fiscal 2011 in order to increase consumer product sales levels in the mainland USA market. The increase in 2010 over 2009 is due to the Company resuming selected advertising and promotional programs in fiscal 2010 in order to maintain and expand sales levels. Management anticipates continuing advertising and promotional programs to increase consumer awareness in fiscal 2012 in order to maintain and expand sales levels as the Company focuses on the higher margin consumer products.  .

Research and development costs increased to $282,000 in 2011, up 7% from $264,000 in fiscal 2010, and up by 37% from $206,000 in fiscal 2009. The 2011 expense includes the balance of costs associated with a clinical trial initiated in fiscal year 2010, to expand the applications of sprirulina products. In fiscal 2009, no product trials were underway; research resources focused on identifying potential areas to improve cultivation and production processes. The Company has benefited from these efforts in the subsequent fiscal years.  The Company will continue to identify research activities that will expand the applications of its products, advance the efficiency of its production processes and/or increase product quality.

Loss on disposal of equipment and leasehold improvements was $22,000 in fiscal 2011 and $155,000 in fiscal year 2010. There was no loss on disposal of assets in 2009.

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Management reviews long-lived assets and intangible assets for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Management’s analysis at March 31, 2011 determined that the Company’s equipment and leasehold improvements are not impaired in Cyanotech’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2011.

Management expects fiscal 2012 operating expense spending will remain consistent with or increase from fiscal 2011 due to increased personnel costs, inflationary increases of expenses and the expansion of selected marketing and research activities as previously discussed. The Company will continue to leverage customer supported research where and as practicable. Increases in sales and marketing expenses may be necessary as the Company seeks new and increased markets and market share. Also, the cost of regulatory compliance—including international standards (ISO), US food and drug manufacturing practice (GMP), Securities and Exchange Commission requirements including Sarbanes Oxley, NASDAQ Capital Market listing requirements and other regulatory compliance areas—continue to increase. Finally, the Company must remain competitive in the labor market, and this may lead to some increases in general and administrative costs.

Other Expense  Other Expense, net was $66,000, $86,000 and $144,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  It is comprised primarily of interest expense on term loans, amortization of debt issue costs and interest on other financing agreements, offset by deminimus interest earned and miscellaneous sales.  The declining balance is primarily due to the reduction of the principal balance on the Company’s Term Loans of $660,000, $889,000 and $1,501,000 as of March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Income Taxes  For fiscal 2011 the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $567,000 compared with an income tax expense of $24,000 for 2010 and $22,000 for 2009. The fiscal 2011 tax benefit is the result of a reduction in the deferred tax valuation allowance and recording of a net deferred tax asset at March 31, 2011. Previous year income tax expense represents primarily alternative minimum taxes due to the utilization of tax loss carry forwards. At March 31, 2011 the Company had Federal and Hawaii state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $15,996,000 and $10,768,000, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Financial Condition  At March 31, 2011, the Company’s working capital was $6,285,000, an increase of $1,343,000 compared to $4,942,000 at March 31, 2010. Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2011 totaled $2,062,000, an increase of $1,245,000 from $817,000 at March 31, 2010.

The Company had two Term Loan Agreements (“Term Loans”) with a lender. These provided up to $4.6 million in combined credit facilities which are secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. One term loan with a balance of $80,000 at March 31, 2010 was paid in full on May 1, 2010. The remaining Term Loan has a balance of approximately $660,000 as of March 31, 2011, payable in equal monthly principal and interest payment of approximately $15,000 and a maturity date of March 1, 2015. The interest rate under the Term Loans, in absence of a default under the agreement, is the prime rate in effect as of the close of business on the first day of each calendar quarter, plus 1%. The prime rate was 3.25% at March 31, 2011. The Company is prohibited by the Term Loan from declaring any cash dividends without the lender’s prior written consent. A $250,000 restricted cash deposit was held in an interest-bearing restricted cash account per the terms of the Term Loan and was included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2010. The restricted cash was returned to the Company in May of 2010.

The Company has two equipment loans with John Deere at March 31, 2011 with a total outstanding combined balance of approximately $32,000. The equipment loans have maturity dates of December 28, 2012 as to $17,000 and March 25, 2013 as to $15,000 and are payable in equal monthly principal payments of approximately $1,400. The loans are at a 0% rate of interest and are net of imputed interest of $2,000.

The Company has an equipment capital lease with Thermo Fisher Financial Services. The outstanding balance under the capital lease as of March 31, 2011 is approximately $67,000 and has a maturity date of March 2013.

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Contractual Obligations

The following table presents the Company’s debt and lease obligations at March 31, 2011 (in thousands):

(1)                                  Includes term loan, equipment loans and capital lease mentioned above.

On March 25, 2010, the Company renewed the agreement with First Hawaiian Bank for a Line of credit in the amount of $350,000 with a maturity date of April 1, 2012. The obligation is secured by the Company’s U.S. accounts receivable and bears a variable interest rate based on prime plus 2%. There was no outstanding balance as of March 31, 2011.

Cash Flows  Our cash and cash equivalents were $2,062,000 and $817,000 at March 31, 2011and 2010, respectively.

The Company generated cash from operating activities was $1,747,000, $1,219,000 and $908,000 for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 respectively. The increase in cash provided by operations for 2011 was primarily due to the decrease in inventory of $306,000 compared to an increase in inventory in 2010 over 2009 of $809,000. The increase in cash provided by operations from 2010 was primarily due to an increase inventory of $809,000 compared with an increase of $1.5 million in 2009. Depreciation and amortization expense was $617,000, $512,000 and $431,000 for the years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Depreciation expense for 2011 and 2010 was more than 2009 as a result of additions to depreciable assets in fiscal 2010 and 2011. It is uncertain whether operating activities will generate cash in future periods due to the volatility of the world economy and its impact on our foreign customers, and our ability to maintain production levels within a reasonable range.

Cash of $514,000 was used in investing activities offset by $250,000 cash provided for the return of restricted cash, for net cash used in investing activities of $264,000 during fiscal 2011, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $1,032,000 during fiscal 2010. Net cash used in investing activities in 2009 was $449,000. Investments are primarily plant and equipment purchases aimed toward maintaining and enhancing our ability to respond to market demand. Management expects to continue to invest in equipment upgrades and leasehold improvements tied to market requirements and production efficiency. Investment was also made in expansion and enhancement of our resource management systems. Capital expenditures are expected to increase in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 with projects to extend plant life, equipment additions and systems expansions.

During fiscal 2011, cash used in financing activities was $238,000, consisting of $187,000 cash provided from the exercise of stock options, offset by principal payments on term debt and revolving line of credit of $425,000. During fiscal 2010, cash used in financing activities was $347,000, consisting of $150,000 cash provided from drawing on the credit line with First Hawaiian Bank, offset by principal payments on term debt of $497,000. During fiscal 2009, cash used in financing activities was $572,000 representing principal payments on long-term debt.

Sufficiency of Liquidity  Based upon our current operating plan, analysis of our consolidated financial position and projected future results of operations, we believe that our operating cash flows and existing cash balances will be sufficient to finance current operating requirements, debt service and planned capital expenditures, for the next 12 months. With working capital of $6.3 million and a current ratio of 4 to 1 as of March 31, 2011, management expects liquidity in fiscal 2012 to be generated primarily from operating cash flows. Unanticipated capital expenditures or business expansion could require the Company to incur additional debt or equity funding sources.

The Company has used estimates of future financial results including projected revenue, expenses, borrowings, and capital expenditures in reaching its conclusions. Such estimates are subject to change based on future results and such change could cause future results to vary significantly from expected results presented in this Form 10-K.

The Company’s results of operations and financial condition can be affected by numerous factors, many of which are beyond its control and could cause future results of operations to fluctuate materially as it has in the past. Future operating results may fluctuate as a result of changes in sales volumes to our largest customers, weather patterns, increased competition, increased materials, nutrient and energy costs, foreign currency exchange fluctuations, governmental regulations and other factors beyond our control.

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A significant portion of the Company’s expense levels are relatively fixed, so the timing of increases in expense levels is based in large part on forecasts of future sales. If net sales are below expectations in any given period, the adverse impact on results of operations may be magnified by our inability to adjust spending quickly enough to compensate for the sales shortfall. We may also choose to reduce prices or increase spending in response to market conditions, which may have a material adverse effect on financial condition and results of operations.

Effect of Recently Issued Accounting Standards and Estimates

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements,” an amendment to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The standard requires disclosure for transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2, as well as the disclosure of Level 3 activity on a gross, rather than net, basis. The guidance also requires enhancements to certain existing disclosures. The amendments will be effective as of the beginning of fiscal 2011, except for the new requirements around Level 3 activity, which is deferred until the beginning of fiscal 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with those accounting principles requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management regularly re-evaluates its judgments and estimates which are based upon historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management believes that of its significant accounting policies, policies that may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity are inventory valuations, valuation of equipment and leasehold improvements and long-lived assets, and income taxes.

Revenue — We recognize revenue when product is shipped.  Sales returns and allowances are recorded as a reduction to sales when we agree with a customer that a return or allowance is warranted. Promotions and other volume based incentives are charged to net sales in the period in which they can be reasonably known or estimated.

Inventory - The Company records inventories at the lower of cost or market. Cost is defined as the sum of the applicable expenditures and charges directly or indirectly incurred in bringing inventories to their existing condition and location. Cost for inventory purposes may be determined under any one of several assumptions as to the flow of cost factors, such as first-in, first-out; average cost; and last-in, first-out. Our inventories are stated using the first-in, first-out method. Inventory values are subject to many critical estimates, including production levels and capacity, changes in the prices paid for raw materials, supplies, and labor, changes in yield, potency, and quality of biomass, changes in processing or production methods, and changes in the carrying value of our inventories resulting from the prices our customers are willing to pay for our products. Such estimates are revised quarterly. Changes in management’s estimates could result in increases or decreases in the recorded amounts of inventory and cost of sales.

Management reviews inventory levels, inventory turnover, product age and product marketability quarterly to evaluate recoverability and determine if a reserve for inventory is deemed necessary. At March 31, 2011 an inventory reserve in the amount of $148,000 has been recognized. In the prior fiscal year, March 31, 2010, an inventory reserve in the amount of $54,000 had been recognized.

Equipment and leasehold improvements - Equipment and leasehold improvements are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Self-constructed leasehold improvements include design, construction and supervision costs. These costs are recorded in construction in progress and are transferred to equipment and leasehold improvements when construction is completed and the facilities are placed in service. Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and purchased intangibles subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value.

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Income taxes - Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that it believes is more likely than not to be realized. Judgment is required in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Based on our operating results for the past three years we believe that the Company will generate taxable income in future periods and therefore, conclude that it is more likely than not the Company will realize a portion of its deferred tax assets before they expire. Accordingly, we reduced our valuation allowance by $552,000 during 2011 and recognized an income tax benefit of $567,000 in the current year. Our estimates of deferred tax assets to be realized may change in future periods, which could result in additional changes to our valuation allowance. Management has assessed the impact of uncertain tax positions to be immaterial. Should the Company’s operating performance not continue for a sustained period, we may need to re-establish some or all of the valuation allowance.

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Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Cyanotech Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cyanotech Corporation and subsidiary (the Company) as of March 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2011. Our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under item 15(a)(2). These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cyanotech Corporation and subsidiary as of March 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Irvine, California

June 23, 2011

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CYANOTECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

March 31,

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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CYANOTECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Year ended March 31,

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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CYANOTECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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CYANOTECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended March 31,

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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CYANOTECH CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 Description of Business and Summary of Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Cyanotech Corporation (the Company) cultivates and produces high-value, high-quality natural products derived from microalgae. The Company currently cultivates, on a large-scale basis, two microalgal species from which its two major product lines are derived. The Company is currently producing microalgal products for nutritional supplement markets, having discontinued production for animal feed/pigments and immunological diagnostics markets. The Company manufactures all of its products in the United States and sells its products worldwide. As the Company’s operations are solely related to microalgae-based products, management of the Company considers its operations to be in one industry segment. Correspondingly, the Company records revenue and cost of sales information by product category.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cyanotech Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Nutrex Hawaii, Inc. (“Nutrex Hawaii” or “Nutrex”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period reported. Management reviews these estimates and assumptions periodically and reflects the effect of revisions in the period that they are determined to be necessary. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates and assumptions.

Financial Instruments

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid debt instruments such as commercial paper and certificates of deposit with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Short-term investments are certificates of deposits maturing between three and nine months from the purchase date and are stated at cost. Interest earned on short-term investments is deposited monthly into an accessible cash account and is therefore classified as cash and cash equivalents. The Company’s practice is to invest cash with financial institutions that have acceptable credit ratings and to limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution.

Management applies the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of each class of financial instruments for all periods presented.

The Company applies a framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.

Level 2—Inputs to the valuation methodology include:

·                  Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

·                  Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;

·                  Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and

·                  Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

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