LIFECORE BIOMEDICAL, INC. \DE\ (LFCR)

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part IV, Item 15 of this report. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those mentioned in this report and, in particular, the factors described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors”. Please see “Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements”.

Corporate Overview

The Company is a fully integrated CDMO that offers highly differentiated capabilities in the development, fill and finish of complex sterile injectable pharmaceutical products in syringes and vials. As a leading manufacturer of premium, injectable grade HA in bulk form as well as formulated and filled syringes and vials for injectable products used in treating a broad spectrum of medical conditions and procedures. Lifecore uses its fermentation process and aseptic formulation and filling expertise to be a leader in the development of HA-based products for multiple applications and to take advantage of non-HA device and drug opportunities which leverage its expertise in manufacturing and aseptic syringe filling capabilities. Lifecore CDMO provides product development services to its partners for HA-based, as well as non-HA based, aseptically formulated and filled products. These services include activities such as technology development, material component changes, analytical method development, formulation development, pilot studies, stability studies, process validation and production of materials for clinical studies. The Company brings more than 40 years of expertise as a partner for global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories to bring their innovations to market.

Built over many years of experience, Lifecore separates itself from its competition based on its five areas of expertise, including but not limited to Lifecore’s ability to:

Establish strategic relationships with market leaders:

Lifecore continues to develop applications for products with partners who have strong marketing, sales, and distribution capabilities to end-user markets. Through its strong reputation and history of providing pharmaceutical grade HA and products, Lifecore has established long-term relationships with global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories and leverages those partnerships to attract new relationships in other medical markets.

Expand medical applications for HA:

Due to the growing knowledge of the unique characteristics of HA and Lifecore’s unique strength and history as a trusted manufacturer of pharmaceutical injectable grade HA products, Lifecore continues to identify and pursue opportunities for the use of HA in other medical applications, such as wound care, aesthetic surgery, drug delivery, next generation orthopedics and device coatings, and through sales to academic and corporate research customers. Further applications may involve expanding process development activity and/or additional licensing of technology.

Utilize manufacturing infrastructure to meet customer demand:

Lifecore has made strategic capital investments in its CDMO business focusing on extending its aseptic filling capacity and capabilities to meet increasing partner demand and to attract new contract filling opportunities outside of HA markets. Lifecore is using its manufacturing capabilities to provide contract manufacturing and development services to its partners in the area of sterile pre-filled syringes and vials, as well as fermentation and purification requirements.

Maintain flexibility in product development and supply relationships:

Lifecore’s vertically integrated development and manufacturing capabilities allow it to establish a variety of contractual relationships with global corporate partners. Lifecore’s role in these relationships extends from supplying HA raw

24

Table of Contents

materials to providing technology transfer and development services to manufacturing aseptically filled, finished sterile products, and assuming full supply chain responsibilities.

Deliver consistent quality:

Lifecore has built a world class quality and regulatory system that is demonstrated in its results, processes and customer relationships. With over 38 years of a superior track record with global regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA, ANVISA, etc.), Lifecore is the partner of choice for companies looking for proven experience in delivering QbD, cGMP compliance, and manufacturing excellence with pharmaceutical elegance and quality. Lifecore’s world class quality and regulatory system and excellent track record with the global regulatory bodies ensure partners that they will safely bring innovative therapies to market.

Reportable Segments

The Company operates in one reportable segment: Lifecore, which is described in further detail below. This is based on the objectives of the business and how our CODM, the President and Chief Executive Officer, regularly reviews and manages the business, monitors operating performance and allocates resources.

Related Party Transactions

For a discussion of significant related party transactions, refer to “Part IV, Item 15. Note 1 - Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

A discussion of changes in our results of operations and cash flows from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2022 has been omitted from this Annual Report on Form 10-K, but may be found in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2024, which is available free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and at www.lifecore.com, by clicking “Investors” located at the top of the page. The content of any website referred to in this document is not incorporated by reference into this document.

Year Ended May 26, 2024 Compared to May 28, 2023

Revenues and Gross Profit:

Lifecore generates revenues from the development and manufacture of HA products and providing contract development and aseptic manufacturing services to customers. Lifecore generates revenues from two integrated activities: (1) CDMO and (2) fermentation.

There are numerous factors that can influence gross profit including product mix, customer mix, manufacturing costs, volume, sales discounts, and charges for excess or obsolete inventory, to name a few. Many of these factors influence or are interrelated with other factors. The Company includes in cost of sales all of the following costs: raw materials (including packaging, syringes, fermentation and purification supplies), direct labor, overhead (including indirect labor, depreciation, and facility-related costs), and shipping and shipping-related costs.

The increase in revenues for fiscal year 2024, compared to fiscal year 2023, was due to (i) a $20.2 million increase in CDMO revenues consisting of a $9.9 million increase related to the launch of a new commercial product and a $10.3 million increase primarily due to increased order volume from existing customers; and (ii) a $4.8 million increase in fermentation revenues due to increased order volume from existing customers.

25

Table of Contents

The increase in gross profit for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to increased revenues resulting in a favorable volume variance of $6.8 million and a favorable sales mix and adjustments to write down inventories to their net realizable value in the comparable periods driving a favorable rate variance of $7.1 million.

Gross profit margin percentage increased from 27.1% to 32.6%. The 553 basis points (“bps”) improvement is due to a 380 bps increase in CDMO gross profit margin percentage as a result of a favorable sales mix and increased customer pricing and a 189 bps increase primarily due to adjustments to write down inventories to their net realizable value in the comparable periods partially offset by a slight decrease of 16 bps in fermentation gross profit margin percentage.

Operating Expenses:

Research and Development (“R&D”)

R&D expenses consist primarily of product development and commercialization initiatives. R&D expenses are focused on new products and applications for HA-based and non-HA biomaterials.

The decrease in R&D expenses for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 was not significant.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)

SG&A expenses consist primarily of sales and marketing expenses associated with Lifecore’s product sales and services, business development expenses, and staff and administrative expenses.

The increase in SG&A expenses for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to increases in non-cash stock-based compensation expense due to the higher mix of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) grants over stock options of $2.6 million, a non-cash right-of-use impairment for the Santa Maria building (a divested business office) of $1.4 million, partially off-set by a reduction in consulting fees of $0.9 million incurred in completing the year-end audit.

Gain on sale of Divested Businesses

On June 2, 2022, the Company and Curation Foods entered into an asset purchase agreement and consummated the transactions contemplated thereby, pursuant to which Curation Foods sold all of its assets related to BreatheWay packaging technology business in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $3.1 million. Upon the sale, the Company recorded a gain of $2.1 million.

Restructuring Costs

Beginning in fiscal year 2020, the Company announced a restructuring plan to drive enhanced profitability, focus the business on its strategic assets and redesign the organization to be the appropriate size to compete and thrive. This included a reduction in force, a reduction in leased office spaces and the sale of non-strategic assets. The Company recorded $1.7 million and $4.2 million during the years ended May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, respectively, related to the restructuring plan. Restructuring costs for the year ended May 26, 2024 decreased $2.5 million compared to the prior year period due as a result of the restructuring

26

Table of Contents

plan to divest the Curation Foods businesses being substantially complete. Refer to “Part IV, Item 15. Note 10 - Restructuring Costs” in the notes for more information.

Other Income (Expenses):

Interest Expense, net

The decrease in Interest Expense, net for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 was primarily a result of fluctuations in the principal balance under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

Transition Services Income

In fiscal year 2023, the Company earned $0.3 million of transition services income related to the BreatheWay Disposition. No such transition services income was present during fiscal year 2024.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

The loss on debt extinguishment of $23.7 million in fiscal year 2023 was due to the New Term Loan Credit Facility with Alcon entered into in May 2023, including the $12.9 million prepayment fee to Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group, L.P. (“Goldman”), the prior lender, write-off unamortized deferred financing fees related to the Prior Term Loan Facility (defined below) of $7.6 million and third-party fees of $3.3 million. Refer to “Part IV, Item 15. Note 6 - Debt” for additional information.

Other (Expense) Income, net

Other (expense) income, net for fiscal year 2024 includes $3.3 million in monetary penalties related to Convertible Preferred Stock, partially offset by sub-lease rental income of $0.2 million.

Change in fair value of debt derivative liability, related party

The increase for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023, was due to a reduction in the fair market value of the debt derivative liability in the current period as a result of the Company’s Term Loan Credit Facility. The key inputs to the valuation models that were utilized to estimate the fair value of the debt derivative liability were (i) an estimated probability related to the timing of a change in control over the 12 months following the end of the fiscal period; (ii) the estimated probability related to an event of default of the Alcon Supply Agreement, as amended, over the 12 months following the end of the fiscal period; and (iii) a risk-adjusted discount rate. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 and continuing through the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, there were sequential declines in the change in control probabilities assumptions in connection with the Company’s review of the strategic alternatives initiative that significantly impacted the fair value of the debt derivative liability.

Income Tax (Provision) Benefit

The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2024 changed from a tax provision expense of 0.48% to a tax provision expense of 1.93% in comparison to fiscal year 2023. The decrease in the income tax expense for fiscal year 2024 was primarily due to a valuation allowance decrease of $5.8 million resulting from utilization of net operating loss deferred tax assets and by an increase in deferred tax liabilities for debt discount of $7.9 million. The decrease in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to a significant valuation allowance increase and the impairment of Yucatan Foods, LLC (“Yucatan”) goodwill.

27

Table of Contents

Non-GAAP Financial Information and Reconciliations

EBITDA and Consolidated adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA from continuing operations represents net income (loss) from continuing operations before interest expense, interest income, income tax (benefit) expense, and depreciation and amortization expense. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations reflects adjustments to EBITDA from continuing operations to identify items that, in management’s judgment, significantly affect the assessment of earnings results between periods. This information is provided in order to allow investors to make meaningful comparisons of the Company’s earnings performance between periods and to view the Company’s business from the same perspective as Company management. As the Company cannot predict the timing and amount of charges that include, but are not limited to, items such as costs associated with our reorganization, including associated divestitures, movement of headquarters, transactional impacts of these transactions, remaining costs associated with divested businesses and associated cost of third parties (collectively, “Reorganization Costs”), restructuring programs, mark-to-market adjustments on derivative contracts, non- interest financing costs, stock compensation, product launch and start-up costs and other items that may arise from time to time that would impact comparability, management does not consider these costs when evaluating the Company’s performance, when making decisions regarding the allocation of resources, in determining incentive compensation, or in determining earnings estimates. EBITDA from continuing operations and adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations are performance measures commonly used by management to assess operating performance and incentive compensation, and the Company believes they are commonly reported and widely used by investors and other interested parties as a measure of a company’s operating performance between periods.

The table below includes reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their respective most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).

(1)Reorganization costs mainly relate to activities in connection with the approved restructuring plan.

a.For fiscal year 2024, the Company incurred non-recurring charges primarily related to: (i) $4.1 million of incremental audit and consulting fees specifically related to the audit of the numerous non-standard transactions that occurred in fiscal year 2023 associated with the sale of the Yucatan and O Olive businesses, (ii) $2.1 million of costs associated with maintaining abandoned facilities (including the prior headquarters) after the sale of the businesses and incremental compensation expenses for reorganization of the business including costs associated with duplicative roles as the headquarters transitioned to Minnesota, (iii) $1.6 million litigation costs associated with the divested businesses, (iv) $1.2 million in fees for exploration of strategic opportunities to best position Lifecore as a standalone CDMO, and (v) $0.8 million for severance for the Company’s former CEO.

28

Table of Contents

b.For fiscal year 2023, the Company incurred non-recurring charges primarily related to: (i) $6.3 million for financial advisor and legal fees related to management of the prior term loan lenders, (ii) $6.4 million of incremental audit and consulting fees specifically related to the audit of the numerous non-standard transactions that occurred in fiscal year 2022 associated with the sale of the Eat Smart business, (iii) and $3.2 million for litigation costs associated with the divested businesses, costs associated with maintaining abandoned facilities (including the prior headquarters) after the sale of the Yucatan and O Olive businesses, and incremental compensation and operating expenses for reorganization of the business.

c.For fiscal year 2022, the Company incurred non-recurring charges primarily related to: (i) $4.6 million net Transaction Services Agreement ("TSA") costs that will not recur upon exit from the TSA associated with the divested Eat Smart business, (ii) $1.5 million incremental compensation expenses related to reorganization of the business including costs associated with duplicative roles as the headquarters transitioned to Minnesota and consulting fees associated with the employee programs put in place as part of the headquarters transition and sale of the Eat Smart business, and (iii) and $1.4 million for litigation costs associated with the divested businesses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of May 26, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $8.5 million, a net decrease of $10.6 million from $19.1 million at May 28, 2023. The Company believes that its cash from operations, along with existing cash and cash equivalents and availability under its line of credit will be sufficient to finance its operational and capital requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal year 2024 was $0.2 million compared to $17.4 million of net cash used during fiscal year 2023.

The primary impact to net cash from operating activities during fiscal year 2024 were (1) $12.0 million of net income; (2) non-cash add backs of (i) $14.2 million on interest expense with a related party, (ii) $15.1 million of depreciation/amortization and stock-based compensation expense, and (iii) $1.4 million non-cash restructuring and impairment of assets charges; and (3) $3.8 million net increase in operating working capital. These were partially offset by a $39.5 million non-cash change in debt derivative liability with related party.

The primary factors for the $3.8 million overall net cash used related to operating working capital during fiscal year 2024 was (1) cash sources related to an $0.3 million increase in other accrued liabilities, (2) a $2.4 million decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets, and (3) a $1.4 million increase in accrued compensation, (4) a $0.9 million decrease in inventories, offset by (1) cash uses related to a $2.4 million increase in accounts receivable driven by timing of customer payments, (2) a decrease in accounts payable of $6.7 million related to the timing of payments, and (3) $0.1 million for a decrease in deferred revenue.

The primary uses of net cash in operating activities during fiscal year 2023 were (1) a $99.6 million net loss and (2) a $1.8 million net gain on the sales of BreatheWay and O Olive. These uses of cash were partially offset by (1) a $20.0 million net decrease in working capital, (2) $0.6 million non-cash restructuring and impairment of assets charges, (3) $16.8 million of depreciation/amortization and stock-based compensation expense, (4) $20.7 million loss on sale of Yucatan and (5) $23.7 million loss on early debt extinguishment.

The primary factors for the decrease in working capital during the fiscal year ended 2023 was a $10.8 million decrease in accounts receivable driven by sales decreases and timing of customer payments, and an increase in accounts payable of $16.0 million related to the increase in Lifecore inventory and timing of payments. These were partially offset by a decrease of $14.8 million in inventory driven by the increase in total inventory of Lifecore, which is in alignment with our expectations for production season, and a $4.5 million net decrease in accrued compensation driven by severance accruals.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal year 2024 was $17.9 million, due to the purchase of equipment to support the growth of the business in line with the planned capital project spending.

29

Table of Contents

Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal year 2023 was $4.8 million, primarily due to $21.5 million of purchases of equipment to support the growth of the business, offset by $16.7 million of proceeds from the sale of divested business.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal year 2024 was $7.5 million, primarily due to (1) $149.6 million net proceeds from revolving credit facility, and (2) $0.7 million proceeds from exercise of options, partially offset by (1) $0.6 million of principal payments on equipment financing, (2) $0.2 million payments for debt issuance costs, (3) $0.1 million principal payments on finance leases, and (4) $0.2 million of taxes paid by Company for employee stock plans.

Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal year 2023 was $39.7 million, primarily due to (1) $0.0 million proceeds from long-term debt, (2) $38.1 million proceeds from sale of preferred stock and (3) $4.8 million proceeds from sale of Common Stock, partially offset by (1) $123.7 million of payments on long-term debt, (2) $31.5 million net draw down on the Company’s line of credit and (3) $6.1 million of payments for debt issuance costs.

Capital Expenditures

The Company incurred $17.9 million and $21.5 million of capital expenditures during fiscal years 2024 and 2023, respectively, which was primarily represented by facility expansions and purchased equipment to support the growth of the Lifecore business. The decrease in capital expenditures from fiscal year 2023 to 2024 was due to the planned decrease in capital project spending.

Contractual Obligations

The Company’s material contractual obligations for the next five years mainly relate to its debt and lease obligations.

The Company’s future capital requirements will depend on numerous factors, including the progress of its research and development programs; the continued development of marketing, sales and distribution capabilities; the ability of the Company to establish and maintain new licensing arrangements; the costs associated with employment-related claims; any decision to pursue additional acquisition opportunities; the timing and amount, if any, of payments received under licensing and research and development agreements; the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, defending, and enforcing intellectual property rights; the ability to comply with regulatory requirements; the emergence of competitive technology and market forces; the effectiveness of product commercialization activities and arrangements; and other factors. If the Company’s currently available funds, together with the internally generated cash flow from operations are not sufficient to satisfy its capital needs, the Company would be required to seek additional funding through other arrangements with collaborative partners, additional bank borrowings and public or private sales of its securities. There can be no assurance that additional funds, if required, will be available to the Company on favorable terms, if at all.

Debt

As of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, the Company had $157.3 million and $142.5 million in borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Facility, at an effective annual interest rate of 22.5%.

As of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, the Company had $19.7 million and $16.8 million in borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, at an effective annual interest rate of 8.35% and 12.16%, respectively.

As of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, except for the requirements to deliver certain historical financial statements, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Term Loan Credit Facility and Revolving Credit Facility (as discussed below). In December 2023, the Company entered into limited waivers and amendments to credit agreements, as discussed in the “Limited Waivers and Amendments to Credit Agreements” section below.

Prior Term Loan Facility

On December 31, 2020, the Company refinanced its previously existing term loan and revolving credit facility by entering into (i) a credit agreement with Goldman and Guggenheim Credit Services, LLC, as lenders, which provided the Company, Curation Foods and Lifecore, as co-borrowers, with term loan borrowings of up to $170.0 million (the “Prior Term Loan Facility”), and (ii) a credit agreement with BMO as lender, which provided the Company, Curation Foods and Lifecore, as co-borrowers, with an up to $75.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and together with Prior Term

30

Table of Contents

Loan Facility, the “Prior Credit Facilities”). The Revolving Credit Facility is, and the Prior Term Loan Facility was, guaranteed, and secured by, substantially all of the Company’s and the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries’ assets.

In April 2022, the Company amended the Prior Credit Facilities to make available an additional $20.0 million of term debt that had been previously repaid. In connection with this amendment, the Company incurred debt issuance costs from the lender of $0.7 million.

On January 9, 2023, the Company entered into further amendments to the Prior Credit Facilities to, among other things, provide for the limited waiver from events of default under the Prior Credit Facilities related to certain financial covenant requirements, as well as a waiver of certain existing terms and covenants under the Prior Term Loan Facility, including with respect to the fixed coverage ratio leverage ratio and minimum liquidity covenants, 2% increase of annual interest rate, which was payable in kind, and a one-time amendment fee in an amount equal to 3% of the principal amount as of January 9, 2023. This amendment also reduced the maximum commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility from $75.0 million to $60.0 million, which was further reduced to $40.0 million upon the sale of Yucatan.

The Prior Term Loan Facility would have matured on December 31, 2025. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on December 31, 2025.

Interest on the Revolving Credit Facility is based upon the Company’s average availability, at a per annum rate of either (i) SOFR rate plus a spread of between 2.00% and 2.50% or (ii) base rate plus a spread of between 1.00% and 1.50%, plus a commitment fee, as applicable, of 0.375% and plus (iii) for the period from December 1, 2022 until January 31, 2023, additional 2% per annum. Interest on the Prior Term Loan Facility was at a per annum rate based on either (i) the base rate plus a spread of 7.50% or (ii) the SOFR rate plus a spread of 8.50%. The Prior Term Loan Facility also provided that in the event of a prepayment of any amount other than the scheduled installments within twelve months after the closing date, a penalty will be assessed equal to the aggregate amount of interest that would have otherwise been payable from date of prepayment event until twelve months after the closing date plus 3% of the amount prepaid.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains, and the Prior Term Loan Facility contained, customary financial covenants and events of default under which the obligations thereunder could be accelerated and/or the interest rate increased in specified circumstances.

In connection with the January 2023 amendments to the Prior Credit Facilities, the Company incurred debt issuance costs from the lender and third parties of $4.2 million (comprised of $1.1 million in cash and $3.1 million PIK) and $62.5 thousand, respectively, during the year ended May 28, 2023.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

On May 22, 2023, the Company Curation and Lifecore Biomedical Operating Company, Inc. (together with the Company and Curation, the “Borrowers”) entered into the New Term Loan Credit Facility (as defined below) with Alcon. The proceeds of this New Term Loan Credit Facility were used to repay the Prior Term Loan Facility in its entirety. In connection with the New Term Loan Credit Facility, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended May 28, 2023, amounting to $23.7 million, comprised of a prepayment penalty of $12.9 million, write-off unamortized deferred financing fees related to the Prior Term Loan Facility of $7.6 million and third-party fees of $3.3 million.

New Term Loan Credit Facility

On May 22, 2023, the Company and Alcon entered into a Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Facility”). The Term Loan Credit Facility refinanced in full all obligations of the Company and their subsidiaries under its prior term loan credit facility. Upon entry into the Term Loan Credit Facility, the Prior Term Loan Facility was terminated and all noncompliance with debt covenants were thereby cured.

The Term Loan Credit Facility provides for up to $142.3 million in term loans, subject to certain adjustments based on the post-closing adjustments to the Purchase Price (as defined in the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement, defined below), which were funded in full on May 22, 2023. The obligations under the New Term Loan Credit Facility mature on May 22, 2029. The New Term Loan Credit Facility is secured by the same collateral that secures the Revolving Credit Facility, with relative priorities in respect thereof, as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement (as defined below).

The loans under the New Term Loan Credit Facility have a fixed interest rate equal to 10% per annum. Interest is payable-in-kind until the third anniversary of the closing date and following the third anniversary of the closing date is payable at

31

Table of Contents

a rate equal to 3% per annum in cash with the remainder payable-in-kind, in each case, unless otherwise elected by the Borrowers to pay a greater proportion in cash. The New Term Loan Credit Facility contains customary affirmative covenants including, but not limited to, financial reporting requirements and maintenance of existence requirements and negative covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on the incurrence of debt, liens, investments, restricted payments, restricted debt payments, and affiliate transactions. The New Term Loan Credit Facility contains one financial covenant, a minimum liquidity covenant, requiring $4.0 million of Consolidated Liquidity (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Facility) as of May 28, 2023 and as of the end of the first, second and third fiscal quarters of 2024 of the Company. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, the minimum liquidity covenant was increased to $4.5 million.

The Company identified a number of embedded derivatives that require bifurcation from the New Term Loan Credit Facility that were separately accounted for in the consolidated financial statements as one compound derivative liability (the “debt derivative liability”). Certain of these embedded features include change in control provisions, events of default and contingent rate increases and were determined to qualify as an embedded derivative under ASC 815-40. The embedded derivative and the New Term Loan Credit Facility obligation have been bifurcated to result in a net embedded derivative liability and is classified as a Level 3 financial liability in the fair value hierarchy as of May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023. The fair value of the embedded derivative liabilities associated with the term loans was estimated using the discounted cash flow method under the income approach. This involves significant Level 3 inputs and assumptions including an estimated probability and timing of a change in control and events of default. The Company will re-evaluate this assessment each reporting period and record any gains or losses in other income (expense). The initial recognition of the embedded derivative liability upon issuance of the New Term Loan Credit Facility on May 22, 2023 was $64.9 million and is recorded as a reduction the term loan obligation in the consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of the debt discount is based on the effective interest method over the term of the debt. The amortization of the debt discount between the issuance of May 22, 2023 and May 28, 2023 was $0.1 million, and for the year ended May 26, 2024 was $2.4 million. At May 26, 2024 and May 28, 2023, the fair value of the embedded derivative liability approximated $25.4 million and $64.9 million, respectively.

Pledge and Security Agreement

Also on May 22, 2023, the Borrowers and certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries, as grantors (collectively, the “Grantors”), entered into that certain Pledge and Security Agreement (the “Term Loan Security Agreement”), dated as of May 22, 2023, with Alcon, as collateral agent. Pursuant to the Term Loan Security Agreement, the Grantors secured their obligations under the New Term Loan Credit Facility by granting to Alcon, as collateral agent, a first priority security interest in certain collateral, including but not limited to equipment, fixtures, real property and intellectual property. The security interest granted by the Grantors under the Term Loan Security Agreement continues in effect until the payment in full of all of the secured obligations under the New Term Loan Credit Facility.

Amendment to Revolving Credit Facility

On May 22, 2023, the Borrowers and certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries, as guarantors, entered into a Limited Waiver, Consent and Fifth Amendment (the “Revolving Loan Amendment”) to the credit agreement with BMO, as lender (the “Revolving Credit Facility”).

The Revolving Loan Amendment provides for, among other things, (i) a waiver of all known existing defaults under a revolving credit agreement as of the date of the Revolving Loan Amendment, (ii) the reduction of the maximum amount available under a revolving credit agreement to up to the lesser of (x) $40.0 million, less a reserve for certain secured credit products, if any, and (y) the borrowing base (which, pursuant to the Revolving Loan Amendment, was modified to include a further reduction of the borrowing base by an additional $4.0 million), (iii) the modification of the springing minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00, with such covenant not tested until the fiscal quarter ending on or about February 28, 2024 and, on or thereafter, upon the earlier of the occurrence of an event of default or availability being less than the greater of 10% of the maximum borrowing amount and $4.0 million, (iv) cash dominion at all times the Revolving Credit Facility remains outstanding, and (v) certain other revisions to align with the terms of the New Term Loan Credit Facility and address the relative priorities and credit for borrowings related to the Company’s commercial relationships with Alcon.

In connection with the entry into the Revolving Loan Amendment, the Company also agreed to pay to BMO an amendment fee of $1.2 million, $0.8 million of which is paid concurrently with the Company’s entry into the Revolving Loan Amendment. The remaining $0.4 million obligation is payable at the earlier of (i) repayment in full of the Company’s obligations, and termination of all commitments, under the Revolving Credit Facility and (ii) the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility). The Company will accrete the remaining amendment fee over the life of the credit facility. In connection with the entry into the Revolving Loan Amendment, the Company recorded $1.2 million of debt origination costs.

32

Table of Contents

The Company records its Revolving Credit Facility deferred finance costs as an asset; as such, $1.6 million were recorded as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of May 26, 2024. As of May 28, 2023, $0.9 million and $1.4 million were recorded as other current assets and other long-term assets, respectively.

As the Company's borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility for the next twelve months will increase to above the $19.7 million as of the balance sheet date, and scheduled repayments are not due until December 31, 2025, we have determined the line of credit to be classified as a long-term liability as of May 26, 2024.

BMO and Alcon also entered into an intercreditor agreement regarding their relative rights, as lenders, in the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries that serve as collateral for their respective credit facilities (the “Intercreditor Agreement”).

On May 10, 2024, the Company also entered into the Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement, by and among Lifecore., Curation Foods, Inc., Lifecore Biomedical Operating Company, Inc., and BMO Bank N.A (the “ABL Loan Agreement”) with its ABL lender to execute a “first-in, last-out” tranche of revolving loans under the ABL Loan Agreement (the “FILO Amendment”). While not increasing the overall revolver commitment of $40 million, the FILO Amendment provides for up to approximately $2.5 million of incremental revolving loan capacity to the Company, subject to a variable cap, without changing the collateral. In connection with the FILO Amendment, the margin rate applicable to the borrowings pursuant to the FILO Amendment was increased to SOFR plus 4.25%, which is expected to increase annual cash interest expense by approximately $44,000 assuming $2.5 million in FILO tranche borrowings thereunder. The maximum capacity of permitted borrowings pursuant to the FILO Amendment will be reduced on a monthly basis commencing October 1, 2025. The Company paid a fee of $50,000 to BMO in connection with the FILO Amendment.

Limited Waivers and Amendments to Credit Agreements

On December 31, 2023, the Company entered into (i) a Limited Waiver and First Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the “Alcon Amendment”), with Alcon, which amended the Term Loan Credit Facility, and (ii) the Limited Waiver and Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “BMO Amendment” and, together with the Alcon Amendment, the “Credit Agreement Amendments”) which amended the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Alcon Amendment provides for, among other things, (i) a waiver of the specified defaults listed therein under the Term Loan Credit Facility as of the date of the Alcon Amendment, (ii) a waiver of the requirement to deliver certain historical financial statements, (iii) the inclusion of a requirement that the Company notify Alcon in advance of any layoff(s) by the Company and/or its subsidiaries that would result in a reduction in the overall headcount of the Company’s full-time manufacturing and support personnel by more than 20 persons in the aggregate, and (iv) an amendment to the financial reporting requirements under the Term Loan Credit Facility providing additional time for the Company’s delivery of its financials for the quarter ended November 26, 2023.

The BMO Amendment provides for, among other things, (i) a waiver of the specified defaults listed therein under the Revolving Credit Facility as of the date of the BMO Amendment, (ii) a waiver of the requirement to deliver certain historical financial statements, (iii) an amendment to the definition of “Applicable Margin” with respect to loans under the Revolving Credit Facility from December 31, 2023 until the “Specified Adjustment Date” (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility as amended by the BMO Amendment) (i.e., the date on which 2024 audited annual financial statements and certain other materials are delivered by the Company to BMO), and (iv) an amendment to the definition of “Eligible Accounts” thereunder in respect of certain accounts.

The Company was not required to pay any fees in connection with the Credit Agreement Amendments.

On August 8, 2024, the Company received limited waivers under its Credit Agreements relating to not timely providing (i) notice of the occurrence of a default; and (ii) the Lifecore financial plan for the fiscal year ending May 25, 2025.

Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreements

On May 22, 2023, the Company entered into that certain Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement (the “Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement”), dated May 22, 2023, with Alcon, wherein the Company sold $10.0 million (subject to certain post-closing adjustments) (the “Purchase Price”) of certain equipment, machinery, and other property associated with the production of sodium hyaluronate (the “Equipment”) to Alcon. The Equipment Sale Leaseback Agreement contains an option for the Company to repurchase the Equipment upon the earlier of (i) seven (7) years and (ii) the expansion of the Company’s existing production capacity with respect to sodium hyaluronate, for a purchase price equal to the Purchase Price, less the aggregate of all Paydown Payments (as defined in the Equipment Lease Agreement). The Purchase Price was subsequently reduced to $7.7 million based on the fair value of the equipment, as required by the terms of the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement. The difference of $2.3 million between the initial sales value of $10.0 million and the $7.7 million was added to the term loan

33

Table of Contents

agreement, which resulted in a term loan amount of $142.3 million and the proceeds to Lifecore across the two agreements did not change.

Concurrently with the entry into the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement, the Company entered into that certain Equipment Lease Agreement (the “Equipment Lease Agreement” and, together with the Equipment Sale Leaseback Agreement, the New Term Loan Credit Facility, the Term Loan Security Agreement, and the Revolving Loan Amendment, collectively, the “Refinancing Transactions”), dated May 22, 2023, with Alcon, wherein Alcon leased the Equipment back to the Company. The Equipment Lease Agreement expires upon the earlier of (i) May 22, 2033, and (ii) the date that the Equipment is repurchased by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Equipment Lease Agreement. Upon the expiration of the Equipment Lease Agreement on May 22, 2033, the Company shall automatically repurchase the Equipment for $1.00 (if not previously repurchased pursuant to the option under the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement).

During the lease term, the Company is obligated to make quarterly rental payments to Alcon equal to (i) 1/40th of the Purchase Price (the “Paydown Payments”), plus (ii) 1.5% times the Purchase Price less cumulative Paydown Payments made. The Company concluded that the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement did not meet the requirements for sale-leaseback accounting, therefore the carrying value of the equipment remains on the balance sheet and the $7.7 million Purchase Price (as adjusted) of the equipment sale finance obligation (the “Equipment Sale Finance Liability”) has been classified in Long Term debt.

The Equipment Lease Agreement contains terms and provisions (including representations, covenants and conditions) that are generally customary for a commercial lease of this nature, including obligations relating to the use, operation and maintenance of the Equipment. During the term of the lease, Alcon is not permitted to sell or encumber the Equipment. Alcon is only entitled to cancel the Equipment Lease Agreement in the event of insolvency, liquidation or bankruptcy, and its remedies for other breaches of the Equipment Lease Agreement are otherwise limited to monetary damages.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The accounting estimates that require management’s most significant and subjective judgments include revenue recognition; recognition and measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities; the assessment of recoverability of long-lived assets (including intangible assets and goodwill) and inventory; the valuation of debt derivatives liability, and the valuation of performance share units.

These estimates involve the consideration of complex factors and require management to make judgments. The analysis of historical and future trends can require extended periods of time to resolve, and are subject to change from period to period. The actual results may differ from management’s estimates. Our accounting policies are more fully described in “Part IV, Item 15. Note 1 – Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with our Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition

The Company follows the five step, principles-based model to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue, net of estimated allowances and returns, is recognized when or as the Company satisfies its performance obligations under a contract and control of the product is transferred to the customer.

Lifecore generates revenue from two integrated activities: CDMO and Fermentation. CDMO is comprised of aseptic and development services. Lifecore’s standard terms of sale are generally included in its contracts and purchase orders. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are recorded in both revenue and cost of goods sold. Lifecore has elected to account for shipping and handling as fulfillment activities, and not as a separate performance obligation. Lifecore’s standard payment terms with its customers generally range from 30 days to 60 days.

CDMO - Aseptic

Lifecore provides aseptic formulation and filling of syringes, vials and cartridges with precisely formulated medical grade HA and non-HA materials for injectable products used for medical purposes. In instances where our customers contract with us to aseptically fill syringes, vials and cartridges with our HA, the goods are distinct in the context of the contract. Lifecore

34

Table of Contents

generally recognizes revenue for these products at the point in time when the product is released through the completion of the certificate of analysis or at the time shipment is made or upon delivery of the product.

CDMO - Development Services

Lifecore provides product development services to assist its customers in obtaining regulatory approval for the commercial sale of their drug product. These services include activities such as technology development, material component changes, analytical method development, formulation development, pilot studies, stability studies, process validation, production of proprietary materials for use within clinical studies and the transfer of proprietary process documentation and results of validation to the customers. The Company’s customers benefit from the expertise of its scientists who have extensive experience performing such tasks and from the proprietary documentation and validation of processes that are received upon completion of the services that can be used by the customer.

Each of the promised goods and services are not distinct in the context of the contract as the goods and services are highly interdependent and interrelated. The services described above are significantly affected by each other because Lifecore would not be able to fulfill its promise by transferring each of the goods or services independently.

Revenues generated from development services arrangements are recognized over time as Lifecore is creating an asset without an alternate use as it is unique to the customer. Furthermore, the Company has an enforceable right to payment for the performance completed to date for its costs incurred in satisfying the performance obligation plus a reasonable profit margin. For each of the development activities performed by Lifecore as described above, labor is the primary input (i.e., labor costs represent the majority of the costs incurred in the completion of the services). The Company determined that labor hours are the best measure of progress as it most accurately depicts the effort extended to satisfy the performance obligation over time and therefore recognizes development services revenue over time based on the proportion of labor hours incurred compared to total estimated hours for an individual arrangement.

Fermentation

Lifecore manufactures and sells HA in bulk form to its customers. The HA produced is distinct as customers are able to utilize the product provided under HA supply contracts when they obtain control. Lifecore recognizes revenue for these products at the point in time when legal title to the product is transferred to the customer, which is at the time that shipment is made or upon delivery of the product to our customer.

During the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal years 2024 and 2023, we entered into a bill-and-hold arrangement with a customer. Revenue for bill-and-hold arrangements is recognized when control transfers to the customer, even though the customer does not have physical possession of the goods. Control transfers when the bill-and-hold arrangement has been determined to have substantive reason, the product is identified as belonging to the customer, the product is ready for physical transfer to the customer and the product cannot be used or directed to another customer.

Impairment Review of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset

The Company tests its goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives annually for impairment in the fiscal fourth quarter or earlier if there are indications during a different interim period that these assets may have become impaired.

On a quarterly basis, the Company considers the need to update its most recent annual tests for possible impairment of its indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill, based on management’s assessment of changes in its business and other economic factors since the most recent annual evaluation. Such changes, if significant or material, could indicate a need to update the most recent annual tests for impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible assets during the current period. The results of these tests could lead to write-downs of the carrying values of these assets in the current period.

With respect to goodwill, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macro-economic conditions, industry and market environment, cost factors, overall financial performance of the Company, cash flow from operating activities, market capitalization, litigation, and stock price. If the result of a qualitative test indicates a potential for impairment of a reporting unit, a quantitative test is performed. The quantitative test compares the carrying amount of a reporting unit that includes goodwill to its fair value. The Company determines the fair value using an income approach. Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the Company and the rate of return an outside investor could expect to earn. A goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

35

Table of Contents

To determine the fair value of a reporting unit as part of its quantitative test, the Company considers both the market and income approach as it believes that this approach is the most reliable indicator of the fair value of its businesses and the fair value of their future earnings and cash flows. The income approach is a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method which requires significant judgments. The Company estimates the future cash flows and discounts these cash flows at a rate of return that reflects their relative risk. The cash flows used in the DCF method are consistent with those the Company uses in its internal planning, which gives consideration to actual business trends experienced, and the broader business strategy for the long term. The other key estimates and factors used in the DCF method include, but are not limited to, future volumes, net sales and expense growth rates, gross margin and gross margin growth rates, and the discount rate applied. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce different results.

For trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macro-economic conditions, industry and market environment, cost factors, overall financial performance of the Company, litigation, and changes in the business in its annual, qualitative analysis to test for impairment. If the results of a qualitative test indicate a potential for impairment of an intangible asset with an indefinite life, a quantitative test is performed. The quantitative test compares the estimated fair value of an asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of such asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value. The Company uses the income approach to estimate the fair value of its trademarks. This approach requires significant judgments in determining the royalty rates and the assets’ estimated cash flows as well as the appropriate discount rates applied to those cash flows to determine fair value. Changes in such estimates or the use of alternative assumptions could produce different results.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with accounting guidance which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. The Company maintains valuation allowances when it is likely that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s income tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company takes into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect utilization of a deferred tax asset, carryback and carryforward periods and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset.

In addition to valuation allowances, the Company establishes accruals for uncertain tax positions. The tax-contingency accruals are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. The Company’s effective tax rate includes the impact of tax-contingency accruals as considered appropriate by management.

A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which the Company has accrued, is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies by jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, the Company believes its tax-contingency accruals are adequate to address known tax contingencies. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could increase the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Any resolution of a tax issue may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The Company’s tax-contingency accruals are recorded in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Debt Derivative Liability, related party

36

Table of Contents

The key inputs to the valuation models that were utilized to estimate the fair value of the debt derivative liability, related party, were (i) a weighted average probability related to the timing of a change in control over the remaining term of the debt. Changes to this input has the most significant impact to the determination of fair value; (ii) the estimated probability related to an event of default of the Alcon Supply Agreement, as amended, weighted as to 30 days from the reporting date and at the end of the term of the Term Loan agreement. Changes to this key input could have a significant impact to the determination of fair value, but the risk of a default is low; and (iii) a risk-adjusted discount rate, which has historically been moderate and does not have a significant impact to the determination of fair value. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 and continuing through the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, there were sequential declines in the change in control probabilities assumptions in connection with the Company’s review of the strategic alternatives initiative that significantly impacted the fair value of the debt derivative liability, related party. As the Board concluded its strategic alternatives review in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, the Company determined that the probability of a change of control event within 12 months after the end of the quarter was no longer appropriate and began applying a probability weighted estimate of change of control over the remaining term of the Term Loan Credit Facility, related party. The Company has estimated that the probability related to event of default of the Supply Agreement to be low and it remained unchanged during fiscal year 2024.

Performance Share Units Valuation

The key inputs to the valuation of Performance Share Units are award term, valuation date stock price, expected volatility, and risk-free interest rate. These factors are utilized in a Monte Carlo Model.

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part IV, Item 15 of this report. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those mentioned in this report and, in particular, the factors described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors”. Please see “Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements”.

Corporate Overview

Lifecore Biomedical and its subsidiaries (“Lifecore Biomedical,” the “Company”, “we” or “us”) design, develop, manufacture, and sell differentiated products for biomaterials markets, and license technology applications to partners.

Lifecore Biomedical’s biomedical company, Lifecore Biomedical Operating Company, Inc. (“Lifecore”), is a fully integrated CDMO that offers highly differentiated capabilities in the development, fill and finish of sterile, injectable pharmaceutical products in syringes and vials. As a leading manufacturer of premium, injectable grade sodium hyaluronic (“HA”), Lifecore brings over 40 years of expertise as a partner for global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories to bring their innovations to market.

Lifecore Biomedical previously operated a natural food company, Curation Foods, Inc. (“Curation Foods”), which focused on innovating and distributing plant-based foods with 100% clean ingredients to retail, club and foodservice channels throughout North America. However, upon the sale of Yucatan on February 7, 2023 and O Olive on April 6, 2023, we ceased to operate the Curation Foods business. Accordingly, commencing in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, the Curation Foods segment of Lifecore Biomedical is presented as a discontinued operation in its entirety.

19

Table of Contents

Reportable Segments

Lifecore Biomedical operates as one reportable segment, Lifecore, which is described in further detail below. This is based on the objectives of the business and how our chief operating decision maker, the President and Chief Executive Officer, monitors operating performance and allocates resources.

Change in Reportable Segments

The Company previously operated in principally two reportable segments, Lifecore and Curation, and disclosed Other which included corporate activities. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, in connection with the previously announced strategic shift and upon the sale of Yucatan and O Olive, the Company has ceased to operate the Curation Foods business. As a result, we changed the level of detail at which our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) regularly reviews and manages the businesses, resulting in a change to our reportable segments. With the exit of the Curation Foods business, the “Curation” segment ceased to exist; and “Other”, which previously included corporate general, interest, income tax and other general and administrative expenses, is incorporated into the single “Lifecore” segment.

Commencing with this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we will now manage and report our operating results through one reportable segment: Lifecore. This change allows us to better align our business models, resources, and cost structure to the specific current and future growth of our business, while maintaining the necessary information and transparency to our stockholders. Our historical segment information has been recast to conform to the current segment structure, and all previously operated Curation Food business are presented as discontinued operations.

Lifecore

Lifecore, located in Chaska, Minnesota, is a fully integrated CDMO that offers highly differentiated capabilities in the development, fill and finish of sterile, injectable pharmaceutical products in syringes and vials. It is involved in the manufacture of pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate (“HA”) in bulk form as well as formulated and filled syringes and vials for injectable products used in treating a broad spectrum of medical conditions and procedures. Lifecore uses its fermentation process and aseptic formulation and filling expertise to be a leader in the development of HA-based products for multiple applications and to take advantage of non-HA device and drug opportunities which leverage its expertise in manufacturing and aseptic syringe filling capabilities.

Lifecore CDMO provides product development services to its partners for HA-based, as well as non-HA based, aseptically formulated and filled products. These services include activities such as technology development, material component changes, analytical method development, formulation development, pilot studies, stability studies, process validation and production of materials for clinical studies.

Built over many years of experience, Lifecore separates itself from its competition based on its five areas of expertise, including but not limited to Lifecore’s ability to:

Establish strategic relationships with market leaders:

Lifecore continues to develop applications for products with partners who have strong marketing, sales, and distribution capabilities to end-user markets. Through its strong reputation and history of providing pharmaceutical grade HA and products, Lifecore has established long-term relationships with global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories and leverages those partnerships to attract new relationships in other medical markets.

Expand medical applications for HA:

Due to the growing knowledge of the unique characteristics of HA and Lifecore’s unique strength and history as a trusted manufacturer of pharmaceutical injectable grade HA products, Lifecore continues to identify and pursue opportunities for the use of HA in other medical applications, such as wound care, aesthetic surgery, drug delivery, next generation orthopedics and device coatings, and through sales to academic and corporate research customers. Further applications may involve expanding process development activity and/or additional licensing of technology.

20

Table of Contents

Utilize manufacturing infrastructure to meet customer demand:

Lifecore has made strategic capital investments in its CDMO business focusing on extending its aseptic filling capacity and capabilities to meet increasing partner demand and to attract new contract filling opportunities outside of HA markets. Lifecore is using its manufacturing capabilities to provide contract manufacturing and development services to its partners in the area of sterile pre-filled syringes and vials, as well as fermentation and purification requirements.

Maintain flexibility in product development and supply relationships:

Lifecore’s vertically integrated development and manufacturing capabilities allow it to establish a variety of contractual relationships with global corporate partners. Lifecore’s role in these relationships extends from supplying HA raw materials to providing technology transfer and development services to manufacturing aseptically filled, finished sterile products, and assuming full supply chain responsibilities.

Deliver consistent quality:

Lifecore has built a world class quality and regulatory system that is demonstrated in its results, processes and customer relationships. With over 40 years of a superior track record with global regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA, ANVISA, etc.), Lifecore is the partner of choice for companies looking for proven experience in delivering QbD, cGMP compliance, and manufacturing excellence with pharmaceutical elegance and quality. Lifecore’s world class quality and regulatory system and excellent track record with the global regulatory bodies ensure partners that they will safely bring innovative therapies to market.

Strategy

Lifecore is an FDA-approved CDMO business, which is focused on driving profitable growth with product development and manufacturing of sterile injectable products. Lifecore seeks to expand its presence in the CDMO marketplace by partnering with biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring their unique therapies to market. Lifecore’s goal of continuing success will be to execute on its three strategic priorities:

1) Managing Business Development Pipeline: Accelerate product development activities for small and large biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in various stages of the product lifecycle, spanning clinical development stage to commercialization, which aligns with the business’ overall product development strategy.

2) Maximizing Capacity: Meet customer demand by maximizing capacity in the syringe and vial multi-purpose filler production line to significantly increase the number of products produced.

3) Advancing Product Commercialization: Continue to seek out opportunities to advance customers’ late-stage product development activities by supporting their clinical programs and commercial process scale-up activities.

Significant Events During Fiscal Year 2023

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

On May 22, 2023, the Company entered into the New Term Loan Credit Facility (as defined below) with Alcon. The proceeds of this New Term Loan Credit Facility were used to repay the Prior Term Loan Facility in its entirety. In connection with the New Term Loan Credit Facility, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment in the Consolidated Statements of Operations amounting to $23.7 million, comprised of a prepayment penalty of $12.9 million, write-off unamortized deferred financing fees related to the Prior Term Loan Credit Facility of $7.5 million and third-party fees of $3.3 million.

Securities Purchase Agreement

On November 25, 2022, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Wynnefield Purchase Agreement”) with entities affiliated with Wynnefield Capital, Inc. (the “Purchasers”). Pursuant to the Wynnefield Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to sell an aggregate of 627,746 shares of its Common Stock (the “Shares”) for aggregate gross proceeds of $5.0 million (the “Offering”). The purchase price for each Share was $7.97. The Offering closed on November 25, 2022. Pursuant to the Wynnefield Purchase Agreement, the Company granted the Purchasers certain piggyback registration rights and agreed, among other things, to indemnify such parties under any registration statement filed that includes the Shares from certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities.

21

Table of Contents

Series A Convertible Preferred Share Purchase Agreement

On January 9, 2023, the Company simultaneously signed and closed the Preferred Share Purchase Agreement with a group of certain accredited investors. Pursuant to the Preferred Share Purchase Agreement, the Company issued and sold an aggregate of 38,750 shares of a new series of convertible preferred stock of the Company designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Shares, par value $0.001 per share (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”) for an aggregate of $38.8 million. The Convertible Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Company’s Common Stock with respect to dividends, distributions, and payments on liquidation, winding up and dissolution. Each holder of Convertible Preferred Stock has the right, at its option, to convert its Convertible Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, into fully paid and non-assessable shares of our Common Stock at an initial conversion price equal to $7.00 per share. The conversion price is subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, including in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, or similar events, and is also subject to adjustment in the event of subsequent offerings of Common Stock or convertible securities by the Company for less than the conversion price. Immediately following the closing of the Preferred Share Repurchase Agreement, two Series A Convertible Preferred Stock directors were appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors.

Yucatan Disposition

On February 7, 2023, the Company, Camden Fruit Corp., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Curation Foods and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Camden” and together with the Curation Foods and the Company, the “Sellers”), Yucatan Foods, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Camden (“Yucatan”), and Yucatan Acquisition Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Flagship Food Group LLC (“Flagship”, “Buyer” and together with Yucatan and the Sellers, the “Parties”) completed the sale (the “Yucatan Disposition”) of the Company’s avocado products business, including its Yucatan® and Cabo Fresh® brands, as well as the associated manufacturing facility and operations in Guanajuato, Mexico (the “Business”), pursuant to the terms of a securities purchase agreement executed by the Parties on February 7, 2023 (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”). Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, Buyer acquired all of the outstanding equity securities of Yucatan for a purchase price of $17.5 million in cash, subject to certain post-closing adjustments at closing, including selling costs, net working capital and other adjustments amounting to $5.0 million The Company recognized a loss on the Yucatan Disposition of $20.7 million in the third quarter ended February 26, 2023. The loss on the Yucatan Disposition is recorded in loss from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Sale of O Olive Oil and Vinegar Business

On April 6, 2023, the Company completed the sale of all of its Curation Foods’ assets related to the O Olive Oil and Vinegar Business (“O Olive Sale”) for an aggregate purchase price of $6.4 million, subject to certain customary post-closing adjustments, consisting of approximately $3.3 million in cash and $3.1 million seller’s note. The seller’s note matures on March 31, 2026, accrues interest at a rate of 12% payable in kind beginning on October 31, 2023 and is prepayable by the buyer at any time. Net proceeds from the transaction were used to repay borrowings under the Company’s credit facilities. The results of operations related to the O Olive Business is reported as discontinued operations. The Company recognized a loss on the O Olive Sale amounting to $0.3 million in the fourth quarter ended May 28, 2023 and is reported in loss from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. On September 28, 2023, the Company received a $2.4 million cash payment toward the $3.1 million seller’s note.

Refinancing Transactions

On May 22, 2023, the Company entered into the Refinancing Transactions (defined below). See Liquidity and Capital Resources – Refinancing Transactions for further information.

Impairment Review of Long-lived and Indefinite-lived Assets

During the year ended May 28, 2023, the Company recorded impairment charges of $1.0 million related to Yucatan indefinite-lived intangible asset related to tradenames. In addition, during the year ended May 28, 2023, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million related to O Olive’s indefinite-lived intangible asset for tradenames. The impairments were determined using the royalty savings method to estimate the fair value of its trademarks and was primarily a result of an indication of a decrease in the fair market value of the Yucatan and O Olive businesses driven by lower market valuations and a decrease in projected cash flows. The impairment charge is reported in loss from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

22

Table of Contents

Results of Operations

Year Ended May 29, 2023 Compared to May 29, 2022

Revenues and Gross Profit:

Lifecore generates revenues from the development and manufacture of HA products and providing contract development and aseptic manufacturing services to customers. Lifecore generates revenues from two integrated activities: (1) CDMO and (2) fermentation.

There are numerous factors that can influence gross profit including product mix, customer mix, manufacturing costs, volume, sales discounts, and charges for excess or obsolete inventory, to name a few. Many of these factors influence or are interrelated with other factors. The Company includes in cost of sales all of the following costs: raw materials (including packaging, syringes, fermentation and purification supplies), direct labor, overhead (including indirect labor, depreciation, and facility-related costs), and shipping and shipping-related costs.

The decrease in revenues for fiscal year 2023, compared to fiscal year 2022, was due to a $10.0 million decrease in CDMO sales primarily due to the timing of shipments and lower development revenue associated with a delay in onboarding new customers, partially offset by a $3.9 million increase in fermentation revenues due to increased demand. In addition, the year ended May 29, 2022 included $1.9 million in BreatheWay revenue that did not reoccur in fiscal year 2023.

The decrease in gross profit for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was due primarily to decreased revenue, as well as an unfavorable sales mix.

Operating Expenses:

Research and Development (“R&D”)

R&D expenses consist primarily of product development and commercialization initiatives. R&D expenses are focused on new products and applications for HA-based and non-HA biomaterials.

The increase in R&D expenses for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to higher salary and benefits expenses, including increased headcount.

23

Table of Contents

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)

SG&A expenses consist primarily of sales and marketing expenses associated with Lifecore’s product sales and services, business development expenses, and staff and administrative expenses.

The increase in SG&A expenses for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was due primarily to an increase in legal fees from compliance and other litigation matters.

Gain on sale of BreatheWay

On June 2, 2022, the Company and Curation Foods entered into and closed an Asset Purchase Agreement pursuant to which Curation Foods sold all of its assets related to BreatheWay packaging technology business in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $3.1 million. Upon the sale, the Company recorded a gain of $2.1 million.

Restructuring Costs

During fiscal year 2020, the Company announced a restructuring plan to drive enhanced profitability, focus the business on its strategic assets and redesign the organization to be the appropriate size to compete and thrive. This included a reduction in force, a reduction in leased office spaces and the sale of non-strategic assets. The Company recorded $4.2 million and $8.4 million during the years ended May 28, 2023 and May 29, 2022, respectively, related to the restructuring plan. Restructuring costs for the year ended May 28, 2023 decreased $4.2 million compared to the prior year period due to decreased restructuring activity mainly as a result of the Eat Smart Disposition in fiscal year 2022. Refer to Note 12 - Restructuring Costs in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

Other Income (Expenses):

Interest Income

The decrease in interest income in fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was not significant.

Interest Expense

The increase in interest expense during fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022, was primarily a result of paid-in-kind interest on our long-term debt.

Transition Services Income

In fiscal year 2022 the Company earned $5.8 million of transition services income related to transition services provided to Taylor Farms related to the Eat Smart Disposition which was meant to defray costs incurred to provide the transition services which are reported within Selling, general and administrative costs. In fiscal year 2023, the Company earned $0.3 million of transition services income related to transition services provided to Flagship related to the Yucatan disposition and provided to Hazel Technologies related to the BreatheWay disposition.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

The loss on debt extinguishment of $23.7 million in fiscal year 2023 was due to the New Term Loan Facility with Alcon entered into in May 2023, including the $12.9 million prepayment fee to Goldman Sachs, the prior lender, write-off unamortized

24

Table of Contents

deferred financing fees related to the Prior Term Loan Credit Facility of $7.5 million and third-party fees of $3.3 million. Refer to Note 6 - Debt for additional information. A similar charge did not occur in fiscal year 2022.

Other Income (Expense), net

The increase in other income (expense), net for fiscal year 2023 compared to the fiscal year 2022 was primarily the result of the change in the fair value of our interest rate swap liability and monetary penalties related to violations of the Registration Right Agreement.

Income Tax (Provision) Benefit

The change in income tax benefit for fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to the Company’s increase in net loss before income taxes from continuing operations and the Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal year 2023 changed from a tax provision benefit of 25.19% to a tax provision expense of 0.48% in comparison to fiscal year 2022 after adjustment for discontinued operations. The decrease in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to an increase in valuation allowance recorded against certain deferred tax assets, partially offset by the impact of federal and state research and development tax credits.

Year Ended May 29, 2022 Compared to May 30, 2021, as restated

Revenues and Gross Profit:

The increase in revenues for fiscal year 2022, compared to fiscal year 2021, was due to an $10.6 million increase in CDMO revenues from an increase in development services activities resulting in higher sales to new and existing customers and an increase in aseptic commercial shipments, resulting from increased demand from existing customers, as well as a $0.2 million increase in fermentation sales due to higher sales to existing customers.

The increase in gross profit for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to an 10% increase in revenues, as well as a favorable product mix change in fiscal year 2022, partially offset by a $3.5 million provision to reduce inventories to their net realizable value in fiscal year 2022.

Operating Expenses:

Research and Development (“R&D”)

The increase in R&D expenses for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to higher salary and benefits expenses, including increased headcount.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”)

The increase in SG&A expenses for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to transition services provided to Taylor Farms related to the Eat Smart Disposition which was meant to defray costs incurred to provide the

25

Table of Contents

transition services along with increased salary and benefit expenses, including increased headcount, as well as increased legal and other professional expenses. The Company earned $5.8 million of transition services income mostly off-setting the transition services expenses which was reported within Other (Expense) Income, net.

Restructuring Costs

Restructuring costs for the year ended May 29, 2022 decreased $5.0 million compared to the prior year period due to increased restructuring activity to prepare the Company for the transition to Lifecore. Refer to Note 12 - Restructuring Costs in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

Other Income (Expenses):

Interest Income

The increase in interest income in fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was not significant.

Interest Expense

The increase in interest expense during fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021, was primarily a result of interest and prepayment penalties incurred related to payments made on our term debt resulting from the sale of our investment in Windset, combined with higher interest rates and an increase in deferred financing costs incurred as a result of our debt refinancing in December 2020.

Transition Services Income

In fiscal year 2022 the Company earned $5.8 million of transition services income related to transition services provided to Taylor Farms related to the Eat Smart Disposition which is meant to defray costs incurred to provide the transition services which are reported within Selling, general and administrative costs.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment

The loss on debt extinguishment of $1.1 million in fiscal year 2021 was due to write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the Company refinancing its debt in December 2020.

Other Income (Expense), net

The increase in other income (expense), net for fiscal year 2022 compared to the fiscal year 2021 was primarily the result of the change in the fair value of our interest rate swap liability.

Income Tax (Provision) Benefit

The change in income tax benefit for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to the Company’s increase in net loss before income taxes from continuing operations and the Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal year 2022 changed from a tax provision benefit of 21.32% to a tax provision benefit of 25.19% in comparison to fiscal year 2021 after adjustment for discontinued operations. The increase in the income tax benefit for fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to significant decrease in the Company’s loss before tax from continuing operations, and the decrease in change in valuation allowance which offsets the impairment of Yucatan goodwill.

26

Table of Contents

Non-GAAP Financial Information and Reconciliations

EBITDA and Consolidated adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. We define EBITDA as earnings before interest, income tax expense (benefit), and depreciation and amortization. We define Consolidated adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA before certain restructuring and other non-recurring charges. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful additional information to investors about trends in the Company’s operations and are useful for period-over-period comparisons. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the comparable GAAP measures. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similar measures provided by other companies due to the potential differences in methods of calculation and items being excluded/included. These non-GAAP financial measures should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP.

The table below includes reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their respective most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

(1)During fiscal year 2020, the Company announced a restructuring plan to drive enhanced profitability, focus the business on its strategic assets, and redesign the organization to be the appropriate size to compete and thrive. This included a reduction-in-force, a reduction in leased office spaces, and the sale of non-strategic assets. Related to these continued activities:

(a)In fiscal year 2023, the Company incurred (i) $6.5 million of restructuring and non-recurring charges, primarily related to legal costs, audit fees and transition costs from the Company’s corporate headquarters relocation and the Company’s transition to Lifecore Biomedical, (ii) $6.4 million in restructuring costs associated with financial advisor and legal fees related to management of the prior term loan lenders, (iii) $5.8 million non-recurring charges primarily related to consolidating and optimizing operations associated with Project SWIFT, and (iv) $0.8 million in non-recurring charges primary related to one-time expenses incurred in the Lifecore production process.

(b)In fiscal year 2022, the Company incurred (i) $13.0 million of restructuring costs primarily related to consolidating and transitioning operations associated with Project SWIFT, (ii) $1.5 million in non-recurring charges primarily related to audit fees and transition costs from the Company’s corporate headquarters relocation and the Company’s transition to Lifecore Biomedical, and (iii) $1.4 million in non-recurring costs associated with financial advisor and legal fees related to litigation expenses.

(c)In fiscal year 2021, the Company incurred (i) $11.8 million of restructuring costs as a result of the change in the fair market value of the Company’s investment in Windset, (ii) $8.8 million impairment loss as a result of closure manufacturing operations in Hanover, Pennsylvania, (iii) $8.4 million in restructuring costs primarily related to consolidating and optimizing operations associated with Project SWIFT, (iv) $3.4 million of non-recurring charges primarily related to consolidating and transitioning operations associated with the Curation Foods business, and partially offset by (v) $2.8 million sale of the salad dressing plant in Ontario, California.

(2)We adjust the remaining Adjusted EBITDA of segments we exited during 2023 to present the adjusted EBITDA of the Lifecore business, the operating business of the Company going forward.

27

Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of May 28, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $19.1 million, a net increase of $18.1 million from $1.0 million at May 29, 2022. The Company believes that its cash from operations, along with existing cash and cash equivalents and availability under its line of credit will be sufficient to finance its operational and capital requirements for at least the next twelve months.

The Company’s future capital requirements will depend on numerous factors, including the progress of its research and development programs; the continued development of marketing, sales and distribution capabilities; the ability of the Company to establish and maintain new licensing arrangements; the costs associated with employment-related claims; any decision to pursue additional acquisition opportunities; the timing and amount, if any, of payments received under licensing and research and development agreements; the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, defending, and enforcing intellectual property rights; the ability to comply with regulatory requirements; the emergence of competitive technology and market forces; the effectiveness of product commercialization activities and arrangements; and other factors. If the Company’s currently available funds, together with the internally generated cash flow from operations are not sufficient to satisfy its capital needs, the Company would be required to seek additional funding through other arrangements with collaborative partners, additional bank borrowings and public or private sales of its securities. There can be no assurance that additional funds, if required, will be available to the Company on favorable terms, if at all.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities during fiscal year 2023 was $17.4 million compared to $22.6 million, as restated, of net cash used during fiscal year 2022 and $16.5 million, as restated, of net cash provided during fiscal year 2021.

The primary uses of net cash in operating activities during fiscal year 2023 were (1) a $99.6 million net loss and (2) a $1.8 million net gain on the sales of BreatheWay and O Olive. These uses of cash were partially offset by (1) a $20.0 million net decrease in working capital, (2) $0.6 million non-cash restructuring and impairment of assets charges, (3) $16.9 million of depreciation/amortization and stock-based compensation expense, (4) $20.7 million loss on sale of Yucatan and (5) $23.7 million loss on early debt extinguishment.

The primary factors for the decrease in working capital during the fiscal year ended 2023, was a $10.8 million decrease in accounts receivable driven by sales decreases and timing of customer payments, and an increase in accounts payable of $16.0 million related to the increase in Lifecore inventory and timing of payments. These were partially offset by a decrease of $14.8 million in inventory driven by the increase in total inventory of Lifecore, which is in alignment with our expectations for production season, and a $4.5 million net decrease in accrued compensation driven by severance accruals.

The primary uses of net cash in operating activities during fiscal year 2022 were (1) a $116.7 million net loss, (2) an $3.1 million net increase in working capital, and (3) a $6.8 million reduction in deferred taxes. These uses of cash were partially offset by (1) $78.1 million impairment of goodwill and long-lived and indefinite-lived assets, (2) $20.7 million of depreciation/amortization and stock-based compensation expense, and (3) $5.5 million Loss on sale of Eat Smart and loss on disposal of property and equipment related to restructuring, net.

The primary factors for the increase in working capital during the fiscal year ended 2022, was a $6.1 million increase in accounts receivable driven by sales increases and timing of customer payments, an increase of $2.2 million in inventory to support the sales growth at Lifecore, and a decrease of $2.5 million in accrued compensation driven by severance accruals. These changes were offset by a $9.3 million increase in accounts payable related to the increase in Lifecore inventory and timing of payments.

The primary sources of net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal year 2021 were (1) a $9.8 million decrease in working capital, (2) $23.2 million of depreciation/amortization and stock-based compensation expense, (3) $11.5 million change in the fair value of investment in non-public company, (4) $10.1 million of loss on disposal of property and equipment, related to restructuring, (5) $1.1 million of loss on early debt extinguishment, and (6) $0.9 million provision for expected credit losses. These sources were partially offset by (1) a $32.3 million net loss and (2) $7.9 million of change in deferred taxes.

The primary factors for the decrease in working capital during fiscal year 2021 were (1) a $8.3 million decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets primarily due to the Company’s receipt of income tax refunds related to fiscal year 2020’s net loss from continuing operations before taxes and carrybacks of net operating losses related to the CARES Act, (2) a $5.8 million decrease in accounts receivable driven by a decrease in Curation Foods’ revenues in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 coupled with timing of customer payments, and (3) a $3.3 million increase in accrued compensation primarily related to the amount and timing of bonus payments and deferred payroll taxes under the CARES Act.

28

Table of Contents

These decreases in working capital during 2021 were partially offset by (1) a $6.0 million decrease in accounts payable primarily due to the timing of cash payments and (2) a $2.8 million increase in inventory primarily to support the planned sales growth at Lifecore.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal year 2023 was $4.8 million, primarily due to the receipt of $11.8 million, $3.1 million and $1.7 million related to the Yucatan Disposition, BreatheWay Disposition and O Olive Sale, respectively, offset by the purchase of $21.5 million of equipment to support the growth of the Company’s Lifecore business.

Net cash provided by investing activities for fiscal year 2022 was $80.0 million, as restated, primarily including the receipt of $73.5 million related to the Eat Smart Disposition (partially offset by a $9.8 million working capital adjustment and cash expenses related to the Eat Smart Disposition), $45.1 million related to the sale of the Company’s investment in Windset, and $1.1 million of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment. These increases were partially offset by the purchase of $29.9 million of equipment to support the growth of the Company’s Lifecore businesses.

Net cash used in investing activities for fiscal year 2021 was $12.3 million, as restated, primarily including the purchase of $25.2 million of equipment to support the growth of the Company’s Lifecore and Curation Foods businesses, partially offset by the receipt of $12.9 million primarily related to the sale of Curation Foods’ factories in Hanover, Pennsylvania and Ontario, California.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal year 2023 was $39.7 million, primarily due to (1) $150.0 million proceeds from long-term debt, (2) $38.1 million proceeds from sale of preferred stock and (3) $4.8 million proceeds from sale of Common Stock, partially offset by (1) $123.7 million of payments on long-term debt, (2) $23.2 million net draw down on the Company’s line of credit and (3) $6.1 million of payments for debt issuance costs.

Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal year 2022 was $57.0 million, as restated, primarily due to (1) $86.4 million of debt pay downs under the Company’s term loan, partially offset by (1) a $20.0 million draw on the term loan multi draw accordion feature to fund Lifecore capital expenditures, and (2) an $11.0 million net draw down on the Company’s line of credit.

Net cash used in investing activities for fiscal year 2021 was $3.4 million, as restated, primarily due to (1) $48.4 million net pay down on the Company’s revolving line of credit and (2) $10.5 million of debt issuance costs incurred to refinance the Company's term loan and revolving line of credit, partially offset by $55.9 million of net cash received from the increase in the Company’s refinanced term loan.

Capital Expenditures

The Company incurred $21.5 million of capital expenditures during fiscal year 2023, which was primarily represented by facility expansions and purchased equipment to support the growth of the Lifecore business. As restated, capital expenditures incurred during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 were $29.9 million and $25.2 million, respectively, primarily represented by continued facility modifications and expansions and equipment purchases intended to increase production capacity to support the growth and increased production efficiency of the Lifecore and Curation Foods businesses.

29

Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations

The Company’s material contractual obligations for the next five years mainly relate to its debt obligations.

Debt

On December 31, 2020, the Company refinanced its previously existing term loan and revolving credit facility by entering into (i) a credit agreement with Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group, L.P. (“Goldman”) and Guggenheim Credit Services, LLC (“Guggenheim”), as lenders, which provided the Company, Curation Foods and Lifecore, as co-borrowers, with term loan borrowings of up to $170.0 million (the “Prior Term Loan Facility”), and (ii) a credit agreement with BMO Harris Bank, N.A. (“BMO”) as lender, which provided the Company, Curation Foods and Lifecore, as co-borrowers, with an up to $75.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with Prior Term Loan Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). The Revolving Credit Facility is, and the Prior Term Loan Facility was, guaranteed, and secured by, substantially all of the Company’s and the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries’ assets.

In April 2022, the Company amended the Credit Facilities to make available an additional $20.0 million of term debt that had been previously repaid. In connection with this amendment, the Company incurred debt issuance costs from the lender of $0.7 million.

On January 9, 2023, the Company entered into further amendments to the Credit Facilities to, among other things, provide for the limited waiver from events of default under the Credit Facilities related to certain financial covenant requirements, as well as a waiver of certain existing terms and covenants under the Prior Term Loan Facility, including with respect to the fixed coverage charge ratio, leverage ratio and minimum liquidity covenants,2% increase of annual interest rate, which was payable in kind, and a one-time amendment fee in an amount equal to 3% of the principal amount as of January 9, 2023. This amendment also reduced the maximum commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility from $75.0 million to $60.0 million, which was further reduced to $40.0 million upon the sale of Yucatan.

The Prior Term Loan Facility would have matured on December 31, 2025, but was refinanced in full on May 22, 2023 with the New Term Loan Credit Facility with Alcon described below. The Revolving Term Facility matures on December 31, 2025.

Interest on the Revolving Credit Facility is based upon the Company’s average availability, at a per annum rate of either (i) SOFR rate plus a spread of between 2.00% and 2.50% or (ii) base rate plus a spread of between 1.00% and 1.50%, plus a commitment fee, as applicable, of 0.375% and plus (iii) for the period from December 1, 2022 until January 31, 2023, additional 2% per annum. Interest on the Prior Term Loan Facility was at a per annum rate based on either (i) the base rate plus a spread of 7.50% or (ii) the SOFR rate plus a spread of 8.50%. The Prior Term Loan Credit Facility also provided that in the event of a prepayment of any amount other than the scheduled installments within twelve months after the closing date, a penalty will be assessed equal to the aggregate amount of interest that would have otherwise been payable from date of prepayment event until twelve months after the closing date plus 3% of the amount prepaid.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains, and the Prior Term Loan Facility contained, customary financial covenants and events of default under which the obligations thereunder could be accelerated and/or the interest rate increased in specified circumstances.

In connection with the January 2023 amendments to the Credit Facilities, the Company incurred debt issuance costs from the lender and third parties of $4.2 million (comprised of $1.1 million in cash and $3.1 million paid-in-kind) and $62.5 thousand, respectively, during the year ended May 28, 2023.

Refinancing Transactions

New Term Loan Credit Facility

On May 22, 2023, the Company, Curation and Lifecore Biomedical (together with the Company and Curation, the “Borrowers”), certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries, as guarantors, and Alcon Research, LLC (“Alcon”), as administrative agent, collateral agent and lender, entered into that certain Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the “New Term Loan Credit Facility”). Alcon is a significant customer of the Company. The New Term Loan Credit Facility refinanced in full all obligations of the Borrowers and their subsidiaries under the Prior Term Loan Credit Facility, which was terminated upon the entry into the New Term Loan Credit Facility and all noncompliance with debt covenants was thereby cured.

30

Table of Contents

The New Term Loan Credit Facility provides for up to $142.3 million in term loans, subject to certain adjustments based on the post-closing adjustments to the Purchase Price (as defined in the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement, defined below), which were funded in full on May 22, 2023. The obligations under the New Term Loan Credit Facility mature on May 22, 2029. The New Term Loan Credit Facility is secured by the same collateral that secures the Revolving Credit Facility, with relative priorities in respect thereof, as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement (as defined below).

The loans under the New Term Loan Credit Facility have a fixed interest rate equal to 10% per annum. Interest is payable-in-kind until the third anniversary of the closing date and following the third anniversary of the closing date is payable at a rate equal to 3% per annum in cash with the remainder payable-in-kind, in each case, unless otherwise elected by the Borrowers to pay a greater proportion in cash. The New Term Loan Credit Facility contains customary affirmative covenants including, but not limited to, financial reporting requirements and maintenance of existence requirements and negative covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on the incurrence of debt, liens, investments, restricted payments, restricted debt payments, and affiliate transactions. The New Term Loan Credit Facility contains one financial covenant, a minimum liquidity covenant, requiring $4.0 million of Consolidated Liquidity (as defined in the New Term Loan Credit Facility) as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company.

Pledge and Security Agreement

Also on May 22, 2023, the Borrowers and certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries, as grantors (collectively, the “Grantors”), entered into that certain Pledge and Security Agreement (the “Term Loan Security Agreement”), dated as of May 22, 2023, with Alcon, as collateral agent. Pursuant to the Term Loan Security Agreement, the Grantors secured their obligations under the New Term Loan Credit Facility by granting to Alcon, as collateral agent, a first priority security interest in certain collateral, including but not limited to equipment, fixtures, real property and intellectual property. The security interest granted by the Grantors under the Term Loan Security Agreement continues in effect until the payment in full of all of the secured obligations under the New Term Loan Credit Facility.

Amendment to Revolving Credit Facility

On May 22, 2023, the Borrowers and certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries, as guarantors, entered into a Limited Waiver, Consent and Fifth Amendment (the “Revolving Loan Amendment”) to the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Revolving Loan Amendment provides for, among other things, (i) a waiver of all known existing defaults under the Revolving Credit Agreement as of the date of the Revolving Loan Amendment, (ii) the reduction of the maximum amount available under the Revolving Credit Agreement to up to the lesser of (x) $40.0 million, less a reserve for certain secured credit products, if any, and (y) the borrowing base (which, pursuant to the Revolving Loan Amendment, was modified to include a further reduction of the borrowing base by an additional $4.0 million), (iii) the modification of the springing minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00, with such covenant not tested until the fiscal quarter ending on or about February 28, 2024 and, on or thereafter, upon the earlier of the occurrence of an Event of Default or availability being less than the greater of 10% of the maximum borrowing amount and $4.0 million,, (iv) cash dominion at all times the Revolving Credit Facility remains outstanding, and (v) certain other revisions to align with the terms of the New Term Loan Credit Facility and address the relative priorities and credit for borrowings related to the Company’s commercial relationships with Alcon.

In connection with the entry into the Revolving Loan Amendment, the Company also agreed to pay to BMO an amendment fee of $1.2 million, $0.8 million of which is paid concurrently with the Company’s entry into the Revolving Loan Amendment. The remaining $0.4 million obligation is payable at the earlier of (i) repayment in full of the Company’s obligations, and termination of all commitments, under the Revolving Credit Facility and (ii) the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility). The Company will accrete the remaining amendment fee over the life of the credit facility. In connection with the entry into the Revolving Loan Amendment, the Company recorded $1.2 million of debt origination costs.

BMO and Alcon also entered into an intercreditor agreement regarding their relative rights, as lenders, in the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries that serve as collateral for their respective credit facilities (the “Intercreditor Agreement”).

Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreements

On May 22, 2023, the Company entered into that certain Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement (the “Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement”), dated May 22, 2023, with Alcon, wherein the Company sold $10.0 million (subject to certain post-closing adjustments) (the “Purchase Price”) of certain equipment, machinery, and other property associated with the production of sodium hyaluronate (the “Equipment”) to Alcon. The Equipment Sale Leaseback Agreement contains an option for the Company to repurchase the Equipment upon the earlier of (i) seven (7) years and (ii) the expansion of the Company’s existing

31

Table of Contents

production capacity with respect to sodium hyaluronate, for a purchase price equal to the Purchase Price, less the aggregate of all Paydown Payments (as defined in the Equipment Lease Agreement).

Concurrently with the entry into the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement, the Company entered into that certain Equipment Lease Agreement (the “Equipment Lease Agreement” and, together with the Equipment Sale Leaseback Agreement, the New Term Loan Credit Facility, the Term Loan Security Agreement, and the Revolving Loan Amendment, collectively, the “Refinancing Transactions”), dated May 22, 2023, with Alcon, wherein Alcon leased the Equipment back to the Company. The Equipment Lease Agreement expires upon the earlier of (i) May 22, 2033, and (ii) the date that the Equipment is repurchased by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Equipment Lease Agreement. Upon the expiration of the Equipment Lease Agreement on May 22, 2033, the Company shall automatically repurchase the Equipment for $1.00 (if not previously repurchased pursuant to the option under the Equipment Sale and Leaseback Agreement).

During the lease term, the Company is obligated to make quarterly rental payments to Alcon equal to (i) 1/40th of the Purchase Price (the “Paydown Payments”), plus (ii) 1.5% times the Purchase Price less cumulative Paydown Payments made.

The Equipment Lease Agreement contains terms and provisions (including representations, covenants and conditions) that are generally customary for a commercial lease of this nature, including obligations relating to the use, operation and maintenance of the Equipment. During the term of the lease, Alcon is not permitted to sell or encumber the Equipment. Alcon is only entitled to cancel the Equipment Lease Agreement in the event of insolvency, liquidation or bankruptcy, and its remedies for other breaches of the Equipment Lease Agreement are otherwise limited to monetary damages.

Purchase Commitments

Subsequent to the sale of Yucatan and O Olive during fiscal year 2023, the Company no longer has future purchase commitments.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The accounting estimates that require management’s most significant and subjective judgments include revenue recognition; loss contingencies, sales returns and credit losses; recognition and measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities; the assessment of recoverability of long-lived assets (including intangible assets and goodwill) and inventory; the valuation and recognition of stock-based compensation and the valuation of debt derivatives liability.

These estimates involve the consideration of complex factors and require management to make judgments. The analysis of historical and future trends can require extended periods of time to resolve, and are subject to change from period to period. The actual results may differ from management’s estimates. Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 – Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with our Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition

The Company follows the five step, principles-based model to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue, net of estimated allowances and returns, is recognized when or as the Company satisfies its performance obligations under a contract and control of the product is transferred to the customer.

Lifecore generates revenue from two integrated activities: CDMO and Fermentation. CDMO is comprised of aseptic and development services. Lifecore’s standard terms of sale are generally included in its contracts and purchase orders. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are recorded in both revenue and cost of goods sold. Lifecore has elected to account for shipping and handling as fulfillment activities, and not as a separate performance obligation. Lifecore’s standard payment terms with its customers generally range from 30 days to 60 days.

32

Table of Contents

Aseptic

Lifecore provides aseptic formulation and filling of syringes and vials with precisely formulated medical grade HA and non-HA materials for injectable products used for medical purposes. In instances where our customers contract with us to aseptically fill syringes or vials with our HA, the goods are not distinct in the context of the contract. Lifecore recognizes revenue for these products at the point in time when legal title to the product is transferred to the customer, which is at the time that shipment is made or upon delivery of the product.

Development Services

Lifecore provides product development services to assist its customers in obtaining regulatory approval for the commercial sale of their drug product. These services include activities such as technology development, material component changes, analytical method development, formulation development, pilot studies, stability studies, process validation and production of materials for use within clinical studies. The Company’s customers benefit from the expertise of its scientists who have extensive experience performing such tasks.

Each of the promised goods and services are not distinct in the context of the contract as the goods and services are highly interdependent and interrelated. The services described above are significantly affected by each other because Lifecore would not be able to fulfill its promise by transferring each of the goods or services independently.

Revenues generated from development services arrangements are recognized over time as Lifecore is creating an asset without an alternate use as it is unique to the customer. Furthermore, the Company has an enforceable right to payment for the performance completed to date for its costs incurred in satisfying the performance obligation plus a reasonable profit margin. For each of the development activities performed by Lifecore as described above, labor is the primary input (i.e., labor costs represent the majority of the costs incurred in the completion of the services). The Company determined that labor hours are the best measure of progress as it most accurately depicts the effort extended to satisfy the performance obligation over time and therefore recognizes development services revenue over time based on the proportion of labor hours incurred compared to total estimated hours for an individual arrangement.

Fermentation

Lifecore manufactures and sells HA in bulk form to its customers. The HA produced is distinct as customers are able to utilize the product provided under HA supply contracts when they obtain control. Lifecore recognizes revenue for these products at the point in time when legal title to the product is transferred to the customer, which is at the time that shipment is made or upon delivery of the product to our customer.

During the fourth fiscal quarter, we entered into a bill-and-hold arrangement with a customer under which $3.2 million of product sales were recognized in the year ended May 28, 2023. Revenue for bill-and-hold arrangements is recognized when control transfers to the customer, even though the customer does not have physical possession of the goods. Control transfers when the bill-and-hold arrangement has been determined to have substantive reason, the product is identified as belonging to the customer, the product is ready for physical transfer to the customer and the product cannot be used or directed to another customer.

Impairment Review of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset

The Company tests its goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives annually for impairment in the fiscal fourth quarter or earlier if there are indications during a different interim period that these assets may have become impaired.

On a quarterly basis, the Company considers the need to update its most recent annual tests for possible impairment of its indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill, based on management’s assessment of changes in its business and other economic factors since the most recent annual evaluation. Such changes, if significant or material, could indicate a need to update the most recent annual tests for impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible assets during the current period. The results of these tests could lead to write-downs of the carrying values of these assets in the current period.

With respect to goodwill, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macro-economic conditions, industry and market environment, cost factors, overall financial performance of the Company, cash flow from operating activities, market capitalization, litigation, and stock price. If the result of a qualitative test indicates a potential for impairment of a reporting unit, a quantitative test is performed. The quantitative test compares the carrying amount of a reporting unit that includes goodwill to its fair value. The Company determines the fair value using an income approach. Under the income

33

Table of Contents

approach, fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the Company and the rate of return an outside investor could expect to earn. A goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

To determine the fair value of a reporting unit as part of its quantitative test, the Company uses a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method under the income approach, as it believes that this approach is the most reliable indicator of the fair value of its businesses and the fair value of their future earnings and cash flows. Under this approach, which requires significant judgments, the Company estimates the future cash flows of each reporting unit and discounts these cash flows at a rate of return that reflects their relative risk. The cash flows used in the DCF method are consistent with those the Company uses in its internal planning, which gives consideration to actual business trends experienced, and the broader business strategy for the long term. The other key estimates and factors used in the DCF method include, but are not limited to, future volumes, net sales and expense growth rates, gross margin and gross margin growth rates, and the discount rate applied. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce different results.

For trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macro-economic conditions, industry and market environment, cost factors, overall financial performance of the Company, litigation, and changes in the business in its annual, qualitative analysis to test for impairment. If the results of a qualitative test indicate a potential for impairment of an intangible asset with an indefinite life, a quantitative test is performed. The quantitative test compares the estimated fair value of an asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of such asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value. The Company uses the income approach to estimate the fair value of its trademarks. This approach requires significant judgments in determining the royalty rates and the assets’ estimated cash flows as well as the appropriate discount rates applied to those cash flows to determine fair value. Changes in such estimates or the use of alternative assumptions could produce different results.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with accounting guidance which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. The Company maintains valuation allowances when it is likely that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s income tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company takes into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect utilization of a deferred tax asset, carryback and carryforward periods and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset.

In addition to valuation allowances, the Company establishes accruals for uncertain tax positions. The tax-contingency accruals are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. The Company’s effective tax rate includes the impact of tax-contingency accruals as considered appropriate by management.

A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which the Company has accrued, is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies by jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, the Company believes its tax-contingency accruals are adequate to address known tax contingencies. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could increase the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Any resolution of a tax issue may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The Company’s tax-contingency accruals are recorded in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this report. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those mentioned in this report and, in particular, the factors described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors”. Please see “Note About Forward Looking Statements”.

Overview

Landec Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Landec”, the “Company”, “we” or “us”) design, develop, manufacture, and sell differentiated products for food and biomaterials markets, and license technology applications to partners. Landec has three reportable business segments – Lifecore, Curation Foods, and Other which are described below. Landec’s biomedical company, Lifecore Biomedical®, is a fully integrated contract development and manufacturing organization ("CDMO") that offers highly differentiated capabilities in the development, fill and finish of sterile, injectable pharmaceutical products in syringes and vials. As a leading manufacturer of premium, injectable grade Hyaluronic Acid, Lifecore brings 37 years of expertise as a partner for global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories to bring their innovations to market.

Landec’s natural food company, Curation Foods, Inc. (“Curation Foods”) is focused on innovating and distributing plant-based foods with 100% clean ingredients to retail, club and foodservice channels throughout North America.

Included in the Other segment is Corporate, which includes corporate general and administrative expenses, non-Lifecore and non-Curation Food interest income, interest expense, and income tax expenses.

21

Table of Contents

Strategy

The Company’s strategy is to maximize the value of our business portfolio by investing in growth to drive momentum at Lifecore while driving profitable growth across the organization with consumer insights driven innovation. Each of our business segments are in different life stages and have clear strategic priorities.

On August 10, 2022, Landec formally announced that we will become a CDMO-focused life sciences company with a planned corporate rebranding including renaming the Company to Lifecore Biomedical and exploring potential sales opportunities of the Company’s remaining Curation Foods assets.

Lifecore

Lifecore is the Company’s FDA-approved CDMO business, which is focused on driving profitable growth with product development and manufacturing of sterile injectable products. Lifecore seeks to expand its presence in the CDMO marketplace by partnering with biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring their unique therapies to market. Lifecore’s goal of continuing success will be to execute on its three strategic priorities:

1) Managing Business Development Pipeline: Accelerate product development activities for small and large biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in various stages of the product lifecycle, spanning clinical development stage to commercialization, which aligns with the business’ overall product development strategy.

2) Maximizing Capacity: Meet customer demand by maximizing capacity in the syringe and vial multi-purpose filler production line to significantly increase the number of products produced.

3) Advancing Product Commercialization: Continue to seek out opportunities to advance customers’ late-stage product development activities by supporting their clinical programs and commercial process scale-up activities.

Curation Foods

Curation Foods, the Company’s natural food business, is focused on transforming its business to improve operational performance. The Company launched Project SWIFT which aims to strengthen Curation Foods by simplifying the business. The Company believes that the decisive actions of Project SWIFT will help improve the Company’s operating cost structure, enhance profitability, and strengthen its balance sheet with an overall aim to deliver long-term value to shareholders. Curation Foods intends to continue to deliver high levels of product quality and safety, while successfully executing on its customer and partner commitments. Project SWIFT will continue to be implemented throughout fiscal 2023, with three strategic priorities designed to improve Curation Foods’ overall financial performance and profitability:

1) Network & Operational Optimization: Streamline the organization to maximize efficiency and productivity by continuous improvement in plant operations with lean manufacturing practices. This included the consolidation and centralization of Curation Foods various offices into its Innovation Center headquarters in Santa Maria, California in fiscal 2020.

2) Focus on Strategic Assets: Simplify the business by divesting non-core assets. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company sold its interest in the Ontario, California salad dressing manufacturing facility for net proceeds of $4.9 million. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company sold the underutilized Hanover manufacturing facility building and assets related thereto for net proceeds of $8.0 million. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2022, the Company sold Curation Foods’ Eat Smart business, including its salad and cut vegetable businesses for a purchase price of $73.5 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments based upon net working capital at the Closing Date. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2020, on June 2, 2022, the Company and Curation Foods entered into and closed an Asset Purchase Agreement with Hazel Technologies, Inc. (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to which Curation Foods sold all of its assets related to BreatheWay packaging technology business to the Purchasers in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of $3.2 million.

3) Organizational Redesign: Redesigning the organization so that it is the appropriate size for the Company’s future direction. In fiscal 2021 through 2022, the Company focused on redesigning strategic initiatives, developed and elevated internal talent and reduced overall headcount to improve efficiencies.

22

Table of Contents

The COVID-19 Pandemic

There are many uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including the scope of scientific and health issues, the anticipated duration of the pandemic, and the extent of local and worldwide social, political, and economic disruption it may cause. The COVID-19 pandemic has had and we believe will continue to have significant adverse impacts on many aspects of the Company’s operations, directly and indirectly, including with respect to sales, customer behaviors, business and manufacturing operations, inventory, the Company’s employees, and the market generally, and the scope and nature of these impacts continue to evolve each day. The Company expects to continue to assess the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and intends to continue to make adjustments to its responses accordingly.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The accounting estimates that require management’s most significant and subjective judgments include revenue recognition; loss contingencies, sales returns and credit losses; recognition and measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities; the assessment of recoverability of long-lived assets (including intangible assets and goodwill) and inventory; the valuation and recognition of stock-based compensation.

These estimates involve the consideration of complex factors and require management to make judgments. The analysis of historical and future trends can require extended periods of time to resolve, and are subject to change from period to period. The actual results may differ from management’s estimates. Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 – Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with our Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition

The Company follows the five step, principles-based model to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue, net of estimated allowances and returns, is recognized when or as the Company satisfies its performance obligations under a contract and control of the product is transferred to the customer.

Lifecore

Lifecore generates revenue from two integrated activities: CDMO and Fermentation. CDMO is comprised of aseptic and development services. Lifecore’s standard terms of sale are generally included in its contracts and purchase orders. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are recorded in both revenue and cost of goods sold. Lifecore has elected to account for shipping and handling as fulfillment activities, and not as a separate performance obligation. Lifecore’s standard payment terms with its customers generally range from 30 days to 60 days.

Aseptic

Lifecore provides aseptic formulation and filling of syringes and vials with precisely formulated medical grade HA and non-HA materials for injectable products used for medical purposes. In instances where our customers contract with us to aseptically fill syringes or vials with our HA, the goods are not distinct in the context of the contract. Lifecore recognizes revenue for these products at the point in time when legal title to the product is transferred to the customer, which is at the time that shipment is made or upon delivery of the product.

Development Services

Lifecore provides product development services to assist its customers in obtaining regulatory approval for the commercial sale of their drug product. These services include activities such as technology development, material component changes, analytical method development, formulation development, pilot studies, stability studies, process validation and production of materials for use within clinical studies. The Company’s customers benefit from the expertise of its scientists who have extensive experience performing such tasks.

23

Table of Contents

Each of the promised goods and services are not distinct in the context of the contract as the goods and services are highly interdependent and interrelated. The services described above are significantly affected by each other because Lifecore would not be able to fulfill its promise by transferring each of the goods or services independently.

Revenues generated from development services arrangements are recognized over time as Lifecore is creating an asset without an alternate use as it is unique to the customer. Furthermore, the Company has an enforceable right to payment for the performance completed to date for its costs incurred in satisfying the performance obligation plus a reasonable profit margin. For each of the development activities performed by Lifecore as described above, labor is the primary input (i.e., labor costs represent the majority of the costs incurred in the completion of the services). The Company determined that labor hours are the best measure of progress as it most accurately depicts the effort extended to satisfy the performance obligation over time.

Fermentation

Lifecore manufactures and sells pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate (“HA”) in bulk form to its customers. The HA produced is distinct as customers are able to utilize the product provided under HA supply contracts when they obtain control. Lifecore recognizes revenue for these products at the point in time when legal title to the product is transferred to the customer, which is at the time that shipment is made or upon delivery of the product to our customer.

Curation Foods

Curation Foods’ standard terms of sale, both prior to and following the Eat Smart Disposition, are generally included in its contracts and purchase orders. Revenue is recognized at the time shipment is made or upon delivery as control of the product is transferred to the customer. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are recorded in both revenue and cost of goods sold. Curation Foods has elected to account for shipping and handling as fulfillment activities, and not as a separate performance obligation. Curation Foods’ standard payment terms with its customers generally range from 30 days to 90 days. Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives (including: volume rebates, discounts, and promotions), which are accounted for as variable consideration to Curation Foods’ performance obligations. Curation Foods estimates these sales incentives based on the expected amount to be provided to its customers and reduces revenues recognized towards its performance obligations. The Company has not historically had and does not anticipate significant changes in its estimates for variable consideration.

Impairment Review of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset

The Company tests its goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives annually for impairment in the fiscal fourth quarter or earlier if there are indications during a different interim period that these assets may have become impaired.

On a quarterly basis, the Company considers the need to update its most recent annual tests for possible impairment of its indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill, based on management’s assessment of changes in its business and other economic factors since the most recent annual evaluation. Such changes, if significant or material, could indicate a need to update the most recent annual tests for impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible assets during the current period. The results of these tests could lead to write-downs of the carrying values of these assets in the current period.

With respect to goodwill, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macro-economic conditions, industry and market environment, cost factors, overall financial performance of the Company, cash flow from operating activities, market capitalization, litigation, and stock price. If the result of a qualitative test indicates a potential for impairment of a reporting unit, a quantitative test is performed. The quantitative test compares the carrying amount of a reporting unit that includes goodwill to its fair value. The Company determines the fair value using an income approach. Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the Company and the rate of return an outside investor could expect to earn. A goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

To determine the fair value of a reporting unit as part of its quantitative test, the Company uses a discounted cash flow ("DCF") method under the income approach, as it believes that this approach is the most reliable indicator of the fair value of its businesses and the fair value of their future earnings and cash flows. Under this approach, which requires significant judgments, the Company estimates the future cash flows of each reporting unit and discounts these cash flows at a rate of return that reflects their relative risk. The cash flows used in the DCF method are consistent with those the Company uses in its internal planning, which gives consideration to actual business trends experienced, and the broader business strategy for the long term. The other key estimates and factors used in the DCF method include, but are not limited to, future volumes, net sales and expense growth

24

Table of Contents

rates, gross margin and gross margin growth rates, and the discount rate applied. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce different results.

For trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macro-economic conditions, industry and market environment, cost factors, overall financial performance of the Company, litigation, and changes in the business in its annual, qualitative analysis to test for impairment. If the results of a qualitative test indicate a potential for impairment of an intangible asset with an indefinite life, a quantitative test is performed. The quantitative test compares the estimated fair value of an asset to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of such asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value. The Company uses the income approach to estimate the fair value of its trademarks. This approach requires significant judgments in determining the royalty rates and the assets’ estimated cash flows as well as the appropriate discount rates applied to those cash flows to determine fair value. Changes in such estimates or the use of alternative assumptions could produce different results.

During fiscal year 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.1 million and $3.5 million related to its O and Yucatan Foods trademarks, respectively. The Company also recorded an impairment charge of $5.2 million and $2.7 million related to its O and Yucatan Foods goodwill, respectively. The O impairment charges were primarily a result of the recently updated (lowered) financial outlook for the O reporting unit, related to a recent shift in strategic focus within the Curation Foods business segment. The Yucatan Foods impairment charges were primarily a result of an increase in the Yucatan Foods carrying value and an increase in the discount rate, as a result of uncertainty in forecasting the effects of COVID-19 and general economic uncertainties. These impairment charges are included in the line item “impairment of goodwill and intangible assets” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and both are in the Curation Foods business segment.

During fiscal year 2022, the Company recorded impairment charges of $32.1 million and $20.0 million related to its Eat Smart business and Yucatan Foods goodwill, respectively. The Company also recorded an impairment charge of $8.7 million related to its Yucatan Foods trademarks. These impairment charges were primarily a result of an indication of a decrease in the fair market values of our Eat Smart and Yucatan Foods businesses driven by lower market valuations and a decrease in projected cash flows. The goodwill impairment charge related to the Eat Smart business goodwill is included in “loss from discontinued operations” within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Yucatan Foods related impairment charges are included in the line item “impairment of goodwill and intangible assets” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are in the Curation Foods business segment.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with accounting guidance which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. The Company maintains valuation allowances when it is likely that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s income tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company takes into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect utilization of a deferred tax asset, carryback and carryforward periods and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset.

In addition to valuation allowances, the Company establishes accruals for uncertain tax positions. The tax-contingency accruals are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. The Company’s effective tax rate includes the impact of tax-contingency accruals as considered appropriate by management.

A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which the Company has accrued, is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies by jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, the Company believes its tax-contingency accruals are adequate to address known tax contingencies. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could increase the Company's effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Any resolution of a tax issue may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The Company’s tax-contingency accruals are recorded in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

25

Table of Contents

Results of Operations

Revenues:

Lifecore generates revenues from the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate (“HA”) products and providing contract development and aseptic manufacturing services to customers. Lifecore generates revenues from two integrated activities: (1) CDMO and (2) fermentation.

Curation Foods revenues for the periods presented consist of revenues generated from sales of (1) Yucatan, Cabo Fresh, and private label branded guacamole and avocado products, (2) O olive oils and wine vinegars, and (3) BreatheWay packaging to license partners. As a result of the Eat Smart Disposition, the Company met the requirements of ASC 205-20, to report the results of the Eat Smart business as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, the operating results for the Eat Smart business have therefore been reclassified as a discontinued operations for the periods presented.

Lifecore

The increase in Lifecore’s revenues for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to an $11.0 million increase in CDMO revenues from an increase in development services activities resulting in higher sales to new and existing customers and an increase in aseptic commercial shipments, resulting from increased demand from existing customers, as well as a $0.2 million increase in fermentation sales due to higher sales to existing customers.

The increase in Lifecore’s revenues for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to a $10.5 million increase in CDMO revenues resulting from increased demand from existing customers that drove an increase in aseptic filling commercial shipments, and a $1.7 million increase in fermentation sales due to higher sales to existing customers.

Curation Foods

The increase in Curation Foods’ revenues for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily driven by increased volume of sales of our guacamole and avocado products and olive oil and wine vinegars.

The decrease in Curation Foods’ revenues for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily driven by a decrease in our technology revenue primarily due to a $1.6 million nonrecurring royalty transaction in fiscal year 2020, partially offset by an increase in revenue from our Avocado Products driven by an increase in volume of sales of our guacamole and avocado products.

Gross Profit:

There are numerous factors that can influence gross profit including product mix, customer mix, manufacturing costs, volume, sales discounts and charges for excess or obsolete inventory, to name a few. Many of these factors influence or are interrelated with other factors. The Company includes in cost of sales all of the following costs: raw materials (including packaging, syringes, fermentation and purification supplies), direct labor, overhead (including indirect labor, depreciation, and facility-related costs), and shipping and shipping-related costs.

26

Table of Contents

Lifecore

The increase in Lifecore’s gross profit for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to an 11% increase in revenues, as well as a favorable product mix change in fiscal year 2022. As a result, Lifecore’s gross margin increased to 40.0% in fiscal year 2022 from 39.0% in fiscal year 2021.

The increase in Lifecore’s gross profit for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to a 14% increase in revenues, as well as a favorable product mix change in fiscal year 2021. As a result, Lifecore’s gross margin increased to 39.0% in fiscal year 2021 from 38.3% in fiscal year 2020.

Curation Foods

The decrease in gross profit for the Curation Foods business for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily driven by increased freight costs combined with increased raw product sourcing costs.

The increase in gross profit for the Curation Foods business for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to an increase in gross profits from avocado products driven by the sale of products in fiscal 2021 produced with lower cost avocados than those used for products sold in fiscal 2020.

Operating Expenses:

Research and Development (R&D)

R&D expenses consist primarily of product development and commercialization initiatives. R&D expenses in our Lifecore business are focused on new products and applications for HA-based and non-HA biomaterials. In the Curation Foods business R&D expenses are primarily focused on innovating our current product lines and on the Company’s proprietary BreatheWay membranes used for packaging produce, with a focus on extending the shelf-life of sensitive vegetables and fruit. For Other, the R&D expenses are primarily focused on creating and developing new innovative lines of products.

The increase in R&D expenses for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due an increase in Lifecore’s R&D expenses primarily due to higher salary and benefit expenses, including increased headcount, partially offset but a decrease in Curation Foods R&D expenses due to a decrease in R&D activities.

The decrease in R&D expenses for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due a decrease in Curation Foods and Other R&D expenses due to a decrease in R&D activities in these segments, partially offset by an increase in Lifecore’s R&D expenses primarily due to higher salary and benefit expenses, including increased headcount.

27

Table of Contents

Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A")

SG&A expenses consist primarily of sales and marketing expenses associated with Landec’s product sales and services, business development expenses, and staff and administrative expenses.

The increase in SG&A expenses for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to a $8.8 million increase in the Curation Foods segment driven by costs incurred related to the transition services agreement for the Eat Smart Disposition, and a $1.7 million increase at Lifecore due to increased salary and benefit expenses, including increased headcount. These decreases were partially offset by a $2.0 million decrease in the Other segment driven by a decrease in legal costs.

The decrease in SG&A expenses for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to cost cutting and restructuring efforts in our Curation Foods segment associated with Project SWIFT. These decreases were partially offset by a $0.6 million increase at Lifecore due to increased salary and benefit expenses, including increased headcount.

Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible assets, Legal Settlement Charge, and Restructuring Costs

During fiscal year 2022, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $20.0 million related to its Yucatan Foods goodwill. The Company also recorded an impairment charge of $8.7 million related to its Yucatan Foods trademarks. These impairment charges were primarily a result of an indication of a decrease in the fair market values of our Yucatan Foods businesses driven by lower market valuations and a decrease in projected cash flows. The Yucatan Foods related impairment charges are included in the line item “impairment of goodwill and intangible assets” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are in the Curation Foods business segment. Refer to Note 1 - Impairment Review of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

During fiscal year 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.1 million and $3.5 million related to its O and Yucatan Foods trademarks, respectively. The Company also recorded an impairment charge of $5.2 million and $2.7 million related to its O and Yucatan Foods goodwill, respectively. The O impairment charges were primarily a result of the recently updated (lowered) financial outlook for the O reporting unit, related to a recent shift in strategic focus within the Curation Foods business segment. The Yucatan Foods impairment charges were primarily a result of an increase in the Yucatan Foods carrying value and an increase in the discount rate, as a result of uncertainty in forecasting the effects of COVID-19 and general economic uncertainties. These impairment charges are included in the line item “impairment of goodwill and intangible assets” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and both are in the Curation Foods business segment.

In fiscal year 2021 the Company executed a settlement agreement related to a legal matter with Pacific Harvest, Inc. and Rancho Harvest, Inc., In connection with the settlement agreement, the Company recorded a $1.8 million charge after considering the total settlement amount and insurance recoveries, and this amount is included in legal settlement charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021. Refer to Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies - Legal Contingencies in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

28

Table of Contents

During fiscal year 2020, the Company announced a restructuring plan to drive enhanced profitability, focus the business on its strategic assets and redesign the organization to be the appropriate size to compete and thrive. This includes a reduction-in-force, a reduction in leased office spaces and the sale of non-strategic assets. The Company recorded $9.0 million, $3.8 million, and $4.1 million in fiscal years 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, related to the restructuring plan. Restructuring costs for fiscal year 2022 increased $5.2 million compared to fiscal year 2021 due to increased restructuring activity in our Curation Foods Segment as part of our Project SWIFT initiatives to sell Curation Foods assets and prepare the Company for the transition to Lifecore. Restructuring costs for fiscal year 2021 decreased $0.3 million compared to fiscal year 2020 due to a decrease in restructuring activity related to continuing operations in our Curation Foods Segment as part of our Project SWIFT initiatives. Refer to Note 13 - Restructuring Costs in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

Other:

Interest Income

The decrease in interest income in fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021, and 2021 compared to fiscal 2020 was not significant.

Interest Expense

The increase in interest expense during fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021, was primarily a result of prepaid interest and prepayment penalties incurred related to payments made on our term debt resulting from the sales of our investment in Windset and the Eat Smart Disposition, combined with higher interest rates and an increase in deferred financing costs incurred as a result of our debt refinancing in December 2020.

The increase in interest expense during fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily the result of (i) an increased interest rate, due to the Company's increased Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), combined with our debt refinancing in December 2020 at higher interest rates, (ii) an increase in deferred financing costs from those incurred in connection with the Company's amendments to the Credit Agreement since May 31, 2020 combined with our debt refinancing in December 2020, and (iii) an increase in total outstanding debt from $190.3 million as of May 31, 2020 to $193.9 million as of May 30, 2021.

Transition Services Income

In fiscal year 2022 the Company earned $5.8 million of transition services income related to transition services provided to Taylor Farms related to the Eat Smart Disposition which is meant to defray costs incurred to provide the transition services which are reported within Selling, general and administrative costs.

Loss on Debt Refinancing

The loss on debt refinancing was due to a write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the Company refinancing its debt in December 2020.

Other Income (Expense), net

The increase in other income (expense), net for fiscal years 2022 and 2021 compared to the respective prior periods was primarily the result of the change in the fair value of our interest rate swap liability.

29

Table of Contents

Income Tax Benefit

The change in income tax benefit for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to the Company’s increase in net loss before income taxes from continuing operations and the Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal year 2022 changed from a tax provision benefit of 16.59% to a tax provision benefit of 11.20% in comparison to fiscal year 2021 after adjustment for discontinued operations. The decrease in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to a significant valuation allowance increase and the impairment of Yucatan Foods goodwill.

The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2021 changed from a tax provision benefit of 28.63% to a tax provision benefit of 16.59% in comparison to fiscal year 2020 after adjustment for discontinued operations. The decrease in the income tax benefit for fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to a significant decrease in the Company's loss before tax from continuing operations, and the increase in change in valuation allowance which offsets federal and state research and development credits, and $2.8 million of NOL carryback benefit applied only for fiscal year 2020.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of May 29, 2022, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1.6 million, a net increase of $0.3 million from $1.3 million at May 30, 2021.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities during fiscal year 2022 was $24.4 million compared to $15.0 million of net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal year 2021. The primary uses of net cash in operating activities during fiscal year 2022 were (1) a $97.4 million net loss, (2) an $6.6 million net increase in working capital, and (3) a $6.9 million reduction in deferred taxes. These uses of cash were partially offset by (1) $60.8 million impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, (2) $20.5 million of depreciation/amortization and stock based compensation expense, and (3) $5.5 million Loss on sale of Eat Smart and loss on disposal of property and equipment related to restructuring, net.

The primary factors for the increase in working capital during the fiscal year ended 2022, was a $6.0 million increase in inventory driven by production in our Avocado Products division and to support the sales growth at Lifecore, a $6.1 million increase in accounts receivable driven by sales increases and timing of customer payments, and a $3.2 million net increase in accrued compensation and other accrued liabilities driven by severance accruals, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable of $9.3 million related to the increase in inventory and timing of payments.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities during fiscal year 2022 was $81.8 million, compared to $10.9 million of net cash used in investing activities for fiscal year 2021. Net cash provided by investing activities during fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to the receipt of $73.5 million related to the Eat Smart Disposition (partially offset by a $9.8 million working capital adjustment and cash expenses related to the Eat Smart Disposition), $45.1 million related to the sale of the Company's investment in Windset, partially offset by the purchase of $28.1 million of equipment to support the growth of the Company’s Lifecore and Curation Foods businesses.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal year 2022 was $57.0 million compared to $3.4 million for the same period last year. The net cash used in financing activities during fiscal year 2022 was primarily due to $86.4 million of debt pay downs under the Company's term loan, partially offset by a $20.0 million draw on the term loan multi draw accordion feature to fund Lifecore capital expenditures, and an $11.0 million net draw down on the Company’s line of credit.

Capital Expenditures

Landec incurred $28.1 million of capital expenditures during fiscal year 2022, which were primarily represented by continued facility modifications and expansions and equipment purchases intended to increase production capacity to support the growth and increased production efficiency of the Lifecore and Curation Foods businesses. Capital expenditures incurred during fiscal year 2021 were $23.8 million. During the fiscal year ended 2022, capital expenditures for Lifecore and Curation Foods were $23.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively, and capital expenditures for discontinued operations were $1.8 million.

30

Table of Contents

Debt

On September 23, 2016, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with JPMorgan, BMO, and City National Bank, as lenders (collectively, the “Lenders”), and JPMorgan as administrative agent, pursuant to which the Lenders provided the Company with a $100.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Revolver”) and a $50.0 million term loan facility (the “Term Loan”), guaranteed by each of the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets, with the exception of the Company’s investment in Windset.

On November 30, 2018, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, which increased the Term Loan to $100.0 million and the Revolver to $105.0 million.

On October 25, 2019, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, which increased the Term Loan to $120.0 million and decreased the revolver to $100.0 million. Both the Revolver and the Term Loan mature on October 25, 2022, with the Term Loan requiring quarterly principal payments of $3.0 million and the remainder continuing to be due at maturity.

On March 19, 2020, the Company entered into the Seventh Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Seventh Amendment”), which among other changes, retroactively increased the maximum Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement as the ratio of the Company’s total indebtedness on such date to the Company’s consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on or most recently prior to such date) to 5.75 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ended February 23, 2020, which decreases back to 5.00 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending May 31, 2020. The maximum Total Leverage Ratio thereafter decreases by 25 basis points each subsequent fiscal quarter thereafter, until it reaches 3.50 for the fiscal quarter ending November 28, 2021, and then remains fixed through maturity. The Seventh Amendment also introduced additional financial covenants that remain in effect through May 31, 2020, including minimum cumulative monthly Unadjusted EBITDA thresholds and maximum capital expenditures, as well as additional reporting requirements and frequencies. Interest on both the Revolver and the Term Loan continues to be based upon the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio, at a per annum rate of either (i) the prime rate plus a spread of between 0.25% and 3.00% or (ii) the Eurodollar rate plus a spread of between 1.25% and 4.00%.

On July 15, 2020, the Company entered into the Eighth Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Eighth Amendment”), which among other things, (i) modified the definition of EBITDA to increase the limit on permitted exclusions for certain unusual, extraordinary or one-time cash items for each fiscal quarter ending on or after February 28, 2021, to a maximum of 20% of EBITDA, and (ii) restricted the Company from making Capital Expenditures over certain thresholds. Interest continues to be based on the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio, at a revised per annum Applicable Rate of either (i) the prime rate plus a spread of between 0.75% and 3.50% or (ii) the Eurodollar rate plus a spread of between 1.75% and 4.50%, plus, in each case, a commitment fee, as applicable, of between 0.15% and 0.55%, as further described in the Eighth Amendment.

On December 31, 2020, the Company refinanced its existing Term Loan and Revolver by entering into two separate Credit Agreements (the "New Credit Agreements") with BMO and Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group, L.P. (“Goldman”) and Guggenheim Credit Services, LLC ("Guggenheim"), as lenders (collectively, the “Refinance Lenders”). Pursuant to the credit agreement related to the revolving credit facility, BMO has provided the Company, Curation Foods and Lifecore, as co-borrowers, with an up to $75.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Refinance Revolver”) and serves as administrative agent of the Refinance Revolver. Pursuant to the credit agreement related to the term loan, Goldman and Guggenheim have provided the Company, Curation Foods and Lifecore, as co-borrowers, with an up to $170.0 million term loan facility (split equally between Goldman and Guggenheim) (the “Refinance Term Loan”) and Goldman serves as administrative agent of the Refinance Term Loan. The Refinance Revolver and Refinance Term Loan are guaranteed, and secured by, substantially all of the Company’s and the Company's direct and indirect subsidiaries' assets.

The Refinance Term Loan matures on December 31, 2025. The Refinance Revolver matures on December 31, 2025 or, if the Refinance Term Loan remains outstanding on such date, ninety (90) days prior to the maturity date of the Refinance Term Loan (on October 2, 2025).

The Refinance Term Loan provides for principal payments by the Company of 5% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears in equal installments, commencing on March 30, 2023, with the remainder due at maturity.

Interest on the Refinance Revolver is based upon the Company’s average availability, at a per annum rate of either (i) LIBOR rate plus a spread of between 2.00% and 2.50% or (ii) base rate plus a spread of between 1.00% and 1.50%, plus a commitment fee, as applicable, of 0.375%. Interest on the Refinance Term Loan is at a per annum rate based on either (i) the base rate plus a spread of 7.50% or (ii) the LIBOR rate plus a spread of 8.50%. The Refinance Term Loan Credit Agreement also provides that in the event of a prepayment of any amount other than the scheduled installments within twelve months after the

31

Table of Contents

closing date, a penalty will be assessed equal to the aggregate amount of interest that would have otherwise been payable from date of prepayment event until twelve months after the closing date plus 3% of the amount prepaid.

The New Credit Agreements provide the Company the right to increase the revolver commitments under the Refinance Revolver, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions (including consent from BMO), by obtaining additional commitments from either BMO or another lending institution at an amount of up to $15.0 million.

The New Credit Agreements contain customary financial covenants and events of default under which the obligations thereunder could be accelerated and/or the interest rate increased in specified circumstances.

In connection with the New Credit Agreements, the Company incurred debt issuance costs from the lender and third-parties of $10.3 million.

Concurrent with the close of the New Credit Agreements, the Company repaid all outstanding borrowings under the current Credit Agreement, and terminated the Credit Agreement. In connection with the repayment of borrowings under the Credit Agreement, the Company recognized a loss in fiscal year 2021 of $1.1 million, as a result of the non-cash write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the refinancing under the New Credit Agreements.

In April 2022 the Company amended the New Credit Agreement to make available again $20.0 million of term debt that that had been previously repaid. In connection with this amendment, the Company incurred debt issuance costs from the lender of $0.7 million.

As of May 29, 2022, (i) $40.0 million was outstanding on the Refinance Revolver, at an interest rate of 3.00%, (ii) $103.7 million was outstanding on the Refinance Term Loan, at an interest rate of 9.5%, and (iii) the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants and had no events of default under the New Credit Agreements.

Contractual Obligations

The Company’s material contractual obligations for the next five years and thereafter as of May 29, 2022, are as follows:

Debt obligations reflect the principal amounts outstanding on the Term Loan and the Revolver at fiscal year-end. The interest payment amounts above are based on principal amounts and contractual rates at fiscal year-end. See Note 6 – Debt in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further information on the Company’s loans.

The Company’s future capital requirements will depend on numerous factors, including the progress of its research and development programs; the continued development of marketing, sales and distribution capabilities; the ability of the Company to establish and maintain new licensing arrangements; the costs associated with employment-related claims; any decision to pursue additional acquisition opportunities; weather conditions that can affect the supply and price of produce, the timing and amount, if any, of payments received under licensing and research and development agreements; the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, defending, and enforcing intellectual property rights; the ability to comply with regulatory requirements; the emergence of competitive technology and market forces; the effectiveness of product commercialization activities and arrangements; and other factors. If the Company’s currently available funds, together with the internally generated cash flow from operations are not sufficient to satisfy its capital needs, the Company would be required to seek additional funding through other arrangements with collaborative partners, additional bank borrowings and public or private sales of its securities. There can be no assurance that additional funds, if required, will be available to the Company on favorable terms, if at all.

32

Table of Contents

The Company believes that its cash from operations, along with existing cash and cash equivalents and availability under its line of credit will be sufficient to finance its operational and capital requirements for at least the next twelve months.

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this report. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those mentioned in this report and, in particular, the factors described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors”. Please see “Note About Forward Looking Statements”.

Overview

Landec Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Landec”, the “Company”, “we” or “us”) design, develop, manufacture, and sell differentiated products for food and biomaterials markets, and license technology applications to partners. Landec has three reportable business segments – Curation Foods, Lifecore, and Other which are described below. Landec’s biomedical company, Lifecore Biomedical®, is a fully integrated contract development and manufacturing organization ("CDMO") that offers highly differentiated capabilities in the development, fill and finish of sterile, injectable pharmaceutical products in syringes and vials. As a leading manufacturer of premium, injectable grade Hyaluronic Acid, Lifecore brings 36 years of expertise as a partner for global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories to bring their innovations to market.

Landec’s natural food company, Curation Foods is focused on innovating and distributing plant-based foods with 100% clean ingredients to retail, club and foodservice channels throughout North America. Curation Foods is able to maximize product freshness through its geographically dispersed family of growers, refrigerated supply chain and patented BreatheWay® packaging technology. Also included in the Curation Foods segment operating results are the dividends and Landec’s share of the change in the fair market value of the Company’s 26.9% investment ownership of Windset, a leading edge grower of hydroponically-grown produce.

20

Table of Contents

Included in the Other segment is Corporate, which includes corporate general and administrative expenses, non-Curation Foods and non-Lifecore interest income and income tax expenses.

Strategy

The Company’s strategy is to maximize the value of our business portfolio by improving operating margins at Curation Foods, investing in growth to drive momentum at Lifecore while driving profitable growth across the organization with consumer insights driven innovation. Each of our business segments are in different life stages and have clear strategic priorities.

Lifecore

Lifecore is the Company’s FDA approved CDMO business, which is focused on driving profitable growth with product development and manufacturing of sterile injectable products. Lifecore seeks to expand its presence in the CDMO marketplace by partnering with biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring their unique therapies to market. Lifecore’s goal of continuing success will be to execute on its three strategic priorities:

1) Managing Business Development Pipeline: Accelerate product development activities for small and large biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in various stages of the product lifecycle, spanning clinical development stage to commercialization, which aligns with the business’ overall product development strategy.

2) Maximizing Capacity: Meet customer demand by maximizing capacity in the syringe and vial multi-purpose filler production line to significantly increase the number of products produced.

3) Advancing Product Commercialization: Continue to seek out opportunities to advance customers’ late-stage product development activities by supporting their clinical programs and commercial process scale-up activities.

Curation Foods

Curation Foods, the Company’s natural food business, is focused on transforming its business to improve operational performance. The Company launched Project SWIFT which aims to strengthen Curation Foods by simplifying the business. The Company believes that the decisive actions of Project SWIFT will help improve the Company’s operating cost structure, enhance profitability, and strengthen its balance sheet with an overall aim to deliver long-term value to shareholders. Curation Foods intends to continue to deliver high levels of product quality and safety, while successfully executing on its customer, grower, and partner commitments. Project SWIFT will continue to be implemented throughout fiscal 2022, with three strategic priorities designed to improve Curation Foods’ overall financial performance and profitability:

1) Network & Operational Optimization: Streamline the organization to maximize efficiency and productivity by continuous improvement in plant operations with lean manufacturing practices. This included the consolidation and centralization of Curation Foods various offices into its Innovation Center headquarters in Santa Maria, California in fiscal 2020.

2) Focus on Strategic Assets: Simplify the business by divesting non-core assets. In fiscal 2020 the Company initiated the strategic sale process of the Company’s Ontario, California salad dressing manufacturing facility, which had yet to become operational and a review of strategic options for its legacy core vegetable bag and tray business. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company sold its interest in Ontario for net proceeds of $4.9 million. In June 2020 the Company began exploring opportunities for the divestiture of its underutilized Hanover manufacturing facility, and during the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company sold the Hanover building and assets related thereto for net proceeds of $8.0 million.

3) Organizational Redesign: Redesigning the organization so that it is the appropriate size for the Company’s future direction. In fiscal 2021, the Company focused on redesigning strategic initiatives, developed and elevated internal talent and reduced overall headcount to improve efficiencies.

During May 2021 we entered into a transportation management, warehousing, and transportation services agreement with Castellini Company, LLC to outsource Curation Foods’ fresh packaged salads and vegetables logistics management, including transportation, warehousing and distribution. We expect to benefit from engaging with a strategic logistics partner to increase our distribution reach into markets that we do not currently serve, improve efficiency by increased distribution frequency in existing markets and reduce our overall operating costs, thereby bringing greater value to our stockholders.

21

Table of Contents

The COVID-19 Pandemic

There are many uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including the scope of scientific and health issues, the anticipated duration of the pandemic, and the extent of local and worldwide social, political, and economic disruption it may cause. The COVID-19 pandemic has had and we believe will continue to have significant adverse impacts on many aspects of the Company’s operations, directly and indirectly, including with respect to sales, customer behaviors, business and manufacturing operations, inventory, the Company’s employees, and the market generally, and the scope and nature of these impacts continue to evolve each day. The Company expects to continue to assess the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and intends to continue to make adjustments to its responses accordingly.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The accounting estimates that require management’s most significant and subjective judgments include revenue recognition; loss contingencies, sales returns and credit losses; recognition and measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities; the assessment of recoverability of long-lived assets (including intangible assets) and inventory; the valuation of investments; the valuation and recognition of stock-based compensation; and the valuation and recognition of contingent liabilities.

These estimates involve the consideration of complex factors and require management to make judgments. The analysis of historical and future trends can require extended periods of time to resolve, and are subject to change from period to period. The actual results may differ from management’s estimates. Our accounting policies are more fully described in “Note 1 – Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with our Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition

The Company follows the five step, principles-based model to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue, net of estimated allowances and returns, is recognized when or as the Company satisfies its performance obligations under a contract and control of the product is transferred to the customer.

Curation Foods

Curation Foods’ standard terms of sale are generally included in its contracts and purchase orders. Revenue is recognized at the time shipment is made or upon delivery as control of the product is transferred to the customer. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are recorded in both revenue and cost of goods sold. Curation Foods has elected to account for shipping and handling as fulfillment activities, and not as a separate performance obligation. Curation Foods’ standard payment terms with its customers generally range from 30 days to 90 days. Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives (including volume rebates, discounts, and promotions), which are accounted for as variable consideration to Curation Foods’ performance obligations. Curation Foods estimates these sales incentives based on the expected amount to be provided to its customers and reduces revenue recognized towards its performance obligations. The Company has not historically had and does not anticipate significant changes in its estimates for variable consideration.

Lifecore

Lifecore generates revenue from two integrated activities: CDMO and fermentation. CDMO is comprised of aseptic and development services. Lifecore’s standard terms of sale are generally included in its contracts and purchase orders. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are recorded in both revenue and cost of goods sold. Lifecore has elected to account for shipping and handling as fulfillment activities, and not as a separate performance obligation. Lifecore’s standard payment terms with its customers generally range from 30 days to 60 days.

22

Table of Contents

Aseptic

Lifecore provides aseptic formulation and filling of syringes and vials with precisely formulated medical grade HA and non-HA materials for injectable products used for medical purposes. In instances where our customers contract with us to aseptically fill syringes or vials with our HA, the goods are not distinct in the context of the contract. Lifecore recognizes revenue for these products at the point in time when legal title to the product is transferred to the customer, which is at the time that shipment is made or upon delivery of the product.

Development Services

Lifecore provides product development services to assist its customers in obtaining regulatory approval for the commercial sale of their drug product. These services include activities such as technology development, material component changes, analytical method development, formulation development, pilot studies, stability studies, process validation and production of materials for use within clinical studies. The Company’s customers benefit from the expertise of its scientists who have extensive experience performing such tasks.

Each of the promised goods and services are not distinct in the context of the contract as the goods and services are highly interdependent and interrelated. The services described above are significantly affected by each other because Lifecore would not be able to fulfill its promise by transferring each of the goods or services independently.

Revenues generated from development services arrangements are recognized over time as Lifecore is creating an asset without an alternate use as it is unique to the customer. Furthermore, the Company has an enforceable right to payment for the performance completed to date for its costs incurred in satisfying the performance obligation plus a reasonable profit margin. For each of the development activities performed by Lifecore as described above, labor is the primary input (i.e., labor costs represent the majority of the costs incurred in the completion of the services). The Company determined that labor hours are the best measure of progress as it most accurately depicts the effort extended to satisfy the performance obligation over time.

Fermentation

Lifecore manufactures and sells pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate (“HA”) in bulk form to its customers. The HA produced is distinct as customers are able to utilize the product provided under HA supply contracts when they obtain control. Lifecore recognizes revenue for these products at the point in time when legal title to the product is transferred to the customer, which is at the time that shipment is made or upon delivery of the product to our customer.

Impairment Review of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset

The Company tests its goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives annually for impairment in the fiscal fourth quarter or earlier if there are indications during a different interim period that these assets may have become impaired.

On a quarterly basis, the Company considers the need to update its most recent annual tests for possible impairment of its indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill, based on management’s assessment of changes in its business and other economic factors since the most recent annual evaluation. Such changes, if significant or material, could indicate a need to update the most recent annual tests for impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible assets during the current period. The results of these tests could lead to write-downs of the carrying values of these assets in the current period.

With respect to goodwill, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macro-economic conditions, industry and market environment, cost factors, overall financial performance of the Company, cash flow from operating activities, market capitalization, litigation, and stock price. If the result of a qualitative test indicates a potential for impairment of a reporting unit, a quantitative test is performed. The quantitative test compares the carrying amount of a reporting unit that includes goodwill to its fair value. The Company determines the fair value using both an income approach and a market approach. Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the Company and the rate of return an outside investor could expect to earn. Under the market-based approach, information regarding the Company is utilized along with publicly available industry information to determine earnings multiples that are used to value the Company. A goodwill impairment loss is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

To determine the fair value of a reporting unit as part of its quantitative test, the Company uses a discounted cash flow ("DCF") method under the income approach, as it believes that this approach is the most reliable indicator of the fair value of its

23

Table of Contents

businesses and the fair value of their future earnings and cash flows. Under this approach, which requires significant judgments, the Company estimates the future cash flows of each reporting unit and discounts these cash flows at a rate of return that reflects their relative risk. The cash flows used in the DCF method are consistent with those the Company uses in its internal planning, which gives consideration to actual business trends experienced, and the broader business strategy for the long term. The other key estimates and factors used in the DCF method include, but are not limited to, future volumes, net sales and expense growth rates, and gross margin and gross margin growth rates. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce different results.

For trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, the Company performs a quantitative analysis to test for impairment. When a quantitative test is performed, the estimated fair value of an asset is compared to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of such asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value. The Company uses the income approach to estimate the fair value of its trademarks. This approach requires significant judgments in determining the royalty rates and the assets’ estimated cash flows as well as the appropriate discount rates applied to those cash flows to determine fair value. Changes in such estimates or the use of alternative assumptions could produce different results.

During fiscal year 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.1 million and $3.5 million related to its O and Yucatan Foods trademarks, respectively. The Company also recorded an impairment charge of $5.2 million and $2.7 million related to its O and Yucatan Foods goodwill, respectively. The O impairment charges were primarily a result of the recently updated (lowered) financial outlook for the O reporting unit, related to a recent shift in strategic focus within the Curation Foods business segment. The Yucatan Foods' impairment charges were primarily a result of an increase in the Yucatan Foods carrying value and an in increase in the discount rate, as a result of uncertainty in forecasting the effects of COVID-19 and general economic uncertainties. These impairment charges are included in the line item “impairment of goodwill and intangible assets” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and both are in the Curation Foods business segment. There was no impairment charge during fiscal year 2021.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with accounting guidance which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. The Company maintains valuation allowances when it is likely that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s income tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company takes into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect utilization of a deferred tax asset, carryback and carryforward periods and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset.

In addition to valuation allowances, the Company establishes accruals for uncertain tax positions. The tax-contingency accruals are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. The Company’s effective tax rate includes the impact of tax-contingency accruals as considered appropriate by management.

A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which the Company has accrued, is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies by jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, the Company believes its tax-contingency accruals are adequate to address known tax contingencies. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could increase the Company's effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Any resolution of a tax issue may require the use of cash in the year of resolution. The Company’s tax-contingency accruals are recorded in Other accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1 - Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements and our expectation of their impact, if any, on our results of operations and financial condition.

24

Table of Contents

Results of Operations

Revenues:

Curation Foods revenues consist of revenues generated from (1) the sale of specialty packaged fresh-cut and whole processed vegetable products and salads that are washed and packaged in most cases in the Company’s proprietary BreatheWay packaging and sold primarily under the Eat Smart brand and various private labels, (2) O olive oils and wine vinegars, and (3) Yucatan and Cabo Fresh branded guacamole and avocado products. In addition, the Curation Foods reportable business segment includes the revenues generated from the sale of BreatheWay packaging to license partners.

Lifecore generates revenues from the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical-grade sodium hyaluronate (“HA”) products and providing contract development and aseptic manufacturing services to customers. Lifecore generates revenues from two integrated activities: (1) CDMO and (2) fermentation.

Curation Foods

The decrease in Curation Foods’ revenues for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to a $57.7 million decrease in revenues in the fresh packaged salads and vegetables product line, which was primarily due to (1) a $35.5 million planned shift away from non-strategic revenue streams, including packaged vegetables in bags and trays, (2) an $11.6 million decrease in green bean revenues driven by a decrease in demand from food service customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (3) a $6.9 million decrease in salad revenues driven by a decrease in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The increase in Curation Foods’ revenues for fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019, was primarily due to (1) the addition of Yucatan Foods, which was acquired on December 1, 2018, that contributed a comparative increase of $34.9 million in revenues, (2) a $12.7 million increase in salad revenues, and (3) a $3.1 million increase in BreatheWay revenues. These increases were partially offset by a $17.3 million planned decrease in revenues from packaged vegetables in bags and trays, and a $9.0 million decrease in green bean revenues due to weather-related events that resulted in lower yields.

Lifecore

The increase in Lifecore’s revenues for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to a $10.5 million increase in CDMO revenues resulting from increased demand from existing customers that drove an increase in aseptic filling commercial shipments, and a $1.7 million increase in fermentation sales due to higher sales to existing customers.

The increase in Lifecore’s revenues for fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019 was primarily due to a $10.4 million increase in CDMO revenues from an increase in development services activities and an increase in aseptic filling commercial shipments, primarily due to higher sales to existing customers, partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in fermentation sales to existing customers.

Gross Profit:

There are numerous factors that can influence gross profit including product mix, customer mix, manufacturing costs, volume, sales discounts and charges for excess or obsolete inventory, to name a few. Many of these factors influence or are interrelated with other factors. The Company includes in cost of sales all of the following costs: raw materials (including produce, seeds, packaging, syringes and fermentation and purification supplies), direct labor, overhead (including indirect labor, depreciation, and facility-related costs), and shipping and shipping-related costs.

25

Table of Contents

Curation Foods

The increase in gross profit for the Curation Foods business for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to an increase in gross profits from avocado products driven by the sale of products in fiscal 2021 produced with lower cost avocados than those used for products sold in fiscal 2020, which was partially offset by (1) the decrease in gross profits primarily driven by the decrease in revenues from our planned shift away from non-strategic fresh packaged salads and vegetables segment revenue streams (primarily packaged vegetables in bags and trays), (2) the decrease in gross profits driven by a decrease in royalty revenue of $1.6 million due to nonrecurring royalty transactions, and (3) business interruption insurance recoveries received in fiscal year 2020.

The decrease in gross profit for the Curation Foods business for fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019 was primarily due to (1) the sale of avocado products that were produced during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 and first quarter of fiscal 2020 when the costs of avocados were substantially higher than current production costs, (2) adverse weather-related events impacting raw material supply during fiscal year 2020, and (3) lower gross profit driven by a planned de-emphasis of packaged vegetables in bags and trays. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in gross profits from the increase in BreatheWay revenues.

Lifecore

The increase in Lifecore’s gross profit for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to a 14% increase in revenues, as well as a favorable product mix change in fiscal year 2021. As a result, Lifecore’s gross margin increased to 39.0% in fiscal year 2021 from 38.3% in fiscal year 2020.

The increase in Lifecore’s gross profit for fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019 was primarily due to a 13% increase in revenues partially offset by temporary manufacturing inefficiencies in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020 associated with new safety protocols primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Lifecore's gross margin decreased to 38.3% in fiscal year 2020 from 41.8% in fiscal year 2019.

Operating Expenses:

Research and Development (R&D)

R&D expenses consist primarily of product development and commercialization initiatives. R&D expenses in our Curation Foods business are primarily focused on innovating our current product lines and on the Company’s proprietary BreatheWay membranes used for packaging produce, with a focus on extending the shelf-life of sensitive vegetables and fruit. In the Lifecore business, the R&D expenses are focused on new products and applications for HA-based and non-HA biomaterials. For Other, the R&D expenses are primarily focused on creating and developing new innovative lines of products.

26

Table of Contents

The decrease in R&D expenses for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to (1) a $1.1 million decrease in our Curation Foods segment primarily driven by a decrease in consulting and other professional services related to a packaging redesign and brand restage, partially offset by (2) an increase in Lifecore’s R&D expenses primarily due to higher salary and benefit expenses, including increased headcount.

The decrease in R&D expenses for fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019 was primarily due to (1) a $0.9 million decrease in our Other segment primarily due to discontinuing most R&D activities at corporate, (2) a $0.3 million decrease in our Curation Foods segment driven by a decrease in legal and other professional services, partially offset by (3) an increase in Lifecore’s R&D expenses primarily due to higher salary and benefit expenses driven by an increase in headcount related to increased development activities.

Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A")

SG&A expenses consist primarily of sales and marketing expenses associated with Landec’s product sales and services, business development expenses, and staff and administrative expenses.

The decrease in SG&A expenses for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to a $7.5 million decrease at Curation Foods primarily due to cost savings driven by our restructuring efforts associated with Project SWIFT and lower salary and related expenses. These decreases were partially offset by a $0.6 million increase at Lifecore due to increased salary and benefit expenses, including increased headcount.

The increase in SG&A expenses for fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019 was due to (1) a $6.8 million increase in our Other segment primarily due to a (a) $6.0 million increase in legal fees related to compliance and other legal matters and (b) a $3.0 million greater reduction of the earn out liability (reduction of SG&A costs) associated with the O acquisition in the same period last year compared to the current period, and (c) a $1.8 million decrease in salaries and related benefits due to a decrease in headcount and bonus expense, (2) a $2.3 million increase in our Curation Foods business primarily due to (a) $3.0 million of increased SG&A at Yucatan Foods, which is primarily due to a full year of SG&A expenses in fiscal 2020 compared to a partial year in fiscal 2019, net of merger and acquisition costs incurred, in the same period last year, (b) the $1.2 million reserve for the receivable from Pacific Harvest, partially offset by, (c) a $1.6 million decrease in consulting fees, most of which was associated with Curation Foods’ cost saving initiatives, and (3) a $1.0 million increase in our Lifecore business SG&A due to higher salary and benefit expenses driven by an increase in headcount.

Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible assets, Legal Settlement Charge, and Restructuring Costs

During fiscal year 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.1 million and $3.5 million related to its O and Yucatan Foods trademarks, respectively. The Company also recorded an impairment charge of $5.2 million and $2.7 million related to its O and Yucatan Foods goodwill, respectively. The O impairment charges were primarily a result of the recently updated (lowered) financial outlook for the O reporting unit, related to a recent shift in strategic focus within the Curation Foods business segment. The Yucatan Foods impairment charges were primarily a result of an increase in the Yucatan Foods carrying

27

Table of Contents

value and in increase in discount rate, as a result of uncertainty in forecasting the effects of COVID-19 and general economic uncertainties. These impairment charges are included in the line item “impairment of goodwill and intangible assets” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and both are in the Curation Foods business segment. Refer to Note 1 - Impairment Review of Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

In fiscal year 2021 the Company executed a settlement agreement related to a legal matter with Pacific Harvest, Inc. and Rancho Harvest, Inc., In connection with the settlement agreement, the Company recorded a $1.8 million charge after considering the total settlement amount and insurance recoveries, and this amount is included in legal settlement charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021. Refer to Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies - Legal Contingencies in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

During fiscal year 2020, the Company announced a restructuring plan to drive enhanced profitability, focus the business on its strategic assets and redesign the organization to be the appropriate size to compete and thrive. This includes a reduction-in-force, a reduction in leased office spaces and the sale of non-strategic assets. The Company recorded $17.6 million and $17.3 million in fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to the restructuring plan. Refer to Note 14 - Restructuring Costs in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.

Other:

Dividend Income

Dividend income is derived from the dividends accrued during each period on the Company’s previously held $15.0 million Senior A and $7.0 million Senior B preferred stock investment in Windset, which each yielded a cash dividend of 7.5% annually. There was no change in dividend income for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2021 compared to May 31, 2020. The decrease in dividend income for fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019 was due to the sale of the Company’s previously held $7.0 million Senior B preferred stock to Windset in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019.

Subsequent to fiscal year end 2021, the Company sold its remaining investment in Windset on June 1, 2021.

Interest Income

The decrease in interest income in fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020, and 2020 compared to fiscal 2019 was not significant.

Interest Expense

The increase in interest expense during fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily the result of (i) an increased interest rate, due to the Company's increased Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), combined with our debt refinancing in December 2020 at higher interest rates, (ii) an increase in deferred financing costs from those incurred in connection with the Company's amendments to the Credit Agreement since May 31, 2020 combined with our debt refinancing in December 2020, and (iii) an increase in total outstanding debt from $190.3 million as of May 31, 2020 to $193.9 million as of May 30, 2021.

The increase in interest expense during fiscal year 2020, compared to fiscal year 2019, was the result of an increase in total debt from $149.0 million as of May 26, 2019 to $190.3 million as of May 31, 2020. The increase in debt was primarily due to additional borrowings to fund working capital requirements and new equipment purchases during fiscal year 2020.

28

Table of Contents

Loss on Debt Refinancing

The loss on debt refinancing was due to a write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the Company refinancing its debt in December 2020.

Other Income (Expense)

The decrease in other income (expense) for fiscal year 2021 was primarily the result of the change in fair value of the Company’s previously held investment in Windset, which decreased $11.8 million for the twelve months ended May 30, 2021, compared to a decrease of $4.2 million for the twelve months ended May 31, 2020.

The decrease in other income (expense) for fiscal year 2020 was a result of the change in the fair value of the Company’s previously held investment in Windset, which decreased $4.2 million for the twelve months ended May 31, 2020, compared to an increase of $1.6 million for the twelve months ended May 26, 2019.

Subsequent to fiscal year end 2021, the Company sold its investment in Windset on June 1, 2021.

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

The change in income tax (expense) benefit for fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 was primarily due to the Company’s reduction in net loss before income taxes and the Company’s effective tax rate decreasing to 19% in fiscal year 2021 from 26% in fiscal year 2020. The effective tax rate differs for fiscal year 2021 from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% as a result of several factors, including the Company’s benefit of federal and state research and development credits, and the change in valuation allowance established against federal, California, and other state attributes expected to expire prior to recognition.

The change in income tax (expense) benefit for fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019 was primarily due to the decrease in the Company’s profit before income taxes, carryback of net operating losses driven by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), and the benefit of federal and state research and development credits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of May 30, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1.3 million, a net increase of $0.9 million from $0.4 million at May 31, 2020.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal year 2021 was $15.0 million compared to the use of $17.0 million of cash from operating activities during fiscal year 2020. The primary sources of net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal year 2021 were from (1) Lifecore’s net income from continuing operations and (2) a net decrease of $8.9 million in working capital. These sources of cash were offset by Curation Foods and Other operating loss from continuing operations.

The primary factors for the decrease in working capital during fiscal year 2021 were (1) a $7.9 million decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets primarily due to the Company’s receipt of income tax refunds related to fiscal year 2020’s net loss from continuing operations before taxes and carrybacks of net operating losses related to the CARES Act, (2) a $5.8 million decrease in accounts receivable driven by an decrease in Curation Foods’ revenues in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 coupled with timing of customer payments, and (3) a $3.3 million increase in accrued compensation primarily related to the amount and timing of bonus payments and deferred payroll taxes under the CARES Act. These decreases in working capital during 2021 were partially offset by (1) a $6.0 million decrease in accounts payable primarily due to the timing of cash payments and (2) a $3.4 million increase in inventory primarily to support the planned sales growth at Lifecore.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for fiscal year 2021 was $10.9 million compared to $23.9 million for the same period last year. The use of cash in investing activities for fiscal year 2021, was primarily due to the purchase of $23.8 million of equipment to support the growth of the Company’s Lifecore and Curation Foods businesses, partially offset by the receipt of $12.9 million primarily related to the sale of Curation Foods’ factories in Hanover, Pennsylvania and Ontario, California.

29

Table of Contents

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal year 2021 was $3.4 million compared to $40.0 million of net cash provided by financing activities for the same period last year. The net cash used by financing activities during fiscal year 2021 was primarily due to the $48.4 million net pay down on the Company’s revolving line of credit and $10.5 million of debt issuance costs incurred to refinance the Company's term loan and revolving line of credit. The net cash used by these financing activities was primarily offset by the $55.9 million of net cash received from the increase in the Company’s refinanced term loan.

Capital Expenditures

Landec incurred $23.8 million of capital expenditures during fiscal year 2021, which were primarily represented by continued facility modifications and expansions and equipment purchases intended to increase production capacity to support the growth and increased production efficiency of the Lifecore and Curation Foods businesses. Capital expenditures incurred during fiscal year 2020 were $26.7 million.

Debt

On September 23, 2016, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with JPMorgan, BMO Harris Bank N.A. ("BMO"), and City National Bank, as lenders (collectively, the “Lenders”), and JPMorgan as administrative agent, pursuant to which the Lenders provided the Company with a $100.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Revolver”) and a $50.0 million term loan facility (the “Term Loan”), guaranteed by each of the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets, with the exception of the Company’s investment in Windset.

On November 30, 2018, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, which increased the Term Loan to $100.0 million and the Revolver to $105.0 million.

On October 25, 2019, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, which increased the Term Loan to $120.0 million and decreased the revolver to $100.0 million. Both the Revolver and the Term Loan mature on October 25, 2022, with the Term Loan requiring quarterly principal payments of $3.0 million and the remainder continuing to be due at maturity.

On March 19, 2020, the Company entered into the Seventh Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Seventh Amendment”), which among other changes, retroactively increased the maximum Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement as the ratio of the Company’s total indebtedness on such date to the Company’s consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on or most recently prior to such date) to 5.75 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ended February 23, 2020, which decreases back to 5.00 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending May 31, 2020. The maximum Total Leverage Ratio thereafter decreases by 25 basis points each subsequent fiscal quarter thereafter, until it reaches 3.50 for the fiscal quarter ending November 28, 2021, and then remains fixed through maturity. The Seventh Amendment also introduced additional financial covenants that remain in effect through May 31, 2020, including minimum cumulative monthly Unadjusted EBITDA thresholds and maximum capital expenditures, as well as additional reporting requirements and frequencies. Interest on both the Revolver and the Term Loan continues to be based upon the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio, at a per annum rate of either (i) the prime rate plus a spread of between 0.25% and 3.00% or (ii) the Eurodollar rate plus a spread of between 1.25% and 4.00%.

On July 15, 2020, the Company entered into the Eighth Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Eighth Amendment”), which among other things, (i) modified the definition of EBITDA to increase the limit on permitted exclusions for certain unusual, extraordinary or one-time cash items for each fiscal quarter ending on or after February 28, 2021, to a maximum of 20% of EBITDA, and (ii) restricted the Company from making Capital Expenditures over certain thresholds. Interest continued to be based on the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio, at a revised per annum Applicable Rate of either (i) the prime rate plus a spread of between 0.75% and 3.50% or (ii) the Eurodollar rate plus a spread of between 1.75% and 4.50%, plus, in each case, a commitment fee, as applicable, of between 0.15% and 0.55%, as further described in the Eighth Amendment.

On December 31, 2020, the Company refinanced its existing Term Loan and Revolver by entering into two separate Credit Agreements (the "New Credit Agreements") with BMO and Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group, L.P. (“Goldman”) and Guggenheim Credit Services, LLC ("Guggenheim"), as lenders (collectively, the “Refinance Lenders”). Pursuant to the credit agreement related to the revolving credit facility, BMO has provided the Company, Curation Foods and Lifecore, as co-borrowers, with an up to $75.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Refinance Revolver”) and serves as administrative agent of the Refinance Revolver. Pursuant to the credit agreement related to the term loan, Goldman and Guggenheim have provided the Company, Curation Foods and Lifecore, as co-borrowers, with an up to $170.0 million term loan facility (split equally between

30

Table of Contents

Goldman and Guggenheim) (the “Refinance Term Loan”) and Goldman serves as administrative agent of the Refinance Term Loan. The Refinance Revolver and Refinance Term Loan are guaranteed, and secured by, substantially all of the Company’s and the Company's direct and indirect subsidiaries' assets.

The Refinance Term Loan matures on December 31, 2025. The Refinance Revolver matures on December 31, 2025 or, if the Refinance Term Loan remains outstanding on such date, ninety (90) days prior to the maturity date of the Refinance Term Loan (on October 2, 2025).

The Refinance Term Loan provides for principal payments by the Company of 5% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears in equal installments, commencing on March 30, 2023, with the remainder due at maturity.

Interest on the Refinance Revolver is based upon the Company’s average availability, at a per annum rate of either (i) LIBOR rate plus a spread of between 2.00% and 2.50% or (ii) base rate plus a spread of between 1.00% and 1.50%, plus a commitment fee, as applicable, of 0.375%. Interest on the Refinance Term Loan is at a per annum rate based on either (i) the base rate plus a spread of 7.50% or (ii) the LIBOR rate plus a spread of 8.50%.

The New Credit Agreements provide the Company the right to increase the revolver commitments under the Refinance Revolver, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions (including consent from BMO), by obtaining additional commitments from either BMO or another lending institution at an amount of up to $15.0 million.

The New Credit Agreements contain customary financial covenants and events of default under which the obligations thereunder could be accelerated and/or the interest rate increased in specified circumstances.

In connection with the New Credit Agreements, the Company incurred debt issuance costs from the lender and third-parties of $10.2 million.

Concurrent with the close of the New Credit Agreements, the Company repaid all outstanding borrowings under the current Credit Agreement, and terminated the Credit Agreement. In connection with the repayment of borrowings under the Credit Agreement, the Company recognized a loss in fiscal year 2021 of $1.1 million, as a result of the non-cash write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the refinancing under the New Credit Agreements.

As of May 30, 2021, (i) $29.0 million was outstanding on the Refinance Revolver, at an interest rate of 3.0%, (ii) $170.0 million was outstanding on the Refinance Term Loan, at an interest rate of 9.5%, and (iii) the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants and had no events of default under the New Credit Agreements.

Contractual Obligations

The Company’s material contractual obligations for the next five years and thereafter as of May 30, 2021, are as follows:

Debt obligations reflect the principal amounts outstanding on the Term Loan and the Revolver at fiscal year-end. The interest payment amounts above are based on principal amounts and contractual rates at fiscal year-end. See “Note 7 – Debt” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further information on the Company’s loans.

The Company’s future capital requirements will depend on numerous factors, including the progress of its research and development programs; the continued development of marketing, sales and distribution capabilities; the ability of the Company to establish and maintain new licensing arrangements; the costs associated with employment-related claims; any decision to pursue additional acquisition opportunities; weather conditions that can affect the supply and price of produce, the timing and amount, if any, of payments received under licensing and research and development agreements; the costs involved in preparing, filing,

31

Table of Contents

prosecuting, defending, and enforcing intellectual property rights; the ability to comply with regulatory requirements; the emergence of competitive technology and market forces; the effectiveness of product commercialization activities and arrangements; and other factors. If the Company’s currently available funds, together with the internally generated cash flow from operations are not sufficient to satisfy its capital needs, the Company would be required to seek additional funding through other arrangements with collaborative partners, additional bank borrowings and public or private sales of its securities. There can be no assurance that additional funds, if required, will be available to the Company on favorable terms, if at all.

The Company believes that its cash from operations, along with existing cash and cash equivalents and availability under its line of credit will be sufficient to finance its operational and capital requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is not a party to any agreements with, or commitments to, any special purpose entities that would constitute material off-balance sheet financing.