ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The interim financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contained in the Annual Report filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023 and the audited financial statements of Legacy Nuburu for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 included in the Amendment No. 1 to Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those under “Risk Factors” in this quarterly report and our Annual Report that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Unless otherwise indicated, references in this section to “Nuburu,” “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to Nuburu, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary, Nuburu Subsidiary, Inc.
The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
Company Overview
Nuburu, Inc. is a leading innovator in high-power, high-brightness blue laser technology that is focused on bringing breakthrough improvements to a broad range of high value applications including welding and 3D printing. By delivering increased speed and quality we hope to enhance productivity and cost efficiency for manufacturers in the e-mobility, consumer electronics, aerospace and defense and 3D printing markets as well as to find additional applications currently not yet serviced by existing laser technologies.
We have invented, patented and developed what we believe to be the next pivotal point for manufacturing technology, with the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by changing how products are made. Our technology is also aligned with the need to reduce carbon generation in manufacturing. The Nuburu laser system outperforms currently available alternatives by more efficiently coupling heat into the material being processed, thereby helping to promote a more sustainable future by using less energy and, in turn, generating less carbon in the manufacturing process.
A fundamental physical characteristic is that metals absorb blue laser light better than infrared laser light. In the case of materials such as gold, copper, silver and aluminum the advantage of blue laser light is substantial. The better absorption results in substantial improvements in the quality of the part produced, the yield of parts during production and the speed at which the part can be produced. We believe that these advantages enable efficiencies in the overall productivity of the manufacturing line and can extend the life of the products produced. We also believe that these characteristics will be advantageous to our customers, whether in upgrading existing manufacturing processes or enabling entirely new approaches to manufacturing through the use of Nuburu’s laser systems in either industrial welding or 3D printing technology applications.
Nuburu is currently shipping blue laser systems for welding applications such as batteries, large screen displays and cell phone components. Nuburu has over 190 granted and pending patents and patent applications globally, which include: blue laser applications such as welding, blue laser technologies, single mode blue laser technology, blue Raman laser technologies, addressable array technologies, and 3D printing using blue lasers. Notably, Nuburu has been awarded patent protection for the use of high-power blue lasers.
Given the size, complexity and value of our blue laser technology, our sales to date have come from long-term discussions between our management team and our current customers. Based on our experiences so far, we expect the approximate adoption timelines of our customers from first contact to first purchase order to range up to 22-24 months. Going forward, we intend to expand our marketing efforts and as we pursue a more widespread adoption of our blue laser technology.
We have developed and trained and expect to continue to develop and train third-party distributors that provide sales and customer support functions in their specific territory, including business development and sales, application and service support and local marketing. Our distributors are and are expected to be an integral part of our sales and marketing strategy. The Americas region is managed from our headquarters, but we have distributor partners located in key countries worldwide to help target current and prospective customers in Asia (particularly in China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, India and Taiwan) and in Europe.
We generated total revenue of $469,989 and $90,000 and had net losses of $4,767,517 and $2,287,794 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 respectively.
We expect to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future, as we:
•continue our research and development efforts;
•devote substantial resources to commercializing new products; and
•operate as a public company.
Accordingly, we may seek to fund our operations through public or private equity, debt financings or other sources. However, we may be unable to raise additional funds or enter into such other arrangements when needed on favorable terms or at all. Our failure to raise capital or enter into such other arrangements as and when needed would have a negative impact on our financial condition.
22
The Business Combination
On January 31, 2023, we consummated the Business Combination. We received net proceeds from the Business Combination totaling $3,243,079, prior to deducting transaction and issuance costs. The cash resulting from the Business Combination is expected to be used toward our corporate growth strategy related to the commercialization of our blue laser systems and the scaling of our manufacturing operations to meet customer demand. The cash raised from the Business Combination is also expected to be used to fund investments in personnel and research and development as well as provide liquidity for the funding of our ongoing operating expenses.
The Business Combination is accounted for as a reverse recapitalization for financial statement reporting purposes with Legacy Nuburu deemed to be the acquirer and Tailwind deemed to be the acquiree. Under this method of accounting, Tailwind will be treated as the acquired company for financial statement reporting purposes.
Being an SEC-registered and publicly traded company will require us to hire additional personnel and to implement procedures and processes to address public company regulatory requirements and customary practices. Compared to the operations of Legacy Nuburu, we expect to incur additional annual expenses as a public company for, among other things, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, and additional internal and external accounting, legal, and administrative resources, including increased personnel costs, audit and other professional service fees.
Key Factors Affecting Our Performance
Commercial Launch of Products
We have begun the production and shipment of our AO-650 laser, and we announced the commercial launch of the first laser in the NUBURU BLTM series, the BL-250, in January 2023. We are currently in the manufacturing ramp-up for the BL series. Any delays in the ramp-up may impact our revenue.
Adoption of our Blue Laser Technology
We believe that Nuburu blue laser technology offers a superior solution to improving a variety of aspects of welding and 3D printing, particularly in the manufacturing of batteries, consumer electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy products and displays. However, our financial results will depend on the degree to which potential and current customers recognize the benefits of our blue laser technology and invest in our products. The selection process for our products is lengthy, typically up to 24 months, and may require us to incur costs in pursuing opportunities with no assurance that our products will be selected, which are included in selling and marketing expenses and research and development expenses.
Capital Equipment
Our business is expected to depend substantially upon capital expenditures by end users, particularly by manufacturers using our products for materials processing, which includes general manufacturing, automotive, particularly electric vehicles, other transportation, aerospace, heavy industry, consumer, semiconductor and electronics. Although applications within materials processing are broad, the capital equipment market in general is cyclical and historically has experienced sudden and severe downturns. For the foreseeable future, our operations will continue to depend upon capital expenditures by end users of materials processing equipment and will be subject to the broader fluctuations of capital equipment spending.
Recent inflationary pressures are resulting in global central banks adopting less accommodating monetary policies and increasing interest rates. Higher interest rates could impact global growth and could lead to a recession that may reduce the investment in capital equipment. In addition, higher interest rates would increase the cost of equipment financed with leases or debt.
Establishing Manufacturing Capacity
Nuburu’s lasers are designed to be compatible with automated manufacturing methods. Nuburu continually improves the design of its lasers as well as the automation equipment required to manufacture these systems. We expect to work to reduce waste and limit costs while developing robust manufacturing processes with the aim of enhancing our competitive advantage in the marketplace. To do this, we expect to incorporate the Six Sigma Lean methodologies as well as ISO quality standards to ensure we meet customer expectations. With Six Sigma, we expect to further improve the quality of our products and decrease the variations that cause rework or defects. By incorporating the 5S pillars of the Six Sigma process into our day-to-day work life, we expect to develop a streamlined productive work environment ensuring organized and improved cycle times, with the aim of reducing the cost of goods sold. Through these tools we aim to create an environment that demands quality and performance, while reducing downtime and defects that are generated from undefined processes and underutilized talent.
We anticipate that as we ramp up our manufacturing, we will require additional engineers and production personnel to build out and then operate our manufacturing capabilities.
Research and Development Expenses
We plan to continue to invest in research and development to improve our existing components and products and develop new components, products, systems and applications technology. We believe that these investments will sustain our position as a leader in the blue laser industry and will support the development
23
of new products that can address new markets and growth opportunities. The amount of research and development expense we incur may vary from period to period.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Since its outbreak in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, affected production and sales across a range of industries and led to national and local governments imposing a variety of measures designed to contain the pandemic.
To date, we have experienced some delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, we have not materially altered any terms with contractors, suppliers, customers, other business partners or our financing sources. We also continue to execute on our strategic plans and operational initiatives. However, the extent to which our operations and financial condition will be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including our ability to execute our business strategies and initiatives in the expected time frame, will depend on future developments that cannot be accurately predicted at this time and are uncertain, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic (including the emergence of new variants that may be more contagious or severe, and may be less responsive to vaccines or treatments), the reimposition of measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic or address its impact and the timing of global recovery and economic normalization, among other uncertainties and other factors identified in “Risk Factors” that may result in delays or modifications to these plans and initiatives.
Inflationary Pressure
The U.S. economy has experienced increased inflation recently, including as a result of expansive monetary policy designed to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our cost to manufacture our systems is heavily influenced by the cost of the key components and materials used in each system, cost of labor, as well as cost of equipment.
Components of Statements of Operations
Sales, Net
Sales, net consists of revenue recognized from sales and installation services of high-powered lasers. We have customers in the United States, Europe and Asia. In all sales arrangements, revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales primarily consists of the cost of materials, overhead and employee compensation associated with the manufacturing of our high-powered lasers. Product cost also includes lower of cost or net realizable value inventory (“LCNRV”) adjustments if the carrying value of the inventory is greater than its net realizable value. We recorded LCNRV charges of $231,320 and nil for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Operating Expenses
Research and Development
Research and development expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for personnel, including stock-based compensation, employee benefits, training, travel, third-party consulting services and laboratory supplies incurred to further our commercialization development efforts. We expense research and development costs as incurred. We anticipate significant research and development expenses to increase as we expand our product portfolio.
Selling and Marketing
Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for our direct sales force, sales management, marketing and include stock-based compensation, employee benefits and travel expenses. Selling and marketing expenses also include costs related to trade shows and marketing programs. We expense selling and marketing costs as incurred. We expect selling and marketing expenses to increase in future periods as we expand our sales force, marketing and customer support organizations and increase our participation in trade shows and marketing programs.
General and Administrative
Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for our finance, human resources and other administrative personnel, and include stock-based compensation, employee benefits and travel expenses. In addition, general and administrative expenses include our third-party consulting and advisory services, legal, audit, accounting services and facilities costs. We expect our general and administrative expenses to increase for the foreseeable
24
future as we scale headcount with the growth of our business, and as a result of operating as a public company, including compliance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, legal, audit, additional insurance expenses, investor relations activities, and other administrative and professional services.
Interest Income
Interest income consists primarily of interest income received on our cash and cash equivalents.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net consists primarily of changes in the fair value of the Public Warrants. The outstanding Public Warrants are re-measured to fair value at each balance sheet date with the corresponding gain or loss from the adjustment recorded as a component of other income (expense), net.
Results of Operations
The following tables set forth our operations for the periods presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
Sales, net |
|
$ |
469,989 |
|
|
$ |
90,000 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
1,212,437 |
|
|
|
555,052 |
|
Gross margin |
|
|
(742,448 |
) |
|
|
(465,052 |
) |
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
|
1,332,305 |
|
|
|
631,501 |
|
Selling and marketing |
|
|
176,256 |
|
|
|
348,780 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
3,050,259 |
|
|
|
843,043 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
4,558,820 |
|
|
|
1,823,324 |
|
Loss from operations |
|
|
(5,301,268 |
) |
|
|
(2,288,376 |
) |
Interest income |
|
|
32,427 |
|
|
|
582 |
|
Other income, net |
|
|
501,324 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Loss before provision for income taxes |
|
$ |
(4,767,517 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,287,794 |
) |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Net loss and comprehensive loss |
|
$ |
(4,767,517 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,287,794 |
) |
Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
$ Change |
|
Sales, net |
|
$ |
469,989 |
|
|
$ |
90,000 |
|
|
$ |
379,989 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
1,212,437 |
|
|
|
555,052 |
|
|
|
657,385 |
|
Gross margin |
|
|
(742,448 |
) |
|
|
(465,052 |
) |
|
|
(277,396 |
) |
Sales, Net. Sales, net increased $379,989 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This increase is primarily due to an increase in the number of laser system sales and the product mix of laser systems sales during the period.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased $657,385 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This increase is primarily due to costs incurred for the production of the laser system sales in addition to increased stock-based compensation expense and increased personnel expenses recognized during the period. We also recorded LCNRV charges of $231,320 and nil for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
Change |
|
Research and development |
|
$ |
1,332,305 |
|
|
$ |
631,501 |
|
|
$ |
700,804 |
|
Selling and marketing |
|
|
176,256 |
|
|
|
348,780 |
|
|
|
(172,524 |
) |
General and administrative |
|
|
3,050,259 |
|
|
|
843,043 |
|
|
|
2,207,216 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
$ |
4,558,820 |
|
|
$ |
1,823,324 |
|
|
$ |
2,735,496 |
|
25
Research and Development. Research and development expenses increased $700,804 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This increase is primarily due to general research and development tooling and supplies related to the development of our BL product line. Additionally, there was an increase in research and development related personnel and consulting expenses.
Selling and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses decreased $172,524 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This decrease is primarily due to the departure of our former Chief Marketing and Sales Officer on March 31, 2022 and the related subsequent internal reorganization and reallocation of certain sales and applications labs personnel to cost of sales and research and development, respectively.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased $2,207,216 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This increase is primarily driven by increased professional fees associated with legal, compliance and accounting matters, specifically residual Business Combination costs combined with the costs associated with transitioning to being a public company. Additionally, there was an increase in stock-based compensation expense for our general and administrative personnel.
Interest Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
Change |
|
Interest income |
|
$ |
32,427 |
|
|
$ |
582 |
|
|
$ |
31,845 |
|
Interest income increased $31,845 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to higher interest rates earned on our cash.
Other income (expense), net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
Change |
|
Other income (expense), net |
|
$ |
501,324 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
501,324 |
|
Other income (expense), net increased $501,324 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to the decrease in fair value of the Public Warrants as of March 31, 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Liquidity describes the ability of a company to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the cash requirements of its business operations, including working capital needs, debt service, acquisitions, contractual obligations and other commitments. As of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, we have yet to generate meaningful revenue from our business operations and have funded capital expenditure and working capital requirements through equity financing.
As of March 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,523,046 as compared to $2,880,254 as of December 31, 2022. Our cash flows from operations are not sufficient to fund our current operating model and expansion plans. On the second anniversary of the Closing Date, the Company must also, under certain circumstances, redeem the maximum portion of the Preferred Stock as permitted by law in cash at an amount equal to the Original Issuance Price as of such date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to redeem any shares of Preferred Stock to the extent the Company does not have legally available funds to effect such redemption.
In connection with the Business Combination, we received cash of $3,243,079, prior to deducting transaction and issuance costs.
Until we can generate sufficient revenue to cover our operating expenses, working capital, and capital expenditures, we will rely on funds raised from the closing of the Business Combination, from the $11,400,000 of Company Notes issued prior to the Closing, from the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement pursuant to which Lincoln Park has agreed to purchase from the Company, at the sole discretion of the Company, up to $100,000,000 of Common Stock from time to time over a 48-month period, and from causing the Anzu SPVs to use up to 2/3 of the gross proceeds of Permitted Transfers to purchase Preferred Stock from the Company at a price equal to $10.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) pursuant to the Sale Option Agreement.
We would also obtain additional funds if the holders of our Warrants were to exercise their Warrants. However, the exercise price for our Public Warrants is $11.50 per share of Common Stock which exceeds $0.04, the closing price of our Common Stock on the NYSE American on May 5, 2023. The likelihood that Warrant holders will exercise the Warrants and any cash proceeds that we would receive is dependent upon the market price of our Common Stock. If the market price for our Common Stock is less than $11.50 per share, we believe warrant holders will be unlikely to exercise their Warrants.
The further development of our products, commencement of commercial operations and expansion of our business will require a significant amount of cash for expenditures. Our ability to successfully manage this growth will depend on many factors, including our working capital needs, the availability of equity or debt financing and, over time, our ability to generate cash flows from operations.
Given the amount of cash received in connection with the closing of the Business Combination and the Company’s current liquidity position, the Company expects to raise additional capital. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, including pursuant to the Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement, dilution
26
to our stockholders would result. If we raise additional funds by issuing any additional preferred stock, such securities may also provide for rights, preferences, or privileges senior to those of holders of Common Stock. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt securities, such debt securities would have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of holders of Common Stock. The terms of debt securities or borrowings could impose significant restrictions on our operations. The credit market and financial services industry have in the past, and may in the future, experience periods of uncertainty that could impact the availability and cost of equity and debt financing.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the periods presented.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
$ |
(4,050,573 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,903,217 |
) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(344,801 |
) |
|
|
(102,381 |
) |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
3,038,166 |
|
|
|
396,750 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities
Our cash flows used in operating activities to date have been primarily comprised of costs related to research and development, sales and marketing, and other general and administrative activities. We expect our expenses related to personnel, research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative activities to increase as a result of operating as a public company.
Net cash used in operating activities was $4,050,573 and $1,903,217 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in net cash flows used in operating activities is primarily driven by net loss, changes in working capital and an increase in our stock-based compensation expense.
Cash flows from investing activities
Our cash flows from investing activities have been comprised primarily of purchases of equipment and installation of improvements to our leased facilities and headquarters.
Net cash used in investing activities was $344,801 and $102,381 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily due to increased purchases of equipment to build out our production line.
Cash flows from financing activities
We have financed our operations primarily through the sale of preferred stock and promissory notes.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $3,038,166 and $396,750 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase is comprised of proceeds received from the issuance of convertible promissory notes, the proceeds received from the Closing of the Business Combination, offset by payments of transaction costs associated with the Business Combination.
Key Operating and Financial Metrics (Non-GAAP Results)
We regularly review several metrics, including the metrics presented in the table below, to measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, prepare financial projections, and make strategic decisions. We believe that these key business metrics provide meaningful supplemental information for management and investors in assessing our historical and future operating performance. The calculation of the key metrics and other measures discussed below may differ from other similarly-titled metrics used by other companies.
The following tables present our key performance indicators for the periods presented.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
$ Change |
|
Sales, net |
|
$ |
469,989 |
|
|
$ |
90,000 |
|
|
$ |
379,989 |
|
Total gross margin |
|
|
(742,448 |
) |
|
|
(465,052 |
) |
|
|
(277,396 |
) |
EBITDA(1) |
|
|
(4,673,829 |
) |
|
|
(2,153,223 |
) |
|
|
(2,520,606 |
) |
Capital expenditures |
|
|
(344,801 |
) |
|
|
(102,381 |
) |
|
|
(242,420 |
) |
Free cash flow(1) |
|
|
(4,395,374 |
) |
|
|
(2,005,598 |
) |
|
|
(2,389,776 |
) |
(1) EBITDA and Free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. See “ —Non-GAAP Information” below for our definitions of, and additional information about, EBITDA and Free cash flow and for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures.
27
Non-GAAP Information
In addition to our results determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe the following non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating our operational performance. We use the following non-GAAP financial information to evaluate our ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We believe that non-GAAP financial information, when taken collectively and in context, may be helpful to investors in assessing our operating performance and trends and in comparing our financial measures with those of comparable companies that may present similar non-GAAP financial measures.
EBITDA and Free Cash Flow
We define “EBITDA” as income (loss), plus (minus) depreciation and amortization expenses, plus (minus) interest, plus (minus) taxes and “Free cash flow” as net cash from (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures. EBITDA and Free cash flow are intended as supplemental measures of our performance that are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP and these measures should not be considered a substitute for net income (loss), and net cash used in operating activities reported in accordance with GAAP. Our computation of EBITDA and Free cash flow may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because all companies may not calculate EBITDA or Free cash flow in the same fashion.
Limitations of Non-GAAP Measures
There are a number of limitations related to EBITDA, including the following:
•EBITDA excludes certain recurring, non-cash charges, such as depreciation of property and equipment and/or amortization of intangible assets. While these are non-cash charges, we may need to replace the assets being depreciated and amortized in the future and EBITDA does not reflect cash requirements for these replacements or new capital expenditure requirements.
•EBITDA does not reflect interest expense, net, which may constitute a significant recurring expense in the future.
•Free cash flow does not reflect the impact of equity or debt raises or repayment of debt or dividends paid.
Because of these and other limitations, EBITDA and Free cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA and Free cash flow on a supplemental basis. You should review the reconciliation of our net loss to EBITDA and net loss to Free cash flow below and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.
Our presentation of EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items and our presentation of Free cash flow does not necessarily indicate whether cash flows will be sufficient to fund our cash needs.
Reconciliation
The following table reconciles our net loss (the most directly comparable GAAP measure to EBITDA) to EBITDA for the period presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(4,767,517 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,287,794 |
) |
Interest (income) expense, net |
|
|
(32,427 |
) |
|
|
(582 |
) |
Income tax expense |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
126,115 |
|
|
|
135,153 |
|
EBITDA |
|
|
(4,673,829 |
) |
|
|
(2,153,223 |
) |
The following table reconciles our net cash used in operating activities (the most directly comparable GAAP measure to Free Cash Flow) to Free cash flow for the periods presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
$ |
(4,050,573 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,903,217 |
) |
Capital expenditures |
|
|
(344,801 |
) |
|
|
(102,381 |
) |
Free cash flow |
|
|
(4,395,374 |
) |
|
|
(2,005,598 |
) |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no obligations, assets or liabilities, which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2023. We do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We have not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, established any special purpose entities, guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities, or purchased any non-financial assets.
For our contractual obligations that are expected to have an effect on our liquidity and cash flow, see section “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 6 – Commitments and Contingencies” in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
28
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Our estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our actual results could differ from these estimates.
There have been no significant changes to our accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the critical accounting policies described in our audited financial statements of Legacy Nuburu for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 included in the Amendment No. 1 to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. We believe that the accounting policies discussed in the audited financial statements of Legacy Nuburu are critical to understanding our historical and future performance, as these policies relate to the more significant areas involving management’s judgments and estimates.
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
We review new accounting standards to determine the expected financial impact, if any, that the adoption of each new standard will have. For the recently issued and adopted accounting standards that we believe may have an impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements, see the section entitled “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the condensed consolidated financial statements.