Edesa Biotech, Inc. - Annual Report: 2016 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016

OR

For the transition period from              to              

Commission file number: 000-54598

Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (805) 488-2800

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

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

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

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

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

As of March 31, 2016, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s outstanding common shares held by non-affiliates was approximately $39,507,208, which was calculated based on 8,448,758 common shares outstanding as of that date, of which 8,145,816 common shares were held by non-affiliates, and a price per share of $4.85, which was the closing price of the registrant’s common shares on The Nasdaq Capital Market on such date. 

As of December 9, 2016, the registrant had 10,136,258 common shares issued and outstanding.

Documents incorporated by reference: NONE 

Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc.

Annual Report ON FORM 10-K

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2016

Table of Contents

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain 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”) and, as such, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations, speak only as of the date hereof, and are subject to change. Forward-looking statements are those that predict or describe future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. You can generally identify forward-looking statements as those statements containing the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “might,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements as they are not a guarantee of future performance. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate because the matters they describe are subject to assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, some of which are listed under the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report. Risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue our research and development projects, the successful and timely completion of preclinical or clinical studies by third parties in which our products are utilized, our ability to meet the goals of our joint ventures and strategic partnerships, the degree of market acceptance for our products or for other companies’ products in which our products are components, our ability to take advantage of business opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, changes in our strategy or development plans, our ability to protect our intellectual property, uncertainties related to governmental regulations and regulatory processes, the volatility of our common share price, the effect of competition, the effect of technological changes, reliance on key personnel, and general changes in economic or business conditions. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, “Stellar,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires.

Our logo, Stellar KLH™ and other trademarks or service marks of Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the property of Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains additional trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names, trademarks or service marks to imply relationships with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other companies.

PART I

Item 1.         BUSINESS.

Business Overview

Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company engaged in the aquaculture, research and development, manufacture and commercialization of Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH). KLH is an immune-stimulating protein with an extensive history of safe and effective use in immunological applications.

KLH can be used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and combined with a disease-targeting agent to create immunotherapies for the treatment of a variety of diseases. The protein is currently being utilized in active immunotherapies in clinical development for Alzheimer’s disease, metastatic breast cancer, Crohn’s disease, systemic lupus erythematous, ovarian cancer and various other cancers and diseases. The KLH protein can also be used as a finished, injectable product in the immunodiagnostic market for measuring immune response in patients and research settings. Immunotherapies (also known as therapeutic vaccines) involve using the body’s own immune system to target and treat disease. Immunodiagnostics involve assessing the body’s immune status in relation to the effects of a new drug, a disease, or the environment. Our KLH products can be used to stimulate the immune system in both applications.

We extract and manufacture KLH from the hemolymph (a fluid equivalent to blood) of a relatively scarce ocean mollusk, the Giant Keyhole Limpet. Based upon our specialized knowledge of aquaculture science and KLH, we have built unique land-based aquaculture, laboratory and production facilities in Port Hueneme, California, and developed sustainable and scalable manufacturing processes to produce KLH using Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP or GMP).

We market and sell GMP grade and research grade KLH products to third parties under the brand Stellar KLH™. Our customers and partners include multinational biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, clinical research organizations, and research centers. We believe we are positioning our business to meet the anticipated long-term demand within the pharmaceutical industry for GMP grade KLH by providing a sustainable source for its scalable, controlled, and traceable production. The versatility of the KLH molecule and the growing need for commercial-scale GMP grade KLH provide multiple commercial opportunities for us.

Competitive Strengths

We believe that we possess a number of competitive strengths that position us to become the world leader in the sustainable manufacture of GMP grade KLH and KLH-conjugated vaccines, including:

Our Strategy

We plan to use our proprietary methods and intellectual property to serve the growing demand for KLH in immunotherapy and immunodiagnostics applications. Key elements of our business strategy include:

Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH)

KLH is a safe, potent, immune-stimulating protein. Specifically, it is a very large, high molecular weight, oxygen-carrying glycoprotein made of millions of atoms. In addition to the native molecule, KLH can be chemically dissociated into a subunit formulation commonly used in the production of immunotherapies. Both the native, high molecular weight molecule and subunit forms of KLH are excellent immune stimulants. The KLH molecular structure offers numerous sites for conjugation, and can generate multiple product configurations. Because of its large size, immune-stimulating properties, numerous sites for conjugation, and safety profile, KLH is used by researchers and product developers as a vaccine carrier protein. However, due to its exceptional size and complexity, KLH has not been reproduced synthetically.

KLH can be used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, or API, or it can be used as a finished, injectable product in the immunodiagnostic market.

As an active pharmaceutical ingredient, KLH is an effective and safe carrier molecule for conjugation to vaccine antigens that are used to promote the generation of antibody and cell-mediated immune responses against targeted diseases. By themselves, the small haptens (partial antigens) and vaccine antigens used to target these diseases are not usually immunogenic enough to awaken the immune system and therefore, require a carrier molecule or adjuvant, like KLH, in order to be effective. The combination of an antigen against specific pathogenic targets, such as tumors, and over-expressed proteins, conjugated to the immunogenic KLH molecule, is the basis for a promising new class of drugs in development known as active immunotherapies or therapeutic vaccines. Unlike preventative vaccines, active immunotherapies are designed to stimulate the body’s own immune system to generate an immune response to target and attack an existing disease or condition. We believe immunotherapies are, and will continue to be, one of the fastest-growing sectors of pharmaceutical research and development. KLH is an important component for drugs used in clinical development, including major indications such as Alzheimer’s disease, metastatic breast cancer, Crohn’s disease, systemic lupus erythematous, ovarian cancer and various other cancers and diseases. New indications entering clinical trials, such as dermatomyositis, point to expanding clinical potential for KLH.

As a finished injectable product, KLH has been used extensively by pharmaceutical companies and researchers as a safe, immune-stimulating antigen in drug-screening, drug immunotoxicology, and assessment of immune status. KLH is a standard immunogen in T-Cell Dependent Antibody Response (TDAR), a functional assay which is widely recognized as a standard test for monitoring the effects of drugs on the immune system.

KLH protein is derived only from the hemolymph of the Giant Keyhole Limpet (Megathura crenulata), a mollusk native only to a limited stretch of the Pacific Ocean coastline along Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. Historically, suppliers other than us have obtained KLH protein directly from wild and sensitive populations of Giant Keyhole Limpet, or have utilized lethal production processes. Based on publicly available information and reports, commercial supplies of KLH differ widely in their source, traceability, purity, form, and preparation, as well as in immunogenicity (their ability to stimulate an immune response). We believe that highly-specialized aquaculture manufacturing methods, like the methods we practice, protect the KLH molecule’s source species and provide sustainable, scalable supplies of quality KLH protein. The concept of sustainability involves sound, responsible management of environmental resources and, especially where biological systems are concerned, includes protecting native species so that the species thrive and remain diverse and productive over time. Further, we believe that environmentally sound methods associated with professional and specialized aquaculture can minimize variability in KLH products and assure full traceability to their biological source.

Our Technology

We have committed over 15 years to the advancement of aquaculture science and sustainable KLH production methods, specifically focused on protection of the Giant Keyhole Limpet and the non-lethal extraction of KLH protein. We believe our proprietary methods will provide a sustainable supply of GMP grade KLH and meet pharmaceutical industry standards for immune response, consistency, purity, and traceability while protecting the natural source species.

Our Aquaculture Technology & Manufacturing

Our proprietary aquaculture technology involves methods we developed and optimized to control the reproduction and growth of the Giant Keyhole Limpet including, but not limited to, culture systems, nutritional requirements, and the recirculation of seawater. We achieved a significant milestone in aquaculture science by developing the capability to sustain the complete life cycle of the Giant Keyhole Limpet. Using our proprietary methods, we can support the marine mollusk from embryo to protein-producing adult, and we now support multiple generations of limpets grown entirely within our land-based aquaculture facility. Other KLH suppliers do not have this capability and thus are reliant on scarce, wild populations of limpets.

The aquaculture cycle to raise Giant Keyhole Limpets from fertilized eggs to maturity for KLH production is approximately five years, with multiple complex larval and juvenile stages. KLH can be extracted from mature limpets a limited number of times per year and, if properly maintained, the average extracted quantity of KLH per year per limpet is predictable and useful in estimating targets for production planning and optimizing the use of the hemolymph. The hemolymph is extracted in a non-lethal manner utilizing our patented methods. Once extracted, the hemolymph is processed through our proprietary methods, which are protected as trade secrets.

We currently maintain a production inventory of limpets sufficient for an annual capacity of 1,500 grams/year of KLH pharmaceutical intermediate, which can be further processed and purified to produce various final product grades and formulations. Given current resources, we believe we can scale up capacity to meet anticipated customer demand for the next one to two years. Given sufficient funding to continue scale-up, our projected production capacity is up to 20,000 grams (20 kg) of KLH pharmaceutical intermediate in five to seven years. We plan to incrementally increase hatchery production of limpets and expand aquaculture infrastructure, which will thereby increase our KLH production capacity, in order to meet the anticipated future multi-kilogram KLH requirements of immunotherapy commercialization.

We contract with contract manufacturing organizations and contract testing organizations for certain steps of cGMP processing and quality control testing. The services currently performed by these contract vendors include sterile fill/finish and release testing.

As a result of these operational capabilities, we believe we will be able to supply GMP grade KLH in commercial quantities to meet the anticipated long-term demand within the pharmaceutical industry, while protecting the natural source species. We base these beliefs on our intellectual property, achievements in aquaculture science, KLH production capacity, KLH sustainable manufacturing know-how, and survey data used to estimate population of Giant Keyhole Limpets in the wild.

Our Facilities

We maintain research and manufacturing facilities directly along the Pacific Ocean with dedicated, land-based aquaculture operations in Port Hueneme, California. We have approximately 37,000 square feet of leased aquaculture, manufacturing, and laboratory space. We believe our waterfront location is a proprietary asset that allows our marine scientists to work in close proximity to naturally resident Giant Keyhole Limpet colonies, and to be at the forefront in developing protective measures and environmentally sound practices for KLH production.

Our aquaculture operations were specially developed in the late 1990s for production and research on gastropod mollusks, have been in near continuous operation since that time, and have since been expanded significantly by us for the specialized purpose of conducting the intensive steps required to support the complete life cycle of the Giant Keyhole Limpet and for the commercial production of KLH protein. Our aquaculture facility includes, among other specialized infrastructure, systems for spawning, larval development, and maturation of limpets, a fully permitted seawater supply system, recirculating seawater supply systems, environmental controls and regulated seawater return to the ocean. Our facility currently includes multiple production tanks and numerous individual limpet production modules in two independent aquaculture production systems. Each closed recirculating system is equipped with temperature controlled seawater distribution, filtration and treatment equipment. The facility also contains a fabrication shop for production of equipment and culture apparatus.

In July 2015, we entered into an exclusive collaboration agreement with Ostiones Guerrero, SA de CV to secure a unique strategic site in Baja California, Mexico, for the potential development of an additional aquaculture locale and future expansion of our KLH production. The collaboration with Ostiones is intended to include design, expansion and development of marine aquaculture resources for hatchery and maturation of Giant Keyhole Limpets. In connection with the collaboration agreement, we also entered into a lease agreement with Ostiones for undeveloped land on which suitability studies are to be conducted by Stellar over the next two years. We believe this expansion will support our goal to meet the anticipated long-term industry demand for KLH protein.

Research and Development

We are committed to applying our proprietary Stellar KLH™ technology to improve immunotherapy and immunodiagnostics, and to protecting the natural resource for KLH. To that end, we are actively engaged in research and development focused primarily on the aquaculture of the Giant Keyhole Limpet; improvements in KLH protein analysis and manufacturing; the development of functional assays; and new uses for KLH in immunotherapy and immunodiagnostic applications. These activities involve both internal programs and external collaborations with other biopharmaceutical companies or research organizations.

Our internal research has included, among other activities, improvement of methods for the culture and growth of Giant Keyhole Limpet, innovations in aquaculture systems and infrastructure, biophysical and biochemical characterization of the KLH molecule, analytical processes to enhance performance of our products, KLH manufacturing process improvements, new KLH formulations and KLH-related technologies, and early development of potential new KLH-based immunotherapy.

Our external collaborations involve both development and evaluation projects, with multiple biopharmaceutical companies and research institutions, for the use of Stellar KLH™ in their programs. We believe that these collaborations provide for strategic, revenue and clinical opportunities for our future business by extending the commercial use of Stellar KLH™ and furthering our understanding of the KLH molecule.

For the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and August 31, 2014, research and development expense were $1,715,992, $1,029,489 and $2,458,934, respectively. These amounts related mainly to research and development in aquaculture, improvements in analytical, manufacturing, and purification processes, stability studies, formulation development, and primarily in fiscal 2014, preclinical research for a potential KLH-based immunotherapy approach against C. diff infection. None of these expenses were borne by our customers.

Our Stellar KLH™ Products

We market Stellar KLH™ protein in various grades, formulations and configurations for both preclinical and clinical applications, and certain KLH-based in vitro diagnostic kits for preclinical use. Our Stellar KLH™ product offerings include:

We currently have limited revenue from sales of our Stellar KLH™ products. The list price for Stellar KLH™ protein ranges from approximately $15,000 to $50,000 per gram, depending on the purity, grade, preparation, packaging configuration and volume ordered. Product sales are highly dependent upon the rate of development and clinical trials of the active immunotherapies and other technologies being developed by third party customers, which utilize our products. The advancement and commercial success of third-party products utilizing Stellar KLH is dependent upon many factors, including available capital, trial recruitment and progress, and regulatory review. Revenue from these customers is highly variable, but historically is not subject to seasonal fluctuations.

Revenues from the sale of Stellar KLH™ products and contract services revenues related to Stellar KLH™ products in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

The geographic breakdown of revenues in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

Customers

We primarily market and distribute our products directly to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, clinical research organizations and research centers. Products are shipped to our customers from our facilities in Port Hueneme, California using a common carrier chosen by the customer. The geographic markets of our customers are principally Europe, the United States and Asia.

The customers that represent a significant portion of our total consolidated revenue in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

Contracts, Supply Agreements and Collaboration Agreements

We have previously entered into, and intend to continue to enter into, agreements with third parties that will allow us to supply Stellar KLH™ in exchange for fees, revenues, or royalties. Supply agreements generally involve a customer’s commitment to purchase our Stellar KLH™ for use as an active pharmaceutical ingredient in the customer’s own immunotherapy products or as a finished product in their development programs. To date, our Stellar KLH™ protein has been used in research and development, preclinical, and clinical phases but has not yet been used in any commercialized and marketed products. Quantities required for clinical trials depend on, among other variables, the nature of the trial, the clinical indication, the number of patients enrolled, dosing regimens and vaccine manufacturing processes.

Agreements with Neovacs S.A.

Joint Venture Agreement and Formation of Neostell S.A.S.

In May 2016, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Neovacs S.A., a publicly-held biotechnology company in Paris, France for the formation of a joint venture company to manufacture and sell conjugated therapeutic vaccines. In July 2016, Neostell S.A.S., a French simplified stock corporation (Neostell), was formed to carry out the business of the joint venture. Neostell is expected to produce Neovacs’ Kinoid immunotherapy product candidates which utilize Stellar KLH™ as a carrier molecule ingredient. Neostell may also manufacture and sell other KLH-based immunotherapy products for third-party customers worldwide.

We hold a 30% equity interest in the joint venture in exchange for an initial capital contribution of €120,000. One-half of the initial contribution, approximately $67,000, was paid prior to June 30, 2016 with the balance due upon the occurrence of certain defined future events. We will also provide additional financing to Neostell, as may be required, on a pro rata basis in line with our equity interest. If Neostell does not achieve certain milestones by December 2017, it will be dissolved, unless the parties mutually agree to pursue the joint venture arrangement, or either party decides to purchase the equity interests of the other party. Each of the parties is entitled, upon the occurrence of certain defined events, to acquire the interest of the other party.

In connection with the formation of Neostell and the execution of its strategy, the parties intend over time to enter into an exclusive supply agreement within a limited field of use for Stellar to supply KLH to Neostell, a supply agreement designating Neostell as the exclusive manufacturer and supplier of the Neovacs’ vaccines, and services agreements for the provision of various knowledge and expertise by each of the parties. Neovacs will also license certain of its intellectual property to Neostell.

The joint venture has an initial ten-year term, renewable for successive five-year terms. If either party provides notice at least six months prior to the expiration date of an applicable term that it does not wish to continue its participation in the joint venture, the other party will have a right to acquire all of such terminating party’s equity interests in Neostell.

The joint venture agreement contains customary restrictions on transfer of the equity interests, tag-along and drag-along rights, non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality and termination provisions.

Supply Agreements

In April 2015, we entered into a supply agreement with Neovacs to extend and expand two prior supply agreements entered into in 2008 for the use of Stellar KLH™ in the development and manufacture of Neovacs’ active immunotherapies. Stellar KLH™ is used by Neovacs as a carrier molecule to stimulate an immune response in its Kinoid immunotherapy technology, which has two products currently in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of lupus and Crohn’s disease.

The agreement provides for Neovacs to purchase Stellar KLH™ for use in its proprietary KLH-based Kinoid immunotherapies in the European Union, Latin America, Asia, the U.S. and Canada. Neovacs will use Stellar KLH™ for its planned Phase II and Phase III clinical trials and for expected commercial manufacturing of its products for up to one year following market approval. Neovacs will manage and fund all product development and regulatory submissions for its immunotherapy products and act as the sponsor company for the future clinical trials.

Under the terms of the agreement, we will supply GMP grade KLH to Neovacs according to agreed specifications, quantities and pricing, as well as maintain a master file with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) for the KLH product. We will also provide professional, technical and regulatory support to Neovacs. The agreement has an initial five-year term, which may be renewed by Neovacs in one-year increments.

Collaboration Agreement and Lease Agreement with Ostiones Guerrero S.A. de C.V.(Ostiones)

In July 2015, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Ostiones, a privately held commercial fishing corporation in Baja California, Mexico. The purpose of the agreement is to secure a strategic site in Baja California, Mexico for the potential development of an additional aquaculture locale and future expansion of our KLH production, subject to a site suitability study to be conducted over the next three years.

The agreement provides for Stellar and Ostiones to collaborate on the design, expansion and development of marine aquaculture resources and KLH production facilities in Baja California, Mexico to provide, exclusively for Stellar, an additional site for hatchery and maturation of Giant Keyhole Limpets and production of KLH. Ostiones will provide local manpower, labor and operational support, the costs of which are subject to our prior approval and monthly reimbursement. As part of the collaboration, Ostiones will gain access to our proprietary aquaculture techniques and expertise, support services and training to facilitate the expansion of Ostiones’ seafood production business. During the three-year term of the agreement and for five years thereafter, the parties are subject to customary non-competition and non-contravention provisions.

In June 2015, we entered into a lease agreement with Ostiones whereby Ostiones leased to Stellar undeveloped land in Baja California, Mexico to assess its suitability for the long-term development and potential expansion of our production capability. The first two years rent was prepaid in June 2015. The lease agreement and the collaboration agreement each expire in June 2018, unless terminated earlier. If we decide to proceed with development of the site, we have options to extend the lease for 30 years.

Under the terms of the collaboration and lease agreements, we will be responsible for certain improvements to the leased, undeveloped land, including construction of certain structures and a power-generating facility, which will be owned by us. We expect to enter into separate usage and supply agreements covering the use of site resources and utilities such as seawater and power, and for the production of Giant Keyhole Limpets by Ostiones exclusively for us. However, any such agreements are contingent upon completion of our site suitability assessment and we are currently under no obligation to execute such agreements at this time.

Supply Agreement with Araclon Biotech, S.L.

In November 2014, we entered into an exclusive supply agreement with Araclon Biotech SL, a privately-held biotechnology company headquartered in Spain and majority-owned by global healthcare company Grifols (Araclon). Araclon is developing beta amyloid-targeting active immunotherapies for neurodegenerative diseases with a primary focus on Alzheimer's disease. Araclon's patented technology involves immunization against amyloid-beta together with KLH as a carrier protein.

The purpose of the agreement is to ensure a stable supply of KLH to Araclon to support Phase II/III clinical trials of Araclon’s Alzheimer's drugs, including the development of manufacturing processes and production capacity. Under the agreement, Araclon will manage and fund all product development and regulatory submissions for its products. We will supply GMP grade Stellar KLH™ protein and provide technical and regulatory support to Araclon.

Under the terms of the agreement, Araclon will purchase KLH exclusively from us, and we will supply KLH exclusively to Araclon, for use in Araclon’s beta amyloid-targeting active immunotherapies against Alzheimer’s at agreed specifications, quantities and pricing. In addition, the agreement provides us with first negotiation rights for the exclusive supply of KLH in connection with the potential future commercialization by Araclon of its beta amyloid-targeting immunotherapy products. The agreement has an initial five-year term, which may be renewed by Araclon for additional one-year periods.

Intellectual Property and License Agreements

We hold important proprietary intellectual property related to KLH development and manufacture and to the environmental protection of the Giant Keyhole Limpet including, but not limited to, patents and trade secrets related to specialized aquaculture systems and technologies; spawning, selection and maintenance of the Giant Keyhole Limpet; non-lethal KLH protein extraction methods; and the processing, purification and production of KLH formulations. Our proprietary methods also include methods for the control of larval development, metamorphosis and maturation of the Giant Keyhole Limpets, which we protect as trade secrets.

Our success depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain proprietary protection for our product technology and know-how, to operate without infringing proprietary rights of others, and to prevent others from infringing our proprietary rights. We seek to protect our proprietary position by, among other methods, filing, when possible, U.S. and foreign patent applications relating to our technology, inventions and improvements that are important to our business. We also rely on trade secrets, know-how, continuing technological innovation, and in-licensing opportunities to develop and maintain our proprietary position.

We hold patent protection for our non-lethal extraction methods of hemocyanin in the United States and other countries, including one issued patent in the United States, U.S. Patent No. 6,852,338, which currently expires in 2023, and covers a two-step method for obtaining hemolymph from a live gastropod mollusk. This U.S. patent was originally granted to our Chief Executive Officer, Frank Oakes, who assigned the patent to the Company in August 2002. Foreign patent counterparts were granted in Canada, France and Germany.

We have a worldwide exclusive license with the University of Guelph to one issued patent in the United States, U.S. Patent No. 8,597,663, which currently expires in 2030, for certain novel cell surface polysaccharides and their chemical structures and vaccine compositions for the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of C. difficile infection. We also have foreign patent counterparts and foreign patent applications and patents claiming priority therefrom in certain jurisdictions outside the United States, including Europe, Australia, Canada, China, Japan and New Zealand.

The scope of any patent protection may not exclude competitors or provide competitive advantages to us, and any of our patents may not be held valid if subsequently challenged, and others may claim rights in or ownership of our patents and proprietary rights. Furthermore, others may develop products similar to our products and may duplicate any of our products or design around our patents.

Our trademarks include, but are not limited to, “Powering and Improving Immunotherapy™”, “Stellar KLH™” and “KLH Site™”. In addition to patents and trademarks, we rely on trade secrets and other intellectual property laws, nondisclosure agreements and other measures to protect our intellectual property rights. We believe that in order to have a competitive advantage, we must develop and maintain the proprietary aspects of our technologies. We require our employees, consultants and advisors to execute confidentiality agreements in connection with their employment, consulting or advisory relationship with us. We also require our employees, and to the extent practicable, our consultants and advisors with whom we expect to work on our products to agree to disclose and assign to us all inventions made in the course of our working relationship with them, while using our intellectual property or which relate to our business. Despite any measures taken to protect our intellectual property, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products or to wrongfully obtain or use information that we regard as proprietary.

License Agreement with University of Guelph

In July 2013, we acquired the exclusive, worldwide license to certain patented technology for the development of human immunotherapies against Clostridium difficile infection (C. diff), a highly contagious bacteria spread by human contact, from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada (the “Guelph License”). Under the terms of the Guelph License, we have the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and sell active immunotherapies to treat C. diff infection that derive from the technology covered by certain of the University’s international patents and patent applications.

The Guelph License agreement required an initial, non-refundable license fee of $25,000, which was paid in fiscal 2013, payment of an aggregate of $200,000 in delayed license fees, which were paid in fiscal 2014, and a license fee of $20,000 to be paid annually thereafter, creditable against royalties due, if any. Royalties are payable for a percentage of related net sales, if any. License fees are also payable for a percentage of related non-royalty sublicensing revenue, if any. No royalties have been incurred to date.

As additional consideration, we also issued to the University of Guelph 37,120 common shares and warrants to purchase up to 27,840 of our common shares with an exercise price of C$12.50 per share. The warrants expired on January 23, 2015 without being exercised. We reimbursed patent filing costs of approximately $11,000, $52,000, and $34,000 in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and will reimburse certain future patent filing, prosecution, and maintenance costs.

We are required to pay up to an aggregate of $6,020,000 in milestone payments to the University of Guelph upon achievement of various financing and development targets up to the first regulatory approval. Remaining milestone payments totaling $57,025,000 are related to achievement of sales targets. We are required to provide regular reports to the University of Guelph regarding product development efforts, and progress toward meeting certain milestones. A financing milestone was met during fiscal 2014 and, accordingly, we made a milestone payment of $100,000 to the University of Guelph. No other milestones have been met to date, and there can be no assurance that any remaining milestones will be met in the future.

The Guelph License agreement expires when the last valid patent claim licensed under the agreement expires, which is currently 2030. Prior to that time, the agreement can be terminated by the University of Guelph upon certain conditions including: (i) our failure to make any payments or submit any reports when due; (ii) our failure to diligently pursue development or commercialization of the product based upon our reports; (iii) our material breach of any provision of the Guelph License; or (iv) providing a false report. We will have 30 days after written notice from the University of Guelph to cure the problem prior to termination of the agreement. We can terminate the Guelph License with three months’ prior written notice to the University of Guelph.

Collaboration Agreement and Exclusive Licensing Rights with Bayer Innovation GmbH

In August 2011 we acquired an exclusive, worldwide sub-licensable and royalty-free license to the technology we developed under collaboration with Bayer Innovation GmbH (Bayer) for the improved production method and process yields for Stellar KLH™. The license included a carve-out by Bayer to use the technology in certain non-Hodgkin Lymphoma active immunotherapies, but we may exclusively commercialize the technology in other fields. We paid Bayer $200,000 in 2011 for the licensing rights, which are jointly owned by Bayer and us. We assessed the licensing rights for impairment and wrote off the unamortized balance in July 2014.

Grants

We have historically financed a portion of our operations through the receipt of monetary grants made available through programs funded and administered by various U.S. government entities.

In the fiscal 2014, we recognized, through our California subsidiary, the remaining $36,579 in grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) through the Technology Enhancement for Commercial Partnerships program under Phase II and Phase IIB grants, which totaled approximately $1.2 million over a 4-year period. Our project was entitled “Megathura Crenulata Post Larval Culture - Bottleneck for a Valuable Medical Resource,” and the purpose of the project was to allow for the full implementation of the commercial scale aquaculture systems for KLH production and development of a validated KLH-based immunogenicity assay. Grant revenues were recorded as we fulfilled the grant requirements. In addition to NSF grants, we also receive grants from time to time for the development of new technology from the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute (NIH), the California Technology Investments Program (CalTIP), and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) qualifying therapeutic discovery project grants.

Competition

The immunotherapy industry is rapidly evolving and new competitors with competing technologies and products are regularly entering clinical development and the market. We compete on the basis of: the advantages and disadvantages of Stellar KLH^TM as compared to other KLH proteins manufactured by our competitors; our ability to educate the industry about the high quality, and sustainable and traceable features, of Stellar KLH^TM; our ability to supply scalable quantities of GMP grade KLH; product efficacy; customer service; and the price and demonstrated cost-effectiveness of Stellar KLH^TM as compared to our competitors. We believe that our products and services currently compete favorably with respect to such factors. However, we may not be able to maintain our competitive position against current and potential competitors. We compete directly with Biosyn Corporation, a pharmaceutical and biotechnology company which manufactures KLH starting material and offers clinical and research grade KLH products. We also compete directly with SAFC, a division of Sigma-Aldrich, which offers clinical and research grade KLH products manufactured from its own starting material from ocean harvested limpets and from aquaculture starting material purchased from us. In addition to competition from current suppliers of KLH, we also face indirect competition from developers of other carrier proteins, adjuvants or therapeutic vaccine platforms. We are unable to predict what effect evolution of the KLH and immunotherapy industries and potential new entrants may have on price, selling strategies, intellectual property or our competitive position.

Government Regulation

Our operations, including our aquaculture and harvesting activities, as well as production operations, site development, and drug research, development and sales, are subject to complex regulation at the local, state and federal levels in the United States by a number of regulatory agencies including, but not limited to, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, the Regional Water Quality Control Board Los Angeles Region, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Coastal Commission, the California Air Pollution Control Board, the County of Ventura, and the City of Port Hueneme.

We are subject to laws and regulations covering clean water and waste discharge, and are required to hold licenses for the aquaculture production and wild harvesting of the Giant Keyhole Limpet. Our aquaculture facility is subject to regulation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region. These agencies impose regulations that restrict any activity that could pose a potential risk to the California marine environment including, but not limited to, seawater waste discharge limitations specified in our National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permit. We have operated in compliance with all environmental regulations imposed by these agencies since the formation of our California subsidiary in 1999, apart from a de minimus settlement in April 2014.

In addition to regulations in the United States, we may be subject to a variety of foreign regulations related to research, manufacturing, and the commercial sale and distribution of our products, to the extent we choose to manufacture, sell or distribute any products outside of the United States. The requirements governing our activities in jurisdictions outside the United States vary greatly from country to country.

Product Development and Customer Regulatory Support

Currently, none of our products are subject to approval as a drug by any regulatory authority. However, a number of our customers and strategic partners are utilizing Stellar KLH™ in the development of pharmaceuticals and immunotherapies that are subject to the regulatory approval process in various jurisdictions.

We have submitted Type II Master Files for our KLH drug substance and drug product formulations to the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) and the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). A Master File is a confidential, detailed dossier kept on file at the FDA that contains the proprietary information on the manufacture and safety of a drug component. These files can be used to support the regulatory approval process for customers’ immunotherapy products that use our Stellar KLH™, while allowing us to control access to our manufacturing data.

The regulatory approval process for new drugs under development by our customers is typically long and expensive. Clinical trials that they conduct may not be successful and such products may not receive regulatory approval. Delays by our customers in obtaining, or the inability to obtain, regulatory approvals for their products which use Stellar KLH^TM will have a direct effect on the demand for our products.

Good Manufacturing Practices

The FDA and other regulatory agencies regulate and inspect equipment, facilities and processes used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical and biologic products prior to approving a product. If, after receiving approval from regulatory agencies, a company makes a material change in manufacturing equipment, location or process, additional regulatory review and approval may be required. All facilities and manufacturing techniques used for the manufacture of our products must comply with applicable regulations governing the production of pharmaceutical products known as Current Good Manufacturing Practices.

The FDA and other regulatory agencies also conduct regular, periodic visits to re-inspect equipment, facilities and processes following initial approval of a product. If, as a result of these inspections, it is determined that our equipment, facilities or processes do not comply with applicable regulations and conditions of product approval, regulatory agencies may issue warning or similar letters or may seek civil, criminal, or administrative sanctions against us. To date, we have not been subject to inspection by the FDA or other drug regulatory agency because none of our customers or partners has filed an application in any country for marketing approval of a product encompassing our Stellar KLH™ protein.

Backlog and Renegotiation of Profits

Orders for our products are generally filled on a current basis, and order backlog is not material to our business. In addition, our business is not subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts at the election of a government.

Employees

As of December 9, 2016, we had 23 employees. We consider our employee relations to be good. None of our employees are represented by a labor union or collective bargaining agreement.

Corporate Information

We operate through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc., a California corporation which was organized September 9, 1999. We acquired the subsidiary on April 12, 2010 through a reverse merger and began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol “KLH” on April 19, 2010. We were originally incorporated in Canada on June 12, 2007 under the name China Growth Capital, Inc. and subsequently changed our name to CAG Capital, Inc. on April 15, 2008. We began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Canadian capital pool company on August 29, 2008, and became a British Columbia corporation on November 25, 2009. Our reverse merger in April 2010 constituted our “qualifying transaction” under Canadian law, at which time we changed our name to Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. In January 2013, we began trading on the U.S. OTCQB Marketplace Exchange under the symbol “SBOTF” and, on November 5, 2015, our common shares began trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market (Nasdaq) under the symbol “SBOT.” On March 29, 2016, at our request, our common shares were voluntarily delisted from the TSX-V in Canada and ceased trading on the TSX-V as of the close of business on April 8, 2016.

Our executive offices are located at 332 East Scott Street, Port Hueneme, California 93041. Our phone number is (805) 488-2800. Our website address is www.stellarbiotechnologies.com. The contents of our website are not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for any purpose or otherwise incorporated by reference. Our website address is included for information only.

Available Information

We file or furnish periodic reports, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other information with the SEC, and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the SEC. Such reports and filings may be obtained by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 or by sending an email to the SEC at publicinfo@sec.gov. In addition, the SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Our reports, proxy statements and other information are also made available, free of charge, on our investor relations website at http://ir.stellarbiotechnologies.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such information with the SEC. References to our corporate website address (www.stellarbiotechnologies.com) in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are intended to be inactive textual references only, and none of the information contained on our website is part of this report or incorporated in this report by reference.

Item 1A.       RISK FACTORS.

Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of operations. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our financial statements and the related notes, before deciding to invest in our common shares. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected. 

Risks Related to Our Business

We have a history of net losses and limited cash flow to sustain our operations.

We currently have limited revenue from product sales of Stellar KLH^TM, and anticipate our planned total operating expenses will be greater than our revenues for the foreseeable future. We incurred net losses of $5.03 million in fiscal 2016, $2.84 million in fiscal 2015 and $8.44 million in fiscal 2014. As of September 30, 2016, we have an accumulated deficit of $40.2 million since inception. To date, we have not paid dividends on our common shares and do not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. We have historically relied upon the sale of common shares to help fund our operations and meet our obligations. Any future additional equity financing would cause dilution to current shareholders. If we do not have sufficient capital for our operations, management would be forced to reduce or discontinue our activities, which would have a negative effect on our operations and financial condition.

We depend heavily on the success and market acceptance of Stellar KLH^TM and we may never recoup our investment into its research and development.

We have invested a significant portion of our time and financial resources into the development of Stellar KLH^TM. We anticipate that in the near term our ability to generate revenues will depend solely on the commercial success of Stellar KLH^TM, which depends upon its market acceptance by purchasers in the pharmaceutical market and the future market demand and medical need for products and research utilizing KLH. The degree of market acceptance of Stellar KLH^TM depends on a number of factors including: the advantages and disadvantages of Stellar KLH^TM as compared to other KLH proteins; our ability to educate the industry about the high quality, sustainable and traceable qualities of Stellar KLH^TM; product efficacy; customer service; and the price and demonstrated cost-effectiveness of Stellar KLH^TM as compared to our competitors.

Our customers face uncertainties related to regulatory approval, which could reduce the market for our products.

A primary market for our Stellar KLH^TM products is its use as a component of active immunotherapies under development. The pharmaceutical industry is subject to significant government regulation, which varies from country to country. Many of the products being developed by our customers that utilize our Stellar KLH^TM are not yet approved for commercial sale. Before regulatory approvals for the commercial sale of any drug is granted, it must be demonstrated through preclinical research and clinical trials to be safe and effective for its intended use in humans. The process to determine safety and efficacy, including clinical trials, is expensive, prolonged and uncertain. The time necessary to complete these processes and clinical trials, and to submit applications for regulatory approvals, is difficult to predict and is subject to numerous factors outside of our control. Such clinical trials may not be successful. Larger or later stage clinical trials may not produce the same results as earlier trials. Successful results in clinical trials may not result in regulatory approval, due to certain factors including unacceptable side effects or safety issues. If regulatory approval is granted for any drug or product that utilizes Stellar KLH^TM, it will be subject to ongoing regulatory requirements, which include registration, manufacturing, labeling, advertising and promotion, packaging, distribution, record keeping and reporting, and storage. Manufacturing facilities, both those operated by us and by our contractors, would be subject to continual review and inspection, and failure to meet these regulatory requirements can interrupt, delay, or shut down these facilities. Previously unknown problems may result in regulatory restrictions on such products, including withdrawal from the marketplace. Delays in obtaining regulatory approvals for products developed by our customers that use Stellar KLH^TM, or failure to obtain or maintain regulatory approvals altogether, would have a negative effect on market demand for our Stellar KLH^TM products, and have a negative effect on our operations and financial condition.

Our business is geographically concentrated and if a catastrophic event, such as a hurricane, an earthquake or coastal flooding, were to impact our facilities, our business may be disrupted which could result in serious harm to our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our aquaculture operations, research and manufacturing facilities, laboratory space, and executive offices are all located in Port Hueneme, California, a coastal city located along the Pacific Ocean. To date, we have conducted all of our aquaculture operations, research and manufacturing at these facilities and we currently have no active backup facilities or second sites. In July 2015, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Ostiones Guerrero S.A. de C.V. to secure a strategic site in Baja California, Mexico for the development of an additional aquaculture locale and expansion of our KLH production. However, we do not anticipate the site to be available for manufacture and production until 2018 at the earliest. There can be no assurance that these expansion plans will result in successful development of additional sites of research and manufacturing and KLH production outside of our Port Hueneme location. If a hurricane, an earthquake or other natural disaster, including coastal flooding, or a virus affecting our limpet colony, were to impact our facilities, we may be unable to manufacture our KLH products, which would have a serious disruptive impact on our business and a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. While we carry personal property insurance, such insurance may not be adequate to compensate us for losses from any damage or interruption of our business operations resulting from a hurricane, an earthquake, coastal flooding or other catastrophic event.

Uncertainty in the global geopolitical landscape from recent events may impede the implementation of our strategy outside the United States.

There may be uncertainty as to the position the United States will take with respect to world affairs and events following the 2016 U.S. presidential election and related change in political agenda, coupled with the transition of administrations. This uncertainty may include such issues as U.S. support for existing treaty and trade relationships with other countries. This uncertainty, together with other key global events during 2016 (such as the continuing uncertainty arising from the Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom as well as ongoing terrorist activity), may adversely impact (i) the ability or willingness of non-U.S. companies to transact business in the United States, including with Stellar (ii) regulation and trade agreements affecting U.S. companies, (iii) global stock markets ( including The Nasdaq Capital Market on which our common shares are traded), and (iv) general global economic conditions. All of these factors are outside of our control, but may nonetheless cause us to adjust our strategy in order to compete effectively in global markets.

Our joint venture with Neovacs involves numerous risks that could adversely impact our financial results.

In May 2016, we entered into a strategic relationship with Neovacs S.A. to manufacture and sell conjugated therapeutic vaccines through a newly-formed joint venture entity in France called Neostell S.A.S. This relationship is subject to various risks that could adversely affect the value of our investments and our results of operations. These risks include the following:

If our joint venture with Neovacs is unsuccessful, our business, results of operations, or financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

Our expansion plans include the design and development of aquaculture infrastructure and KLH production in Mexico which presents substantial risks to our business and personnel. We may never recoup our investment into this location.

We plan to develop an additional aquaculture locale and expand KLH production on leased, undeveloped land in Baja California, Mexico. We are currently engaged in a three-year study to assess the suitability of the site, and to initiate the design, expansion, and development of aquaculture resources and KLH production facilities there. There are certain administrative, legal, governmental and societal risks to operating in Mexico that could adversely impact our ability to expand our operations there. Any one or more of the risks that could adversely affect our ability to successfully implement our expansion and therefore ultimately have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations include, without limitation:

Our sales in international markets subject us to foreign currency exchange and other risks and costs, which could harm our business.

Substantial portions of our revenues are derived from outside the United States; primarily from Europe and Asia. We anticipate that revenues from international customers will continue to represent a substantial portion of our revenues for the foreseeable future. All our revenues are generated in U.S. dollars. However, if the effective price of our products were to increase as a result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, demand for our products could decline and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We compete with other companies in KLH production and manufacturing that may have greater resources than we do.

The immunotherapy industry is rapidly evolving and new competitors with competing technologies and products are regularly entering the market. Our Stellar KLH^TM products are similar to KLH-based products produced by other companies. While we believe we are the only company that offers GMP grade KLH supported by fully traceable manufacturing methods, we may not be able to maintain our competitive position against current and potential competitors. We compete directly with Biosyn Corporation, a pharmaceutical and biotechnology company which manufactures KLH starting material and offers clinical and research grade KLH products. We also compete directly with SAFC, a division of Sigma-Aldrich, which offers clinical and research grade KLH products manufactured from its own starting material from ocean harvested limpets and from aquaculture starting material purchased from us. Some of our competitors, both public and private, have greater financial and personnel resources than us, and have greater sales and marketing experience in the industry than us. If they are able to produce and sell comparable KLH products for less than us, it will have a negative effect on our operations and financial position. In addition to competition from current suppliers of KLH, we also face indirect competition from developers of other carrier proteins, adjuvants or therapeutic vaccine platforms. We are unable to predict what effect evolution of the KLH and immunotherapy industries and potential new entrants may have on price, selling strategies, intellectual property or our competitive position.

We may not be able to meet demand for KLH from either internally raised or ocean harvest sources.

We are dependent upon a supply of Giant Keyhole Limpets (Megathura crenulata) for KLH production. The range of the Giant Keyhole Limpet in the wild is limited, and due to the lack of a regulated harvest, the wild stocks of Giant Keyhole Limpets are believed to be declining. If the wild stocks are depleted, and our hatchery and aquaculture operations are unable to produce sufficient supplies of captive Giant Keyhole Limpets to meet demand, it would have a negative effect on our operations and financial condition.

We may not be able to manufacture our products in commercial quantities and currently depend on third parties for certain steps in our manufacturing operations, which could prevent us from marketing our products.

We contract with third party vendors, including contract manufacturing organizations and contract testing organizations, for certain steps in the manufacture and testing of our products, and may be unable to establish and maintain relationships with qualified manufacturers in order to produce sufficient supplies of our finished products.

We are currently dependent upon a small number of contractors and locations for certain steps in our manufacturing operations, namely fill/finish of vialed products and release testing. We do not currently have backup manufacturing capacity for some of our key products. If we are unable to retain our current contractors, or are unable to obtain new contractors to provide manufacturing services in a timely manner and on similar terms, it will have a negative effect on our operations. Further, these contract manufacturers and testing organizations provide services to many biotechnology and research companies, and such third party contractors may not provide acceptable quality, quantity or costs required by us. In addition, they may not be able to provide the services required on a schedule acceptable to us. These issues may result in us being unable to manufacture our products in the required quantities or at an acceptable cost, which would have a negative effect on our operations and financial condition.

We have been, and expect to continue to be in the future, significantly dependent on collaboration and supply agreements for the development and sales of Stellar KLH^TM.

In conducting our research and development and commercialization activities, we currently rely, and expect to continue to rely, on collaboration and supply agreements with third parties, such as contract research organizations, commercial partners, universities, governmental agencies and not-for-profit organizations, for strategic, technological, and financial resources. The inability to secure agreements on acceptable terms, the termination of these relationships, changes in our strategy or development plans or those of third parties, or failure to perform by us or third parties who are subject to regulatory, competitive and other risks, under their respective agreements or arrangements with us, would substantially disrupt or delay our research and development and commercialization activities, including anticipated commercial sales. Any such loss would likely increase our expenses and materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operation.

We have limited marketing, sales and distribution experience and capabilities. We will need to establish sales and marketing capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to market and sell our products.

We currently have limited experience in the marketing, sales and distribution of KLH-based therapeutic or diagnostic products. Depending on market acceptance of our Stellar KLH^TM products, we may need to expand our capabilities. We may not be able to establish such additional capabilities in-house, and then will need to enter into agreements with third parties to successfully perform these tasks. If we contract or make arrangements with third parties for the sales and marketing of our products, our revenues will be dependent on the efforts of these third parties, whose efforts may not be successful. If we market any of our products directly, we must either internally develop or acquire a marketing and sales force, which would require substantial resources and management attention.

We rely on the significant experience and specialized expertise of our Chief Executive Officer and other members of our senior management team, and we will need to hire and retain other highly skilled personnel to maintain and grow our business.

Our ability to be successful in the highly competitive biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries depends in large part upon our ability to attract and retain highly qualified managerial, scientific, medical, sales and other personnel. Our performance is substantially dependent on the research and development and business development expertise of Frank Oakes, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and other executive officers. We do not have employment agreements currently in effect with Mr. Oakes and other executive officers, and they are free to leave their employment with us at any time.

There is little possibility that this dependence will decrease in the near term. The loss of the services of Mr. Oakes, or the increased demands placed on our key executives and personnel by our continued growth, could adversely affect our financial performance and our ability to execute our strategies. Our continued success also depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified team members to meet our future growth needs. We may not be able to attract and retain necessary team members to operate our business.

In addition, our future success depends on our ability to identify, attract, hire, train, retain and motivate highly skilled technical, managerial and research personnel in all areas within our organization. We plan to continue to grow our business and will need to hire additional personnel to support this growth. We believe that there are only a limited number of individuals with the requisite skills to serve in many of our key positions, and we compete for key personnel with other biotechnology companies, as well as universities and research institutions. It is often difficult to hire and retain these persons, and we may be unable to timely replace key persons if they leave or be unable to fill new positions, as they become available, requiring key persons with appropriate experience. If we fail to attract, integrate and retain the necessary personnel, our ability to maintain and grow our business could suffer significantly.

We are subject to the risk of product liability claims, for which we may not have, or be able to obtain, adequate insurance coverage.

The pharmaceutical industry is subject to product liability claims in the event of adverse effects, even in respect to products that have received regulatory approval for commercial sale. Such claims might be made directly by consumers, healthcare providers or by pharmaceutical companies, or others selling or utilizing our Stellar KLH^TM products. Although we currently maintain liability insurance for our products, we may not be able to obtain or maintain sufficient and affordable insurance coverage for all claims that may occur. The cost of any product liability litigation or other proceeding, even if resolved in our favor, could be substantial. In addition, our inability to obtain or maintain sufficient insurance coverage at an acceptable cost or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the development and commercial production and sale of our products, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our activities are subject to regulation in the United States and in the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could adversely impact our operations

Our operations, including our aquaculture and harvesting activities, and our production activities, are subject to regulation at the local, state and federal levels in the United States by a number of regulatory agencies including, but not limited to, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, The Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and similar foreign agencies. In addition to regulations in the United States, we may be subject to a variety of foreign regulations related to research, manufacturing, and the commercial sales and distribution of our products, to the extent we choose to manufacture, sell or distribute any products outside of the United States. If we are unable to comply with laws and regulations in the United States and elsewhere, our operations could be restricted, or sanctions could be imposed on us, if we are found to not be in compliance with any such regulation.

We may face environmental risks related to handling regulated substances and hazardous materials.

Our research and clinical development activities, as well as the manufacture of materials and products, are subject to federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and policies governing the use, generation, manufacture, storage, air emission, effluent discharge, handling and disposal of certain materials, biological specimens and wastes. We may be required to incur significant costs to comply with environmental and health and safety regulations in the future. Our research and clinical development, both now and in the future, may involve the controlled use of hazardous materials, including but not limited to certain hazardous chemicals. We cannot completely eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. In the event of such an occurrence, we could be held liable for any damages that result and any such liability could exceed our resources.

We deal with hazardous materials and must comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, which can be expensive and restrict how we do business and/or give rise to significant liabilities.

As we operate a manufacturing facility, we are subject to various environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those governing air emissions, water and wastewater discharges, noise emissions, the use, management and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes, and the cleanup of contaminated sites. The cost of compliance with these laws and regulations could be significant. In the event of a violation of these requirements, including from accidental contamination or injury, we could be held liable for damages exceeding our available financial resources. We could be subject to monetary fines, penalties or third party damage claims as a result of violations of such laws and regulations or noncompliance with environmental permits required at our facility. As an operator of real property and a generator of hazardous materials and wastes, we also could be subject to environmental cleanup liability, in some cases without regard to fault or whether we were aware of the conditions giving rise to such liability. In addition, we may be subject to liability and may be required to comply with new or existing environmental laws regulating pharmaceuticals in the environment. Environmental laws or regulations (or their interpretation) may become more stringent in the future. If any such future revisions require significant changes in our operations, or if we engage in the development and manufacturing of new products or otherwise expand our operations requiring new or different environmental controls, we will have to dedicate additional management resources and incur additional expenses to comply with such laws and regulations.

 In the event of an accident, applicable authorities may curtail our use of hazardous materials and interrupt our business operations. In addition, with respect to our manufacturing facility, we may incur substantial costs to comply with environmental regulations and may become subject to the risk of accidental contamination or injury from the use of hazardous materials in our manufacturing process.

Risks Related to Intellectual Property

The inability to protect our intellectual property rights could result in competitive harm to our Company.

Our success and ability to maintain our competitive position depends on our ability to protect our intellectual property, including by obtaining patent protection in the United States and other countries, or through protection of our trade secrets, including unpatented know-how, technology and other proprietary information. When appropriate, we seek to protect our proprietary position by filing patent applications in the United States and other countries. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, whether by obtaining patents or through trade secret protection, our competitors could develop and commercialize products similar or identical to ours.

We may not have adequate remedies for any infringement or funds to take action against those infringing any of our intellectual property rights, or if our trade secrets otherwise become known or independently developed by competitors. There can be no assurance that any current or future patents held, licensed by or applied for by us will be upheld, if challenged, or that the protections afforded will not be circumvented by others. The patent positions of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, which often involve licensing agreements, are frequently uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions. In addition, the coverage claimed in a patent application can be significantly reduced before the patent is issued. Consequently, our patents, patent applications and licensed rights may not provide protection against competitive technologies or may be held invalid if challenged or could be circumvented. If we enter litigation in regards to our business or to protect or enforce our patents, it may involve substantial expenditures and require significant management attention, even if we ultimately prevail.

The patent position of biotechnology companies is generally highly uncertain. The degree of patent protection we require may be unavailable or severely limited in some cases and may not adequately protect our rights, provide sufficient exclusivity, or preserve our competitive advantage. For example:

Patents have a limited lifespan. In the United States, the natural expiration of a utility patent typically is generally 20 years after it is filed. Various extensions may be available; however, the life of a patent, and the protection it affords, is limited.

In addition, some of our technologies are not covered by any patent application and we rely instead on confidentiality agreements and trade secret law to protect such intellectual property rights. We require all of our employees and consultants to sign confidentiality agreements. The agreements also oblige our employees, and to the extent practicable, our consultants, and advisors, to assign to us ideas, developments, discoveries and inventions made by such persons in connection with their work with us. We cannot be sure that these agreements will maintain confidentiality, will prevent disclosure, or will protect our proprietary information or intellectual property, or that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information or intellectual property.

The failure of our patents, patent applications, applicable intellectual property law or our confidentiality agreements to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary information, including our trade secrets, could have a material adverse effect on our competitive advantages and on our operations and financial position.

Changes in patent law could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability to protect our products and our technologies.

There are numerous recent changes to the U.S. patent laws and proposed changes to the rules of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that may have a significant impact on our ability to obtain and enforce intellectual property rights. In particular, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (the “Leahy-Smith Act”) was adopted in September 2011. The Leahy-Smith Act includes a number of significant changes to U.S. patent law, including provisions that affect the way patent applications will be prosecuted and may also affect patent litigation. Under the Leahy-Smith Act, the United States transitioned from a “first-to-invent” system to a “first-inventor-to-file” system for patent applications filed on or after March 16, 2013. With respect to patent applications filed on or after March 16, 2013, if we are the first to invent but not the first to file a patent application, we may not be able to fully protect our intellectual property rights and may be found to have violated the intellectual property rights of others if we continue to operate in the absence of a patent issued to us. Many of the substantive changes to patent law associated with the Leahy-Smith Act have recently become effective. Accordingly, it is not clear what, if any, impact the Leahy-Smith Act will have on the operation of our business. However, the Leahy-Smith Act and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of any patents that issue, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

In addition, patent reform legislation may pass in the future that could lead to additional uncertainties and increased costs surrounding the prosecution, enforcement, and defense of patent applications and any patents we may obtain. Furthermore, the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit have made, and will likely continue to make, changes in how the patent laws of the United States are interpreted. Similarly, foreign courts have made, and will likely continue to make, changes in how the patent laws in their respective jurisdictions are interpreted. We cannot predict future changes in the interpretation of patent laws or changes to patent laws that might be enacted into law by United States and foreign legislative bodies. Those changes may materially affect our patents and patent applications or any patents we may obtain and our ability to obtain and enforce or defend additional patent protection in the future.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.

Filing, prosecuting and defending patents on our products and technologies in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive. The requirements for patentability may differ in certain countries, particularly developing countries, and the breadth of patent claims allowed can be inconsistent. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as laws in the United States. Consequently, we may not be able to prevent third parties from practicing our inventions in all countries outside the United States. Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not obtained patent protection to develop their own products and, further, may export otherwise infringing products to territories where we have patent protection, but enforcement on infringing activities is inadequate.

We seek to protect our proprietary position by, among other methods, filing, when possible, U.S. and foreign patent applications relating to our technology, inventions and improvements that are important to our business. We have obtained patent protection for our non-lethal extraction methods of hemocyanin in the United States and other countries. We also rely on trade secrets, know-how, continuing technological innovation, and in-licensing opportunities to develop and maintain our proprietary position.

We plan to file other international patent applications directed to patentable features of our products and technologies from time to time. If patent rights are obtained in foreign jurisdictions, proceedings to enforce such rights could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business, could put our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly, could put our pending patent applications at risk of not issuing, and could provoke third parties to assert claims against us. We may not prevail in any lawsuits that we initiate and the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, may not be commercially meaningful. Thus, we may not be able to stop a competitor from marketing and selling in foreign countries products that are the same as or similar to our product.

We may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents and patent applications, any patents that may be issued to us or other intellectual property, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful.

Competitors may infringe our patents or patent applications, or other of our intellectual property. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file infringement or misappropriation claims, which can be expensive and time consuming. Any claims we assert against perceived infringers could provoke these parties to assert counterclaims against us alleging that we infringe their patents or claiming that our patents are invalid or unenforceable. Grounds for a validity challenge could be an alleged failure to meet any of several statutory requirements, including lack of novelty, obviousness, non-enablement or lack of statutory subject matter. Grounds for an unenforceability assertion could be an allegation that someone connected with prosecution of the patent withheld relevant material information from the USPTO, or made a materially misleading statement, during prosecution. Third parties may also raise similar validity claims before the USPTO in post-grant proceedings such as ex parte reexaminations, inter partes review, or post-grant review, or oppositions or similar proceedings outside the United States, in parallel with litigation or even outside the context of litigation. The outcome following legal assertions of invalidity and unenforceability is unpredictable. We cannot be certain that there is no invalidating prior art, of which we and the patent examiner were unaware during prosecution. For any patents and patent applications we may license, we may have limited or no right to participate in the defense of any such patents against challenge by a third party. If a defendant were to prevail on a legal assertion of invalidity or unenforceability, we would lose at least part, and perhaps all, of any future patent protection on our products. Such a loss of patent protection could harm our business. In addition, in a patent infringement proceeding, a court may decide that our patent applications or patents, if issued, are invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, construe the patent’s claims narrowly, or refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that our patent applications do not cover the technology. An adverse result in any litigation proceeding could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly.

Our trade secrets are difficult to protect and misappropriation could reduce the market for our products.

We may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for the unauthorized use or disclosure of our proprietary information, including our trade secrets. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, expensive and time consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. If any of our trade secrets were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor, we would have no right to prevent them, or those to whom they communicate it, from using that technology or information to compete with us. If any of our trade secrets were to be disclosed to or independently developed by a competitor, our competitive position could be harmed.

Third parties may initiate legal proceedings alleging that we are infringing their intellectual property rights, the outcome of which would be uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on the success of our business.

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to operate without infringing the patents and other proprietary intellectual property rights of third parties. This is generally referred to as having the “freedom to operate.” The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are characterized by extensive litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights. The defense and prosecution of intellectual property claims, interference proceedings and related legal and administrative proceedings, both in the United States and internationally, involve complex legal and factual questions. As a result, such proceedings are lengthy, costly and time-consuming, and their outcome is highly uncertain. We may become involved in protracted and expensive litigation in order to determine the enforceability, scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others, or to determine whether we have the freedom to operate with respect to the intellectual property rights of others.

Patent applications in the United States are, in most cases, maintained in secrecy until approximately 18 months after the patent application is filed. The publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature frequently occurs substantially later than the date on which the underlying discoveries were made. Therefore, patent applications relating to a product or method similar to ours may have already been filed by others without our knowledge. In the event that a third party has also filed a patent application covering our products, methods or other claims, we may have to participate in an adversarial proceeding, such as an interference or derivation proceeding in the USPTO or similar proceedings in other countries, to determine the priority of invention. In the event an infringement claim is brought against us, we may be required to pay substantial legal fees and other expenses to defend such a claim and, if we are unsuccessful in defending the claim, we may be subject to injunctions or damage awards.

In the future, the USPTO or a foreign patent office may grant patent rights to our claims to third parties. Subject to the issuance of these future patents, the claims of which will be unknown until issued, we may need to obtain a license or sublicense to these rights in order to have the appropriate freedom to further use, develop or commercialize such products or methods. Any required licenses may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all. If it is determined that we have infringed an issued patent and do not have the freedom to operate, we could be subject to injunctions, and compelled to pay significant damages, including punitive damages. In any cases where we in-license intellectual property, our failure to comply with the terms and conditions of such licensing agreements could harm our business.

If we become involved in any patent litigation or other legal proceedings, we could incur substantial expense, and the efforts of our technical and management personnel could be significantly diverted. A negative outcome of such litigation or proceedings may expose us to the loss of our proprietary position or to significant liabilities, or require us to seek licenses that may not be available from third parties on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. We may be restricted or prevented from using or developing methods, or manufacturing and selling our products in the event of an adverse determination in a judicial or an administrative proceeding, or if we fail to obtain necessary licenses. Further, even if we are successful in defending against claims of infringement, such litigation could be burdensome and costly, and divert management’s attention away from executing our business plan.

We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of third parties.

Certain of our employees were previously employed at other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies. We may be subject to claims that we or our employees, consultants or independent contractors have inadvertently or otherwise improperly used or disclosed confidential information of these third parties or our employees’ former employers. We may also be subject to claims that former employees, consultants, independent contractors or other third parties have an ownership interest in our patents or other intellectual property. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these and other claims challenging our right to and use of confidential and proprietary information. If we fail in defending any such claims, we may lose our rights to such information, in addition to paying monetary damages. Such an outcome could have a material adverse effect on our business. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial cost and be a distraction to our management and employees.

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Securities

The price of our common shares may be subject to substantial volatility.

Although our common shares are listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market in the United States, there can be no assurance that an active public market will be sustained for our common shares. If there is a thin trading market or “float” for our common shares, the market price for our common shares may fluctuate significantly more than the stock market as a whole. Without a large float, our common shares would be less liquid than the stock of companies with broader public ownership and, as a result, the trading price of our common shares may be more volatile.

Furthermore, the stock market is subject to significant price and volume fluctuations, and the price of our common shares has been in the past, and may continue in the future to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to several factors, including:

The stock markets in general, and the small-cap biotech market, in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations in recent years that have significantly affected the quoted prices of the securities of many companies, including companies in our industry. The changes often appear to occur without regard to specific operating performance. The price of our common shares could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with our company and these fluctuations could materially reduce our share price.

If we cannot meet Nasdaq’s continuing listing requirements and Nasdaq rules, Nasdaq may delist our securities, which could negatively affect our company and the price of our securities.

On November 3, 2015, our common shares were approved for listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market and began trading on November 5, 2015. In order to meet certain initial listing requirements of Nasdaq, on September 2, 2015, we effected a consolidation of our issued and outstanding common shares on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation common share for every ten (10) pre-consolidation shares. We also amended our Articles to comply with certain corporate governance requirements set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Guide, which amendment was approved at a special meeting of our shareholders. These actions were time consuming and required substantial expense on the part of our Company. Although our shares are currently listed on Nasdaq, in the future, we may not be able to meet the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, which require, among other things, a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for common shares listed on the exchange. If we are unable to satisfy the Nasdaq criteria for maintaining our listing, our securities could be subject to delisting. Trading of our securities may still be eligible for an over-the-counter market or electronic bulletin board. As a consequence of any such delisting, our shareholders would likely find it more difficult to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations as to the prices of our securities.

We may require additional financing or financings, which would result in substantial dilution to existing shareholders.

Management currently estimates that our operations, including research and development, capital expenditures and general and administrative expenses, will require approximately $6.5 million for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017. We believe our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments at September 30, 2016 are sufficient to meet estimated working capital requirements and fund planned operations for at least the next 12 months. Notwithstanding the above, we may decide to expand operations, undertake strategic acquisitions or determine some other business need. In such case, we would then seek financing for such events through the sale of additional common shares, debt securities or bank loans. Our ongoing research and development activities may be dependent upon our ability to obtain funds, which may include the sale of common shares, as well as possible debt financings, joint ventures, or other means. Such sources of financing may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Failure to obtain such financing may result in delay or indefinite postponement of research and development of our Stellar KLH^TM. Any transaction involving the issuance of previously authorized but unissued common shares, or securities convertible into common shares, could result in dilution, possibly substantial, to present and prospective holders of common shares and may be on terms less favorable to us.

We could be deemed a “passive foreign investment company” in the future, which could have negative consequences for U.S. investors.

We would be designated as a “passive foreign investment company”, or a PFIC, under the meaning of Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, if (a) 75% or more of our gross income is “passive income” (generally, dividends, interest, rents, royalties and gains from the disposition of assets producing passive income) in any taxable year, or (b) at least 50% of the average value of our assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. If we are designated a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. shareholder holds our common shares, it would likely result in materially adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for such U.S. shareholder, including, but not limited to, any gain from the sale of our common shares would be taxed as ordinary income, as opposed to capital gain, and such gain and certain distributions on our common shares would be subject to an interest charge, except in certain circumstances. In addition, U.S. shareholders should be aware that there can be no assurances that we would be able to satisfy the record keeping requirements that apply to a PFIC, or that we would supply U.S. shareholders with the information that such U.S. shareholders require to make certain elections available under the Code that are intended to mitigate the adverse tax consequences of the PFIC rules. The PFIC rules are extremely complex. A U.S. shareholder of our common shares is encouraged to consult a tax advisor regarding the PFIC rules and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares.

We are governed by the corporate laws in British Columbia, Canada which in some cases have a different effect on shareholders than the corporate laws in Delaware.

The material differences between the British Columbia Business Corporations Act (the “BCBCA”) as compared to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) which may be of most interest to shareholders include the following: (i) for material corporate transactions (such as amalgamations, other extraordinary corporate transactions, amendments to the notice of articles and amendments to the Articles), the BCBCA generally requires a two-thirds majority vote by shareholders (and, in addition, especially where the holders of a class of shares are being affected differently from others, approval will be required by holders of two-thirds of the shares of such class voting in a meeting called for that purpose), whereas the DGCL generally only requires a majority vote of shareholders for similar material corporate transactions; (ii) quorum for shareholders meetings is not prescribed under the BCBCA and is 33-1/3% under our Articles (to assure compliance with Nasdaq corporate governance requirements); whereas, under the DGCL, quorum requires the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote to be present; and (iii) our Articles require a two-thirds majority vote of shareholders to pass a resolution for one or more directors to be removed, whereas the DGCL requires only the affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders.

Risks Related to an Emerging Growth Company

We are an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act of 2012 and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common shares less attractive to investors.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (JOBS Act), and as a result, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies.” We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” We will remain an “emerging growth company” until the earlier of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the date of our initial registration statement on Form 20-F, which was February 3, 2012, (b) in which we have more than $1.0 billion in annual revenues, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeded $700 million as of the prior March 31^st, and (ii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period. We may choose to take advantage of some but not all of these reduced reporting burdens.

For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to:

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected not to take advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards.

If we take advantage of any of these reduced reporting burdens in future filings, the information that we provide our security holders may be different than information such security holders might receive from other public companies in which they hold equity interests. We cannot predict if investors will find our common shares less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common shares and our share price may be more volatile.

Item 1B.       UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

Item 2.          PROPERTIES.

We currently lease 4,300 square feet of executive office and laboratory space in Port Hueneme, California under a lease which was renewed in July 2016 for a two-year term, with options to renew for three successive two-year terms.

Our aquaculture operations are land-based, and encompass three buildings and a 37,000 square foot oceanfront leasehold facility in the Port Hueneme Aquaculture Business Park, located along the Pacific Coast. These facilities include our aquaculture, manufacturing, and laboratory operations, and are leased from the Oxnard Harbor District under three sublease agreements that expire in September and October 2020 with options to extend the leases for two additional five-year terms.

We also currently lease undeveloped land in Baja California, Mexico under a lease agreement which we entered into in June 2015, with a three-year term, which lease agreement is terminable at will at any time with 30 days prior notice by either party. We expect to utilize the undeveloped land to conduct suitability studies over the next three years for the potential development of an additional aquaculture locale and future expansion of production.

Item 3.          LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

From time to time, we may be involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including contract disputes, employment matters and intellectual property disputes. We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings or claims outside the ordinary course of business. Regardless of outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.

Item 4.          MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

PART II

Market Information

Our common shares trade on The Nasdaq Capital Market in the United States under the symbol “SBOT” since November 5, 2015.

From January 15, 2013 through November 4, 2015, our common shares were traded in the United States on the U.S. OTCQB Marketplace Exchange under the symbol “SBOTF.” From April 19, 2010 to April 8, 2016 our common shares traded on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada under the symbol “KLH.”

The table below lists the high and low closing prices for our common shares for each fiscal quarter during 2016 and 2015 as reported by Nasdaq, Inc. or OTC Markets Group, Inc, as applicable. The OTC quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The prices have been adjusted to reflect the one share for ten shares reverse share split completed on September 2, 2015.

Common Shares Trading Activity

Nasdaq Capital Market and OTCQB Marketplace

The table below lists the high and low sales prices for our common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange for the first two fiscal quarters during 2016 and the partial third quarter through April 8, 2016, and for each fiscal quarter during 2015. The quotations on the TSX Venture Exchange were obtained from QuoteMedia.com. These quotations reflect adjusted close prices, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The prices have been adjusted to reflect the one share for ten shares reverse share split completed on September 2, 2015.

Common Shares Trading Activity

TSX Venture Exchange

Holders

As of December 9, 2016, we had 10,136,258 common shares outstanding, with 18 shareholders of record. The number of record shareholders was determined from the records of our stock transfer agent and does not reflect persons or entities that hold their shares in nominee or “street” name through various brokerage firms.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

See Item 12 “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this report.

Dividends

We have not declared any dividends on our common shares since our incorporation and do not anticipate that we will do so in the foreseeable future. Our present policy is to retain future earnings, if any, for use in our operations and the expansion of our business.

Performance Graph

The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

The graph set forth below compares the cumulative total return of our common shares to the Nasdaq Composite Index and the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index based on the period from August 31, 2011 through the Company’s fiscal year end on September 30, 2016. The graph assumes $100 was invested on August 31, 2011 in our common shares and in each of the comparative indices and assumes reinvestment of dividends, if any.

The comparisons shown in the graph below are based on historical data. We caution that the stock price performance showing in the graph below is not necessarily indicative of, nor is it intended to forecast, the potential future performance of our common shares. Information used in the graph was obtained from S&P Capital IQ, a source believed to be reliable, but we are not responsible for any errors or omissions in such information. Please also note that, due to the fact that the graph begins in August and includes a transition period resulting from a change in fiscal year-end, the horizontal segments of the graph do not represent equal time intervals.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities

None.

Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None.

Item 6.          SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

Our selected financial data in the table below is derived from our audited financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP). Our auditors for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and August 31, 2014, Moss Adams LLP, conducted the audits in accordance with United States generally accepted auditing standards, and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Our auditors for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, D&H Group LLP, conducted the audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. You should read these selected financial data together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 and our audited financial statements and notes thereto that are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Selected Financial Data

Expressed in U.S. dollars

Supplementary Financial Information

Selected Quarterly Financial Data

U.S. dollars are shown in thousands, except per share data

Fluctuations in net income (loss) between quarters can be mainly attributed to changes in fair value of warrant liability shown in thousands as follows:

This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of many important factors, including those set forth in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Risk Factors.” Please see “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I above. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Annual Report.

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

Overview

Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc.

Since inception, we have primarily financed our activities through the issuance of common shares, exercise of warrants, grant revenues, contract services revenue, and product sales. In July 2016, the Company closed a $6.75 million registered direct offering. Management believes our financial resources are adequate to support our current initiatives at the current level for at least the next 12 months. Management is also continuing the ongoing effort toward expanding the customer base for existing marketed products, and we may seek additional financing alternatives, including additional equity financing, debt financing, bank loans, or nondilutive financing alternatives including applying for grants and entering into collaboration and/or licensing arrangements.

Results of Operations

The greatest impact on the comparison of our consolidated statements of operations is from fluctuations in the change in fair value of our warrant liability. As a result of having exercise prices denominated in a currency other than our functional currency, our warrants with Canadian dollar exercise prices met the definition of derivatives and were therefore classified as derivative liabilities measured at fair value with noncash adjustments to fair value recognized through the consolidated statements of operations. Fair values were based on the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The losses and gains in each year were a reflection of our share price fluctuations whereby increases in share prices caused greater warrant liability and a resulting loss on fair value of warrant liability, while decreases in share prices caused a resulting gain on fair value of warrant liability. Changes in fair value of warrant liability had no impact on cash flow. If the warrants were exercised, the warrant liability was reclassified to common shares. If the warrants expired, the decrease in warrant liability offset the changes in fair value. All warrants with exercise prices denominated in Canadian dollars were exercised or expired by December 31, 2015. Therefore, there was no change in fair value after that time.

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2016

Our total revenues increased by $513,000 to $1,271,689 for fiscal 2016 compared to $758,689 for fiscal 2015. Product sales increased by $676,000 to $1,239,689 for fiscal 2016 compared to $563,689 for fiscal 2015 primarily due to an increase in the number of customers and greater product sales volume, including sales under supply agreements and custom manufactured products. Contract services revenue decreased by $163,000 to $32,000 for fiscal 2016 compared to $195,000 for fiscal 2015 as a result of the successful conclusion of a collaboration agreement in December 2015.

Our total expenses increased by $1,082,764 to $6,180,045 for fiscal 2016 compared to $5,097,281 for fiscal 2015.

Our costs of sales and contract services increased by $237,742 to $818,556 for fiscal 2016 compared to $580,824 for fiscal 2015, due to increased product sales.

Our research and development expenses increased by $699,956 to $1,729,445 fiscal 2016 compared to $1,029,489 for fiscal 2015. The increase was a result of additional research and development in aquaculture, both in the U.S. and for our aquaculture feasibility assessment in Baja California, Mexico; improvements in analytical, manufacturing, and purification processes; stability studies; and formulation development.

Our general and administrative expenses increased by $95,227 to $3,322,772 for fiscal 2016 compared to $3,227,545 for fiscal 2015. The increase resulted from increased corporate expenses, including our Nasdaq listing fees; compensation increases; and expanded business development and investor relations activities; offset by decreases in legal fees due to the Form S-3 shelf registration statement and our transition to reporting as a U.S. domestic issuer during fiscal 2015.

Other income decreased by $1,642,887 to an overall loss of $110,524 for fiscal 2016 compared to an overall gain of $1,532,363 for fiscal 2015 primarily due to a noncash change in fair value of warrant liability, which fluctuated to a loss of $211,956 for fiscal 2016 compared to a gain of $2,131,062 in fiscal 2015. All warrants with Canadian dollar exercise prices were exercised or expired by December 2015 and, consequently, there was no warrant liability and no gain/loss in fair value of warrant liability after that time. These fair value gains and losses occur in inverse relation to changes in our share price that affect the Black Scholes valuation model. The loss in fiscal 2016 is a result of the increase in our share price from September 30, 2015 to the exercise dates of the warrants compared to the gain in fiscal 2015 as a reflection of both the decrease in our share price from September 30, 2014 to the exercise dates of warrants during the year and the decrease in our share price from $11.90 at September 30, 2014 to $6.40 for warrants outstanding at September 30, 2015. Our foreign exchange gain in fiscal 2016 was $76,800 compared to a foreign exchange loss of $653,333 in fiscal 2015. The change over the prior year was due to improved exchange rates for our Canadian cash and cash equivalents. The portion of foreign exchange realized in cash was gain of $2,137 in fiscal 2016 and loss of $14,995 in fiscal 2015.

Our net loss for fiscal 2016 was $5,026,080, or $0.57 per basic share, compared to a net loss of $2,843,029, or $0.36 per basic share, for fiscal 2015. The increase in net loss of approximately $2.2 million for fiscal 2016 was primarily due to significant fluctuations in non-cash gain/loss in fair value of warrant liability and non-cash foreign exchange gain/loss, as well as increased research and development expenses, which were offset by increased product sales.

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2015

Our total revenues increased by $386,557 to $758,689 for fiscal 2015 compared to $372,132 for fiscal 2014. Product sales increased by $420,136 to $563,689 for fiscal 2015 compared to $143,553 for fiscal 2014 due to an increase in the number of customers and greater product sales volume including sales under supply agreements and custom manufactured products. Contract services revenue increased by $3,000 to 195,000 for fiscal 2015 compared to $192,000 for fiscal 2014 due to the net impact of services performed under a collaboration agreement entered into December 2013 and completion of services in December 2014 related to a supply agreement. There were no grant revenues for fiscal 2015 compared to $36,579 in fiscal 2014 due to the completion of work associated with our Phase II/IIB grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) through the Technology Enhancement for Commercial Partnerships program.

Our total expenses decreased by $993,367 to $5,097,281 for fiscal 2015 compared to $6,090,648 for fiscal 2014.

Our costs of sales and contract services increased by $111,675 to $580,824 for fiscal 2015 compared to $469,149 for fiscal 2014, due to increased sales and contract services revenue. Also, due to the early stage of our development in fiscal 2014, all manufacturing costs of production were expensed during that period. There were no grant expenses for fiscal 2015 compared to $36,579 in fiscal 2014 due to the closeout of NSF Phase II/IIB grants in November 2013.

Our research and development expenses decreased by $1,429,445 to $1,029,489 for fiscal 2015, as compared to $2,458,934 for fiscal 2014 due to the decreased use of contract research organizations as we realigned our focus from internal research and process development to manufacturing our Stellar KLH™ products in response to increased customer demand.

Our general and administrative expenses increased by $356,090 to $3,227,545 for fiscal 2015, compared to $2,871,455 for fiscal 2014. The increase was due to the net impact of increased corporate expenses, including legal and audit fees related to our transition to reporting as a U.S. domestic issuer rather than a foreign private issuer, our Nasdaq application and listing, and increased business development and investor relations activity, partially offset by decreases in share-based compensation. Share-based compensation is allocated to all expense types but the greatest portion is recorded as general and administrative expenses. Share-based compensation was $267,222 for fiscal 2015, which was a decrease from $956,634 recorded in fiscal 2014. The decrease for fiscal 2015 was related to fewer share options granted, fluctuations in our share price that affect the valuation model and vesting of options granted in prior years.

Other income increased by $4,226,170 to an overall gain of $1,532,363 for fiscal 2015 compared to an overall loss of $2,693,807 for fiscal 2014 primarily due to a noncash change in fair value of warrant liability, which fluctuated to a gain of $2,131,062 for fiscal 2015 from a loss of $2,533,305 in fiscal 2014. These fair value gains and losses occur in inverse relation to changes in our share price that affect the valuation model. The gain in fiscal 2015 is a reflection of the decrease in our share price from $11.90 to $6.40 compared to the loss in fiscal 2014 as a result of the increase in our share price from $14.00 to $15.90. Also, there were fewer Canadian denominated warrants outstanding than each prior year. The increase in overall gain in fiscal 2015 was offset by an increase in foreign exchange loss to $653,333 over the same period. Our foreign exchange loss in fiscal 2014 was $222,437. The change over the prior year was due to unfavorable exchange rates for our Canadian cash and cash equivalents. The portion of foreign exchange loss realized in cash was $14,995 in fiscal 2015, and $26,778 in the fiscal 2014.

Our net loss for fiscal 2015 was $2,843,029, or $0.36 per basic share, compared to a net loss of $8,439,523, or $1.11 per basic share, for fiscal 2014. The decrease in net loss of approximately $5.6 million for fiscal 2015 was primarily due to a significant noncash gain in the fair value of warrant liability, increased sales and decreased research and development expenses.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures, which primarily consist of scientific, manufacturing, and aquaculture equipment, and facility leasehold improvements for the previous three fiscal years are as follows:

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our working capital position at September 30, 2016 was $11,476,011, including cash and cash equivalents of $7,416,904 and short-term investments of $3,988,794. Management currently estimates that our operations, including research and development, capital expenditures and general and administrative expenses, will require approximately $6.0 million for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017. Management has flexibility to adjust these expenditures based on a number of factors including the size and timing of capital expenditures, staffing levels, inventory levels, and the status of customer clinical trials. Management believes the current working capital is sufficient to meet our present requirements, including all contractual obligations and anticipated research and development expenditures for at least the next 12 months. In July 2016, we closed a registered direct offering of an aggregate of 1,687,500 of our common shares, and a concurrent private placement of warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,265,626 common shares with an exercise price of $4.50 per share, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $6 million. We may pursue opportunities to obtain additional financing in the future through equity financings. We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission declared effective, a universal shelf registration statement of up to $100 million worth of registered equity securities, of which we utilized approximately $6.75 million in our July 2016 offering. Under this effective registration statement, we may issue registered securities, from time to time, in one or more separate offerings or other transactions with the size, price and terms to be determined at the time of issuance. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities in a public primary offering with a value of more than one-third of the aggregate market value of our common shares held by non-affiliates in any twelve-month period, so long as the aggregate market value of our common shares held by non-affiliates remains below $75 million. Registered securities issued using our existing shelf may be used to raise additional capital to fund our working capital, R&D and other corporate needs.

We expect to finance our future expenditures and obligations through revenues from product sales, contract services income, and sales of common shares. We expect to continue incurring losses for the foreseeable future and may need to raise additional capital to pursue our business plan and continue as a going concern. We cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to raise additional capital. Our management believes that we have access to capital resources through possible public or private equity offerings, debt financings, corporate collaborations or other means, if needed; however, we have not secured any commitment for new financing at this time, nor can we provide any assurance that new financing will be available on commercially acceptable terms, if needed.

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2016

As of September 30, 2016, our working capital position was $11,476,011 compared to working capital of $7,485,971 as of September 30, 2015. Working capital was reduced by the noncash current portion of our warrant liability in the amount of $1,550,630 at September 30, 2015, however, there is no warrant liability at September 30, 2016.

Our cash and cash equivalents totaled $7,416,904 at September 30, 2016, as compared to cash and cash equivalents of $3,955,503 at September 30, 2015, which represented an increase of $3,461,401. Our short-term investments totaled $3,988,794 at September 30, 2016, as compared to short-term investments of $5,015,171 at September 30, 2015, which represented a decrease of $1,026,377.

During fiscal 2016, operating activities used cash of $4,505,629. Items not affecting cash included: depreciation and amortization of $149,565; share-based compensation related to the issuance of share options of $259,379; unrealized foreign exchange gain of $76,800; and loss in fair value of warrant liability of $211,956 due to adjustment to fair value of warrants previously issued as a result of the increase in the price of our shares. Changes in working capital items include an decrease in accounts receivable of $71,827 due to timing of sales and cash receipts; decrease in inventory of $307,850 due to increased sales; increase in prepaid expenses of $197,150 primarily due to prepaid R&D supplies; decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $33,403; and decrease in deferred revenue of $173,333 recognized as sales when products were billed.

Investing activities provided cash of $557,411. The acquisition of property, plant and equipment used cash of $402,271. Purchase of short-term investments used cash of $11,995,450. Proceeds on maturities of short-term investments provided cash of $13,021,827. Contribution to joint venture used cash of $66,695. The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents was an increase of $96,623.

Financing activities provided cash of $7,312,996. The proceeds from issuance of common shares and warrants provided cash of $6,277,500 and share issuance costs used cash of $332,764. The proceeds from exercise of warrants and options provided cash of $1,368,260.

During fiscal 2016, a total of 2,151,500 common shares were issued:

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2015

As of September 30, 2015, our working capital position was $7,485,971 compared to working capital of $12,650,004 as of August 31, 2014. Working capital is reduced by the noncash current portion of our warrant liability in the amount of $1,550,630 and $879,040 at September 30, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively.

Our cash and cash equivalents totaled $3,955,503 at September 30, 2015, as compared to cash and cash equivalents of $8,423,089 at August 31, 2014, which represented a decrease of $4,467,586. Our short-term investments totaled $5,015,171 at September 30, 2015, as compared to short-term investments of $5,462,413 at August 31, 2014, which represented a decrease of $447,242.

During fiscal 2015, operating activities used cash of $4,412,395. Items not affecting cash included: depreciation and amortization of $159,521; share-based compensation related to the issuance of share options of $267,222; unrealized foreign exchange loss of $653,333; and gain in fair value of warrant liability of $2,131,062 due to adjustment to fair value of warrants previously issued as a result in the decrease in the price of our shares. Changes in working capital items include an increase in accounts receivable of $113,917 related mostly to increased revenues; increase in inventory of $522,389 caused by recording inventory beginning in fiscal 2015; increase in prepaid expenses of $45,758; increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $77,018; and increase in deferred revenue of $86,666 related to deposits on custom manufactured products billed in advance.

Investing activities provided cash of $122,470. The acquisition of property, plant and equipment used cash of $274,589. Purchase of short-term investments used cash of $13,677. Proceeds on maturities of short-term investments provided cash of $410,736. The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents was a reduction of $629,808.

Financing activities provided cash of $106,777 from the proceeds from exercise of warrants and options.

During fiscal 2015, a total of 42,773 common shares were issued upon the exercise of warrants and options, of which:

Research and Development

Our core business is developing and commercializing Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin for use in immunotherapy and immunodiagnostic applications. Our internal research has included, among other activities, continual improvement of methods for the culture and growth of Giant Keyhole Limpet, innovations in aquaculture systems and infrastructure, biophysical and biochemical characterization of the KLH molecule, analytical processes to enhance performance of our products, KLH manufacturing process improvements, new KLH formulations, and early development of potential new KLH-based immunotherapies.

Research and development costs, including materials and salaries of employees directly involved in research and development efforts, are expensed as incurred.

The following table includes our research and development costs for each of the most recent three fiscal years:

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources.

Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

We lease three buildings and facilities used in operations under sublease agreements with the Oxnard Harbor District. In June 2015, we exercised our option to extend these sublease agreements, each for an additional five-year term beginning in October and November 2015. We also negotiated an option to extend the leases for two additional five-year terms.

We lease facilities used for executive offices and laboratories, and we must pay a portion of the common area maintenance. In July 2016, we exercised our option to extend this lease for a two-year term, with options to renew for three successive two-year terms.

In June 2015, we leased undeveloped land in Baja California, Mexico to assess its suitability for the long-term development and potential expansion of our production capability. The first two years rent was prepaid in June 2015. The initial term is three years and we may terminate early with 30 days’ notice. If we decide to proceed with development of the site, we have options to extend the lease for 30 years.

We have purchase commitments for contract research organizations, consultants and construction contractors.

The approximate amounts of our contractual obligations are as follows:

Contractual Obligations

As of September 30, 2016

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements, which are indexed under Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require that the management make certain assumptions and estimates and, in connection therewith, adopt certain accounting policies. Our significant accounting policies are set forth in Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Of those policies, we believe that the policies discussed below may involve a higher degree of judgment or may otherwise be more relevant to our financial condition and results of operations.

Investments

Investments at September 30, 2016 consisted of U.S. Treasury bills with original maturities between 13 and 52 weeks. They are classified as held-to-maturity and are reported at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. We regularly review these investments to determine whether any decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis has occurred that is other than temporary. If a decline in fair value has occurred that is determined to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the investment is written down to fair value. Investments at September 30, 2015 consisted of a mutual fund of short-term fixed, floating and variable rate debt securities with normal weighted average effective maturity of approximately 1 year or less. This mutual fund investment is reported at fair value using level 1 inputs.

Inventory

We record inventory at the lower of cost or market, with market not in excess of net realizable value. Raw materials are measured using FIFO (first-in first-out) cost. Work in process and finished goods are measured using average cost. Raw materials include inventory of manufacturing supplies. Work in process includes manufacturing supplies, direct and indirect labor, contracted manufacturing and testing, and allocated manufacturing overhead for inventory in process at the end of the year. Finished goods include products that are complete and available for sale. The Company recorded work in process and finished goods inventory only for those products with recent sales levels to evaluate net realizable value.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We use the fair value measurement framework for valuing financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis in situations where other accounting pronouncements either permit or require fair value measurements.

Fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The carrying value of certain financial instruments such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and deferred revenue approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments. Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills are reported at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

We follow the fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

We recorded our short-term investments in mutual fund debt securities at fair value using Level 1 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. We recorded our warrant liability at fair value using Level 2 input using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.

Warrant Liability

Our equity offerings in prior years included the issuance of warrants with exercise prices denominated in Canadian dollars. As a result of having exercise prices denominated in a currency other than our functional currency, our warrants with Canadian dollar exercise prices met the definition of derivatives and were therefore classified as derivative liabilities measured at fair value with noncash adjustments to fair value recognized through the consolidated statements of operations. Upon exercise of these warrants, the fair value of warrants included in derivative liabilities was reclassified to common shares. If these warrants expired, the related decrease in warrant liability was recognized as gain in fair value of warrant liability. There was no cash flow impact as a result of this accounting treatment.

The fair value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model at the end of each reporting period. The losses and gains in each year were a reflection of our share price fluctuations whereby increases in share prices caused greater warrant liability and a resulting loss in fair value of warrant liability, while decreases in share prices caused a resulting gain in fair value of warrant liability. Changes in fair value of warrant liability had no impact on cash flow.

All warrants with exercise prices denominated in Canadian dollars were exercised or expired. Therefore, there is no outstanding warrant liability at September 30, 2016.

Revenue Recognition

Product Sales

We recognize product sales when KLH product is shipped (for which the risk is typically transferred upon delivery to the shipping carrier) and there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. We document arrangements with customers with purchase orders and sales agreements.

Product sales include sales made under supply agreements with customers for a fixed price per gram of KLH products based on quantities ordered, including those produced from a customer’s designated limpet colonies. The supply agreements are typically on a non-exclusive basis except within that customer’s field of use.

Contract Services Revenue

We recognize contract services revenue when contract services have been performed and reasonable assurance exists regarding measurement and collectability. An appropriate amount will be recognized as revenue in the period that we are assured of fulfilling the contract requirements. Amounts received in advance of performance of contract services are recorded as deferred revenue.

Contract services include services performed under collaboration agreements effective December 2013 through 2015 and monthly maintenance of limpet colonies designated to meet the needs of the customer through December 2014. We also had the right to use raw material produced from designated limpet colonies at no cost to us with prior written consent from the customer.

Share-Based Compensation

We grant options to buy common shares of the Company to our directors, officers, employees and consultants, and grant other equity-based instruments to non-employees.

The fair value of share-based compensation is measured on the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option valuation model and is recognized over the vesting period net of estimated forfeitures for employees or the service period for non-employees. The Black-Scholes option valuation model requires the input of subjective assumptions, including price volatility of the underlying stock, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, and expected life of the option.

Foreign Exchange

Items included in the financial statements of our subsidiary are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). Our functional currency and the functional currency of our subsidiary is the U.S. dollar.

Transactions in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are recorded at exchange rates prevailing on the dates of the transactions.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent accounting pronouncements are contained in Note 3p to the financial statements, which are indexed under Item 15 of this this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

United States Federal Income Taxation

As used below, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of a common share that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) a citizen or resident alien individual of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or an entity treated as a corporation) created or organized under the law of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax without regard to its source or (iv) a trust if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust, and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (2) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be treated as a United States person. For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of a common share that is (i) a nonresident alien individual, (ii) a corporation (or an entity treated as a corporation) created or organized in or under the law of a country other than the United States or a political subdivision thereof or (iii) an estate or trust that is not a U.S. Holder. If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of a common share, the U.S. federal tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A holder of a common share that is a partnership and partners in that partnership should consult their own tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of common shares. We have not sought a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or an opinion of counsel as to any U.S. federal income tax consequence described herein. The IRS may disagree with the description herein, and its determination may be upheld by a court. This discussion does not address U.S. federal tax laws other than those pertaining to U.S. federal income taxation (such as estate or gift tax laws), nor does it address any aspects of U.S. state or local or non-U.S. taxation.

GIVEN THE COMPLEXITY OF THE TAX LAWS AND BECAUSE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO ANY PARTICULAR SHAREHOLDER MAY BE AFFECTED BY MATTERS NOT DISCUSSED HEREIN, SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF COMMON SHARES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX LAWS, AS WELL AS U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS.

Taxation of Dividends

U.S. Holders. In general, subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, a distribution on a common share will constitute a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent that it is made from a corporation’s current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. If a distribution exceeds the current and accumulated earnings and profits of the distributing corporation, it will generally be treated as a non-taxable reduction of basis to the extent of the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the common share on which it is paid, and to the extent it exceeds that basis it will be treated as capital gain. The Company has not and does not plan to maintain calculations of earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. Accordingly, it is unlikely that U.S. holders will be able to establish that a distribution by the Company is in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits (as computed under U.S. federal income tax principles). Therefore, a U.S. holder should expect that a distribution by the Company will generally be taxable in its entirety as a dividend to U.S. holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes even though the distribution may be treated in whole or in part as a non-taxable distribution for Canadian tax purposes.

The gross amount of any dividend on a common share (which will include the amount of any Canadian taxes withheld with respect to such dividend) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as foreign source dividend income, and will not be eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction. The amount of a dividend paid in Canadian dollars will be its value in U.S. dollars based on the prevailing spot market exchange rate in effect on the day the U.S. holder receives the dividend. A U.S. holder will have a tax basis in any distributed Canadian dollars equal to their U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt, and any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of such Canadian dollars generally will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss. If dividends paid in Canadian dollars are converted into U.S. dollars on the date they are received by a U.S. holder, the U.S. holder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income.

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, as well as the passive foreign investment rules, a dividend that a non-corporate holder receives on a common share will generally be subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20% if the dividend is a “qualified dividend.” A dividend on a common share will be a qualified dividend if (i) either (a) the common shares are readily tradable on an established market in the United States or (b) we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Secretary of the Treasury determines is satisfactory for purposes of these rules and that includes an exchange of information program, and (ii) we were not, in the year prior to the year the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). The common shares are listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market which should be treated as an established securities market in the United States. In any event, the U.S. Canada Income Convention (the “Treaty”) satisfies the requirements of clause (i)(b), the Company is incorporated in and tax resident of Canada and should be entitled to the benefits of the Treaty. Based on our audited financial statements, income tax returns and relevant market and shareholder data, we believe that we likely will not be classified as a PFIC in the September 30, 2016 taxable year. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will not be considered to be a PFIC for any particular year in the future because PFIC status is factual in nature, depends upon factors not wholly within the Company’s control, generally cannot be determined until the close of the taxable year in question, and is determined annually. Accordingly, no assurance can be made that a dividend paid, if any, would be a “qualified dividend.” In addition, as described in the section below entitled “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” if we were a PFIC in a year while a U.S. holder held a common share, and if the U.S. holder has not made a qualified electing fund election effective for the first year the U.S. holder held the common share, the common share remains an interest in a PFIC for all future years or until such an election is made. The IRS takes the position that such rule will apply for purposes of determining whether a common share is an interest in a PFIC in the year a dividend is paid or in the prior year, even if we do not satisfy the tests to be a PFIC in either of those years. Even if dividends on the common shares would otherwise be eligible for qualified dividend treatment, in order to qualify for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates, a non-corporate holder must hold the common share on which a dividend is paid for more than 60 days during the 120-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date, disregarding for this purpose any period during which the non-corporate holder has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation to sell or has made (and not closed) a short sale of substantially identical stock or securities, is the grantor of an option to buy substantially identical stock or securities or, pursuant to U.S. Treasury regulations, has diminished such holder’s risk of loss by holding one or more other positions with respect to substantially similar or related property. In addition, to qualify for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates, the non-corporate holder must not be obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Payments in lieu of dividends from short sales or other similar transactions will not qualify for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates.

A non-corporate holder that receives an extraordinary dividend (generally, any dividend that is in excess of 10% of the holder's adjusted basis in the common share on which the dividend is paid) that is eligible for the reduced qualified dividend rates must treat any loss on the sale of the common share as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the dividend. For purposes of determining the amount of a non-corporate holder’s deductible investment interest expense, a dividend is treated as investment income only if the non-corporate holder elects to treat the dividend as not eligible for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates. Special limitations on foreign tax credits with respect to dividends subject to the reduced qualified dividend tax rates apply to reflect the reduced rates of tax.

The U.S. Treasury has announced its intention to promulgate rules pursuant to which non-corporate holders of stock of non-U.S. corporations, and intermediaries through which the stock is held, will be permitted to rely on certifications from issuers to establish that dividends are treated as qualified dividends. Because those procedures have not yet been issued, it is not clear whether we will be able to comply with them.

Non-corporate holders of common shares are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced qualified dividend tax rates with respect to dividends, if any, received on the common shares in the light of their own particular circumstances.

Any Canadian withholding tax imposed on dividends received with respect to the common shares will be treated as a foreign income tax eligible for credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. federal income tax law. For purposes of computing those limitations separately under current law for specific categories of income, a dividend generally will constitute foreign source “passive category income” or, in the case of certain holders, “general category income.” A U.S. holder will be denied a foreign tax credit with respect to Canadian income tax withheld from dividends received with respect to the common shares to the extent the U.S. holder has not held the common shares for at least 16 days of the 30-day period beginning on the date which is 15 days before the ex-dividend date or to the extent the U.S. holder is under an obligation to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property. Any days during which a U.S. holder has substantially diminished its risk of loss on the common shares are not counted toward meeting the 16-day holding period required by the statute. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex, and U.S. holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisers to determine whether and to what extent they will be entitled to foreign tax credits as well as with respect to the determination of the foreign tax credit limitation. Alternatively, any Canadian withholding tax may be taken as a deduction against taxable income, provided the U.S. holder takes a deduction and not a credit for all foreign income taxes paid or accrued in the same taxable year. In general, special rules will apply to the calculation of foreign tax credits in respect of dividend income that is subject to preferential rates of U.S. federal income tax.

Non-U.S. Holders. A dividend paid to a non-U.S. holder of a common share will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless the dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base the non-U.S. holder maintains in the United States if an applicable income tax treaty so requires as a condition for the non-U.S. holder to be subject to U.S. taxation on a net income basis on income from the common share). A non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to tax on an effectively connected dividend in the same manner as a U.S. holder. A corporate non-U.S. holder under certain circumstances may also be subject to an additional “branch profits tax,” the rate of which may be reduced pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty.

Taxation of Capital Gains

U.S. Holders. Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, on a sale or other taxable disposition of a common share, a U.S. holder will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in the common share and the amount realized on the sale or other disposition, each determined in U.S. dollars. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the sale or other taxable disposition the common share has been held for more than one year. In general, any adjusted net capital gain of an individual is subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20%. Capital gains recognized by corporate U.S. holders generally are subject to U.S. federal income tax at the same rate as ordinary income. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Any gain a U.S. holder recognizes generally will be U.S. source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, and, subject to certain exceptions, any loss will generally be a U.S. source loss. If a Canadian tax is paid on a sale or other disposition of a common share, the amount realized will include the gross amount of the proceeds of that sale or disposition before deduction of the Canadian tax. The generally applicable limitations under U.S. federal income tax law on crediting foreign income taxes may preclude a U.S. holder from obtaining a foreign tax credit for any Canadian tax paid on a sale or other disposition of a common share. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex, and U.S. holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisers regarding the application of such rules. Alternatively, any Canadian tax paid on the sale or other disposition of a common share may be taken as a deduction against taxable income, provided the U.S. holder takes a deduction and not a credit for all foreign income taxes paid or accrued in the same taxable year.

Non-U.S. Holders. A non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of a common share unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of trade or business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base the non-U.S. holder maintains in the United States if an applicable income tax treaty so requires as a condition for the non-U.S. holder to be subject to U.S. taxation on a net income basis on income from the common share), or (ii) in the case of a non-U.S. holder who is an individual, the holder is present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and certain other conditions apply. Any effectively connected gain of a corporate non-U.S. holder may also be subject under certain circumstances to an additional “branch profits tax,” the rate of which may be reduced pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

A special set of U.S. federal income tax rules applies to a foreign corporation that is a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As noted above, based on our audited financial statements, income tax returns, and relevant market and shareholder data, we believe that we likely will not be classified as a PFIC in the September 30, 2016 taxable year. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will not be considered to be a PFIC for any particular year in the future because PFIC status is factual in nature, depends upon factors not wholly within the Company’s control, generally cannot be determined until the close of the taxable year in question, and is determined annually.

In general, a non-US corporation is a PFIC if in any taxable year either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is “passive income” or (ii) at least 50% of the quarterly average value of its assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held to produce “passive income.” In applying these tests, the Company generally is treated as holding its proportionate share of the assets and receiving its proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which the Company owns at least 25% by value of the shares. Passive income for this purpose generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rent and capital gains, but generally does not include certain royalties derived in an active business. Passive assets are those assets that are held for production of passive income or do not produce income at all. Thus cash will be a passive asset. Interest, including interest on working capital, is treated as passive income for purposes of the income test. Without taking into account the value of its goodwill, more than 50% of the Company’s assets by value would be passive so that the Company would be a PFIC under the asset test. Based upon its current operations, its goodwill (the value of which should be based upon the Company’s market capitalization) will likely be attributable to its activities that will generate active income and to such extent, should be treated as an active asset. The determination of whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is a factual determination made annually and is therefore subject to change. Subject to exceptions pursuant to certain elections that generally require the payment of tax, once stock in a foreign corporation is stock in a PFIC in the hands of a particular shareholder that is a United States person, it remains stock in a PFIC in the hands of that shareholder.

If we are treated as a PFIC, contrary to the tax consequences described in “Taxation of Dividends” and “Taxation of Capital Gains” above, a U.S. holder that does not make an election described in the succeeding two paragraphs would be subject to special rules with respect to (i) any gain realized on a sale or other disposition of a common share (for purposes of these rules, a disposition of a common share includes many transactions on which gain or loss is not realized under general U.S. federal income tax rules) and (ii) any “excess distribution” by the Company to the U.S. holder (generally, any distribution during a taxable year in which distributions to the U.S. holder on the common share exceed 125% of the average annual taxable distributions (whether actual or constructive and whether or not out of earnings and profits) the U.S. holder received on the common share during the preceding three taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. holder’s holding period for the common share). Under those rules, (i) the gain or excess distribution would be allocated ratably over the U.S. holder’s holding period for the common share, (ii) the amount allocated to the taxable year in which the gain or excess distribution is realized would be taxable as ordinary income in its entirety and not as capital gain, would be ineligible for the reduced qualified dividend rates, and could not be offset by any deductions or losses, and (iii) the amount allocated to each prior year, with certain exceptions, would be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for that year, and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax would be imposed in respect of the tax attributable to each of those years.

The special PFIC rules described above will not apply to a U.S. holder if the U.S. holder makes a timely election, which remains in effect, to treat the Company as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”) in the first taxable year in which the U.S. holder owns a common share and the Company is a PFIC and if the Company complies with certain requirements. Instead, a shareholder of a QEF generally is currently taxable on a pro rata share of the Company’s ordinary earnings and net capital gain as ordinary income and long-term capital gain, respectively. Neither that ordinary income nor any actual dividend from the Company would qualify for the 20% maximum federal income tax rate on dividends described above if the Company is a PFIC in the taxable year the ordinary income is realized or the dividend is paid or in the preceding taxable year. A QEF election cannot be made unless the Company provides U.S. Holders the information and computations needed to report income and gains pursuant to a QEF election. The Company expects that will not provide this information. It is, therefore, likely that U.S. holders would not be able to make a QEF election in any year we are a PFIC.

In lieu of a QEF election, a U.S. holder of stock in a PFIC that is considered marketable stock could elect to mark the stock to market annually, recognizing as ordinary income or loss each year an amount equal to the difference as of the close of the taxable year between the fair market value of the stock and the U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in the stock. Losses would be allowed only to the extent of net mark-to-market gain previously included in income by the U.S. holder under the election for prior taxable years. A U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in the common shares will be adjusted to reflect the amounts included or deducted with respect to the mark-to-market election. If the mark-to-market election were made, the rules set forth in the second preceding paragraph would not apply for periods covered by the election. A mark-to-market election will not apply during any later taxable year in which the Company does not satisfy the tests to be a PFIC. In general, the common shares will be marketable stock if the common shares are traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter on a national securities exchange that is registered with the SEC or on a designated national market system or on any exchange or market that the Treasury Department determines to have rules sufficient to ensure that the market price accurately represents the fair market value of the stock. Under current law, the mark-to-market election may be available to U.S. holders of common shares because the common shares are listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market and the TSX Venture Exchange (at least one of which should constitute a qualified exchange for this purpose), although there can be no assurance that the common shares will be “regularly traded” for purposes of the mark-to-market election.

If we are treated as a PFIC, each U.S. holder generally will be required to file a separate annual information return with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with respect to the Company (and any lower-tier PFICs). A failure to file this return will suspend the statute of limitations with respect to any tax return, event, or period to which such report relates (potentially including with respect to items that do not relate to a U.S. holder’s investment in the common shares). Given the complexities of the PFIC rules and their potentially adverse tax consequences, U.S. holders of common shares are urged to consult their tax advisers about the PFIC rules.

Medicare Surtax on Net Investment Income

Non-corporate U.S. Holders whose income exceeds certain thresholds generally will be subject to 3.8% surtax on their “net investment income” (which generally includes, among other things, dividends on, and capital gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of, the common shares). Absent an election to the contrary, if a QEF election is available and made, QEF inclusions will not be included in net investment income at the time a U.S. Holder includes such amounts in income, but rather will be included at the time distributions are received or gains are recognized. Non-corporate U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible effect of such tax on their ownership and disposition of the common shares, in particular the applicability of this surtax with respect to a non-corporate U.S. Holder that makes a QEF or mark-to-market election in respect of their common shares.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Dividends paid on, and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, a common share to a U.S. holder generally may be subject to information reporting requirements and may be subject to backup withholding unless the U.S. holder provides an accurate taxpayer identification number or otherwise establishes an exemption. The amount of any backup withholding collected from a payment to a U.S. holder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. holder to a refund, provided certain required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. A non-U.S. holder generally will be exempt from these information reporting requirements and backup withholding tax but may be required to comply with certain certification and identification procedures in order to establish its eligibility for exemption.

Under U.S. federal income tax law and U.S. Treasury Regulations, certain categories of U.S. holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a foreign corporation. U.S. holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors concerning such reporting requirements.

Reporting Obligations of Individual Owners of Foreign Financial Assets

Section 6038D of the Code generally requires U.S. individuals (and possibly certain entities that have U.S. individual owners) to file IRS Form 8938 if they hold certain “specified foreign financial assets,” the aggregate value of which exceeds $50,000. The definition of specified foreign financial assets includes not only financial accounts maintained in foreign financial institutions, but also, unless held in accounts maintained by a financial institution, any stock or security issued by a non-US. person, any financial instrument or contract held for investment that has an issuer or counterparty other than a U.S. person and any interest in a foreign entity. Persons who are required to report foreign financial assets and fail to do so may be subject to substantial penalties.

Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following summary of the material Canadian federal income tax consequences is stated in general terms and is not intended to be legal or tax advice to any particular shareholder. Each shareholder or prospective shareholder is urged to consult his or her own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of his or her purchase, ownership and disposition of common shares. The tax consequences to any particular holder of common shares will vary according to the status of that holder as an individual, trust, corporation or member of a partnership, the jurisdiction in which that holder is subject to taxation, the place where that holder is resident and, generally, according to that holder’s particular circumstances.

This summary is applicable only to holders who are resident in the United States for income tax purposes, have never been resident in Canada for income tax purposes, deal at arm’s length with the Company, hold their common shares as capital property and who will not use or hold the common shares in carrying on business in Canada. Special rules, which are not discussed in this summary, may apply to a United States holder that is an issuer that carries on business in Canada and elsewhere.

This summary is based upon the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Tax Act” or “ITA”) and the Canada-United States Tax Convention (the “Tax Convention”) at the date of this Annual Report and the current administrative practices of the Canada Revenue Agency. This summary does not take into account provincial income tax consequences. The comments in this summary that are based on the Tax Convention are applicable to U.S. holders only if they qualify for benefits under the Tax Convention. Management urges each holder to consult his own tax advisor with respect to the income tax consequences applicable to him in his own particular circumstances.

Non-Resident Holders

The summary below is restricted to the case of a holder (a “Holder”) of one or more common shares who for the purposes of the Tax Act is a non-resident of Canada, holds his common shares as capital property and deals at arm’s length with the Company.

Dividends

A Holder will be subject to Canadian withholding tax (“Part XIII Tax”) equal to 25%, or such lower rates as may be available under an applicable tax treaty, of the gross amount of any dividend paid or deemed to be paid on his common shares. The Company will be required to withhold the applicable amount of Part XIII Tax from each dividend so paid and remit the withheld amount directly to the Receiver General for Canada for the account of the Holder.

Disposition of Common Shares

A Holder who disposes of common shares, including by deemed disposition on death, will not be subject to Canadian tax on any capital gain thereby realized unless the common share constituted “taxable Canadian property” as defined by the Tax Act. Generally, a common share of a public corporation will not constitute taxable Canadian property of a Holder unless he held the common share as capital property used by him carrying on a business in Canada, or he, persons with whom he did not deal at arm’s length or (under currently proposed rules) partnerships in which he or persons with whom he did not deal at arm’s length held an interest, alone or together held or held options to acquire, at any time within the 60 months preceding the disposition, 25% or more of the issued shares of any class of the capital stock of the Company and at any time during the 60 months preceding the disposition more than 50% of the value of the common shares is derived from, or from an interest in, Canadian real estate, including Canadian resource or timber resource properties.

Holders Resident in the United States

A Holder who is a resident of the United States and realizes a capital gain on disposition of common shares that was taxable Canadian property will, if qualified for benefits under the Tax Convention, generally be exempt from Canadian tax thereon unless (a) more than 50% of the value of the common shares is derived from, or from an interest in, Canadian real estate, including Canadian mineral resources properties, (b) the common shares formed part of the business property of a permanent establishment that the Holder has or had in Canada within the 12 months preceding disposition, or (c) the Holder (i) was a resident of Canada at any time within the ten years immediately preceding the disposition, and for a total of 120 months during any period of 20 consecutive years, preceding the disposition, (ii) owned the common shares when he ceased to be resident in Canada, and (iii) the common shares were not subject to a deemed disposition on the Holder’s departure from Canada.

Inclusion in Taxable Income

A Holder who is subject to Canadian tax in respect of a capital gain realized on disposition of common shares must include one half of the capital gain (“taxable capital gain”) in computing his taxable income earned in Canada. The Holder may, subject to certain limitations, deduct one half of any capital loss (“allowable capital loss”) arising on disposition of taxable Canadian property from taxable capital gains realized in the year of disposition in respect to taxable Canadian property and, to the extent not so deductible, from such taxable capital gains of any of the three preceding years or any subsequent year.

Subject to certain exceptions, a non-resident person who disposes of taxable Canadian property must notify the Canada Revenue Agency either before or after the disposition (within ten days of the disposition).

We are exposed to financial market risks associated with foreign exchange rates, concentration of credit, and liquidity. In accordance with our policies, we manage our exposure to various market-based risks and where material, these risks are reviewed and monitored by our Board of Directors.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Our exposure to foreign exchange risk is primarily related to fluctuations between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar. We incur operating expenses and capital expenditures mostly in U.S. dollars, with some operating expenses incurred in Canadian dollars which are subject to foreign currency fluctuations. The fluctuation of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar will have an impact upon our profitability and may also affect the value of our assets and the amount of shareholders’ equity. We have not entered into any agreements or purchased any instruments to hedge possible currency risks. At September 30, 2016, we held approximately CDN$4,270,000 in cash and cash equivalents in Canadian dollars and the U.S. dollar was equal to 1.314 Canadian dollars. Based on the exposure at September 30, 2016, a 10% annual change in the Canadian/U.S. exchange rate over the prior year would impact our net loss by approximately $325,000.

Concentration of Credit Risk

We are potentially subject to financial instrument concentration of credit risk through our cash equivalents, US Treasury bills, mutual fund debt securities and accounts receivables. We place our cash and cash equivalents in 4 week US Treasury bills or financial institutions believed to be credit worthy and perform periodic evaluations of their relative credit standing. We place short-term investments in 13 to 52 week US Treasury bills or a mutual fund that invests in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term fixed-, floating- and variable-rate debt securities that have received either a minimum short-term rating of at least A-1 (or its equivalent) or a minimum long-term rating of A minus (or its equivalent), by one or more Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organizations, or, if unrated, that are deemed by the fund to be of comparable quality at the time of purchase. Accounts receivables can be potentially exposed to a concentration of credit risk with our major customers.

The Company had concentrations of revenues in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 as follows:

The Company had concentrations of accounts receivable at fiscal year-end 2016 and 2015 as follows:

We assess the collectability of our accounts receivable through a review of our current aging, as well as an analysis of our historical collection rate, general economic conditions and credit status of our customers.  As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, all outstanding accounts receivable were deemed to be fully collectible, and therefore, no allowance for doubtful accounts was recorded. We determine terms and conditions for our customers primarily based on the volume purchased by the customer, customer creditworthiness and past transaction history.

Management works to mitigate our concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable through our credit evaluation policies, reasonably short payment terms and geographical dispersion of sales. Revenue includes export sales to foreign companies located principally in Europe and Asia.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that we will not be able to meet our financial obligations as they fall due. We attempt to manage liquidity risk by maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalent and short-term investment balances. Liquidity requirements are managed based on expected cash flows to ensure that there is sufficient capital in order to meet our short-term obligations. At September 30, 2016 and 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment balances totaling $11,405,698 and $8,970,674, respectively, to settle current liabilities of $623,644 and $2,380,648, respectively. Current liabilities included the current portion of our warrant liability in the amount of $1,550,630 at September 30, 2015, which will not be settled in cash.

The financial statements and related financial information required to be filed hereunder are indexed under Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

There were no reportable events under this item during the past two fiscal years.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that material information related to our Company, including our consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, by others within those entities on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding public disclosure.

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 30, 2016. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2016, were effective.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for designing, establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) to provide reasonable assurance that the financial information prepared by us for external purposes is reliable and has been recorded, processed and reported in an accurate and timely manner in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities. The Audit Committee fulfills its role of ensuring the integrity of the reported information through its review of the interim and annual financial statements. Management reviewed the results of their assessment with our Audit Committee.

Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all possible misstatements or frauds. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has used the criteria issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)” to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and concluded that such internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2016.

Attestation Report of Our Registered Public Accounting Firm

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report from our independent registered public accounting firm. We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined under the JOBS Act, and are subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company is not required to have the effectiveness of such company’s internal control over financial reporting audited by its external auditors for as long as such company is deemed to be an emerging growth company.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls is also based, in part, upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

None.

PART III

Directors

Our directors and their ages as of December 9, 2016 are set forth below.

(1) Member of Audit Committee.

(2) Member of Compensation Committee.

(3) Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

There are no family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers.

Biographies and Qualifications.   The biographies of our directors and certain information regarding each director’s experience, attributes, skills and/or qualifications that led to the conclusion that the director should be serving as a director of our Company are as follows:

Tessie M. Che, Ph.D. has been a director of Stellar since September 2013. Dr. Che is currently General Manager and Chair of the Board of Directors of Amaran Biotechnology Inc., a privately-held biopharmaceuticals manufacturer based in Taiwan, a position she has held since 2012. She is also a director of OBI Pharma USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of OBI Pharma, Inc., a publicly traded biotechnology corporation in Taiwan. From 1998 to 2011 she served as COO and Sr. V.P., Corporate Affairs of Optimer Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company she co-founded. At Optimer, Dr. Che guided the company’s CMC team to the successful registration and commercialization of Dificid^TM in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Prior to Optimer, Dr. Che’s experience includes 20 years in research, operations and management at global companies, including Exxon Mobil Corp., Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc., and EniChem SpA. Dr. Che holds bachelor degrees in chemistry from Illinois State University and Fu-Jen Catholic University (Taiwan) and a PhD in physical-inorganic chemistry from Brandeis University. She has authored numerous scientific publications and holds over 20 U.S. patents. Dr. Che has extensive scientific, operational, manufacturing, quality assurance, product development and senior management experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as experience serving on a board of directors within our industry.

Paul Chun has been a director of Stellar since December 2016.  He is a Managing Partner of Eldred Advisors LLC, a life sciences advisory firm he founded in May 2016.  From November 2015 to April 2016, he served as Director of Strategy and Corporate Development at Kiromic, LLC. From May 2011 to October 2015, Mr. Chun served as a life sciences principal with Westwicke Partners, LLC, a capital markets advisory firm. During his tenure at Westwicke, he supported the capital markets and investor engagement objectives of private and public biopharma companies, including the support of multiple initial public offerings and other strategic transactions. Prior to Westwicke, he held various roles in investment research and corporate finance, including at Amgen, Inc., Tavistock Life Sciences and Goldman, Sachs & Co. He received his bachelors in biological sciences from Columbia University. Mr. Chun has broad experience in therapeutics development and commercialization, valuation, corporate development and finance.

David L. Hill, Ph.D. has been a director of Stellar since May 2011, and serves as the chair of the Compensation Committee. He currently serves as Scientific Director for the ART Reproductive Center, Beverly Hills, California, a position he has held since December 1999. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, and a Research Assistant IV at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California. Dr. Hill received his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the Department of Pathology, School of Life Sciences, University of Connecticut and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through an appointment by the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Hill has extensive scientific and clinical research experience in our industry.

Daniel E. Morse, Ph.D. has been a director of Stellar since April 2010. Dr. Morse is the Wilcox Professor Emeritus of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Biotechnology, Biomolecular Science and Engineering, a position he has held since 2008, and Director of the Marine Biotechnology Center, at the University of California, Santa Barbara, a position he has held since 1986. Previously, he served as Director of the UCSB-MIT-Caltech Institute of Collaborative Biotechnologies from 2003 to 2010, and also served as Stellar’s Executive Vice-President, Science & Technology from 2010 until December 2011. Dr. Morse is an expert in the structure and function of the KLH molecule and internationally recognized expert in protein chemistry, molecular biology, molluscan reproductive biology, and aquaculture, and has an intimate understanding of our technology.

Frank R. Oakes was appointed our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board of Directors in April 2010. Prior to that time, he served as founder and Chief Executive Officer of Stellar’s California subsidiary since 1999. He has more than 40 years of management experience in aquaculture including a decade as Chief Executive Officer of The Abalone Farm, Inc., during which he led the company through the R&D, capitalization, and commercialization phases of development to become the largest abalone producer in the United States. Mr. Oakes is the inventor of our patented method for non-lethal extraction of hemolymph from a live gastropod mollusk. He was the principal investigator on our Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation and was principal investigator on our Phase I and II SBIR grants from the NIH’s Center for Research Resources, and a California Technology Investment Partnership (CalTIP) grant from the Department of Commerce. Mr. Oakes has consulted and lectured for the aquaculture industry around the world. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo and is a graduate of the Los Angeles Regional Technology Alliance University’s management-training program. Mr. Oakes is a valuable member of our Board due to his depth of operating, strategic, and senior management experience in our industry, specifically as related to aquaculture. Additionally, Mr. Oakes holds an intimate knowledge of Stellar due to his longevity in the industry and with us.

Charles V. Olson, D.Sc. has been a director of Stellar since December 2016 and a member of our scientific advisory board since June 2014.  Since April 2010, he has served at Anthera Pharmaceuticals Inc, where he is currently the Chief Technology Officer. He has also been a Principal Biotechnology Consultant for Compass Biotechnology LLC since 2006. Dr. Olson previously held senior and executive management positions at NGM Bioharmaceuticals Inc, Coherus BioSciences Inc, Nexbio Inc., Cell Genesys, Inc., Biomarin Pharmaceuticals, Inc, and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. After graduate school, Dr. Olson was a Research Scientist at Kaiser Hospitals, followed by Scientist and Senior Scientist positions at Genentech and Bayer, respectively. He holds a B.A. in biology and chemistry from Westmont College, an M.A. in chemistry from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a D.Sc. in biochemistry. Dr. Olson has extensive scientific, manufacturing operations, process development, and senior management experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Mayank (Mike) D. Sampat has been a director of Stellar since August 2012, and serves as the chair of the Audit Committee. Mr. Sampat is an independent consultant providing business services to companies seeking expertise in financial planning and analysis, accounting and financial reporting, M&A transactions support and financial system implementation. He previously held the positions of controller at Precision Toxicology, LLC, a healthcare focused clinical laboratory specializing in providing quantitative drug testing, from February 2015 to May 2016, Zpower, LLC, an emerging manufacturer in the microbattery industry, from June 2012 to September 2014, and Imaging Advantage LLC from September 2010 to June 2012, and the position of Chief Financial Officer for Gamma Medica-Ideas, a supplier of imaging equipment to the medical industry, from September 2007 to June 2010. Mr. Sampat received a BBA in accounting from Bombay University and his MBA in Finance at Mercer University. Mr. Sampat is a seasoned finance and accounting executive, having worked with multiple companies ranging from startups to large Fortune 100 companies.

Executive Officers

Set forth below is certain information with respect to the names, ages, and positions of our executive officers as of December 9, 2016. Biographical information pertaining to Mr. Oakes, who is a director and an executive officer, may be found in the above section entitled “Directors.” The executive officers serve at the pleasure of our Board of Directors.

Kathi Niffenegger, CPA was appointed Chief Financial Officer in November 2013 and Corporate Secretary in June 2013. She initially joined Stellar in May 2012 as Controller, after previously serving as the company’s outside Certified Public Accountant for more than 12 years. Ms. Niffenegger has more than 30 years of experience in accounting and finance in a range of industries. She held positions of increasing responsibility in the audit division of Glenn Burdette CPAs from 1988 to 2012 and served most recently as technical partner. She obtained CFO experience at Martin Aviation, and began her career at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. (now KPMG LLP). Ms. Niffenegger has held leadership roles for audits of manufacturing, aquaculture, pharmaceutical and governmental grant clients, and developed specific expertise in cost accounting systems and internal controls. Ms. Niffenegger holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration, Accounting from California State University, Long Beach and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Gregory T. Baxter, Ph.D. joined Stellar’s executive management team in December 2016 following his service on the company’s Board of Directors, which he joined in August 2012. Dr. Baxter has served as an executive and scientist for several biotechnology corporations and foundations. Since 2001, Dr. Baxter has been a Senior Scientist in the Department of Clinical Drug Development for CCS Associates Inc., a scientific research consulting firm specializing in technical and support services for clinical research, design strategies for preclinical studies, chemical information sciences and research and development support for translational science. His prior experience includes serving as Program Director for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships, Founder and CSO of Hurel Corporation, Founder and CEO of Aegen Biosciences and Research Scientist for Molecular Device Corporation. He also serves as Adjunct Associate Professor at Cornell University in the College of Chemical Engineering and on the Founders Board of Stanford University's StartX Med Program. Dr. Baxter received his B.A. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology from University of California, Santa Barbara.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, requires that our directors, executive officers, and greater-than-10% shareholders file reports with the SEC on their initial beneficial ownership of our common shares and any subsequent changes. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of such reports furnished to us by our officers and directors, we believe that, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, no person required to file reports under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act failed to file such reports on a timely basis during such fiscal year. 

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct that applies to all of our directors, officers, and employees. A copy of our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is available on the Investor Relations section of our website at http://ir.stellarbiotechnologies.com. We intend to satisfy the SEC’s disclosure requirements regarding amendments to, or waivers of, our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct by posting such information on our website. Copies of our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct may be obtained, free of charge, by writing to our Corporate Secretary, Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc., 332 East Scott Street, Port Hueneme, California 93041.

Nominations for Board of Directors

The Board of Directors has approved an advance notice policy, which was subsequently approved by our shareholders, that requires advance notice be given to us in certain circumstances where nominations of persons for election to the Board are made by our shareholders.

In the case of an annual meeting of shareholders, notice to the Company must be made not less than 30 days nor more than 65 days prior to the date of the annual meeting. However, in the event that the annual meeting is to be held on a date that is less than 40 days after the date on which the first public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, notice may be made not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following such public announcement.

In the case of a special meeting of shareholders (which is not also an annual meeting), notice to the Company must be made not later than the close of business on the fifteenth (15th) day following the day on which the first public announcement of the date of the special meeting was made.

Information about our Board Committees

Our Board of Directors has appointed an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board of Directors has determined that each director who serves on these committees is “independent,” as that term is defined by the listing rules of Nasdaq and rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board of Directors has adopted written charters for its Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Copies of these charters are available on our website at http://ir.stellarbiotechnologies.com. In addition, our board of directors appointed a temporary Listing Committee to approve actions related to our listing application for The Nasdaq Capital Market and a Pricing Committee to approve actions related to our capital raising transactions. There was no requirement for directors who served on these committees to be “independent”.

Audit Committee

Our Audit Committee is composed of Paul Chun, David Hill, and Mayank Sampat (chair). The purpose of the Audit Committee is to oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. In that regard, the Audit Committee assists the Board in monitoring: (a) the integrity of our financial statements; (b) our independent auditor’s qualifications, independence, and performance; (c) the performance of our internal audit function, including our system of internal controls, financial reporting, and disclosure controls; and (d) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. To fulfill this obligation and perform its duties, the Audit Committee maintains effective working relationships with the Board, management, our internal auditor, and our independent auditor.

Mayank Sampat is the Chair of our Audit Committee and has extensive financial experience. He received an MBA in Finance from Mercer University, and has served in several financial positions with other companies, including several years as Chief Financial Officer for a medical equipment manufacturer. Mr. Sampat is considered to be “independent” as defined pursuant to the listing rules of the Nasdaq. The Board has determined that Mr. Sampat is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

Compensation Committee

Our Compensation Committee is composed of David Hill (chair) and Mayank Sampat. The purpose of the Compensation Committee is to oversee the Board’s responsibilities relating to compensation of our Company’s Chief Executive Officer and our other executive officers. It has overall responsibility for approving and evaluating all of our compensation plans, policies and programs as such plans, policies and programs affect executive officers.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is composed of David Hill and Mayank Sampat. The purpose of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to identify individuals qualified to become Board members; recommend to the Board individuals to serve as directors; advise the Board with respect to Board composition, procedures and committees; develop, recommend to the Board and annually review a set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Company; and oversee any related matters required by the federal securities laws.

Executive Compensation

Our named executive officers for 2016 were Frank R. Oakes, Chief Executive Officer, President and Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors; Kathi Niffenegger, CPA, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary; Catherine Brisson, Ph.D., our former Chief Operating Officer until October 2016; and Mark McPartland, our former Vice President of Corporate Development and Communications until September 2016.  

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the named executive officers.

Employment Agreements

We do not have employment agreements currently in effect with any of our named executive officers. Like our other employees, our executives are eligible for annual salary increases and discretionary equity grants.

Performance Share Plan

Under the merger agreement between our Company and our California subsidiary, we allotted 1,000,000 common shares (the “Performance Shares”) under a performance share plan (the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan was to encourage the development of our products and business by distributing shares to key management, employees, and consultants upon the meeting of certain milestones. These milestones were set as follows:

As each milestone was met as determined by our Board of Directors, one-third of the Performance Shares were available to be released to the Plan members. In January 2011, it was determined that Milestone No. 3 was successfully completed and the Board authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 333,334 Performance Shares to all participants in the Plan. In August 2012, the Board of Directors determined that Milestones No. 1 and 2 had been met and authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 131,313 Performance Shares to the non-director participants in the Plan. The Board did not take any action at that time on the issuance of shares to the participants of the Plan who were also directors of the Company. No action was taken regarding the Plan in fiscal 2013. In December 2013, we issued 151,515 common shares to a former director of the Company named as an eligible participant in the Plan.

Mr. Oakes, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, and Dr. Morse, a director of our company, are eligible participants in the Plan. 235,690 and 134,680 shares, respectively, are reserved for future issuance to Mr. Oakes and Dr. Morse under the Plan. No other named executive officer or director is eligible to participate in the Plan.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Fiscal Year-End

The following table summarizes the equity awards made to our named executive officers that were outstanding at September 30, 2016.

Outstanding Equity Awards Narrative Disclosure

Fixed Share Option Plan

Our 2013 Fixed Share Option Plan is comprised of 1,000,000 options to purchase our common shares. The purpose of the 2013 Fixed Share Option Plan is to advance the interests of the Company by encouraging equity participation in the Company through the acquisition of common shares of the Company. Our Board is responsible for the general administration of the Fixed Share Option Plan and the proper execution of its provisions, its interpretation and the determination of all questions arising thereunder. Specifically, the Board has the power to, among other things:

Options may be awarded to our directors, officers, employees and consultants.

Options to purchase 539,103 common shares at prices ranging from CDN$2.50 to CDN$18.70 and $2.22 to $18.40 are outstanding at September 30, 2016.

Options issued during fiscal 2016 to employees and consultants under the Fixed Share Option Plan totaled 56,300 options to purchase common shares, at exercise prices ranging from $2.22 to $7.24.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table provides information regarding grants of plan-based awards to our named executive officers during fiscal year 2016.

Retirement Benefits

We have established a 401(k) plan to provide retirement benefits to eligible executive officers and employees. Employees may enter the plan after they have been employed by us for at least three consecutive months. Under the plan, we contribute a flat non-elective contribution of 3% of eligible compensation for each plan participant at the end of the fiscal year. Any Company contributions we made to the plan for our named executive officers are reflected in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table above.

Other than the funds contributed under our 401(k) plan, no other funds were set aside or accrued by us during fiscal 2016 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for our named executive officers.

Director Compensation

The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation of our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

Narrative to Director Compensation Table

Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy

Pursuant to our non-employee director compensation policy, non-employee directors receive $1,000 for each Board meeting attended in person and $350 for each Board meeting attended by telephone. Members of Board committees also receive $350 for each committee meeting attended. Non-executive directors may also receive stock option awards at the discretion of the Board of Directors. No options were awarded to the Company’s non-executive directors in fiscal year 2016.

Non-Employee Directors on our Scientific Advisory Board

Dr. Morse and Dr. Olson are members of our Scientific Advisory Board. As compensation for their services, the members of our Scientific Advisory Board receive certain advisory fees and expense reimbursements. Dr. Baxter was a member of our Scientific Advisory Board until December 1, 2016, when he resigned from the Scientific Advisory Board simultaneously with the effective date of his employment as an executive officer of the Company. During fiscal 2016, we paid an aggregate of $4,950 to Dr. Baxter, $6,200 to Dr. Morse and $12,250 to Dr. Olson for their services as members of our Scientific Advisory Board and such amounts are not reflected in the Director Compensation table above.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The members of our Compensation Committee during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 were Gregory Baxter, David Hill (chairman), and Mayank Sampat.

None of the individuals who served as a member of the Compensation Committee during fiscal 2016 was at any time during fiscal 2016 an officer or employee of our Company.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides certain information as of September 30, 2016 about our common shares that may be issued under our equity compensation plans:

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following tables sets forth certain information as of December 9, 2016, with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common shares by: (1) all of our directors; (2) our named executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table; (3) all of directors and executive officers as a group; and (4) each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common shares.

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all common shares that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws.

Common shares subject to options or warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of December 9, 2016 are deemed outstanding for computing the share ownership and percentage of the person holding such options and warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. The percentage ownership of our common shares of each person or entity named in the following table is based on 10,136,258 common shares outstanding as of December 9, 2016.

Directors and Officers

* Percentage of shares beneficially owned does not exceed one percent.

Shareholders Known by Us to Own 5% or More of Our Common Shares

Related Party Transactions

Patent Royalty Agreement

On August 14, 2002, through our California subsidiary, we entered into an agreement with Frank Oakes, our Chief Executive Officer, where he would receive royalty payments in exchange for the assignment of his rights to U.S. Patent No. 6,852,338 to us. The royalty is 5% of gross receipts from products using this invention in excess of $500,000 annually. Our current operations utilize this invention. Patent royalties of $35,516 and $1,495 were paid to Mr. Oakes for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Collaboration Agreement

In December 2013, we entered into a collaboration agreement (the “Amaran Agreement”) with Amaran Biotechnology, Inc. to develop and evaluate methods for Amaran’s potential manufacture of the OBI-822 active immunotherapy using our GMP grade Stellar KLH™.

Revenues received from Amaran under the Amaran Agreement totaled $32,000 and $180,000 during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. The Amaran Agreement also provides for Amaran to pay us fees for certain expenses and costs associated with the collaboration. Subject to certain conditions and timing, the terms of the collaboration with Amaran also provide for the possible negotiation of a commercial supply agreement for Stellar KLH™ in the future. The Amaran Agreement expired by its terms on December 7, 2015.

Tessie Che, a member of our Board of Directors, currently serves as general manager and chair of the board of directors of Amaran.

Policies and Procedures for Review of Related Party Transactions

The Audit Committee reviews, approves and oversees any transaction between us and any “related person” (as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K) and any other potential conflict of interest situations, on an ongoing basis. Under these policies and procedures, the Audit Committee is to be informed of transactions subject to review before their implementation. The procedures establish our practices for obtaining and reporting information to the Audit Committee regarding such transactions on a periodic and an as-needed basis. The policy provides that such transactions are to be submitted for approval before they are initiated but also provides for ratification of such transactions. No director who is interested in a transaction may participate in the Audit Committee’s determinations as to the appropriateness of such transaction.

Director Independence

In evaluating the independence of our Board members and the composition of the committees of our Board of Directors, the Board of Directors utilizes the definition of “independence” as that term is defined by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Using this standard, the Board of Directors has determined that Paul Chun, David Hill, Daniel Morse, Charles Olson and Mayank Sampat are “independent directors.” This means that our Board of Directors is composed of a majority of independent directors as required by the rules of Nasdaq.

Item 14.     PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The following table shows the aggregate fees paid or accrued for audit and other services provided for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 rendered by Moss Adams LLP.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit Fees consisted of fees incurred for professional services rendered for audits of the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and include procedures related to registrations and offerings.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of our auditors. It has established procedures for the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Audit Committee also has the authority and the funding to engage independent counsel and other outside advisors.

In accordance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and rules issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, our Audit Committee Charter includes a procedure for the review and pre-approval of all audit and permitted non-audit and tax services, subject to the de minimis exception for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act and the Commission rules promulgated thereunder that may be provided by our independent auditor or other registered public accounting firms. The procedure requires that all proposed engagements of the auditor for audit and permitted non-audit services are submitted to the Audit Committee for approval prior to the beginning of any such services. The Audit Committee pre-approved 100% of the audit services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

PART IV

(1) Financial Statements

The list of consolidated financial statements and notes required by this Item 15 (a) (1) is set forth in the “Index to Financial Statements” on page F-1 of this Annual Report.

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

All schedules have been omitted because the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index below are filed as part of this Annual Report.

EXHIBIT INDEX

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

STELLAR BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, One Month Ended September 30, 2014, and Year Ended August 31, 2014

(In U.S. Dollars)

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors

Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in equity and cash flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the one month period ended September 30, 2014, and the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the one month period ended September 30, 2014, and the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Moss Adams LLP

Los Angeles, California

December 14, 2016