Bad weather results in loss for local maker of BioAstin

Hawaii island microalgae producer Cyanotech Corp. said "unusually high levels of wind, rain and overcast skies" in the January-to-March quarter cut production of microalgae, and that, along with increased legal costs, led to a net loss of $367,000, or 6 cents a share.

In the year-earlier period, Cyanotech earned a net profit of $2.6 million, or 47 cents per share. The company said net sales were $7.3 million, up 5 percent from $6.9 million a year ago.

Cyanotech produces BioAstin, a supplement that the company says enhances skin, muscle and joint health. All Cyanotech products are produced from microalgae grown at a 90-acre facility in Kona.

Cyanotech shares closed down 23 cents at $4.41 Friday, a 52-week low. The company reported its earnings before the start of trading Friday.