Operating expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 increased to $30.8 million from $27.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Research and development expenses increased to $14.4 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2024 compared to $12.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase in research and development expenses reflects an increase in spending, including spending on labor and materials, on the Company’s ongoing commercial development efforts related to our solid oxide power generation and electrolysis platforms and carbon separation and carbon recovery solutions compared to the comparable prior year period.
Net loss was $(44.4) million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, compared to net loss of $(21.1) million in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA totaled $(29.1) million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $(14.4) million in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Please see the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, in the appendix at the end of this release.
The net loss per share attributable to common stockholders in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 was $(0.05), which remained unchanged compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023. The net loss per common share in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 benefited from the higher number of weighted average shares outstanding due to share issuances since January 31, 2023. The net loss per common share for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 also benefited from the net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests totaling $24.6 million in the period, primarily due to the tax equity financing of the Derby, CT projects, or approximately $0.05 per share compared to $2.5 million or approximately $0.01 per share in the prior year period.
Cash, Restricted Cash and Short-Term Investments
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $348.8 million as of January 31, 2024, compared to $403.3 million as of October 31, 2023. Of the $348.8 million total as of January 31, 2024, unrestricted cash and cash equivalents totaled $297.5 million and restricted cash and cash equivalents totaled $51.3 million. Of the $403.3 million total as of October 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents totaled $299.6 million and short-term investments totaled $103.8 million. Short-term investments are U.S. Treasury Securities, all of which had matured as of January 31, 2024.
During the quarter, the Company received funding of $21.1 million from the previously announced tax equity financing transaction with Franklin Park 2023 FCE Tax Equity Fund, LLC for the two projects in Derby, CT. In addition, the Company successfully completed the previously disclosed technical improvement plan for the Groton Project and has achieved one year of operations since the commencement of commercial operations. This resulted in the Company receiving funding of $4 million from East West Bank, who is the tax equity investor in the Groton Project.
“We are pleased with the project financing activity in the quarter and have taken, and will continue to take, proactive steps to help maintain the balance sheet strength required to support our growth objectives,” said Mr. Michael Bishop, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. “Given the Company’s carbonate inventory position, we continue to monitor and make adjustments to our production rate to meet current and expected demand from our Torrington facility.”