a58699_10q.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing
 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

R Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
   
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014
 
or
   
£ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
   
For the transition period from _____________ to _____________
   

 

Commission File Number: 0-261

 

Alico, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Florida 59-0906081
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
10070 Daniels Interstate Court, Fort Myers, FL 33913
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 239-226-2000

 

 

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. [X] Yes [_] 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). [X] Yes [_] No

 

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. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated file [_] Accelerated filer [X] Non-accelerated filer [_] Smaller reporting company [_]
  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). [_] Yes [X] No

 

There were 7,355,890 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, outstanding as of April 25, 2014.

 
 
 
   
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
   
Item 1. Financial Statements  3
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) for the three and six months
ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 3
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 (unaudited) and September 30, 2013  4
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the six months
ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
 5
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)  6
   
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  16
   
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  27
   
Item 4. Controls and Procedures  27
   
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION  28
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings  28
   
Item 1A. Risk Factors  28
   
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  28
   
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities  28
   
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure  28
   
Item 5. Other Information  28
   
Item 6. Exhibits  29
   
Signatures  31
   
Index to Exhibits 32
2
 

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

ALICO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

    Three Months Ended March 31,   Six Months Ended March 31,
    2014   2013   2014     2013
Operating revenues:                      
Citrus Groves  $19,423   $17,062     $25,056   $24,455 
Agricultural Supply Chain Management   6,135    11,870      8,241    17,159 
Improved Farmland   10,750    8,929      17,282    16,919 
Ranch and Conservation   910    338      1,441    856 
Other Operations   257    211      444    377 
Total operating revenue   37,475    38,410      52,464    59,766 
                       
Operating expenses:                      
Citrus Groves   12,448    12,839      16,346    18,699 
Agricultural Supply Chain Management   5,844    11,257      8,169    16,791 
Improved Farmland   8,865    7,142      14,395    13,016 
Ranch and Conservation   369    63      706    260 
Other Operations   90    95      152    200 
Total operating expenses   27,616    31,396      39,768    48,966 
                       
Gross profit   9,859    7,014      12,696    10,800 
Corporate general and administrative   2,486    2,464      6,313    4,272 
                       
Income from operations   7,373    4,550      6,383    6,528 
                       
Other (expense) income:                      
Interest and investment (loss) income, net   (9)   275      27    361 
Interest expense   (253)   (311)     (522)   (678)
Other (loss) income, net   (49)   59      (77)   36 
Total other (expense) income, net   (311)   23      (572)   (281)
                       
Income before income taxes   7,062    4,573      5,811    6,247 
Income tax expense   2,992    1,800      2,445    2,436 
                       
Net income attributable to common shareholders   4,070    2,773      3,366    3,811 
                       
Comprehensive income, net of tax effect   -    -      -    - 
                       
Comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders  $4,070   $2,773     $3,366   $3,811 
                       
                       
                       
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:                      
Basic   7,345    7,293      7,313    7,324 
Diluted   7,349    7,320      7,349    7,337 
Earnings per common share:                      
Basic  $0.55   $0.38     $0.46   $0.52 
Diluted  $0.55   $0.38     $0.46   $0.52 
                       
Cash dividends declared per common share  $-   $0.08     $0.12   $0.08 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

3
 

ALICO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

      
  March 31,
2014
  September 30,
2013
  (unaudited)   
 
ASSETS         
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents $15,410   $24,583 
Investments  262    260 
Accounts receivable, net  14,521    4,266 
Inventories  24,853    29,403 
Assets held for sale  3,601    - 
Other current assets  890    1,283 
Total current assets  59,537    59,795 
Investment in Magnolia Fund  2,572    5,086 
Investments, deposits and other non-current assets  2,146    1,991 
Cash surrender value of life insurance  889    897 
Property, buildings and equipment, net  130,867    131,071 
Total assets $196,011   $198,840 
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY         
Current liabilities:         
Accounts payable $1,634   $1,729 
Long-term debt, current portion  2,000    2,000 
Accrued expenses  2,784    2,354 
Income taxes payable  2,691    1,171 
Dividend payable  876    1,461 
Accrued ad valorem taxes  604    1,634 
Other current liabilities  549    1,142 
Total current liabilities  11,138    11,491 
Long-term debt, net of current portion  33,000    34,000 
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion  6,584    6,584 
Deferred retirement benefits, net of current portion  4,055    4,029 
Total liabilities  54,777    56,104 
Commitments and contingencies         
Stockholders’ equity:         
Preferred stock, no par value. Authorized 1,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, none  -    - 
Common stock, $1 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized; 7,377,106 shares issued and 7,350,454         
and 7,303,568 shares outstanding at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, respectively  7,377    7,377 
Additional paid in capital  3,782    9,496 
Treasury stock at cost, 26,652 and 73,538 shares held at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013,         
respectively  (1,098)   (2,816)
Retained earnings  131,173    128,679 
Total stockholders’ equity  141,234    142,736 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $196,011   $198,840 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

4
 

ALICO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)

  Six Months Ended
March 31,
  2014   2013
 
Net cash provided by operating activities $3,500   $6,942 
          
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Purchases of property and equipment  (8,758)   (12,973)
Decrease in restricted cash  -    2,500 
Decrease in real estate deposits  -    (2,500)
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment  700    2,794 
Return on investment in Magnolia  2,555    - 
Collections of mortgages and notes receivable  -    13 
Net cash used in investing activities  (5,503)   (10,166)
          
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Principal payments on notes payable  (1,000)   (2,900)
Borrowings on revolving line of credit  -    1,386 
Repayments on revolving line of credit  -    (1,386)
Treasury stock purchases  (4,713)   (2,810)
Dividends paid  (1,457)   (881)
Net cash used in financing activities  (7,170)   (6,591)
          
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (9,173)   (9,815)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  24,583    13,328 
          
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $15,410   $3,513 
          
Supplemental cash flow information:         
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized $580   $628 
Cash paid for income taxes $925   $1,168 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

5
 

ALICO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business

Alico Inc. (“Alico”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is an agribusiness and land management company. The Company owns approximately 130,800 acres of land in six Florida counties (Alachua, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Polk). Our principal lines of business are citrus groves, improved farmland including sugarcane, cattle ranching and conservation, and other operations which includes leased land for rock mining.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying (a) condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and (b) unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Financial Statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, which in the opinion of management were necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for any other interim periods or the entire fiscal year.

The Financial Statements have been presented according to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Certain information, footnotes and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted in accordance with those rules and regulations. The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. The Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2013.

Principles of Consolidation

The Financial Statements include the accounts of Alico, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Alico Land Development, Inc. (“ALDI”), Alico-Agri, Ltd. (“Alico-Agri”), Alico Plant World, LLC, Alico Citrus Nursery, LLC and Alico Fruit Company, LLC (formerly known as Bowen Brothers Fruit, LLC) (“Alico Fruit”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the fiscal year 2014 presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on working capital, net income, stockholders’ equity or cash flows as previously reported.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates based upon future events. The Company periodically evaluates the estimates. The estimates are based on current and expected economic conditions, historical experience and various other specific assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable.

6
 

Seasonality

The Company is primarily engaged in agriculture, which is of a seasonal nature and subject to the influence of natural phenomena and wide price fluctuations. Historically, the second and third quarters of our fiscal year generally produce the majority of our annual revenue, and our working capital requirements are typically greater in the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year coinciding with our planting cycles. The results of the reported period herein are not necessarily indicative of the results for any other interim periods or the entire fiscal year.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The Company does not believe that any recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the AICPA, or the SEC would have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 2. Inventories

A summary of the Company’s inventories is presented below:

(in thousands)  March 31,  September 30,
   2014  2013
 
Unharvested fruit crop on the trees  $15,760   $16,329 
Unharvested sugarcane   6,088    11,728 
Beef cattle   2,900    1,200 
Other   105    146 
           
Total Inventories  $24,853   $29,403 
7
 

 

Note 3. Property, Buildings and Equipment, Net

Property, buildings and equipment consisted of the following at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013:

       
(in thousands)  March 31,
2014
  September 30,
2013
 
Breeding herd  $11,659   $12,234 
Buildings   13,670    11,587 
Citrus trees   29,164    34,188 
Sugarcane   18,846    16,199 
Equipment and other facilities   57,762    47,278 
           
Total depreciable properties   131,101    121,486 
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion   (75,728)   (71,857)
           
Net depreciable properties   55,373    49,629 
Land and land improvements   75,494    81,442 
           
Net property, buildings and equipment  $130,867   $131,071 

 


Assets held for sale

In December 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved listing certain parcels of real estate for sale in Polk and Hendry counties totaling approximately 3,200 acres, including approximately 80 acres of active citrus groves. As a result, the Company reclassified the net book value of the properties to assets held for sale as of December 31, 2013. The estimated fair value of the properties exceeds their net book value, and no impairment was recognized as a result of the reclassification.

Note 4. Income taxes

The Company’s effective tax rates were 42.1% and 39.0% for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company applies a “more likely than not” threshold to the recognition and non-recognition of tax positions. A change in judgment related to prior years’ tax positions is recognized in the quarter of such change. The Company had no reserve for uncertain tax positions at March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense and in income taxes payable.

8
 

Note 5. Long-Term Debt

Outstanding debt under the Company’s various loan agreements is presented in the table below:

(in thousands) Revolving Line of
Credit
Term Loan
Total Credit
Facility
            
March 31, 2014           
Principal balance outstanding $-     $35,000  $35,000
Remaining available credit $60,000  $-     $60,000
Effective interest rate  2.40%   2.65%    
Scheduled maturity date  October 2020   October 2020    
Collateral  Real Estate   Real Estate    
            
September 30, 2013           
Principal balance outstanding $-     $36,000  $36,000
Remaining available credit $60,000  $-     $60,000
Effective interest rate  2.43%   2.68%    
Scheduled maturity date  October 2020   October 2020    
Collateral  Real Estate   Real Estate    

The Company has a credit facility including a revolving line of credit (“RLOC”) and term loan with Rabo AgriFinance, Inc. (“Rabo”) totaling $95,000,000 at March 31, 2014. The revolving line of credit and term loan are collateralized by 43,991 acres of farmland and 12,280 acres of additional real property containing approximately 8,600 acres of producing citrus groves.

The $60,000,000 RLOC bears interest at a floating rate payable on the first day of each calendar quarter. The RLOC matures on October 1, 2020. At March 31, 2014, there was no outstanding balance on the RLOC. The Company pays an annual commitment fee on the RLOC equal to 0.15% of the difference between the annual average unpaid balance and the $60,000,000 loan commitment. The commitment fee is payable on February 1 of each year. Commitment fees of approximately $83,000 were paid in February and $15,000 were accrued at March 31, 2014.

The interest rate on the RLOC is based on the one month LIBOR plus a spread. The spread is determined based upon our debt service coverage ratios for the preceding fiscal year and can vary from 225 to 250 basis points. The rate is currently at LIBOR plus 225 basis points. On October 1, 2015, Rabo may adjust the interest rate spread to any percentage above one month LIBOR. Rabo must provide a 30 day notice of the new spreads; at that time, the Company has the right to prepay the outstanding balance without penalty.

The term loan requires quarterly payments of interest at a floating rate of one month LIBOR plus 250 basis points. On October 1, 2015, Rabo may adjust the interest rate to a maximum spread of LIBOR plus 5%. The Company has the right to prepay the outstanding balance without penalty. It also requires quarterly principal payments of $500,000 through October 1, 2020 when the remaining principal balance and accrued interest will be due and payable.

At March 31, 2014 and September 30, 2013, Alico was in compliance with all of its covenants under the Rabo loan agreement.

On October 10, 2012, the outstanding mortgage note held by Farm Credit of Florida was paid in full. The payment included $1,794,000 for the principal balance and $66,000 for a prepayment penalty which was included in interest expense on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The mortgage was collateralized by 7,680 acres of real estate used for farm leases, sugarcane and citrus production. The collateral was released upon satisfaction of the mortgage.

9
 

Maturities of the Company’s debt were as follows at March 31, 2014:

 

(in thousands)   
 
Due within one year  $2,000 
Due between one and two years   2,000 
Due between two and three years   2,000 
Due between three and four years   2,000 
Due between four and five years   2,000 
Due beyond five years   25,000 
Total  $35,000 

Interest costs expensed and capitalized to property, buildings and equipment were as follows:  

 

                
(in thousands)  Three Months Ended March 31,  Six Months Ended March 31,
   2014  2013  2014  2013
 
Interest expense  $253   $311   $522    $    678 
Interest capitalized   40    12    69         29 
                          
Total  $293   $323   $591    $    707 

 

Note 6. Disclosures about reportable segments

The Company manages its land based upon its primary usage and reviews its performance based upon three primary classifications – Citrus Groves, Improved Farmland and Ranch and Conservation. In addition, it operates an Agricultural Supply Chain Management business that is not tied directly to its land holdings and Other Operations that include leases for mining and oil extraction rights to third parties. The Company presents its financial results and the related discussions based upon these five segments (Citrus Groves, Improved Farmland, Ranch and Conservation, Agricultural Supply Chain Management and Other Operations). In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company changed its internal structure to align with the way it manages its business operations. As a result, the Company has realigned its financial reporting segments to match its internal operations. The Company has reclassified prior years to conform to the fiscal year 2014 presentation. None of these changes affect the Company’s previously reported consolidated results. The primary change in previously reported segment results is to reclassify the former Land Leasing and Rentals segment’s revenues and expenses to the related land classifications. A description of the Company’s business segments is as follows:

Citrus Groves include activities related to planting, owning, cultivating and/or managing citrus groves in order to produce fruit for sale to fresh and processed citrus markets.
Agricultural Supply Chain Management and Support includes activities related to the purchase and resale of fruit, as well as, to value-added services which include contracting for the harvesting, marketing and hauling of citrus.
Improved Farmland includes activities related to planting, owning, cultivating, managing and/or leasing improved farmland. Improved farmland is acreage that has been converted, or is permitted to be converted, from native pasture and which has various improvements including irrigation, drainage and roads.
Ranch and Conservation includes activities related to cattle grazing, sod, native plant and animal sales, leasing, management and/or conservation of unimproved native pasture land.
Other Operations include activities related to rock mining royalties, oil exploration and other insignificant lines of business.

Intersegment sales and transfers are accounted for by the Company as if the sales or transfers were to third parties at current market prices. Goods and services produced by these segments are sold to wholesalers and processors in the United States which prepare the products for consumption. The Company evaluates the segments performance based on direct margins from operations before general and administrative costs, interest expense and income taxes, not including nonrecurring gains and losses.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1, Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation. Total revenues represent sales to unaffiliated customers, as reported in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

10
 

Information by business segment is as follows:

             
(in thousands)  Three Months Ended March 31,  Six Months Ended March 31,
   2014  2013  2014  2013
 
 
Revenues:                    
Citrus Groves  $19,423   $17,062   $25,056   $24,455 
Agricultural Supply Chain Management   6,135    11,870    8,241    17,159 
Improved Farmland   10,750    8,929    17,282    16,919 
Ranch and Conservation   910    338    1,441    856 
Other Operations   257    211    444    377 
Intersegment Revenues   4,000    4,264    5,153    6,245 
Eliminations   (4,000)   (4,264)   (5,153)   (6,245)
                     
Total revenue   37,475    38,410    52,464    59,766 
                     
Operating expenses:                    
Citrus Groves   12,448    12,839    16,346    18,699 
Agricultural Supply Chain Management   5,844    11,257    8,169    16,791 
Improved Farmland   8,865    7,142    14,395    13,016 
Ranch and Conservation   369    63    706    260 
Other Operations   90    95    152    200 
                     
Total operating expenses   27,616    31,396    39,768    48,966 
                     
Gross profit:                    
Citrus Groves   6,975    4,223    8,710    5,756 
Agricultural Supply Chain Management   291    613    72    368 
Improved Farmland   1,885    1,787    2,887    3,903 
Ranch and Conservation   541    275    735    596 
Other Operations   167    116    292    177 
                     
Total gross profit  $9,859   $7,014   $12,696   $10,800 
                     
                     
Capital expenditures:                    
Citrus Groves  $2,083   $840   $4,026   $1,117 
Agricultural Supply Chain Management   38    4    71    8 
Improved Farmland   212    2,119    3,685    7,646 
Ranch and Conservation   33    1,264    776    3,032 
Other Operations   196    18    200    91 
Other capital expenditures   (343)   745    -    1,079 
                     
Total capital expenditures  $2,219   $4,990   $8,758   $12,973 
                     
                     
Depreciation, depletion and amortization:                    
Citrus Groves  $525   $524   $1,054   $1,043 
Agricultural Supply Chain Management   53    61    82    123 
Improved Farmland   1,285    1,334    2,622    2,414 
Ranch and Conservation   329    329    662    544 
Other Operations   21    96    109    192 
Other depreciation, depletion and amortization   214    142    400    322 
                     
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization  $2,427   $2,486   $4,929   $4,638 

 

11
 

       
(in thousands)  March 31,
2014
  September 30,
2013
 
Assets:          
Citrus Groves  $64,568   $52,592 
Agricultural Supply Chain Management   2,509    994 
Improved Farmland   73,011    75,348 
Ranch and Conservation   17,070    14,696 
Other Operations   10,681    15,094 
Other Corporate Assets   28,172    40,116 
           
Total Assets  $196,011   $198,840 

 

Note 7. Stockholders’ Equity

Effective November 1, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock through November 2013 for the purpose of funding awards under its 2008 Incentive Equity Plan. In September 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 105,000 shares of the Company’s common stock beginning in November 2013 and continuing through April 2018. Stock repurchases were made on a quarterly basis through open market transactions at times and in such amounts as the Company’s broker determined subject to the provisions of SEC Rule 10b-18. As of March 31, 2014, no shares have been purchased and continue to be available for purchase. The following table illustrates the Company’s treasury stock transactions for the six months ended March 31, 2014:

(in thousands, except share amounts)  Shares  Cost
 
Balance at September 30, 2013   73,538   $2,816 
Purchased   118,792    4,713 
Issued to Directors   (165,678)   (6,431)
           
Balance at March 31, 2014   26,652   $1,098 

 

Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in general and administrative expenses was $204,000 and $705,000 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively, and $174,000 and $315,000 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013, respectively. Stock-based compensation is recorded for the Board of Directors fees paid in treasury stock and the Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan restricted common stock awards. The amount for the six months ended March 31, 2014 includes $184,000 related to the acceleration of the vesting of the Long Term Incentive common stock awards in accordance with the change in control discussed below.

Dilution

The dilutive effect on the weighted average shares outstanding of the company’s various equity instruments is detailed below:

12
 

(in thousands) For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
For the Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2014  2013  2014

 

 

2013
                     
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic   7,345    7,293    7,313    7,324 
Unvested Restricted Stock Awards   4    27    36    13 
                     
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted   7,349    7,320    7,349    7,337 

 

Long Term Incentive Plan

On May 26, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Long-Term Incentive Program as part of the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan. The Company approved the contingent award of 152,403 shares of common stock to Named Executive Officers (the “NEOs”) of the Company. On May 26, 2011, 58,610 shares were granted to the NEOs other than the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and on April 19, 2012, 93,793 shares were awarded to the CEO under restricted stock award agreements.

All of the shares of restricted stock awarded under the Long-Term Incentive Program vested automatically upon the acquisition by 734 Investors, LLC of a controlling interest in the Company. In December 2013, the Company determined that it would repurchase half of the 58,610 gross shares awarded to NEOs other than the CEO immediately upon their issuance for the purpose of retaining treasury shares for future issuance. As a result, the Company issued 68,944 shares of treasury stock in January 2014, net of withholdings for income taxes and repurchase of treasury shares. The Company has recognized $184,000 of stock-based compensation expense related to the acceleration of vesting of these grants during the quarter ended December 31, 2013.

Note 8. Contingencies

The Company is involved from time to time in routine legal matters incidental to its business. When appropriate, the Company establishes estimated accruals for litigation matters which meet the requirements of ASC 450— Contingencies. Based upon available information, the Company believes that the resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

Note 9. Related Party Transactions

Recent Change in Control Transaction

On November 19, 2013, 734 Agriculture, LLC (“734 Agriculture”) and its affiliates, including 734 Investors, LLC (“734 Investors”), completed the previously announced purchase from Alico Holding, LLC, a company wholly owned by Atlantic Blue Group, Inc. (“Atlanticblue”), of 3,725,457 shares of our common stock (the “Share Purchase”).

The common stock acquired by 734 Agriculture and its affiliates, including 734 Investors, represents approximately 51% of the Company’s outstanding voting securities. On November 15, 2013, 734 Investors amended and restated its LLC operating agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) to admit new members and to designate 734 Agriculture as the managing member, with authority to administer the affairs of 734 Investors, including the voting and disposition of shares of common stock, subject to certain restrictions set forth therein. As a result, upon the consummation of the Share Purchase, 734 Agriculture and its affiliates, including 734 Investors, acquired the voting power to control the election of the Company’s Directors and any other matter requiring the affirmative vote or consent of the Company’s shareholders.

13
 

Appointment of Directors; Resignation of Directors

With the Closing of the Share Purchase, the previously announced election of the following individuals to the Board of Directors became effective: Mr. George R. Brokaw, Member of 734 Agriculture; Remy W. Trafelet, Manager of 734 Agriculture; W. Andrew Krusen, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Dominion Financial Group; Benjamin D. Fishman, Managing Principal of Arlon Group; Henry R. Slack, former Chairman of the Board of Terra Industries, Inc. and Senior Partner of Quarterwatch, LLC; Clayton G. Wilson, former CEO of 734 Citrus Holdings, LLC d/b/a Silver Nip Citrus (“Silver Nip”) and Chairman of the Board of Latt Maxcy Corporation; and R. Greg Eisner, Head of Strategy of Dubin & Company, LLC.

Ramon A. Rodriguez remained on, and continues to serve as a member, of the Board of Directors. In addition, Adam D. Compton, who previously resigned subject to and effective upon the Closing of the Share Purchase, was re-elected to the Board of Directors on November 22, 2013.

Upon the Closing of the Share Purchase, the following individuals ceased to be Directors of the Company pursuant to their previously disclosed resignations: JD Alexander, Dykes Everett, Thomas H. McAuley, Charles L. Palmer, John D. Rood, and Gordon Walker, PhD. Mr. Robert J. Viguet, Jr. resigned from the Board on November 21, 2013.

Appointment of Mr. Wilson as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer

Upon the Closing of the Share Purchase, Mr. Alexander ceased to be the Company’s CEO pursuant to his previously disclosed resignation. On November 22, 2013, the Board appointed Mr. Wilson to serve as the CEO, effective immediately.

734 Investors and 734 Agriculture

On November 19, 2013, 734 Agriculture and its affiliates, including 734 Investors, acquired all of the approximately 51% of Alico’s common stock then owned by Atlanticblue. 734 Investors now beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, approximately 51% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock and possesses the voting power to control the election of the Company’s Directors and any other matter requiring the affirmative vote or consent of the Company’s shareholders. 734 Agriculture is the sole managing member of 734 Investors. By virtue of their ownership percentage, 734 Investors and 734 Agriculture are able to elect all of the Directors and, consequently, control Alico. Messrs. Brokaw and Trafelet are the two controlling persons of 734 Agriculture.

Silver Nip

On November 22, 2013, the Company entered into an employee lease agreement with Mr. Wilson and Silver Nip (the “Silver Nip Agreement”). Silver Nip is owned and controlled by Messrs. Brokaw, Trafelet and Wilson.

The Silver Nip Agreement provides, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, for the Company to furnish Mr. Wilson’s services to Silver Nip to perform the functions and services that Mr. Wilson has previously performed for Silver Nip prior to his resignation as CEO of Silver Nip. The Silver Nip Agreement provides that Mr. Wilson will spend a majority of his working time performing functions and services for the Company and that in no event will Mr. Wilson be required to take any action that he or the Company determines could conflict with Mr. Wilson’s exercise of his fiduciary duties under applicable law owed to the Company or could interfere with the performance of his duties as an executive officer of the Company. In exchange for furnishing Mr. Wilson’s services, Silver Nip has agreed to pay to the Company the cash salary that would have been paid to Mr. Wilson pursuant to his previous employment arrangement with Silver Nip, had that arrangement continued to be in force.

The Silver Nip Agreement provides that if neither the Company nor Silver Nip has provided the other with written notice of an intention to terminate the Silver Nip Agreement at least three business days before the month’s end (or any subsequent renewal period), the Silver Nip Agreement will automatically renew for a one-month period. In addition, Silver Nip may terminate the Silver Nip Agreement at any time upon 10 business days’ prior written notice to the Company. As of March 31, 2014 the neither Company nor Silver Nip has provided written notice to terminate the Silver Nip Agreement.

14
 

The description of the Silver Nip Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete terms and conditions of the agreement, which is listed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 2013. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, the Company has received $38,000 and $53,000 under this agreement, respectively.

Atlanticblue

Prior to the Share Purchase transaction on November 19, 2013, Atlanticblue owned approximately 51% of Alico’s common stock. By virtue of its ownership percentage, Atlanticblue was able to elect all of the Directors and, consequently, control Alico. JD Alexander resigned March 31, 2012 as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlanticblue and did not stand for re-election as a Director at the June 2012 Atlanticblue shareholders meeting. In February 2010, JD Alexander was appointed Alico’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and he served on Alico’s Board of Directors. Robert J. Viguet, Jr., a former Alico Director, did not stand for re-election as a Director of Atlanticblue at its June 2012 shareholders meeting. Dykes Everett was elected to the Alico Board of Directors at Alico’s February 2013 shareholders meeting; he was nominated by Atlanticblue.

Alico Fruit Company (“Alico Fruit”) marketed citrus fruit for TRI-County Grove, LLC at the customary terms and rates the Company extends to third parties. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2013, Alico Fruit marketed 115,351 and 145,584 boxes of fruit, for approximately $1,056,000 and $1,307,000, respectively. Alico Fruit no longer provides marketing and/or purchases citrus fruit from TRI-County Grove, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanticblue.

JD Alexander

On November 6, 2013, JD Alexander tendered his resignation as Chief Executive Officer and as an employee of the Company, subject to and effective immediately after the Closing of the Share Purchase transaction on November 19, 2013. Mr. Alexander’s resignation includes a waiver of any rights to any payments under his Change-in-Control Agreement with the Company. On November 6, 2013, the Company and Mr. Alexander also entered into a Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement under which (i) Mr. Alexander will provide consulting services to the Company during the two-year period after the Closing, (ii) Mr. Alexander agreed to be bound by certain non-competition covenants relating to the Company’s citrus operations and non-solicitation and non-interference covenants for a period of two years after the Closing, and (iii) the Company will pay Mr. Alexander for such services and covenants $2 million in twenty-four monthly installments. Mr. Alexander also agreed, in a separate side letter with the Company, not to sell or transfer the shares that were awarded pursuant to his Restricted Stock Award Agreement (other than to a family trust) for a period of two years after the Closing. Mr. Alexander also executed a general release in favor of the Company.

Other

Mr. Charles Palmer, who served as a member of the Board until his resignation became effective on November 19, 2013, leases approximately 2,300 acres from the Company for recreational purposes. He pays approximately $33,000 annually at the customary terms and rates the Company extends to third parties.

15
 

ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Additional context can also be found in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 9, 2013.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

We provide forward-looking information in this Quarterly Report, particularly in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis, pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Any statements in this Quarterly Report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by our management. Factors which may cause future outcomes to differ materially from those foreseen in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: changes in laws, regulation and rules; weather conditions that affect production, transportation, storage, demand, import and export of fresh product and their by-products, increased pressure from disease, insects and other pests; disruption of water supplies or changes in water allocations; pricing and supply of raw materials and products; market responses to industry volume pressures; pricing and supply of energy; changes in interest rates; availability of financing for land development activities and other growth opportunities; onetime events; acquisitions and divestitures; seasonality; labor disruptions; inability to pay debt obligations; inability to engage in certain transactions due to restrictive covenants in debt instruments; government restrictions on land use; changes in agricultural land values; changes in dividends; and market and pricing risks due to concentrated ownership of stock. These assumptions are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including those risks factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2013 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Overview

We manage our land based upon its primary usage and review its performance based upon three primary classifications –Citrus Groves, Improved Farmland and Ranch and Conservation. In addition, we operate an Agricultural Supply Chain Management business that is not tied directly to our land holdings and Other Operations that include leases for mining and oil extraction rights to third parties. We present our financial results and the related discussions based upon these five segments (Citrus Groves, Improved Farmland, Ranch and Conservation, Agricultural Supply Chain Management and Other Operations). In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, we changed our internal operations to align with the way we manage our business operations. As a result, we have realigned our financial reporting segments to match our internal operations. We have reclassified prior years to conform to the fiscal year 2014 presentation. None of these changes affect our previously reported consolidated results. The primary change in previously reported segment results is to reclassify the former Land Leasing and Rentals segment’s revenues and expenses to the related land classifications.

In connection with our pursuit of growth opportunities consistent with our mission, we intend to regularly evaluate potential acquisitions and other business opportunities.  If appropriate opportunities present themselves, we may engage in selected acquisitions and other business growth initiatives or undertakings.  There are factors associated with growth opportunities and to the extent we engage in such opportunities it could, among other things, change our revenue mix, require us to obtain additional debt or equity financing and have a material impact on our business and financial condition.

We own approximately 130,800 acres of land in six Florida counties (Alachua, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Polk), and operate five segments.

16
 

Segments

We operate five segments related to our various land holdings.

Citrus Groves include activities related to planting, owning, cultivating and/or managing citrus groves in order to produce fruit for sale to fresh and processed citrus markets.
Agricultural Supply Chain Management and Support includes activities related to the purchase and resale of fruit, as well as, to value-added services which include contracting for the harvesting, marketing and hauling of citrus.
Improved Farmland includes activities related to planting, owning, cultivating, managing and/or leasing improved farmland. Improved farmland is acreage that has been converted, or is permitted to be converted, from native pasture and which may have various improvements including irrigation, drainage and roads.
Ranch and Conservation includes activities related to cattle grazing, sod, native plant and animal sales, leasing, management and/or conservation of unimproved native pasture land.
Other Operations include activities related to rock mining royalties, oil exploration and other insignificant lines of business.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base these estimates on historical experience, available current market information and on various other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Additionally we evaluate the results of these estimates on an on-going basis. Management’s estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

There have been no significant changes during this reporting period to the policies and disclosures set forth in Part II, Item 7 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.

Recent Events

Recent Change in Control Transaction

On November 19, 2013, 734 Agriculture, LLC (“734 Agriculture”) and its affiliates, including 734 Investors, LLC (“734 Investors”), completed the previously announced purchase from Alico Holding, LLC, a company wholly owned by Atlantic Blue Group, Inc. (“Atlanticblue”), of 3,725,457 shares of our common stock (the “Share Purchase”).

The common stock acquired by 734 Agriculture and its affiliates, including 734 Investors, represents approximately 51% of the Company’s outstanding voting securities. On November 15, 2013, 734 Investors amended and restated its LLC operating agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) to admit new members and to designate 734 Agriculture as the managing member, with authority to administer the affairs of 734 Investors, including the voting and disposition of shares of common stock, subject to certain restrictions set forth therein. As a result, upon the consummation of the Share Purchase, 734 Agriculture and its affiliates, including 734 Investors, acquired the voting power to control the election of the Company’s Directors and any other matter requiring the affirmative vote or consent of the Company’s shareholders.

17
 

Appointment of Directors; Resignation of Directors

With the Closing of the Share Purchase, the previously announced election of the following individuals to the Board of Directors became effective: Mr. George R. Brokaw, Member of 734 Agriculture; Remy W. Trafelet, Manager of 734 Agriculture; W. Andrew Krusen, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Dominion Financial Group; Benjamin D. Fishman, Managing Principal of Arlon Group; Henry R. Slack, former Chairman of the Board of Terra Industries, Inc. and Senior Partner of Quarterwatch, LLC; Clayton G. Wilson, former CEO of 734 Citrus Holdings, LLC d/b/a Silver Nip Citrus (“Silver Nip”) and Chairman of the Board of Latt Maxcy Corporation; and R. Greg Eisner, Head of Strategy of Dubin & Company, LLC.

Ramon A. Rodriguez remained on, and continues to serve as a member of, the Board of Directors. In addition, Adam D. Compton, who previously resigned subject to and effective upon the Closing of the Share Purchase, was re-elected to the Board of Directors on November 22, 2013.

Upon the Closing of the Share Purchase, the following individuals ceased to be Directors of the Company pursuant to their previously disclosed resignations: JD Alexander, Dykes Everett, Thomas H. McAuley, Charles L. Palmer, John D. Rood, and Gordon Walker, PhD. Mr. Robert J. Viguet, Jr. resigned from the Board on November 21, 2013.

Appointment of Mr. Wilson as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer

Upon the Closing of the Share Purchase, Mr. Alexander ceased to be the Company’s CEO pursuant to his previously disclosed resignation. On November 22, 2013, the Board appointed Mr. Wilson to serve as the CEO, effective immediately.

18
 

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth a comparison of results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

                         
(in thousands)  Three Month Ended        Six Month Ended      
   March 31,  Change    March 31,  Change  
   2014  2013  $  %  2014  2013  $  %
 
Operating revenues:                                        
Citrus Groves  $19,423   $17,062   $2,361    13.8%  $25,056   $24,455   $601    2.5%
Agricultural Supply Chain Management   6,135    11,870    (5,735)   (48.3)%   8,241    17,159    (8,918)   (52.0)%
Improved Farmland   10,750    8,929    1,821    20.4%   17,282    16,919    363    2.1%
Ranch and Conservation   910    338    572    169.2%   1,441    856    585    68.3%
Other Operations   257    211    46    21.8%   444    377    67    17.8%
Total operating revenues   37,475    38,410    (935)   (2.4)%   52,464    59,766    (7,302)   (12.2)%
                                         
Gross Profit:                                        
Citrus Groves   6,975    4,223    2,752    65.2%   8,710    5,756    2,954    51.3%
Agricultural Supply Chain Management   291    613    (322)   (52.5)%   72    368    (296)   (80.4)%
Improved Farmland   1,885    1,787    98    5.5%   2,887    3,903    (1,016)   (26.0)%
Ranch and Conservation   541    275    266    96.7%   735    596    139    23.3%
Other Operations   167    116    51    44.0%   292    177    115    65.0%
Total gross profit   9,859    7,014    2,845    40.6%   12,696    10,800    1,896    17.6%
Corporate, general and                                        
administrative expenses   2,486    2,464    22    0.9%   6,313    4,272    2,041    47.8%
                                         
Income from operations   7,373    4,550    2,823    62.0%   6,383    6,528    (145)   (2.2)%
Other income (expense), net   (311)   23    (334)   NM   (572)   (281)   (291)   103.6%
                                         
Income before income taxes   7,062    4,573    2,489    54.4%   5,811    6,247    (436)   (7.0)%
Income tax expense   2,992    1,800    1,192    66.2%   2,445    2,436    9    0.4%
                                         
Net income  $4,070   $2,773   $1,297    46.8%  $3,366   $3,811   $(445)   (11.7)%
                                         
NM - Not Meaningful                                        

 

A discussion of our segment results of operations follows.

19
 

Citrus Groves

The table below presents key operating measures for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

(in thousands, except per box and per pound solid data)

  Three Month Ended       Six Month Ended    
  March 31,   Change   March 31,   Change
  2014   2013   $     %   2014   2013     $     %
 
Revenue From:                                        
Early and Mid Season  $14,842   $11,361   $3,481    30.6%  $19,281   $17,921   $1,360    7.6%
Valencias   3,438    4,263    (825)   (19.4)%   3,438    4,263    (825)   (19.4)%
Fresh Fruit   1,123    1,393    (270)   (19.4)%   1,777    2,207    (430)   (19.5)%
Other   20    45    (25)   (55.6)%   560    64    496    NM
Total  $19,423   $17,062   $2,361    13.8%  $25,056   $24,455   $601    2.5%
                                         
Boxes Harvested:                                        
Early and Mid Season   1,199    1,159    40    3.5%   1,646    1,899    (253)   (13.3)%
Valencias   245    418    (173)   (41.4)%   245    418    (173)   (41.4)%
Total Processed   1,444    1,577    (133)   (8.4)%   1,891    2,317    (426)   (18.4)%
                                         
Fresh Fruit   103    147    (44)   (29.9)%   153    220    (67)   (30.5)%
Total   1,547    1,724    (177)   (10.3)%   2,044    2,537    (493)   (19.4)%
                                         
Pound Solids Produced:                                        
Early and Mid Season   7,611    7,312    299    4.1%   10,222    11,607    (1,385)   (11.9)%
Valencias   1,528    2,555    (1,027)   (40.2)%   1,528    2,555    (1,027)   (40.2)%
Total   9,139    9,867    (728)   (7.4)%   11,750    14,162    (2,412)   (17.0)%
                                         
Pound Solids per Box:                                        
Early and Mid Season   6.35    6.31    0.04    0.6%   6.21    6.11    0.10    1.6%
Valencias   6.24    6.11    0.12    2.0%   6.24    6.11    0.13    2.1%
                                         
Price per Pound Solid:                                        
Early and Mid Season  $1.95   $1.55   $0.40    25.5%  $1.89   $1.54   $0.34    22.2%
Valencias  $2.25   $1.67   $0.58    34.9%  $2.25   $1.67   $0.58    34.7%
                                         
Price per Box:                                        
Fresh Fruit  $10.90   $9.48   $1.43    15.1%  $11.60   $10.03   $1.57    15.7%
                                         
Operating Expenses:                                        
Cost of Sales  $8,150   $8,078   $72    0.9%  $10,704   $11,683   $(979)   (8.4)%
Harvesting and Hauling   4,207    4,726    (519)   (11.0)%   5,425    6,929    (1,504)   (21.7)%
Other   91    35    56    NM   217    87    130    NM
Total  $12,448   $12,839   $(391)   (3.0)%  $16,346   $18,699   $(2,353)   (12.6)%
                                         
NM - Not Meaningful                                        

 

We sell our Early and Mid-Season and Valencia oranges to processors that convert the majority of the citrus crop into orange juice. Processors buy our citrus on a pound solids basis, which is the measure of the soluble solids (sugars and acids) contained in one box of fruit. Fresh Fruit is generally sold to packing houses that purchase our citrus on a per box basis. Our Operating Expenses consist primarily of Cost of Sales and Harvesting and Hauling. Cost of Sales represents the cost of maintaining our citrus groves for the preceding calendar year and does not vary in relation to production. Harvesting and Hauling represents the cost of bringing citrus product to processors and varies based upon the number of boxes produced.

20
 

The declines for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 in boxes harvested and pound solids produced are driven by growing season fluctuations in production, primarily resulting from changes in weather, horticultural practices and the effects of diseases and pests, including Citrus Greening.

Statewide environmental and horticultural factors described above have negatively impacted our crops and key operating measures presented above. The USDA, in its April 9, 2014 Citrus Forecast, indicated that it currently expects the Florida orange crop to decline by 23,600,000 boxes or approximately 17.7% versus the prior year. Our Early and Mid-Season varieties were approximately 13.0% less than the prior year and we currently expect our 2013/2014 Valencia crop’s decrease to be approximately 15.0%.

The increase in Citrus Groves gross profit relates to a significant increase in pricing, partially offset by the decline in production as noted above. Per box harvest and hauling costs for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 remained relatively in line with the three and six months ended March 31, 2013.

Agricultural Supply Chain Management

The table below presents key operating measures for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

(in thousands, except per box and per pound solid data)

             
  Three Month Ended         Six Month Ended    
  March 31,     Change   March 31,   Change
  2014   2013     $   %   2014   2013   $   %
 
Purchase and Resale of Fruit:                                                    
Revenue   $ 5,205   $ 9,769   $ (4,564 )   (46.7 )%   $ 6,697   $ 13,778   $ (7,081 )   (51.4 )%
Boxes Sold     444     1,116     (672 )   (60.2 )%     601     1,646     (1,045 )   (63.5 )%
Pound Solids Sold   2,725     6,867     (4,142 )   (60.3 )%     3,624     9,860     (6,236 )   (63.2 )%
Pound Solids per Box     6.14     6.15     (0.02 )   (0.3 )%     6.03     5.99     0.04     0.7 %
Price per Pound Solids   $ 1.91   $ 1.42   $ 0.49     34.3 %   $ 1.85   $ 1.40   $ 0.45     32.2 %
 
Value Added Services:                                                    
Revenue   $ 915   $ 2,092   $ (1,177 )   (56.3 )%   $ 1,221   $ 3,024   $ (1,803 )   (59.6 )%
Value Added Boxes     464     1,393     (929 )   (66.7 )%     581     1,964     (1,383 )   (70.4 )%
 
Other Revenue   $ 15   $ 9   $ 6     66.7 %   $ 323   $ 357   $ (34 )   (9.5 )%

 

The declines in Purchase and Resale of Fruit revenue, boxes sold and pound solids sold, as well as the declines in Value Added Services revenue and boxes, is all being primarily driven by overall declines in Florida production as well as a management decision to reduce the number of external boxes handled by Alico Fruit Company in fiscal year 2014.

The decline in Alico Fruit Company gross profit relates primarily to the changes in revenue outlined above.

21
 

Improved Farmland

The table below presents key operating measures for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

(in thousands, except per net standard ton and per acre data)

             
  Three Month Ended         Six Month Ended    
  March 31,     Change   March 31,   Change
  2014   2013     $   %   2014   2013   $   %
 
Revenue From:                                                    
Sale of Sugarcane $ 9,996     $ 8,234   $ 1,762     21.4 %   $ 16,018   $ 15,725   $ 293     1.9 %
Molasses Bonus   457       384     73     19.0 %     761     677     84     12.4 %
Land Leasing   298       265     33     12.5 %     503     448     55     12.3 %
Other   (1 )     46     (47 )   (102.2 )%     -     69     (69 )   (100.0 )%
Total $ 10,750     $ 8,929   $ 1,821     20.4 %   $ 17,282   $ 16,919   $ 363     2.1 %
 
Net Standard Tons Sold   340       258     82     31.8 %     544     448     96     21.4 %
 
Price Per Net Standard Ton:                                                    
Sale of Sugarcane $ 29.40     $ 31.91   $ (2.51 )   (7.9 )%   $ 29.44   $ 35.10   $ (5.66 )   (16.1 )%
Molasses $ 1.34     $ 1.49   $ (0.14 )   (9.7 )%   $ 1.40   $ 1.51   $ (0.11 )   (7.4 )%
 
Net Standard Tons/Acre   42.71       53.90     (11.19 )   (20.8 )%     39.91     42.01     (2.10 )   (5.0 )%
(Completed blocks)                                                    
 
Operating Expenses:                                                    
Cost of Sales $ 6,757     $ 5,305   $ 1,452     27.4 %   $ 10,908   $ 9,694   $ 1,214     12.5 %
Harvesting and Hauling   2,053       1,772     281     15.9 %     3,331     3,140     191     6.1 %
Land Leasing Expenses   55       65     (10 )   (15.4 )%     156     182     (26 )   (14.3 )%
Total $ 8,865     $ 7,142   $ 1,723     24.1 %   $ 14,395   $ 13,016   $ 1,379     10.6 %

 

Acres used to produce sugarcane increased to 16,728 in fiscal year 2014 from 13,272 in fiscal year 2013. The increase in net standard tons sold is primarily related to harvesting approximately 2,000 more acres in the six months ended March 31, 2014 versus the same period of the prior year. The increase in production for the six months ended March 31, 2014 versus the same period of the prior year is more than offset by the decrease in price per net standard ton that has resulted from changes in market conditions in fiscal year 2014 versus fiscal year 2013. Our Operating Expenses consist primarily of Cost of Sales and Harvesting and Hauling. Cost of Sales represents the cost of maintaining our sugarcane land for the preceding calendar year and does not vary in relation to production. Harvesting and Hauling represents the cost of bringing sugarcane product to our processor and varies based upon the number of net standard tons produced.

The decrease in gross profit is related primarily to the decrease in price per standard ton discussed above, partially offset by a 6.3% decrease in growing costs per acre and a 12.6% decrease in harvest and hauling costs per net standard ton versus the six months ended March 31, 2013 which relates primarily to the elimination of long-haul charges related to the transportation of sugarcane via truck.

22
 

Ranch and Conservation

The table below presents key operating measures for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

(in thousands, except per pound data)

         
  Three Month Ended   Six Month Ended  
  March 31,   Change   March 31,   Change
  2014   2013   $   %   2014   2013   $   %
 
Revenue From:                                                    
Sale of Calves $ 25    $ 10   $ 15     150.0 %   $ 261   $ 168   $ 93     55.4 %
Sale of Culls   691       -     691     NM     692     3     689     NM
Land Leasing   242       -     242     NM     487     244     243     99.6 %
Other   (48 )     328     (376 )   (114.6 )%     1     441     (440 )   (99.8 )%
Total $ 910     338   $ 572     169.2 % $1,441   $ 856   $ 585     68.3 %
 
Pounds Sold:                                                    
Calves   17       7     10     142.9 %     158     127     31     24.4 %
Culls   793       -     793     NM     794     11     783     NM
 
Price Per Pound:                                                    
Calves $ 1.47   1.43   $ 0.04     2.9 %   $ 1.65   $ 1.32   $ 0.33     24.9 %
Culls $ 0.87   -   $ 0.87     NM   $ 0.87   $ 0.68   $ 0.19     28.2 %
 
Operating Expenses:                                                    
Cost of Calves Sold $ (66   $ 7   $ (73 )   NM   $ 220   $ 113   $ 107     94.7 %
Cost of Culls Sold   354       -     354     0.0 %     355     4     351     NM
Land Leasing Expenses   71       -     71     0.0 %     128     85     43     50.6 %
Other   10       56     (46 )   (82.1 )%     3     58     (55 )   (94.8 )%
Total $ 369      $ 63   $ 306     485.7 %   $ 706   $ 260   $ 446     171.5 %
 
NM - Not Meaningful                                                    

 

The increases in revenue and gross profit for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 versus the same periods of the prior year primarily relate to timing of the sale of cull cows and bulls from our breeding herd. We sold significantly more cull cows and bulls during the second quarter of fiscal year 2014 than we sold during the first two quarters of fiscal year 2013. We expect to sell our entire calf inventory during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014. We have entered into a contract to sell our calves for an average price of $2.04 per pound in the months of July and August 2014.

Other Operations

The results of the Other Operations segment for the six months ended March 31, 2014 are in-line with the same period of the prior year.

General and Administrative

The increase in general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 versus the same period of the prior year relates primarily to costs incurred related to the change in control described above in “Recent Events,” which totaled $260,000 and $2,005,000. The charges included $184,000 for the acceleration of the vesting of the Long-Term Incentive Plan awards, $849,000 for the cost of Director and Officer insurance for the departing Directors and Officers and $333,000 related to consulting and non-competition agreement.

23
 

Other Income (Expense), net

Other income (expense), net for the three month and six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is relatively in-line with the same period of the prior year.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was approximately $2,992,000 and $1,800,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates were 42.3% and 39.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Income tax expense was approximately $2,445,000 and $2,436,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were 42.1% and 39.0%, respectively. The change in rates relates primarily to the non-deductible nature of projected political contributions for fiscal year 2014 and limitations on certain deductions related to the vesting of the long-term incentive grants.

Seasonality

Historically, the second and third quarters of our fiscal year produce the majority of our annual revenue, and our working capital requirements are typically greater in the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year coinciding with our planting cycles. Because of the seasonality of our business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

A comparative balance sheet summary is presented in the following table:

   March 31,  September 30,   
(in thousands)  2014  2013  Change
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents  $15,410   $24,583   $(9,173)
Investments  $262   $260   $2 
Total current assets  $59,537   $59,795   $(258)
Total current liabilities  $11,138   $11,491   $(353)
Working capital  $48,399   $48,304   $95 
Total assets  $196,011   $198,840   $(2,829)
Notes payable  $35,000   $36,000   $(1,000)
Current ratio   5.35 to 1    5.20 to 1      

 

We believe that our current cash position, revolving credit facility and the cash we expect to generate from operating activities will provide us with sufficient liquidity to satisfy our working capital requirements and capital expenditures for the foreseeable future. We have a $60,000,000 revolving line of credit (“RLOC”) which was available for our general use at March 31, 2014. See Item 1. Financial Statement, Note 5. Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited). If the Company pursues significant growth opportunities in the future, it could have a material adverse impact on our cash balances and we may need to finance such activities by drawing down monies under our RLOC and if necessary, obtaining additional debt or equity financing. In April 2014, we announced that we reduced our third quarter dividend payment in order to retain additional cash increasing our flexibility to reinvest in our business and pursue growth opportunities consistent with our mission.

The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to the following factors:

24
 

Capital expenditures of $8,758,000,
Treasury stock purchases of $4,713,000,
Dividends paid of $1,457,000, and
Principal payments on debt of $1,000,000

These decreases in cash and equivalents were partially offset by the return on investment in Magnolia of $2,555,000, and cash provided by operations of $3,500,000.

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

The following table details the items contributing to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

   
(in thousands) Six Months Ended March 31,  
  2014   2013   Change
 
Net Income $ 3,366     $ 3,811     $ (445 )
Depreciation and Amortization   4,929       4,638       291  
Net (Gain) on Sale of Property and Equipment   (370 )     (109 )     (261 )
Other Non-Cash Income Expenses   522       391       131  
Change in Working Capital   (4,947 )     (1,789 )     (3,158 )
 
Cash provided by operations $ 3,500     $ 6,942     $ (3,442 )

 

The factors contributing to the decrease in net income for the six months ended March 31, 2014, versus the same period of the prior year are discussed in “Results of Operations.” Depreciation and Amortization increased versus the six months ended March 31, 2013, due to purchases of depreciable property and equipment during the last twelve months as well as additional capitalized sugarcane planting costs.

Due to the seasonal nature of our business, working capital requirements are typically greater in the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year coinciding with our planting and harvest cycles. Cash flows from operating activities typically improve in our second and third fiscal quarters as we harvest our crops.

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

The following table details the items contributing to Net Cash Used in Investing Activities for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

25
 

   
(in thousands) Six Months Ended March 31,  
  2014   2013   Change
 
Purchases of property and equipment:                      
Sugarcane planting $ (2,748 )   $ (3,064 )   $ 316  
Improvements to farmland   (33 )     (1,702 )     1,669  
Citrus nursery   (3,349 )     (3 )     (3,346 )
Citrus tree development   (478 )     (457 )     (21 )
Breeding herd purchases   (776 )     (3,032 )     2,256  
Rolling stock, equipment and other   (1,374 )     (4,715 )     3,341  
 
Total   (8,758 )     (12,973 )     4,215  
 
Disposal of property and equipment   700       2,794       (2,094 )
Return on investment in Magnolia   2,555       -       2,555  
Other   -       13       (13 )
 
Cash used in investing activities $ (5,503 )   $ (10,166 )   $ 4,663  

 

The decrease in purchases of property and equipment relate primarily to a decrease in the number of cows and bulls purchased to augment our breeding herd, a decrease in purchases of rolling stock, equipment and other assets related to the completion of the sugarcane expansion in fiscal year 2013, partially offset by capital expenditures related to the building of our citrus tree nursery in fiscal year 2014.

The increase in the return on investment in Magnolia versus the first six months of fiscal year 2013 relates primarily to the reinstatement of cash distributions by Magnolia after its conversion of a large portion of its tax certificate portfolio to tax deeds.

Net Cash Used In Financing Activities

The following table details the items contributing to Net Cash Used in Financing Activities for the six months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

   
(in thousands) Six Months Ended March 31,  
  2014   2013   Change
 
Principal payments on notes payable $ (1,000 )   $ (2,900 )   $ 1,900  
Treasury stock purchases   (4,713 )     (2,810 )     (1,903 )
Dividends paid   (1,457 )     (881 )     (576 )
Cash used in financing activities $ (7,170 )   $ (6,591 )   $ (579 )

 

The decrease in principal payments on notes payable for the six months ended March 31, 2014 relates to the payoff of the Farm Credit Mortgage in the first six months of fiscal year 2013 (see “Note 5. Long-Term Debt” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

26
 

Purchase Commitments

Alico, through its wholly owned subsidiary Alico Fruit, enters into contracts for the purchase of citrus fruit during the normal course of its business. The remaining obligations under these purchase agreements totaled approximately $17,850,000 at March 31, 2014 for delivery in fiscal years 2014 through 2016. All of these obligations are covered by sales agreements. Alico’s management currently believes that all committed purchase volume will be sold at cost or higher.

Contractual Obligations and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

There have been no material changes during this reporting period to the disclosures set forth in Part II, Item 7 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There have been no material changes during this reporting period in the disclosures set forth in Part II, Item 7A in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation, as required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (“Exchange Act”), was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that all information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15(f) or Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

27
 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings.

See Part I, Item I, Financial Statements, Note 4. Income Taxes and Note 9. Contingencies in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes in the risk factors set forth in Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

There were no sales of unregistered equity securities during the period.

The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 105,000 shares of our common stock from shareholders. Through March 31, 2014, the Company had purchased zero shares and had available to purchase an additional 105,000 in accordance with its Board of Directors repurchase authorization.

     
  Total Number of Shares
Purchased
  Average Price Paid Per
Share
  Total Number of Shares
Purchased As Part of
Publicly Announced Plans
or Programs(1)
  Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
 
Month of October 2013 35,333   $ 38.83   35,333   -

 

(1) We had various arrangements with UBS Investment Bank (“UBS”) between September 27, 2012 and November 1, 2013 to purchase securities under an authorization in accordance with the timing, price and volume restrictions contained in sections (b)(2)-(4) of Rule 10b-18. During the period from September 27 through November 1, 2013, UBS agreed to purchase securities according to the various authorizations. The limit prices ranged from less than or equal to $31.00 per share to less than or equal to $40.00 per share at various times.

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosure.

None.

ITEM 5. Other Information.

None.

28
 

ITEM 6. Exhibits

 

 Exhibit No.  

Description of Exhibit

 

 
3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated February 17, 1972 (Incorporated by reference to Alico’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated February 24, 1972, Registration No. 2-43156)
       
3.2   By-Laws of Alico, Inc. , amended and restated (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on January 25, 2013).
       
10.1 *

Change in Control Agreement dated March 27, 2013

between Alico, Inc. and JD Alexander

(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.2 * Change in Control Agreement dated March 27, 2013 between Alico, Inc. and Kenneth Smith, Ph.D. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.3 * Change in Control Agreement dated March 27, 2013 between Alico, Inc. and W. Mark Humphrey (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.4 * Change in Control Agreement dated March 27, 2013 between Alico, Inc. and Steven C. Lewis (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.5 * Form of Indemnification Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.6 * Management Security Plan(s) Trust Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.7 * Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement with Rabo Agrifinance, Inc. dated April 1, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith
     
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith
     
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. Furnished herewith
     

 

29
 

32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. Furnished herewith
     
101.INS ** XBRL Instance Document Filed herewith
       
101.SCH ** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document Filed herewith
       
101.CAL ** XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document Filed herewith
       
101.DEF ** XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document Filed herewith
       
101.LAB ** XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document Filed herewith
       
101.PRE ** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document Filed herewith

 

* Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
   
** In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) documents are furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.
30
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

        ALICO, INC.
        (Registrant)
     
         
     
Date: May 6, 2014     By:

/s/Clayton G. Wilson

         Clayton G. Wilson
        Chief Executive Officer
     
         
     
Date: May 6, 2014     By:

/s/W. Mark Humphrey

         W. Mark Humphrey
        Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
     

 

31
 

Index to Exhibits

 

 Exhibit No.   Description of Exhibit  
3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated February 17, 1972 (Incorporated by reference to Alico’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated February 24, 1972, Registration No. 2-43156)
       
3.2   By-Laws of Alico, Inc. , amended and restated (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on January 25, 2013).
       
10.1 *

Change in Control Agreement dated March 27, 2013

between Alico, Inc. and JD Alexander

(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.2 * Change in Control Agreement dated March 27, 2013 between Alico, Inc. and Kenneth Smith, Ph.D. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.3 * Change in Control Agreement dated March 27, 2013 between Alico, Inc. and W. Mark Humphrey (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.4 * Change in Control Agreement dated March 27, 2013 between Alico, Inc. and Steven C. Lewis (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.5 * Form of Indemnification Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.6 * Management Security Plan(s) Trust Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
10.7 * Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement with Rabo Agrifinance, Inc. dated April 1, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 6, 2013)
       
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith
     
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith
     
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. Furnished herewith
     
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. Furnished herewith
     

 

32
 

101.INS ** XBRL Instance Document Filed herewith
       
101.SCH ** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document Filed herewith
       
101.CAL ** XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document Filed herewith
       
101.DEF ** XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document Filed herewith
       
101.LAB ** XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document Filed herewith
       
101.PRE ** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document Filed herewith

 

*

 

Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.

 
     
** In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) documents are furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.  
           

 

33