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ALICO, INC. - Quarter Report: 2017 December (Form 10-Q)



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
þ
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
 
 
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
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
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
10070 Daniels Interstate Court,
 
 
 Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL
 
33913
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
239-226-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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. þYes ¨ 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). þYes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
¨
Accelerated filer
þ
Non-accelerated filer
¨
Smaller Reporting Company
¨
Emerging Growth Company
¨
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ¨ No þ
There were 8,249,357 shares of common stock outstanding at February 5, 2018.
 




ALICO, INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 
 




Part 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
Index to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Page





ALICO, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share amounts)
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2017
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 

Current assets:
 
 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
948

 
$
3,395

Accounts receivable, net
11,875

 
4,286

Inventories
33,180

 
36,204

Assets held for sale
18,295

 
20,983

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
1,985

 
1,621

Total current assets
66,283

 
66,489

 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
348,509

 
349,337

Goodwill
2,246

 
2,246

Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization
200

 
262

Other non-current assets
724

 
848

Total assets
$
417,962

 
$
419,182

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 

Accounts payable
$
2,097

 
$
3,192

Accrued liabilities
4,551

 
6,781

Long-term debt, current portion
4,575

 
4,550

Other current liabilities
1,069

 
1,460

Total current liabilities
12,292

 
15,983

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt:
 
 
 
Principal amount, net of current portion
180,783

 
181,926

Less: deferred financing costs, net
(1,715
)
 
(1,767
)
Long-term debt less current portion and deferred financing costs, net
179,068

 
180,159

Lines of credit
7,123

 

Deferred income tax liabilities
14,691

 
27,108

Deferred gain on sale
26,643

 
26,440

Deferred retirement obligations
4,109

 
4,123

Total liabilities
243,926

 
253,813

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)


 


Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 

Preferred stock, no par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued

 

Common stock, $1.00 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized; 8,416,145 and 8,416,145 shares issued and 8,249,357 and 8,238,830 shares outstanding at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively
8,416

 
8,416

Additional paid in capital
18,890

 
18,694

Treasury stock, at cost, 166,788 and 177,315 shares held at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively
(6,275
)
 
(6,502
)
Retained earnings
148,285

 
140,033

Total Alico stockholders' equity
169,316

 
160,641

Noncontrolling interest
4,720

 
4,728

Total stockholders' equity
174,036

 
165,369

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
417,962

 
$
419,182

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

1



ALICO, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Operating revenues:
 
 
 
Alico Citrus
$
17,079

 
$
16,877

Conservation and Environmental Resources
363

 
301

Other Operations
91

 
267

Total operating revenues
17,533

 
17,445

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

Alico Citrus
16,295

 
14,085

Conservation and Environmental Resources
597

 
514

Other Operations
59

 
93

Total operating expenses
16,951

 
14,692

Gross profit
582

 
2,753

General and administrative expenses
3,886

 
3,788

Loss from operations
(3,304
)
 
(1,035
)
Other (expense) income:
 

 
 

Interest expense
(2,255
)
 
(2,327
)
Gain on sale of real estate and property and equipment
1,736

 
436

Other income (expense), net
144

 
(90
)
Total other expense, net
(375
)
 
(1,981
)
Loss before income taxes
(3,679
)
 
(3,016
)
Income tax benefit
(12,417
)
 
(1,273
)
Net income (loss)
8,738

 
(1,743
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
8

 
8

Net income (loss) attributable to Alico, Inc. common stockholders
$
8,746

 
$
(1,735
)
Per share information attributable to Alico, Inc. common stockholders:
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per common share:
 

 
 

Basic
$
1.06

 
$
(0.21
)
Diluted
$
1.05

 
$
(0.21
)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
 

 
 

Basic
8,245

 
8,324

Diluted
8,364

 
8,324

 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.06

 
$
0.06


See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

2



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

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Net cash used in operating activities:


 


Net income (loss)
$
8,738

 
$
(1,743
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
 

 
 

Deferred gain on sale of sugarcane land
(141
)
 
(300
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
3,490

 
3,916

Deferred income tax benefit
(12,417
)
 
(1,273
)
Gain on sale of property and equipment
(1,596
)
 
(205
)
Non-cash interest expense on deferred gain on sugarcane land
344

 
356

Stock-based compensation expense
423

 
440

Other
(44
)
 
125

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
(7,589
)
 
(7,177
)
Inventories
3,024

 
(4,053
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(240
)
 
(1,579
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(3,298
)
 
(4,823
)
Other liabilities
(383
)
 
(1,121
)
Net cash used in operating activities
(9,689
)
 
(17,437
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Purchases of property and equipment
(3,561
)
 
(2,357
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
5,300

 

Other

 
547

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
1,739

 
(1,810
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Repayments on revolving lines of credit
(10,608
)
 
(5,000
)
Borrowings on revolving lines of credit
17,731

 
21,945

Principal payments on term loans
(1,118
)
 
(2,699
)
Dividends paid
(494
)
 
(498
)
Capital lease obligation payments
(8
)
 

Net cash provided by financing activities
5,503

 
13,748

 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(2,447
)
 
(5,499
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
3,395

 
6,625

 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
$
948

 
$
1,126

 


See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

3



ALICO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
 
Alico, Inc. (“Alico”), together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company", "we", "us" or "our”), is a Florida agribusiness and land management company owning approximately 122,000 acres of land throughout Florida, including approximately 90,000 acres of mineral rights. The Company manages its land based upon its primary usage, and reviews its performance based upon two primary classifications - Alico Citrus and Conservation and Environmental Resources. Financial results are presented based upon its three business segments (Alico Citrus, Conservation and Environmental Resources and Other Operations). 

Basis of Presentation
The Company has prepared the accompanying financial statements on a condensed consolidated basis. These accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements, which are referred to herein as the “Financial Statements", have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to Article 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for interim financial information. These Financial Statements do not include all of the disclosures required for complete annual financial statements and, accordingly, certain information, footnotes and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, have been condensed or omitted in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. Accordingly, the Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, as filed with the SEC on December 11, 2017.
The Financial Statements presented in this Form 10-Q are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, such Financial Statements include all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP applicable to interim periods.
Operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the current fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. All intercompany transactions and account balances between the consolidated businesses have been eliminated.

Segments

Operating segments are defined in the criteria established under the Financial Accounting Standards Board - Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) Topic 280 as components of public entities that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses for which separate financial information is available and which is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company’s CODM assesses performance and allocates resources based on three operating segments: Alico Citrus (formerly Orange Co.), Conservation and Environmental Resources and Other Operations.

Principles of Consolidation

The Financial Statements include the accounts of Alico, Inc. and the accounts of all the subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is held by the Company. Under U.S. GAAP, consolidation is generally required for investments of more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of an investee, except when control is not held by the majority owner. The Company’s subsidiaries include: Alico Land Development, Inc., Alico-Agri, Ltd., Alico Plant World, LLC, Alico Fruit Company, LLC, Alico Citrus Nursery, LLC, Alico Chemical Sales, LLC, 734 Citrus Holdings LLC and subsidiaries, Alico Fresh Fruit LLC, Alico Skink Mitigation, LLC and Citree Holdings 1, LLC. The Company considers the criteria established under FASB ASC Topic 810, “Consolidations” in its consolidation process. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the accompanying Financial Statements, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses and cash flows during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates based upon future events. The Company evaluates estimates on an ongoing basis. The estimates are based on current and expected economic conditions, historical experience, the experience and judgment of the Company’s management and various other specific

4



assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable. The Company evaluates its assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in the Company’s evaluations.

Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Subsidiary
 
The Financial Statements include all assets and liabilities of the less-than-100%-owned subsidiary the Company controls, Citree Holdings I, LLC (“Citree”). Accordingly, the Company has recorded a noncontrolling interest in the equity of such entity. Citree had a net loss of $16,219 and $15,848 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, of which 51% is attributable to the Company.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” as a new ASC topic (Topic 606). The core principle of this ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU further provides guidance for any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (for example, lease contracts). The FASB subsequently issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 until annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with earlier adoption permitted. The FASB also recently issued ASU 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing," and 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients," that clarify or amend the original Topic 606. ASU 2014-09 can be adopted using one of two retrospective transition methods: 1) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or 2) as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on the Company’s Financial Statements upon adoption.

Seasonality
 
The Company is primarily engaged in the production of fruit for sale to citrus markets, 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 working capital requirements are typically greater in the first and fourth quarters of the fiscal year. The results of the reported periods herein are not necessarily indicative of the results for any other interim periods or the entire fiscal year.


Note 2. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017:
(in thousands)
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2017
Unharvested fruit crop on the trees
$
29,551

 
$
32,145

Beef cattle
2,254

 
1,954

Other
1,375

 
2,105

Total inventories
$
33,180

 
$
36,204

The Company records its inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. For the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Company did not record any adjustments to reduce inventory to net realizable value. 
In September 2017, the State of Florida's citrus business, including the Company's unharvested citrus crop, was significantly impacted by Hurricane Irma. For the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded a casualty loss on its inventory. In calculating this casualty loss, the Company made certain estimates. As of December 31, 2017, there were no revisions to these estimates which required any further inventory losses to be recorded. The Company continues to work closely with its insurers and adjusters to determine the amount of insurance recoveries, if any, the Company may be entitled to.


5




Note 3. Assets Held for Sale

During fiscal 2017, in accordance with its strategy to dispose of non-core and under-performing assets, the following assets have been classified as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017:

(in thousands)
Carrying Value
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2017
Office Building
$

 
$
3,214

Nursery - Gainsville
6,500

 
6,500

Chancey Bay
4,179

 
4,179

Gal Hog
70

 
70

Breeding Herd
6,133

 
5,858

Winterhaven
251

 

Trailers
1,162

 
1,162

     Total Assets Held For Sale
$
18,295

 
$
20.983


On October 30, 2017, the Company sold its corporate office building in Fort Myers, Florida for $5,300,000 and realized a gain of approximately $1,800,000. The sales agreement provides that the Company will lease back a portion of the office space for five years.

Negotiations with interested parties for certain assets held for sale have already taken place, and in January, 2018 the Company sold its breeding herd and a portion of their trailers (See Note 13). Assets held for sale consists solely of property and equipment.

The Company recorded an impairment loss of approximately $4,131,000 during fiscal year 2017 on these assets classified as assets held for sale.




Note 4. Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net consists of the following at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017:
(in thousands)
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2017
Citrus trees
$
261,286

 
$
258,949

Equipment and other facilities
54,840

 
54,592

Buildings and improvements
8,279

 
8,835

Total depreciable properties
324,405

 
322,376

Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion
(85,498
)
 
(82,443
)
Net depreciable properties
238,907

 
239,933

Land and land improvements
109,602

 
109,404

Net property and equipment
$
348,509

 
$
349,337



6



Note 5. Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit

Debt Refinancing 

The Company refinanced its outstanding debt obligations on December 3, 2014 in connection with the Orange-Co acquisition. These credit facilities initially included $125,000,000 in fixed interest rate term loans (“Met Fixed-Rate Term Loans”), $57,500,000 in variable interest rate term loans (“Met Variable-Rate Term Loans”), and a $25,000,000 revolving line of credit (“RLOC”) with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and New England Life Insurance Company (collectively “Met”), and a $70,000,000 working capital line of credit (“WCLC”) with Rabo Agrifinance, Inc. (“Rabo”).

The term loans and RLOC are secured by real property. The security for the term loans and RLOC consists of approximately 38,200 gross acres of citrus groves and 5,762 gross acres of ranch land. The WCLC is collateralized by the Company’s current assets and certain other personal property owned by the Company.

The term loans, collectively, are subject to quarterly principal payments of $2,281,250, and mature November 1, 2029. The Met Fixed-Rate Term Loans bear interest at 4.15% per annum, and the Met Variable-Rate Term Loans bear interest at a rate equal to 90 day LIBOR plus 150 basis points (the “LIBOR spread”). The LIBOR spread is subject to adjustment by the lender on May 1, 2019 and every two years thereafter until maturity. Interest on the term loans is payable quarterly.
The interest rates on the Met Variable-Rate Term Loans were 3.03% per annum and 2.96% per annum as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively. 
The Company may prepay up to $8,750,000 of the Met Fixed-Rate Term Loan principal annually without penalty, and any such prepayments may be applied to reduce subsequent mandatory principal payments. The maximum annual prepayment was made for calendar year 2015 and remains available to reduce future mandatory principal payments should the Company elect to do so. During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the company elected not to make its principal payment and utilized its prepayment to satisfy its payment requirement. The Met Variable-Rate Term Loans may be prepaid without penalty.
The RLOC bears interest at a floating rate equal to 90 day LIBOR plus 150 basis points, payable quarterly. The LIBOR spread was adjusted by the lender on May 1, 2017 and is subject to further adjustment every two years thereafter. Outstanding principal, if any, is due at maturity on November 1, 2019. The RLOC is subject to an annual commitment fee of 25 basis points on the unused portion of the line of credit. The RLOC is available for funding general corporate needs. The variable interest rate was 3.03% and 2.96% per annum as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively. Availability under the RLOC was $25,000,000 as of December 31, 2017.
The WCLC is a revolving credit facility and is available for funding working capital and general corporate requirements. The interest rate on the WCLC is based on the one month LIBOR, plus a spread, which is adjusted quarterly, based on the Company's debt service coverage ratio for the preceding quarter and can vary from 175 to 250 basis points. The rate is currently at LIBOR plus 175 basis points. The variable interest rate was 3.11% per annum and 2.99% per annum as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively. The WCLC agreement was amended on September 30, 2017, and the primary terms of the amendment were an extension of the maturity to November 1, 2019. There were no changes to the commitment amount or interest rate. Availability under the WCLC was approximately $52,577,000 as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively.
The WCLC is subject to a quarterly commitment fee on the daily unused availability under the line computed as the commitment amount less the aggregate of the outstanding loans and outstanding letters of credit. The commitment fee is adjusted quarterly based on Alico's debt service coverage ratio for the preceding quarter and can vary from a minimum of 20 basis points to a maximum of 30 basis points. Commitment fees to date have been charged at 20 basis points.
The outstanding balance on the WCLC was approximately $7,123,000 at December 31, 2017. The WCLC agreement provides for Rabo to issue up to $20,000,000 in letters of credit on the Company’s behalf. As of December 31, 2017, there was approximately $10,300,000 in outstanding letters of credit, which correspondingly reduced the Company's availability under the line of credit.

These credit facilities noted above are subject to various covenants including the following financial covenants: (i) minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00, (ii) tangible net worth of at least $160,000,000 increased annually by 10% of consolidated net income for the preceding year, or approximately $162,300,000 for the year ending September 30, 2017, (iii) minimum current ratio of 1.50 to 1.00, (iv) debt to total assets ratio not greater than .625 to 1.00, and, solely in the case of the WCLC, (v) a limit on capital expenditures of $30,000,000 per fiscal year. As of December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants.

7



The credit facilities also include a Met Life term loan collateralized by real estate owned by Citree (“Met Citree Loan”). This is a $5,000,000 credit facility that bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.28% per annum. An initial advance of $500,000 was made at closing on March 4, 2014. The loan agreement was amended to provide for an interim advance of $2,000,000 on September 17, 2015, and the interest rate was adjusted to 5.30% per annum at the time of the interim advance. The final $2,500,000 advance was funded on April 27, 2016 and the interest rate was adjusted to 5.28%. Principal payments on this term loan commence February 1, 2018 and are payable quarterly thereafter. The loan matures February 2029.

Silver Nip Citrus Debt

There are two fixed-rate term loans, with an original combined balance of $27,550,000, bearing interest at 5.35% per annum (“Pru Loans A & B”). Principal of $290,000 is payable quarterly, together with accrued interest. The Company may prepay up to $5,000,000 of principal without penalty. On February 15, 2015, Silver Nip Citrus made a prepayment of $750,000. The loans are collateralized by real estate in Collier, Hardee, Highlands, Martin, Osceola and Polk Counties, Florida and mature June 1, 2033.
 
Silver Nip Citrus entered into two additional fixed-rate term loans with Prudential to finance the acquisition of a 1,500 acre citrus grove on September 4, 2014. Each loan was in the original amount of $5,500,000. Principal of $55,000 per loan is payable quarterly, together with accrued interest. One loan bears interest at 3.85% per annum (“Pru Loan E”), while the other bears interest at 3.45% per annum (“Pru Loan F”). The interest rate on Pru Loan E is subject to adjustment on September 1, 2019 and every year thereafter until maturity. Both loans are collateralized by real estate in Charlotte County, Florida. Pru Note E matures September 1, 2021, and Pru Note F matures September 1, 2039.

The Silver Nip Citrus credit agreements were amended on December 1, 2016. The primary terms of the amendments were (1) the Company provided a limited $8,000,000 guaranty of the Silver Nip debt, (2) the limited personal guarantees provided by George Brokaw, Remy Trafelet and Clayton Wilson prior to the Company’s merger with Silver Nip Citrus, and also totaling $8,000,000, were released and (3) the consolidated current ratio covenant requirement was reduced from 1.50 to 1.00 to 1.00 to 1:00. Silver Nip Citrus was in compliance with the current ratio covenant as of December 31, 2017, the most recent measurement date.

Other Modifications of Rabo and Prudential Credit Agreements
 
In February 2015, Rabo agreed, subject to certain conditions, that the Company may loan Silver Nip Citrus up to $7,000,000 on a revolving basis for cash management purposes. These advances would be funded from either cash on hand or draws on the Company’s WCLC.

Silver Nip Citrus has provided a $7,000,000 limited guaranty and security agreement granting Rabo a security interest in crops, accounts receivable, inventory and certain other assets.
 
This modification required the amendment of various Prudential and Rabo loan documents and mortgages.


8



The following table summarizes long-term debt and related deferred financing costs net of accumulated amortization at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017:

 
December 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2017
 
Principal
 
Deferred Financing Costs, Net
 
Principal
 
Deferred Financing Costs, Net
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Met Fixed-Rate Term Loans
$
99,062

 
$
924

 
$
99,062

 
$
954

Met Variable-Rate Term Loans
48,876

 
425

 
49,594

 
439

Met Citree Term Loan
5,000

 
48

 
5,000

 
49

Pru Loans A & B
22,740

 
253

 
23,030

 
258

Pru Loan E
4,840

 
23

 
4,895

 
25

Pru Loan F
4,840

 
42

 
4,895

 
42

 
185,358

 
1,715

 
186,476

 
1,767

Less current portion
4,575

 

 
4,550

 

Long-term debt
$
180,783

 
$
1,715

 
$
181,926

 
$
1,767



The following table summarizes lines of credit and related deferred financing costs net of accumulated amortization at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017:

 
December 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2017
 
Principal
 
Deferred Financing Costs, Net
 
Principal
 
Deferred Financing Costs, Net
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lines of Credit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RLOC
$

 
$
96

 
$

 
$
109

WCLC
7,123

 
104

 

 
153

Lines of Credit
$
7,123

 
$
200

 
$

 
$
262


9



Future maturities of long-term debt and lines of credit as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Due within one year
$
4,575

Due between one and two years
15,548

Due between two and three years
10,975

Due between three and four years
14,935

Due between four and five years
10,755

Due beyond five years
135,693

 
 
Total future maturities
$
192,481

Interest costs expensed and capitalized were as follows:

(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Interest expense
$
2,255

 
$
2,327

Interest capitalized
134

 
63

Total
$
2,389

 
$
2,390

Note 6. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued Liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017:
(in thousands)
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Ad valorem taxes
$

 
$
2,648

Accrued interest
1,203

 
1,165

Accrued employee wages and benefits
1,169

 
1,320

Accrued dividends
494

 
494

Current portion of deferred retirement obligations
315

 
315

Accrued insurance
266

 
166

Other accrued liabilities
1,104

 
673

Total accrued liabilities
$
4,551

 
$
6,781




10



Note 7.    Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act contains significant changes to corporate taxes, including a permanent reduction of the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The Company’s statutory rate for fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 will be 24.5%, based on a fiscal year blended rate calculation. The 21% U.S. corporate tax rate will apply to fiscal years ending September 30, 2019 and each year thereafter.

Additionally, the Act requires a one-time remeasurement of certain tax related assets and liabilities. During the first quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Company made certain estimates related to the impact of the Act including the remeasurement of deferred taxes at the new expected tax rate and a revised effective tax rate for the year ended September 30, 2018, which was used to compute current tax expense for the first quarter ended December 31, 2017. The amounts recorded in the three months ended December 31, 2017 for the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities principally relate to the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate. The Company has recorded a tax benefit of approximately $11,300,000 to account for these deferred tax impacts.


Note 8. Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share for Alico's common stock is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Alico, Inc. common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is similarly calculated, except that the calculation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed issuance of common shares issuable under equity-based compensation plans in accordance with the treasury stock method, except where the inclusion of such common shares would have an anti-dilutive impact.
For the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows:

(in thousands except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Alico, Inc. common stockholders
$
8,746

 
$
(1,735
)
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic
8,245

 
8,324

Dilutive effect of equity-based awards
119

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted
8,364

 
8,324

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common shares attributable to Alico, Inc. common stockholders:
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.06

 
$
(0.21
)
Diluted
$
1.05

 
$
(0.21
)

The computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended December 31, 2017 includes the impact of certain equity awards because they are dilutive. Such awards are comprised of 750,000 stock options granted to Executive Officers (see Note 12. "Related Party Transactions") during the three months ended December 31, 2016.


Note 9. Segment Information
Segments
Operating segments are defined in the criteria established under the Financial Accounting Standards Board - Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) Topic 280 as components of public entities that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses for which separate financial information is available and which is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company’s CODM assesses performance and allocates resources based on three operating segments: Alico Citrus, Conservation and Environmental Resources and Other Operations.


11



Total revenues represent sales to unaffiliated customers, as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Goods and services produced by these segments are sold to wholesalers and processors in the United States who prepare the products for consumption. The Company evaluates the segments’ performance based on direct margins (gross profit) from operations before general and administrative expenses, interest expense, other income (expense) and income taxes, not including nonrecurring gains and losses.

Information by operating segment is as follows:
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues:
 
 
 
Alico Citrus
$
17,079

 
$
16,877

Conservation and Environmental Resources
363

 
301

Other Operations
91

 
267

Total revenues
17,533

 
17,445

 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Alico Citrus
16,295

 
14,085

Conservation and Environmental Resources
597

 
514

Other Operations
59

 
93

Total operating expenses
16,951

 
14,692

 
 
 
 
Gross profit (loss):
 
 
 
Alico Citrus
784

 
2,792

Conservation and Environmental Resources
(234
)
 
(213
)
Other Operations
32

 
174

Total gross profit
$
582

 
$
2,753

 
 
 
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization:
 
 
 
Alico Citrus
$
3,398

 
$
3,516

Conservation and Environmental Resources
59

 
169

Other Operations
11

 
32

Other Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
22

 
199

Total depreciation, depletion and amortization
$
3,490

 
$
3,916

(in thousands)
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2017
Assets:
 
 
 
Alico Citrus
$
389,351

 
$
387,972

Conservation and Environmental Resources
15,314

 
13,845

Other Operations
10,889

 
10,974

Other Corporate Assets
2,408

 
6,391

Total Assets
$
417,962

 
$
419,182


12



Note 10. Stockholders' Equity

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense for (i) Board of Directors fees (paid in treasury stock), and (ii) the Stock Incentive Plan of 2015 (paid in restricted stock and stock options). Stock-based compensation expense is recognized in general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Stock Compensation - Board of Directors

The Board of Directors can either elect to receive stock compensation or cash for their fees for services provided.  Stock-based compensation expense relating to the Board of Director fees was approximately $192,000 and $255,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Restricted Stock

In fiscal year 2015, the Company awarded 12,500 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock (“Restricted Stock”) to two senior executives under the 2015 Plan at a weighted average fair value of $49.49 per common share, vesting over three to five years. 

In November 2017, a senior executive was awarded 5,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock (“Restricted Stock”) under the 2015 Plan at a weighted average fair value of $31.95 per common share, vesting over approximately three years.

Stock compensation expense related to the Restricted Stock totaled approximately $26,000 and $150,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. There was approximately $283,000 and $413,000 of total unrecognized stock compensation costs related to unvested stock compensation for the Restricted Stock grants at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Stock Option Grant

On December 31, 2016, the Company entered into new employment agreements (collectively, the “Employment Agreements”) with each of Remy W. Trafelet, Henry R. Slack, and George R. Brokaw (collectively, the “Executives”). Mr. Trafelet serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Slack serves as the Executive Chairman of the Company, and Mr. Brokaw serves as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Company, and each of them continues to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.

A stock option grant of 300,000 options in the case of Mr. Trafelet and 225,000 options in the case of each of Messrs. Slack and Brokaw (collectively, the “Option Grants”) were granted on December 31, 2016. The option price was set at $27.15, the closing price on December 31, 2016. The Option Grants will vest as follows: (i) 25% of the options will vest if the price of the Company’s common stock during a consecutive 20-trading day period exceeds $60.00; (ii) 25% of the options will vest if such price exceeds $75.00; (iii) 25% of the options will vest if such price exceeds $90.00; and (iv) 25% of the options will vest if such price exceeds $105.00. If the applicable stock price hurdles have not been achieved by (A) the second anniversary of the Executive’s termination of employment, if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to death or disability, (B) the date that is 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment, if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause, by the Executive with good reason, or due to the Executive’s retirement, or (C) the date of the termination of the Executive’s employment for any other reason, then any unvested options will be forfeited. In addition, if the applicable stock price hurdles have not been achieved by the fifth anniversary of the grant date (or the fourth anniversary of the grant date, in the case of the tranche described in clause (i) above), then any unvested options will be forfeited. The Option Grants will also become vested to the extent that the applicable stock price hurdles are satisfied in connection with a change in control of the Company.

Stock compensation expense related to the options totaled approximately $205,000 and $0 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there was approximately $1,822,000 and $2,646,000 of total unrecognized stock compensation costs related to unvested share-based compensation for the option grants, respectively. The total unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.3 years.

The fair value of the Option Grants was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The expected term of options granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding; the range given below results from different time-frames for the various market conditions being met.


13



Expected Volatility
32.19
%
Expected Term (in years)
2.6 - 4.0

Risk Free Rate
24.5
%

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the Option Grants was $3.53. There were no additional stock options granted, exercised or forfeited for the three months ended December 31, 2017.

Stock Repurchase Authorizations

In fiscal year 2017, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $7,000,000 of the Company’s common stock in two separate authorizations (the "2017 Authorization"). In March 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $5,000,000 of the Company’s common stock beginning March 9, 2017 and continuing through March 9, 2019. In May 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $2,000,000 of the Company’s common stock beginning May 24, 2017 and continuing through May 24, 2019. The stock repurchases made under this repurchase were made 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.

For the three months ended December 31, 2017, the Company did not purchase any shares under the 2017 Authorization and has 477,500 shares available to purchase in accordance with the 2017 Authorization.

In fiscal year 2016, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 50,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock beginning February 18, 2016 and continuing through February 17, 2017 (the "2016 Authorization"). No shares were repurchased under the 2016 Authorization.

The following table illustrates the Company’s treasury stock issuances for the three months ended December 31, 2017:

(in thousands, except share amounts)
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Cost
Balance as of September 30, 2017
177,315

 
$
6,502

Issued to Employees and Directors
(10,527
)
 
(227
)
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2017
166,788

 
$
6,275





Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies
Letters of Credit
The Company has outstanding standby letters of credit in the total amount of approximately $10,300,000 at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively, to secure its various contractual obligations.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, Alico may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. There are no other current legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or of which any of its property is subject that it believes will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


14



Note 12. Related Party Transactions

Clayton G. Wilson

The Company entered into a Separation and Consulting Agreement with Clayton G. Wilson (the “Separation and Consulting Agreement”), the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to which Mr. Wilson stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective as of December 31, 2016. Under the Separation and Consulting Agreement, Mr. Wilson also acknowledged and agreed that he would continue to be bound by the restrictive covenants set forth in his Employment Agreement with the Company. The Separation and Consulting Agreement provided that, subject to his execution, delivery, and non-revocation of a general release of claims in favor of the Company, Mr. Wilson would be entitled to vesting of any unvested portion of the restricted stock award granted to him under his Employment Agreement. In addition, the Separation and Consulting Agreement provided that Mr. Wilson serve as a consultant to the Company during 2017 and would receive an aggregate consulting fee of $750,000 for such services (payable $200,000 in an initial lump sum, $275,000 in a lump sum on July 1, 2017, and $275,000 in six equal monthly installments commencing July 31, 2017 and ending December 31, 2017). As of December 31, 2017 the Company satisfied its obligation to Mr. Wilson in full. The Company expensed $187,500 for the three months ended December 31, 2017. Mr. Wilson resigned as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors effective February 27, 2017.
Remy W. Trafelet, Henry R. Slack, and George R. Brokaw
On December 31, 2016, the Company entered into new employment agreements (collectively, the “Employment Agreements”) with each of Remy W. Trafelet, Henry R. Slack, and George R. Brokaw (collectively, the “Executives”). Mr. Trafelet serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Slack serves as the Executive Chairman of the Company, and Mr. Brokaw serves as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Company, and each of them continues to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors. The Employment Agreements provide for an annual base salary of $400,000 in the case of Mr. Trafelet and $250,000 in the case of each of Messrs. Slack and Brokaw and, additionally, provided for payment to the Executives an amount in cash equal to $400,000 to Mr. Trafelet and $250,000 to each of Messrs. Slack and Brokaw within five business days of December 31, 2016.

As part of their employment agreements, each of the Executives were granted stock options. A stock option grant of 300,000 options in the case of Mr. Trafelet, and 225,000 options in the case of each of Messrs. Slack and Brokaw (collectively, the “Option Grants”) was provided. The Option Grants vest in accordance with the terms as described in Note 10.

The Employment Agreements also provide that, if the applicable Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or the applicable Executive resigns with “good reason” (as each such term is defined in the Employment Agreements), then, subject to his execution, delivery, and non-revocation of a general release of claims in favor of the Company, the Executive will be entitled to cash severance in an amount equal to 24 months (in the case of Mr. Trafelet) or 18 months (in the case of Messrs. Slack and Brokaw) of the Executive’s annual base salary.

The Employment Agreement includes various restrictive covenants in favor of the Company, including a confidentiality covenant, a nondisparagement covenant, and 12-month post-termination noncompetition and customer and employee nonsolicitation covenants.

As of June 26, 2017, both Messrs. Slack and Brokaw have agreed to waive payment of their salary.

Ken Smith

On March 20, 2015, Ken Smith tendered his resignation as Chief Operating Officer, and as an employee of the Company. Mr. Smith’s resignation included a waiver of any rights to any payments under his Change-in-Control Agreement with the Company. On March 20, 2015, the Company and Mr. Smith also entered into a Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement under which (i) Mr. Smith will provide consulting services to the Company during the three-year period after the resignation date, (ii) Mr. Smith 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 resignation date, and (iii) the Company paid Mr. Smith $925,000 for such services and covenants. The Company expensed $0 and approximately $50,000 under the Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement for each of the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
  
Shared Services Agreement

The Company has a shared services agreement with Trafelet Brokaw Capital Management, L.P. (“TBCM”), whereby the Company will reimburse TBCM for use of office space and various administrative and support services. The annual cost of the office and

15



services is approximately $592,000. The agreement will expire in May 2018. The Company expensed approximately $148,000 and $73,000 under the Shared Services Agreement for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.



Note 13. Subsequent Events

On January 19, 2018, the Company sold certain trailers to a third party for $500,000. The Company received $125,000 and the remaining portion is to be paid in accordance with a promissory note over three years. The trailers were classified as an Asset Held for Sale in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017.

On January 25, 2018, the Company sold its breeding herd to a third party for approximately $7,800,000. The breeding herd was classified as an Asset Held for Sale in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017. As part of this transaction, the purchaser will also lease grazing and other rights on the Alico Ranch from the Company.


    



16



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 accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto. Additional context can also be found in Alico's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 11, 2017.
 
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

We provide forward-looking information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, particularly in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Results of Operations, 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 on Form 10-Q 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 diseases including citrus greening and citrus canker, as well as 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 including our ability to achieve the anticipated results of the Orange-Co acquisition and Silver Nip Citrus merger; seasonality; our ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings under the Alico 2.0 Modernization program; 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 fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Business Overview

Business Description

Alico, Inc. (the "Company") generates operating revenues primarily from the sale of its citrus products and conservation and resources operations. The Company operates as three business segments and substantially all of its operating revenues are generated in the United States. During the three months ended December 31, 2017, Alico generated operating revenues of approximately $17,533,000, loss from operations of approximately $3,304,000, and net income attributable to common stockholders of approximately $8,746,000. Cash used in operations was approximately $9,689,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2017.

Business Segments

Operating segments are defined in the criteria established under the Financial Accounting Standards Board - Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) Topic 280 as components of public entities that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses for which separate financial information is available and which is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company’s CODM assesses performance and allocates resources based on three operating segments: Alico Citrus (formerly Orange Co.), Conservation and Environmental Resources and Other Operations.
 
The Company operates three segments related to its various land holdings, as follows:
 
Alico Citrus includes activities related to planting, owning, cultivating and/or managing citrus groves in order to produce fruit for sale to fresh and processed citrus markets, including 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.

Conservation and Environmental Resources includes activities related to cattle grazing, sod, native plant and animal sales, leasing, management and/or conservation of unimproved native pasture land.

17




Other Operations consists of activities related to rock mining royalties, oil exploration and other insignificant lines of business. Also included are activities related to owning 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.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The discussion and analysis of the Company's financial condition and results of operations is based upon its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires it to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Alico bases these estimates on historical experience, available current market information and on various other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Additionally, the Company evaluates 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 Alico's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.

See Note 1. "Basis of Presentation" to the condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of Part I of this 10-Q, for a detailed description of recent accounting pronouncements.

Recent Developments

On November 16, 2017, Alico announced the Alico 2.0 Modernization Program (“Alico 2.0”). The program is focused on aggressively improving the operations of the Company and optimizing its return on capital employed through cost reductions, increased efficiencies and disposition of non-performing assets. The Program began in early 2017 to transform Alico’s three legacy businesses (Alico, Orange Co., and Silver Nip) into a single efficient enterprise, now called Alico Citrus. Every aspect of Alico’s citrus and ranch operations, all back office support activities, and the productivity of all assets were analyzed to determine how to eliminate costs that will not negatively affect citrus production and also improve performance throughout the Company. The changes required to realize those improvements have now been implemented. As part of the program, Alico realigned its management structure and appointed Danny Sutton as the President and General Manager of Alico Citrus.

As indicated in Alico’s 2.0, the Company intended to divest itself from and cease operations at the Ranch. On January 25, 2018, the Company sold its breeding herd and leased grazing and other rights on its Ranch to a third party for approximately $7,800,000. The Company will continue to own the property and conduct its long term water dispersement program and wildlife management programs.


18



Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations

The following discussion provides an analysis of Alico's results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
$
 
%
Operating revenues:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Alico Citrus
$
17,079

 
$
16,877

 
$
202

 
1.2
 %
Conservation and Environmental Resources
363

 
301

 
62

 
20.6
 %
Other Operations
91

 
267

 
(176
)
 
(65.9
)%
 Total operating revenues
17,533

 
17,445

 
88

 
0.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit (loss):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Alico Citrus
784

 
2,792

 
(2,008
)
 
(71.9
)%
Conservation and Environmental Resources
(234
)
 
(213
)
 
(21
)
 
9.9
 %
Other Operations
32

 
174

 
(142
)
 
(81.6
)%
Total gross profit
582

 
2,753

 
(2,171
)
 
(78.9
)%
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

General and administrative expenses
3,886

 
3,788

 
98

 
2.6
 %
Loss from operations
(3,304
)
 
(1,035
)
 
(2,269
)
 
219.2
 %
Total other expense, net
(375
)
 
(1,981
)
 
1,606

 
(81.1
)%
Loss before income taxes
(3,679
)
 
(3,016
)
 
(663
)
 
22.0
 %
Income tax benefit
(12,417
)
 
(1,273
)
 
(11,144
)
 
NM

Net income (loss)
8,738

 
(1,743
)
 
10,481

 
NM

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
8

 
8

 

 
NM

Net income (loss) attributable to Alico, Inc. common stockholders
$
8,746

 
$
(1,735
)
 
$
10,481

 
NM

NM - Not Meaningful


    


19



The following discussion provides an analysis of the Company's business segments:
Alico Citrus
The table below presents key operating measures for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
(in thousands, except per box and per pound solids data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
Unit
 
%
Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Early and Mid-Season
$
15,417

 
$
13,669

 
$
1,748

 
12.8
 %
Fresh Fruit
1,088

 
2,621

 
(1,533
)
 
(58.5
)%
Purchase and Resale of Fruit
35

 
99

 
(64
)
 
(64.6
)%
Other
539

 
488

 
51

 
10.5
 %
Total
$
17,079

 
$
16,877

 
$
202

 
1.2
 %
Boxes Harvested:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Early and Mid-Season
1,214

 
1,029

 
185

 
18.0
 %
       Total Processed
1,214

 
1,029

 
185

 
18.0
 %
Fresh Fruit
73

 
129

 
(56
)
 
(43.4
)%
Total
1,287

 
1,158

 
129

 
11.1
 %
Pound Solids Produced:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Early and Mid-Season
6,069

 
5,440

 
629

 
11.6
 %
Total
6,069

 
5,440

 
629

 
11.6
 %
Pound Solids per Box:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Early and Mid-Season
5.00

 
5.29

 
(0.29
)
 
(5.5
)%
Price per Pound Solids:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Early and Mid-Season
$
2.54

 
$
2.51

 
$
0.03

 
1.2
 %
Price per Box:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fresh Fruit
$
14.75

 
$
20.32

 
$
(5.57
)
 
(27.4
)%
Operating Expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cost of Sales
$
12,245

 
$
8,630

 
$
3,615

 
41.9
 %
Fresh Fruit Packaging

 
1,182

 
(1,182
)
 
NM

Harvesting and Hauling
3,497

 
3,747

 
(250
)
 
(6.7
)%
Purchase and Resale of Fruit
41

 
97

 
(56
)
 
(57.7
)%
Other
512

 
429

 
83

 
19.3
 %
Total
$
16,295

 
$
14,085

 
$
2,210

 
15.7
 %
NM - Not Meaningful

Alico primarily sells its Early and Mid-Season and Valencia oranges to processors that convert the majority of the citrus crop into orange juice. The processors generally buy 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 citrus on a per box basis. Purchase and resale of fruit relates to the buying of fruit from third parties and generally reselling this fruit to processors. These revenues and costs vary based on the number of boxes bought and sold. Other revenues consist of third-party grove caretaking and the contracting for harvesting and hauling of citrus.

The Company's operating expenses consist primarily of cost of sales and harvesting and hauling costs. Cost of sales represents the cost of maintaining Alico's citrus groves for the preceding calendar year and does not vary in relation to production. Harvesting and hauling costs represent the costs of bringing citrus product to processors, and varies based upon the number of boxes produced. Other expenses include the period costs of third-party grove caretaking, and the contracting for harvesting and hauling activities.

The increase in operating revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2016, is primarily due to the timing of when the Early and Mid-Season fruit was harvested. As a result of Hurricane Irma, the Company commenced the harvesting of its Early and Mid-Season fruit in late October, as compared to the harvesting commencing

20



in mid to late November in the previous harvest season. As such, the Company has harvested a greater number of boxes in the three month period ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. The increase from the greater number of boxes being harvested was partially offset by a reduction in pound solids per box of 0.29. The Company will complete the harvesting earlier in the current fiscal year, as compared to the prior year, for its Early and Mid-Season fruit and anticipates an overall decrease in the number of boxes harvested and revenues generated from Early and Mid-Season fruit for the 2018 harvest as compared to the prior year. Offsetting this increase was fewer boxes of fresh fruit sold at a lower price per box, as compared to the same period in the prior year.

The USDA, in its January 12, 2018 Citrus Crop Forecast for the 2017-18 harvest season, indicated that the Florida orange crop will decrease from approximately 68,700,000 boxes for the 2016-17 crop year to approximately 46,000,000 boxes for the 2017-18 crop year, a decrease of approximately 33.0%. The significant decline is primarily the result of Hurricane Irma and the related fruit loss experienced as well as the stress on the citrus trees for short-term fruit growth.

We originally estimated our 2018 processed boxes will decrease by approximately 40-45% compared to our fiscal year 2017 processed boxes, on a per acre basis. Based on the harvesting of fruit through the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company estimate of reduced production for fiscal year 2018 will remain unchanged. We expect that our operating expenses for fiscal year 2018 will remain consistent with fiscal year 2017 on a per acre basis.

The increase in cost of sales for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to three months ended December 31, 2016 primarily relates to the timing of the harvesting of the Early and Mid-Season fruit as well as costs incurred for clean-up and repairs as a result of Hurricane Irma. As a result of commencing the harvesting of Early and Mid-Season fruit earlier in the season and harvesting a greater percentage of boxes, in relation to estimated total boxes to be harvested for the full season, in the three months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in the prior year, a greater percentage of costs were allocated to Cost of Sales in the period.

Alico 2.0 explored every aspect of Alico’s citrus and ranch operations, including corporate and operational cost structures, grove costs, purchasing and procurement, non-performing and under-performing assets, professional fees, and human resources efficiency. Under this program, we expect to reduce total expenses per acre from $3,314/acre in fiscal 2016 to $2,164/acre when Alico 2.0 is fully implemented, which is expected to be over the next two years. Overall, we anticipate the program should reduce the Company’s cost to produce a pound solid from $2.14 to $1.56. This efficiency will be achieved through better purchasing, more precise application of selected fertilizers and chemicals, outsourcing work such as harvesting, hauling, and certain caretaking tasks, and by streamlining grove management. We also will be deploying a more efficient labor model that is consistent and uniform for field staffing and grove operating programs and aligns with the geographical footprint of the citrus groves. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve the anticipated cost savings under Alico 2.0.


21



Conservation and Environmental Resources

The table below presents key operating measures for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
(in thousands, except per pound data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
$
 
%
Revenue From:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sale of Calves
$
57

 
$
20

 
$
37

 
NM

Land Leasing
247

 
230

 
17

 
7.4
 %
Other
59

 
51

 
8

 
15.7
 %
Total
$
363

 
$
301

 
$
62

 
20.6
 %
Pounds Sold:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Calves
49

 
16

 
33

 
NM

Price Per Pound:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Calves
$
1.17

 
$
1.22

 
$
(0.05
)
 
(4.1
)%
Operating Expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cost of Calves Sold
$
69

 
$
24

 
$
45

 
NM

Land Leasing Expenses
133

 
32

 
101

 
NM

Water Conservation
395

 
458

 
(63
)
 
(13.7
)%
Total
$
597

 
$
514

 
$
83

 
16.1
 %
NM - Not Meaningful

Ranch

The increase in revenues from the sale of calves for the three month ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2016, is primarily due to an increase in the number of calves sold, partially offset by a decrease in price per pound sold.

In January 2018, the Company sold the breeding herd and leased the ranch to a third party operator. The Company will continue to own the property and conduct its long term water dispersement program and wildlife management programs.

Conservation

In December 2012, the SFWMD issued a solicitation request for projects to be considered for the Northern Everglades Payment for Environmental Services Program. In March 2013, the Company submitted its response proposing a dispersed water management project on a portion of its ranch land.

On December 11, 2014, the SFWMD approved a contract with the Company. The contract term is eleven years and allows up to one year for implementation (design, permitting, construction and construction completion certification) and ten years of operation, whereby the Company will provide water retention services. Payment for these services includes an amount not to exceed $4,000,000 of reimbursement for implementation. In addition, it provides for an annual fixed payment of $12,000,000 for operations and maintenance costs, as long as the project is in compliance with the contract and subject to annual District Board approval of funding. The contract specifies that the District Board has to approve the payments annually and there can be no assurance that it will approve the annual fixed payments. The Florida budget for the state’s 2017/2018 fiscal year was approved and included funding for the Program. Operating expenses were approximately $395,000 and $458,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


22



General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2017 totaled approximately $3,886,000 compared to approximately $3,788,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The increase in general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, was the result of an increase of the following:

separation and consulting agreement expenses of approximately $388,000
an accrual for paid time off of approximately $120,000, and
audit and tax fees of approximately $100,000.

These increases were primarily offset by expenses incurred in in the first quarter of December 2016 relating to one-time consulting expenses incurred.

Other (Expense) Income, net

Other expense, net for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $375,000 and approximately$1,981,000, respectively. The decrease in the expense is primarily due to the Company recording a gain on the sale of its office building in Fort Myers, Florida, of approximately $1,800,000. As part of the sale, the Company has entered into a lease arrangement with the buyer for a portion of the office space.

Benefit for Income Taxes

The benefit for income tax was approximately $12,417,000 and $1,273,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase primarily resulted from approximately $11,300,000 in non-cash tax benefit recorded to remeasure the Company's net deferred tax liabilities to the 21% corporate tax rate that was enacted December 22, 2017.

Seasonality

Historically, the second and third quarters of Alico's fiscal year produce the majority of the Company's annual revenue. Working capital requirements are typically greater in the first and fourth quarters of the fiscal year, coinciding with harvesting cycles. Due to Hurricane Irma, in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 Alico produced a greater percentage of boxes harvested, as compared to the estimated totals for the full harvest season, then in past years. As a result, the working capital requirements may vary from the typical trends we have historically experienced in the current year. Because of the seasonality of the business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.

23



Liquidity and Capital Resources
A comparative balance sheet summary is presented in the following table:
(in thousands)
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2017
 
2017
 
Change
Cash and cash equivalents
$
948

 
$
3,395

 
$
(2,447
)
Total current assets
$
66,283

 
$
66,489

 
$
(206
)
Total current liabilities
$
12,292

 
$
15,983

 
$
(3,691
)
Working capital
$
53,991

 
$
50,506

 
$
3,485

Total assets
$
417,962

 
$
419,182

 
$
(1,220
)
Principal amount of term loans and lines of credit
$
192,481

 
$
186,476

 
$
6,005

Current ratio
5.39 to 1

 
4.16 to 1

 
 
Management believes that a combination of cash-on-hand, cash generated from operations, assets sales and availability under the Company's lines of credit will provide sufficient liquidity to service the principal and interest payments on its indebtedness and will satisfy working capital requirements and capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months and over the long term. Alico has a $70,000,000 working capital line of credit, of which approximately $52,600,000 is available for general use as of December 31, 2017, and a $25,000,000 revolving line of credit, all of which is available for general use as of December 31, 2017 (see Note 5. “Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit" to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). If the Company pursues significant growth opportunities in the future, it could have a material adverse impact on its cash balances and may need to finance such activities by drawing down monies under its lines of credit or by obtaining additional debt or equity financing. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to the Company when needed or, if available, that it can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. Any inability to obtain additional financing could impact Alico's ability to pursue different growth opportunities.

Our level of debt could have important consequences on our business, including, but not limited to, increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, limiting the availability of our cash flow to fund future investments, capital expenditures, working capital, business activities and other general corporate requirements and limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate.
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities

The following table details the items contributing to Net Cash Used In Operating Activities for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Net income (loss)
$
8,738

 
$
(1,743
)
 
$
10,481

Deferred gain on sale of sugarcane land
(141
)
 
(300
)
 
159

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
3,490

 
3,916

 
(426
)
Deferred income tax benefit
(12,417
)
 
(1,273
)
 
(11,144
)
Gain on sale of property and equipment
(1,596
)
 
(205
)
 
(1,391
)
Non-cash interest expense on deferred gain on sugarcane land
344

 
356

 
(12
)
Stock-based compensation expense
423

 
440

 
(17
)
Other
(44
)
 
125

 
(169
)
Change in working capital
(8,486
)
 
(18,753
)
 
10,267

     Net cash used in operating activities
$
(9,689
)
 
$
(17,437
)
 
$
7,748


The increase in net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, was due to a non-cash decrease in deferred tax liabilities, primarily as result of new tax legislation which went into effect on December 22, 2017.


24



Due to the seasonal nature of Alico's business, working capital requirements are typically greater in the first and fourth quarters of its fiscal year. Cash flows from operating activities typically improve in the second and third fiscal quarters as its citrus crops are harvested.

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities

The following table details the items contributing to Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
   Citrus tree development
$
(2,628
)
 
$
(1,113
)
 
$
(1,515
)
   Breeding herd purchases
(317
)
 
(91
)
 
(226
)
   Equipment and other
(616
)
 
(1,070
)
 
454

   Other

 
(83
)
 
83

     Total
(3,561
)
 
(2,357
)
 
(1,204
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
5,300

 

 
5,300

Proceeds from sale of assets

 
432

 
(432
)
Other

 
115

 
(115
)
     Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
$
1,739

 
$
(1,810
)
 
$
3,549


The increase in net cash provided by (used in) investing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2016, was primarily due to proceeds received from the sale of Alico's corporate office building in Fort Myers, Florida, for $5,300,000. This increase was partially offset by greater capital expenditures in the three months ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the same period in the prior year.

Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities

The following table details the items contributing to Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

(in thousands)
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Repayments on revolving lines of credit
$
(10,608
)
 
$
(5,000
)
 
$
(5,608
)
Borrowings on revolving lines of credit
17,731

 
21,945

 
(4,214
)
Principal payments on term loans
(1,118
)
 
(2,699
)
 
1,581

Dividends paid
(494
)
 
(498
)
 
4

Capital lease obligation payments
(8
)
 

 
(8
)
     Net cash provided by financing activities
$
5,503

 
$
13,748

 
$
(8,245
)

The decrease in net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2016, was primarily due to increased repayments on the revolving line of credit and reduced borrowings on the revolving lines of credit.

Alico drew, on a net basis, $7,123,000 on its revolving lines of credit, primarily to fund working capital requirements and investing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2017.


25



The WCLC agreement provides for Rabo to issue up to $20,000,000 in letters of credit on the Company’s behalf. As of December 31, 2017, there was approximately $10,300,000 in outstanding letters of credit which correspondingly reduced Alico's availability under the line of credit.
As a result of Hurricane Irma, the Company experienced fruit loss during September 2017. As discussed in the Alico's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the Company anticipates revenue and cash flow will be negatively impacted. The Company originally estimated a 40-45% reduction in production as compared to the prior season completed June 2017. Based on the harvesting of fruit through the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company still estimates production will be reduced by 40-45%.
Purchase Commitments
 
The Company enters into contracts for the purchase of citrus trees during the normal course of its business. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $1,072,000 relating to outstanding commitments for these purchases, which will be paid upon delivery.

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 Alico's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.

26



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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, as filed with the SEC on December 11, 2017.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Alico's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, Alico's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b)
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

During the first fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 there were no changes in Alico's internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

27



PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, Alico may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. There are no current legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or of which any of its property is subject that it believes will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes in the risk factors set forth in Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in Alico's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, as filed with the SEC on December 11, 2017.

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

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

In fiscal year 2017, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $7,000,000 of the Company’s common stock in two separate authorizations (the "2017 Authorization"). In March 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $5,000,000 of the Company’s common stock beginning March 9, 2017 and continuing through March 9, 2019. In May 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $2,000,000 of the Company’s common stock beginning May 24, 2017 and continuing through May 24, 2019. The stock repurchases made under this repurchase were made 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.

For the three months ended December 31, 2017, the Company did not purchase any shares in accordance with the 2017 Authorization and has 477,500 shares available to purchase in accordance with the 2017 Authorization.


Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure.
Not Applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
None.

28



Item 6. Exhibits.            
Exhibit
Number
 
 Exhibit Index
 
3.1
 
3.2
 
3.3
 
3.4
 
3.5
 
31.1
 
31.2
 
32.1
 
32.2
 
101
 
 
101.INS
**
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
**
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
**
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
**
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.


29



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.

 
         ALICO, INC. (Registrant)
 
 
 
February 6, 2018
By:
/s/ Remy W. Trafelet 
 
 
Remy W. Trafelet
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
February 6, 2018
By:
/s/ John E. Kiernan 
 
 
John E. Kiernan
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


30