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CALAVO GROWERS INC - Quarter Report: 2008 July (Form 10-Q)

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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 July 31, 2008
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number: 000-33385
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
California
(State of incorporation)
  33-0945304
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1141-A Cummings Road
Santa Paula, California 93060

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(805) 525-1245
(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.
Yes þ No o
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 filer oAccelerated filer þ 
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Registrant’s number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 31, 2008 was 14,405,833
 
 

 


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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
     This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements relating to our future results (including certain projections and business trends) that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements frequently are identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” and other similar expressions. Our actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: increased competition, conducting substantial amounts of business internationally, pricing pressures on agricultural products, adverse weather and growing conditions confronting avocado growers, new governmental regulations, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those set forth in Part I., Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, and those detailed from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
INDEX
             
        PAGE  
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION        
 
           
  Financial Statements (unaudited):        
 
           
 
  Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets — July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007     4  
 
           
 
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income — Three Months and Nine Months        
 
  Ended July 31, 2008 and 2007     5  
 
           
 
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income — Three Months        
 
  and Nine Months Ended July 31, 2008 and 2007     6  
 
           
 
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows — Nine Months        
 
  Ended July 31, 2008 and 2007     7  
 
           
 
  Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements     8  
 
           
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     17  
 
           
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     25  
 
           
  Controls and Procedures     26  
 
           
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION        
 
           
  Legal Proceedings     27  
 
           
  Exhibits     28  
 
           
 
  Signatures     29  
 EXHIBIT 10.1
 EXHIBIT 31.1
 EXHIBIT 31.2
 EXHIBIT 32

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(All amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
    July 31,     October 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
               
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 313     $ 967  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,432 (2008) and $2,271 (2007)
    34,079       25,992  
Inventories, net
    16,938       8,359  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4,567       4,911  
Advances to suppliers
    1,891       2,292  
Income tax receivable
          1,539  
Deferred income taxes
    2,525       2,525  
 
           
Total current assets
    60,313       46,585  
Property, plant, and equipment, net
    33,075       20,888  
Investment in Limoneira
    44,079       48,962  
Investment in Maui Fresh, LLC
    613       403  
Goodwill
    3,591       3,591  
Other assets
    7,996       7,589  
 
           
 
  $ 149,667     $ 128,018  
 
           
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Payable to growers
  $ 14,872     $ 2,414  
Trade accounts payable
    3,176       2,643  
Accrued expenses
    18,442       12,227  
Income tax payable
    376        
Short-term borrowings
    5,830       6,630  
Dividend payable
          5,030  
Current portion of long-term obligations
    1,362       1,307  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    44,058       30,251  
Long-term liabilities:
               
Long-term obligations, less current portion
    21,672       13,106  
Deferred income taxes
    8,773       10,658  
 
           
Total long-term liabilities
    30,445       23,764  
Commitments and contingencies Shareholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 14,406 (2008) and 14,371 (2007) issued and outstanding
    14       14  
Additional paid-in capital
    38,496       38,068  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    12,666       15,664  
Retained earnings
    23,988       20,257  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    75,164       74,003  
 
           
 
  $ 149,667     $ 128,018  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(All amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    July 31,     July 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
                               
Net sales
  $ 96,903     $ 91,307     $ 267,921     $ 217,700  
Cost of sales
    89,211       82,680       246,906       192,998  
 
                       
Gross margin
    7,692       8,627       21,015       24,702  
Selling, general and administrative
    5,301       4,803       14,752       14,162  
 
                       
Operating income
    2,391       3,824       6,263       10,540  
Interest expense
    (366 )     (315 )     (1,060 )     (996 )
Other income, net
    248       68       907       456  
 
                       
Income before provision for income taxes
    2,273       3,577       6,110       10,000  
Provision for income taxes
    884       1,355       2,377       3,860  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 1,389     $ 2,222     $ 3,733     $ 6,140  
 
                       
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.10     $ 0.16     $ 0.26     $ 0.43  
 
                       
Diluted
  $ 0.10     $ 0.15     $ 0.26     $ 0.43  
 
                       
Number of shares used in per share computation:
                               
Basic
    14,405       14,300       14,394       14,295  
 
                       
Diluted
    14,467       14,452       14,494       14,399  
 
                       
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(All amounts in thousands)
                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    July 31,     July 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
                               
Net income
  $ 1,389     $ 2,222     $ 3,733     $ 6,140  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
                               
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
    864       (3,457 )     (4,883 )     19,706  
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
    (334 )     1,331       1,885       (7,466 )
 
                       
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    530       (2,126 )     (2,998 )     12,240  
 
                       
Comprehensive income
  $ 1,919     $ 96     $ 735     $ 18,380  
 
                       
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
                 
    Nine months ended July 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
               
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
               
Net income
  $ 3,733     $ 6,140  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    1,795       1,812  
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
    59       332  
Income from Maui Fresh LLC
    (210 )     (109 )
Stock based compensation
    14       14  
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
    70        
Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (7,801 )     (9,430 )
Inventories, net
    (7,636 )     (2,745 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    509       (1,249 )
Advances to suppliers
    401       (369 )
Income taxes receivable
    1,657       1,689  
Other assets
    193       89  
Payable to growers
    12,458       6,384  
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses
    2,034       (2,236 )
Income taxes payable
    376        
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    7,652       322  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Loan to Agricola Belher
    (750 )     (3,700 )
Agricola Belher collections
    1,000        
Acquisitions of and deposits on property, plant, and equipment
    (1,670 )     (2,576 )
Acquisition of Hawaiian Sweet and Hawaiian Pride, net of cash acquired
    (5,030 )      
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (6,450 )     (6,276 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Payment of dividend to shareholders
    (5,032 )     (4,573 )
Proceeds from borrowings, net
    4,200       9,226  
Exercise of stock options
    296       64  
Collection on notes receivable from shareholders
          2,430  
Payments on long-term obligations
    (1,320 )      
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (1,856 )     7,147  
 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (654 )     1,193  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    967       50  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 313     $ 1,243  
 
           
 
               
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
               
Tax benefit related to stock option exercise
  $ 118     $ 3  
 
           
Capital lease obligation
  $ 1,125     $  
 
           
Unrealized holding gains (losses)
  $ (4,883 )   $ 19,707  
 
           
     In May 2008, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of Hawaiian Sweet, Inc. and all ownership interests of Hawaiian Pride, LLC for approximately $5.0 million, as well as approximately $7.7 million in deferred and contingent consideration, plus acquisition costs of approximately $0.2 million. See Note 8 for further explanation. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the non-cash assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
                 
(in thousands)   2008  
Current assets
  $ 1,303  
Fixed assets
    10,947  
Intangible assets
    1,310  
 
     
Total non-cash assets acquired
    13,560  
Current liabilities assumed
    809  
Deferred and contingent consideration
    7,721  
 
     
Net non-cash assets acquired
  $ 5,030  
 
     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. Description of the business
Business
     Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo, the Company, we, us or our) procures and markets avocados and other perishable commodities and prepares and distributes processed avocado products. Our expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, processed avocados, and other perishable foods allows us to deliver a wide array of fresh and processed food products to food distributors, produce wholesalers, supermarkets, and restaurants on a worldwide basis. We procure avocados principally from California, Mexico, and Chile. Through our operating facilities in southern California, Texas, New Jersey, Arizona, and Mexico, we sort, pack, and/or ripen avocados for distribution both domestically and internationally. Additionally, we also distribute other perishable foods, such as Hawaiian grown papayas, and prepare processed avocado products. We report our operations in two different business segments: (1) fresh products and (2) processed products.
     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007.
Uncertain Tax Positions
     In November 2007, we adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, (FIN 48) which provides a financial statement recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Under FIN 48, a company may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and income tax disclosures. The adoption of FIN 48 did not impact our financial position or results of operations.
     We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and Mexico. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations in which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain and significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits could be different than that which is reflected in historical income tax provisions and accruals. We do not expect our uncertain tax positions to otherwise change materially over the next twelve months. We file U.S., state and foreign income returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitation. The fiscal years 2003 through 2007 generally remain subject to examination by federal and most state tax authorities.

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Recent Accounting Standards
     In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts. The new standard clarifies how FASB Statement No. 60, Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises, applies to financial guarantee insurance contracts issued by insurance enterprises, including the recognition and measurement of premium revenue and claim liabilities. It also requires expanded disclosures about financial guarantee insurance contracts. The Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and all interim periods within those fiscal years, except for disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities. Disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities are effective the first period beginning after issuance of the Statement. We are currently assessing the impact the adoption will have on our financial position and results of operations and do not expect this adoption to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
     In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (SFAS 162). The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for nongovernmental entities. SFAS 162 is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of PCAOB amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of ‘Present fairly in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles’. We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS 162 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
     In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 requires expanded disclosures regarding the location and amount of derivative instruments in an entity’s financial statements, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, operating results and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for periods beginning on or after November 15, 2008. We do not believe the adoption of SFAS 161 will have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (SFAS 160). This Statement amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We will adopt SFAS 160 no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and are currently assessing the impact the adoption will have on our financial position and results of operations.
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (SFAS 141(R)). This Statement provides greater consistency in the accounting and financial reporting of business combinations. It requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction, establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and requires the acquirer to disclose the nature and financial effect of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We will adopt SFAS 141(R) no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and are currently assessing the impact the adoption will have on our financial position and results of operations.

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     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which permits entities to choose to measure at fair value eligible financial instruments and certain other items that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. The standard requires that unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We will adopt SFAS No. 159 no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We are currently assessing the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have on our financial position and results of operations.
     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, clarifies the definition of fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. However, the application of SFAS No. 157 may change current practice for some entities. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FSP FAS 157-b, which provided a one-year deferral, until January 1, 2009, for the implementation of FAS 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities. The deferral is intended to provide the FASB additional time to consider the effects of various implementation issues that have arisen, or that may arise, from the application of FAS 157. We will adopt SFAS No. 157 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We are currently assessing the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial position and results of operations.
     2. Information regarding our operations in different segments
     We report our operations in two different business segments: (1) fresh products and (2) processed products. These two business segments are presented based on how information is used by our president to measure performance and allocate resources. The fresh products segment includes all operations that involve the distribution of avocados grown both inside and outside of California, as well as the distribution of other non-processed, perishable food products. The processed products segment represents all operations related to the purchase, manufacturing, and distribution of processed avocado products. Additionally, selling, general and administrative expenses, as well as other non-operating income/expense items, are evaluated by our president in the aggregate. We do not allocate assets, or specifically identify them to, our operating segments. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

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     The following table sets forth sales by product category, by segment (in thousands):
                                                 
    Nine months ended July 31, 2008     Nine months ended July 31, 2007  
    Fresh     Processed             Fresh     Processed        
    products     products     Total     products     products     Total  
Third-party sales:
                                               
California avocados
  $ 71,626     $     $ 71,626     $ 62,530     $     $ 62,530  
Imported avocados
    102,641             102,641       89,111             89,111  
Tomatoes
    19,322             19,322       8,873             8,873  
Pineapples
    11,744             11,744       19             19  
Papayas
    5,456             5,456       3,726             3,726  
Diversified products
    1,544             1,544       3,546             3,546  
Processed — food service
          28,733       28,733             27,913       27,913  
Processed — retail and club
          9,979       9,979             7,945       7,945  
 
                                   
Total fruit and product sales to third-parties
    212,333       38,712       251,045       167,805       35,858       203,663  
Freight and other charges
    22,629       1,117       23,746       19,761       497       20,258  
 
                                   
Total third-party sales
    234,962       39,829       274,791       187,566       36,355       223,921  
Less sales incentives
    (51 )     (6,819 )     (6,870 )     (19 )     (6,202 )     (6,221 )
 
                                   
Total net sales to third-parties
    234,911       33,010       267,921       187,547       30,153       217,700  
Intercompany sales
    10,168       7,333       17,501       9,795       5,788       15,583  
 
                                   
Net sales before eliminations
  $ 245,079     $ 40,343       285,422     $ 197,342     $ 35,941       233,283  
 
                                       
Intercompany sales eliminations
                    (17,501 )                     (15,583 )
 
                                           
Consolidated net sales
                  $ 267,921                     $ 217,700  
 
                                           
                                                 
    Three months ended July 31, 2008     Three months ended July 31, 2007  
    Fresh     Processed             Fresh     Processed        
    products     products     Total     products     products     Total  
Third-party sales:
                                               
California avocados
  $ 47,485     $     $ 47,485     $ 40,665     $     $ 40,665  
Imported avocados
    20,762             20,762       28,290             28,290  
Tomatoes
    2,317             2,317       651             651  
Pineapples
    3,890             3,890                    
Papayas
    1,661             1,661       1,266             1,266  
Diversified products
    853             853       1,084             1,084  
Processed — food service
          10,014       10,014             10,894       10,894  
Processed — retail and club
          4,111       4,111             2,834       2,834  
 
                                   
Total fruit and product sales to third-parties
    76,968       14,125       91,093       71,956       13,728       85,684  
Freight and other charges
    7,893       540       8,433       7,513       189       7,702  
 
                                   
Total third-party sales
    84,861       14,665       99,526       79,469       13,917       93,386  
Less sales incentives
    (33 )     (2,590 )     (2,623 )     (2 )     (2,077 )     (2,079 )
 
                                   
Total net sales to third-parties
    84,828       12,075       96,903       79,467       11,840       91,307  
Intercompany sales
    2,064       2,527       4,591       3,178       2,181       5,359  
 
                                   
Net sales before eliminations
  $ 86,892     $ 14,602       101,494     $ 82,645     $ 14,021       69,666  
 
                                       
Intercompany sales eliminations
                    (4,591 )                     (5,359 )
 
                                           
Consolidated net sales
                  $ 96,903                     $ 91,307  
 
                                           

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    Fresh     Processed     Inter-segment        
    Products     products     eliminations     Total  
    (All amounts are presented in thousands)  
Nine months ended July 31, 2008
                               
Net sales
  $ 245,079     $ 40,343     $ (17,501 )   $ 267,921  
Cost of sales
    230,846       33,561       (17,501 )     246,906  
 
                       
Gross margin
  $ 14,233     $ 6,782           $ 21,015  
 
                         
                                 
    Fresh     Processed     Inter-segment        
    Products     products     eliminations     Total  
Nine months ended July 31, 2007
                               
Net sales
  $ 197,342     $ 35,941     $ (15,583 )   $ 217,700  
Cost of sales
    180,899       27,682       (15,583 )     192,998  
 
                       
Gross margin
  $ 16,443     $ 8,259           $ 24,702  
 
                         
                                 
    Fresh     Processed     Inter-segment        
    Products     products     eliminations     Total  
Three months ended July 31, 2008
                               
Net sales
  $ 86,892     $ 14,602     $ (4,591 )   $ 96,903  
Cost of sales
    80,734       13,068       (4,591 )     89,211  
 
                       
Gross margin
  $ 6,158     $ 1,534           $ 7,692  
 
                         
                                 
    Fresh     Processed     Inter-segment        
    Products     products     eliminations     Total  
Three months ended July 31, 2007
                               
Net sales
  $ 82,645     $ 14,021     $ (5,359 )   $ 91,307  
Cost of sales
    76,142       11,897       (5,359 )     82,680  
 
                       
Gross margin
  $ 6,503     $ 2,124           $ 8,627  
 
                         
3. Inventories
     Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
                 
    July 31,     October 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
               
Fresh fruit
  $ 8,313     $ 3,884  
Packing supplies and ingredients
    3,359       2,389  
Finished processed foods
    5,266       2,086  
 
           
 
  $ 16,938     $ 8,359  
 
           
     During the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, we were not required to, and did not, record any provisions to reduce our inventories to the lower of cost or market.
4. Related party transactions
     We sell papayas obtained from an entity previously owned by our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President. Sales of papayas procured from the related entity amounted to approximately $4,383,000, and $3,726,000 for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, resulting in gross margins of approximately $323,000 and $354,000. Sales of papayas procured from the related entity amounted to approximately $588,000, and $1,226,000 for the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, resulting in gross margins of approximately $42,000 and $136,000. Included in accrued liabilities is approximately $438,000 at October 31, 2007 due to this entity. On May 30, 2008, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of this entity. See Note 8 for further discussion.

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     Certain members of our Board of Directors market avocados through Calavo pursuant to marketing agreements substantially similar to the marketing agreements that we enter into with other growers. During the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $6.0 million and $4.1 million. During the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $2.5 million and $6.5 million. Amounts payable to these board members were $2.4 million and $0.2 million as of July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007.
     During the three months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, we received $0.1 million as dividend income from Limoneira. During the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, we received $0.2 million as dividend income from Limoneira.
5. Other assets
     At July 31, 2008, other assets in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements included the following intangible assets: customer-related, trade name and non-competition agreements of $1.9 million (accumulated amortization of $0.6 million) and brand name intangibles of $0.3 million. The customer-related, trade name and non-competition agreements are being amortized over periods up to ten years. The intangible asset related to the brand name currently has an indefinite life and, as a result, is not currently subject to amortization. We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $71,000 for the remainder of fiscal 2008, with $196,000, $166,000, 157,000, and $143,000 of amortization expense for fiscal years 2009 through 2012. The remainder of approximately $548,000 will be amortized over fiscal years 2013 through 2018. See Note 8.
6. Stock-Based Compensation
     We have one active stock-based compensation plan under which employees and directors may be granted options to purchase shares of our common stock. Stock options are generally granted with exercise prices of not less than the fair market value at grant date, generally vest over one to five years and generally expire five years after the grant date. We settle stock option exercises with newly issued shares of common stock.
     Our Employee Stock Option Purchase Plan has not had activity since fiscal 2002 and our Director Stock Option Plan was terminated in fiscal 2007.
     We account for our stock option plans in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. Under SFAS No. 123(R), we are required to measure compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognize compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. We measure the fair value of our stock based compensation awards on the date of grant.
     In May 2008, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 58,000 shares of our common stock to three members of our Board of Directors. Each grant vests in equal increments over a five-year period and have an exercise price of $14.58 per share. Vested options have a term of five years from the vesting date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $14.58. The estimated fair market value of such option grants was approximately $184,000. The total compensation cost not yet recognized as of July 31, 2008 was approximately $178,000, which will be recognized over the remaining service period of 58 months.

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     We measure the fair value of our stock option awards on the date of grant. The following assumptions were used in the estimated grant date fair value calculations for such stock options:
         
    2008
Risk-free interest rate
    2.95 %
Expected volatility
    28.24 %
Dividend yield
    2.4 %
Expected life (years)
    4.0  
     A summary of stock option activity, related to our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
                                 
    Number of     Weighted-Average     Weighted-Average     Aggregate  
    Shares     Exercise Price     Fair-Value     Intrinsic Value  
Outstanding at October 31, 2007
    333     $ 9.18                  
Granted
    58     $ 14.58     $ 3.18          
Exercised
    (21 )   $ 9.10                  
 
                             
Outstanding at July 31, 2008
    370     $ 10.03             $ 426  
 
                           
Exercisable at July 31, 2008
    296     $ 9.12             $ 610  
 
                           
     At July 31, 2008, outstanding stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 3.0 years. At July 31, 2008, exercisable stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 2.1 years. The total cash received from employees/directors as a result of stock option exercises during the nine-month period ended July 31, 2008 totaled approximately $0.3 million. The total recognized stock-based compensation expense was insignificant for the nine months ended July 31, 2008.
     A summary of stock option activity, related to our Directors Stock Option Plan (which was terminated in fiscal 2007), is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
                         
    Number of     Weighted-Average     Aggregate  
    Shares     Exercise Price     Intrinsic Value  
Outstanding at October 31, 2007
    49     $ 7.00          
Exercised
    (12 )   $ 7.00          
Forfeited
    (21 )   $ 7.00          
 
                     
Outstanding at July 31, 2008
    16     $ 7.00     $ 67  
 
                   
Exercisable at July 31, 2008
    16     $ 7.00     $ 67  
 
                   
     At July 31, 2008, outstanding and exercisable stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 0.4 years. The total cash received from non-employee directors as a result of stock option exercises during the nine months ended July 31, 2008 totaled $0.1 million.
7. Other events
Dividend payment
     In January 2008, we paid a $0.35 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $5.0 million to shareholders of record on December 15, 2007.

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Capital Lease
     In April 2008, we entered into a capital lease for various fixed assets related to our Swedesboro, New Jersey facility. The gross amount recorded in property, plant and equipment totaled approximately $1.1 million as of July 31, 2008.
Contingencies
     Hacienda Suit — We are currently under examination by the Mexican tax authorities (Hacienda) for the tax year ended December 31, 2000 and December 31, 2004. We have received assessments totaling approximately $2.0 million and $4.5 million from Hacienda related to the amount of income at our Mexican subsidiary. Subsequent to that initial assessment, the Hacienda offered a settlement of approximately $400,000 related to the tax year 2000 assessment, which we declined. Based primarily on discussions with legal counsel and the evaluation of our claim, we maintain our belief that the Hacienda’s position has no merit and that we will prevail. Accordingly, no amounts have been provided for in the financial statements as of July 31, 2008. We pledged our processed products building located in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico as collateral to Hacienda in regards to this assessment.
     IRS examination— We are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the year ended October 31, 2005. We do not believe that the settlement of such examination will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
     From time to time, we are also involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business that we do not believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
Term Revolving Credit Agreement
     In May 2008, we entered into a Term Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Farm Credit West, PCA. Under the terms of the Agreement, we are advanced funds for the purchase and installation of capital items and other corporate needs of the Company. Total credit available under the Agreement, which expires in February 2012, is now $30 million, up from $20 million. The credit facility contains various financial covenants, the most significant relating to working capital, tangible net worth (as defined), and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) (as defined). We were in compliance with all such covenants at July 31, 2008.
8. Business Acquisitions
     Calavo and Lecil E. Cole, Suzanne Cole-Savard, Guy Cole, Eric Weinert, and Lecil E. Cole and Mary Jeanette Cole, as trustees of the Lecil E. and Mary Jeanette Cole Revocable Trust dated October 19, 1993 (the “Cole Trust”) (collectively, the “Sellers”), have entered into an Acquisition Agreement, dated May 19, 2008 (the “Acquisition Agreement”), which sets forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which Calavo purchased all of the outstanding shares of Hawaiian Sweet, Inc. (“HS”) and all ownership interests of Hawaiian Pride, LLC (“HP”). HS and HP engage in tropical-product packing and processing operations in Hawaii. The Acquisition Agreement provides, among other things, that as a result of the Acquisition Agreement, Calavo shall make an initial purchase price payment in the aggregate amount of $3,500,000 for both entities. Calavo made the initial payment on May 20, 2008. Calavo shall also make two additional annual payments, ranging from $2,500,000 to $4,500,000, based on certain operating results (the “Earn-Out Payment(s)”), as defined. Mr. Cole is President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Calavo. Pursuant to SFAS 141, Business Combinations, we recorded approximately $7.7 million as a liability related to deferred and contingent consideration to the Sellers, of which $3.9 million is recorded in accrued expenses and $3.8 million is recorded in long-term obligations, less current portion.
     The first Earn-Out Payment to be made by Calavo will be adjusted if the aggregate working capital (“WC”) of HS and HP does not equal $700,000 as of the closing date. In the event that WC is less than $700,000, Calavo shall

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reduce its first Earn-Out payment by an amount equal to the difference between $700,000 and the closing date aggregate working capital of HS and HP. In the event that WC is greater than $700,000, Calavo shall increase its first Earn-Out payment by an amount equal to the difference between $700,000 and the closing date aggregate working capital of HS and HP.
     Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, the transaction closed on May 30, 2008.
     Concurrently with the execution of the Acquisition Agreement, Calavo and the Cole Trust have entered into an Agreement and Escrow Instructions for Purchase and Sale of Real Property (the “Real Estate Contract”), dated the same date as the acquisition agreement, pursuant to which Calavo purchased from the Cole Trust approximately 727 acres of agricultural land located in Pahoa, Hawaii for a purchase price of $1,500,000, which Calavo delivered on May 19, 2008. The Real Estate Contract also closed on May 30, 2008.
     The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition (in thousands). We obtained third-party valuations for the long-term assets acquired.
At May 30, 2008
         
Current assets
  $ 1,498  
Property, plant, and equipment
    10,947  
Intangible assets
    1,310  
 
     
Total assets acquired
    13,755  
 
       
Current liabilities
    (809 )
 
     
Net assets acquired
    12,946  
Deferred consideration
    (4,709 )
 
     
Contingent consideration
    (3,012 )
 
     
Net cash paid as of May 30, 2008
  $ 5,225  
 
     
     Of the $1,310,000 of intangible assets, $1,140,000 was assigned to customer contract/relationships with a weighted average life of 8 years, $100,000 to trade names with an average life of 8 years and $70,000 to non-competition agreements with an average life of 3 years.

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ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
     This information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report, and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007 of Calavo Growers, Inc. (we, Calavo, or the Company). Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.
Recent Developments
Dividend payment
     In January 2008, we paid a $0.35 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $5.0 million to shareholders of record on December 15, 2007.
Capital Lease
     In April 2008, we entered into a capital lease for various fixed assets related to our Swedesboro, New Jersey facility. The gross amount recorded in property, plant and equipment totaled approximately $1.1 million as of July 31, 2008.
Contingencies
     Hacienda Suit — We are currently under examination by the Mexican tax authorities (Hacienda) for the tax year ended December 31, 2000 and December 31, 2004. We have received assessments totaling approximately $2.0 million and $4.5 million from Hacienda related to the amount of income at our Mexican subsidiary. Subsequent to that initial assessment, the Hacienda offered a settlement of approximately $400,000 related to the tax year 2000 assessment, which we declined. Based primarily on discussions with legal counsel and the evaluation of our claim, we maintain our belief that the Hacienda’s position has no merit and that we will prevail. Accordingly, no amounts have been provided for in the financial statements as of July 31, 2008. We pledged our processed products building located in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico as collateral to Hacienda in regards to this assessment.
     IRS examination— We are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the year ended October 31, 2005. We do not believe that the settlement of such examination will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
     From time to time, we are also involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business that we do not believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
Term Revolving Credit Agreement
     In May 2008, we entered into a Term Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Farm Credit West, PCA. Under the terms of the Agreement, we are advanced funds for the purchase and installation of capital items and other corporate needs of the Company. Total credit available under the Agreement, which expires in February 2012, is now $30 million, up from $20 million. The credit facility contains various financial covenants, the most significant relating to working capital, tangible net worth (as defined), and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) (as defined). We were in compliance with all such covenants at July 31, 2008.

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Business Acquisitions
     Calavo and Lecil E. Cole, Suzanne Cole-Savard, Guy Cole, Eric Weinert, and Lecil E. Cole and Mary Jeanette Cole, as trustees of the Lecil E. and Mary Jeanette Cole Revocable Trust dated October 19, 1993 (the “Cole Trust”) (collectively, the “Sellers”), have entered into an Acquisition Agreement, dated May 19, 2008 (the “Acquisition Agreement”), which sets forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which Calavo purchased all of the outstanding shares of Hawaiian Sweet, Inc. (“HS”) and all ownership interests of Hawaiian Pride, LLC (“HP”). HS and HP engage in tropical-product packing and processing operations in Hawaii. The Acquisition Agreement provides, among other things, that as a result of the Acquisition Agreement, Calavo shall make an initial purchase price payment in the aggregate amount of $3,500,000 for both entities. Calavo made the initial payment on May 20, 2008. Calavo shall also make two additional annual payments, ranging from $2,500,000 to $4,500,000, based on certain operating results (the “Earn-Out Payment(s)”), as defined. Mr. Cole is President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Calavo. Pursuant to SFAS 141, Business Combinations, we recorded approximately $7.7 million as a liability related to deferred and contingent consideration to the Sellers, of which $3.9 million is recorded in accrued expenses and $3.8 million is recorded in long-term obligations, less current portion.
     The first Earn-Out Payment to be made by Calavo will be adjusted if the aggregate working capital (“WC”) of HS and HP does not equal $700,000 as of the closing date. In the event that WC is less than $700,000, Calavo shall reduce its first Earn-Out payment by an amount equal to the difference between $700,000 and the closing date aggregate working capital of HS and HP. In the event that WC is greater than $700,000, Calavo shall increase its first Earn-Out payment by an amount equal to the difference between $700,000 and the closing date aggregate working capital of HS and HP.
     Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, the transaction closed on May 30, 2008.
     Concurrently with the execution of the Acquisition Agreement, Calavo and the Cole Trust have entered into an Agreement and Escrow Instructions for Purchase and Sale of Real Property (the “Real Estate Contract”), dated the same date as the acquisition agreement, pursuant to which Calavo purchased from the Cole Trust approximately 727 acres of agricultural land located in Pahoa, Hawaii for a purchase price of $1,500,000, which Calavo delivered on May 19, 2008. The Real Estate Contract also closed on May 30, 2008.
     The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition (in thousands). We obtained third-party valuations for the long-term assets acquired.
At May 30, 2008
         
Current assets
  $ 1,498  
Property, plant, and equipment
    10,947  
Intangible assets
    1,310  
 
     
Total assets acquired
    13,755  
 
       
Current liabilities
    (809 )
 
     
Net assets acquired
    12,946  
Deferred consideration
    (4,709 )
 
     
Contingent consideration
    (3,012 )
 
     
Net cash paid as of May 30, 2008
  $ 5,225  
 
     
     Of the $1,310,000 of intangible assets, $1,140,000 was assigned to customer contract/relationships with a weighted average life of 8 years, $100,000 to trade names with an average life of 8 years and $70,000 to non-competition agreements with an average life of 3 years.

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Net Sales
     The following table summarizes our net sales by business segment for each of the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2008 and 2007:
                                                 
    Three months ended July 31,     Nine months ended July 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     Change     2007     2008     Change     2007  
 
                                               
Net sales to third-parties:
                                               
Fresh products
  $ 84,828       6.7 %   $ 79,467     $ 234,911       25.3 %   $ 187,547  
Processed products
    12,075       2.0 %     11,840       33,010       9.5 %     30,153  
 
                                       
Total net sales
  $ 96,903       6.1 %   $ 91,307     $ 267,921       23.1 %   $ 217,700  
 
                                       
 
                                               
As a percentage of net sales:
                                               
Fresh products
    87.5 %             87.0 %     87.7 %             86.1 %
Processed products
    12.5 %             13.0 %     12.3 %             13.9 %
 
                                       
 
    100.0 %             100.0 %     100.0 %             100.0 %
 
                                       
     Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, compared to fiscal 2007, increased by $5.6 million, or 6.1%; whereas net sales for the nine months ended July 31, 2008, compared to fiscal 2007, increased by $50.2 million, or 23.1%. The increase in fresh product sales during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 was primarily related to increased sales in California sourced avocados, as well as increased sales from tomatoes and pineapples, partially offset by decreased sales in Mexican sourced avocados. The increase in fresh product sales during the nine months ended July 31, 2008 was primarily driven by increased sales related to California and Mexican sourced avocados, as well as increased tomato and pineapple sales. While the procurement of fresh avocados related to our fresh products segment is seasonal, our processed products business is generally not subject to a seasonal effect. For the related three and nine-month periods, the increase in net sales delivered by our processed products business was due primarily to an increase in total pounds of product sold and/or an increase in the net sales price.
     Net sales to third parties by segment exclude value-added services billed by our Uruapan packinghouse and our Uruapan processing plant to the parent company. All intercompany sales are eliminated in our consolidated results of operations.
Fresh products
     Net sales delivered by the fresh products business increased by approximately $5.4 million, or 6.7%, for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2007. This increase was primarily related to increased sales in California sourced avocados, as well as increased sales from tomatoes and pineapples, partially offset by decreased sales in Mexican sourced avocados.
     California sourced avocado sales reflect a 7.5% increase in pounds of avocados sold, when compared to the same prior year period. This increase in pounds is primarily related to: (1) the timing of the delivery to the U.S. marketplace and (2) the expected increase in the overall harvest of the California avocado crop for the 2007/2008 season. Paradoxically, our market share of California avocados decreased to 27.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, when compared to a 29.5% market share for the same prior year period. We believe this decrease is primarily related to a shift in the current year volume to growing areas where we do not command as significant a market share. The average selling price, on a per carton basis, of California avocados sold increased approximately 9.1% when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this increase to the lower overall volume of avocados in the marketplace.
     The volume of tomatoes and pineapples increased by approximately 0.2 million and 0.4 million cartons, or 174.4% and 100.0%, for our third fiscal quarter of 2008 when compared to the same prior year period. These increases were primarily related to improvements to the infrastructure/growing areas in fiscal 2008 (for the

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tomatoes) and the new consignment and marketing agreement with Maui Pineapple Company, LTD (for the pineapples). Additionally, the average selling price, on a per carton basis, of tomatoes increased approximately 27.1% when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this increase to increased demand for tomatoes in the U.S. marketplace.
     Partially offsetting such increases, however, was a decrease in sales related to Mexican sourced avocados. For the 3rd fiscal quarter of 2008, as compared to the same prior period, the volume of Mexican fruit sold decreased by approximately 9.3 million pounds, or 36.7%. However, average selling prices, on a per carton basis, of Mexican avocados sold increased approximately 13.7%, when compared to the same prior year period. As discussed above, we attribute some of this increase in selling price to the lower overall volume of avocados in the marketplace. The decrease in pounds is primarily related to the expected, and, ultimately realized, smaller avocado crop in Mexico.
     Net sales delivered by the business increased by approximately $50.2 million, or 23.1%, for the nine months ended July 31, 2008, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2007. This increase was primarily driven by increased sales related to California and Mexican sourced avocados, increased tomato and pineapple sales, partially offset by decreased sales related to avocados sourced from Chile.
     The average selling price, on a per carton basis, of Mexican avocados sold increased approximately 28.5% when compared to the same nine-month prior period. As discussed above, we attribute some of this increase to increased demand for avocados in the U.S. marketplace. Partially offsetting such increase, however, was a decrease in the volume of Mexican fruit sold, which decreased by approximately 6.7 million pounds, or 7.3%, when compared to the same nine-month prior period. The decrease in pounds was primarily related to the expected, and, ultimately realized, smaller avocado crop in Mexico.
     California avocados sales reflect a 2.6% decrease in pounds of avocados sold, when compared to the same nine-month prior period. The decrease in pounds is primarily related to timing of the delivery to the U.S. marketplace, partially offset by the expected increase in the overall harvest of the California avocado crop for the 2008/2007 season. Our market share of California avocados decreased to 26.9% for the nine month period ending July 31, 2008, when compared to a 31.6% market share for the same prior year period. As discussed above, we believe this decrease is primarily related to a shift in the current year volume to growing areas where we do not command as significant a market share. The average selling price, on a per carton basis, of California avocados sold, however, increased approximately 17.9% when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this increase to the lower overall volume of avocados in the marketplace.
     The volume of tomatoes and pineapples increased by approximately 0.7 million and 1.3 million cartons, or 57.5% and 99.9%, when compared to the same nine-month prior period. These increases were primarily related to improvements to the Agricola Belher infrastructure/growing areas in fiscal 2008 (for the tomatoes) and the consignment and marketing agreement with Maui Pineapple Company, LTD (for the pineapples). Additionally, the average selling price, on a per carton basis, of tomatoes increased approximately 38.7% when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this increase to increased demand for tomatoes in the U.S. marketplace.
     We anticipate that net sales related to California sourced avocados, as well as tomatoes, to experience a seasonal decrease during our fourth fiscal quarter of 2008, as compared to the third fiscal quarter of 2008. We anticipate that net sales related to non-California sourced avocados to experience a seasonal increase in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2008, as compared to the third fiscal quarter of 2008.

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Processed products
     For the quarter ended July 31, 2008, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2007, net sales increased by approximately $0.2 million, or 2.0%. This increase is primarily related to a 14.1% increase in the average net selling price per pound during our third quarter of 2008, when compared to the same prior year period. Such increase was partially offset, however, by a 10.3% decrease in total pounds sold. The decrease in pounds sold primarily relates to a decrease in the sale of our food-service guacamole products, partially offset by an increase in retail guacamole products. The increase in the average net selling price was primarily related to a change in the sales mix, whereby we decreased the volume of certain lower net selling price items and/or increased the volume of higher net selling price items.
     For the first nine-months ended July 31, 2008, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2007, net sales increased by approximately $2.9 million, or 9.5%. This increase is primarily related to a 2.3% increase in total pounds sold, as well as a 7.1% increase in the average net selling price per pound for our first nine-months of 2008 when compared to the same prior year period. The increase in pounds sold primarily relates to an increase in the sale of our retail guacamole products, partially offset by a decrease in the sale of our foodservice guacamole products. The increase in the average net selling price was primarily related to a change in the sales mix, whereby we decreased the volume of certain lower net selling price items and/or increased the volume of higher net selling price items.
Gross Margins
     The following table summarizes our gross margins and gross profit percentages by business segment for each of the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2008 and 2007:
                                                 
    Three months ended July 31,     Nine months ended July 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     Change     2007     2008     Change     2007  
 
                                               
Gross margins:
                                               
Fresh products
  $ 6,158       (5.3 %)   $ 6,503     $ 14,233       (13.4 %)   $ 16,443  
Processed products
    1,534       (27.8 %)     2,124       6,782       (17.9 %)     8,259  
 
                                       
Total gross margins
  $ 7,692       (10.8 %)   $ 8,627     $ 21,015       (14.9 %)   $ 24,702  
 
                                       
Gross profit percentages:
                                               
Fresh products
    7.3 %             8.2 %     6.1 %             8.8 %
Processed products
    12.7 %             17.9 %     20.5 %             27.4 %
Consolidated
    7.9 %             9.4 %     7.8 %             11.3 %
     Our cost of goods sold consists predominantly of fruit costs, packing materials, freight and handling, labor and overhead (including depreciation) associated with preparing food products and other direct expenses pertaining to products sold. Gross margins decreased by approximately $0.9 million, or 10.8%, and $3.7 million, or 14.9%, for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, when compared to the same periods for fiscal 2007. These decreases were primarily attributable to gross margin deterioration in both our fresh products and processed products segments.
     For the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, as compared to the same prior year periods, gross margins related to our fresh products segment decreased. Such decreases were primarily driven by a significant increase in Mexican fruit costs. For the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, we experienced a 27.0% and a 55.6% increase in the average fruit cost for Mexican sourced avocados. Such higher fruit costs were partially offset, however, by corresponding increases in the average sales prices of Mexican avocados. For the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, we experienced a 13.7% and 28.5% increase in the average sales price of Mexican sourced avocados. The significant increase in tomato volume, as well as the increase in the average net sales price for tomatoes, also positively impacted gross margins. Tomato sales volume increased 174.4% and 57.5% for the three and nine month periods ending July 31, 2008 when compared to the same prior period. Additionally,

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the average net sales price for tomatoes increased 27.1% and 38.7% for the three and nine month periods ending July 31, 2008 when compared to the same prior period.
     The processed products gross profit percentages for the first three and nine months of fiscal 2008, when compared to the same prior year period, decreased primarily as a result of higher Mexican fruit costs. Such was partially offset, however, by an increase in total pounds sold, and/or a shift in the sales mix to more profitable products. We anticipate that the gross profit percentage for our processed product segment will continue to experience significant fluctuations during the next fiscal quarter primarily due to the uncertainty of the cost of fruit that will be used in the production process.
Selling, General and Administrative
                                                 
    Three months ended July 31,     Nine months ended July 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     Change     2007     2008     Change     2007  
 
                                               
Selling, general and administrative
  $ 5,301       10.4 %   $ 4,803     $ 14,752       4.2 %   $ 14,162  
Percentage of net sales
    5.5 %             5.3 %     5.5 %             6.5 %
     Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs of marketing and advertising, sales expenses and other general and administrative costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.5 million, or 10.4%, for the three months ended July 31, 2008, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2007. This increase was primarily related to higher corporate costs, including, but not limited to, employee compensation costs (totaling approximately $0.2 million), advertising expense (totaling approximately $0.1 million), audit/SOX fees (totaling approximately $0.2 million) and broker commissions (totaling approximately $0.2 million). Such increases were partially offset, however, by lower bonus expense (totaling approximately $0.2 million).
     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.6 million, or 4.2%, for the nine months ended July 31, 2008, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2007. This increase was primarily related to higher corporate costs, including, but not limited to, employee compensation costs (totaling approximately $0.6 million), broker commissions (totaling approximately $0.4 million) and maintenance and repair expenses (totaling approximately $0.2 million). Such increases were partially offset, however, by lower bonus expense (totaling approximately $0.6 million).
Other Income, net
                                                 
    Three months ended July 31,     Nine months ended July 31,  
(in thousands)   2008     Change     2007     2008     Change     2007  
 
                                               
Other income, net
  $ 248       264.7 %   $ 68     $ 907       98.9 %   $ 456  
Percentage of net sales
    0.3 %             0.1 %     0.3 %             0.2 %
     Other income, net, includes interest income and expense generated in connection with our financing and operating activities, as well as certain other transactions that are outside of the course of normal operations. For the three and nine-months months ended July 31, 2008, other income, net, includes dividend income of $0.1 million and $0.2 million from Limoneira Company. For the three and nine months ended July 31, 2008, other income, net, includes $0.1 million and $0.2 million of income from Maui Fresh, LLC.

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Provision for Income Taxes
                                                 
    Three months ended July 31,   Nine months ended July 31,
(in thousands)   2008   Change   2007   2008   Change   2007
 
                                               
Provision for income taxes
  $ 884       (34.8 %)   $ 1,355     $ 2,377       (38.4 %)   $ 3,860  
Percentage of income before provision for income taxes
    38.9 %             37.9 %     38.9 %             38.6 %
For the first nine months of fiscal 2008, our provision for income taxes was $2.4 million, as compared to $3.9 million recorded for the comparable prior year period. We expect our effective tax rate to approximate 38.9% during fiscal 2008.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Cash provided by operating activities was $7.7 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008, compared to $0.3 million for the similar period in fiscal 2007. Operating cash flows for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 reflect our net income of $3.7 million, net non-cash items (depreciation and amortization, stock compensation expense, and income from Maui Fresh, LLC) of $1.8 million and a net increase in the noncash components of our working capital of approximately $2.2 million.
     These working capital increases include an increase in payable to growers of $12.5 million, an increase in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses of $2.0 million, a decrease in income tax receivable of $1.7 million, a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $0.5 million, a decrease in advances to suppliers of $0.5 million, and an increase in income tax payable of $0.4 million. These increases were partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $7.8 million and an increase in inventory of $7.6 million.
     The increase in payable to growers is primarily related to an increase in California fruit delivered in the month of July 2008, as compared to October 2007. The increase in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses primarily reflects the current payable related to our acquisition of Hawaiian Sweet and Hawaiian Pride, as well as an increase in payables to foreign tomato and pineapple suppliers as of July 2008, as compared to October 2007. The decrease in income tax receivable primarily relates to income from operations through the nine months ended July 31, 2008. The increase in our accounts receivable balance, as of July 31, 2008, when compared to October 31, 2007, primarily reflects higher sales recorded in the month of July 2008, as compared to October 2007. The increase in inventory is primarily related to an increase in California fruit delivered in the month of July 2008, as compared to October 2007, and an increase in processed guacamole products.
     Cash used in investing activities was $6.5 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008 and related principally to the acquisition of Hawaiian Sweet and Hawaiian Pride of $5.0 million (see note 8 to the condensed, consolidated financial statements) and the purchase of property, plant and equipment items of $1.7 million.
     Cash used in financing activities was $1.9 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2008, which related principally to the payment of a $5.0 million dividend, as well as payments on long-term obligations totaling $1.3 million. Such proceeds were partially offset, however, by proceeds from borrowings on our lines of credit totaling $4.2 million.
     Our principal sources of liquidity are our existing cash reserves, cash generated from operations and amounts available for borrowing under our existing credit facilities. Cash and cash equivalents as of July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 totaled $0.3 million and $1.0 million. Our working capital at July 31, 2008 was $16.3 million, compared to $16.3 million at October 31, 2007. Our working capital remained consistent from October 31, 2007.
     We believe that cash flows from operations and available credit facilities will be sufficient to satisfy our future capital expenditures, grower recruitment efforts, working capital and other financing requirements. We will

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continue to evaluate grower recruitment opportunities and exclusivity arrangements with food service companies to fuel growth in each of our business segments. In May 2008 and October 2007, we renewed and/or extended our non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities with Farm Credit West, PCA and Bank of America, N.A. These two credit facilities expire in February 2012 and July 2009. Under the terms of these agreements, we are advanced funds for both working capital and long-term productive asset purchases. Total credit available under these combined borrowing agreements was $40 million, with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.6% and 5.8% at July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007. Under these credit facilities, we had $13.6 million and $10.6 million outstanding as of July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007, of which $7.8 million was classified as a long-term liability as of July 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007. These credit facilities contain various financial covenants, the most significant relating to working capital, tangible net worth (as defined), and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) (as defined). We were in compliance with all such covenants at July 31, 2008.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
     See footnote 1 to the consolidated condensed financial statements that are included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
     Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, payable to growers, accounts payable, current and long-term borrowings pursuant to our credit facilities with financial institutions, and long-term, fixed-rate obligations. All of our financial instruments are entered into during the normal course of operations and have not been acquired for trading purposes. The table below summarizes interest rate sensitive financial instruments and presents principal cash flows in U.S. dollars, which is our reporting currency, and weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates, as of July 31, 2008.
                                                                 
    Expected maturity date July 31,
(All amounts in thousands)   2008   2009   2010   2011   2012   Thereafter   Total   Fair Value
Assets
                                                               
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
  $ 313     $     $     $     $     $     $ 313     $ 313  
Accounts receivable (1)
    34,079                                     34,079       34,079  
 
                                                               
Liabilities
                                                               
Payable to growers (1)
  $ 14,872     $     $     $     $     $     $ 14,872     $ 14,872  
Accounts payable (1)
    3,176                                     3,176       3,176  
Current borrowings pursuant to credit facilities (1)
    5,830                                     5,830       5,830  
Long-term borrowings pursuant to credit facilities (2)
          1,000       2,000       2,000       2,000       2,000       9,000       10,133  
Fixed-rate long-term obligations (3)
    42       5,286       5,199       1,371       1,374       4,684       17,956       18,414  
 
(1)   We believe the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, advances to suppliers, payable to growers, accounts payable, and current borrowings pursuant to credit facilities approximate their fair value due to the short maturity of these financial instruments.
 
(2)   Long-term borrowings pursuant to our credit facility bears interest at 6.4%. We believe that a portfolio of loans with a similar risk profile would currently yield a return of 3.2%. We project the impact of an increase or decrease in interest rates of 100 basis points would result in a change of fair value by approximately $369,000.
 
(3)   Fixed-rate long-term obligations bear interest rates ranging from 3.8% to 5.7% with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.8%. We believe that loans with a similar risk profile would currently yield a return of 4.2%. We project the impact of an increase or decrease in interest rates of 100 basis points would result in a change of fair value of approximately $620,000.
     We were not a party to any derivative instruments during the fiscal year. It is currently our intent not to use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Additionally, we do not use any hedging or forward contracts to offset market volatility.
     Our Mexican-based operations transact business in Mexican pesos. Funds are transferred by our corporate office to Mexico on a weekly basis to satisfy domestic cash needs. Consequently, the spot rate for the Mexican peso has a moderate impact on our operating results. However, we do not believe that this impact is sufficient to warrant the use of derivative instruments to hedge the fluctuation in the Mexican peso. Total foreign currency gains and losses for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2007 do not exceed $0.1 million.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
     Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-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, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
     There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended July 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
     We are involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, none of which we believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results from operations.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
     
10.1
  Amendment to Business Loan Agreement dated October 15, 2007 between Calavo Growers, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32
  Certification by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

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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.
         
  Calavo Growers, Inc.
(Registrant)
 
 
Date: September 8, 2008  By   /s/ Lecil E. Cole    
    Lecil E. Cole   
    Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
 
     
Date: September 8, 2008  By   /s/ Arthur J. Bruno    
    Arthur J. Bruno   
    Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer
and Corporate Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer) 
 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
     
Exhibit    
Number   Description
 
   
10.1
  Amendment to Business Loan Agreement dated October 15, 2007 between Calavo Growers, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32
  Certification by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

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