Limoneira CO - Quarter Report: 2018 January (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 31, 2018

OR

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

Commission File Number: 001-34755

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (805) 525-5541

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes ¨ No 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:  

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    x  No

As of February 28, 2018, there were 14,532,952 shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains both historical and forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company’s control. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual financial condition, results of operations and future performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied include:

The Company’s actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Additional risks of which the Company is not currently aware or which the Company currently deems immaterial could also cause the Company’s actual results to differ, including those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if our situation changes in the future.

The terms the “Company,” “Limoneira”, “we,” “our” and “us” as used throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refer to Limoneira Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

($ in thousands, except share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

($ in thousands, except share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

(In thousands)

In October 2017, the Company entered an agreement to sell its Centennial Square (“Centennial”) real estate development property for $3,250,000. This transaction closed in December 2017 with the Company receiving net proceeds of $179,000 and issuing a $3,000,000 promissory note secured by the property for the balance of the purchase price.

During the three months ended January 31, 2018, the holder of the note receivable from a 2004 sale of property completed the drilling of a water well at the Company’s La Campana Ranch. The fair value of the well drilling services was $68,000 and the Company recorded a non-cash reduction of the note receivable.

During 2017 certain shares of Series B convertible preferred stock were converted into common stock as described in Note 21 - Series B and Series B-2 Preferred Stock.

On February 24, 2017, the Company acquired 90% of the outstanding stock of Fruticola Pan de Azucar S.A. (“PDA”) for a purchase price of $5,706,000 in cash as further described in Note 3 - Acquisitions.

On June 20, 2017, the Company entered into a Master Loan Agreement with Farm Credit West, FLCA and repaid $68,572,000 of outstanding debt under the Rabobank revolving credit facility as further described in Note 13 - Long-Term Debt.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Preface

The preparation of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements requires management to make use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses and certain financial statement disclosures. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017 and balance sheet as of January 31, 2018 included herein have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm, but in management’s opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to make a fair statement of the financial position at January 31, 2018 and the results of operations and the cash flows for the periods presented herein have been made. The results of operations for the three months ended January 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results expected for the full fiscal year.

The consolidated balance sheet at October 31, 2017 included herein has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements.

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Although the Company believes the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules or regulations. These unaudited interim consolidated financial 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, 2017.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. Business

Limoneira Company, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), engages primarily in growing citrus and avocados, picking and hauling citrus and packing, marketing and selling lemons. The Company is also engaged in residential rentals and other rental operations and real estate development activities.

The Company markets and sells lemons directly to food service, wholesale and retail customers throughout the United States, Canada, Asia and other international markets. The Company is a member of Sunkist Growers, Inc. (“Sunkist”), an agricultural marketing cooperative, and sells a portion of its oranges, specialty citrus and other crops to Sunkist-licensed and other third-party packinghouses.

The Company sells all of its avocado production to Calavo Growers, Inc. (“Calavo”), a packing and marketing company listed on NASDAQ under the symbol CVGW. Calavo’s customers include many of the largest retail and food service companies in the United States and Canada. The Company’s avocados are packed by Calavo, which are then sold and distributed under Calavo brands to its customers. 

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the accounts of all the subsidiaries and investments in which a controlling interest is held by the Company. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements represent the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of cash flows of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s material subsidiaries include: Limoneira Mercantile, LLC, Windfall Investors, LLC (“Windfall”), Templeton Santa Barbara, LLC, Associated Citrus Packers, Inc. (“Associated”), Limoneira Chile, SpA, Limoneira EA1 Land, LLC and PDA, in which the Company has a 90% ownership interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company considers the criteria established under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) – Accounting Standards Code (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation, and the effect of variable interest entities, in its consolidation process. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Foreign Currency Translation

PDA’s functional currency is the Chilean Peso. Its balance sheet is translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and its income statement is translated at average exchange rates during the reporting period. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

FASB – Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU affects 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 (e.g., insurance contracts or lease contracts). This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance. This ASU also supersedes some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition – Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. In addition, the existing requirements for the recognition of a gain or loss on the transfer of nonfinancial assets that are not in a contract with a customer (e.g., assets within the scope of Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and tangible assets within the scope of Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other) are amended to be consistent with the guidance on recognition and measurement (including the constraint on revenue) in this ASU.

The core principle of the guidance 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. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps:

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). ASU 2016-08 clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. ASU 2016-10 clarifies the implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations. These ASUs apply to all companies that enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services.

In May 2016, the FASB issued, ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. ASU 2016-12 provides clarifying guidance in certain narrow areas and adds some practical expedients.

The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the earliest period shown, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. The Company currently anticipates adopting the standard in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending October 31, 2019 and anticipates using the modified retrospective method. The Company has inventoried and evaluated its current revenue streams and related contracts with customers. The Company continues to evaluate the effect this ASU may have on its consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory

The amendments in this ASU do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost.

An entity should measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method.

The amendments in this ASU more closely align the measurement of inventory in GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards.

The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company’s adoption of this ASU had no impact on its consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

The amendments in ASU 2016-01, among other things, require equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. Requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial assets (i.e., securities or loans and receivables). Eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

ASU 2016-01 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 832)

Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date:

Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Certain targeted improvements were made to align, where necessary, lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

The new lease guidance simplified the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Lessees will no longer be provided with a source of off-balance sheet financing.

ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted.

Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending October 31, 2019. The Company is evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its consolidated financial statements, however it expects to apply the practical expedients provided in the ASU and to record right-of-use assets and lease obligations for its operating leases that exist on the date of adoption. Note 20 – Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s fiscal year 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K describes its operating lease arrangements as of October 31, 2017.

FASB ASU 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships

The amendments in this ASU clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument does not, in and of itself, require de-designation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria remain intact.

The amendments are effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company adopted this ASU during the quarter ended July 31, 2017 in connection with the refinancing of its line of credit arrangements and related interest rates swap as described in Note 13 – Long-Term Debt and Note 14 – Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activities.

FASB ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting

The amendments are intended to improve the accounting for employee share-based payments and affect all organizations that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company’s early adoption of this ASU on November 1, 2016 resulted in a cumulative effect provision of $21,000 recognized in fiscal year 2017. The Company has also elected to account for forfeitures as they occur using the modified retrospective approach. In addition, the Company is now required to present excess tax benefits (provisions) as operating activity (combined with other income tax cash flows) on the statements of cash flows rather than as financing activity and has elected to adopt this change prospectively.

FASB ASU 2017-07, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost

The amendment requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item or items are used to present the other components of net benefit cost, that line item or items must be appropriately described. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed.

The amendment is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. The Company is evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

These amendments refine and expand hedge accounting for both financial and commodity risks. Its provisions create more transparency around how economic results are presented, both on the face of the financial statements and in the footnotes. It also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance.

The amendment is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect this ASU may have on its consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASU 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

These amendments provide financial statement preparers with an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within AOCI to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (or portion thereof) is recorded.

The amendment is effective for all organizations for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Organizations should apply the proposed amendments either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The Company is evaluating the effect of this ASU. It could have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

3. Acquisitions

Business Combination

On February 24, 2017 (the “Acquisition Date”), the Company completed the acquisition of 90% of the outstanding stock of PDA, a privately-owned Chilean corporation, for $5,800,000 in cash (the “Acquisition”). PDA also had approximately $1,700,000 in long-term debt on the Acquisition Date, which was assumed by the Company in the Acquisition. A holdback of 10% of the purchase proceeds to be paid to the seller was withheld for a six-month period to allow for potential contingencies as defined in the purchase agreement. PDA is a 200-acre lemon and orange orchard located near La Serena, Chile. PDA’s total assets of $9,451,000 on the Acquisition Date included a 13% equity interest in Rosales S.A. (“Rosales”) in which the Company owns a 35% equity investment. After the Acquisition, the Company owns 47% of Rosales and PDA’s 10% stockholder owns the remaining 53% of Rosales. Rosales packs and sells all of PDA’s citrus production. PDA had approximately $450,000 of net income on approximately $1,900,000 in sales for the year ended December 31, 2016. Transactions costs incurred in connection with the Acquisition in 2017 were approximately $57,000, which were included in selling, general and administrative expense.

In August 2017, a third-party valuation of the fair value of the net assets was finalized, which resulted in a $193,000 increase in investment in Rosales with a corresponding decrease in goodwill and increase in deferred income taxes. Additionally, a $94,000 reduction in the purchase price was agreed upon per the terms of the purchase agreement with corresponding decreases in goodwill and noncontrolling interest. The Company received the $94,000 in August 2017. Below is a summary of the fair value of the net assets acquired on the Acquisition Date based on the third-party valuation, which is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement under FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (in thousands):

4. Fair Value Measurements

Under the FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, a fair value measurement is determined based on the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-tiered hierarchy draws distinctions between market participant assumptions based on (i) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets (Level 1), (ii) inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2) and (iii) unobservable inputs that require the Company to use present value and other valuation techniques in the determination of fair value (Level 3).

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, which are measured on a recurring basis during the period, segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands): 

Available-for-sale securities consist of marketable securities in Calavo common stock. The Company currently owns 300,000 shares, representing approximately 1.7% of Calavo’s outstanding common stock. These securities are measured at fair value by quoted market prices. Calavo’s stock price at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017 was $87.00 and $73.70 per share, respectively.

The derivative consists of an interest rate swap, the fair value of which is estimated using industry-standard valuation models. Such models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs.

5. Accounts Receivable

The Company grants credit in the course of its operations to customers, cooperatives, companies and lessees of the Company’s facilities. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company provides allowances on its receivables, as required, based on accounts receivable aging and certain other factors. As of January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017 the allowances totaled $465,000 and $577,000, respectively. 

6. Concentrations

Lemons procured from third-party growers were 53% of lemon supply in the three months ended January 31, 2018, of which one third-party grower was 15% of lemon supply. The Company sells all of its avocado production to Calavo.

7. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands): 

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

8. Real Estate Development

Real estate development assets consist of the following (in thousands):

East Areas I and II

In fiscal year 2005, the Company began capitalizing the costs of two real estate development projects east of Santa Paula, California, for the development of 550 acres of land into residential units, commercial buildings and civic facilities. During the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company capitalized $3,189,000 and $2,196,000, respectively, of costs related to these real estate development projects. Additionally, in relation to these projects, the Company incurred expenses of $1,000 and $3,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

On November 10, 2015 (the “Transaction Date”), the Company entered into a joint venture with The Lewis Group of Companies (“Lewis”) for the residential development of its East Area I real estate development project. To consummate the transaction, the Company formed Limoneira Lewis Community Builders, LLC (the “LLC” or “Joint Venture”) as the development entity, contributed its East Area I property to the LLC and sold a 50% interest in the LLC to Lewis for $20,000,000, comprised of a $2,000,000 deposit received in September 2015 and $18,000,000 received on the Transaction Date. The Company received net cash of approximately $18,800,000 after transaction costs of approximately $1,200,000, which were expensed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. In addition, on the Transaction Date, the Company incurred a Success Fee with Parkstone Companies, Inc., in the amount of $2,100,000, which was paid on January 28, 2016 and capitalized as a component of the Company’s investment in the East Area I property.

On the Transaction Date, the LLC and Lewis also entered into a limited liability company agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) providing for the admittance of Lewis as a 50% member of the Joint Venture. The LLC Agreement provides that Lewis will serve as the manager of the Joint Venture with the right to manage, control, and conduct its day-to-day business and development activities. Certain major decisions, which are enumerated in the LLC Agreement, require approval by an executive committee comprised of two representatives appointed by Lewis and two representatives appointed by the Company.

Pursuant to the LLC Agreement, the Joint Venture will own, develop, subdivide, entitle, maintain, improve, hold for investment, market and dispose of the Joint Venture’s property in accordance with the business plan and budget approved by the executive committee.

Further, on the Transaction Date, the Joint Venture and the Company entered into a Lease Agreement (the "Lease Agreement"), pursuant to which the Joint Venture will lease certain of the contributed East Area I property back to the Company for continuation of agricultural operations, and certain other permitted uses, on the property until the Joint Venture requires the property for development. The Lease will terminate in stages corresponding to the Joint Venture's development of the property, which is to occur in stages pursuant to a phased master development plan. In any event, the Lease will terminate five years from the Transaction Date.

The Company and the Joint Venture also entered into a Retained Property Development Agreement on the Transaction Date (the "Retained Property Agreement"). Under the terms of the Retained Property Agreement, the Joint Venture will transfer certain contributed East Area I property, which is entitled for commercial development, back to the Company (the "Retained Property") and arrange for the design and construction of certain improvements to the Retained Property, subject to certain reimbursements by the Company.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

8. Real Estate Development (continued)

East Areas I and II (continued)

The Company’s sale of an interest in the LLC in which the Company’s contributed property comprises the LLC’s primary asset, combined with the Lease Agreement is considered a sale-leaseback transaction under FASB ASC 840, Leases because of the Company’s continuing involvement in the property in the form of its agricultural operations. Accordingly, the property continues to be carried on the consolidated balance sheet as real estate development, rather than being classified as an equity investment and a sale-leaseback deferral has been recorded for the $20,000,000 payment made by Lewis for the purchase of the LLC interest. Lease expense associated with the Lease Agreement is not required under sale-leaseback accounting since the Company is treated as though it continues to own the property. During the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded $2,726,000 and $1,833,000, respectively, of real estate development costs and corresponding increases in the sale-leaseback deferral to recognize real estate development costs capitalized by the LLC. There are no repayment requirements for the sale-leaseback deferral and as the Lease Agreement is terminated in connection with the staged development of the property, a corresponding amount of real estate development and the sale-leaseback deferral will be adjusted to equity investments on the consolidated balance sheet.

In connection with the LLC Agreement, the Company was reimbursed $250,000 by the Joint Venture in January 2018 for Initial Public Safety Facility Payments made to the City of Santa Paula in October 2015. This amount was included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2017. Additionally, beginning March 2016, the Company leases office space to Lewis and received rental income of $4,000 and $12,000 for the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Company determined the Joint Venture to be a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) under ASC 810, because the Joint Venture will require additional subordinated financial support to finance its operations. The Company further determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE, as the Company and Lewis have joint control over all significant decisions affecting the Joint Venture’s economic performance. Accordingly, contributions made by the Company to the LLC, the Company’s proportionate share of Joint Venture’s results of operations and distributions received by the Company from the LLC will be accounted for under the equity method. The Company made contributions of $3,500,000 and $4,450,000 to the LLC in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Additionally, the Company recorded equity losses of zero and $54,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to the Joint Venture.

In January 2018, the Joint Venture entered into a $45,000,000 unsecured Line of Credit Loan Agreement and Promissory Note (the “Loan”) with Bank of America, N.A. to fund early development activities. The Loan matures in January 2020, with an option to extend the maturity date until 2021, subject to certain conditions. The interest rate on the Loan is LIBOR plus 2.85%, payable monthly. The Loan contains certain customary default provisions and the Joint Venture may prepay any amounts outstanding under the Loan without penalty. In February 2018, the obligations under the Loan were guaranteed by certain principals from Lewis and by the Company. There were no amounts outstanding at January 31, 2018 related to this loan.

In connection with facilitating the annexation of East Area I property into the City of Santa Paula, during February 2014 the Company entered into a Capital Improvement Cost Sharing Agreement for Improvements to Santa Paula Creek Channel (the “Cost Sharing Agreement”) with the Ventura County Watershed Protection District (the “District”). The Cost Sharing Agreement requires the Company to reimburse the District 28.5% of the costs of the improvements, up to a maximum of $5,000,000. Additionally, the Company is required to pay the cost of preparing a study to determine a feasible scope of work and budget for the improvements. No cost reimbursements have been incurred to date in relation to the Cost Sharing Agreement.

In February 2013, the Company entered into an option agreement for the purchase of a 7-acre parcel adjacent to its East Area II real estate development project. The Company made a $75,000 initial option payment in 2013 and four additional annual option payments of $50,000 each from 2014 to 2017. In February 2018, the Company exercised its option and purchased the property for $3,145,000, by making a cash payment of $1,444,000 and issuing a note payable for $1,435,000. The $275,000 of option payments were applied to the purchase price and the Company incurred $9,000 of transaction costs. The note is due in five years, with interest-only, monthly payments at interest rates ranging from 5% to 7%.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

8. Real Estate Development (continued)

Templeton Santa Barbara, LLC

The three real estate development parcels within the Templeton Santa Barbara, LLC project are described as Centennial, The Terraces at Pacific Crest (“Pacific Crest”), and Sevilla. The net carrying values of Pacific Crest and Sevilla at January 31, 2018 were $3,250,000 and $3,332,000, respectively. The net carrying values of Centennial, Pacific Crest and Sevilla as of October 31, 2017 were $2,983,000, $3,250,000 and $4,686,000, respectively. These projects were idle during the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017 and, as such, no costs were capitalized. Additionally, in relation to these projects, the Company incurred expenses of $29,000 and $47,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In October 2017, the Company entered an agreement to sell Centennial for $3,250,000. This transaction closed in December 2017 with the Company receiving net proceeds of $179,000 and issuing a $3,000,000 promissory note secured by the property for the balance of the purchase price. The promissory note matures June 2018 but provides for potential extensions to December 2019. After transaction costs, the sale resulted in a gain of $194,000, to be recognized under the installment method, with $15,000 recognized in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and $179,000 deferred until repayment of the promissory note.

In August 2017, the Company entered an agreement to sell the commercial portion of its Sevilla project for $1,452,000. This transaction closed in November 2017 with the Company receiving net proceeds of $1,364,000. The Company recognized a gain of $10,000 after transaction costs.

In December 2017, the Company entered an agreement to sell Pacific Crest for $3,500,000. After transaction costs, the Company expects to recognize a gain of $40,000. To date, this transaction has not closed.

At January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, the $3,250,000 carrying value of Pacific Crest and the $3,332,000 carrying value of Sevilla were classified as real estate development. At October 31, 2017, the $2,983,000 carrying value of Centennial and the $1,354,000 carrying value of the commercial portion of Sevilla were classified as held for sale and included in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

9. Equity in Investments

Equity in investments consist of the following (in thousands): 

The Rosales equity investment includes the Company’s 35% interest acquired in fiscal year 2014 and an additional 12% interest acquired with the purchase of PDA as described in Note 3 - Acquisitions. The Company’s investment in Rosales is accounted for using the equity method of accounting based on the sum of its direct and indirect ownership.

10. Investment in Calavo Growers, Inc.

In June 2005, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Calavo. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company purchased 1,000,000 shares, or approximately 6.9%, of Calavo’s common stock for $10,000,000 and Calavo purchased 1,728,570 shares, or approximately 15.1%, of the Company’s common stock for $23,450,000. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company received net cash consideration of $13,450,000. The Company has classified its marketable securities investment as available-for-sale.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

10. Investment in Calavo Growers, Inc. (continued)

In fiscal year 2009, the Company sold 335,000 shares of Calavo stock for a total of $6,079,000, recognizing a gain of $2,729,000. In fiscal year 2013, the Company sold 165,000 shares to Calavo for a total of $4,788,000, recognizing a gain of $3,138,000. In fiscal year 2015, the Company sold 140,000 shares for a total of $6,433,000, recognizing a gain of $5,033,000. In June and July 2016, the Company sold 60,000 shares, in aggregate, for a total of $4,019,000, recognizing a gain of $3,419,000. These gains are included in other income in the consolidated financial statements of operations. The Company continues to own 300,000 shares of Calavo common stock.

Additionally, changes in the fair value of the available-for-sale securities result in unrealized holding gains or losses for the remaining shares held by the Company. The Company recorded unrealized holding gains and (losses) of $3,990,000 ($2,821,000 net of tax) and $(1,155,000) (($697,000) net of tax), during the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

11. Other Assets

Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

12. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

13. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt is comprised of the following (in thousands):

On June 20, 2017, the Company entered into a Master Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Farm Credit West, FLCA (“Farm Credit West”) which includes a Revolving Credit Supplement and a Non-Revolving Credit Supplement (the “Supplements”). Proceeds from the Supplements were used to pay down all the remaining outstanding indebtedness under the revolving credit facility the Company had with Rabobank, N.A. On January 29, 2018 the Company amended the Revolving Credit Supplement to increase the borrowing capacity from $60,000,000 to $75,000,000. The Non-Revolving Credit Supplement remained unchanged. The Supplements provide aggregate borrowing capacity of $115,000,000 comprised of $75,000,000 under the Revolving Credit Supplement and $40,000,000 under the Non-Revolving Credit Supplement.

The interest rate for any amount outstanding under the Supplements is based on the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rate plus an applicable margin, which is subject to adjustment on a monthly basis. The applicable margin ranges from 1.60% to 2.35% depending on the ratio of current assets plus the remaining available commitment divided by current liabilities. On July 1, 2018, and on each one-year anniversary thereafter, we have the option to convert the interest rate in use under each Supplement from the preceding LIBOR-based calculation to a variable interest rate, or the reverse, as applicable. Any amounts outstanding under the Supplements are due and payable in full on July 1, 2022. We may prepay any amounts outstanding under the Supplements without penalty.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

13. Long-Term Debt (continued)

All indebtedness under the Loan Agreements, including any indebtedness under the Supplements, is secured by a first lien on certain of the Company’s agricultural properties in Tulare and Ventura counties in California and certain of the Company’s building fixtures and improvements and investments in mutual water companies associated with the pledged agricultural properties. The Loan Agreement includes customary default provisions that provide should an event of default occur, Farm Credit West, at its option, may declare all or any portion of the indebtedness under the Loan Agreement to be immediately due and payable without demand, notice of non-payment, protest or prior recourse to collateral, and terminate or suspend the Company’s right to draw or request funds on any loan or line of credit.

The Loan Agreement subjects the Company to affirmative and restrictive covenants including, among other customary covenants, financial reporting requirements, requirements to maintain and repair any collateral, restrictions on the sale of assets, restrictions on the use of proceeds, prohibitions on the incurrence of additional debt and restrictions on the purchase or sale of major assets of the Company’s business. The Company is also subject to a covenant that it will maintain a debt service coverage ratio greater than 1.25:1.0 measured annually at October 31.

The Farm Credit West credit facility provides for maximum borrowings of $115,000,000 and the borrowing capacity based on collateral value was $115,000,000 at January 31, 2018.

In fiscal year 2017, the Company paid and capitalized debt financing costs of $108,000 related to the Loan Agreement and expensed $45,000 of capitalized debt financing costs related to the Rabobank revolving credit facility.

On January 20, 2016, the Company entered into a $10,000,000 term loan with Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc., which is secured by certain equipment associated with the Company’s new packing facilities. The loan includes a prepayment penalty of 2% of the unpaid balance for the first eighteen months, with no prepayment penalty thereafter.

On February 16, 2016, the Company entered into a Promissory Note and Loan Agreement with Farm Credit West. The loan agreement provides for a term loan in the amount of $10,000,000 and a term loan in the amount of $7,500,000 (the “Term Loans”). The proceeds from the Term Loans were used to repay the Farm Credit West Line of Credit and pay down outstanding indebtedness.

The Banco de Chile term loan was assumed with the acquisition of PDA in February 2017. The interest rate is fixed at 6.48%. The loan is payable in eight annual principal and interest payments beginning January 2018. This loan is unsecured.

Interest is capitalized on non-bearing orchards, real estate development projects and significant construction in progress. The Company capitalized interest of $577,000 and $464,000 during the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Capitalized interest is included in property, plant and equipment and real estate development in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The Company incurs certain loan fees and costs associated with its new or amended credit arrangements. Such costs are capitalized as deferred financing costs and amortized as interest expense using the straight-line method over the terms of the credit agreements. The balance of deferred financing costs net of amortization is included in long-term debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at January 31, 2018. 

14. Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activities

The Company enters into interest rate swaps to minimize the risks and costs associated with its financing activities. Derivative financial instruments are as follows (in thousands):

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

14. Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activities (continued)

In November 2011, the Company entered into a forward interest rate swap agreement with Rabobank International, Utrecht to fix the interest rate at 4.30% on $40,000,000 of its outstanding borrowings under the Rabobank line of credit beginning July 2013 until June 2018. In connection with the paydown of the Rabobank debt noted above, on June 20, 2017 the Company entered into a novation agreement with Rabobank International, Utrecht and CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”). The agreement provides for the prior interest rate swap agreement with Rabobank to now be in place with CoBank. The critical terms of the swap agreement have not changed and counterparty risk has not significantly changed.

This interest rate swap qualifies as a cash flow hedge and the fair value liability is included in fair value of derivative instrument and related accumulated other comprehensive income at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017.

15. Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share

Basic net income (loss) per common share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period without consideration of the dilutive effect of conversion of preferred stock. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effect of conversion of unvested, restricted stock and preferred stock. The computations for basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Unvested stock-based compensation awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends as participating shares are included in computing earnings (loss) per share using the two-class method. The Company’s unvested, restricted stock awards qualify as participating shares. The Company excluded 98,000 unvested, restricted shares, as calculated under the treasury stock method, from its computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended January 31, 2018.

16. Related-Party Transactions

The Company rents certain of its residential housing assets to employees on a month-to-month basis. The Company recorded $177,000 and $188,000 of rental revenue from employees in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. There were no rental payments due from employees at January 31, 2018 or October 31, 2017.

The Company has representation on the boards of directors of the mutual water companies in which the Company has investments. The Company recorded capital contributions and purchased water and water delivery services from such mutual water companies, in aggregate, of $720,000 and $638,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Capital contributions are included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and purchases of water and water delivery services are included in agribusiness expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Payments due to the mutual water companies were, in aggregate, $321,000 and $141,000 at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, respectively.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

16. Related-Party Transactions (continued)

The Company has representation on the board of directors of a non-profit cooperative association that provides pest control services for the agricultural industry. The Company purchased services and supplies of $307,000 and $572,000 from the association in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Such amounts are included in agribusiness expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Payments due to the association were $6,000 and $180,000 at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, respectively.

The Company has an investment in and representation on the board of directors of Calavo and Calavo has an investment in and representation on the board of directors of the Company. The Company recorded dividend income of $285,000 and $270,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, on its investment in Calavo, which is included in other income (expense), net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company had no avocado sales to Calavo for the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017. Such amounts are included in agribusiness revenues in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. There were no amounts receivable by the Company from Calavo at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, respectively. Additionally, the Company leases office space to Calavo and received rental income of $72,000 and $71,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Such amounts are included in rental operations revenues in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company purchased $3,000 and zero of storage services from Calavo in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Amounts due to Calavo at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017 were $4,000 and $163,000, respectively.

Certain members of the Company’s board of directors market lemons through the Company pursuant to its customary marketing agreements. During the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, the aggregate amount of lemons procured from entities owned or controlled by members of the board of directors was $228,000 and $275,000, respectively. Such amounts are included in agribusiness expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Payments due to these board members were $88,000 and $636,000 at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, respectively. Additionally, the Company leases approximately 31 acres of orchards from entities affiliated with a member on the board of directors and incurred $6,000 lease expense related to these leases in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

On July 1, 2013, the Company and Cadiz Real Estate, LLC (“Cadiz”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cadiz, Inc., entered into a long-term lease agreement (the “Lease”) for a minimum of 320 acres, with options to lease up to an additional 960 acres, located within 9,600 zoned agricultural acres owned by Cadiz in eastern San Bernardino County, California. The initial term of the Lease runs for 20 years and the annual base rental rate is equal to the sum of $200 per planted acre and 20% of gross revenues from the sale of harvested lemons (less operating expenses) not to exceed $1,200 per acre per year. A member of the Company’s board of directors serves as the CEO, President and a member of the board of directors of Cadiz, Inc. Additionally, this board member is an attorney with a law firm that provided services of $9,000 and $17,000 to the Company during the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company incurred lease and farming expenses of $36,000 and $28,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which are recorded in agribusiness expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

On February 5, 2015, the Company entered into a Modification of Lease Agreement (the “Amendment”) with Cadiz. The Amendment, among other things, increased by 200 acres the amount of property leased by the Company under the lease agreement dated July 1, 2013. In connection with the Amendment, the Company paid a total of $1,212,000 to acquire existing lemon trees and irrigations systems from Cadiz and a Cadiz tenant. In February 2016, Cadiz assigned this lease to Fenner Valley Farms, LLC (“Fenner”), a subsidiary of Water Asset Management, LLC (“WAM”). An entity affiliated with WAM is the holder of 9,300 shares of Limoneira Company Series B-2 convertible preferred stock. Payments due to Fenner were $120,000 and $61,000 at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, respectively.

The Company has representation on the board of directors of Colorado River Growers, Inc. (“CRG”), a non-profit cooperative association of fruit growers engaged in the agricultural harvesting business in Yuma County, Arizona. The Company paid harvest costs to CRG of $2,451,000 and $2,757,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Such amounts are included in agribusiness expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, Associated provided harvest management and administrative services to CRG of $218,000 and $303,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Such amounts are included in agribusiness revenues in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. There was $15,000 and $209,000 due to Associated from CRG at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, respectively, which is included in accounts receivable in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

16. Related-Party Transactions (continued)

The Company has representation on the board of directors of Yuma Mesa Irrigation and Drainage District (“YMIDD”). In December 2013, Associated entered into an agreement, as amended in December 2014 and 2015, with YMIDD to participate in a Pilot Fallowing Program in which Associated agreed to forego its water allocation for approximately 300 acres of land in exchange for $750 per acre through December 31, 2016. In relation to this program, during the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017 the Company recorded revenues of zero and $34,000, respectively. These amounts are included in other income, net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, the Company purchased water in the amounts of $84,000 and $15,000 from YMIDD during the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Such amounts are included in agribusiness expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. There were no amounts receivable from or payments due to YMIDD at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017. Amounts due to YMIDD at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017 were zero and $10,000, respectively.

The Company has a 1.3% interest in Limco Del Mar, Ltd. (“Del Mar”) as a general partner and a 26.8% interest as a limited partner. The Company provides Del Mar with farm management, orchard land development and accounting services and received expense reimbursements of $47,000 and $34,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company procures lemons from Del Mar and fruit proceeds due to Del Mar were zero and $912,000 at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, respectively and are included in grower’s payable in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company received no cash distributions and recorded equity in earnings of this investment of $163,000 and $183,000, respectively.

On August 14, 2014, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Limoneira Chile SpA, invested approximately $1,750,000 for a 35% interest in Rosales, a citrus packing, marketing and sales business located in La Serena, Chile. The Company purchased an additional 12% interest in Rosales with the February 2017 acquisition of PDA. The Company recognized $141,000 and $248,000 of lemon sales to Rosales in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Additionally, PDA recognized $282,000 of orange sales to Rosales in the three months ended January 31, 2018. Such amounts are recorded in agribusiness revenues in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Amounts due from Rosales were $163,000 and $101,000 at January 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, respectively. The Company recorded equity in losses of this investment of $36,000 and $3,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively and amortization of fair value basis differences of $84,000 and $52,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

17. Income Taxes

The Company’s estimated annual effective blended tax rate for fiscal year 2018 is approximately 28.2%. As such, a 538.9% estimated effective blended tax rate, after tax reform and stock compensation discrete items, was utilized by the Company in the three months ended January 31, 2018 to calculate its income tax provision. The discrete driver of the significant increase in the estimated effective blended tax rate in the three months ended January 31, 2018 is the approximately $10.0 million decrease in deferred tax liabilities, related to the change in federal tax rate per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, from 34% to 21%.

The Company has no uncertain tax positions as of January 31, 2018. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. The Company has not accrued any interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as of January 31, 2018.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). Except for certain provisions, the act is effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. As a fiscal year U.S. taxpayer, the majority of the provisions will apply to the Company’s 2019 fiscal year, such as eliminating the domestic production activities deduction, creating new taxes on certain foreign sourced income and introducing new limitations on certain business deductions. For fiscal year 2018 and effective in the first fiscal quarter, the most significant impacts include: lowering of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate; remeasuring certain net deferred tax liabilities; and immediate expensing of certain capital expenditures. Changes effective fiscal year 2018 include, but not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 34% to 21%, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings.

The Company has calculated its best estimate of the impact of the Act on its quarter-end income tax provision in accordance with its understanding of the Act and guidance available as of the date of this filing and as a result of the corporate tax rate reduction, the Company has decreased its deferred tax liability balance as of January 31, 2018 by approximately $10,000,000.

The Company is able to claim bonus depreciation to accelerate the expensing of the cost of certain qualified property acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2024. For the first five-year period (through 2022), the Company can deduct 100% of the cost of qualified property. Starting in 2023, the additional bonus depreciation is gradually phased out by 20% each year through 2027.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

17. Income Taxes (continued)

Deemed repatriation of foreign earnings is the one-time mandatory transition tax imposed on cumulative foreign earnings. The Company does not believe that there is an impact due to its current foreign earnings deficit. However, the Company will continue to evaluate its foreign earnings during the fiscal year.

The Act eliminates or reduces certain deductions, including Section 199 Domestic Production Activities Deduction. However, the Company’s fiscal year began before the Act was effective, and the Company will be able to claim the Section 199 deduction for fiscal year 2018. After fiscal year 2018, the Company will no longer be able to claim the Section 199 deduction.

Due to uncertainties which currently exist in the interpretation of the provisions of the Act regarding IRC Section 162(m), the Company has not evaluated the potential impacts of IRC Section 162(m) as amended by the Act on its financial statements.

On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. In accordance with SAB 118, the Company has determined that the approximately $10,000,000 of deferred tax benefit recorded in connection with the re-measurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and zero additional taxable income recorded in connection with the transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings is a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate at January 31, 2018. Additional work is necessary to do a more detailed analysis of historic earnings as well as potential correlative adjustments. Any subsequent adjustments to these amounts will be recorded during the remainder of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, as they are identified.

18. Retirement Plans

The Limoneira Company Retirement Plan (the “Plan”) is a noncontributory, defined benefit, single employer pension plan, which provides retirement benefits for all eligible employees of the Company. Benefits paid by the Plan are calculated based on years of service, highest five-year average earnings, primary Social Security benefit and retirement age. Effective June 2004, the Company froze the Plan and no additional benefits accrued to participants subsequent to that date. The Plan is administered by Wells Fargo Bank and Mercer Human Resource Consulting.

The Plan is funded consistent with the funding requirements of federal law and regulations. There were funding contributions of $150,000 and $275,000 during the three months ended January 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

The net periodic pension costs for the Plan were as follows (in thousands):

19. Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

20. Contingencies

The Company is from time to time involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. At this time, the Company is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation against it that it expects will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, liquidity, and/or operating results. Legal claims are inherently uncertain, however, and it is possible that the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity and/or operating results could be adversely affected in the future by legal proceedings.

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

21. Series B and Series B-2 Preferred Stock

Series B Convertible Preferred Stock

In 1997, in connection with the acquisition of Ronald Michaelis Ranches, Inc., the Company issued 30,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock at $100.00 par value (the “Series B Stock”).

Dividends: The holders of shares of Series B Stock are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of 8.75% of par value. Such dividends are payable quarterly on the first day of January, April, July and October in each year commencing July 1, 1997.

Voting Rights: Each holder of Series B Stock is entitled to ten votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company.

Redemption: The Company, at the option of the board of directors, may redeem the Series B Stock, as a whole or in part, at any time or from time to time on or after August 1, 2017 and before July 31, 2027, at a redemption price equal to the par value thereof, plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption. Redemption by the Company of a portion of the Series B Stock totaling 14,790 shares is subject to certain conditions agreed upon between the Company and the holders of this portion of the Series B Stock.

Conversion: The holders of Series B Stock have the right, at their option, to convert such shares into shares of Common Stock of the Company at any time prior to redemption. The conversion price is $8.00 per share of Common Stock. Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series B Stock, the conversion price shall be adjusted to reflect any dividends paid in Common Stock of the Company, the subdivision of the Common Stock of the Company into a greater number of shares of Common Stock of the Company or upon the advice of legal counsel.

Put: The holders of Series B Stock may at any time after July 1, 2017 and before June 31, 2027 cause the Company to repurchase such shares at a repurchase price equal to the par value thereof, plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for repurchase. The put features of a portion of the Series B Stock totaling 14,790 shares are subject to certain conditions agreed upon between the Company and the holders of this portion of the Series B Stock.

Because the Series B Stock may be redeemed by holders of the shares at their discretion beginning July 1, 2017, the redemption is outside of the control the Company and accordingly, the Series B Stock has been classified as temporary equity.

In fiscal year 2017, a total of 14,210 shares of Series B preferred stock were converted into 177,624 shares of common stock. In fiscal year 2016, 500 shares of Series B preferred stock were converted into 6,250 shares of common stock. In fiscal year 2015, 500 shares of Series B preferred stock were converted into 6,250 shares of common stock.

Series B-2 Convertible Preferred Stock

During March and April of 2014, pursuant to a Series B-2 Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 21, 2014, the Company issued an aggregate of 9,300 shares of Series B-2, 4% voting preferred stock with a par value of $100.00 per share (the “Series B-2 Preferred Stock”) to WPI-ACP Holdings, LLC (“WPI”), an entity affiliated with WAM for total proceeds of $9,300,000. The transactions were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Series B-2 Preferred Stock has the following rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions:

LIMONEIRA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)

21. Series B and Series B-2 Preferred Stock (continued)

Series B-2 Convertible Preferred Stock (continued)

Conversion: Each share of the Series B-2 Preferred Stock is convertible into common stock at a conversion price equal to the greater of (a) the then-market price of the Company’s common stock based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC or on such other principal market on which the Company’s common stock may then be trading and (b) $15.00 per share of common stock. Shares of the Series B-2 Preferred Stock may be converted into common stock (i) at any time prior to the redemption thereof, or (ii) in the event the Option Agreement (as defined below) is terminated without all of the shares of Series B-2 Preferred Stock having been redeemed, within 30 calendar days following such termination.

Dividends: The holder of shares of the Series B-2 Preferred Stock is entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of 4% of the liquidation value of $1,000 per share. Such dividends are payable quarterly on the first day of January, April, July and October in each year commencing July 1, 2014.

Liquidation Rights: In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holder of shares of the Series B-2 Preferred Stock is entitled to be paid out of the assets available for distribution, before any payment is made to the holders of the Company’s common stock or any other series or class of the Company’s shares ranking junior to the Series B-2 Preferred Stock, an amount equal to the liquidation value of $1,000 per share, plus an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends.

Voting Rights: Each share of Series B-2 Preferred Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders.

Redemption: The Company may redeem shares of Series B-2 Preferred Stock only (i) from WPI or its designee and (ii) upon, and to the extent of, an election to exercise the option pursuant to the Option Agreement, described below, at a redemption price equal to the liquidation value of $1,000 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends.

Because the Series B-2 Preferred Stock may be redeemed by WPI at its discretion with the exercise of the Option Agreement, the redemption is outside of the control the Company and accordingly, the Series B-2 Preferred Stock has been classified as temporary equity.

In connection with the sale of the Series B-2 Preferred Stock, Associated and another affiliate of WAM (“WPI-ACP”), entered into a series of agreements related to the future ownership and disposition of farmland with associated Colorado River water rights and other real estate that is held by Associated in Yuma, Arizona. The agreements allow the parties to explore strategies that will make the highest and best use of those assets, including but not limited to the sale or lease of assets or the expansion of a fallowing and water savings program in which a portion of Associated’s property is currently enrolled. The net proceeds of any monetization event would be shared equally by the parties. The agreements entered into include a Water Development Agreement and an Option Agreement. Pursuant to the Water Development Agreement, Associated granted WPI-ACP exclusive rights to develop water assets attributable to the real estate owned by Associated for the mutual benefit of Associated and WAM. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, Associated granted WPI-ACP an option to purchase an undivided interest of up to one-half of the real estate owned by Associated in Yuma County, Arizona (the “Property”) and the water rights associated therewith until January 1, 2026. The purchase price for the Property subject to the Option Agreement will be paid via the redemption by the Company of a proportionate percentage of the Series B-2 Preferred Stock. Unless and until a definitive agreement or definitive agreements with respect to Associated’s real estate and water rights is entered into that would cause the cessation of farming operations, Associated expects to continue farming the Property and recognize all results of operations and retain all proceeds from such operations.

22. Stock-based Compensation