Alico(US:ALCO)2022-02-03 18:17Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenue for Q1 2022 was $15.3 million, an increase from $13.7 million in Q1 2021 [12] - Citrus revenue increased to $14.7 million from $12.9 million year-over-year [12] - Net income attributable to Alico common stockholders was approximately $10.1 million in Q1 2022, compared to $3.8 million in Q1 2021 [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increase was primarily driven by early and mid-season harvests, attributed to higher market prices per pound solids due to decreased production and strong consumption of not-from-concentrate orange juice [13] - A slight increase in early and mid-season boxes harvested was noted, although overall box production is expected to be lower due to disease and weather conditions [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Market pricing for early and mid-season fruit is estimated to be between $2.55 and $2.60, an increase of $0.25 to $0.30 compared to the previous year [6] - Consumption of not-from-concentrate orange juice has increased approximately 11% for the 12-month period ended January 1, 2022, compared to the pre-pandemic period [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing planting density and has planted approximately 1.5 million trees since 2018, expecting meaningful production from these trees in fiscal 2023 [8] - Alico is pursuing strategic sales opportunities for ranch land, having sold approximately 1,900 acres, and anticipates similar or greater prices for remaining premium property [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategy of increasing plantings despite challenges in box production due to recent weather events [23] - The company has withdrawn previously issued guidance for net income and EBITDA for fiscal year 2022 due to uncertainties from a recent freeze, but believes it can endure potential losses and maintain dividend payments [22] Other Important Information - Total operating expenses increased to $13.5 million in Q1 2022 from $8.3 million in Q1 2021, primarily due to reduced proceeds from the Citrus Recovery Block Grant program [16] - Other income net increased significantly to approximately $7.6 million in Q1 2022, driven by gains on the sale of real estate [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on USDA report and freeze impact - Management confirmed that the 12% to 15% decline in box production was prior to the freeze and that they are currently assessing the freeze damage [26][27] Question: Pricing expectations for Valencia - Management indicated that while it is difficult to predict post-freeze pricing, an incremental step-up in Valencia pricing is expected year-over-year [31] Question: Damage assessment from freeze - Initial assessments suggest no significant tree damage, with impacts primarily related to seasonal fruit [35]