Gladstone Land(US:LAND)2025-05-13 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, the company reported net income of approximately $15.1 million and net income to common shareholders of $9.1 million, or $0.25 per share [26] - Adjusted FFO was about $2 million or $0.06 per share, compared to $5.1 million or $0.14 per share in the same quarter last year, indicating a year-over-year decrease [26][27] - Dividends declared per common share remained at $0.14 for both quarters [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fixed base cash rents decreased by about $5.7 million compared to the prior year quarter due to vacancies and structural changes in leases [27] - The company expects a total year-over-year decline of about $17 million in fixed base rents for fiscal year 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to lease adjustments [29] - Participation rents recorded during the current quarter amounted to approximately $465,000, primarily from cash collected on wine grape sales [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has about 103,000 acres of farmland across 15 states, with 29 different growing regions, and holds approximately 55,000 acre-feet of water assets [7][8] - The nut sector is vulnerable to tariffs, with 78% of U.S. grown almonds and pistachios exported annually, and the company is monitoring the impact of tariffs on pricing [21][22] - The weakening of the U.S. dollar may help mitigate some negative impacts from tariffs, as it could stabilize prices for U.S. nuts [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is cautious with new investments due to high interest rates and costs of capital, leading to a slow acquisition activity [9][35] - The current strategy includes adjusting lease structures to minimize fixed costs for tenants while allowing the company to participate in crop revenues [11][12] - The company plans to maintain liquidity and evaluate its dividend based on the 2025 harvest outcomes [33][57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about high interest rates affecting farming operations and the ability to borrow for planting and harvesting crops [35][80] - The company anticipates inflation in the food sector to continue increasing, which may positively impact the value of underlying farmland over time [38] - Management remains optimistic about the potential for strong crop production in the upcoming year, particularly for almonds and pistachios [14][37] Other Important Information - The company has access to over $180 million of capital, including about $40 million in cash, and nearly $150 million of unpledged properties [31] - The company is currently evaluating options for vacant farms and considering potential new crops to plant [51] - The company has no immediate plans for share repurchases, prioritizing liquidity to manage potential future obligations [55][57] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on $17 million lower revenues in '25 versus '24 - Management confirmed that an additional farm was added to the participation rent structure, contributing to the increased revenue loss estimate for '25 [40] Question: Total participation rents expected in 2025 - Management indicated that the expected participation rents would include the $17 million plus additional amounts based on last year's run rate, but some participation rent would be lower due to lease adjustments [41][43] Question: Details on the $2.4 million termination fee - The termination fee was related to three almond farms that are now vacant, and management is exploring options to generate income from these properties [44] Question: Future asset sales and vacant properties - Management stated that they have listed some farms for sale but do not have contracts in place yet, and they are evaluating options for the vacant properties [49][50] Question: Thoughts on repurchasing shares given cash on hand - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining liquidity and being prepared for future obligations rather than repurchasing shares at this time [55][57] Question: Financing for upcoming preferred stock maturity - Management is considering options for financing the preferred stock due in January 2026, including potential asset sales and refinancing discussions with banks [67][71]