Limoneira(LMNR) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, total net revenue was $47.5 million, down from $63.3 million in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year [11] - Agribusiness revenue decreased to $45.9 million from $61.8 million year-over-year, primarily due to pricing pressure in the lemon market [11][12] - Operating loss for the third quarter was $600,000 compared to operating income of $9 million in the previous year [15] - Net loss applicable to common stock was $1 million, down from net income of $6.5 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2024 [15] - Adjusted net loss for diluted EPS was $400,000 or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $7.8 million or $0.42 per diluted share in the same period of fiscal year 2024 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh-packed lemon sales were $23.8 million, down from $25.8 million year-over-year, with 1.4 million cartons sold at an average price of $17.02 per carton compared to $18.43 in the previous year [12] - Avocado revenue was $8.5 million, down from $13.9 million, with approximately 5.7 million pounds sold at an average price of $1.50 per pound compared to $1.57 in the previous year [13] - Orange revenue increased to $1.7 million from $1.2 million, with 94,000 cartons sold at an average price of $18 per carton [14] - Farm management revenues significantly declined to $100,000 from $3.2 million due to the termination of a farm management agreement [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced pricing pressures in the lemon market during the first two months of the quarter but saw improvements in July [5] - The California avocado crop typically experiences alternating years of high and low production, impacting volume this year compared to last year [13] - The company anticipates shortages in several international areas, which may lead to improved pricing in fiscal year 2026 [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a two-part value creation strategy: agriculture production optimization and land and water value creation [5] - A strategic partnership with Sunkist is expected to drive $5 million in annual cost savings and EBITDA enhancements starting in fiscal year 2026 [6] - The company is exploring development options for the Linco del Mar property to address housing shortages in Ventura County [8][9] - The company aims to divest additional real estate assets in fiscal year 2026 and expects to receive $155 million from real estate projects over the next five fiscal years [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving volume goals for both lemons and avocados in fiscal year 2025 despite current challenges [5] - The company expects lemons to return to profitability with normalized pricing and fresh utilization levels in fiscal year 2026 [19] - Management highlighted the importance of community-based planning for the Linco del Mar property to stimulate economic growth and create jobs [9] Other Important Information - Long-term debt increased to $63.3 million from $40 million at the end of fiscal year 2024, resulting in a net debt position of $61.3 million [17] - The company recorded $1.7 million in proceeds from selling water pumping rights, generating $1.5 million in gains [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations of costs associated with Linco del Mar development - Management indicated that costs would be similar to previous developments, estimating $3 to $5 million over three to five years, with most costs capitalized [24][25] Question: Vision for long-term development of Linco del Mar - Management stated that they are currently leading the project and may consider partnerships similar to the Lewis Group in the future [25][26] Question: Normalized pricing expectations for lemons - Management noted that lemon prices rebounded in August and expect supply constraints from Spain and Turkey to support pricing in the upcoming year [30][31] Question: Expectations for avocado volumes in 2026 - Management indicated it is premature to provide specific expectations but noted that significant volume improvement is anticipated in 2027 [33]