Limoneira(US:LMNR)2025-09-09 21:32Financial 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 compared to $26.98 in the previous year [14] - Farm management revenues dropped 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 expects fresh lemon volumes to be in the range of 4.5 million to 5 million cartons for fiscal year 2025, with avocado volume around 7 million pounds [18] 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 anticipates significant increases in avocado production as newly planted acreage matures in fiscal year 2027 and beyond [7] 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, with expectations for improved pricing in fiscal 2026 due to anticipated shortages in international markets [5][18] - The company is optimistic about the profitability of lemons returning with more normalized pricing and fresh utilization levels in fiscal year 2026 [6][19] - Management highlighted the importance of community-based planning for the Linco del Mar property, aiming to stimulate economic growth and create jobs [9] Other Important Information - Total costs and expenses for the third quarter decreased to $48.1 million from $54.3 million in the previous year [15] - 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 expects to receive approximately $155 million from real estate projects over the next five fiscal years [8][18] 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 million to $5 million over three to five years, with most costs capitalized [24][25] Question: Vision for Linco del Mar development - Management stated that Limoneira is currently leading the project and is open to partnerships, similar to the successful relationship with the Lewis Group in past developments [25][27] Question: Normalized pricing for lemons and supply constraints - Management noted that lemon prices rebounded in August, with expectations for a higher starting price entering the next year due to supply constraints from Spain and Turkey [30][31] Question: Expectations for avocado volumes in 2026 - Management indicated it is too early to predict avocado volumes for 2026 but expects a breakout year for volume improvement in 2027 [33]