Limoneira(US:LMNR)2025-12-23 22:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, total net revenue was $42.8 million, a decrease from $43.9 million in the same quarter of the previous year [15] - Agribusiness revenue was $41.3 million compared to $42.5 million in the fourth quarter last year, while other operations revenue increased slightly to $1.5 million from $1.4 million [15] - The operating loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 was $11.1 million, compared to an operating loss of $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 [18] - Net loss applicable to common stock after preferred dividends was $8.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to a net loss of $2 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024 [18] - For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, total net revenue was $159.7 million, down from $191.5 million the previous year, primarily due to decreased agribusiness revenues [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Agribusiness revenue for the fourth quarter included $19.2 million in fresh packed lemon sales, significantly up from $8.4 million during the same period of fiscal year 2024 [15] - Brokered lemons and other lemon sales were $12.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, down from $14.7 million in the previous year [16] - Avocado revenue dropped to $300,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 from $8.9 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024, attributed to lower production [16] - Orange revenue increased to $2.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 from $1.7 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024 [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The California avocado crop typically experiences alternate years of high and low production, which impacted the volume sold in fiscal year 2025 [16] - The average price per carton for U.S. packed fresh lemons was $23.33 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to $17.95 in the same period of fiscal year 2024 [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming its business model by reducing exposure to volatile lemon pricing and expanding into avocados, with a goal of generating $10 million in cost savings in fiscal year 2026 [5][6] - The return to Sunkist is expected to enhance customer access and improve packing margins, while the avocado production capacity is set to increase significantly over the next few years [7][10] - The company is also pursuing a 50/50 organic recycling joint venture and real estate development projects, with expected distributions totaling $155 million over the next five fiscal years [8] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that fiscal year 2026 will mark the beginning of the financial impact from the transformation, with expectations for improved financial performance [11] - The company anticipates a 50% reduction in SG&A expenses, approximately $10 million in savings, and expects avocado production to contribute meaningfully starting in fiscal year 2027 [10][24] - Management highlighted the importance of diversifying revenue streams and optimizing the asset base to create a more resilient business model [10] Other Important Information - The company successfully completed the sale of its Chilean assets for $15 million and is advancing the monetization of its Windfall Farms vineyard and other agricultural assets valued at approximately $40 million [9] - Long-term debt as of October 31, 2025, was $72.5 million, up from $40 million at the end of fiscal year 2024, with a net debt position of $71 million [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the $10 million cost savings and customer relationships? - Management explained that the cost savings come from transitioning to Sunkist and renegotiating storage contracts, with a significant reduction in sales and marketing costs per carton [29][32] Question: What is the outlook for lemon pricing? - Management indicated that lemon prices are expected to stabilize, with a potential average price in the $20 range, depending on market conditions [75] Question: Can you elaborate on the water rights strategy? - Management discussed the complexities of water rights in water-scarce areas and the potential for monetizing conserved water rights, particularly in California and Arizona [39][40] Question: What is the development strategy for Limco Del Mar? - Management outlined the entitlement process for the Limco Del Mar project, emphasizing community engagement and the potential increase in land value upon successful entitlement [55][60]