Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

v3.5.0.2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business
 
Alico, Inc. (“Alico”), together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company", "we", "us" or "our”), is a Florida agribusiness and land management company owning approximately 122,000 acres of land throughout Florida, including approximately 90,000 acres of mineral rights. The Company manages its land based upon its primary usage, and reviews its performance based upon two primary classifications - Orange Co. and Conservation and Environmental Resources. Financial results are presented based upon its three business segments (Orange Co., Conservation and Environmental Resources and Other Operations). 

Basis of Presentation
 
The Company has prepared the accompanying financial statements on a consolidated and combined basis. These accompanying Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements, which are referred to herein as the “Financial Statements”, have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In the opinion of management, the accompanying Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s results as of and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014. All intercompany transactions and account balances between the consolidated and combined businesses have been eliminated.

Effective February 28, 2015, the Company completed the merger (“Merger”) with 734 Citrus Holdings, LLC (“Silver Nip Citrus”) pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with 734 Sub, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), Silver Nip Citrus and, solely with respect to certain sections thereof, the equity holders of Silver Nip Citrus. The ownership of Silver Nip Citrus was held by 734 Agriculture, 74.89%, Mr. Clay Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, 5% and an entity controlled by Mr. Clay Wilson owned, 20.11%.

As the Company and Silver Nip Citrus were under common control at the time of the Merger, it is required under U.S. GAAP to account for this common control acquisition in a manner similar to the pooling of interest method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, Alico's Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 reflect Silver Nip Citrus’ historical carryover basis in the assets and liabilities instead of reflecting the fair market value of the assets and liabilities. The Company has also retrospectively recast its financial statements to combine the operating results of the Company and Silver Nip Citrus from the date common control began, November 19, 2013.

Correction of an Immaterial Error in Prior Periods

In March 2016, the Company identified a $1,494,000 error related to an understatement of income tax expense for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. As previously noted, the Company and Silver Nip Citrus were under common control at the time of the Merger and, accordingly, we retrospectively recast our financial statements to combine the operating results of the Company and Silver Nip Citrus from the date common control began, November 19, 2013. Silver Nip Citrus had a September 30 year end for tax reporting purposes at the time of the Merger. The tax returns for the year ended September 30, 2014 and the short period ended February 28, 2015, the date of the Merger, were prepared and filed in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company reviewed the as-filed tax returns in an effort to true-up the tax provision. During this review, the Company identified the error that impacts the Silver Nip Citrus financial condition and results of operations as of and for the period ended June 30, 2014.

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, we evaluated the materiality of the error from quantitative and qualitative perspectives. We concluded that the error was immaterial to the Company's prior period interim and annual Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements, and, accordingly no amendments to previously filed interim or annual periodic reports were required. Consequently, the Company adjusted for this error by revising its fiscal 2014 financial statements, when presented in future filings, by increasing income tax expense and its long term deferred tax liability by $1,494,000. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of the error by increasing long term deferred tax liability and reducing additional paid-in capital by $1,494,000 and reducing diluted earnings per share by $0.20 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The pre-merger net earnings of Silver Nip Citrus are classified as additional paid-in capital in the accompanying Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015.

Change in Fiscal Year of Subsidiary

Silver Nip Citrus’ fiscal year end was previously June 30, and their financial condition and results of operations as of and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were included in the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Effective October 1, 2015, the fiscal year end for Silver Nip Citrus was changed to September 30 to reflect that of the Company. Accordingly, the Company’s financial condition as of September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 now includes the financial condition of Silver Nip Citrus as of September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively, and the Company’s results of operations for the twelve months ended months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 now includes the Silver Nip Citrus results of operations for the twelve months ended months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The impact of this change was not material to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements with an approximate $492,000 decrease in total assets and an approximate net loss of $596,000 for the transition period related to this change included in Stockholders' Equity at October 1, 2015.

Segments

Operating segments are defined in the criteria established under the Financial Accounting Standards Board - Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) Topic 280 as components of public entities that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses for which separate financial information is available and which is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to assess performance and allocate resources. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, the Company’s CODM assessed performance and allocated resources based on five operating segments: Citrus Groves, Improved Farmland, Ranch and Conservation, Agricultural Supply Chain Management and Other Operations. Effective October 1, 2015, the former Citrus Groves and Agricultural Supply Chain Management segments have been combined in Orange Co. and, as a result of the disposition of the Company's sugarcane land in fiscal year 2015, it is no longer involved in sugarcane, and the Improved Farmland segment is no longer material to its business and has been combined in Other Operations. The Company’s CODM will assess performance and allocate resources based on three operating segments: Orange Co., Conservation and Environmental Resources and Other Operations. Disclosures related to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 have been revised to be consistent with the current operating segment structure.

Principles of Consolidation

The Financial Statements include the accounts of Alico, Inc. and the accounts of all the subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is held by the Company. The Financial Statements represent the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets, Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income and Statements of Cash Flows of Alico, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Under U.S. GAAP, consolidation is generally required for investments of more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of an investee, except when control is not held by the majority owner. The Company’s subsidiaries include: Alico Land Development, Inc., Alico-Agri, Ltd., Alico Plant World, LLC, Alico Fruit Company, LLC, Alico Citrus Nursery, LLC, Alico Chemical Sales, LLC, 734 Citrus Holdings LLC and subsidiaries, Alico Fresh Fruit LLC, Alico Skink Mitigation, LLC and Citree Holdings 1, LLC. The Company considers the criteria established under FASB ASC Topic 810, “Consolidations” in its consolidation process. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the accompanying Financial Statements, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses and cash flows during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates based upon future events. The Company evaluates estimates on an ongoing basis. The estimates are based on current and expected economic conditions, historical experience, the experience and judgment of the Company’s management and various other specific assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable. The Company evaluates its assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in the Company’s evaluations.

Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Affiliate
 
The Financial Statements include all assets and liabilities of the less-than-100%-owned affiliate the Company controls, Citree Holdings I, LLC (“Citree”). Accordingly, the Company has recorded a noncontrolling interest in the equity of such entity. Citree had a net loss of $69,230 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, of which $35,307 is attributable to the Company. Citree had a net loss of $64,014 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, of which $32,647 is attributable to the Company.


 Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” as a new ASC topic (Topic 606).  The core principle of this ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  The ASU further provides guidance for any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (for example, lease contracts). The FASB subsequently issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 until annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with earlier adoption permitted. The FASB also recently issued ASU 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing," and 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients," that clarify or amend the original Topic 606. ASU 2014-09 can be adopted using one of two retrospective transition methods: 1) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or 2) as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption.  The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on the Company’s Financial Statements upon adoption.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern” (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainty about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 provides guidance that establishes management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and setting rules for how this information should be disclosed in the financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We will adopt this guidance on October 1, 2017 and do not expect it to have a material impact on our Financial Statements upon adoption.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, "Consolidation" (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Process ("ASU 2015-02"). ASU 2015-02 amends the consolidation analysis for limited partnerships and other variable interest entities ("VIEs"). This guidance, which is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning December 15, 2015, will be adopted on October 1, 2016, and is not expected to have a significant impact on our Financial Statements upon adoption.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits” (Topic 715). ASU 2015-04 will allow employers with fiscal year ends that do not coincide with a calendar month end to make an accounting policy election to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the end of the month closest to their fiscal year ends (i.e., on an alternative measurement date). An employer that makes this election must consistently apply the practical expedient from year to year and to all of its defined benefit plans. ASU 2015-04 will be effective for interim and fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2015; prospective application is required and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance on October 1, 2016. This guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on our Financial Statements upon adoption.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest” (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-.03"). ASU 2015-03 changes the presentation of debt issuance costs from an asset to a direct deduction from the related liability. This guidance, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years, may be early adopted for financial statements that have not been previously issued and its provisions are to be retrospectively applied as a change in accounting principle. Upon adoption, this guidance is expected to decrease Other Assets, which includes our deferred financing costs on our debt obligations, and comparably decrease Long-term debt on our Balance Sheets. This guidance is not expected to have any impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory” (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 simplifies the measurement of inventory by requiring certain inventory to be subsequently measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods therein and are not expected to have a significant impact on our Financial Statements upon adoption.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, “Interest—Imputation of Interest” (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements (“ASU 2015-15). In ASU 2015 -15, the SEC adds guidance to Subtopic 835-30 pursuant to the SEC Staff Announcement at the June 18, 2015 Emerging Issues Task Force meeting about the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest—Imputation of Interest” (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires entities to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. According to the SEC, the guidance in ASU 2015-03 does not address presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. Given the absence of authoritative guidance within ASU 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The guidance in ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance in ASU 2015-15 is effective upon issuance. The guidance in ASU 2015-15 and ASU 2015-03 are not expected to have a significant impact on our Financial Statements upon adoption.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Business Combinations” (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments (“ASU 2015-16”). ASU 2105-16 requires that (i) an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, (ii) the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date, and (iii) an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The amendments in this Update apply to all entities that have reported provisional amounts for items in a business combination for which the accounting is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs and during the measurement period have an adjustment to provisional amounts recognized. The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this guidance are not expected to have a significant impact on our Financial Statements upon adoption.

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes" ("ASU 2015-17"), which will require entities to present all deferred tax liabilities and assets as non-current on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and non-current amounts. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early application is permitted. The standard can be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets, or retrospectively to all periods presented. As this standard impacts presentation only, the adoption of ASU 2015-17 is not expected to have an impact on our Financial Statements upon adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)." This guidance will require entities that enter into leases as a lessee to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under previous GAAP. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our Financial Statements, and it will become effective for Alico at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2020.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)." The amendment clarifies the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations as contained in ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to a customer. ASU No. 2016-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption of ASU No. 2016-08 is permitted but not before December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-08 on our Financial Statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” The objective of this update is to simplify several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our Financial Statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230).” This ASU will provide guidance on the presentation and classification of specific cash flow items to improve consistency within the statement of cash flows. The effective date for adoption of this guidance would be our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-15 will have on our Financial Statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory” (ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes), which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. This ASU is effective for the Company on October 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet evaluated the effect, if any, that ASU 2016-16 will have on our Financial Statements.

The Company has reviewed other recently issued accounting standards which have not yet been adopted in order to determine their potential effect, if any, on the results of operations or financial condition. Based on the review of these other recently issued standards, the Company does not currently believe that any of those accounting pronouncements will have a significant effect on its current or future financial position, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.

Seasonality
 
The Company is primarily engaged in the production of fruit for sale to citrus markets, which is of a seasonal nature, and subject to the influence of natural phenomena and wide price fluctuations. Historically, the second and third quarters of our fiscal year generally produce the majority of our annual revenue, and working capital requirements are typically greater in the first and fourth quarters of the fiscal year. The results of the reported periods herein are not necessarily indicative of the results for any other interim periods or the entire fiscal year.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Business Combinations
 
The Company accounts for its business acquisitions under the acquisition method of accounting as indicated in FASB ASC No. 805, “Business Combinations”, which requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the fair value of all assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, and establishes the acquisition date as the fair value measurement point. Accordingly, the Company recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, including contingent assets and liabilities and noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, based on fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition. In accordance with FASB ASC No. 805, the Company recognizes and measures goodwill, if any, as of the acquisition date, as the excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the identified net assets acquired.
 
When we acquire a business from an entity under common control, whereby the companies are ultimately controlled by the same party or parties both before and after the transaction, it is treated similar to the pooling of interests method of accounting. The assets and liabilities are recorded at the transferring entity’s historical cost instead of reflecting the fair value of assets and liabilities.

Revenue Recognition
 
Revenues from agricultural crops are recognized at the time the crop is harvested and delivered to the customer. Receivables from crops sold are recorded for the estimated proceeds to be received from the customer on a quarterly basis, management reviews the reasonableness of the revenues accrued based on buyers’ and processors’ advances to growers, cash and futures markets and experience in the industry. Adjustments are made throughout the year to these estimates as more current relevant information regarding the specific markets becomes available. Differences between the estimates and the final realization of revenues can be significant and can be either an increase or decrease to reported revenues. During the periods presented in this report, no material adjustments were made to the reported revenues of the Company’s crops.

Alico recognizes revenues from cattle sales at the time the cattle are delivered.

Alico Fruit Company, LLC ("AFC") operations primarily consist of providing supply chain management services to Alico, as well as to other citrus growers and processors in the state of Florida. AFC also purchases and resells citrus fruit; in these transactions, AFC (i) acts as a principal; (ii) takes title to the products; and (iii) has the risks and rewards of ownership, including the risk of loss for collection, delivery or returns. Therefore, AFC recognizes revenues based on the gross amounts due from customers for its marketing activities. Supply chain management services revenues are recognized when the services are performed.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The Company considers cash in banks and highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. At various times throughout the fiscal year, and as of September 30, 2016, some accounts held at financial institutions were in excess of the federally insured limit of $250,000. The Company has not experienced any losses on these accounts and believes credit risk to be minimal.
 

Accounts receivable
 
Accounts receivable from customers are generated from revenues based on the sale of citrus, cattle, leasing and other transactions. The Company grants credit in the course of its operations to third party customers. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to the estimated uncollectible amounts based on the aging of accounts receivable. The estimate, evaluated monthly by the Company, is based on historical collection experience, current macroeconomic climate and market conditions and a review of the current status each customer’s account. Changes in the financial viability of significant customers and worsening of economic conditions may require changes to its estimate of the recoverability of the receivables. Such changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which these changes become known. The allowance for doubtful accounts is charged to general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, allowances for doubtful accounts were approximately $12,900 and $8,300, respectively.

The following table presents accounts receivable, net for fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

(in thousands)
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Accounts receivable
$
4,753

 
$
3,145

Allowance for doubtful accounts
(13
)
 
(8
)
Accounts receivable, net
$
4,740

 
$
3,137




Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short term and immediate nature of these financial instruments. The carrying amounts of our debt approximate fair value due to the transactions are with commercial lenders at interest rates that vary with market conditions and fixed rates that approximate market rates for obligations with similar terms and maturities (see Note 11. “Fair Value Measurements”).

Concentrations
 
Revenues and accounts receivable from the Company’s major customers as of September 30, 2016 and 2015 and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, are as follows:

(in thousands)
Accounts Receivable
 
Revenue
 
% of Total Revenue
 
2016
2015
 
2016
2015
2014
 
2016
2015
2014
USSC
$

$

 
$

$

$
19,633

 
%
%
18.9
%
Florida Orange Marketers, Inc.
$

$

 
$

$

$
23,826

 
%
%
22.9
%
Citrosuco North America, Inc.
$

$

 
$
1,296

$
3,870

$
804

 
0.9
%
2.5
%
0.8
%
Louis Dreyfus
$

$

 
$

$
22,460

$
24,135

 
%
14.7
%
23.2
%
Cutrale Citrus Juice
$

$

 
$
22,735

$
23,556

$
3,984

 
15.8
%
15.4
%
3.8
%
Minute Maid
$

$

 
$
49,271

$
57,484

$

 
34.2
%
37.5
%
%
Tropicana
$
1,710

$
1,019

 
$
46,898

$
21,925

$
16,433

 
32.5
%
14.3
%
15.8
%


The citrus industry is subject to various factors over which growers have limited or no control, including weather conditions, disease, pestilence, water supply and market price fluctuations. Market prices are highly sensitive to aggregate domestic and foreign crop sizes, as well as factors including, but not limited to, weather and competition from foreign countries.

Real Estate
 
In recognizing revenues from land sales, the Company applies specific revenue recognition criteria, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to determine when land sales revenues can be recorded. For example, in order to fully recognize a gain resulting from a real estate transaction, the sale must be consummated with a sufficient down payment of at least 20% to 25% of the sales price depending upon the type and timeframe for development of the property sold and any receivable from the sale cannot be subject to future subordination. In addition, the seller cannot retain any material continuing involvement in the property sold. When these criteria are not met, the Company recognizes a gain proportionate to collections utilizing either the installment method or deposit method as appropriate.
 
Inventories
 
The costs of growing crops, including but not limited to labor, fertilization, fuel, crop nutrition and irrigation, are capitalized into inventory throughout the respective crop year. Such costs are expensed as cost of sales when the crops are harvested and are recorded as operating expenses in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost for unharvested citrus crops is based on accumulated production costs incurred during the period from January 1 through the balance sheet date. The cost of the beef cattle inventory is based on the accumulated cost of developing such animals for sale from July 1 through the balance sheet date (see Note 6. “Inventories”).

Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment, which includes amounts under capitalized leases, are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Major improvements are capitalized while expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred. Costs related to the development of citrus groves through planting of trees are capitalized. Such costs include land clearing, excavation and construction of ditches, dikes, roads, and reservoirs, among other costs. After the planting, caretaking costs or pre-productive maintenance costs are capitalized for four years. After four years, a grove is considered to have reached maturity and the accumulated costs are depreciated over 25 years, except for land clearing and excavation, which are considered costs of land and not depreciated.
 
The breeding herd consists of purchased animals and animals raised on the Company’s ranches. Purchased animals are stated at the cost of acquisition. The cost of animals raised on the ranch is based on the accumulated cost of developing such animals for productive use.

Real estate costs incurred for the acquisition, development and construction of real estate projects are capitalized.

Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets, with the exception of leasehold improvements and assets acquired through capital leases, which are depreciated over their estimated useful lives if the lease transfers ownership or contains a bargain purchase option, otherwise the term of the lease.

The estimated useful lives for property and equipment are primarily as follows:

Citrus trees
25 years
Equipment and other facilities
3-20 years
Buildings and improvements
25-39 years
Breeding herd
5-7 years



Changes in circumstances, such as technological advances or changes to our business model or capital strategy could result in the actual useful lives differing from the original estimates. In those cases where we determine that the useful life of property and equipment should be shortened, we would depreciate the asset over its revised estimated remaining useful life, thereby increasing depreciation expense (see Note 7. “Property and Equipment, Net”).

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations, other than goodwill, when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the estimated cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) to be generated by those assets over the remaining lives of the assets are less than the carrying amounts of those assets. The net carrying values of assets not recoverable are reduced to their fair values. Our cash flow estimates are based on historical results adjusted to reflect our best estimates of future market conditions and operating conditions. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, long-lived assets were comprised of property and equipment. The Company recorded an impairment loss of approximately $541,000 on property classified as assets held for sale for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015.

Other Non-Current Assets
 
Other non-current assets primarily include investments owned in agricultural cooperatives, cash surrender value on life insurance and equity investment in affiliate (Magnolia). Investments in stock related to agricultural cooperatives are carried at cost.

Income Taxes
 
The Company complies with the asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes currently payable and those deferred as a result of temporary differences between the financial statements and the income tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in income tax rates on deferred income tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Projected future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies are considered and evaluated when assessing the need for a valuation allowance. Any increase or decrease in a valuation allowance could have a material adverse or beneficial impact on the Company’s income tax provision and net income or loss in the period the determination is made. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not record a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which a change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Earnings per Share
 
Basic earnings per share for our common stock is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Alico common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is similarly calculated, except that the calculation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed issuance of shares of common stock issuable under equity-based compensation plans in accordance with the treasury stock method, or any other type of securities convertible into common stock, except where the inclusion of such common shares would have an anti-dilutive effect.

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

(in thousands)
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic
8,303

 
8,056

 
7,336

Unvested Restricted Stock Awards
8

 
5

 
18

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted
8,311

 
8,061

 
7,354



    
There were no employee stock options granted for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-vested restricted shares of common stock entitle the holder to receive non-forfeitable dividends upon issuance and are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, there were no anti-dilutive equity awards or convertible securities that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share.

Stock-Based Compensation
 
Stock-based compensation is measured based on the fair value of the equity award at the grant date and is typically expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Upon the vesting of restricted stock, the Company issues common stock from common shares held in treasury. The Company measures the cost of employee services on the grant date fair value of the equity award. The cost is recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the equity award (usually the vesting period).

Effective January 27, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) which provides for up to an additional 1,250,000 common shares available for issuance to provide a long-term incentive plan for officers, employees, directors and/or consultants to directly link incentives to stockholder value. The 2015 Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders in February 2015.

The adoption of the 2015 Plan supersedes the 2013 Incentive Equity Plan (“2013 Plan”), which had been in place since April 2013. In fiscal year 2015, the Company awarded 12,500 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock (“Restricted Stock”) to two senior executives under the 2015 Plan at a weighted average fair value of $49.49 per common share, vesting over three to five years.
 
The 2013 Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders in February 2013. Under the terms of the 2013 Plan, 350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were to be awarded to recipients in the form of restricted stock units or stock options. Common shares issued pursuant to awards under the 2013 Plan, if any, were outstanding shares of common stock which have been repurchased by the Company.
 
The Company’s incentive equity plans provide for grants to executives in various forms including restricted shares of the Company’s common stock. Awards are discretionary and are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Awards vest based upon service conditions. Non-vested restricted shares generally vest over requisite service periods of one to six years from the date of grant.
     
Total stock-based compensation expense for the three years ended September 30, 2016 in general and administrative expense was as follows:

(in thousands)
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Stock compensation expense:
 

 
 

 
 

Executives
$
150

 
$
55

 
$
195

Board of Directors
774

 
762

 
1,061

Members

 
135

 
579

Total stock compensation expense
$
924

 
$
952

 
$
1,835



All shares of restricted common stock awarded under the Long-Term Incentive Program, awarded by the Company in May 2011, vested automatically upon the acquisition of a controlling interest in the Company by 734 Investors, LLC in November 2013. As a result, the Company issued 152,403 shares of treasury stock in January 2014, before withholdings for income taxes. The Company recognized $195,000 of stock-based compensation expense related to the acceleration of vesting of the restricted stock during fiscal year 2014. In December 2013, the Company determined that it would repurchase half of the gross shares awarded to Named Executive Officers other than the CEO, totaling 58,610 common shares immediately upon their issuance for the purpose of retaining treasury shares for future issuance.

There were no employee stock options granted in fiscal years 2016, 2015 or 2014, respectively.

Equity Method Investments and Variable Interest Entities
 
The Company evaluates the method of accounting for investments in which it does not hold an equity interest of at least 50% based on the amount of control it exercises over the operations of the investee, exposure to losses in excess of its investment, the ability to significantly influence the investee and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of the investee. Investments not qualifying for consolidation are accounted for under the equity method whereby the ongoing investment in the entity, consisting of its initial investment adjusted for distributions, gains and losses of the entity are classified as a single line in the balance sheet and as a non-operating item in the income statement.

In May 2010, the Company invested $12,150,000 to obtain a 39% limited partner equity interest in Magnolia TC 2, LLC (“Magnolia”), a Florida limited liability company whose primary business activity is acquiring tax certificates issued by various counties in the state of Florida on properties which have property tax delinquencies. Revenues are recognized by Magnolia when the interest obligation under the tax certificates it holds becomes a fixed amount. In order to redeem a tax certificate in Florida, a minimum of 5% of the face amount of the certificate (delinquent taxes) must be paid to the certificate holder regardless of the amount of time the certificate has been outstanding. Expenses include an acquisition fee of 1%, interest expense, a monthly management fee and other administrative costs. The investment in Magnolia is accounted for in accordance with the equity method of accounting, whereby the Company records its 39% interest in the reported income or loss of the fund each quarter and is included in other non-current assets in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets. Based on the September 30, 2016 unaudited internal financial statements of Magnolia, the Company recognized net investment loss of approximately $103,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. The Company recognized net investment income of approximately $57,000 and $163,000 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Net investment income is included in Interest and investment, net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Magnolia made certain distributions during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014; the Company’s share of those distributions was approximately $171,000, $675,000, and $3,814,000, respectively.