Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

v3.24.3
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The Company has prepared the accompanying financial statements on a consolidated basis. These accompanying Consolidated 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 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All significant intercompany transactions and account balances between the consolidated businesses have been eliminated.
Segments
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 John E. Kiernan, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), in deciding how to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company’s CODM assesses performance and allocates resources based on two reportable segments: (i) Alico Citrus and (ii) Land Management and Other Operations.
Principles of Consolidation and Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Subsidiary
Principles of Consolidation
The Financial Statements include the accounts of Alico and the accounts of all the subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is held by the Company. 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 Skink Mitigation, LLC and Citree Holdings 1, LLC (“Citree”). 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.
Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Subsidiary

The Financial Statements include all assets and liabilities of the less-than-100%-owned subsidiary the Company controls, Citree. Accordingly, the Company has recorded a noncontrolling interest in the equity of such entity. Citree had a net loss of $1,261 and $361 for the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, of which a net loss of $643 and $184 were attributable to the Company for the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The net loss for the year ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to lower revenue as Citree's trees continue to recover from the impact of Hurricane Ian. The net loss for the year ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to lower revenue as a result of the fruit drop from Hurricane Ian.
Use of Estimates
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. 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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (“ASC 326”): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments to introduce a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on estimated current expected credit losses (" CECL"). Under the new standard, an entity is required to estimate CECL on trade receivables at inception, based on historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The guidance is effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The Company adopted ASC 326 on October 1, 2023, and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets, or cash flows in its Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures,” which amends Topic 280 primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2023-07 will become effective for us on October 1, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance. The adoption will modify disclosures but will not have an impact on the Company's consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets, or cash flows in its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” which amends Topic 740 primarily through enhanced disclosures about an entity’s tax risks and tax planning. The amendments are effective for public business entities in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted on a prospective or retrospective basis. ASU 2023-09 will become effective for us on October 1, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this accounting pronouncement on its tax disclosures but it will not impact the Company's consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets or cash flows in its Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company has reviewed other recently issued accounting standards which have not yet been adopted 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.
Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying notes to the Financial Statements for consistent presentation to the current period. These reclassifications had no impact on the Company's consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets, cash flows or working capital as previously reported.
Seasonality
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 Alico’s year produce most of the Company’s annual revenue. However, due to the timing of the harvest for the year ended September 30, 2024, more of the citrus crop was harvested in the first and second quarters of this fiscal year. Working capital requirements are typically greater in the first and fourth quarters of the year, coinciding with harvesting cycles. Because of the seasonality of the business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full year ended September 30.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are derived from the sale of processed fruit, fresh fruit, other citrus revenue, revenues from grove management services, leasing revenue and other resource revenues. Most of the revenue is generated from the sale of citrus fruit to processing facilities, fresh fruit sales and grove management services.
For fruit sales, the Company recognizes revenue in the amount it expects to be entitled to be paid, determined when control of the products or services is transferred to its customers, which occurs upon delivery of and acceptance of the fruit by the customer and when the Company has a right to payment.
For the sale of fruit, the Company has identified one performance obligation, which is the delivery of fruit to the processing facility of the customer (or harvesting of the citrus in the case of fresh fruit) for each separate variety of fruit identified in the respective contract with the respective customer. The Company initially recognizes revenue in an amount which is estimated based on contractual and market prices, if such market price falls within the range (known as “floor” and “ceiling” prices) identified in the specific respective contracts. Additionally, the Company also has a contractual agreement whereby revenue is determined based on applying a cost-plus structure methodology. As such, since all these contracts contain elements of variable consideration, the Company recognizes this variable consideration by using the expected value method. 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 industry information becomes available. Differences between the estimates and the final realization of revenues at the close of the harvesting season can result in either an increase or decrease to reported revenues.

(in thousands) September 30,
2024 2023
Revenue recognized at a point-in-time $ 42,233  $ 36,911 
Revenue recognized over time 4,410  2,935 
Total $ 46,643  $ 39,846 

Receivables under contracts, whereby pricing is based on contractual and market prices, are primarily paid at the floor amount and are collected within seven days after the harvest week. Any adjustments to pricing as a result of changes in market prices are generally collected or paid thirty to sixty days after final market pricing is published. Receivables under those contracts where pricing is based off a cost-plus structure methodology are paid at the final prior year rate. Any adjustments to pricing because of the cost-plus calculation are collected or paid upon finalization of the calculation and agreement by both parties. As of September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, the Company had total receivables relating to sales of citrus of $444 and $394, respectively, recorded in Accounts Receivable, net, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
For grove management services, the Company has identified one performance obligation, which is the management of the third party’s groves. Grove management services include caretaking of the citrus groves, harvesting and hauling of citrus, management and coordination of citrus sales and other related activities. The Company is reimbursed for expenses incurred in the execution of its management duties and the Company receives a per acre management fee. The Company recognizes operating revenue, including a management fee, and corresponding operating expenses when such services are rendered and consumed.
On October 30, 2023, the Company entered into the Grove Management Agreement with an unaffiliated group of third parties to provide citrus grove caretaking services for approximately 3,300 acres owned by such third parties. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company is reimbursed by the third parties for all its costs incurred related to providing these services and receives a management fee based on acres covered under this agreement. The Agreement may be terminated with written notice provided at least 60 days prior to the commencement of the next fiscal year, occurring subsequent to September 30, 2024 and with shorter notice under certain conditions. On September 20, 2024, the Grove Management Agreement was extended until December 31, 2024.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
The Company categorizes its financial instruments measured at fair value into a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability into a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;
Level 2 – Inputs, other than the quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets, for which significant other observable market inputs are readily available; and
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, such as internally developed valuation models which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short term and immediate nature of these financial instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
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 year ended September 30, and as of September 30, 2024, some
accounts held at financial institutions were in excess of the federally insured limit of $250. The Company has not experienced any losses on these accounts and believes credit risk to be minimal.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash of $248 at September 30, 2024 represents Cash-Secured Irrevocable Standby Letters of Credit to secure certain contractual obligations. Restricted cash of $2,630 at September 30, 2023 is comprised of cash received from the sale of certain assets in which the use of funds is restricted. For certain sales transactions, the Company sells property which serves as collateral for specific debt obligations and/or for which the Company intends to complete a (“1031 Exchange”) under section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. A 1031 Exchange allows a taxpayer to defer all or a portion of income taxes on the sale of real property provided it can identify replacement real property within 45 days and close on the purchase of the replacement real property within 180 days after the closing of the initial sale. If an acceptable transaction is not consummated within this time period, the Company will need to pay income taxes on the gain from the sales transaction.

(in thousands) September 30,
2024 2023
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,150  $ 1,062 
Restricted cash 248  2,630 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 3,398  $ 3,692 
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable, net

Accounts receivable from customers are generated from revenues based on the sale of citrus, grove management, leasing and other transactions. The Company grants credit in the course of its operations to third party customers. Accounts receivable is presented in accordance with the CECL impairment model as required under ASC 326. The Company estimates a reserve for expected credit losses based on existing contractual payment terms, actual payment patterns of its customers, current and future economic and market conditions and individual customer circumstances. The Company has determined that the reserve for expected credit losses at September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $(73) and $(14), respectively, and write-offs for the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were not material.

The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company provides an allowance for credit losses for amounts which are not probable of collection. The estimate, evaluated quarterly by the Company, is based on historical collection experience, current macroeconomic climate and market conditions and a review of the current status of 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 credit loss is included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Concentrations
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.
The overall increase in Tropicana revenue, as a percentage of sales, was primarily due to an increase in pound solids produced during the year ended September 30, 2024, as we began to recover from Hurricane Ian which negatively impacted our harvest during the year September 30, 2023.
Real Estate
Real Estate
In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, “Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets” (ASC 610-20): This standard clarified the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets and clarified the scope and application of ASC 610-20 on the sale, transfer, and derecognition of nonfinancial assets and in substance nonfinancial assets to non-customers, including partial sales. The standard provided guidance on how gains and losses on transfers of nonfinancial assets and in substance nonfinancial assets to non-customers are recognized. The Company recognizes a gain on the sale of real estate as outlined by ASC 610-20.
Inventories
Inventories
The costs of growing crops, including but not limited to labor, fertilization, fuel, crop nutrition, irrigation, and depreciation, 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 Statements of Operations. 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.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion 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 4 years. After 4 years, a planting 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.
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 finance leases, which are depreciated over their estimated useful lives if the lease transfers ownership or contains a bargain purchase option.
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
15-39 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 the Company determines that the useful life of property and equipment should be shortened, Alico depreciates the asset over its revised estimated remaining useful life, thereby increasing depreciation expense (see Note 5. Property and Equipment, Net for further information).
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
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 or asset group may not be recoverable. The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations, or asset group, 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 or asset group over the remaining lives of the assets or asset group are less than the carrying amounts of those assets. In calculating impairments and the estimated cash flows, the Company assigns its asset groups by determining the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of the other Company assets. The net carrying values of assets or asset group not recoverable are reduced to their fair values. Alico’s cash flow estimates are based on historical results adjusted to reflect best estimates of future market conditions and operating conditions. For the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not recognize any impairment of long-lived assets. As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, long-lived assets were comprised of property and equipment.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the fair value of the assets acquired less liabilities assumed in connection with such acquisition. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives acquired in an acquisition are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually, on the same date, or more frequently, should an event occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Such events or circumstances may be a significant change in business climate, economic and industry trends, legal factors, negative operating performance indicators, significant competition, changes in strategy or disposition of a reporting unit or a portion thereof.
The carrying value of goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of September 30, and, additionally on an interim basis, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The accounting standards for goodwill allow for the assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company does not utilize a qualitative assessment approach, then the quantitative goodwill impairment test is utilized to identify potential impairments. The Company identifies any potential impairment by comparing the carrying value of a reporting unit to its fair value. The Company typically determines the fair value of its reporting units using a market approach. If a potential impairment is identified, the Company will determine the amount of goodwill impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, no impairment was required.
Other Non-Current Assets
Other Non-Current Assets
Other non-current assets primarily include intangible assets relating to mineral rights, water permits, right-of-use assets relating to lease obligations, investments owned in agricultural cooperatives, cash surrender value on life insurance, and deposits on the purchase of citrus trees. Investments in stock related to agricultural cooperatives are carried at cost.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The Company uses 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 or all 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. See Note 8. Income Taxes for detail of valuation allowances recognized during the year ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. 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
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share for the Company’s 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 the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
(in thousands) Years Ended September 30,
2024 2023
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic 7,622 7,602
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and unrestricted stock
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding – Diluted 7,622 7,602
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.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation is measured based on the fair value of the equity award at the grant date and is 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 recognizes the impact of forfeitures as they occur. See Note 9. Stock-based Compensation for a discussion of the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.