Limoneira Company Reports 21% Revenue Growth, Mixed Profitability in Latest 10-Q Filing

Limoneira Company reported significant financial developments in its latest 10-Q filing for the period ending July 31, 2024. The company achieved net revenues of $63.3 million for the three months ended July 31, 2024, marking a 21% increase from $52.5 million in the same period of 2023. For the nine months, revenues rose to $147.6 million, up from $138.5 million year-over-year. This growth was primarily driven by a notable increase in avocado sales, which surged by 301% to $13.9 million, alongside a 10% rise in lemon revenues.

Despite the revenue growth, Limoneira faced challenges in profitability. The company reported an operating income of $9.0 million for the third quarter, a turnaround from an operating loss of $1.5 million in the same quarter of the previous year. However, for the nine-month period, Limoneira recorded an operating loss of $3.4 million, a stark contrast to the $20.5 million operating income reported in the prior year. The increase in total costs and expenses, which rose to $151.1 million from $118.0 million, significantly impacted profitability.

Net income for the three months ended July 31, 2024, was $6.2 million, compared to a net loss of $1.3 million in the same quarter of 2023. However, net income for the nine months decreased to $9.1 million from $12.7 million in the previous year. The decline in net income was attributed to increased operational costs and a reduction in gains from asset disposals compared to the prior year.

Strategically, Limoneira has made several significant moves. In January 2023, the company sold 3,537 acres of land and citrus orchards for $100 million, using the proceeds to reduce debt. Additionally, the company underwent an organizational restructuring in April 2024, incurring approximately $1.2 million in severance benefits. The joint venture with The Lewis Group has also been fruitful, contributing $16.6 million in equity earnings for the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.

As of July 31, 2024, Limoneira's total assets increased to $307.3 million, while total liabilities rose to $101.6 million. The company’s retained earnings improved to $24.2 million, up from $19.0 million at the end of the previous fiscal year. The company continues to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected sales and profitability, particularly in the export market for fresh produce.