The Quarterly
CVGW Q2 2018 10-Q

Calavo Growers Inc (CVGW) SEC Quarterly Report (10-Q) for Q3 2018

CVGW Q2 2018 10-Q

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2018

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 000-33385

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California

33-0945304

(State of incorporation)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1141-A Cummings Road

Santa Paula, California   93060

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(805) 525-1245

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     

Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒   No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one ):

Emerging Growth Company ☐

Large accelerated filer ☒ 

Accelerated filer  ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller Reporting Company ☐

Emerging growth company ☐

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

Registrant's number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 31, 2018 was 17,567,616

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 2, contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If the risks or uncertainties ever materialize or the assumptions prove incorrect, the results of Calavo Growers, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (Calavo, the Company, we, us or our) may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, any projections of revenue, gross profit, expenses, income (loss) from unconsolidated entities, earnings, earnings per share, tax provisions, cash flows, currency exchange rates, the impact of acquisitions or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including execution of restructuring and integration (including information technology systems integration) plans; any statements regarding current or future macroeconomic trends or events and the impact of those trends and events on Calavo and its financial performance, whether attributable to Calavo or any of its unconsolidated entities; any statements regarding pending investigations, legal claims or tax disputes; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the impact of macroeconomic trends and events; the competitive pressures faced by Calavo's businesses; the development and transition of new products and services (and the enhancement of existing products and services) to meet customer needs; integration and other risks associated with business combinations; the hiring and retention of key employees; the resolution of pending investigations, legal claims and tax disputes; and other risks that are described herein, including, but not limited to, the items discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors , in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017, and those detailed from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Calavo assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements .

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

INDEX

PAGE

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets – July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017

4

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income – Three Months and Nine Months Ended July 31, 2018 and 2017

5

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three Months and Nine Months Ended July 31, 2018 and 2017

6

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – Three Months and Nine Months Ended July 31, 2018 and 2017

7

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

8

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

22

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

30

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

30

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

30

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

31

Item 6.

Exhibits

31

Signatures

33

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PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATIO N

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET S (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

July 31, 

October 31, 

2018

2017

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,029

$

6,625

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,787 (2018) $2,490 (2017)

73,412

69,750

Inventories, net

35,857

30,858

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

6,688

6,872

Advances to suppliers

5,321

4,346

Income taxes receivable

 -

1,377

Total current assets

123,307

119,828

Property, plant, and equipment, net

121,309

120,072

Investment in Limoneira Company

47,121

40,362

Investment in unconsolidated entities

33,121

33,019

Deferred income taxes

4,778

9,783

Goodwill

18,262

18,262

Other assets

25,035

22,791

$

372,933

$

364,117

Liabilities and shareholders' equity

Current liabilities:

Payable to growers

$

22,025

$

16,524

Trade accounts payable

16,338

22,911

Accrued expenses

35,799

39,946

Income taxes payable

976

 -

Short-term borrowings

8,000

20,000

Dividend payable

 -

16,657

Current portion of long-term obligations

118

129

Total current liabilities

83,256

116,167

Long-term liabilities:

Long-term obligations, less current portion

350

439

Deferred rent

2,782

2,732

Other long-term liabilities

 -

657

Total long-term liabilities

3,132

3,828

Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders' equity:

Common stock ($0.001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 17,568 (2018) and 17,533 (2017) shares issued and outstanding)

18

18

Additional paid-in capital

157,011

154,243

Accumulated other comprehensive income

15,715

10,434

Noncontrolling interest

1,779

1,016

Retained earnings

112,022

78,411

Total shareholders' equity

286,545

244,122

$

372,933

$

364,117

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOM E (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three months ended 

Nine months ended

July 31, 

July 31, 

2018

2017

2018

2017

Net sales

$

296,419

$

301,645

$

808,752

$

798,361

Cost of sales

263,349

276,793

717,403

715,332

Gross profit

33,070

24,852

91,349

83,029

Selling, general and administrative

13,893

12,698

42,285

41,950

Operating income

19,177

12,154

49,064

41,079

Interest expense

(135)

(227)

(654)

(797)

Other income, net

406

96

831

462

Income before provision for income taxes and income (loss) from unconsolidated entities

19,448

12,023

49,241

40,744

Provision for income taxes

3,403

3,719

12,469

13,883

Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities

(3,677)

492

(3,399)

90

Net income

12,368

8,796

33,373

26,951

Less: Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest

(18)

14

238

53

Net income attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.

$

12,350

$

8,810

$

33,611

$

27,004

Calavo Growers, Inc.'s net income per share:

Basic

$

0.71

$

0.51

$

1.92

$

1.55

Diluted

$

0.70

$

0.50

$

1.91

$

1.54

Number of shares used in per share computation:

Basic

17,481

17,428

17,475

17,412

Diluted

17,581

17,544

17,567

17,507

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOM E (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

Three months ended 

Nine months ended

July 31, 

July 31, 

2018

2017

2018

2017

Net income

$

12,368

$

8,796

$

33,373

$

26,951

Other comprehensive income, before tax:

Unrealized investment gains

6,880

3,595

6,758

5,307

Income expense related to items of other comprehensive income

(1,789)

(1,312)

(1,477)

(1,937)

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

5,091

2,283

5,281

3,370

Comprehensive income

17,459

11,079

38,654

30,321

Less: Net loss (Income) attributable to noncontrolling interest

(18)

14

238

53

Comprehensive income – Calavo Growers, Inc.

$

17,441

$

11,093

$

38,892

$

30,374

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

Nine months ended July 31, 

2018

2017

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

Net income

$

33,373

$

26,951

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

9,796

7,598

Provision for losses (recoveries) on accounts receivable

(10)

1,220

Loss (income) from unconsolidated entities

3,399

(90)

Stock compensation expense

3,716

3,489

Gain on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

(108)

 -

Deferred income taxes

3,527

 -

Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable, net

(3,652)

(12,336)

Inventories, net

(4,999)

(865)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(203)

(940)

Advances to suppliers

(775)

1,906

Income taxes receivable/payable

2,353

82

Other assets

(3,246)

(3,473)

Payable to growers

5,500

7,023

Deferred rent

50

202

Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities

(8,753)

10,418

Net cash provided by operating activities

39,968

41,185

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

Acquisitions of and deposits on property, plant, and equipment

(11,551)

(41,078)

Proceeds received for repayment of San Rafael note

349

297

Investment in FreshRealm

(3,500)

(7,209)

Loan to FreshRealm

(2,500)

 -

Proceeds received for repayment of loan to FreshRealm

2,500

 -

Investment in Agricola Don Memo

 -

(500)

Net cash used in investing activities

(14,702)

(48,490)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

Payment of dividend to shareholders

(16,657)

(15,696)

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

185,500

124,500

Payments on revolving credit facility

(197,500)

(105,500)

Payment of minimum withholding taxes on net share settlement of equity awards

(1,158)

 -

Purchase of noncontrolling interest of Salsa Lisa

 -

(1,000)

Payments on long-term obligations

(100)

(35)

Proceeds from stock option exercises

53

65

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(29,862)

2,334

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(4,596)

(4,971)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

6,625

13,842

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

2,029

$

8,871

Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:

Acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment with capital lease

$

 -

$

43

Property, plant, and equipment included in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses

$

367

$

583

Noncash transfer of noncontrolling interest

$

1,001

$

 -

Collection for Agricola Belher Infrastructure Advance

$

200

$

 -

Unrealized investment gain

$

6,758

$

5,307

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENT S

(UNAUDITED)

1. Description of the business

Business

Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo, the Company, we, us or our), is a global leader in the avocado industry and an expanding provider of value-added fresh food.  Our expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, prepared avocados, and other perishable foods allows us to deliver a wide array of fresh and prepared food products to retail grocery, foodservice, club stores, mass merchandisers, food distributors and wholesalers on a worldwide basis. We procure avocados from California, Mexico and other growing regions around the world.  Through our various operating facilities, we (i) sort, pack, and/or ripen avocados, tomatoes and/or Hawaiian grown papayas, (ii) create, process and package guacamole and salsa and (iii) create, process and package a portfolio of healthy fresh foods including fresh-cut fruit, fresh-cut vegetables, and prepared foods. We distribute our products both domestically and internationally and report our operations in three different business segments:  Fresh products, Calavo Foods and Renaissance Food Group (RFG). 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year.  These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2017, the FASB issued an ASU,  Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Scope of Modification Accounting . This ASU clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The guidance clarifies that modification accounting will be applied if the value, vesting conditions or classification of the award changes. The Company adopted this new standard beginning in the three months ended January 31, 2018. The adoption of the amendment did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2018, the FASB issued an ASU , Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The FASB is issuing this update to simplify the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees by aligning it with the accounting for share-based payments to employees, with certain exceptions. This ASU will be effective for us beginning the first day of our 2020 fiscal year. We are evaluating the impact of the update of this ASU on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and, as such, we are not able to estimate the effect the adoption of the new standard will have on our financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued an ASU,  Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income , which amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 220, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income, to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, (the "Act"). In addition, under the ASU, an entity will be required to provide certain disclosures regarding stranded tax effects. This ASU is effective for us the first day of our 2020 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on our

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financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and, as such, we are not able to estimate the effect the adoption of the new standard will have on our financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU,  Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business,  which adds guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This ASU will be effective for us beginning the first day of our 2019 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect this ASU to have an impact until an applicable transaction takes place.

In October 2016, the FASB issued an ASU,  Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory , which will require companies to recognize the income tax effects of intra-entity sales and transfers of assets other than inventory, particularly those asset transfers involving intellectual property, in the period in which the transfer occurs. The ASU will be effective for us beginning the first day of our 2019 fiscal year and is not expected to have a significant impact upon adoption.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU,  Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,  which removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The ASU permits an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and to recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This ASU will be effective for us beginning the first day of our 2021 fiscal year and is not expected to have a significant impact upon adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU,  Leases , which requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee would account for leases as finance leases or operating leases. Both finance leases and operating leases will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of use asset and a corresponding lease liability. For finance leases, the lessee would recognize interest expense and amortization of the right-of-use asset, and for operating leases, the lessee would recognize a straight-line total lease expense. The guidance also requires qualitative and specific quantitative disclosures to supplement the amounts recorded in the financial statements so that users can understand more about the nature of an entity's leasing activities, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. This ASU will be effective for us beginning the first day of our 2020 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. Although we are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements, we currently expect the most significant changes will be related to the recognition of material new long-term right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet.

In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU, which requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim period within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated statements of income depends on the net unrealized gain or loss on our equity investment.  For the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, the net unrealized gain on our equity investment was $6.9 million and $3.6 million.  For the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, the net unrealized gain on our equity investment was $6.8 million and $5.3 million. 

In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard which will supersede previous existing revenue recognition guidance. The standard is intended to clarify the principles of recognizing revenue and create common revenue recognition guidance between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The standard also requires expanded disclosures surrounding revenue recognition. During fiscal 2017, the FASB issued additional clarification guidance on the new revenue recognition standard which also included certain scope improvements and practical expedients. The standard (including clarification guidance issued) is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which will be our first quarter of fiscal 2019. We will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective transition method, under which the cumulative effect of initially applying the new guidance is recognized as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on the first day of our 2019 fiscal year.  Based on our findings to date, we do not expect the standard to have a material impact on our results of

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operations or financial position. Our assessment, however, is not yet complete. During fiscal 2018, we plan to finalize our review.

2.  Information regarding our operations in different segments

We report our operations in three different business segments: (1) Fresh products, (2) Calavo Foods, and (3) RFG.  These three business segments are presented based on how information is used by our Chief Executive Officer to measure performance and allocate resources. The Fresh products segment includes all operations that involve the distribution of avocados and other fresh produce products.  The Calavo Foods segment represents all operations related to the purchase, manufacturing, and distribution of prepared products, including guacamole and salsa. The RFG segment represents all operations related to the manufacturing and distribution of fresh-cut fruit, fresh-cut vegetables, vegetables and prepared foods.  Selling, general and administrative expenses, as well as other non-operating income/expense items, are evaluated by our Chief Executive Officer in the aggregate.  We do not allocate assets, or specifically identify them to, our operating segments. Data in the following tables is presented in thousands:

Three months ended  July 31, 2018

Three months ended July 31, 2017

Fresh

Calavo

Fresh

Calavo

products

Foods

RFG

Total

products

Foods

RFG

Total

Avocados

$

141,545

$

-

$

-

$

141,545

$

161,183

$

 -

$

-

$

161,183

Tomatoes

6,248

-

-

6,248

6,715

 -

-

6,715

Papayas

2,882

-

-

2,882

2,225

 -

-

2,225

Other fresh products

142

-

-

142

77

 -

-

77

Prepared avocado products

-

28,395

-

28,395

 -

22,836

-

22,836

Salsa

-

1,010

 -

1,010

 -

1,100

 -

1,100

Fresh-cut fruit & vegetables and prepared foods

 -

 -

121,924

121,924

 -

 -

112,804

112,804

Total gross sales

150,817

29,405

121,924

302,146

170,200

23,936

112,804

306,940

Less sales incentives

(600)

(3,239)

(679)

(4,518)

(727)

(2,833)

(329)

(3,889)

Less inter-company eliminations

(383)

(826)

 -

(1,209)

(554)

(852)

 -

(1,406)

Net sales

$

149,834

$

25,340

$

121,245

$

296,419

$

168,919

$

20,251

$

112,475

$

301,645

Nine months ended July 31, 2018

Nine months ended July 31, 2017

Fresh

Calavo

Fresh

Calavo

products

Foods

RFG

Total

products

Foods

RFG

Total

Avocados

$

378,217

$

-

$

-

$

378,217

$

408,848

$

 -

$

-

$

408,848

Tomatoes

26,295

-

-

26,295

23,174

 -

-

23,174

Papayas

8,539

-

-

8,539

6,544

 -

-

6,544

Other fresh products

246

-

-

246

178

 -

-

178

Prepared avocado products

-

75,433

-

75,433

 -

61,351

-

61,351

Salsa

-

2,615

 -

2,615

 -

3,133

 -

3,133

Fresh-cut fruit & vegetables and prepared foods

 -

 -

333,682

333,682

 -

 -

308,879

308,879

Total gross sales

413,297

78,048

333,682

825,027

438,744

64,484

308,879

812,107

Less sales incentives

(1,692)

(9,288)

(1,774)

(12,754)

(1,260)

(8,339)

(995)

(10,594)

Less inter-company eliminations

(1,051)

(2,470)

 -

(3,521)

(883)

(2,269)

 -

(3,152)

Net sales

$

410,554

$

66,290

$

331,908

$

808,752

$

436,601

$

53,876

$

307,884

$

798,361

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Fresh

Calavo

products

Foods

RFG

Total

Three months ended  July 31, 2018

Net sales before intercompany eliminations

$

150,217

$

26,166

$

121,245

$

297,628

Intercompany eliminations

(383)

(826)

 -

(1,209)

Net sales

149,834

25,340

121,245

296,419

Cost of sales before intercompany eliminations

135,254

17,739

111,565

264,558

Intercompany eliminations

(351)

(540)

(318)

(1,209)

Cost of sales

134,903

17,199

111,247

263,349

Gross profit

$

14,931

$

8,141

$

9,998

$

33,070

Three months ended  July 31, 2017

Net sales before intercompany eliminations

$

169,473

$

21,103

$

112,475

$

303,051

Intercompany eliminations

(554)

(852)

 -

(1,406)

Net sales

168,919

20,251

112,475

301,645

Cost of sales before intercompany eliminations

152,459

20,071

105,669

278,199

Intercompany eliminations

(488)

(896)

(22)

(1,406)

Cost of sales

151,971

19,175

105,647

276,793

Gross profit

$

16,948

$

1,076

$

6,828

$

24,852

Fresh

Calavo

products

Foods

RFG

Total

Nine months ended July 31, 2018

Net sales before intercompany eliminations

$

411,605

$

68,760

$

331,908

$

812,273

Intercompany eliminations

(1,051)

(2,470)

(3,521)

Net sales

410,554

66,290

331,908

808,752

Cost of sales before intercompany eliminations

367,209

46,200

307,515

720,924

Intercompany eliminations

(963)

(1,578)

(980)

(3,521)

Cost of sales

366,246

44,622

306,535

717,403

Gross profit

$

44,308

$

21,668

$

25,373

$

91,349

Nine months ended July 31, 2017

Net sales before intercompany eliminations

$

437,484

$

56,145

$

307,884

$

801,513

Intercompany eliminations

(883)

(2,269)

 -

(3,152)

Net sales

436,601

53,876

307,884

798,361

Cost of sales before intercompany eliminations

388,753

43,995

285,736

718,484

Intercompany eliminations

(748)

(1,887)

(517)

(3,152)

Cost of sales

388,005

42,108

285,219

715,332

Gross profit

$

48,596

$

11,768

$

22,665

$

83,029

For the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, inter-segment sales and cost of sales of $0.3 million and $0.6 million between Fresh products and RFG were eliminated. For the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, inter-segment sales and cost of sales of $0.9 million between Fresh products and RFG were eliminated.   For the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, inter-segment sales and cost of sales of $0.8 million and $0.9 million between Calavo Foods and RFG were eliminated.  For the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, inter-segment sales and cost of sales of $2.5 million and $2.3 million between Calavo Foods and RFG were eliminated.  For the three months ended July 31, 2018, inter-segment sales and cost of sales of $0.1 million between Fresh products and Calavo Foods were eliminated. For the nine months ended July 31, 2018, inter-segment sales and cost of sales of $0.2 million between Fresh products and Calavo Foods were eliminated.

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3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

July 31, 

October 31, 

2018

2017

Fresh fruit

$

17,155

$

14,566

Packing supplies and ingredients

10,504

9,755

Finished prepared foods

8,198

6,537

$

35,857

$

30,858

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We periodically review the value of items in inventory and record any necessary write downs of inventory based on our assessment of market conditions.  No inventory reserve was considered necessary as of July 31, 2018. We recorded a write down of $0.4 million to adjust our fresh fruit inventory to the lower of cost or net realizable value as of October 31, 2017.

4. Related party transactions

Certain members of our Board of Directors market California avocados through Calavo pursuant to marketing agreements substantially similar to the marketing agreements that we enter into with other growers. During the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $9.2 million and $12.3 million. During the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $11.2 million and $17.5 million.  Amounts payable to these Board members were $1.9 million as of July 31, 2018.  We did not have any amounts payable to these Board members as of October 31, 2017.

During the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, we received $0.1 million as dividend income from Limoneira Company (Limoneira). During the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, we received $0.3 million as dividend income from Limoneira. In addition, we lease office space from Limoneira and paid rental expenses of $0.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017. We paid to Limoneira rental expenses  of $0.2 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017. Harold Edwards, who is a member of our Board of Directors, is the Chief Executive Officer of Limoneira Company. We have a 10% ownership interest in Limoneira. Additionally, our Chief Executive Officer is a member of the Limoneira Board of Directors.

We currently have a member of our Board of Directors who also serves as a partner in the law firm of TroyGould PC, which frequently represents Calavo as legal counsel. During each of the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, Calavo Growers, Inc. paid fees totaling less than $0.1 million to TroyGould PC. During each of the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, Calavo Growers, Inc. paid fees totaling $0.1 million and $0.2 million to TroyGould PC.

In December 2014, Calavo formed a wholly owned subsidiary Calavo Growers De Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Calavo Sub).  In July 2015, Calavo Sub entered into a Shareholder Agreement with Grupo Belo del Pacifico, S.A. de C.V., (Belo) a Mexican Company owned by Agricola Belher, and formed Agricola Don Memo, S.A. de C.V. (Don Memo). Belo and Calavo Sub have an equal one-half ownership interest in Don Memo.  Pursuant to a management service agreement, Belo, through its officers and employees, has day-to-day power and authority to manage the operations. Belo is entitled to a management fee, as defined, which is payable annually in July of each year.  Additionally, Calavo Sub is entitled to commission, for the sale of produce in the Mexican National Market, United States, Canada, and any other overseas market.

In January 2016, our unconsolidated subsidiary, Don Memo, entered into a loan agreement in the amount of $4.5 million with Bank of America, N.A. (BoA) proceeds of which were used by Don Memo to repay debt owed to Calavo.  Also in January 2016, Calavo and BoA, entered into a Continuing and Unconditional Guaranty Agreement (the Guaranty). Under the terms of the Guaranty, Calavo unconditionally guarantees and promises to pay BoA any and all Indebtedness, as defined therein, of our unconsolidated subsidiary Don Memo to BoA. Belo has also entered into a

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similar guarantee with BoA. As of July 31, 2018, Don Memo was not in compliance with covenants related to this loan agreement with BoA. In August 2018, Don Memo obtained a waiver for this violation.

As of July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, we have an investment of $4.7 million and $4.6 million, representing Calavo Sub's 50% ownership in Don Memo, which is included as an investment in unconsolidated entities on our balance sheet.  We make advances to Don Memo for operating purposes, provide additional advances as shipments are made during the season, and return the proceeds from tomato sales under our marketing program to Don Memo, net of our commission and aforementioned advances. As of July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, we had outstanding advances of $2.5 million and $1.6 million to Don Memo. During the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, we recorded $3.4 million and $4.3 million of expenses to Don Memo pursuant to our consignment agreement. During the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, we recorded $7.2 million and $5.0 million of expenses to Don Memo pursuant to our consignment agreement.

We had grower advances due from Belher of $2.0 million and $4.0 million as of July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, which are netted against the grower payable.  In addition, we had infrastructure advances due from Belher of $0.4 million and $0.6 million as of July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017.  Of these infrastructure advances $0.2 million was recorded as receivable in prepaid and other current assets.  The remaining $0.2 million of these infrastructure advances are recorded in other assets. During the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, we recorded $1.5 million and $0.8 million of expenses to Belher pursuant to our consignment agreement. During the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, we recorded $14.1 million and $13.9 million of expenses to Belher pursuant to our consignment agreement.

In August 2015, we entered into Shareholder's Agreement with various partners and created Avocados de Jalisco, S.A.P.I. de C.V. ("Avocados de Jalisco").  Avocados de Jalisco is a Mexican corporation created to engage in procuring, packing and selling avocados.  This entity is approximately 83% owned by Calavo and is consolidated in our financial statements.  Avocados de Jalisco built a packinghouse located in Jalisco, Mexico, which began operations in June of 2017. As of July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, we have made preseason advances of approximately $0.1 million to various partners of Avocados de Jalisco. During the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, we purchased approximately $0.9 million and $1.7 million of avocados from the partners of Avocados de Jalisco. During the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, we purchased approximately $1.1 million and $1.7 million of avocados from the partners of Avocados de Jalisco. In January 2018, we transferred $1.0 million of interest to the Avocados de Jalisco noncontrolling members.

As of July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, we have an investment of $28.4 million in FreshRealm, LLC ("FreshRealm"). We record the amount of our investment in FreshRealm in "Investment in unconsolidated entities" on our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets and recognize losses in FreshRealm in "Income (loss) in unconsolidated entities" in our Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income. See Note 13 for additional information.

On July 3 rd , 2018, we entered into a $2.5 million Promissory Note with FreshRealm.  That note was repaid in full on July 31, 2018 in connection with the debt and equity financing described below. 

Effective July 31, 2018, we entered into a Note and Membership Unit Purchase Agreement ("NMUPA") with FreshRealm, pursuant to which we agreed to provide additional financing to FreshRealm, subject to certain terms and conditions.  Pursuant to such NMUPA, we entered into a Subscription Agreement with FreshRealm, whereby we purchased $3.5 million of equity units in FreshRealm, on July 31, 2018.  FreshRealm concurrently entered into subscription agreements with certain third-party investors for an additional $3.5 million of equity investments.  As of July 31, 2018, our ownership percentage in FreshRealm was approximately 37%. 

Additionally, pursuant to such NMUPA, we entered into a $12 million Senior Promissory Note and corresponding Security Agreement (collectively, the "Agreements") with FreshRealm, effective August 10, 2018.  Pursuant to the Agreements, the $12 million facility is available in two $6 million tranches.  On August 10, 2018, we funded the first $6 million tranche to FreshRealm.  The second $6 million tranche will be available to FreshRealm upon its attainment of least $17 million in gross revenues over any consecutive two calendar months (i.e. in aggregate). See Note 13 for further information.

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Three officers and five members of our board of directors have investments in FreshRealm.  In addition, as of July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, we have a loan to FreshRealm members of approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million. In December 2017, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer invested $1.5 million into FreshRealm.  In January 2018, one of our non-executive directors invested $1.8 million into FreshRealm. In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, two of our non-executive directors invested $1.2 million into FreshRealm.

We provide storage services to FreshRealm from our New Jersey and Texas Value-Added Depots, and our RFG Riverside facility.  We have received $0.1 million in storage services revenue from FreshRealm in the three months ended July 31, 2018. We have received $0.2 million in storage services revenue from FreshRealm in the nine months ended July 31, 2018.   For the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, RFG has sold $3.6 million and $2.1 million of products to FreshRealm. For the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, RFG has sold $7.4 million and $5.1 million of products to FreshRealm.

The previous owners of RFG, one of which is currently an officer of Calavo, have a majority ownership of certain entities that provide various services to RFG, specifically LIG Partners, LLC and THNC, LLC.  One of RFG's California operating facilities leases a building from LIG Partners, LLC (LIG) pursuant to an operating lease.  RFG's Texas operating facility leases a building from THNC, LLC (THNC) pursuant to an operating lease.  See the following tables for the related party activity for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017:

Three months ended July 31,

(in thousands)

2018

2017

Rent paid to LIG

$

139

$

138

Rent paid to THNC, LLC

$

199

$

199

Nine months ended July 31,

(in thousands)

2018

2017

Rent paid to LIG

$

417

$

407

Rent paid to THNC, LLC

$

597

$

460

5. Other assets

Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

July 31, 

October 31, 

2018

2017

Intangibles, net

$

1,386

$

2,226

Mexican IVA (i.e. value-added) taxes receivable

22,127

18,174

Infrastructure advance to Agricola Belher

200

400

Loan to FreshRealm members

 -

315

Notes receivable from San Rafael

154

493

Other

1,168

1,183

$

25,035

$

22,791

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Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

July 31, 2018

October 31, 2017

Weighted-

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Average

Carrying

Accum.

Book

Carrying

Accum.

Book

Useful Life

Value

Amortization

Value

Value

Amortization

Value

Customer list/relationships

8.0 years

$

7,640

$

(6,874)

$

766

$

7,640

$

(6,181)

$

1,459

Trade names

8.4 years

2,760

(2,639)

121

2,760

(2,529)

231

Trade secrets/recipes

9.3 years

630

(406)

224

630

(369)

261

Brand name intangibles

indefinite

275

 -

275

275

 -

275

Non-competition agreements

5.0 years

267

(267)

 -

267

(267)

 -

Intangibles, net

$

11,572

$

(10,186)

$

1,386

$

11,572

$

(9,346)

$

2,226

We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $0.3 million for the remainder of fiscal 2018, $0.7 million for fiscal year 2019, $0.1 million for fiscal year 2020, $0.1 million for fiscal year 2021, and $0.1 million for thereafter, through fiscal year 2023.

See Note 11 for additional information related to Mexican IVA taxes.

6. Stock-Based Compensation

In April 2011, our shareholders approved the Calavo Growers, Inc. 2011 Management Incentive Plan (the "2011 Plan").  All directors, officers, employees and consultants (including prospective directors, officers, employees and consultants) of Calavo and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards under the 2011 Plan.  Up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock may be issued by Calavo under the 2011 Plan.

On January 2, 2018, all 12 of our non-employee directors were granted 1,750 restricted shares each (total of 21,000 shares).  These shares have full voting rights and participate in dividends as if unrestricted.  The closing price of our stock on such date was $85.90.  On January 2, 2019, as long as the directors are still serving on the board, these shares lose their restriction and become non-forfeitable and transferable.  These shares were granted pursuant to our 2011 Plan. The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for these grants was $0.5 million for the three months ended July 31, 2018.  The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for these grants was $1.1 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2018. 

On December 18, 2017, our executive officers were granted a total of 25,241 restricted shares.  These shares have full voting rights and participate in dividends as if unrestricted.  The closing price of our stock on such date was $75.45.  These shares vest in one-third increments, on an annual basis, beginning December 18, 2018. These shares were granted pursuant to our 2011 Plan. The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for these grants was $0.2 million for the three months ended July 31, 2018.  The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for these grants was $0.4 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2018. 

On October 31, 2017, a member of the management team at RFG resigned.  His unvested portion of restricted stock issued in December of 2016 and January of 2016 was forfeited. On January 25, 2018, in consideration of and in exchange for his forfeiture of restricted shares upon his resignation, the board of directors granted 10,788 shares of unrestricted stock, which immediately vested.  The closing price of our stock on such date was $87.10. We recorded for this grant $0.8 million of stock-based compensation expense in our fiscal first quarter of 2018.

On February 2, 2017, our Vice President of the Foods Division retired from Calavo for medical reasons.  In January 2018, per the terms of our 2011 Plan and the respective employee award, the board of directors awarded the portion of the fiscal 2017 management bonus for the percentage of the year worked.  As a result, he was granted 867 shares of unrestricted stock, which immediately vested. As a result, we recorded $0.1 million of stock-based compensation expense in our fiscal first quarter of 2018.

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A summary of restricted stock activity, related to our 2011 Management Incentive Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

Weighted-Average

Aggregate

Number of Shares

Grant Price

Intrinsic Value

Outstanding at October 31, 2017

103

$

54.64

Vested

(56)

$

54.27

Forfeited

(7)

$

52.69

Granted

47

$

80.20

Outstanding at July 31, 2018

87

$

68.08

$

8,023

The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock was $0.9 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017. The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock was $2.7 million and $2.3 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017.   Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense totaled $3.9 million and $3.0 million as of July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, and will be amortized through fiscal year 2020.

Stock options are granted with exercise prices of not less than the fair market value at grant date, generally vest over one to five years and generally expire two to five years after the grant date.  We settle stock option exercises with newly issued shares of common stock.

We measure compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognize compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations over the service period that the awards are expected to vest.  We measure the fair value of our stock based compensation awards on the date of grant.

A summary of stock option activity, related to our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

Weighted-Average

Aggregate

Number of Shares

Exercise Price

Intrinsic Value

Outstanding at October 31, 2017

 7

$

18.54

Exercised

(3)

$

17.66

Outstanding at July 31, 2018

 4

$

19.20

$

370

Exercisable at July 31, 2018

 4

$

19.20

$

370

At July 31, 2018, outstanding and exercisable stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 1.6 years.  The total recognized and unrecognized stock-based compensation expense was insignificant for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2018. 

A summary of stock option activity, related to our 2011 Management Incentive Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

Weighted-Average

Aggregate

Exercise

Intrinsic

Number of Shares

Price

Value

Outstanding at October 31, 2017

20

$

40.07

Outstanding at July 31, 2018

20

$

40.07

$

1,049

Exercisable at July 31, 2018

12

$

29.01

$

762

At July 31, 2018, outstanding and exercisable stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 4.5 years.  The total recognized and unrecognized stock-based compensation expense was insignificant for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2018. 

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7. Other events

Dividend payment

On December 8, 2017, we paid a $0.95 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $16.7 million to shareholders of record on November 17, 2017.

Litigation

We were a named defendant in two class action lawsuits filed in Superior state courts in California alleging violations of California wage-and-hour laws, failure to pay overtime, failure to pay for missed meal and rest periods, failure to provide accurate itemized wage statements, failure to pay all wages due at the time of termination or resignation, as well as statutory penalties for violation of the California Labor Code and Minimum Wage Order-2014.

In August 2017, the parties reached a tentative settlement of the case (pending court approval), whereby we agreed to pay $0.4 million to resolve the allegations and avoid further distraction that would result if the litigation continued. The Company recorded $0.4 million as a selling, general and administrative expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. In August 2018, the court approved the settlement, and we paid $0.4 million.

From time to time, we are also involved in other litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business that we do not believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.

Mexico tax audits

    We conduct business internationally and, as a result, one or more of our subsidiaries files income tax returns in U.S. federal, U.S. state and certain foreign jurisdictions.  Accordingly, in the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities, primarily in Mexico and the United States.  During our third quarter of fiscal 2016, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Calavo de Mexico ("CDM"), received a written communication from the Ministry of Finance and Administration of the government of the State of Michoacan, Mexico ("MFM") containing preliminary observations related to a fiscal 2011 tax audit of such subsidiary.  MFM's preliminary observations outline certain proposed adjustments primarily related to intercompany funding, deductions for services from certain vendors/suppliers and Value Added Tax ("VAT").  During our fourth fiscal quarter of 2016, we provided a written rebuttal to MFM's preliminary observations and requested the adoption of a conclusive agreement before the PRODECON (Local Tax Ombudsman) so that a full discussion of the case between us, the MFM and the PRODECON, as appropriate, can lead to a reconsideration of the MFM findings. During our third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2017, several meetings between MFM, PRODECON and us took place and on November 28, 2017, the initial PRODECON process concluded. In April 2018, we filed a second formal agreement before the PRODECON, so that we can continue the discussion of the case between us, the MFM and the PRODECON. During this meeting and discussion period, the statutory period that MFM has in order to issue the tax assessment has been suspended. Currently, we are waiting for the response of the MFM and the PRODECON regarding our next meeting date. We believe we have the legal arguments and documentation to sustain the positions challenged by tax authorities.

    Additionally, we also received notice from Mexico's Federal Tax Administration Service, Servicio de Administracion Tributaria (SAT), that our wholly-owned Mexican subsidiary, Calavo de Mexico, is currently under examination related to fiscal year 2013.  In January 2017, we received preliminary observations from SAT outlining certain proposed adjustments primarily related to intercompany funding deductions for services from certain vendors/suppliers and VAT. We provided a written rebuttal to these preliminary observation during our second fiscal quarter of 2017, which the SAT is in process of analyzing.  During our third fiscal quarter of 2017, we requested the adoption of a conclusive agreement before the PRODECON (Local Tax Ombudsman), so that a full discussion of the case between us, the SAT and the PRODECON, as appropriate, can lead to a reconsideration of the SATs findings. During this meeting and discussion period, the statutory period that SAT had in order to issue the tax assessment was suspended.  During our first fiscal quarter of 2018, we had an initial meeting with officials from the SAT and the PRODECON, which led to a further exchange of supporting information and documentation. Although several meetings and discussions with the

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PRODECON and the SAT were conducted during our fiscal third quarter, we were unable to materially resolve our case with the SAT through the PRODECON process.

    As a result, on July 12, 2018, the SAT's local office in Uruapan issued to CDM a final tax assessment (the "2013 Assessment") totaling approximately $2.62 billion Mexican pesos related to Income Tax, Flat Rate Business Tax, and Value Added Tax, related to this fiscal 2013 tax audit.  Additionally, the tax authorities have determined an employee's profit sharing liability totaling approximately $118 million Mexican pesos as well.

    We have consulted with both an internationally recognized tax advisor, as well as a global law firm with offices throughout Mexico, and we continue to believe this tax assessment is without merit.   In August 2018, we filed an administrative appeal on the 2013 Assessment.  The filing of an administrative appeal in Mexico is a process in which the taxpayer appeals to a different office within the Mexican tax authorities forcing the legal office within the SAT to rule on the matter.  This process preserves the taxpayer's right to litigate in tax court if the administrative appeal process ends without a favorable or just resolution.  Here, CDM has appealed our case to the SAT's central legal department in Mexico City.  Furthermore, in August 2018, we received a favorable ruling from the SAT's central legal department in Mexico City on another tax matter (see footnote 11 regarding VAT refunds) indicating that they believe our legal interpretation is accurate on a matter that is also central to the 2013 Assessment.  We believe this recent ruling significantly undermines the 2013 Assessment we received in July 2018.

     We continue to believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters is unlikely to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

8. Fair value measurements

A fair value measurement is determined based on the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability.  A three-tiered hierarchy draws distinctions between market participant assumptions based on (i) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets (Level 1), (ii) inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2) and (iii) unobservable inputs that require the Company to use present value and other valuation techniques in the determination of fair value (Level 3).

The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities as of July 31, 2018 that are measured on a recurring basis during the period, segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(All amounts are pres e nted in thousands)

Assets at Fair Value:

Investment in Limoneira Company (1)

$

47,121

-

-

$

47,121

Total assets at fair value

$

47,121

-

-

$

47,121

(1)    The investment in Limoneira Company consists of marketable securities in the Limoneira Company stock.  We currently own approximately 10% of Limoneira's outstanding common stock.  These securities are measured at fair value using quoted market prices.  Limoneira's stock price at July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017 equaled $27.26 per share and $23.35 per share.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized through other comprehensive income. Unrealized investment holding gains arising during the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017 was $6.9 million and $3.6 million. Unrealized investment holding gains arising during the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017 was $6.8 million and $5.3 million.

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9. Noncontrolling interest

The following table reconciles shareholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interest related to Avocados de Jalisco (in thousands). 

Three months ended July 31,

Avocados de Jalisco noncontrolling interest

2018

2017

Noncontrolling interest, beginning

$

1,761

$

923

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest of Avocados de Jalisco

18

(14)

Noncontrolling interest, ending

$

1,779

$

909

Nine months ended July 31,

Avocados de Jalisco noncontrolling interest

2018

2017

Noncontrolling interest, beginning

$

1,016

$

962

Noncash transfer of noncontrolling interest

1,001

 -

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of Avocados de Jalisco

(238)

(53)

Noncontrolling interest, ending

$

1,779

$

909

10. Earnings per share

Basic and diluted net income per share is calculated as follows (data in thousands, except per share data):

Three months ended July 31,

Nine months ended July 31,

2018

2017

2018

2017

Numerator:

Net Income attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.

$

12,350

$

8,810

$

33,611

$

27,004

Denominator:

Weighted average shares – Basic

17,481

17,428

17,475

17,412

Effect on dilutive securities – Restricted stock/options

100

116

92

95

Weighted average shares – Diluted

17,581

17,544

17,567

17,507

Net income per share attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc:

Basic

$

0.71

$

0.51

$

1.92

$

1.55

Diluted

$

0.70

$

0.50

$

1.91

$

1.54

11. Mexican IVA taxes receivable

Included in other assets are tax receivables due from the Mexican government for value-added taxes (IVA) paid in advance.  CDM is charged IVA by vendors on certain expenditures in Mexico, which, insofar as they relate to the exportation of goods, translate into IVA amounts receivable from the Mexican government.

As of July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, IVA receivables totaled $23.7 million and $19.5 million.  Historically, CDM received IVA refund payments from the Mexican tax authorities on a timely basis.  Beginning in fiscal 2014 and continuing into fiscal 2018, however, the tax authorities began carrying out more detailed reviews of our refund requests and our supporting documentation.  Additionally, they are also questioning the refunds requested attributable to IVA paid to certain suppliers that allegedly did not fulfill their own tax obligations.  We believe these factors and others have contributed to delays in the processing of IVA claims by the Mexican tax authorities.  Currently, we are in the process of collecting such balances through regular administrative processes, but certain amounts may ultimately need to be recovered via legal means. 

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During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, tax authorities informed us that their internal opinion, based on the information provided by the local SAT office in Uruapan, considers that CDM is not properly documented relative to its declared tax structure and therefore CDM cannot claim the refundable IVA balance.  CDM has strong arguments and supporting documentation to sustain its declared tax structure for IVA and income tax purposes.  CDM decided to start an administrative appeal for the IVA related to the request of the months of July, August and September of 2015 (the "2015 Appeal") in order to assert its argument that CDM is properly documented and to therefore change the SAT's internal assessment.   In August 2018, we received a favorable ruling from the SAT's central legal department in Mexico City on the 2015 Appeal indicating that they believe CDM's legal interpretation of its declared tax structure is indeed accurate.  While favorable on this central matter of CDMs declared tax structure, the ruling, however, still does not recognize the taxpayers right to a full refund for the IVA related to the months of July, August and September 2015.  And therefore, CDM may need to file a substance-over-form annulment suit in the Federal Tax Court to recover its full refund for IVA over the subject period. 

We believe that our operations in Mexico are properly documented.  Furthermore, our internationally recognized tax advisors believe that there are legal grounds to prevail in the Federal Tax Court and that therefore, the Mexican tax authorities will ultimately authorize the refund of the corresponding IVA amounts.  We will continue to monitor the collection of these receivables with our outside consultants.

12.  Income Taxes

     Our tax provision is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate and adjusted for discrete taxable events that may occur during the quarter. We recognize the effects of tax legislation in the period in which the law is enacted. Our deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years we estimate the related temporary differences to reverse.

     On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed and enacted comprehensive tax legislation into law H.R. 1, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act").  Except for certain provisions, the Tax Act is effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. As a fiscal year U.S. taxpayer with an October 31 fiscal year end, the majority of the new provisions, such as eliminating the domestic manufacturing deduction, creating new taxes on certain foreign sourced income and introducing new limitations on certain business deductions, will not apply until our 2019 fiscal year. For fiscal 2018 and effective in the first fiscal quarter, the most significant impacts include: lowering of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate; remeasuring certain net deferred tax assets and liabilities; and requiring the transition tax on the deemed repatriation of certain foreign earnings. In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded $1.7 million in one-time, non-cash charges related to the revaluation of our net deferred tax assets (approximately $1.4 million) and the transition tax on the deemed repatriation of foreign earnings  (approximately $0.3 million). For fiscal year 2018 we are estimating  an effective consolidated rate of 26.0% based primarily on the blending of the historical federal corporate tax rate of 35% and the new federal corporate income tax rate of 21%.  

On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued guidance under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("SAB 118") allowing taxpayers to record a reasonable estimate of the impact of the U.S. legislation when it does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the change in tax law. In accordance with SAB 118, the estimated income tax charge of $1.7 million represents the Company's best estimate based on interpretation of the U.S. legislation. As a result, the actual impact on the net deferred tax liability may vary from the estimated amount due to uncertainties in the Company's preliminary review.

13.  Variable Interest Entity

Based on the NMUPA and related Agreements, as described in Note 4, we reconsidered whether FreshRealm is a variable interest entity ("VIE") as of July 31, 2018.  A VIE refers to a legal business structure in which an investor has a controlling interest in, despite not having a majority of voting rights; or a structure involving equity investors that do not have sufficient resources to support the ongoing operating needs of the business. Due primarily to FreshRealm utilizing substantially more debt to finance its activities, in addition to its existing equity, we believe that FreshRealm should be considered a VIE.  In evaluating whether we are the primary beneficiary of FreshRealm, we considered several factors,

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including whether we (a) have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact FreshRealm's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  We were not the primary beneficiary of FreshRealm at July 31, 2018 because the nature of our involvement with the activities of FreshRealm does not give us the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact its economic performance.  Except as described in Note 4, we do not have a future obligation to fund losses or debts on behalf of FreshRealm.  We may, however, voluntarily contribute funds. In the accompanying statements of income, we have presented the income (loss) from unconsolidated entities, after the provision for income taxes for all periods presented.  Previously, we had included such amounts, totaling $0.5 million and $0.1 million (related primarily to Don Memo), for the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2017, in other income, net.

We record the amount of our investment in FreshRealm, totaling $28.4 million at July 31, 2018, in "Investment in unconsolidated entities" on our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets and recognize losses in FreshRealm in "Income/(loss) in unconsolidated entities" on our Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income. 

For the three months ended July 31, 2018, FreshRealm incurred losses totaling $7.1 million, of which we recorded $3.5 million of non-cash losses during our third fiscal quarter of 2018. Calavo has not recorded losses from FreshRealm since Impermanence invested in FreshRealm and Calavo deconsolidated FreshRealm in fiscal 2014, as FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, ASC 323, and ASC 970 mandate that the recognition of losses for an unconsolidated subsidiary be handled in a manner consistent with cash distributions upon liquidation of the entity when such distributions are different than the investors percentage ownership. Further, the current FreshRealm LLC operating agreement mandates that losses be recognized first by other investors ("non-option investors") with positive capital accounts and then by Calavo (the only "option investor" to date) until all such capital accounts are reduced to zero.  During our third fiscal quarter of 2018, we estimated that all non-option investor capital accounts were reduced to zero and, as of July 31, 2018, we were the only investor with a remaining positive capital account balance.  As of July 31, 2018, our capital account balance was approximately $10.0 million.  Unless we opt to contribute additional funds (i.e. equity or debt), we estimate that our maximum exposure to loss from FreshRealm, as of July 31, 2018, is limited to our total investment balance of approximately $28.4 million, plus $12 million related to the debt Agreements, as described in Note 4.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIO N AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report, and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017 of Calavo Growers, Inc. (we, Calavo, or the Company). 

Recent Developments

Dividend payment

On December 8, 2017, we paid a $0.95 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $16.7 million to shareholders of record on November 17, 2017.

Litigation

We were a named defendant in two class action lawsuits filed in Superior state courts in California alleging violations of California wage-and-hour laws, failure to pay overtime, failure to pay for missed meal and rest periods, failure to provide accurate itemized wage statements, failure to pay all wages due at the time of termination or resignation, as well as statutory penalties for violation of the California Labor Code and Minimum Wage Order-2014.

In August 2017, the parties reached a tentative settlement of the case (pending court approval), whereby we agreed to pay $0.4 million to resolve the allegations and avoid further distraction that would result if the litigation continued. The Company recorded $0.4 million as a selling, general and administrative expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. In August 2018, the court approved the settlement, and we paid $0.4 million.

From time to time, we are also involved in other litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business that we do not believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.

Mexico tax audits

    We conduct business internationally and, as a result, one or more of our subsidiaries files income tax returns in U.S. federal, U.S. state and certain foreign jurisdictions.  Accordingly, in the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities, primarily in Mexico and the United States.  During our third quarter of fiscal 2016, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Calavo de Mexico ("CDM"), received a written communication from the Ministry of Finance and Administration of the government of the State of Michoacan, Mexico ("MFM") containing preliminary observations related to a fiscal 2011 tax audit of such subsidiary.  MFM's preliminary observations outline certain proposed adjustments primarily related to intercompany funding, deductions for services from certain vendors/suppliers and Value Added Tax ("VAT").  During our fourth fiscal quarter of 2016, we provided a written rebuttal to MFM's preliminary observations and requested the adoption of a conclusive agreement before the PRODECON (Local Tax Ombudsman) so that a full discussion of the case between us, the MFM and the PRODECON, as appropriate, can lead to a reconsideration of the MFM findings. During our third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2017, several meetings between MFM, PRODECON and us took place and on November 28, 2017, the initial PRODECON process concluded. In April 2018, we filed a second formal agreement before the PRODECON, so that we can continue the discussion of the case between us, the MFM and the PRODECON. During this meeting and discussion period, the statutory period that MFM has in order to issue the tax assessment has been suspended. Currently, we are waiting for the response of the MFM and the PRODECON regarding our next meeting date. We believe we have the legal arguments and documentation to sustain the positions challenged by tax authorities.

    Additionally, we also received notice from Mexico's Federal Tax Administration Service, Servicio de Administracion Tributaria (SAT), that our wholly-owned Mexican subsidiary, Calavo de Mexico, is currently under examination related to fiscal year 2013.  In January 2017, we received preliminary observations from SAT outlining certain proposed

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adjustments primarily related to intercompany funding deductions for services from certain vendors/suppliers and VAT. We provided a written rebuttal to these preliminary observation during our second fiscal quarter of 2017, which the SAT is in process of analyzing.  During our third fiscal quarter of 2017, we requested the adoption of a conclusive agreement before the PRODECON (Local Tax Ombudsman), so that a full discussion of the case between us, the SAT and the PRODECON, as appropriate, can lead to a reconsideration of the SATs findings. During this meeting and discussion period, the statutory period that SAT had in order to issue the tax assessment was suspended.  During our first fiscal quarter of 2018, we had an initial meeting with officials from the SAT and the PRODECON, which led to a further exchange of supporting information and documentation. Although several meetings and discussions with the PRODECON and the SAT were conducted during our fiscal third quarter, we were unable to materially resolve our case with the SAT through the PRODECON process.

    As a result, on July 12, 2018, the SAT's local office in Uruapan issued to CDM a final tax assessment (the "2013 Assessment") totaling approximately $2.62 billion Mexican pesos related to Income Tax, Flat Rate Business Tax, and Value Added Tax, related to this fiscal 2013 tax audit.  Additionally, the tax authorities have determined an employee's profit sharing liability totaling approximately $118 million Mexican pesos as well.

    We have consulted with both an internationally recognized tax advisor, as well as a global law firm with offices throughout Mexico, and we continue to believe this tax assessment is without merit.   In August 2018, we filed an administrative appeal on the 2013 Assessment.  The filing of an administrative appeal in Mexico is a process in which the taxpayer appeals to a different office within the Mexican tax authorities forcing the legal office within the SAT to rule on the matter.  This process preserves the taxpayer's right to litigate in tax court if the administrative appeal process ends without a favorable or just resolution.  Here, CDM has appealed our case to the SAT's central legal department in Mexico City.  Furthermore, in August 2018, we received a favorable ruling from the SAT's central legal department in Mexico City on another tax matter (see footnote 11 regarding VAT refunds) indicating that they believe our legal interpretation is accurate on a matter that is also central to the 2013 Assessment.  We believe this recent ruling significantly undermines the 2013 Assessment we received in July 2018.

     We continue to believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters is unlikely to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Net Sales

The following table summarizes our net sales by business segment for each of the three and nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017:

Three months ended  July 31, 

Nine months ended July 31, 

2018

Change

2017

2018

Change

2017

Net sales:

Fresh products

$

149,834

(11.3)

%  

$

168,919

$

410,554

(6.0)

%  

$

436,601

Calavo Foods

25,340

25.1

%  

20,251

66,290

23.0

%  

53,876

RFG

121,245

7.8

%  

112,475

331,908

7.8

%  

307,884

Total net sales

$

296,419

(1.7)

%  

$

301,645

$

808,752

1.3

%  

$

798,361

As a percentage of net sales:

Fresh products

50.5

%  

56.0

%  

50.8

%  

54.7

%

Calavo Foods

8.6

%  

6.7

%  

8.2

%  

6.7

%

RFG

40.9

%  

37.3

%  

41.0

%  

38.6

%

100.0

%  

100.0

%  

100.0

%  

100.0

%

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Summary

Net sales for the three months ended July 31, 2018, compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2017, decreased by $5.2 million, or approximately 2%. The decrease in sales, when compared to the same corresponding prior year periods, was primarily related to the decline in the Fresh products segment, partially offset by gains in Calavo Foods and RFG. Net sales for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2017, increased by $10.4 million, or approximately 1%. The increase in sales, when compared to the same corresponding prior year periods, was primarily related to the growth in the Calavo Foods and RFG segments, partially offset by a decline in the Fresh products segment.

For both the quarter and the nine months ended July 31, 2018, Calavo Foods had our largest percentage increases in sales, followed by our RFG segment. Our Fresh product segment decreased, as shown above. The increase in Calavo Foods sales was due primarily to increased sales of our prepared avocado products, which was partially offset by decreased sales of salsa products. The increase in RFG sales was due primarily to increased sales from fresh prepared food, fresh-cut fruit and vegetable products. The decrease in Fresh products sales was due primarily to decreased sales of avocados.  See discussion below for further details. 

All three segments of our business are subject to seasonal trends which can impact the volume and/or quality of fruit sourced in any particular quarter.  All intercompany sales are eliminated in our consolidated results of operations.

Fresh products

Third Quarter 2018 vs. Third Quarter 2017

Net sales delivered by the Fresh products business decreased by approximately $19.1 million, or 11%, for the third quarter of fiscal 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017.  This decrease in Fresh product sales during the third quarter of fiscal 2018 was primarily related to decreased sales of avocados and tomatoes, as higher volumes were offset by lower sales prices.

Sales of avocados decreased $19.6 million, or 12%, for the third quarter of 2018, when compared to the same prior year period.  This decrease in avocado sales was primarily due to a 26% decrease in the average sales price per carton. We attribute much of this change in price to a higher overall supply of avocados in the market during the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The decrease in sales price was partially offset by a 15.6 million pound, or 18%, increase in the volume of avocados sold during the quarter.

Sales of tomatoes decreased to $6.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2018, compared to $6.2 million for the same period for fiscal 2017.  The decrease in sales for tomatoes is primarily due to a 25% decrease in the average sales price per carton, which was partially offset by an approximately 29% increase in the volume of cartons sold.

Nine Months Ended 2018 vs. Nine Months Ended 2017

Net sales delivered by the Fresh products business decreased by approximately $26.0 million, or 6.0%, for the nine months ended 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017.  This decrease in Fresh product sales during the nine months ended 2018 was primarily related to decreased sales of avocados, partially offset by increased sales of tomatoes.

Sales of avocados decreased $31.2 million, or 8%, for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same prior year period. This decrease in avocado sales was primarily due to a 17% decrease in the average sales price per carton, partially offset by a 27.1 million pound, or a 11%  increase in the volume of avocados sold during the year.

Sales of tomatoes increased to $25.4 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, compared to $22.3 million for the same period for fiscal 2017.  The increase in sales for tomatoes is primarily due to an approximately 13% increase in the average sales price per carton. 

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Calavo Foods

Third Quarter 2018 vs. Third Quarter 2017

Sales for Calavo Foods for the quarter ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017, increased $5.1 million, or 25%.  Sales of prepared avocado products increased by approximately $5.2 million, or 27%, for the quarter ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same prior year period. This increase was the result of both an increase in the total volume of pounds sold and an increase in the average sales price per pound.  Sales of salsa products decreased by $0.1 million during in the quarter.

Nine Months Ended 2018 vs. Nine Months Ended 2017

Sales for Calavo Foods for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017, increased $12.4 million, or 23%.  Sales of prepared avocado products increased by approximately $13.0 million, or 25%, for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same prior year period, resulting from increases in both the average sales price per pound and the total volume of pounds sold. Partially offsetting this gain were sales of salsa products, which decreased by approximately $0.6 million during the year.

RFG

Third Quarter 2018 vs. Third Quarter 2017

Sales for RFG for the quarter ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017, increased $8.8 million, or 8%.  The overall increase in sales is primarily due to higher sales volume from expanded retail partnerships in multiple geographies, most notably in a few regions in which the Company has added production capacity. 

Nine Months Ended 2018 vs. Nine Months Ended 2017

Sales for RFG for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017, increased $24.0 million, or 8%.  The overall increase in sales is primarily due to higher sales volume from expanded retail partnerships in multiple geographies, most notably in a few regions in which the Company has added production capacity. 

Gross Profit

The following table summarizes our gross profit and gross profit percentages by business segment for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017:

Three months ended  July 31, 

Nine months ended July 31, 

2018

Change

2017

2018

Change

2017

Gross Profit:

Fresh products

$

14,931

(11.9)

%  

$

16,948

$

44,308

(8.8)

%  

$

48,596

Calavo Foods

8,141

656.6

%  

1,076

21,668

84.1

%  

11,768

RFG

9,998

46.4

%  

6,828

25,373

11.9

%  

22,665

Total gross profit

$

33,070

33.1

%  

$

24,852

$

91,349

10.0

%  

$

83,029

Gross profit percentages:

Fresh products

10.0

%  

10.0

%  

10.8

%  

11.1

%

Calavo Foods

32.1

%  

5.3

%  

32.7

%  

21.8

%

RFG

8.2

%  

6.1

%  

7.6

%  

7.4

%

Consolidated

11.2

%  

8.2

%  

11.3

%  

10.4

%

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Summary

Our cost of goods sold consists predominantly of ingredient costs (primarily fruit and other whole foods), packing materials, freight and handling, labor and overhead (including depreciation) associated with preparing food products, and other direct expenses pertaining to products sold. Gross profit increased by approximately $8.2 million, or 33%, for the third quarter of fiscal 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to gross profit increases in our Calavo Foods and RFG segments, partially offset by a decrease in the Fresh products segment. Gross profit increased by approximately $8.3 million, or 10%, for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to gross profit increases in our Calavo Foods and RFG segments, partially offset by a decrease in the Fresh products segment.

Fresh products

During our three months ended July 31, 2018, as compared to the same prior year period, the decrease in our Fresh products segment gross profit percentage was the result of decreased profit for avocados and tomatoes. For the third quarter ended July 31, 2018, compared to the same prior year period, the gross profit percentage for avocados decreased to 9.7% in 2018 from 10.0% in 2017.  The decrease was primarily related to the unusual market supply conditions experienced during the third quarter last year, as our level of profitability in the third quarter of 2018 was strong in comparison to most other historical periods.  Freight costs also increased compared to last year's third quarter.  Partially offsetting this decrease in profitability, the U.S. Dollar to Mexican Peso exchange rate was stronger in the third quarter 2018, when compared to the same prior year period.  Note that any significant fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso may have a material impact on future gross profits for our Fresh products segment.

For the three months ended July 31, 2018, we generated gross profit of $0.6 million from tomato sales, down from $0.7 million in the corresponding prior year period.  The decrease in tomato gross profit was due primarily to the year-over-year reduction in sales described in more detail earlier. 

During our nine months ended July 31, 2018, as compared to the same prior year period, the decrease in our Fresh products segment gross profit percentage was the result of decreased profit for avocados, partially offset by an increase in tomatoes. For the nine months ended July 31, 2018, compared to the same prior year period, the gross profit percentage for avocados decreased to 10.7% in 2018 from 11.4% in 2017.  The decrease during the nine months of 2018 was primarily related to the unusual market supply conditions experienced last year and higher year-over-year freight costs.  In addition, the U.S. Dollar to Mexican Peso exchange rate was weaker in the first nine months of fiscal 2018, when compared to the same prior year period.  Note that any significant fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso may have a material impact on future gross profits for our Fresh products segment.

For the nine months ended July 31, 2018 we generated gross profit of $2.7 million from tomato sales, up from $2.0 million in the corresponding prior year period.  The increase in tomato gross profit was due primarily to the year-over-year increase in sales described in more detail earlier.

Calavo Foods

Calavo Foods gross profit percentage increased to 32.1% and 32.7% of net sales, during our three and nine months ended July 31, 2018 compared to 5.3% and 21.8% during the same prior year periods. The increase in Calavo Foods gross profit percentage was due primarily to increased gross profit of our prepared avocado products. The increase in gross profit and margin for our prepared avocado products was primarily due to higher sales, as well as fruit costs that, while higher than in the second quarter, was below last year's third quarter's record-high fruit prices.  Note that any significant fluctuation in the cost of fruit used in the production process or the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso may have a material impact on future gross profit for our Calavo Foods segments.

RFG

RFG's gross profit percentage for the quarter ended July 31, 2018 was 8.2%, compared to 6.1% in the same prior year period. RFG's gross profit percentage for the nine months ended July 31, 2018 was 7.6%, compared to 7.4% in the

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same prior year period. The gross profit improvement in the three and nine months ended July 31, 2018, was due primarily to manufacturing efficiencies generated across the segment's manufacturing footprint, as well as lower raw material costs.

Selling, General and Administrative

Three months ended  July 31, 

Nine months ended July 31, 

2018

Change

2017

2018

Change

2017

(Dollars in thousands)

(Dollars in thousands)

Selling, general and administrative

$

13,893

9.4

%  

$

12,698

$

42,285

0.8

%  

$

41,950

Percentage of net sales

4.7

%  

4.2

%  

5.2

%  

5.3

%

         Selling, general and administrative expenses of $13.9 million for the three months ended July 31, 2018 include costs of marketing and advertising, sales expenses (including broker commissions) and other general and administrative costs.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.2 million, or 9.4%, for the three months ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017. This increase was primarily related to an increase in accrued management bonuses (approximately $1.2 million) and an increase in salaries (approximately $0.4 million).  Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease of legal fees (approximately $0.6 million) for the three months ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $42.3 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2018 include costs of marketing and advertising, sales expenses (including broker commissions) and other general and administrative costs, as well as $0.9 million of management transition related expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.3 million, or 0.8%, for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017. This increase was primarily related to an approximately $2.8 million increase in salaries and benefits ($1.6 million of costs related to the vesting of stock grants earned by certain members of the senior management team over the past three fiscal years, as well as $1.2 million due in part to higher headcount). Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease in bad debt (approximately $1.2 million), a decrease in accrued management bonuses (approximately $0.7 million) and a decrease in legal fees (approximately $0.5 million) for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2017.

Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities

Three months ended July 31, 

Nine months ended July 31, 

2018

Change

2017

2018

Change

2017

(Dollars in thousands)

(Dollars in thousands)

Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities

$

(3,677)

(847.4)

%  

$

492

$

(3,399)

(3,876.7)

%  

$

90

Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities includes our allocation of earnings or losses from our investments in FreshRealm, LLC (FreshRealm) and Agricola Don Memo, S.A. de S.V. (Don Memo).

For the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, we recognized $0.2 million of losses and $0.5 in income related to Don Memo.  For the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, we recognized $0.1 million of losses and $0.1 in income related to Don Memo. 

For the three and nine months ended July 31, 2018, we recognized $3.5 million of losses related to FreshRealm.  While we are unable to determine with certainty the future operating results of FreshRealm and future non-Calavo investments, if any, we anticipate recording additional non-cash losses from FreshRealm during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.  See Note 4 and 13 in our consolidated financial statements for more information.

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Provision for Income Taxes

Three months ended  July 31, 

Nine months ended July 31, 

2018

Change

2017

2018

Change

2017

Provision for income taxes

$

3,403

(8.5)

%  

$

3,719

$

12,469

(10.2)

%  

$

13,883

Effective tax rate

21.6

%  

29.7

%  

27.2

%  

34.0

%

Our tax provision is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate and adjusted for discrete taxable events that may occur during the quarter. In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded $1.7 million in one-time, non-cash charges related to the revaluation of our net deferred tax assets (approx. $1.4 million) and the transition tax on the deemed repatriation of foreign earnings (approx. $0.3 million). In addition, we recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the first quarters ended in fiscal 2018 and 2017, pursuant to ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting .  We recognize the effects of tax legislation in the period in which the law is enacted. Our deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years we estimate the related temporary differences to reverse Based on the Tax Act and a change accelerating certain tax deductions on our 2017 federal tax return, we recorded $0.8 million of a tax benefit as a discrete item during our third fiscal quarter of 2018.  Additionally, we also recorded approximately $0.2 million of tax expense related to return to provision differences upon the filing of the 2017 tax return during our third fiscal quarter of 2018.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities was $40.0 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, compared to cash provided by operations of $41.2 million for the similar period in fiscal 2017.  Operating cash flows for the nine months ended July 31, 2018 reflect our net income of $33.4 million, non-cash activities (depreciation and amortization, stock compensation expense, deferred taxes, (loss) income from unconsolidated entities and gain on the disposal of fixed assets) of $20.3 million and a net decrease in the non-cash components of our operating capital of approximately $13.7 million.

The working capital decrease includes a net decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $8.7 million, an increase in inventory of $5.0 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $3.6 million, an increase in other assets of $3.2 million, an increase in advances to suppliers of $0.8 million and an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $0.2 million, partially offset by an increase in payable to growers of $5.5 million, a decrease in income taxes receivable of $1.4 million and an increase in income taxes payable of $0.9 million.

The decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses is primarily related to a decrease in our payables related to RFG . The increase in inventory is primarily related to an increase in the volume of avocados on hand at July 31, 2018 when compared to October 31, 2017. Inventory volumes also increased in both our Foods and RFG segments.  The increase in our accounts receivable, as of July 31, 2018 when compared to October 31, 2017, primarily reflects higher sales recorded in the month of July 2018, as compared to October 2017. The increase in other assets is due to an increase in Mexican IVA tax receivable (see Note 11 to our consolidated condensed financial statements). The increase in advances to suppliers primarily reflects more pre-season advances outstanding to our tomato growers in July 2018, compared to October 2017. The increase in payable to growers primarily reflects an increase in our Mexican and Californian avocado grower liability due primarily to higher volumes.  The decrease in income taxes receivable and the increase in income taxes payable is primarily related to the taxes on current year earnings and the change in the tax rate due to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act legislation that passed December 22, 2017. 

Cash used in investing activities was $14.7 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, which primarily related to property, plant and equipment purchases of $11.5 million and an investment of $3.5 million into FreshRealm, partially offset by proceeds received from the repayment of the San Rafael note of $0.3 million. For the nine months ended July 31, 2017, cash used for investing activities was $48.5 million, which primarily related to expansion projects for RFG segment (including more than $19 million for the purchase of the new Riverside plant) and for the Fresh segment, and 

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investments in FreshRealm of $7.2 million and Don Memo of $0.5 million, partially offset by proceeds received from the repayment of the San Rafael note of $0.3 million

Cash used by financing activities was $29.9 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2018, which related principally to the payment of our $16.7 million dividend,  payments on our credit facilities totaling $12.0 million, and the payment of minimum withholding taxes on net share settlement of equity awards of $1.2 million.  For the nine months ended July 31, 2017, cash from financing activities was $2.3 million, which related principally to receipts on our credit facilities totaling $19.0 million, partially offset by the payment of our $15.7 million dividend and for the purchase of the noncontrolling interest of Salsa Lisa of $1.0 million.

Our principal sources of liquidity are our existing cash balances, cash generated from operations and amounts available for borrowing under our existing Credit Facility.  Cash and cash equivalents as of July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017 totaled $2.0 million and $6.6 million. Our working capital at July 31, 2018 was $40.1 million, compared to $3.7 million at October 31, 2017.

We believe that cash flows from operations and the available Credit Facility will be sufficient to satisfy our future capital expenditures, grower recruitment efforts, working capital and other financing requirements for at least the next twelve months.  We will continue to evaluate grower recruitment opportunities and expand relationships with retail and/or foodservice customers to fuel growth in each of our business segments.  We have a revolving credit facility with Bank of America as administrative agent and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. as joint lead arranger and sole bookrunner, and Farm Credit West, as joint lead arranger. Under the terms of this agreement, we are advanced funds for both working capital and long-term productive asset purchases.  Total credit available under this agreement is $80 million, and will expire in June 2021. Upon notice to Bank of America, we may from time to time, request an increase in the Credit Facility by an amount not exceeding $50 million. For our current credit agreement the weighted-average interest rate was 3.0% and 2.2% at July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017.  Under these credit facilities, we had $8.0 million and $20.0 million outstanding as July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017. 

This Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for agreements of this type, including the following financial covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis: (a) a quarterly consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 2.50 to 1.00 and (b) a quarterly consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.15 to 1.00. We were in compliance with all such covenants at July 31, 2018. 

Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes to our contractual commitments, from those previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended October 31, 2017. For a summary of the contractual commitments at October 31, 2017, see Part II, Item 7, in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 to the consolidated condensed financial statements that are included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, payable to growers, accounts payable, current and long-term borrowings pursuant to our credit facilities with financial institutions, and long-term, fixed-rate obligations.  All of our financial instruments are entered into during the normal course of operations and have not been acquired for trading purposes.  The table below summarizes interest rate sensitive financial instruments and presents principal cash flows in U.S. dollars, which is our reporting currency, and weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates, as of July 31, 2018.

(All amounts in thousands)

Expected maturity date July 31,

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents (1)

$

2,029

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

2,029

$

2,029

Accounts receivable (1)

73,412

-

-

-

-

-

73,412

73,412

Liabilities

Payable to growers (1)

$

22,025

$

    -

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

22,025

$

22,025

Accounts payable (1)

16,338

-

-

-

-

-

16,338

16,338

Current borrowings pursuant to credit facilities (1)

8,000

    -

-

-

-

-

8,000

8,000

Fixed-rate long-term obligations (2)

118

122

122

106

 -

 -

468

485

(1)

We believe the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, advances to suppliers, payable to growers, accounts payable, and current borrowings pursuant to credit facilities approximate their fair value due to the short maturity of these financial instruments.

(2)

Fixed-rate long-term obligations bear interest rates ranging from 4.0% to 4.3% with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.2%.  We project the impact of an increase or decrease in interest rates of 100 basis points would result in a change of fair value of approximately $10,000.

We were not a party to any derivative instruments during the fiscal year.  It is currently our intent not to use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Additionally, we do not use any hedging or forward contracts to offset market volatility. 

Our Mexican affiliates transact business primarily in Mexican pesos. Funds are transferred by our corporate office to Mexico on a weekly basis to satisfy the domestic cash needs of our Mexican affiliates. We do not currently use derivative instruments to hedge fluctuations in the Mexican peso to U.S. dollar exchange rates.  Management does, however, evaluate this opportunity from time to time. Total foreign currency transaction gains for the three months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, net of losses, was $0.1 million and $0.4 million. Total foreign currency transaction losses for the nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017, net of gains, was $0.2 million and $0.1 million.

ITEM 4 . CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended July 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATIO N

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDING S

From time to time, we are also involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business that we do not believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.

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See Note 7 in our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding legal proceedings.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTOR S

For a discussion of our risk factors, see Part 1, item 1A "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2017.  There have been no material changes from the risk factors set forth in such Annual Report on Form 10-K.  However, the risks and uncertainties that we face are not limited to those set forth in the 2017 Form 10-K.  Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business and the trading price of our common stock.

ITEM 6. EXHIBIT S

10.1

FreshRealm, LLC, Sixth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement.

10.2

First Amendment to FreshRealm, LLC, Sixth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement.

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 7241, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certification by Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

101

The following financial information from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Calavo Growers, Inc. for the quarter ended July 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (1) Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017; (2) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017; (3) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017; (4) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2018 and 2017; and (5) Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit

Number

Description

10.1

FreshRealm, LLC, Sixth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement