UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010

2011

OR

¨
oTRANSITION 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
California
(State of incorporation)
 33-0945304
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1141-A Cummings Road, Santa Paula, CA
93060
(Address of principal executive offices) 93060
(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (805) 525-1245

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

 

Name Of Each Exchange

Title of Each ClassOn Which Registered

Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value per Share Nasdaq Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yeso¨    Noþx

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yeso¨    Noþx

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.    Yesþx    Noo¨

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).    Yesox    Noo¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.o¨

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

Large accelerated filer ¨   
Large acceleratedAccelerated filero Acceleratedx
Non-accelerated filerþ Non-accelerated fileroSmaller reporting companyo
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company¨

Indicate by check mark if whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yeso¨    Noþx

Based on the closing price as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates on April 30, 20102011 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $207.0$262.9 million. Shares of Common Stock held by each executive officer and director and by each shareholder affiliated with a director or an executive officer have been excluded from this calculation because such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes. The number of outstanding shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock as of November 30, 20102011 was 14,711,833.

14,770,433.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 20112012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which we intend to hold on April 27, 201125, 2012 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. The definitive Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after October 31, 2010.

2011.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
Item 1. Business
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. [Removed and Reserved.]
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accountant’s Fees and Services
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
SIGNATURES
EX-10.18
EX-23.1
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7, contains forward-looking statements relating to futurethat involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If the risks or uncertainties ever materialize or the assumptions prove incorrect, the results of Calavo Growers, Inc. (including certain projectionsInc and business trends) that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements frequently are identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” and other similar expressions. Our actual resultsits consolidated subsidiaries (CG) may differ materially from those projected as a resultexpressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include,historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including, but are not limited to: increased competition, general economicto, any projections of revenue, margins, expenses, 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 business conditions, energy costsobjectives of management for future operations, including execution of restructuring and availability, conducting substantial amountsintegration plans; any statements regarding current or future macroeconomic trends or events and the impact of business internationally, pricingthose trends and events on CG and its financial performance; any statements regarding pending investigations, claims or 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 on agriculturalfaced by CG’s businesses; the development and transition of new products adverse weather and growing conditions confronting avocado growers, new governmental regulations, as well asservices (and the enhancement of existing products and services) to meet customer needs; integration and other risks associated with business combinations; the hiring and uncertainties,retention of key employees; the resolution of pending investigations, claims and disputes; and other risks that are described herein, including, those set forthbut not limited to, the items discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A. Risk Factors1A of this report, and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and those detailedthat are otherwise described or updated from time to time in our other filings with theCG’s Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertakeCommission reports. CG assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise thethese forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

statements.

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PART I

Item 1. Business

General development of the business

Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo, the Company, we, us or our) procures, is a global leader in the avocado industry and markets avocados and other perishable commodities and prepares and distributes processed avocado products.an expanding provider of value-added fresh food. Our expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, processedprepared avocados, and other perishable foods allows us to deliver a wide array of fresh and processedprepared food products to food distributors, produce wholesalers, supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants on a worldwide basis. We procure avocados principally from California, Mexico, and Chile. Through our various operating facilities, in Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Texas, and Mexico, we sort, pack, and/or ripen avocados, tomatoes and/or Hawaiian grown papayas for distributionpapayas. Additionally, we also produce salsa and prepare ready-to-eat produce and deli products. We distribute our products both domestically and internationally. We also have an operating facility in Minnesota that produces salsa. Weinternationally and report our operations in two different business segments: (1) Fresh products and (2) CalavoFoods.Calavo Foods. See Note 11 in our consolidated financial statements for further information about our business segments. Our principal executive offices are located at 1141-A Cummings Road, Santa Paula, California 93060; telephone (805) 525-1245.

On October 9, 2001, we completed a series of transactions whereby common and preferred shareholders of Calavo Growers of California (the Cooperative), an agricultural marketing cooperative association, exchanged all of their outstanding shares for shares of our common stock. Concurrent with this transaction, the Cooperative was merged into us with Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo) emerging as the surviving entity. These transactions had the effect of converting the legal structure of the business from a non-profit cooperative to a for-profit corporation.

In June 2011, Calavo, CG Mergersub LLC (Newco), Renaissance Food Group, LLC (RFG) and Liberty Fresh Foods, LLC, Kenneth Catchot, Cut Fruit, LLC, James Catchot, James Gibson, Jose O. Castillo, Donald L. Johnson and RFG Nominee Trust (collectively, the Sellers) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 25, 2011 (the Acquisition Agreement), which sets forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which Calavo would acquire a 100 percent ownership interest in RFG. Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, Newco, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Calavo, merged with and into RFG, with RFG as the surviving entity. RFG is a fresh-food company that produces, markets, and distributes nationally a portfolio of healthy, high quality products for consumers via the retail and foodservice channels. See Note 17 in our consolidated financial statements for further information.

In February 2010, Calavo, Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC (CSL), Lisa’s Salsa Company (LSC) and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, entered into an Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated February 8, 2010 (the Acquisition Agreement), which sets forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which Calavo acquired a 65 percent ownership interest in newly created CSL which acquired substantially all of the assets of LSC. Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, through LSC, hold the remaining 35 percent ownership of CSL. LSC is a regional producer in the upper Midwest of Salsa Lisa refrigerated salsas. We believe that this line of salsas will further diversify our product offerings and will be a natural complement to our ultra-high-pressure guacamole, as well as our Calavo tortilla chips.

In June 2009, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary: Calavo Inversiones (Chile) Limitada) entered into a joint venture agreement with Exportadora M5, S.A. (M5) for the purpose of selling and distributing Chilean sourced avocados, as well as other perishable commodities. Such joint venture operates under the name of Calavo de Chile and commenced operations in July 2009. M5 and Calavo each have an equal one-half ownership interest in Calavo de Chile, but M5 has overall management responsibility for the operations of Calavo De Chile.

In June 2007, we entered into a distribution agreement with Agricola Belher (Belher) of Mexico, a well-established quality producer of fresh vegetables, primarily tomatoes, for export to the U.S. market. Pursuant to such distribution agreement, Belher agreed, at their sole cost and expense, to harvest, pack, export, ship, and deliver tomatoes exclusively to our company, primarily our Arizona facility. In exchange, we agreed to sell and distribute such tomatoes, make advances to Belher for operating purposes, provide additional advances as shipments are made during the season (subject to limitations, as defined), and return the proceeds from such tomato sales to Belher, net of our commission and aforementioned advances. The agreement also allows for us to advance additional amounts to Belher at our sole discretion. In June 2011, we entered into an addendum that extended the distribution agreement with Belher. This agreement expires in July 2019.

We also entered into an infrastructure agreement in June 2007 with Belher, which was extended through the addendum in June 2011, in order to significantly increase production yields and fruit quality. Pursuant to this agreement, we made advances to be used solely for the acquisition, construction, and installation of improvements to and on certain land owned/controlled by Belher, as well as packing line equipment. Advances incur interest at 4.7% and 6.5% at October 31, 2011 and 2010. We have advanced a total of $4.2 million and $2.4 million as of October 31, 2011 and 2010 ($0.8 million and $1.2 million included in prepaid expenses and other

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current assets and $3.4 million and $1.2 million included in other long-term assets). Belher is to annually repay these advances in no less than 20% increments through July 2016. Interest is to be paid monthly or annually, as defined. Belher may prepay, without penalty, all or any portion of the advances at any time. In order to secure their obligations pursuant to both agreements discussed above, Belher granted us a first-priority security interest in certain assets, including cash, inventory and fixed assets, as defined.

In August 2006, we entered into a joint venture agreement with San Rafael Distributing (SRD) for the purpose of the marketing, sale and distribution of fresh produce from the existing location of SRD at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market (Terminal Market), located in Los Angeles, California. Such joint venture operates under the name of Maui Fresh International, LLC (Maui Fresh) and commenced operations in August 2006. SRD and Calavo each have an equal one-half ownership interest in Maui Fresh, but SRD has overall management responsibility for the operations of Maui Fresh at the Terminal Market.

     In June 2007, we entered into a distribution agreement with Agricola Belher (Belher) of Mexico, a well-established quality producer of fresh vegetables, primarily tomatoes, for export to the U.S. market. Pursuant to such distribution agreement, Belher agreed, at their sole cost and expense, to harvest, pack, export, ship, and deliver tomatoes exclusively to our company, primarily our Arizona facility. In exchange, we agreed to sell and distribute such tomatoes, advance $2 million to Belher for operating purposes, provide additional advances as shipments are made during the season (subject to limitations, as defined), and return the proceeds from such tomato sales to Belher, net of our commission and aforementioned advances. The agreement also allows for us to advance additional amounts to Belher at our sole discretion.
     We also entered into an infrastructure agreement in June 2007 with Belher in order to significantly increase production yields and fruit quality. Pursuant to this agreement, we are to advance up to $5.0 million to be used solely for the acquisition, construction, and installation of improvements to and on certain land owned by Belher, as well as packing line equipment. Advances incur interest at6.5% and 6.8% at October 31, 2010 and 2009. We advanced $2.4 million and $4.2 million as of October 31, 2010 and 2009 ($1.2 million and $1.8 million included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $1.2 million and $2.4 million included in other long-term assets). Belher is to annually repay these advances in no less than 20% increments through July 2012. Interest is to be paid monthly or annually, as defined. Belher may prepay, without penalty, all or any portion of the advances at any time. In order to secure their obligations pursuant to both agreements discussed above, Belher granted us a first-priority security interest in certain assets, including cash, inventory and fixed assets, as defined.
     In May 2008, we purchased all of the outstanding shares of Hawaiian Sweet, Inc. (“HS”) and all ownership interests of Hawaiian Pride, LLC (“HP”) from the Chairman of our Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President. HS and HP engage in tropical-product packing and processing operations in Hawaii. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, we made an initial purchase price payment in the aggregate amount of $3,500,000 for both entities on May 20, 2008. We then made two additional annual payments, based on certain operating results (the “Earn-Out Payment(s)”), as defined. The first Earn-Out payment, which was made on September 23, 2009, totaled approximately $2.4 million. The second, and final, Earn-Out payment, which was made on July 9, 2010, totaled approximately $4.5 million.
     In June 2009, we (through a newly created wholly owned subsidiary: Calavo Inversiones (Chile) Limitada) entered into a joint venture agreement with Exportadora M5, S.A. (M5) for the purpose of selling and distributing Chilean sourced avocados, as well as other perishable commodities. Such joint venture operates under the name of Calavo de Chile and commenced operations in July 2009. M5 and Calavo each have an equal one-half ownership interest in Calavo de Chile, but M5 has overall management responsibility for the operations of Calavo De Chile.

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     On February 8, 2010, Calavo Growers, Inc. (“Calavo”), Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC (“Calavo Salsa Lisa”), Lisa’s Salsa Company (“LSC”) and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, entered into an Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated February 8, 2010 (the “Acquisition Agreement”), which sets forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which Calavo acquired a 65 percent ownership interest in newly created Calavo Salsa Lisa which acquired substantially all of the assets of LSC. Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, through LSC, hold the remaining 35 percent ownership of Calavo Salsa Lisa. LSC is a regional producer in the upper Midwest of Salsa Lisa refrigerated salsas. We believe that this new line of salsas will further diversify our product offerings and will be a natural complement to our ultra-high-pressure guacamole, as well as our recently introduced Calavo tortilla chips. See Note 16 in our consolidated financial statements for further information.
Available information

We maintain an Internet website at http://www.calavo.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other information related to us, are available, free of charge, on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file those documents with, or otherwise furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our Internet website and the information contained therein, or connected thereto, is not and is not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Fresh products

Calavo was founded in 1924 to market California avocados. In California, the growing area stretches from San Diego County to Monterey County, with the majority of the growing areas located approximately 100 miles north and south of Los Angeles County. The storage life of fresh avocados is limited. It generally ranges from one to four weeks, depending upon the maturity of the fruit, the growing methods used, and the handling conditions in the distribution chain.

We sell avocados to a diverse group of supermarket chains, wholesalers, food service and other distributors, under the Calavo family of brand labels, as well as private labels. From time to time, some of our larger customers seek short-term sales contracts that formalize their pricing and volume requirements. Generally, these contracts contain provisions that establish a price floor and/or ceiling during the contract duration. In our judgment, the shift by our customers to drafting sales contracts benefits large handlers like us, which have the ability to fulfill the terms of these contracts. During fiscal year 2011, our 5 and 25 largest fresh customers represented approximately 22% and 44% of our total consolidated revenues. During fiscal year 2010, our 5 and 25 largest fresh customers represented approximately 24% and 48% of our total consolidated revenues. During fiscal year 2009,2011 none of our 5 and 25 largest fresh customers represented approximately 20% and 46%more than 10% of our total consolidated revenues. During fiscal year 2010, one fresh customer represented approximately 11% of our total consolidated revenues. During fiscal yearsyear 2009 and 2008 none of our fresh customers represented more than 10% of total consolidated revenues.

The Hass variety is the predominant avocado variety marketed on a worldwide basis. Generally, California grown Hass avocados are available year-round, with peak production periods occurring between January through October. Other varieties have a more limited picking season and generally command a lower price. Approximately 1,9501,900 California growers deliver avocados to us, generally pursuant to a standard marketing agreement. Over the past several years, our share of the California avocado crop has remained strong, with approximately 30%28% of the 20102011 shipped California avocado crop handled by us, based on data published by the California Avocado Commission. We attribute our solid foothold in the California industry principally to the competitiveness of the per pound returns we pay and the communication and service we maintain with our growers.

California avocados delivered to our packinghouses are graded, sized, packed, cooled and, frequently, ripened for delivery to customers. Our ability to estimate the size, as well as the timing of the delivery of the annual avocado crop, has a substantial impact on both our costs and the sales price we receive for the fruit. To that end, our field personnel maintain direct contact with growers and farm managers and coordinate harvest plans. The feedback from our field-managers is used by our sales department to prepare sales plans used by our direct sales force.

A significant portion of our California avocado handling costs is fixed. As a result, significant fluctuations in the volume of avocados delivered have a considerable impact on the per pound packing costs of avocados we handle. Generally, larger crops will result in a lower per pound handling cost. We believe that our cost structure is geared to optimally handle larger avocado crops. Our strategy calls for continued efforts in aggressively recruiting new growers, retaining existing growers, and procuring a larger percentage of the California avocado crop.

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California avocados delivered to us are grouped as a homogenous pool on a weekly basis based on the variety, size, and grade. The proceeds we receive from the sale of each separate avocado pool, net of a packing and marketing fee to cover our costs and a profit, are paid back to the growers once each month. The packing and marketing fee we withhold is determined by our Chief

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Executive Officer and is revised from time to time based on our estimated per pound packing and operating costs, as well as our operating profit. This fee is a fixed rate per pound packed. Significant competitive pressures dictate that our grower returns are set at the highest possible level to attract new and retain existing grower business. We believe that, if net proceeds paid ceased to be competitive, growers would simply choose to deliver their avocados to alternate competitive handlers. Consequently, we strive to deliver growers the highest return possible on avocados delivered to our packinghouses.

The California avocado market is highly competitive with 9 major avocado handlers. A marketing order enacted by the state legislature is in effect for California grown avocados and provides the financial resource to fund generic advertising and promotional programs. Avocados handled by us are identifiable through packaging and the Calavo brand name sticker.

We also import avocados from Mexico, Chile, Peru, New Zealand and Peru.the Dominican Republic. Our strategy is to increase our market share of currently sourced avocados to all accepted marketplaces. We believe our diversified avocado sources provide a level of supply stability that may, over time, help solidify the demand for avocados among consumers in all the markets we distribute to.

We typically purchase Mexican avocados from growers and packers located in Mexico. The purchase price we pay for fruit acquired from Mexican growers is generally negotiated for substantially all the fruit in a particular grove. Once a purchase price is agreed to, the fruit is then harvested and delivered to our packinghouse located in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico. Once delivered, such fruit is weighed, graded, sized, packed, and cooled for shipment, primarily to the United States. Fruit purchased directly from Mexican packers however, is alreadyused as a supplemental source and is packed to our standards for shipment to either our customers or our operating facilities. This fruit is packed pursuant to our standards and is generally for additional, specific sizes we require. In either case, the purchase price of Mexican avocados is generally based our estimated selling prices of such fruit, less anticipated packing and/or selling costs and our desired margin. We believe these two sources allow us to maximize both the timely acquisition, as well as purchase price, of Mexican fruit.

Similar to California avocados, a significant portion of our handling costs for Mexican avocados are fixed. As a result, significant fluctuations in the volume of Mexican avocados delivered to our packinghouse can have a considerable impact on the per pound packing costs of avocados we handle. Generally, larger crops will result in a lower per pound handling cost. We believe that our cost structure for Mexican avocados is geared to optimally handle larger avocado crops.

We believe that our continued success in marketing Mexican avocados is largely dependent upon securing a reliable, high-quality supply of avocados at reasonable prices, and keeping the handling costs low as we ship the Mexican avocados to our packinghouses. We are subject to USDA and other regulatory inspections to ensure the safety and the quality of the fruit being delivered from Mexico. The Mexican avocado harvest, which is often considerably larger than the California avocado harvest, is both complimentary and competitive with the California market, as the Mexican harvest is near year round (most significant from September to June). As a result, it is common for Mexican growers to monitor the supply of avocados for export to the United States in order to obtain higher field prices. During 2010,2011, we packed and distributed approximately 21%23% of the avocados exported from Mexico into the United States and approximately 5% of the avocados exported from Mexico to countries other than the United States, based on our estimates.

We also handle avocados from Chile and Peru, most of which are on a consignment basis with the suppliers.our growers. Pursuant to our joint venture agreement with M5, Calavo de Chile is now the primary contact with our Chilean avocado sources. Our commission percentages often range frompercentage is approximately 8% to 10%. Additionally, from time to time, we may purchase Chilean sourced avocados. Pursuant to our consignment arrangements, we occasionally make advances to both Chilean and Peruvian growers. Historically, we made such advances related to both pre-harvest and post-harvest activities, but our focus during fiscal 20092010 and 20102011 was primarily related to post-harvest activities. Typically, we obtain collateral (i.e. fruit, fixed assets, etc.) that approximates the value at risk, prior to making such advances. Historical experience demonstrates that providing post-harvest advances results in our acquiring full market risk for the product, as it is possible (although unlikely) that our resalesale proceeds may be less than the amounts we paid to the grower. This is a result of the high level of volatility inherent in the avocado and perishable food markets, which are subject to significant pricing declines based on the availability of fruit in the market. In the event that we do make a pre-season advance, our ability to recover such pre-harvest advance would be largely dependent on the growers’ ability to deliver avocados to us, as well as the inherent risks of farming, such as weather and pests.

Sales of Chilean grown avocados have generally been significant during our 4th and 1st fiscal quarters. Additionally, with the Chilean harvesting season being complimentary to the California season (August through February), Chilean avocados are able to command competitive retail pricing in the market. During 2010,2011, we distributed approximately 5% of the total Chilean avocados imported into the United States, based on our estimates.

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We have developed a series of marketing and sales initiatives primarily aimed at our largest customers that are designed to differentiate our products and services from those offered by our competitors. Some of these key initiatives are as follows:

We continue to have success with our ProRipeVIP™ avocado ripening program. This proprietary program allows us to deliver avocados evenly ripened to our customers’ specifications. We have invested in the Aweta AFS (acoustic firmness sensor) technology and equipment. ProRipeVIP™ is the next generation of selling conditioned avocados that have firmness determined via soundwaves. This technology is fairly new to avocados. The most significant and compelling reason we invested in the Aweta systems is because the acoustic sensors measure firmness of the entire piece of fruit, as opposed to competitive mechanical tests that use pressure and calculated averages to measure firmness. We believe that ripened avocados help our customers address the consumers’ immediate needs and accelerate the sale of avocados through their stores. We currently have three Aweta systems in use in the United States, which, we believe, can effectively meet our customers’ demand for conditioned fruit.

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We have developed various display techniques and packages that appeal to consumers and, in particular, impulse buyers. Some of our techniques include the bagging of avocados and the strategic display of the bags within the produce section of retail stores. Our research has demonstrated that consumers generally purchase a larger quantity of avocados when presented in a bag as opposed to the conventional bulk displays. We also believe that the value proposition of avocados in a bag provides for a higher level of sales to grocery stores.


We continue to have success with our ProRipeVIP™ avocado ripening program. This proprietary program allows us to deliver avocados evenly ripened to our customers’ specifications. We have invested in the Aweta AFS (acoustic firmness sensor) technology and equipment. ProRipeVIP™ is the next generation of selling conditioned avocados that have firmness determined via soundwaves. This technology is fairly new to avocados. The most significant and compelling reason we invested in the Aweta systems is because the acoustic sensors measure firmness of the entire piece of fruit, as opposed to competitive mechanical tests that use pressure and calculated averages to measure firmness. We believe that ripened avocados help our customers address the consumers’ immediate needs and accelerate the sale of avocados through their stores. We currently have three Aweta systems in use in the United States, which, we believe, can effectively meet our customers’ demand for conditioned fruit.
We have developed various display techniques and packages that appeal to consumers and, in particular, impulse buyers. Some of our techniques include the bagging of avocados and the strategic display of the bags within the produce section of retail stores. Our research has demonstrated that consumers generally purchase a larger quantity of avocados when presented in a bag as opposed to the conventional bulk displays. We also believe that the value proposition of avocados in a bag provides for a higher level of sales to grocery stores.
From time to time, we market our avocados under joint promotion programs with other food manufacturers. Under these programs, we seek to increase the promotional exposure of our products by providing certain sales incentives. These incentives will be offered in conjunction with various promotional campaigns designed to advertise the products of all parties involved. We believe these programs will help us minimize our advertising costs, as they will be shared with other parties, while still achieving recognition in the marketplace.
Perishable food products include various commodities, including tomatoes, papayas, mushrooms, and pineapples. The majority of our sales are generated from tomatoes and papayas. Tomatoes are primarily handled on a consigned basis, while papayas are handled on a poolpooling basis, similar to the California avocado pool previously described. Sales of our diversified Fresh products do not generally experience significant fluctuations related to seasonality. We believe our efforts in distributing our other various commodities complement our offerings of avocados.
CalavoFoods

Calavo Foods

The CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods segment was originally conceived as a mechanism to stabilize the price of California avocados by reducing the volume of avocados available to the marketplace. In the 1960’s and early 1970’s, we pioneered the process of freezing avocado pulp and developed a wide variety of guacamole recipes to address the diverse tastes of consumers and buyers in both the retail and food service industries. One of the key benefits of frozen products is their long shelf-life. With the introduction of low cost processed products delivered from Mexican based processors, however, we realigned the segment’s strategy by shifting the fruit procurement and pulp processing functions to Mexico. In 1995, we invested in a processing plant in Mexicali, Mexico to derive the benefit of competitive avocado prices available in Mexico.

Through January 2003, the primary function of our Mexicali processed operation was to produce pulp for our Santa Paula plant. Our processing facility in Santa Paula, California would receive the pulp from Mexicali, add ingredients, and package the product in various containers. The product would then be frozen for storage with shipment to warehouses and, ultimately, to our customers. From January 2003 to August 2004, however, our Mexicali processed operations became primarily focused on our individually quick frozen (IQF) avocado half product line and one of our ultra high-pressure lines. Our IQF line provides food service and retail customers with peeled avocado halves that are ripe and suitable for immediate consumption. These halves were frozen, packaged and shipped out of Mexicali to warehouses located in the U.S., and, ultimately, to our customers.

In February 2003, our Board of Directors approved a plan whereby the operations of our CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods business would be relocated. The plan called for the closing of our Santa Paula, California and Mexicali, Baja California Norte (Mexicali) processing facilities and relocating these operations to a new facility in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico (Uruapan). This restructuring has provided for cost savings in the elimination of certain transportation costs, duplicative overhead structures, and savings in the overall cost of labor and services. The Uruapan facility commenced operations in February 2004 and the Santa Paula and Mexicali facilities ceased production in February 2003 and August 2004. Net sales of frozen products, typically sold to foodservices customers, represented approximately 54%51% and 53%54% of total CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods segment sales for the years ended October 31, 20102011 and 2009.

2010.

We utilize ultra high pressure machines which are designed to “cold pasteurize” our guacamole products. Using high pressure only, this procedure substantially destroys the cells of any bacteria that could lead to spoilage, food safety, or oxidation issues. Once the procedure is complete, our packaged guacamole is packagedcased and shipped to various retail and food service customers throughout the markets we service. In fiscal year 2010, we put a second 215L ultra high pressure machine into service. These machines, which are located in Uruapan, pressurize all guacamole product lines, within CalavoFoods, including all frozen products, which begun in fiscal 2010. We estimate

6


our operating capacity for these two machines to be approximately 80% as of October 31, 2010. A 3rd ultra high pressure machine, with a larger capacity of 350L, has been ordered and is expected to bewas put into service during our second fiscal quarter of 2011.2011, but experienced a serious mechanical failure shortly after installation. In the first quarter of 2012, this machine was replaced with a new 350L capacity machine. We believeestimate our operating capacity withfor the two 215L machines that were operational at year end to be approximately 95%.

6


We estimate that our operating capacity for all three ultra high pressure machines willto be 71% and we believe this reasonable given our current sales projections and expected growth. Net sales of our ultra high pressure (fresh) products, typically sold to retail customers, represented approximately 46%49% and 47%46% of total CalavoFoodsguacamole products within the Calavo Foods segment sales for the years ended October 31, 20102011 and 2009.

2010.

Sales in the U.S. and Canada are made principally through a commissioned nationwide broker network, which is supported by our regional sales managers. Our guacamole hummus is being sold on an exclusive basis through a leading national grocery chain under a one-year agreement. We believe that our marketing strength is distinguished by providing quality products, innovation, year-round product availability, strategically located warehouses, and market relationships. During fiscal year 2011, our 5 and 25 largest processed product customers represented approximately 9% and 17 % of our total consolidated revenues. During fiscal year 2010, our 5 and 25 largest processed product customers represented approximately 6% and 11% of our total consolidated revenues. During fiscal yearyears 2011, 2010 and 2009 our 5 and 25 largest processed product customers represented approximately 7% and 12% of our total consolidated revenues. During fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 none of our processed product customers represented more than 10% of total consolidated revenues.

In February 2010, we entered into an Acquisition Agreement, which sets forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which we acquired a 65 percent ownership interest in newly created Calavo Salsa LisaCSL which acquired substantially all of the assets of LSC. Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, through LSC, hold the remaining 35 percent ownership of Calavo Salsa Lisa.CSL. LSC is a regional producer in the upper Midwest of Salsa Lisa refrigerated salsas. We believe that this new line of salsassalsa will further diversify our product offerings and will be a natural complement to our ultra-high-pressure guacamole, as well as our recently introduced Calavo tortilla chips.

In June 2011, Calavo, CG Mergersub LLC (Newco), Renaissance Food Group, LLC (RFG) and Liberty Fresh Foods, LLC, Kenneth Catchot, Cut Fruit, LLC, James Catchot, James Gibson, Jose O. Castillo, Donald L. Johnson and RFG Nominee Trust (collectively, the Sellers) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 25, 2011 (the Acquisition Agreement), which sets forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which Calavo would acquire a 100 percent ownership interest in RFG. Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, Newco, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Calavo, merged with and into RFG, with RFG as the surviving entity. RFG is a fresh-food company that produces, markets, and distributes nationally a portfolio of healthy, high quality products for consumers via the retail channel. See Note 17 in our consolidated financial statements for further information.

Sales and Other Financial Information by Business Segment and Product Category

Sales and other financial information by business segment are provided in Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements that are included in this Annual Report.

Patents and Trademarks

Our trademarks include the Calavo and RFG brand name and related logos. We also utilize the following trademarks in conducting our business: Avo Fresco, Bueno, Calavo Gold, Calavo Salsa Lisa, Salsa Lisa, Celebrate the Taste, El Dorado, Fresh Ripe, Select, Taste of Paradise, The First Name in Avocados, Tico, Mfresh, Maui Fresh International, and Triggered Avocados, ProRipeVIP™, Garden Highway Fresh Cut, Garden Highway, and ProRipeVIP™.

Garden Highway Chef Essentials.

Working Capital Requirements

Generally, we make payments to our avocado growers and other suppliers in advance of collecting all of the related accounts receivable. We generally bridge the timing between vendor payments and customer receipts by using operating cash flows and commercial bank borrowings. In addition, we provide crop loans and other advances to some of our growers, which are also funded through operating cash flows and borrowings.

Non-California sourced avocados and perishable food products often require working capital to finance the payment of advances to suppliers and collection of accounts receivable. These working capital needs are also financed through the use of operating cash flows and bank borrowings.

With respect to our CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods business, we require working capital to finance the production of our processed avocado products, building and maintaining an adequate supply of finished product, and collecting our accounts receivable balances. These working capital needs are financed through the use of operating cash flows and bank borrowings.

Backlog

Our customers do not place product orders significantly in advance of the requested product delivery dates. Customers typically order perishable products two to ten days in advance of shipment, and typically order CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods within thirty days in advance of shipment.

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Research and Development

     We do

Prior to the acquisition of RFG, we did not undertake significant research and development efforts. Research and development programs, if any, arewere limited to the continuous process of refining and developing new techniques to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods operations and the handling, ripening, storage, and packing of fresh avocados.

7

With the acquisition of RFG, however, we have an increased emphasis on research and development for new and improved products which is driven by customer requests, changes in product specifications, customer and market research and/or innovative ideas generated by our own team of experts with food processing and culinary backgrounds. We solicit customer and supplier input, review process and product trends and conduct sensory and shelf life testing, all to expand the category and drive new sales for our customers. Research and development costs are charged to cost of sales when incurred. Total research and development costs for fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009, were less than $0.1 million.


Compliance with Government Regulations

The California State Department of Food and Agriculture oversees the packing and processing of California avocados and conducts tests for fruit quality and packaging standards. All of our packages are stamped with the state seal as meeting standards. Various states have instituted regulations providing differing levels of oversight with respect to weights and measures, as well as quality standards.

As a manufacturer and marketer of processed avocado products, our operations are subject to extensive regulation by various federal government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the USDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as well as state and local agencies, with respect to production processes, product attributes, packaging, labeling, storage and distribution. Under various statutes and regulations, these agencies prescribe requirements and establish standards for safety, purity and labeling. In addition, advertising of our products is subject to regulation by the FTC, and our operations are subject to certain health and safety regulations, including those issued under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Our manufacturing facilities and products are subject to periodic inspection by federal, state and local authorities.

As a result of our agricultural and food processing activities, we are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations govern the treatment, handling, storage and disposal of materials and waste and the remediation of contaminated properties.

We seek to comply at all times with all such laws and regulations and to obtain any necessary permits and licenses, and we are not aware of any instances of material non-compliance. We believe our facilities and practices are sufficient to maintain compliance with applicable governmental laws, regulations, permits and licenses. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that we will be able to comply with any future laws and regulations or requirements for necessary permits and licenses. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations or obtain any necessary permits and licenses could subject us to civil remedies including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions.

Employees

As of October 31, 2010,2011, we had 1,1571,509 employees, of which 428672 were located in the United States and 729837 were located in Mexico. We do not have a significant number of United States employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement. 603710 of Calavo’s Mexican employees are represented by a union. We consider the relationship with our employees to be good and we have never experienced a significant work stoppage.

With the acquisition of RFG, we added 57 salaried employees and 193 hourly employees in the United States as of October 31, 2011.

The following is a summary of the number of “salaried” and “hourly” employees as of October 31, 2010.

             
Location Salaried  Hourly  Total 
United States  116   312   428 
Mexico  126   603   729 
          
TOTAL  242   915   1,157 
          
2011.

Location

  Salaried   Hourly   Total 

United States

   175     497     672  

Mexico

   127     710     837  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

   302     1,207     1,509  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risks Related to Our Business

We are subject to increasing competition that may adversely affect our operating results.

The market for avocados and processed avocado products is highly competitive and affects each of our businesses. Each of our businesses is subject to competitive pressures, including the following:

California avocados are impacted by an increasing volume of foreign grown avocados being imported into the United States. Recently, there have been significant plantings of avocados in Mexico, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Peru and other parts of the world, which have had, and will continue to have, the effect of increasing the volume of foreign grown avocados entering the United States market.

California avocados are impacted by an increasing volume of foreign grown avocados being imported into the United States. Recently, there have been significant plantings of avocados in Mexico, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Peru and other parts of the world, which have had, and will continue to have, the effect of increasing the volume of foreign grown avocados entering the United States market.
California avocados are subject to competition from other California avocado handlers. If we are unable to consistently pay California growers a competitive price for their avocados, these growers may choose to have their avocados marketed by alternate handlers.
Non-California sourced avocados and perishable food products are impacted by competitors operating in Mexico. Generally, handlers of Mexican grown avocados operate facilities that are substantially smaller than our facility in Uruapan, Mexico. If we are unable to pack and market a sufficient volume of Mexican grown avocados, smaller handlers will have a lower per unit cost and be able to offer Mexican avocados at a more competitive price to our customers.
Non-California sourced avocados and perishable food products are also subject to competition from other California avocado handlers that market Chilean grown avocados. If we are unable to consistently pay Chilean packers a competitive price for their avocados, these packers may choose to have their avocados marketed by alternate handlers.

California avocados are subject to competition from other California avocado handlers. If we are unable to consistently pay California growers a competitive price for their avocados, these growers may choose to have their avocados marketed by alternate handlers.

Non-California sourced avocados and perishable food products are impacted by competitors operating in Mexico. Generally, handlers of Mexican grown avocados operate facilities that are substantially smaller than our facility in Uruapan, Mexico. If we are unable to pack and market a sufficient volume of Mexican grown avocados, smaller handlers will have a lower per unit cost and be able to offer Mexican avocados at a more competitive price to our customers.

Non-California sourced avocados and perishable food products are also subject to competition from other California avocado handlers that market Chilean grown avocados. If we are unable to consistently pay Chilean packers a competitive price for their avocados, these packers may choose to have their avocados marketed by alternate handlers.

We are subject to the risks of doing business internationally.

We conduct a substantial amount of business with growers and customers who are located outside the United States. We purchase avocados from foreign growers and packers, sell fresh avocados and processed avocado products to foreign customers, and operate a packinghouse and a processing plant in Mexico. In the most recent years, there has been an increase in organized crime in Mexico. This has not had an impact on our operations, but this does increase the risk of doing business in Mexico. We are also subject to regulations imposed by the Mexican government, and also to examinations by the Mexican tax authorities (See Note 8 in the consolidated financial statements). Significant changes to these government regulations and to assessments by the Mexican tax authorities can have a negative impact on our operations and operating results in Mexico. For additional information about our non-California sourced fruit, see the “Business” section included in this Annual Report.

Our current international operations are subject to a number of inherent risks, including:

Local economic and political conditions, including disruptions in trading and capital markets;

Local economic and political conditions, including disruptions in trading and capital markets;
Restrictive foreign governmental actions, such as restrictions on transfers of funds and trade protection measures, including export duties and quotas and customs duties and tariffs; and
Changes in legal or regulatory requirements affecting foreign investment, loans, taxes, imports, and exports

Restrictive foreign governmental actions, such as restrictions on transfers of funds and trade protection measures, including export duties and quotas and customs duties and tariffs; and

Changes in legal or regulatory requirements affecting foreign investment, loans, taxes, imports, and exports

Currency exchange fluctuations may impact the results of our operations.

Currency exchange rate fluctuations, depending upon the nature of the changes, may make our domestic-sourced products more expensive compared to foreign grown products or may increase our cost of obtaining foreign-sourced products. Because we do not hedge against our foreign currency exposure, our business has increased susceptibility to foreign currency fluctuations.

We and our growers are subject to the risks that are inherent in farming.

Our results of operations may be adversely affected by numerous factors over which we have little or no control and that are inherent in farming, including reductions in the market prices for our products, adverse weather and growing conditions, pest and disease problems, and new government regulations regarding farming and the marketing of agricultural products.

Our earnings are sensitive to fluctuations in market prices and demand for our products.

Excess supplies often cause severe price competition in our industry. Growing conditions in various parts of the world, particularly weather conditions such as windstorms, floods, droughts and freezes, as well as diseases and pests, are primary factors affecting market prices because of their influence on the supply and quality of product.

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Fresh produce is highly perishable and generally must be brought to market and sold soon after harvest. The selling price received for each type of produce depends on all of these factors, including the availability and quality of the produce item in the market, and the availability and quality of competing types of produce.

In addition, general public perceptions regarding the quality, safety or health risks associated with particular food products could reduce demand and prices for some of our products. To the extent that consumer preferences evolve away from products that we produce for health or other reasons, and we are unable to modify our products or to develop products that satisfy new consumer preferences, there will be a decreased demand for our products.

Increases in commodity or raw product costs, such as fuel, packaging, and paper, could adversely affect our operating results.

Many factors may affect the cost and supply of fresh produce, including external conditions, commodity market fluctuations, currency fluctuations, changes in governmental laws and regulations, agricultural programs, severe and prolonged weather conditions and natural disasters. Increased costs for purchased fruit have in the past negatively impacted our operating results, and there can be no assurance that they will not adversely affect our operating results in the future.

The price of various commodities can significantly affect our costs. Fuel and transportation cost is a significant component of the price of much of the produce that we purchase from growers, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to pass on to our customers the increased costs we incur in these respects.

The cost of paper is also significant to us because some of our products are packed in cardboard boxes. If the price of paper increases and we are not able to effectively pass these price increases along to our customers, then our operating income will decrease.

We are subject to the risk of product liability claims.

The sale of food products for human consumption involves the risk of injury to consumers. Such injuries may result from tampering by unauthorized third parties, product contamination or spoilage, including the presence of foreign objects, substances, chemicals, other agents, or residues introduced during the growing, storage, handling or transportation phases. While we are subject to governmental inspection and regulations and believe our facilities comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, we cannot be sure that consumption of our products will not cause a health-related illness in the future or that we will not be subject to claims or lawsuits relating to such matters. Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products caused illness or injury could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and our corporate and brand image.

We are subject to possible changing USDA and FDA regulations which govern the importation of foreign avocados into the United States and the processing of processed avocado products.

The USDA has established, and continues to modify, regulations governing the importation of avocados into the United States. Our permits that allow us to import foreign-sourced avocados into the United States generally are contingent on our compliance with these regulations. Our results of operations may be adversely affected if we are unable to comply with existing and modified regulations and are unable to secure avocado import permits in the future.

The FDA establishes, and continues to modify, regulations governing the production of processed avocado products, such as the new Food Safety Modernization Act, which implements mandatory preventive controls for food facilities and compliance with mandatory produce safety standards. Our results of operations may be adversely affected if we are unable to comply with these existing and modified regulations.

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The acquisition of other businesses could pose risks to our operating income.

We intend to review acquisition prospects that would complement our business. While we are not currently a party to any agreement with respect to any acquisitions, we may acquire other businesses in the future. Future acquisitions by us could result in accounting charges, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, and increased debt and contingent liabilities, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and the market price of our common stock. Acquisitions entail numerous risks, including the assimilation of the acquired operations, diversion of management’s attention to other business concerns, risks of entering markets in which we have limited prior experience, and the potential loss of key employees of acquired organizations. We may be unable to successfully integrate businesses or the personnel of any business that might be acquired in the future, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business and on the market price of our common stock.

Our ability to competitively serve our customers is a function of reliable and low cost transportation. Disruption of the supply of these services and/or significant increases in the cost of these services could impact our operating income.

We use multiple forms of transportation to bring our products to market. They include ocean, truck, and air-cargo. Disruption to the timely supply of these services or dramatic increases in the cost of these services for any reason including availability of fuel for such services, labor disputes, or governmental restrictions limiting specific forms of transportation could have an adverse effect on our ability to serve our customers and consumers and could have an adverse effect on our financial performance.

We depend on our infrastructure to have sufficient capacity to handle our annual production needs.

We have an infrastructure that has sufficient capacity for our production needs, but if we lose machinery or facilities due to natural disasters or mechanical failure, we may not be able to operate at a sufficient capacity to meet our production needs. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, which could impact our results of operations and our financial condition.

We depend on our key personnel and if we lose the services of any of these individuals, or fail to attract and retain additional key personnel, we may not be able to implement our business strategy or operate our business effectively.

Our future success largely depends on the contributions of our senior management team. We believe that these individuals’ expertise and knowledge about our industry and their respective fields and their relationships with other individuals in our industry are critical factors to our continued growth and success. We do not carry key person insurance. The loss of the services of any member of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects. Our success also depends upon our ability to attract and retain additional qualified sales, marketing and other personnel.

A portion of our workforce is unionized and labor disruptions could decrease our profitability.

While we believe that our relations with our employees are good, we cannot assure you that we will be able to negotiate collective bargaining agreements on favorable terms, or at all, and without production interruptions, including labor stoppages. A prolonged labor dispute, which could include a work stoppage, could have a material adverse effect on the portion of our business affected by the dispute, which could impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

System security risks, data protection breaches, cyber-attacks and systems integration issues could disrupt our internal operations or services provided to customers, and any such disruption could reduce our expected revenue, increase our expenses, damage our reputation and adversely affect our stock price.

Experienced computer programmers and hackers may be able to penetrate our network security and misappropriate or compromise our confidential information or that of third parties, create system disruptions or cause shutdowns. Computer programmers and hackers also may be able to develop and deploy viruses, worms, and other malicious software programs that attack our products or otherwise exploit any security vulnerabilities of our products. In addition, sophisticated hardware and operating system software and applications that we produce or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture, including “bugs” and other problems that could unexpectedly interfere with the operation of the system. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate cyber or other security problems, bugs, viruses, worms, malicious software programs and security vulnerabilities could be significant, and our efforts to address these problems may not be successful and could result in interruptions, delays, cessation of service and loss of existing or potential customers that may impede our sales, manufacturing, distribution or other critical functions.

Portions of our IT infrastructure also may experience interruptions, delays or cessations of service or produce errors in connection with systems integration or migration work that takes place from time to time. We may not be successful in implementing new systems and transitioning data, which could cause business disruptions and be more expensive, time consuming, disruptive and

11


resource-intensive. Such disruptions could adversely impact our ability to fulfill orders and interrupt other processes. Delayed sales, lower margins or lost customers resulting from these disruptions have adversely affected in the past, and in the future could adversely affect, our financial results, stock price and reputation.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

The value of our common stock may be adversely affected by market volatility.

The trading price of our common stock fluctuates and may be influenced by many factors, including:

Our operating and financial performance and prospects;

Our operating and financial performance and prospects;
The depth and liquidity of the market for our common stock;
Investor perception of us and the industry and markets in which we operate;
Our inclusion in, or removal from, any equity market indices;
Changes in earnings estimates or buy/sell recommendations by analysts; and
General financial, domestic, international, economic and other market conditions;

The depth and liquidity of the market for our common stock;

Investor perception of us and the industry and markets in which we operate;

Our inclusion in, or removal from, any equity market indices;

Changes in earnings estimates or buy/sell recommendations by analysts; and

General financial, domestic, international, economic and other market conditions;

Our ability to raise capital in the future may be limited, and our failure to raise capital when needed could prevent us from executing our growth strategy.

The timing and amount of our working capital and capital expenditure requirements may vary significantly depending on many factors, including:

Market acceptance of our products; and

Market acceptance of our products; and
The existence of opportunities for expansion.

The existence of opportunities for expansion.

If our capital resources are not sufficient to satisfy our liquidity needs, we may seek to sell additional equity or obtain additional debt financing. The sale of additional equity would result in dilution to our shareholders. Additional debt would result in increased

11


expenses and could result in covenants that would restrict our operations. With the exception of our existing credit facility, we have not made arrangements to obtain additional financing. We may not be able to obtain additional financing, if required, in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

We lease our corporate headquarters building from Limoneira Company (Limoneira) located in Santa Paula, California. Additionally, we ownIn addition, RFG leases their corporate office in Ranch Cordova, California. We have numerous facilities throughout the United States, and two packinghouses and one distribution and ripening facility (our former processing facility)facilities in California, and lease one facility inMexico. See the following states: Arizona, Hawaii, New Jersey, Texas, and Minnesota. Also, we own one processing facility and one packinghouse in Mexico.

table for a summary of our locations:

United States LocationsLocations:

     Our two California facilities handle avocados delivered to us by

Packinghouses:

Leased or Owned:

City

State

Description

Owned

Santa PaulaCaliforniaHandles California, Mexican, and Chilean avocados. The facility was purchased in 1955 and has had equipment improvements substantially equivalent to our Temecula facility. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.

Owned

TemeculaCaliforniaHandles California, Mexican, and Chilean avocados. The facility was built in 1985 and has been improved in capacity and efficiency since then. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.

12


Operating and Chilean growers. The Temecula, California facility was built in 1985Distributing Facilities:

Leased or Owned:

City

State

Description

Owned

Santa PaulaCaliforniaOperates as a ripening, storage and shipping facility for our fresh avocado operations. Additionally, it also serves to store and ship certain processed avocado products as well. Also, effective December 2005, we sort and pack certain diversified commodities as well. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to pack and ripen, if necessary, the expected annual volume of avocados and specialty commodities delivered to us.

Leased

SwedesboroNew JerseyPrimarily ripens, sorts, packs, and ships avocados. Additionally, it also serves to store and ship certain tropical commodities as well. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.

Leased

GarlandTexasPrimarily ripens, sorts, packs and ships fresh avocados. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.

Leased

NogalesArizonaPrimarily ripens, sorts, packs and ships, tomatoes, and other diversified commodities as well. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.

Leased

HiloHawaiiPrimarily sorts, packs, and ships papayas. We believe that the annual capacity will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.

Owned

HiloHawaiiPrimarily provides irradiation services for produce grown in Hawaii. We believe that the annual capacity will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.

Leased

St. PaulMinnesotaCSL facility that produces salsa. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.

Leased

HoustonTexasRFG facility that primarily processes cut fruits and vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.

Leased

SacramentoCaliforniaRFG facility that primarily processes cut fruits and vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.

Mexico Locations:

Packinghouse and has been improved in capacity and efficiency since then. The Santa Paula, California facility was purchased in 1955 and has had equipment improvements substantially equivalent to our Temecula facility. We believe that the combined annual capacity of the two packinghouses, under normal workweek operations, is sufficient to pack the annually budgeted volume of California avocados delivered to us by our growers.

     Our Santa Paula, California processing facility was built in 1975 and had a major expansion in 1988. In conjunction with our restructuring plan, which was approved in February 2003, this facility ceased operating as a processed product avocado processing facility and now functions primarily as a ripening, storage and shipping facility for our fresh avocado operations. Additionally, it also serves to store and ship certain processed avocado products as well. Also, effective December 2005, we sort and pack certain tropical commodities as well. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to pack and ripen, if necessary, the expected annual volume of avocados and specialty commodities delivered to us.
     Our leased Nogales, Arizona facility primarily sorts, packs, ripens, and ships, tomatoes, avocados, and other tropical commodities as well. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.
     Our leased Swedesboro, New Jersey facility primarily sorts, packs, ripens, and ships avocados. Additionally, it also serves to store and ship certain tropical commodities as well. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.
     Our leased Garland, Texas primarily ripens, sorts, packs and ships fresh avocados. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.
     Our leased Hawaiian facility primarily sorts, packs, and ships papayas. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.
     During fiscal 2010, through the acquisition of Calavo Salsa Lisa, we now have a 65 percent ownership interest in a Minnesota facility that produces salsa. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle our budgeted annual production needs.
Mexico LocationsProcessing Facility:
     Our processing facility in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico was constructed pursuant to our restructuring plan approved in February 2003. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to process our budgeted annual production needs.
     Our fresh avocado packinghouse located in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico sorts, packs, and ships avocados delivered to us by Mexican growers. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to process our budgeted annual production needs.

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Leased or Owned:

City

State

Description

Owned

UruapanMichoacanOur processing facility was constructed pursuant to our restructuring plan approved in February 2003 and has undergone improvements since then. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to process our budgeted annual production needs.

Owned

UruapanMichoacanHandles avocados delivered to us by Mexican growers. The facility, which was previously leased, was built in 1985 and has been improved in capacity and efficiency since then. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to process our budgeted annual production needs.

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we become involved in legal proceedings that are related to our business operations. We are not currently a party to any legal proceedings that could have a material adverse effect upon our financial position or results of operations.

Item 4. [Removed and Reserved.]

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table sets forth the name, age and position of individuals who hold positions as executive officers of our company. There are no family relationships between any director or executive officer and any other director or executive officer of our company. Executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board.

Name

  Age  

Position

Lecil E. Cole

  
NameAgePosition
Lecil E. Cole7172  Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President

Arthur J. Bruno

  6061  Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

Robert J. Wedin

  6162  Vice President, Sales and Fresh Marketing

Alan C. Ahmer

  6263  Vice President, Processed Product Sales and Production

Michael A. Browne

  5253  Vice President, Fresh Operations

Lecil E. Colehas been a member of our board of directors since February 1982 and has served as Chairman of the Board since 1988. Mr. Cole has also served as our Chief Executive Officer and President since February 1999. He served as an executive of Safeway Stores from 1964 to 1976 and as Chairman of Central Coast Federal Land Bank from 1986 to 1996. Mr. Cole has served as Chairman and President of Hawaiian Sweet, Inc. and Tropical Hawaiian Products, Inc. since 1996. Mr. Cole farms approximately 4,400 acres in California on which avocados and cattle are produced and raised.

Arthur J. Brunohas served as our Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary since October 2003. During fiscal 2004, Mr. Bruno also assumed the title and responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer. From 1988 to 2003, Mr. Bruno served as the president and co-founder of Maui Fresh International, Inc. Mr. Bruno is a Certified Public Accountant.

Robert J. Wedinhas served as our Vice President since 1993. Mr. Wedin joined us in 1973 at our then Santa Barbara packinghouse. Beginning in 1990, Mr. Wedin served as a director of the California Avocado Commission for a period of ten years. Mr. Wedin currently is a board member of Producesupply.org and serves as a member of that organization’s executive committee.

Alan C. Ahmerhas served as our Vice President since 1989. Mr. Ahmer joined us in 1979 as a regional sales manager in our CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods business. In September 2003, Mr. Ahmer’s new title became Vice-President, CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods Sales and Production.

Michael A. Brownehas served as our Vice President since 2005. From 1997 until joining us, Mr. Browne served as the founder and co-owner of Fresh Directions International, a closely held multinational fresh produce company, which marketed fresh avocados from Mexico, Chile, and the Dominican Republic. Mr. Browne joined us in May 2005.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

In March 2002, our common stock began trading on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “CVGW.” In July 2002, our common stock began trading on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “CVGW” and currently trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

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The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
         
Fiscal 2010 High  Low 
First Quarter $18.58  $14.99 
Second Quarter $18.74  $15.85 
Third Quarter $21.06  $15.25 
Fourth Quarter $21.83  $18.68 
         
Fiscal 2009 High  Low 
First Quarter $13.34  $5.93 
Second Quarter $14.49  $10.22 
Third Quarter $20.01  $11.82 
Fourth Quarter $20.30  $16.29 

Fiscal 2011

  High   Low 

First Quarter

  $23.80    $20.99  

Second Quarter

  $23.55    $19.70  

Third Quarter

  $21.74    $18.70  

Fourth Quarter

  $22.88    $17.90  

Fiscal 2010

  High   Low 

First Quarter

  $18.58    $14.99  

Second Quarter

  $18.74    $15.85  

Third Quarter

  $21.06    $15.25  

Fourth Quarter

  $21.83    $18.68  

As of November 30, 2010,2011, there were approximately 1,0951,042 stockholders of record of our common stock.

During the year ended October 31, 2010,2011, we did not issue any shares of common stock that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, and weexcept for the shares issued with the acquisition of RFG, which is discussed in Note 17 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock.

Dividend Policy

Our dividend policy is to provide for an annual dividend payment, as determined by the Board of Directors. We anticipate paying dividends in the first quarter of our fiscal year.

On December 12, 2011, we paid a $0.55 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $8,123,000 to shareholders of record on December 2, 2011.

On December 13, 2010, we paid a $0.55 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $8,092,000 to shareholders of record on December 1, 2010.

     On December 11, 2009, we paid a $0.50 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $7,252,000 to shareholders of record on December 1, 2009.

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15


Item 6. Selected Financial Data

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following summary consolidated financial data (other than pounds information) for each of the years in the five-year period ended October 31, 20102011 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Calavo Growers, Inc.

Historical results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected in any future period. The following data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that are included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

                     
  Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 
  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
  (In thousands, except per share data) 
Income Statement Data: (1)(2)
                    
Net sales $398,351  $344,765  $361,474  $302,984  $273,723 
Gross margin  51,530   44,533   33,181   31,772   29,084 
Net income  17,640   13,611   7,725   7,330   5,788 
Basic net income per share $1.22  $0.94  $0.54  $0.51  $0.40 
Diluted net income per share $1.22  $0.94  $0.53  $0.51  $0.40 
Balance Sheet Data as of End of Period:
                    
Working capital $14,801  $12,052  $15,413  $16,334  $12,023 
Total assets  150,198   122,749   134,422   127,920   107,563 
Current portion of long-term obligations  1,369   1,366   1,362   1,307   1,308 
Long-term debt, less current portion  6,089   13,908   25,351   13,106   10,406 
Shareholders’ equity  88,257   69,487   65,517   74,003   58,943 
Cash Flows Provided by (Used in):
                    
Operations $18,198  $21,997  $5,296  $4,629  $7,819 
Investing(3)  (7,721)  (5,990)  (7,454)  (7,950)  (4,663)
Financing  (10,288)  (16,641)  2,700   4,238   (4,239)
Other Data:
                    
Dividends declared per share $0.55  $0.50  $0.35  $0.35  $0.32 
Net book value per share $6.04  $4.79  $4.52  $5.15  $4.12 
Pounds of California avocados sold  170,650   53,000   92,165   91,038   218,460 
Pounds of non-California avocados sold  123,700   162,950   123,740   135,723   70,063 
Pounds of processed avocados products sold  21,651   21,259   22,274   22,556   20,489 

   Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 
   2011  2010  2009  2008  2007 
   (In thousands, except per share data) 

Income Statement Data: (1)(2)

      

Net sales

  $522,529   $398,351   $344,765   $361,474   $302,984  

Gross margin

   42,861    51,530    44,533    33,181    31,772  

Net income

   10,954    17,640    13,611    7,725    7,330  

Basic net income per share

  $0.75   $1.22   $0.94   $0.54   $0.51  

Diluted net income per share

  $0.75   $1.22   $0.94   $0.53   $0.51  

Balance Sheet Data as of End of Period(1):

      

Working capital

  $8,642   $14,801   $12,052   $15,413   $16,334  

Total assets

   185,323    150,198    122,749    134,422    127,920  

Current portion of long-term obligations

   5,448    1,369    1,366    1,362    1,307  

Long-term debt, less current portion

   18,244    6,089    13,908    25,351    13,106  

Shareholders’ equity

   95,780    88,257    69,487    65,517    74,003  

Cash Flows Provided by (Used in):

      

Operations

  $7,866   $19,979   $22,504   $5,296   $4,629  

Investing(1)(3)

   (20,907  (9,502  (6,497  (7,454  (7,950

Financing

   14,751    (10,288  (16,641  2,700    4,238  

Other Data:

      

Dividends declared per share

  $0.55   $0.55   $0.50   $0.35   $0.35  

Net book value per share

  $6.52   $6.04   $4.79   $4.52   $5.15  

Pounds of California avocados sold

   84,913    170,650    53,000    92,165    91,038  

Pounds of non-California avocados sold

   156,973    123,700    162,950    123,740    135,723  

Pounds of processed avocados products sold

   18,811    21,651    21,259    22,274    22,556  

(1)Operating results for fiscal 2011 and balance sheet data as of end of period include the acquisition of RFG from the date of acquisition of June 1, 2011. For fiscal year 2011, RFG net sales, gross margins, and net income before taxes were $56.7 million, $4.3 million and $1.2 million. We have paid the Sellers $14.2 million in cash, net of adjustments based on RFG’s financial condition at closing. See Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of this acquisition.
(2)Operating results for fiscal 2011 and 2010 include the acquisitions of Calavo Salsa LisaCSL from the date of acquisition of February 8, 2010. For fiscal year 2011, CSL’s net sales and gross losses were $1.8 million and $0.3 million. Net loss was not significant. For fiscal year 2010, Calavo Salsa Lisa’sCSL’s net sales and gross losses were $0.8 million and $0.4 million. Net loss was not significant. See Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of these acquisitions.this acquisition.
(2)Operating results for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 include the acquisitions of HS and HP. Such acquisitions, however, did not significantly impact trends or results of operations for fiscal 2008, as such acquisitions substantially replaced the previous consigned arrangement.
(3)For fiscal years 2010 and 2009,year 2011, we have not made anya $3.0 million infrastructure advances to Agricola Belher. For fiscal year 2010, we did not make an infrastructure advances to Agricola Belher paid $1.8Belher. We collected $1.2 million and $0.5$1.8 million in fiscal years 20102011 and 20092010 related to infrastructure advances.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with “Selected Consolidated Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that appear elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, those presented under “Risks related to our business” included in Item 1A and elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Overview

We are a leader in the distribution of avocados, prepared avocado products, and other perishable food products throughout the United States. Our history and expertise in handling California grown avocados has allowed us to develop a reputation of delivering quality products, at competitive prices, while providing competitive returns to our growers. This reputation has enabled us to expand our product offerings to include avocados sourced on an international basis, prepared avocado products, and other perishable foods. We report our operations in two different business segments: (1) Fresh products and (2) CalavoFoods.Calavo Foods. See Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Our Fresh products business grades, sizes, packs, cools, and ripens (if desired) avocados for delivery to our customers. We presently operate two packinghouses and three packinghouses in Southern California.operating and distributing facilities that handle avocados across the United States. These packinghouses handled approximately 30%28% of the California avocado crop during the 20102011 fiscal year, based on data obtained from the California Avocado Commission. Our operating results and the returns we pay our growers are highly dependent on the volume of avocados delivered to our packinghouses, as a significant portion of our costs areis fixed. Our strategy calls for continued efforts to retain and recruit growers that meet our business model. Additionally, our Fresh products business also procures avocados grown in Chile, Mexico and Peru, as well as other various commodities, including tomatoes, papayas, mushrooms, and pineapples. We operate a packinghouse in Mexico that, together with certain co-packers that we frequently purchase fruit from, handled approximately 21%23% of the Mexican avocado crop bound for the United States market and approximately 5% of the avocados exported from Mexico to countries other than the United States during the 2009-20102010-2011 Mexican season, based on our estimates. Additionally, during the 2009-20102010-2011 Chilean avocado season, we handled approximately 5% of the Chilean avocado crop, based on our estimates. Our strategy is to increase our market share of currently sourced avocados to all accepted marketplaces. We believe our diversified avocado sources provides a level of supply stability that may, over time, help solidify the demand for avocados among consumers in the United States and elsewhere in the world. We believe our efforts in distributing our other various commodities, such as those shown above, complement our offerings of avocados. From time to time, we continue to explore distribution of other crops that provide reasonable returns to the business.

Our CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods business procures avocados, processes avocados into a wide variety of guacamole products, and distributes the processed product to our customers. All of our prepared avocado products are now “cold pasteurized” and include both frozen and fresh guacamole. Additionally, we also prepare various fresh salsa products. Customers include both food service industry and retail businesses. Due to the long shelf-life of our frozen guacamole and the purity of our fresh guacamole, we believe that we are well positioned to address the diverse taste and needs of today’s customers. Additionally, we also prepare various fresh salsa products and ready-to-eat produce and deli products. See Note 16 and Note 17 for additional information related to the acquisitions of CSL and RFG. Customers include both food service industry and retail businesses. We continue to seek to expand our relationships with major food service companies and develop alliances that will allow our products to reach a larger percentage of the marketplace.

Net sales of frozen products represented approximately 54%51% and 53%54% of total processed segment sales for the years ended October 31, 20102011 and 2009.2010. Net sales of our ultra high pressure products represented approximately 46%49% and 47%46% of total processed segment sales for the years ended October 31, 20102011 and 2009.

     Our Fresh products business is characterized by crop volume and price changes. Furthermore, the2010.

The operating results of all of our businesses including our CalavoFoods business, have been, and will continue to be, affected by quarterly and annual fluctuations and market downturns due to a number of factors, such as pests and disease, weather patterns, changes in demand by consumers, the timing of the receipt, reduction, or cancellation of significant customer orders, the gain or loss of significant customers, market acceptance of our products, our ability to develop, introduce, and market new products on a timely basis, availability and cost of avocados and supplies from growers and vendors, new product introductions by our competitors, change in the mix of avocados and CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods we sell, and general economic conditions. We believe, however, that we are currently positioned to address these risks and deliver favorable operating results for the foreseeable future.

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Recent Developments

Dividend Payment

On December 13, 2010,12, 2011, we paid a $0.55 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $8,092,000$8,123,000 to shareholders of record on December 1, 2010.

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2, 2011.


Earn-Out Payment
     In May 2008, we purchased all of the outstanding shares of Hawaiian Sweet (HS) and all ownership interests of Hawaiian Pride (HP) from the Chairman of our Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President. HS and HP engage in tropical-product packing and processing operations in Hawaii. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, we made an initial purchase price payment in the aggregate amount of $3,500,000 for both entities on May 20, 2008. We then made two additional annual payments, based on certain operating results (the “Earn-Out Payment(s)”), as defined. The first annual Earn-Out payment, which was made on September 23, 2009, totaled approximately $2.4 million. The second, and final, annual Earn-Out payment, which was made on July 9, 2010, totaled approximately $4.5 million.
Contingencies

Hacienda Suits— We are currently under examination by the Mexican tax authorities (Hacienda) for the tax yearyears ended December 31, 2000. We have2004, and 2005.

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2011, we received an assessment totaling approximately $2.0 millionupdate from Hacienda related toour outside legal counsel regarding the amountexamination of income at our Mexican subsidiary. Subsequent to that initial assessment, the Hacienda offered a settlement of approximately $400,000, which we declined. In the second quarter of 2009, we won our appeal case. The Hacienda subsequently appealed that decision and the case was sent back to the tax court due to administrative error by such jurisdiction. During the second quarter of 2010, we once again won our appeal and, once again, the Hacienda appealed the decision and the case has been sent back to the tax court. We do not believe that the resolution of this examination will have a significant impact on our results of operations.

     We are currently under examination by the Mexican tax authorities (Hacienda) for the tax year ended December 31, 2004. We have received an assessment totaling approximately $4.5 million from Hacienda related toThe appellate court upheld a lower court’s decision on the amount of income at our Mexican subsidiary, which primarily is related to three issues, one of which represents the majority of the total assessment (the primary assessment). In the fourth quarter of 2010,two remaining items that we received a favorable ruling from the tax court related to the primary assessment, butpreviously received an unfavorable ruling related to the remaining issues. We appealed the unfavorable rulings, whichon. Based on discussions with our legal counsel, however, we believe are without merit. We do not believe that there were certain administrative errors made by the resolutionappellate court and that one of this examinationthe outstanding tax issues will have a significant impact on our resultsbe resolved in favor of operations.
     In the second quarter of 2009,Company, while the Hacienda initiated an examination related to the tax year ended December 31, 2007 as well. We are not aware of any assessmentsother remaining issue remains unsettled. The total assessment related to this examination nor dois estimated to be approximately $2.4 million. Based on discussion with our legal counsel, we expect this examination to have a significant impactbelieve that it is more likely than not that we will be successful in our defense and our tax position will be upheld based solely on our resultsthe technical merits of operations.
the tax position. As such, no accrual has been recorded as of October 31, 2011.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we received an assessment totaling approximately $720,000 related to the tax year ended December 31, 2005. This assessment relates to depreciation expense taken on suchour 2005 tax return. Based on discussions with legal counsel, we believe that the Hacienda’s position is without merit and do not believe that the resolution of this examination will have a significant impact on our results of operations.

     We pledged

The Hacienda has concluded their examination for the year ended December 31, 2007, noting no changes. In addition, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the examination of the tax year ended December 31, 2000 was settled by the court in our CalavoFoods building located in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico as collateral tofavor.

RFG acquisition

Calavo, CG Mergersub LLC (Newco), Renaissance Food Group, LLC (RFG) and Liberty Fresh Foods, LLC, Kenneth Catchot, Cut Fruit, LLC, James Catchot, James Gibson, Jose O. Castillo, Donald L. Johnson and RFG Nominee Trust (collectively, the Hacienda in regards to these assessments.

     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.
Acquisition
     On February 8, 2010, Calavo Growers, Inc. (“Calavo”), Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC (“Calavo Salsa Lisa”), Lisa’s Salsa Company (“LSC”) and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson,Sellers) entered into an Asset PurchaseAgreement and Contribution Agreement,Plan of Merger dated February 8, 2010May 25, 2011 (the “Acquisition Agreement”)Acquisition Agreement), which sets forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which Calavo acquiredwould acquire a 65100 percent ownership interest in RFG. Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, Newco, a newly createdformed Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Calavo, Salsa Lisa which acquired substantially allmerged with and into RFG, with RFG as the surviving entity. RFG is a fresh-food company that produces, markets, and distributes nationally a portfolio of healthy, high quality products for consumers via the retail channel. The acquisition closed on June 1, 2011.

Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement and based on the fair value of Calavo’s common stock on June 1, 2011, we agreed to pay on the closing date approximately $16 million, payable in a combination of cash and shares of unregistered Calavo common stock, as described below in greater detail. In addition, if RFG attains specified financial goals for certain 12-month periods prior to the fifth anniversary of the closing, we have agreed to pay RFG up to an additional approximate $84 million in earn-out consideration, based on the fair value of Calavo’s common stock on June 1, 2011, payable in cash and shares of unregistered Calavo common stock, as described below in greater detail. As a result, if the maximum earn-out consideration is earned, the total consideration payable to RFG pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement could be approximately $100 million. The fair value of consideration is currently being determined by the Company and will be less than the maximum consideration noted above.

The Acquisition Agreement contains covenants, representations and warranties of Calavo and RFG that are customary for transactions of this type. Prior to entering into the Acquisition Agreement, and other than with respect to the Acquisition Agreement, neither we, nor any of our officers, directors, or affiliates had any material relationship with RFG or the Sellers.

We have paid the Sellers $14.2 million in cash, net of adjustments based on RFG’s financial condition at closing, and issued the Sellers 43,000 shares of unregistered Calavo common stock.

If RFG’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for any 12-month period commencing after the closing date and ending prior to the fifth anniversary of the closing date, are equal to or greater than $8 million, and RFG has concurrently reached a corresponding revenue achievement, we have agreed to pay the Sellers $5 million in cash and to issue to the Sellers 827,000 shares of unregistered Calavo common stock, representing total consideration of approximately $24 million. This

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represents the maximum that can be awarded pursuant to the 1st earn-out payment. In the event that the maximum EBITDA and revenue achievements have not been reached within five years after the closing date, but RFG’s 12-month EBITDA during such period equals or exceeds $6 million and RFG has concurrently reached a corresponding revenue achievement, a sliding-scale, as defined, will be used to calculate payment. The minimum amount to be paid in the sliding-scale related to the 1st earn-out payment is approximately $14 million, payable in both cash and shares of unregistered Calavo common stock. RFG has five years to achieve any consideration pursuant to the 1st earn-out payment.

Assuming that the maximum earn-out payment has been achieved in the 1st earn-out payment, if RFG’s EBITDA, for a 15-month period commencing after the closing date and ending prior to the fifth anniversary of the closing date, is equal to or greater than $15 million for each of the 12-month periods therein, and RFG has concurrently reached a corresponding revenue achievement, we have agreed to pay the Sellers $50 million in cash and to issue to the Sellers 434,783 shares of unregistered Calavo common stock, representing total consideration of approximately $60 million. This represents the maximum that can be awarded pursuant to the 2nd earn-out payment. In the event that the maximum EBITDA and revenue achievements have not been reached within five years after the closing date, but RFG’s 12-month EBITDA during such period equals or exceeds $10 million, and RFG has concurrently reached a corresponding revenue achievement, a sliding-scale will be used to calculate payment. The minimum amount to be paid in the sliding-scale related to the 2nd earn-out payment is approximately $27 million, payable in both cash and shares of unregistered Calavo common stock. RFG has five years to achieve any consideration pursuant to the 2nd earn-out payment.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and equity issued at the date of LSC. Elizabeth Nicholsonacquisition (in thousands). We obtained third-party valuations for the long-term assets acquired and Eric Nicholson, through LSC, hold the remaining 35 percent ownership of Calavo Salsa Lisa. LSC is a regional producerincurred approximately $0.3 million in acquisition costs, which have been expensed in selling, general and administrative expenses in the upper Midwestperiod incurred. For the two months ended July 31, 2011, since the acquisition of Salsa Lisa refrigerated salsas. We believe that this new lineRFG, total selling, general and administrative expenses for RFG was $1.2 million.

At June 1, 2011

Current assets

  $10,491  

Property, plant, and equipment

   4,580  

Goodwill

   14,264  

Other assets

   117  

Intangible assets

   8,690  
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

   38,142  

Current liabilities

   (12,292

Contingent consideration

   (7,774

Long-term obligations

   (2,894

Additional paid-in capital

   (952
  

 

 

 

Net non-cash assets acquired

  $14,230  
  

 

 

 

Of the $8,690,000 of salsas will further diversify our product offeringsintangible assets, $7,400,000 was assigned to customer relationships with a life of 8 years, $920,000 to trademarks and trade names with a life of 8 years, $200,000 to non-competition agreements with a life of 5 years, and $170,000 to trade secrets with a life of 3 years. As discussed above, we will be required to pay a natural complement to our ultra-high-pressure guacamole,maximum of approximately $100 million if RFG achieves specified revenue targets. The fair value of this contingent consideration was determined based on a probability weighted method, which incorporates management’s forecasted revenue, and the likelihood of the revenue targets being achieved.

Term Revolving Credit Agreements and Term Loan Agreements

Effective May 31, 2011, the Company and Farm Credit West, PCA (FCW), entered into a Term Revolving Credit Agreement (Revolving Agreement). Under the terms of the Revolving Agreement, we are advanced funds for working capital purposes, the purchase and installation of capital items, as well as other corporate needs of the Company. Total credit available under the borrowing agreement is $40 million, up from $30 million, and expires on February 1, 2016. This increase was at our recently introduced Calavo tortilla chips. See Note 16request and not due to any immediate cash flows needs.

Effective September 30, 2011, the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (BoA), entered into an agreement, Amendment No. 4 to Loan Agreement (the Agreement), which amended our existing credit facility with BoA. Under the terms of the Agreement, we are advanced funds primarily for working capital purposes. Total credit available under the borrowing agreement is now $25 million, up from $15 million and now expires on February 1, 2016. This increase was at our request and not due to any immediate cash flows needs.

In addition, the Agreement includes a variable rate term loan in our consolidatedthe amount of approximately $7.1 million dollars. These proceeds were used to retire approximately 50% of the outstanding balance (as of September 30, 2011) of the term loan owed to FCW related to the purchase of RFG (see discussion below). This effectively split the funding of the amounts due at closing for that acquisition between both banks. The credit facility and term loan contain various financial statementscovenants, the most significant relating to Tangible Net Worth (as defined), Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined) and Current Ratio (as defined).

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Effective May 31, 2011, the Company and FCW entered into a Term Loan Agreement (Term Agreement). Under the terms of the Term Agreement, we were advanced $15 million for further information.

the purchase of Renaissance Food Group, LLC. Under the terms of the Term Agreement, we are required to make 60 monthly principal and interest payments, in the amount billed, beginning on July 1, 2011 and pay the account in full as of June 1, 2016. There is no prepayment penalty associated with this Term Agreement. Approximately 50% of the outstanding balance was paid off with the proceeds from the term loan from BoA (see discussion above).

The Term Agreement contain various financial covenants, the most significant relating to tangible net worth (as defined), Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined) and Current Ratio (as defined).

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets,

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liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we re-evaluate all of our estimates, including those related to the areas of customer and grower receivables, inventories, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, promotional allowances, income taxes, retirement benefits, and commitments and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may materially differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions as additional information becomes available in future periods.

Management has discussed the development and selection of critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee has reviewed our disclosure relating to critical accounting estimates in this Annual Report.

We believe the following are the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Promotional allowances.We provide for promotional allowances at the time of sale, based on our historical experience. Our estimates are generally based on evaluating the relationship between promotional allowances and gross sales. The derived percentage is then applied to the current period’s sales revenues in order to arrive at the appropriate debit to sales allowances for the period. The offsetting credit is made to accrued liabilities. When certain amounts of specific customer accounts are subsequently identified as promotional, they are written off against this allowance. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates and such differences are recognized as an adjustment to net sales in the period they are identified. A 1% change in the derived percentage for the entire year would impact results of operations by approximately $0.5 million.

Income Taxes.We account for deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Measurement of the deferred items is based on enacted tax laws. In the event the future consequences of differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of our assets and liabilities result in a deferred tax asset, we perform an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such asset. A valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

As a multinational corporation, we are subject to taxation in many jurisdictions, and the calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in various taxing jurisdictions. If we ultimately determine that the payment of these liabilities will be unnecessary, the liability will be reversed and we will recognize a tax benefit during the period in which it is determined the liability no longer applies. Conversely, we record additional tax charges in a period in which it is determined that a recorded tax liability is less than the ultimate assessment is expected to be.

The application of tax laws and regulations is subject to legal and factual interpretation, judgment and uncertainty. Tax laws and regulations themselves are subject to change as a result of changes in fiscal policy, changes in legislation, the evolution of regulations and court rulings. Therefore, the actual liability for U.S. or foreign taxes may be materially different from management’s estimates, which could result in the need to record additional tax liabilities or potentially reverse previously recorded tax liabilities.

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Goodwill and acquired intangible assets. Goodwill, defined as unidentified asset(s) acquired in conjunction with a business acquisition, is tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. Goodwill impairment testing is a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, and the second step of the impairment test would be unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test, used to measure the amount of impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss must be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Goodwill impairment testing requires significant judgment and management estimates, including, but not limited to, the determination of (i) the number of reporting units, (ii) the goodwill and other assets and liabilities to be allocated to the reporting units and (iii) the fair values of the reporting units. The estimates and assumptions described above, along with other factors such as discount rates, will significantly affect the outcome of the impairment tests and the amounts of any resulting impairment losses. We performed our annual assessment of goodwill and determined that no impairment existed as of October 31, 2010.

18

2011.


Allowance for accounts receivable. We provide an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable balances based on historical experience and the aging of the related accounts receivable. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain items from our consolidated statements of income, expressed as percentages of our total net sales, for the periods indicated:

             
  Year ended October 31,
  2010 2009 2008
Net sales  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%
Gross margins  12.9%  12.9%  9.2%
Selling, general and administrative  5.8%  6.6%  5.8%
Operating income  7.1%  6.3%  3.4%
Interest income  0.1%  0.1%  0.1%
Interest expense  (0.2)%  (0.3)%  (0.4)%
Other income, net  0.1%  0.1%  0.2%
Net income  4.4%  3.9%  2.1%

   Year ended October 31, 
   2011  2010  2009 

Net sales

   100.0  100.0  100.0

Gross margins

   8.2  12.9  12.9

Selling, general and administrative

   4.7  5.8  6.6

Operating income

   3.5  7.1  6.3

Interest income

   0.0  0.1  0.1

Interest expense

   (0.2)%   (0.2)%   (0.3)% 

Other income, net

   0.0  0.1  0.1

Net income

   2.1  4.4  3.9

Net Sales

We believe that the fundamentals for our products continue to be favorable. Firstly, Americans are eating more avocados. Over the last 10 years, United States (U.S.) consumption of avocados has expanded at a compounded annual growth rate of 7.3%7% and we do not anticipate this growth significantly changing. We believe that the healthy eating trend that has been developing in the United States contributes to such growth, as avocados, which are cholesterol and sodium free, are dense in fiber, vitamin B6, antioxidants, potassium, folate, and contain unsaturated fat, which help lower cholesterol. Also, a growing number of research studies seem to suggest that phytonutrients, which avocados are rich in, help fight chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer.

Additionally, we believe that the demographic changes in the U.S. will greatly impact the consumption of avocados and avocado-based products. The Hispanic community currently accounts for approximately 16% of the U.S. population, and the total number of Hispanics is estimated to triple by the year 2050. Avocados are considered a staple item purchased by Hispanic consumers, as the per-capita avocado consumption in Mexico is estimated to be more than seven-fold that of the U.S.

We anticipate avocado products will further penetrate the United States marketplace driven by year-round availability of fresh avocados due to imports, a rapid growing Hispanic population, and the promotion of the health benefits of avocados. As the largest marketer of avocado products in the United States, we believe that we are well positioned to leverage this trend and to grow all segments of our business. Additionally, we also believe that avocados and avocado based products will further penetrate other marketplaces that we currently operate in, as interest in avocados continues to expand.

In October 2002, the USDA announced the creation of a Hass Avocado Board to promote the sale of Hass variety avocados in the U.S. marketplace. This board provides a basis for a unified funding of promotional activities based on an assessment on all avocados

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sold in the U.S. marketplace. The California Avocado Commission, which receives its funding from California avocado growers, has historically shouldered the promotional and advertising costs supporting avocado sales. We believe that the incremental funding of promotional and advertising programs in the U.S. will, in the long term, positively impact average selling prices and will favorably impact our avocado businesses. During fiscal 2011, 2010 2009 and 2008,2009, on behalf of avocado growers, we remitted approximately $1.8 million, $2.0 million $0.6 million and $2.2$0.6 million to the California Avocado Commission. During fiscal 2011, 2010 2009 and 2008,2009, we remitted approximately $4.8 million, $5.6 million $3.8 million and $4.2$3.8 million to the Hass Avocado Board related to avocados.

Additionally, through the acquisition of RFG, we substantially expanded and accelerated the company’s presence in the fast-growing refrigerated fresh packaged foods category through an array of retail product lines for produce, deli, meat and food service departments.

We also believe that our diversified fresh products, specifically tomatoes and papayas, are positioned for future growth and expansion.

The tomato is the fourth most popular fresh-market vegetable behind potatoes, lettuce, and onions in the United States. Although stabilizing in the first decade of the 2000s, annual average fresh-market tomato consumption remains well above that of the previous decade. Over the past few decades, per capita use of tomatoes has been on the rise due to the enduring popularity of salads, salad bars, and bacon-lettuce-tomato and submarine sandwiches. Perhaps of greater importance has been the introduction of improved tomato varieties, heightened consumer interest in a wider range of tomatoes, a surge of new immigrants who eat vegetable-intensive diets, and expanding national emphasis on health and nutrition.

Papayas have become more popular as the consumption in the United States has more than doubled in the past decade. Papayas have high nutritional benefits. They are rich in Anti-oxidants, the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer.

Sales of products and related costs of products sold are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Service revenue, including freight, ripening, storage, bagging and palletization charges, is recorded when services are performed and sales of the related products are delivered. We provide for sales returns and promotional allowances at the time of shipment, based on our experience.

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The following tables set forth sales by product category and sales incentives, by segment (dollars in thousands):
                         
  Year ended October 31, 2010  Year ended October 31, 2009 
  Fresh  Calavo-      Fresh  Calavo-    
  products  Foods  Total  products  Foods  Total 
Third-party sales:                        
Avocados $287,808  $  $287,808  $259,558  $  $259,558 
Tomatoes  41,595      41,595   14,067      14,067 
Papayas  11,278      11,278   9,118      9,118 
Pineapples  3,838      3,838   13,341      13,341 
Other Fresh products  3,617      3,617   4,219      4,219 
CalavoFoods — food service     40,654   40,654      36,493   36,493 
CalavoFoods — retail and club     17,473   17,473      15,554   15,554 
                   
Total gross sales  348,136   58,127   406,263   300,303   52,047   352,350 
Less sales incentives  (84)  (7,828)  (7,912)  (68)  (7,517)  (7,585)
                   
Net sales $348,052  $50,299  $398,351  $300,235  $44,530  $344,765 
                   
                         
  Year ended October 31, 2009  Year ended October 31, 2008 
  Fresh  Calavo-      Fresh  Calavo-    
  products  Foods  Total  products  Foods  Total 
Third-party sales:                        
Avocados $259,558  $  $259,558  $268,674  $  $268,674 
Tomatoes  14,067      14,067   19,666      19,666 
Papayas  9,118      9,118   8,392      8,392 
Pineapples  13,341      13,341   16,442      16,442 
Other Fresh products  4,219      4,219   2,564      2,564 
CalavoFoods — food service     36,493   36,493      38,919   38,919 
CalavoFoods — retail and club     15,554   15,554      14,634   14,634 
                   
Total gross sales  300,303   52,047   352,350   315,738   53,553   369,291 
Less sales incentives  (68)  (7,517)  (7,585)  (71)  (7,746)  (7,817)
                   
Net sales $300,235  $44,530  $344,765  $315,667  $45,807  $361,474 
                   

   Year ended October 31, 2011  Year ended October 31, 2010 
   Fresh
products
  Calavo
Foods(1)
  Total  Fresh
products
  Calavo
Foods
  Total 

Third-party sales:

       

Avocados

  $376,104   $—     $376,104   $287,808   $—     $287,808  

Tomatoes

   23,903    —      23,903    41,595    —      41,595  

Papayas

   13,245    —      13,245    11,278    —      11,278  

Pineapples

   4,278    —      4,278    3,838    —      3,838  

Other Fresh products

   3,276    —      3,276    3,617    —      3,617  

Calavo Foods - food service

   —      37,431    37,431    —      40,654    40,654  

Calavo Foods - retail and club(1)

   —      73,924    73,924    —      17,473    17,473  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total gross sales

   420,806    111,355    532,161    348,136    58,127    406,263  

Less sales incentives

   (148  (9,484  (9,632  (84  (7,828  (7,912
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net sales

  $420,658   $101,871   $522,529   $348,052   $50,299   $398,351  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Year ended October 31, 2010  Year ended October 31, 2009 
   Fresh
products
  Calavo
Foods
  Total  Fresh
products
  Calavo
Foods
  Total 

Third-party sales:

       

Avocados

  $287,808   $—     $287,808   $259,558   $—     $259,558  

Tomatoes

   41,595    —      41,595    14,067    —      14,067  

Papayas

   11,278    —      11,278    9,118    —      9,118  

Pineapples

   3,838    —      3,838    13,341    —      13,341  

Other Fresh products

   3,617    —      3,617    4,219    —      4,219  

Calavo Foods - food service

   —      40,654    40,654    —      36,493    36,493  

Calavo Foods - retail and club

   —      17,473    17,473    —      15,554    15,554  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total gross sales

   348,136    58,127    406,263    300,303    52,047    352,350  

Less sales incentives

   (84  (7,828  (7,912  (68  (7,517  (7,585
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net sales

  $348,052   $50,299   $398,351   $300,235   $44,530   $344,765  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Includes net sales of $56.7 million in fiscal 2011 related to the recently acquired business Renaissance Food Group, LLC (RFG). See Note 17 for additional information related to the acquisition of RFG.

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Net sales to third parties by segment exclude inter-segment sales and cost of sales. For fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for Fresh products totaling $15.8 million, $11.7 million and $14.1 million were eliminated. For fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for Calavo Foods totaling $34.3 million $9.4 million, and $7.8 million were eliminated.

The following table summarizes our net sales by business segment:

   2011  Change  2010  Change  2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Net sales:

      

Fresh products

  $420,658    20.9 $348,052    15.9 $300,235  

Calavo Foods(1)

   101,871    102.5  50,299    13.0  44,530  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net sales

  $522,529    31.2 $398,351    15.5 $344,765  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As a percentage of net sales:

      

Fresh products

   80.5   87.4   87.1

Calavo Foods

   19.5   12.6   12.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   100.0   100.0   100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Includes net sales of $56.7 million in fiscal 2011 related to recently acquired RFG. See Note 17 in the Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for additional information related to the acquisition of RFG.

Net sales for the year ended October 31, 2011, when compared to 2010, increased by $124.2 million, or 31.2%, principally as a result of an increase in both our Fresh products and Calavo Foods segments.

While the procurement of fresh avocados related to our Fresh products segment is very seasonal, our Calavo Foods business is generally not subject to a seasonal effect. The significant increase in sales of our Calavo Foods business for the year ended October 31, 2011, when compared to 2010, is primarily related to the sales of our newly acquired business, RFG, on June 1, 2011. This increase was partially offset, however, by a decrease in sales related to our guacamole products. This was primarily due to a decrease in total pounds of product sold.

Net sales to third parties by segment exclude value-added services billed by our Uruapan packinghouse and our Uruapan processing plant to the parent company. For fiscal years 2010, 2009, and 2008, inter-segmentAll intercompany sales and costare eliminated in our consolidated results of sales for operations.

Fresh products totaling $11.7 million, $14.1 million and $13.9 million were eliminated. For fiscal years 2010, 2009, and 2008, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for CalavoFoods totaling $9.4 million $7.8 million, and $9.6 million were eliminated.

     The following table summarizes our net sales by business segment:
                     
  2010  Change  2009  Change  2008 
      (Dollars in thousands)     
Net sales:                    
Fresh products $348,052   15.9% $300,235   (4.9%) $315,667 
CalavoFoods  50,299   13.0%  44,530   (2.8%)  45,807 
                  
Total net sales $398,351   15.5% $344,765   (4.6%) $361,474 
                  
As a percentage of net sales:                    
Fresh products  87.4%      87.1%      87.3%
CalavoFoods  12.6%      12.9%      12.7%
                  
   100.0%      100.0%      100.0%
                  

Fiscal 2011 vs. Fiscal 2010:

Net sales fordelivered by the year ended October 31, 2010, when compared to 2009,business increased by approximately $53.6$72.6 million, or 15.5%20.9%, principally as a result of anfrom fiscal 2010 to 2011. This increase in both our Fresh products and CalavoFoods segments. The increase in fresh product sales for the year ended October 31, 2010during fiscal 2011 was primarily related to increasedan increase in sales of California avocados and tomatoes. These increases wereMexican sourced avocados. This increase was partially offset, however, by decreased sales from tomatoes and California sourced avocados. See details below.

Sales of Mexican sourced avocados pineapples and Chilean sourced avocados. Whileincreased $98.1 million, or 81.9%, for the procurement of fresh avocados relatedyear ended October 31, 2011, when compared to our fresh products segment is seasonal based on region, our CalavoFoods business is generally not subject to a seasonal effect.the same prior year period. The increase in net sales delivered by our CalavoFoods businessMexican sourced avocados was due primarily to a combination of an increase in pounds sold and an increase in the net sales price per carton. Mexican sourced avocados sales reflect an increase in 33.8 million pounds of avocados sold, or 29.1%, when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute most of this increase in volume to the significant decrease in the California avocado crop (see below). In addition, the sales price per carton increased by approximately 40.9%. We attribute this increase primarily to a lower overall volume of avocados in the marketplace, as well as a steady to higher demand for avocados when compared to the same prior year period.

Mexican grown avocados are primarily sold in the U.S., Japanese, and/or European marketplace. We anticipate that sales of Mexican grown avocados will decrease in fiscal 2011, due to a higher volume of avocados in the marketplace which will decrease overall sales prices.

Partially offsetting the overall increase was a decrease in sales of tomatoes of $17.7 million, or 42.5%, for the year ended October 31, 2011, when compared to the same prior year period. The decrease in sales for tomatoes was primarily due to a decrease in volume by 36.1% when compared to the same prior year period. This significant decrease was mainly due to a freeze in Mexico that resulted in less units in the marketplace. In addition, tomatoes had a decrease in the average selling price per carton of approximately 10.1%, when compared to the same prior year period.

Sales of California sourced avocados decreased $10.3 million, or 6.4%, for the year ended October 31, 2011, when compared to the same prior year period. The decrease in California sourced avocados was due to a decrease of 75.8 million pounds of avocados

23


sold or 47.2%, when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute most of this decrease in volume to the smaller California avocado crop in the current year.

Fresh products
Partially offsetting this decrease, California sourced avocado sales reflect an increase in the sales price per carton of approximately 77.1%, when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute this increase primarily to a lower overall volume of avocados in the marketplace, as well as a higher demand for avocados, when compared to the same prior year period.

California avocados are primarily sold in the U.S. marketplace. We anticipate that sales volume of California grown avocados will increase in fiscal 2011, due to a larger expected avocado crop.

Fiscal 2010 vs. Fiscal 2009:

Net sales delivered by the business increased by approximately $47.8 million, or 15.9%, from fiscal 2009 to 2010. This increase was primarily related to an increase in sales of California sourced avocados (due primarily to a significant increase in cartons sold) as well as tomatoes (due primarily to an increase in units sold and an increase in per unit sales price). These increases were partially offset, however, by decreased sales from Mexican sourced avocados (due primarily to a decrease in cartons sold and a decrease in sales price per unit), pineapples (due primarily to a decrease in units sold), as well as Chilean sourced avocados (due primarily to a decrease in cartons sold and a decrease in sales price per unit).

20


Sales of California sourced avocados increased $87.2 million, or 119.1%, for fiscal year 2010, when compared to the same prior year period. California sourced avocado sales reflect a 222.0% increase in pounds of avocados sold, when compared to the same prior year period. The increase in California sourced avocados was primarily related to the larger California avocado crop for fiscal 2010. Our market share of California avocados decreased to 30% for fiscal year 2010, when compared to a 31% market share for the same prior year period. The average selling price, on a per carton basis, of California avocados sold decreased approximately 31.8% when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute this decrease to the higher overall volume of California avocados in the marketplace. California avocados are primarily sold in the U.S. marketplace. We anticipate that sales of California grown avocados will significantly decrease in fiscal 2011, due to a significantly smaller expected avocado crop.

Sales of tomatoes increased $27.5 million, or 195.7%, for fiscal year 2010, when compared to the same prior year period. The increase in sales for tomatoes is due to an increase in the average per carton selling price of 128.1%, in addition to a 29.6% increase in the number of units sold. We attribute most of the increase in the per carton selling price to the lower volume of tomatoes in the U.S. marketplace (due to weather conditions in Florida) for fiscal 2010, as compared to the same prior period. We attribute most of the increase in units sold to growers supplying us with significantly more volume, due primarily to market conditions. We do not anticipate a significant change in the sales of tomatoes for fiscal 2011, based on current weather conditions in Florida.

Partially offsetting such increases described above was a decrease in sales of Mexican sourced avocados, which decreased $49.0 million, or 29.0%, for fiscal year 2010, when compared to the same prior year period. The decrease in Mexican sourced avocados was primarily related to the decrease in the volume of Mexican fruit sold by 29.1 million pounds, or 20.1%, when compared to the same prior year period. In addition, Mexican sourced avocados had a decrease in the average selling price per carton of approximately 11.2%, when compared to the same prior year period. As mentioned above, we attribute most of this decrease in volume and price to the increase in volume of California sourced avocados in the U.S. marketplace during fiscal year 2010, as compared to the same prior year period.

Sales of pineapples decreased $9.5 million, or 71.2%, when compared to the same prior year period. The decrease in sales for pineapples was primarily due to a decrease in volume by 73.2% when compared to the same prior year period. This decrease is primarily related to the expiration of our agreement with Maui Pineapple Company (Maui) in December 2009, which was primarily related to Maui exiting the pineapple business. We do not anticipate a significant change in pineapple sales during fiscal 2011.

Sales of Chilean sourced avocados decreased $9.5 million, or 57.2% for fiscal year 2010, when compared to the same prior year period. The volume of Chilean fruit sold decreased by approximately 7.8 million pounds, or 51.1%, when compared to the same prior year period. This decrease was primarily related to the smaller Chilean avocado crop in fiscal year 2010 when compared to the crop in fiscal year 2009. In addition to the increase in pounds sold, our average selling prices, on a per carton basis, experienced a decrease of 12.4% for fiscal 2010, when compared to the same prior period. We attribute most of this decrease in volume and price to the increase in volume of California sourced avocados in the U.S. marketplace during fiscal year 2010, as compared to the same prior year period.

     Mexican and Chilean grown avocados are primarily sold in the U.S., Japanese, and/or European marketplace. We anticipate that the combined sales of Mexican and Chilean grown avocados will increase in fiscal 2011.

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Calavo Foods

Fiscal 20092011 vs. Fiscal 2008:

     Net2010:

Calavo Foods sales delivered by the business decreased by approximately $15.4 million, or 4.9%, from fiscal 2008 to 2009. This decrease was primarily related to decreased sales of California avocados, tomatoes, and pineapples. Such decreases were partially offset, however, by increased sales from Mexican and Chilean sourced avocados. For fiscal 2009, due to the significant increase in the Mexican avocado crop, there was an increase in the volume of avocados delivered to the United States market. As a result, avocado prices industry-wide decreased for most of fiscal 2009, which primarily caused our total avocado revenues to decrease for the year.

     For fiscal year 2009, California sourced avocado sales (which are primarily sold in the U.S. marketplace) reflect a 42.5% decrease in pounds of avocados sold,ended October 31, 2011, when compared to the same prior year period. This decrease in pounds sold is primarily related to the corresponding decrease in the California avocado cropperiod for fiscal 2008/2009. Such decrease is believed to be primarily related to poor weather conditions. Our market share2010, increased $51.6 million, or 102.5%. The significant increase in sales of California avocados increased to 31% for fiscal year 2009, when compared to a 28% market shareour Calavo Foods business for the same prior year period. The average selling price, on a per carton basis, of California avocados sold increased approximately 13.8%ended October 31, 2011, when compared to the samecorresponding prior year period. We attribute some of this increase to the lower overall volume of California avocados in the marketplace.
     Sales of tomatoes decreased $5.6 million, or 28.5%, for fiscal year 2009, when compared to the same prior year period. The decrease in sales for tomatoesperiod, is primarily due to the decrease in the average carton selling price by 38.0%. This was partially offset by an increase in the volume of tomatoes by approximately 0.3 million cartons, or 15.3%, when compared to the same prior year

21


period. We attribute most of this decrease in the per carton selling price to the out of season production from the U.S. east coast that increased the volume of tomatoes in the U.S. marketplace at the very beginningaddition of the Mexican tomato season.
     Sales of pineapples decreased $3.1recently acquired RFG, which contributed approximately $56.7 million or 18.9%, when compared tofor the same prior year period. The decrease in sales for pineapples is primarily due to the decrease in the per unit selling price by 12.2%, in addition to the decrease in the volume of pineapples by approximately 0.1 million units, or 7.5%, when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this decrease in the per carton selling price to the volume of pineapples in the U.S. marketplace and the recession in the United States. Our agreement with Maui Pineapple Company ended DecemberOctober 31, 2009, and is not expected to be extended.
     Partially offsetting such decreases was an increase in sales of Mexican sourced avocados, which increased $20.1 million, or 13.5%, for fiscal year 2009, when compared to the same prior year period. The increase in Mexican sourced avocados was primarily related to an increase in the volume of Mexican fruit sold of 35.1 million pounds, or 31.1%, when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this increase to the large Mexican avocado crop for fiscal 2009. Such increase was partially offset, however, by a decrease in the average carton selling price of Mexican avocados, which decreased approximately 13.4% when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this decrease to the higher overall volume of Mexican avocados in the marketplace.
     Sales of Chilean sourced avocados increased $9.0 million, or 117.0% for fiscal year 2009, when compared to the same prior year period. The volume of Chilean fruit sold increased by approximately 7.0 million pounds, or 94.6%,2011, when compared to the same prior year period. This increase was partially offset, by a decrease in sales related to our prepared guacamole products. This decrease was primarily related to the improvement of the Chilean avocado cropa 13.1% decrease in fiscal year 2009 when compared to the disappointing crop in fiscal year 2008. In addition to the increasetotal pounds sold. The decrease in pounds sold primarily related to a decrease in the pounds sold of our average selling prices, onfrozen guacamole products, which decreased approximately 18.5%, and a per carton basis, experienced an increasedecrease in the sale of 11.5% for fiscal 2009,our refrigerated guacamole products (formerly high-pressure, see below), which decreased approximately 6.7% when compared to the same prior year period. We attributeIn an effort to enhance product safety and quality in the segment, we implemented changes in our food safety standards that added steps in our manufacturing process during the first quarter of fiscal 2011. As a result, there was a temporary disruption, which adversely impacted supply and sales in the segment. In addition, sales were impacted, as substantially all guacamole products are now high-pressured for food safety purposes and that the packaging requested from certain customers does not allow for high pressured products. This resulted in the discontinuance of sales to some of thesehigh-volume, low-margin customers. The net average selling price fluctuationsincreased 4.9% during the year ended October 31, 2011, when compared to the smaller California avocado crops,same prior year period. This increase is primarily related to a change in sales mix and a price increase that went into effect in July 2011 on substantially all products. We believe that retail sales, as well as the timinga percentage of the delivery of such crops,total net Calavo Foods sales, will increase in the marketplace during fiscal 2009.
CalavoFoods
future.

Fiscal 2010 vs. Fiscal 2009:

Net sales increased by approximately $5.8 million, or 13.0% for fiscal 2010, when compared to the same prior period. This increase is primarily related to a 1.8% increase in total pounds sold for fiscal year 2010 and an increase in the average net selling price per pound of 2.4%, when compared to the same prior year period. The increase in average net selling price is primarily related to a change in sales mix. In addition, the recently acquired Calavo Salsa LisaCSL contributed approximately $0.8 million for fiscal year 2010.

We currently have two 215L ultra high pressure machines located in Uruapan. Starting in fiscal year 2010, we have begun using the two 215L ultra high pressure machines to pressurize all product lines within CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods (including frozen products). This has caused our operating capacity for these two 215L ultra high pressure machines to be approximately 80% as of October 31, 2010. Our estimated combined operating capacity for these two machines was approximately 59% as of October 31, 2009. A 3rd ultra high pressure machine with a larger capacity of 350L has been ordered and is expected to begin operating during our second fiscal quarter of 2011. We believe with this 3rd machine our operating capacity will be in line with our current sales projections and expected growth. Net sales of our ultra high pressure (fresh) products, typically sold to retail customers, represented approximately 46% and 47% of total processed segment sales for the years ended October 31, 2010 and 2009.

We believe that these ultra high pressure machines will enable our company to deliver the widest available array of prepared avocado and other products to our customers. Consequently, we believe that we are positioned to expand our ultra high pressure product line to include more avocado related products, mangoes and other readily available fruit products. We anticipate a marginal increase in sales related to our CalavoFoods.

22

Calavo Foods.


     Fiscal 2009 vs. Fiscal 2008:
     Net sales decreased by approximately $1.3 million, or 2.8% for fiscal 2009, when compared to the same prior period. This decrease is primarily related to a 4.4% decrease in total pounds sold for fiscal year 2009, when compared to the same prior year period. Frozen product sales are closely linked to the economic environment of the foodservice industry.
     We currently have two 215L ultra high pressure machines located in Uruapan and estimate we are operating at approximately 59% of the combined machines’ capacities as of October 31, 2009. We believe this combined capacity is reasonable given our current sales projections and expected growth. Net sales of our ultra high pressure products represented approximately 47% and 44% of total processed segment sales for the years ended October 31, 2009 and 2008.
     We believe that these ultra high pressure machines will enable our company to deliver the widest available array of prepared avocado and other products to our customers. Consequently, we believe that we are positioned to expand our ultra high pressure product line to include more avocado related products, high-end salsas, mangoes and other readily available fruit products.
Gross Margins
     The following table summarizes our gross margins and gross profit percentages by business segment:
                     
  2010  Change  2009  Change  2008 
      (Dollars in thousands)     
Gross Margins:                    
Fresh products $38,443   32.2% $29,076   30.8% $22,223 
CalavoFoods  13,087   (15.3%)  15,457   41.1%  10,958 
                  
Total gross margins $51,530   15.7% $44,533   34.2% $33,181 
                  
Gross profit percentages:                    
Fresh products  11.0%      9.7%      7.0%
CalavoFoods  26.0%      34.7%      23.9%
Consolidated  12.9%      12.9%      9.2%

Our cost of sales consists predominantly of fruit costs, packing materials, freight and handling, labor and overhead (including depreciation) associated with preparing food products, and other direct expenses pertaining to products sold. Gross margins decreased by approximately $8.7 million, or 16.8%, for the year ended October 31, 2011, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2010. This decrease was attributable to both our Fresh products and our Calavo Foods segments.

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The following table summarizes our gross margins and gross profit percentages by business segment:

   2011  Change  2010  Change  2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Gross Margins:

      

Fresh products

  $31,838    (17.2%)  $38,443    32.2 $29,076  

Calavo Foods(1)

   11,023    (15.8%)   13,087    (15.3%)   15,457  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gross margins

  $42,861    (16.8%)  $51,530    15.7 $44,533  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit percentages:

      

Fresh products

   7.6   11.0   9.7

Calavo Foods

   10.8   26.0   34.7

Consolidated

   8.2   12.9   12.9

(1)Includes gross margin of $4.3 million in fiscal 2011 related to recently acquired RFG. See Note 17 in the Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for additional information related to the acquisition of RFG.

Fresh products

Fiscal 2011 vs. Fiscal 2010:

During fiscal year 2011, as compared to the same prior year period, the decrease in our Fresh products segment gross margin percentage was primarily related to higher costs associated with California sourced avocados. This was caused by fewer pounds being sold by approximately 47.2%, increasing our per pound costs, which, as a result, negatively impacted gross margins. This decrease was primarily related to the smaller California avocado crop. Contributing to the decrease in the gross margin percentage was higher Mexican sourced avocado fruit costs year-over-year by approximately 55.2%. We were able to increase the selling prices of Mexican sourced avocados, but not at the same rate at which fruit costs increased. We attribute this increase primarily to a lower overall volume of avocados in the marketplace, in conjunction with a steady-to-higher demand for avocados, when compared to the same prior year period. The combined effect of these negatively impacted gross margins. In addition, despite the recent strengthening of the U.S. Dollar to Mexican Peso exchange rate, on a year to date basis, the U.S. Dollar to Mexican Peso exchange rate weakened during fiscal 2011, when compared to the same prior period. All of these combined had the effect of increasing our per pound costs, which, as a result, negatively impacted gross margins.

Any significant fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso may have a material impact on future gross margins for our Fresh and Calavo Foods segments.

The gross margin and/or gross profit percentage for consignment sales, including certain Chilean avocados and tomatoes, are dependent on the volume of fruit we handle, the average selling prices, and the competitiveness of the returns that we provide to third-party growers/packers. The gross margin we earn is generally based on a commission agreed to with each party, which usually is a percent of the overall selling price. Although we generally do not take legal title to such avocados and perishable products, we do assume responsibilities (principally assuming credit risk, inventory loss and delivery risk, and limited pricing risk) that are consistent with acting as a principal in the transaction. Accordingly, our results of operations include sales stayed consistent at 12.9%and cost of sales from the sale of avocados and perishable products procured under consignment arrangements. For fiscal years 2011, we generated gross margins of $3.5 million from the sale of fresh produce products that were packed by third parties. This is a $2.5 million decrease in gross margin for consigned sales compared to previous year. This decrease is due to a decrease in tomato sales of 42.5% for fiscal year 20102011, when compared to fiscalthe same prior year 2009. Gross margins increasedperiod. The decrease in sales for tomatoes was primarily due to a decrease in volume by approximately $7.0 million, or 15.7%, for fiscal year 2010,36.1% when compared to the same prior year period. This increasesignificant decrease was attributable primarilymainly due to an increasea freeze in our Fresh products segment, partially offset byMexico that resulted in less units. In addition, tomatoes had a decrease in our CalavoFoods segment.

Fresh products
the average selling price per carton of approximately 10.1%, when compared to the same prior year period.

Fiscal 2010 vs. Fiscal 2009:

During fiscal year 2010, as compared to the same prior year period, the increase in our Fresh products segment gross margin and gross margin percentage was primarily related to an increase in the gross margin percentage for California avocados. This was due to a significant increase in the volume of California avocados sold, which increased 222.0%. This increase was primarily related to the larger California avocado crop. This had the effect of decreasing our per pound costs, which, as a result, positively impacted gross margins. Partially offsetting this increase in gross margin was a decrease in margins for Mexican sourced avocados due to a similar fruit cost year-over-year, but at a lower selling price, for Mexican sourced avocados. We believe this decrease in selling price is primarily related to a significantly higher volume of non-Mexican fruit in the U.S marketplace, which put downward pressure on carton selling prices. As a result of this downward pressure, we were not able to purchase Mexican sourced fruit as effectively (in

26


relation to the selling price) as we were able to in the same prior year period. Additionally, we experienced a decrease in the volume of Mexican sourced avocados sold by 29.1 million pounds or 20.1%, which we believe was primarily related to the aforementioned pricing pressure. In addition, the U.S. Dollar to Mexican Peso exchange rate weakened during fiscal 2010, when compared to the same prior period. All of these combined had the effect of increasing our per pound costs, which, as a result, negatively impacted gross margins.

As mentioned above, the weakening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Mexican Peso negatively affected our gross margin for fiscal year 2010. Any significant fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso may have a material impact on future gross margins for our fresh and CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods segments.

The gross margin and gross profit percentage for consignment sales, including certain Chilean avocados and tomatoes, are dependent on the volume of fruit we handle, the average selling prices, and the competitiveness of the returns that we provide to

23


third-party growers/packers. The gross margin we earn is generally based on a commission agreed to with each party, which usually is a percent of the overall selling price. Although we generally do not take legal title to such avocados and perishable products, we do assume responsibilities (principally assuming credit risk, inventory loss and delivery risk, and limited pricing risk) that are consistent with acting as a principal in the transaction. Accordingly, our results of operations include sales and cost of sales from the sale of avocados and perishable products procured under consignment arrangements. For fiscal years 2010, we generated gross margins of $6.0 million from the sale of fresh produce products that were packed by third parties. This is a $3.2 million increase in gross margin for consigned sales compared to previous year. This increase is due to an increase in tomato sales of 195.7% for fiscal 2010, when compared to the same prior year period. The increase in sales for tomatoes is due to an increase in the average per carton selling price of 128.1%, in addition to a 29.6% increase in the number of units sold. We attribute most of the increase in the per carton selling price to the lower volume of tomatoes in the U.S. marketplace (due to weather conditions in Florida) for fiscal 2010, as compared to the same prior period. We attribute most of the increase in units sold to growers supplying us with significantly more volume, due primarily to market conditions.

Calavo Foods

Fiscal 20092011 vs. Fiscal 2008:

     During fiscal2010:

Gross profit percentages for Calavo Foods for the year 2009,ended October 31, 2011, as compared to the same prior year period, the increase in our Fresh products segment gross margin percentage wasdecreased primarily related to a significant decrease in fruit costs for Mexican sourced avocados, as well as a decrease in substantially all operating costs related to our Mexican operations. These decreases are primarily related to the large Mexican avocado crop, as well as the considerable strengthening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Mexican Peso. For fiscal year 2009, when compared to the prior year period, we experienced an increase in the volume of Mexican sourced avocados sold by 35.1 million pounds or 31.1%. Combined, these had the effect of decreasing our per pound costs, which, as a result positively impacted gross margins. Such increase was partially offset, however, by a decrease inof significantly higher fruit costs. Fruit costs increased 55.2% for the average carton selling price of Mexican avocados, which decreased approximately 13.4%year ended October 31, 2011, when compared to the same prior year period. Collectively, these items positively increasedWe attribute this increase primarily to a lower overall volume of avocados in the marketplace, in conjunction with a steady-to-higher demand for avocados, when compared to the same prior year period. As discussed above, material fluctuations in fruit costs can have a significant impact on gross margins generated fromin the saleCalavo Foods segment. The increase in our production costs was primarily related to the aforementioned change (see net sales discussion) in the food safety standards that added steps in our manufacturing process during the first quarter of Mexican avocados from approximately $11.1 millionfiscal 2011. In addition, in fiscal year 2008the fourth quarter of 2011, our 350L ultra high pressure machine experienced a mechanical failure. This restricted the amount of product that could be produced, which lowered our overall volume and increasing our production costs. We have replaced this machine in the first quarter of 2012, and believe our operating capacity to $22.5 million in fiscal year 2009.

     The gross margin andbe sufficient to meet our production needs. We anticipate that the gross profit percentage for consignment sales, including Chilean avocados, pineapples, and tomatoes, are dependent onour Calavo Foods segment will continue to experience significant fluctuations during the volumenext year primarily due to the uncertainty of the cost of fruit we handle,that will be used in the average selling prices, andproduction process.

Partially offsetting the competitivenessdecrease in margins was the addition of the returns that we providerecently acquired RFG, which contributed approximately $4.3 million in margins for the year ended October 31, 2011, when compared to third-party growers/packers. The gross margin we earn is generally based on a commission agreedthe same prior year period.

In addition, the U.S. Dollar to with each party, which varies from a fixedMexican Peso exchange rate per box to a percent of the overall selling price. Although we generally do not take legal title to such avocados and perishable products, we do assume responsibilities (principally assuming credit risk, inventory loss and delivery risk, and limited pricing risk) that are consistent with acting as a principal in the transaction. Accordingly, our results of operations include sales and cost of sales from the sale of avocados and perishable products procured under consignment arrangements. Forweakened during fiscal years 2009, we generated gross margins of $2.8 million from the sale of fresh produce products that were packed by third parties.

     Gross margin percentages related to California avocados are largely dependent on production yields achieved at our packinghouses, current market prices of avocados, our packing and marketing fee, and the volume of avocados packed. A significant portion of our costs are fixed. As such, a lower volume of fruit going through our packinghouses will decrease our gross margin percentage. Pounds of California avocados sold decreased 42.5% in fiscal 20092011, as compared to fiscal 2008.the corresponding prior year period. This had the effect of increasing our per pound costs, which, as a result, negatively impacted gross margins.
CalavoFoods
Any significant fluctuation in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso may have a material impact on future gross margins for our Fresh product and Calavo Foods segments.

Fiscal 2010 vs. Fiscal 2009:

Gross margin percentages for our CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods business are largely dependent on the pricing of our final product and the cost of avocados used in preparing guacamole. The CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods gross profit percentages for the fiscal year 2010, when compared to the same prior year period, decreased $2.4 million or 15.3%, primarily as a result of higher fruit and operating costs, partially offset by an increase in total pounds sold by 1.8%. We anticipate that the gross profit percentage for our CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods segment will continue to experience significant fluctuations during the next fiscal year primarily due to the uncertainty of the cost of fruit that will be used in the production process.

24

27


     Fiscal 2009 vs. Fiscal 2008:
     Gross margin percentages for our CalavoFoods business are largely dependent on the pricing of our final product and the cost of avocados used in preparing guacamole. The CalavoFoods gross profit percentages for the fiscal year 2009, when compared to the same prior year period, increased $4.4 million or 41.1%, primarily as a result of lower fruit and operating costs, partially offset by a decrease in total pounds sold by 4.4%. As discussed above, the large Mexican avocado crop, as well as the considerable strengthening of the U.S. Dollar compared to the Mexican Peso, significantly decreased our per pound costs. We anticipate that the gross profit percentage for our processed product segment will continue to experience fluctuations during the next fiscal year primarily due to the uncertainty of the cost of fruit that will used in the production process, and the uncertainty of the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso (as discussed above).
Selling, General and Administrative
                     
  2010 Change 2009 Change 2008
      (Dollars in thousands)    
Selling, general and administrative $23,168   1.7% $22,791   9.0% $20,914 
Percentage of net sales  5.8%      6.6%      5.8%

   2011  Change  2010  Change  2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Selling, general and administrative(1)

  $24,527    5.9 $23,168    1.7 $22,791  

Percentage of net sales

   4.7   5.8   6.6

(1)Includes selling, general and administrative expenses of $3.1 million in fiscal 2011 related to recently acquired RFG. See Note 17 in the Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for additional information related to the acquisition of RFG.

Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs of marketing and advertising, sales expenses and other general and administrative costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.4 million, or 5.9%, for the year ended October 31, 2011, when compared to the same prior year period. This increase was related to the acquisition of RFG which contributed $3.1 million in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended October 31, 2011. The remaining is a decrease of $1.7 million, which is due to lower corporate costs, including, but not limited to, management bonuses (totaling approximately $3.2 million), and a decrease in the contingent consideration liability related to the acquisition of CSL (totaling approximately $0.6 million, see Note 16 of the consolidated financial statements), partially offset by increases in salaries and employee benefits (totaling approximately $1.2 million), broker commission (totaling approximately $0.3 million), audit fees (totaling approximately $0.2 million), consulting fees (totaling approximately $0.2 million), legal fees (totaling approximately $0.1 million) and employee benefits (totaling approximately $0.1 million).

For fiscal year 2010, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.4 million or 1.7% when compared to the same period for fiscal 2009. This increase was primarily related to higher corporate costs, including, but not limited to, costs related to an increase in management bonuses (totaling approximately $0.9 million), and an increase in directors fees (totaling approximately $0.3 million). Such higher corporate costs were partially offset, however, by lower salaries and employee benefits (totaling approximately $0.4 million), lower audit fees (totaling approximately $0.3$ 0.3 million) and a decrease in bad debt expense (totaling approximately $0.1 million).

     For fiscal year 2009, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.9 million or 9.0% when compared to the same period for fiscal 2008. This increase was primarily related to higher corporate costs, including, but not limited to, costs related to an increase in management bonuses (totaling approximately $1.7 million), an increase in salaries and benefits (totaling approximately $0.5 million), and an increase in general insurance (totaling approximately $0.3 million). Such higher corporate costs were partially offset, however, by lower broker commissions (totaling approximately $0.3 million) and lower audit fees (totaling approximately $0.3 million).

Interest income

                     
  2010 Change 2009 Change 2008
      (Dollars in thousands)    
Interest income $274   (28.1%) $381   (26.2%) $516 
Percentage of net sales  0.1%      0.1%      0.1%

   2011  Change  2010  Change  2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Interest income

  $191    (30.3%)  $274    (28.1%)  $381  

Percentage of net sales

   0.0   0.1   0.1

Interest income was primarily generated from loans to growers. The decrease in interest income in fiscal 20102011 as compared to 20092010 is due to the principal balances being paid off by Agricola Belher for infrastructure advances.

Interest expense

                     
  2010 Change 2009 Change 2008
      (Dollars in thousands)    
Interest expense $(834)  (24.7%) $(1,108)  (25.4%) $(1,485)
Percentage of net sales  (0.2%)      (0.3%)      (0.4%)

   2011  Change  2010  Change  2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Interest expense

  $1,016    21.8 $834    (24.7%)  $1,108  

Percentage of net sales

   (0.2%)    (0.2%)    (0.3%) 

Interest expense is primarily generated from our line of credit borrowings, as well as our term loan agreements with FCW and BoA. In 2011, we entered into a loan agreement with Farm Credit West, PCA. FCW in connection with the acquisition of RFG. For fiscal 2011, as compared to fiscal 2010, the increase in interest expense was primarily related to a higher average outstanding balance under our term loan agreements and our non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities with FCA and BoA.

For fiscal 2010, as compared to fiscal 2009, the decrease in interest expense was primarily related to a lower average outstanding balance and an overall decrease in interest rates under our non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities with Farm Credit West, PCA and Bank of America, N.A.

     For fiscal 2009, as compared to fiscal 2008, the decrease in interest expense was primarily related to a lower average outstanding balance and an overall decrease in interest rates under our non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities with Farm Credit West, PCA and Bank of America, N.A.

25

28


Other Income, Net
                     
  2010 Change 2009 Change 2008
      (Dollars in thousands)    
Other income, net $430   63.5  $263   (63.2%) $715 
Percentage of net sales  0.1%      0.1%      0.2%

   2011  Change  2010  Change  2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Other income, net

  $137    (68.1)%  $430    63.5 $263  

Percentage of net sales

   0.0   0.1   0.1

Other income, net includes dividend income, as well as certain other transactions that are outside of the normal course of operations. During fiscal 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008,2009, we received $0.2 million, $0.1$0.2 million, and $0.6$0.1 million as dividend income from Limoneira.

Partially offsetting dividend income within other income for fiscal year 2011, was the disposal of Property, Plant and Equipment not fully amortized for a loss of approximately $0.1 million.

Provision for Income Taxes

                     
  2010 Change 2009 Change 2008
      (Dollars in thousands)    
Provision for income taxes $11,341   35.4% $8,277   81.2% $4,567 
Percentage of income before provision for income taxes  39.1%      37.8%      37.2%

   2011  Change  2010  Change  2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 

Provision for income taxes

  $7,249    (36.1)%  $11,341    35.4 $8,277  

Percentage of income before provision for income taxes

   39.8   39.1   37.8

The effective income tax rate for fiscal years 2011, 2010, 2009, and 20082009 is higher than the federal statutory rate principally due to state taxes. Our effective income tax rate increased from 37.8% in fiscal year 2009 to 39.1% in fiscal year 2010 primarily due to a higher portion of the total pre-tax book income being taxed at the higher U.S. statutory rate compared to Mexico as well as an increase in our federal tax rate, partially offset by several miscellaneous reductions. Our effective income tax rate increased from 37.2% in fiscal year 2008 to 37.8% in fiscal year 2009 primarily as a result of an increase in foreign taxes, partially offset by a decrease in our average state tax rate.

Quarterly Results of Operations

The following table presents our operating results for each of the eight fiscal quarters in the period ended October 31, 2010.2011. The information for each of these quarters is derived from our unaudited interim financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. In our opinion, all necessary adjustments, which consist only of normal and recurring accruals, have been included to fairly present our unaudited quarterly results. Historically, we receive and sell a substantially lesser number of California avocados in our first fiscal quarter. Certain items in the prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

                                 
  Three months ended 
  Oct. 31,  July 31,  Apr. 30,  Jan. 31,  Oct. 31,  July 31,  Apr. 30,  Jan. 31, 
  2010  2010  2010  2010  2009  2009  2009  2009 
          (in thousands, except per share amounts)         
Statement of Operations Data
                                
Net sales $107,234  $114,578  $109,219  $67,320  $80,942  $106,347  $86,829  $70,647 
Cost of sales  92,940   99,303   96,133   58,445   71,713   96,441   73,890   58,188 
                         
Gross margin  14,294   15,275   13,086   8,875   9,229   9,906   12,939   12,459 
Selling, general and administrative  7,035   5,514   5,455   5,164   6,134   5,822   5,535   5,300 
                         
Operating income  7,259   9,761   7,631   3,711   3,095   4,084   7,404   7,159 
Other income (expense), net  169   181   233   36   164   (22)  75   (71)
                         
Income before provision for income taxes  7,428   9,942   7,864   3,747   3,259   4,062   7,479   7,088 
Provision for income taxes  2,733   4,045   3,090   1,473   955   1,597   3,017   2,708 
                         
Net income  4,695   5,897   4,774   2,274   2,304   2,465   4,462   4,380 
Add: Net loss-noncontrolling interest  55   50   19                
                         
Net income-Calavo Growers, Inc $4,750  $5,947  $4,793  $2,274  $2,304  $2,465  $4,462  $4,380 
                         
Basic $0.32  $0.41  $0.33  $0.16  $0.16  $0.17  $0.31  $0.30 
Diluted $0.32  $0.41  $0.33  $0.16  $0.16  $0.17  $0.31  $0.30 
Number of shares used in per share computation:                                
Basic  14,710   14,651   14,572   14,505   14,505   14,457   14,423   14,419 
Diluted  14,722   14,676   14,598   14,572   14,582   14,529   14,508   14,429 

   Three months ended 
   Oct. 31,
2011
  July 31,
2011
  Apr. 30,
2011
   Jan. 31,
2011
   Oct. 31,
2010
   July 31,
2010
   Apr. 30,
2010
   Jan. 31,
2010
 
   (in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Statement of Operations Data

              

Net sales

  $147,349   $165,141   $118,720    $91,319    $107,234    $114,578    $109,219    $67,320  

Cost of sales

   133,917    153,801    109,300     82,650     92,940     99,303     96,133     58,445  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

   13,432    11,340    9,420     8,669     14,294     15,275     13,086     8,875  

Selling, general and administrative

   7.033    6,844    5,635     5,015     7,035     5,514     5,455     5,164  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   6,399    4,496    3,785     3,654     7,259     9,761     7,631     3,711  

Other income (expense), net

   (271  (105  223     22     169     181     233     36  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

   6,128    4,391    4,008     3,676     7,428     9,942     7,864     3,747  

Provision for income taxes

   2,540    1,689    1,634     1,386     2,733     4,045     3,090     1,473  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   3,588    2,702    2,374     2,290     4,695     5,897     4,774     2,274  

Add: Net loss-noncontrolling interest

   52    11    30     21     55     50     19     —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income-Calavo Growers, Inc

  $3,640   $2,713   $2,404    $2,311    $4,750    $5,947    $4,793    $2,274  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic

  $0.25   $0.18   $0.16    $0.16    $0.32    $0.41    $0.33    $0.16  

Diluted

  $0.25   $0.18   $0.16    $0.16    $0.32    $0.41    $0.33    $0.16  

Number of shares used in per share computation:

              

Basic

   14,769    14,755    14,726     14,723     14,710     14,651     14,572     14,505  

Diluted

   14,781    14,767    14,734     14,736     14,722     14,676     14,598     14,572  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating activities for fiscal 2011, 2010 2009 and 20082009 provided cash flows of $18.2$7.9 million, $22.0$20.0 million, and $5.3$22.0 million. Fiscal year 20102011 operating cash flows reflect our net income of $17.6$11.0 million, net noncash charges (depreciation and amortization, income from unconsolidated entities, provision for losses on accounts receivable, interest on deferred compensation, deferred income taxes, and stock compensation expense) of $4.1$5.6 million and a net decrease from changes in the non-cash components of our working capital accounts of approximately $3.5$8.7 million.

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Fiscal year 20102011 increases in operating cash flows, caused by working capital changes, includeincludes a decrease in payable to growers of $4.9 million, a decrease in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses of $4.2 million, an increase in accounts receivableadvances to suppliers of $9.4$1.8 million, an increase in inventory of $3.0$2.1 million, and an increase in income tax receivable of $1.9 million, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $4.3 million, and a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $2.5 million, partially offset by an increase in payable to growers of $6.9 million, an increase in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses of $2.7 million, a$1.9 million.

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The decrease in advances to suppliers of $1.0 million and a decrease in income tax receivable of $0.8 million.

     The increase in our accounts receivable balance as of October 31, 2010, when compared to October 31, 2009, primarily reflects more California avocado sales recorded in the month of October 2010, as compared to October 2009. This is consistent to what was expected with the greatly improved California avocado season ending later in the current year than in the prior year. The increase in our inventory balance is primarily related to an increase in California and Mexico avocado inventory on hand at October 31, 2010, as compared to the same prior year period. The increase in payable to our growers primarily reflects an increase in California fruit delivered in the month of October 2010, as compared to the month of October 2009. The increase in our trade accounts payable and accrued expenses primarily reflect a contingent consideration accrual related to our acquisition of Calavo Salsa LisaRFG (see note 16)17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements), and an increasea decrease in management bonuses in fiscal year 2010,2011, compared to the previous year.
The decrease in payable to our growers primarily reflects a decrease in California fruit delivered in the month of October 2011, as compared to the month of October 2010. The increase in our inventory balance is primarily related to an increase in Mexico avocado inventory on hand at October 31, 2011, as compared to the same prior year period. The decrease in our accounts receivable balance as of October 31, 2011, when compared to October 31, 2010, primarily reflects less California avocado sales recorded in the month of October 2011, as compared to October 2010.

Cash used in investing activities was $7.7$20.9 million, $6.0$9.5 million, and $7.5$6.0 million for fiscal years 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008.2009. Fiscal year 20102011 cash flows used in investing activities includes the acquisition of RFG net of cash acquired of $13.4 million, capital expenditures of $4.7 million, the final annual Earn-Out payment from the acquisition of HS and HP, totaling approximately $4.5$4.8 million, and $0.4 million in payments relatedinfrastructure advances to the acquisitionAgricola Belher of Calavo Salsa Lisa.$3.0 million. Such payments were partially offset by the collection of $1.8 million from Agricola Belher, pursuant to our tomato agreements and distributions received of $0.1$0.3 million from our joint venture Maui Fresh International, LLC.

Cash provided by financing activities was $14.8 million for fiscal year 2011. Cash used in financing activities was $10.3 million and $16.6 million for fiscal years 2010 and 2009. Cash provided by financing activities was $2.7 million for fiscal years 2008. Cash used during fiscal year 20102011 primarily includes the paymentproceeds from issuance of a dividend totaling $7.3 million, and payments related to our long-term obligations of $6.8 million. Partially offsetting these payments, however, were $2.2$22.1 million, in cash provided by the exercise of stock options, and proceeds from our non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities totaling $1.6$9.7 million, and $0.9 million provided by the exercise of stock options. Partially offsetting these proceeds, however, were payments on long-term debt obligations of $9.8 million and a payment of a dividend of $8.1 million.

Our principal sources of liquidity are our existing cash reserves, cash generated from operations and amounts available for borrowing under our existing credit facilities. Cash and cash equivalents as of October 31, 2011 and 2010 and 2009 totaled $1.1$2.8 million and $0.9$1.1 million. Our working capital at October 31, 20102011 was $14.8$8.6 million, compared to $12.1$14.8 million at October 31, 2009.

2010.

We believe that cash flows from operations and available credit facilities will be sufficient to satisfy our future capital expenditures, grower recruitment efforts, working capital and other financing requirements. We will continue to evaluate grower recruitment opportunities and exclusivity arrangements with food service companies to fuel growth in each of our business segments.

Effective JulyMay 31, 2009, we2011, the Company and FCW, entered into a newTerm Revolving Credit Agreement (Revolving Agreement). Under the terms of the Revolving Agreement, we are advanced funds for working capital purposes, the purchase and installation of capital items, as well as other corporate needs of the Company. Total credit available under the borrowing agreement is $40 million, up from $30 million, and expires on February 1, 2016. This increase was at our request and not due to any immediate cash flows needs. The credit facility and term loan agreement withcontain various financial covenants, the most significant relating to tangible net worth (as defined), Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined) and Current Ratio (as defined).

Effective September 30, 2011, the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (BoA), entered into an agreement, Amendment No. 4 to Loan Agreement (the Agreement), which increasedamended our existing non-collateralized, revolving credit facility with BoA. Under the terms of the Agreement, we are advanced funds primarily for working capital purposes. Total credit available under the borrowing agreement is now $25 million, up from $15 million and now expires on February 1, 2016. This increase was at our request and not due to $15.0 million, from $10.0 million. This new agreement expires July 1, 2011. Our non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities with Farm Credit West, PCA expires in February 2012. any immediate cash flows needs.

Under the terms of these agreements, we are advanced funds for both working capital and long-term productive asset purchases. Total credit available under these combined borrowing agreements was $45$65 million, with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.3%1.6% and 2.4%2.3% at October 31, 20102011 and 2009.2010. Under these credit facilities, we had $8.2$17.9 million and $12.0$8.2 million outstanding as October 31, 20102011 and 2009, of which $6.5 million was classified as a long-term liability as October 31, 2009.2010. These credit facilities contain various financial covenants, the most significant relating to tangible net worthTangible Net Worth (as defined), Current Ratio (as defined), and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined). We were in compliance with all such covenants at October 31, 2010.

2011.

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The following table summarizes contractual obligations pursuant to which we are required to make cash payments. The information is presented as of our fiscal year ended October 31, 2010:

                     
          Payments due by period    
Contractual Obligations Total  Less than 1 year  1-3 years  3-5 years  More than 5 years 
Long-term debt obligations (including interest) $8,768  $1,781  $3,340  $3,045  $602 
Revolving credit facilities  8,150   8,150          
Defined benefit plan  275   42   84   84   65 
Operating lease commitments  11,492   1,480   2,743   2,513   4,756 
                
Total $28,685  $11,453  $6,167  $5,642  $5,423 
                
2011:

       Payments due by period 
Contractual Obligations  Total   Less than 1 year   1-3 years   3-5 years   More than 5 years 

Long-term debt obligations (including interest)

  $25,626    $6,164    $11,571    $7,379    $512  

Revolving credit facilities

   17,860     17,860     —       —       —    

Defined benefit plan

   245     42     84     84     35  

Operating lease commitments

   19,686     2,662     5,210     4,381     7,433  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $63,417    $26,728    $16,865    $11,844    $7,980  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The California avocado industry is subject to a state marketing order whereby handlers are required to collect assessments from the growers and remit such assessments to the California Avocado Commission (CAC). The assessments are primarily for advertising and promotions. The amount of the assessment is based on the dollars paid to the growers for their fruit, and, as a result, is not determinable until the value of the payments to the growers has been calculated.

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With similar precision, amounts remitted to the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) in connection with their assessment program (see Item 7 for further discussion), are likewise not determinable until the fruit is actually delivered to us. HAB assessments are primarily used to fund marketing and promotion efforts.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

     In April 2009, as amended in February 2010, we adopted accounting guidance for subsequent events, which establishes general standards of accounting for, and disclosure of, events that occur after the balance sheet date, but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. In particular, this accounting guidance sets forth:
The period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
The circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements.
The disclosures that should be made about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.
     Our adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
     Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted, on a prospective basis, guidance related to fair value measurements pertaining to nonfinancial assets and liabilities. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
     Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance for business combinations, which changed its previous accounting practices regarding business combinations. The statement requires a number of changes, to be applied prospectively, to the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions, including changes in the way assets and liabilities are recognized in the purchase accounting. It also changes the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies, requires the capitalization of in-process research and development at fair value, and requires the expensing of acquisition-related costs as incurred. The impact of this accounting guidance and its relevant updates on our results of operations or financial position will vary depending on each specific business combination. See Note 16 for a business combination we closed in February 2010.
     Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance for the determination of the useful life of intangible assets. This accounting guidance amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. This change is intended to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset. The requirement for determining useful lives must be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date and the disclosure requirements must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets recognized as of, and subsequent to, the effective date. Our adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
     Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance for measuring liabilities at fair value. This accounting guidance provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more of the following methods: 1) a valuation technique that uses a) the quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset or b) quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets and/or 2) a valuation technique that is consistent with the principles of the accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures. This guidance also clarifies that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to adjust to include inputs relating to the existence of transfer restrictions on that liability. Our adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
     Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance related to the accounting and reporting for minority interests. Minority interests are now re-characterized as noncontrolling interests and in most cases are reported as a component of equity separate from the parent’s equity, and purchases or sales of equity interests that do not result in a change in control will be accounted for as equity transactions. In addition, net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest is now included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement and, upon a loss of control, the interest sold, as well as any interest retained, will be recorded at fair value with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. See Note 16 for a business combination we closed in February 2010.

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Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2009, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued revised guidance for the accounting of transfers of financial assets. This guidance is intended to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. This accounting guidance will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted. We do not believe thatThe adoption of this accounting guidance willdid not have a material impact on our financial position, and results of operations.
operations or liquidity.

In June 2009, the FASB issued revised guidance for the accounting of variable interest entities, which replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards approach with a qualitative approach that focuses on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. This accounting guidance also requires an ongoing reassessment of whether an entity is the primary beneficiary and requires additional disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement in variable interest entities. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance regarding the presentation of comprehensive income. The new standard requires the presentation of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new standard also requires presentation of adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The updated guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for financial statements issued for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this standard will only impact the presentation of our consolidated financial statements and will have no impact on the reported results.

In May 2011, the FASB issued additional guidance on fair value measurements that clarifies the application of existing guidance and disclosure requirements, changes certain fair value measurement principles and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The updated guidance is effective on a prospective basis for financial statements issued for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not believe that adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.

In December 2010, the FASB issued an update to modify Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The

31


qualitative factors are consistent with the existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This accounting guidance will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after NovemberDecember 15, 2009,2010, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted. We do not believe that adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.

Item 7A. 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 October 31, 2010.

                                 
  Expected maturity date October 31, 
(All amounts in thousands) 2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  Thereafter  Total  Fair Value 
Assets                                
Cash and cash equivalents (1) $1,064  $  $  $  $  $  $1,064  $1,064 
Accounts receivable (1)  31,743                  31,743   31,743 
Advances to suppliers (1)  1,598                  1,598   1,598 
 
Liabilities                                
Payable to growers (1) $11,208  $  $  $  $  $  $11,208  $11,208 
Accounts payable (1)  2,839                  2,839   2,839 
Current borrowings pursuant to credit facilities (1)  7,150                  7,150   7,150 
Current long-term borrowings pursuant to credit facilities (2)  1,000                  1,000   1,024 
Fixed-rate long-term obligations (3)  1,369   1,373   1,376   1,380   1,383   577   7,458   8,082 
2011.

(All amounts in thousands)  Expected maturity date October 31, 
   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   Thereafter   Total   Fair Value 

Assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents (1)

  $2,774    $—      $—      $—      $—      $—      $2,774    $2,774  

Accounts receivable (1)

   36,101     —       —       —       —       —       36,101     36,101  

Advances to suppliers (1)

   3,349     —       —       —       —       —       3,349     3,349  

Liabilities

                

Payable to growers (1)

  $5,082    $—      $—      $—      $—      $—      $5,082    $5,082  

Accounts payable (1)

   7,038     —       —       —       —       —       7,038     7,038  

Current borrowings pursuant to credit

facilities (1)

   17,860     —       —       —       —       —       17,860     17,860  

Fixed-rate long-term obligations (2)

   5,448     5,384     5,264     4,952     2,153     491     23,692     23,430  

(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)Current long-term borrowings pursuant to our credit facility bears interest at 6.5%. We believe that a portfolio of loans with a similar risk profile would currently yield a return of 4.0%. We project the impact of an increase or decrease in interest rates of 100 basis points would result in a change of fair value by approximately $10,000.
(3)Fixed-rate long-term obligations bear interest rates ranging from 4.3%1.7% to 5.7% with a weighted-average interest rate of 5.5%3.0%. We believe that loans with a similar risk profile would currently yield a return of 2.5%. 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 $235,000.$602,000.

Except as disclosed in Note 16, 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-based operations transact business in Mexican pesos. Funds are transferred by our corporate office to Mexico on a weekly basis to satisfy domestic cash needs. Historically, the consistency of the spot rate for the Mexican peso has led to a small-to-moderate impact on our operating results. We do not anticipate using derivative instruments to hedge fluctuations in the Mexican peso to U.S. dollar exchange rates during fiscal 2011. Total foreign currency losses for fiscal 2011, net of gains, was less than $0.1 million. Total foreign currency losses for fiscal 2010, net of gains was $0.1 million. Total foreign currency gains for fiscal 2009, and 2008, net of losses, was less than $0.1 million and $0.5 million.

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

         
  October 31, 
  2010  2009 
Assets
        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $1,064  $875 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,372 (2010) and $2,353 (2009)  31,743   22,314 
Inventories, net  14,831   11,731 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  8,424   6,430 
Advances to suppliers  1,598   2,623 
Income taxes receivable  1,816   2,178 
Deferred income taxes  2,336   2,728 
       
Total current assets  61,812   48,879 
Property, plant, and equipment, net  41,059   38,621 
Investment in Limoneira Company  34,986   24,200 
Investment in unconsolidated entities  2,016   1,382 
Goodwill  4,085   3,591 
Other assets  6,240   6,076 
       
  $150,198  $122,749 
       
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
        
Current liabilities:        
Payable to growers $11,208  $4,343 
Trade accounts payable  2,839   2,223 
Accrued expenses  15,353   16,123 
Short-term borrowings  8,150   5,520 
Dividend payable  8,092   7,252 
Current portion of long-term obligations  1,369   1,366 
       
Total current liabilities  47,011   36,827 
Long-term liabilities:        
Long-term obligations, less current portion  6,089   13,908 
Deferred income taxes  8,266   2,527 
       
Total long-term liabilities  14,355   16,435 
Commitments and contingencies        
Noncontrolling interest  575    
Shareholders’ equity:        
Common stock ($0.001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 14,712 and 14,505 shares outstanding at October 31, 2010 and 2009)  14   14 
Additional paid-in capital  42,319   39,714 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  6,959   466 
Retained earnings  38,965   29,293 
       
Total shareholders’ equity  88,257   69,487 
       
  $150,198  $122,749 
       

   October 31, 
   2011   2010 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

  $2,774    $1,064  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,285 (2011) and $1,372 (2010)

   36,101     31,743  

Inventories, net

   17,787     14,831  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   6,220     8,424  

Advances to suppliers

   3,349     1,598  

Income taxes receivable

   3,111     1,816  

Deferred income taxes

   2,136     2,336  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

   71,478     61,812  

Property, plant, and equipment, net

   47,091     41,059  

Investment in Limoneira Company

   29,991     34,986  

Investment in unconsolidated entities

   2,292     2,016  

Goodwill

   18,349     4,085  

Other assets

   16,122     6,240  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $185,323    $150,198  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Payable to growers

  $5,082    $11,208  

Trade accounts payable

   7,038     2,839  

Accrued expenses

   19,285     15,353  

Short-term borrowings

   17,860     8,150  

Dividend payable

   8,123     8,092  

Current portion of long-term obligations

   5,448     1,369  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   62,836     47,011  

Long-term liabilities:

    

Long-term obligations, less current portion

   18,244     6,089  

Deferred income taxes

   8,002     8,266  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

   26,246     14,355  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Noncontrolling interest

   461     575  

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock ($0.001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 14,770 and 14,712 shares outstanding at October 31, 2011 and 2010)

   14     14  

Additional paid-in capital

   49,929     42,319  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   3,935     6,959  

Retained earnings

   41,902     38,965  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   95,780     88,257  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $185,323    $150,198  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

30

33


CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

             
  Year Ended October 31, 
  2010  2009  2008 
Net sales $398,351  $344,765  $361,474 
Cost of sales  346,821   300,232   328,293 
          
Gross margin  51,530   44,533   33,181 
Selling, general and administrative  23,168   22,791   20,914 
          
Operating income  28,362   21,742   12,267 
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities  749   610   279 
Interest income  274   381   516 
Interest expense  (834)  (1,108)  (1,485)
Other income, net  430   263   715 
          
Income before provision for income taxes  28,981   21,888   12,292 
Provision for income taxes  11,341   8,277   4,567 
          
Net Income  17,640   13,611   7,725 
Add: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  124       
          
Net income attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc. $17,764  $13,611  $7,725 
          
             
Calavo Growers, Inc.’s net income per share:            
Basic $1.22  $0.94  $0.54 
          
Diluted $1.22  $0.94  $0.53 
          
             
Number of shares used in per share computation:            
Basic  14,610   14,451   14,398 
          
Diluted  14,619   14,503   14,481 
          

   Year Ended October 31, 
   2011  2010  2009 

Net sales

  $522,529   $398,351   $344,765  

Cost of sales

   479,668    346,821    300,232  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross margin

   42,861    51,530    44,533  

Selling, general and administrative

   24,527    23,168    22,791  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

   18,334    28,362    21,742  

Equity in earnings from unconsolidated entities

   557    749    610  

Interest income

   191    274    381  

Interest expense

   (1,016  (834  (1,108

Other income, net

   137    430    263  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

   18,203    28,981    21,888  

Provision for income taxes

   7,249    11,341    8,277  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income

   10,954    17,640    13,611  

Add: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

   114    124    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.

  $11,068   $17,764   $13,611  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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

    

Basic

  $0.75   $1.22   $0.94  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted

  $0.75   $1.22   $0.94  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Number of shares used in per share computation:

    

Basic

   14,743    14,610    14,451  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted

   14,751    14,619    14,503  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

31

34


CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

             
  Year ended 
  October 31, 
  2010  2009  2008 
Net income $17,640  $13,611  $7,725 
          
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:            
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period  10,786   (5,704)  (19,058)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)  (4,293)  2,227   7,337 
          
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  6,493   (3,477)  (11,721)
          
Comprehensive income (loss)  24,133   10,134   (3,996)
Add: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  124       
          
Comprehensive income (loss) — Calavo Growers, Inc. $24,257  $10,134  $(3,996)
          

   Year ended
October 31,
 
   2011  2010  2009 

Net income

  $10,954   $17,640   $13,611  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:

    

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period

   (4,996  10,786    (5,704

Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)

   1,972    (4,293  2,227  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

   (3,024  6,493    (3,477
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   7,930    24,133    10,134  

Add: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

   114    124    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income – Calavo Growers, Inc.

  $8,044   $24,257   $10,134  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

32

35


CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

                         
              Accumulated       
          Additional  Other       
  Common Stock  Paid-in  Comprehensive  Retained    
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Income  Earnings  Total 
Balance, October 31, 2007
  14,371   14   38,068   15,664   20,257   74,003 
Exercise of stock options and income tax benefit of $147  48      534         534 
Stock compensation expense        24         24 
Unrealized loss on Limoneira investment, net           (11,721)     (11,721)
Dividend declared to shareholders              (5,048)  (5,048)
Net income              7,725   7,725 
                   
Balance, October 31, 2008
  14,419   14   38,626   3,943   22,934   65,517 
Exercise of stock options and income tax benefit of $261  86      1,044         1,044 
Stock compensation expense        44         44 
Unrealized loss on Limoneira investment, net           (3,477)     (3,477)
Dividend declared to shareholders              (7,252)  (7,252)
Net income              13,611   13,611 
                   
Balance, October 31, 2009
  14,505   14   39,714   466   29,293   69,487 
Exercise of stock options and income tax benefit of $664  207      2,553         2,553 
Stock compensation expense        52         52 
Unrealized gain on Limoneira investment, net           6,493      6,493 
Dividend declared to shareholders              (8,092)  (8,092)
Net income attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.              17,764   17,764 
                   
Balance, October 31, 2010
  14,712  $14  $42,319  $6,959  $38,965  $88,257 
                   

   Common Stock   

Additional

Paid-in

   

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

  Retained
Earnings
  Total 
   Shares   Amount   Capital   Income   

Balance, October 31, 2008

   14,419     14     38,626     3,943    22,934    65,517  

Exercise of stock options and income tax benefit of $261

   86     —       1,044     —      —      1,044  

Stock compensation expense

   —       —       44     —      —      44  

Unrealized loss on Limoneira investment, net

   —       —       —       (3,477  —      (3,477

Dividend declared to shareholders

   —       —       —       —      (7,252  (7,252

Net income

   —       —       —       —      13,611    13,611  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, October 31, 2009

   14,505     14     39,714     466    29,293    69,487  

Exercise of stock options and income tax benefit of $664

   207     —       2,553     —      —      2,553  

Stock compensation expense

   —       —       52     —      —      52  

Unrealized gain on Limoneira investment, net

   —       —       —       6,493    —      6,493  

Dividend declared to shareholders

   —       —       —       —      (8,092  (8,092

Net income attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.

   —       —       —       —      17,764    17,764  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, October 31, 2010

   14,712     14     42,319     6,959    38,965    88,257  

Exercise of stock options and income tax benefit of $26

   15     —       239     —      —      239  

Stock compensation expense

   —       —       188     —      —      188  

Unrealized loss on Limoneira investment, net

   —       —       —       (3,024  —      (3,024

Acquisition of RFG

   43     —       7,183     —      —      7,183  

Dividend declared to shareholders

   —       —       —       —      (8,131  (8,131

Net income attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.

   —       —       —       —      11,068    11,068  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, October 31, 2011

   14,770    $14    $49,929    $3,935   $41,902   $95,780  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

33

36


CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

             
  Year Ended October 31, 
  2010  2009  2008 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
            
Net income $17,640  $13,611  $7,725 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization  3,368   3,054   2,657 
Provision for losses on accounts receivable  38   106   20 
Income from unconsolidated entities  (750)  (610)  (279)
Interest on deferred consideration  62   152   75 
Stock compensation expense  52   44   24 
Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment        70 
Deferred income taxes  1,332   (215)  940 
Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities:            
Accounts receivable  (9,353)  5,297   (1,400)
Inventories, net  (3,006)  3,158   (5,587)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  (2,544)  (963)  1 
Advances to suppliers  1,025   219   (549)
Income taxes receivable  765   (1,072)  461 
Other assets  (25)  (113)  171 
Payable to growers  6,865   (602)  919 
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses  2,729   (69)  48 
          
Net cash provided by operating activities  18,198   21,997   5,296 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
            
Acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment  (4,767)  (4,149)  (2,674)
Loan to Agricola Belher        (750)
Collections from Agricola Belher  1,781   507   1,000 
Distribution from unconsolidated entity  116       
Acquisition of Hawaiian Sweet and Pride, net of cash acquired  (4,500)  (2,348)  (5,030)
Acquisition of Calavo Salsa Lisa, net of cash acquired  (351)      
          
Net cash used in investing activities  (7,721)  (5,990)  (7,454)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
            
Dividend paid to shareholders  (7,252)  (5,047)  (5,031)
Proceeds (repayments) from (on) line of credit borrowings, net  1,580   (11,160)  8,500 
Payments on long-term obligations  (6,766)  (1,364)  (1,389)
Proceeds from stock option exercises  1,889   783   387 
Tax benefit of stock option exercises  261   147   233 
          
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  (10,288)  (16,641)  2,700 
          
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  189   (634)  542 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year  875   1,509   967 
          
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $1,064  $875  $1,509 
          
Supplemental Information -
            
Cash paid during the year for:            
Interest $850  $1,195  $1,455 
          
Income taxes $8,845  $8,803  $2,504 
          
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
            
Tax receivable increase related to stock option exercise $664  $261  $147 
          
Declared dividends payable $8,092  $7,252  $5,047 
          
Construction in progress included in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses $32  $245  $259 
          
Capital lease obligations $  $  $1,125 
          
Fixed asset acquired with long term debt $  $  $4,000 
          
Minimum earnout adjustment related to the acquisition of Hawaiian Sweet and Pride $  $902  $ 
          
Unrealized holding gains (losses) $10,786  $(5,704) $(19,058)
          
 
     In February 2010, we entered into an asset purchase and contribution agreement in which we acquired a 65 percent ownership interest in newly created Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC which acquired substantially all of the assets of Lisa’s Salsa Company. See Note 16 for further information. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the non-cash assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition (in thousands):
 
(in thousands) 2010 
Current assets, excluding cash $214 
Property, plant, and equipment  321 
Goodwill  88 
Intangible assets  1,950 
    
Total assets acquired  2,573 
Current liabilities  (55)
Noncontrolling interest  (699)
Contingent consideration  (1,468)
    
Net non-cash assets acquired $351 
    

34


   Year Ended October 31, 
   2011  2010  2009 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

Net income

  $10,954   $17,640   $13,611  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

   4,327    3,368    3,054  

Provision for losses on accounts receivable

   64    38    106  

Income from unconsolidated entities

   (557  (749  (610

Interest on contingent consideration

   101    62    152  

Revalue adjustment on contingent consideration

   (535  —      —    

Stock compensation expense

   188    52    44  

Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

   139    —      —    

Deferred income taxes

   1,907    1,332    (215

Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

   4,270    (9,353  5,297  

Inventories, net

   (2,137  (3,006  3,158  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   1,936    (2,544  (963

Advances to suppliers

   (1,751  1,025    219  

Income taxes receivable

   (1,933  765    (1,072

Other assets

   (12  (25  (113

Payable to growers

   (4,901  8,645    (95

Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses

   (4,194  2,729    (69
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   7,866    19,979    22,504  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

    

Acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment

   (4,826  (4,767  (4,149

Loan to Agricola Belher

   (3,000  —      —    

Distribution from unconsolidated entity

   281    116    —    

Acquisition of Renaissance Food Group, net of cash acquired

   (13,362  —      —    

Acquisition of Hawaiian Sweet and Pride, net of cash acquired

   —      (4,500  (2,348

Acquisition of Calavo Salsa Lisa, net of cash acquired

   —      (351  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (20,907  (9,502  (6,497

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

    

Payment of dividend to shareholders

   (8,100  (7,252  (5,047

Proceeds (payments) from (on) revolving credit facility, net

   9,710    1,580    (11,160

Proceeds from issuance of long-term obligations

   22,135    —      —    

Payments on long-term obligations

   (9,871  (6,766  (1,364

Proceeds from stock option exercises

   213    1,889    783  

Tax benefit of stock option exercises

   664    261    147  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   14,751    (10,288  (16,641
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   1,710    189    (634

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

   1,064    875    1,509  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $2,774   $1,064   $875  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Supplemental Information:

    

Cash paid during the year for:

    

Interest

  $985   $850   $1,195  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income taxes

  $6,313   $8,845   $8,803  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:

    

Tax receivable increase related to stock option exercise

  $26   $664   $261  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Declared dividends payable

  $8,123   $8,092   $7,252  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Construction in progress included in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $36   $32   $245  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Collection for Agricola Belher Infrastructure Advance

  $1,225   $1,781   $507  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Minimum earnout adjustment related to the acquisition of Hawaiian Sweet and Pride

  $—     $—     $902  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains (losses)

  $(4,996 $10,786   $(5,704
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-CONTINUED
(in thousands)
In May 2008,June 2011, we acquired all of the outstanding sharesinterest of Hawaiian Sweet, Inc.Renaissance Food Group, LLC (See Note 17). The following table summarizes, estimated fair values of the non-cash assets acquired, liabilities assumed and equity issued at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

At June 1, 2011

Current assets, excluding cash

  $9,623  

Property, plant, and equipment

   4,580  

Goodwill

   14,264  

Other assets

   117  

Intangible assets

   8,690  
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

   37,274  

Current liabilities

   (12,292

Contingent consideration

   (7,774

Long-term obligations

   (2,894

Additional paid-in capital

   (952
  

 

 

 

Net non-cash assets acquired

  $13,362  
  

 

 

 

37


CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-CONTINUED

(in thousands)

In February 2010, we entered into an asset purchase and contribution agreement in which we acquired a 65 percent ownership interest in Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC which acquired substantially all ownership interests of Hawaiian Pride, LLCthe assets of Lisa’s Salsa Company. See Note 16 for approximately $5.0 million, as well as approximately $7.7 million in deferred and contingent consideration, plus acquisition costs of approximately $0.2 million.further information. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the non-cash assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.

     
(in thousands) 2008 
Current assets $1,303 
Fixed assets  10,947 
Intangible assets  1,310 
    
Total non-cash assets acquired  13,560 
Current liabilities assumed  809 
Deferred and contingent consideration  7,721 
    
Net non-cash assets acquired $5,030 
    
acquisition (in thousands):

At February 8, 2010

Current assets, excluding cash

  $214  

Property, plant, and equipment

   321  

Goodwill

   88  

Intangible assets

   1,950  
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

   2,573  

Current liabilities

   (55

Noncontrolling interest

   (699

Contingent consideration

   (1,468
  

 

 

 

Net non-cash assets acquired

  $351  
  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

35

38


CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Description of the business

Business

Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo, the Company, we, us or our) procures, is a global leader in the avocado industry and markets avocados and other perishable commodities and prepares and distributes processed avocado products.an expanding provider of value-added fresh food. Our expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, processedprepared avocados, and other perishable foods allows us to deliver a wide array of fresh and processedprepared food products to food distributors, produce wholesalers, supermarkets, and restaurants on a worldwide basis. We procure avocados principally from California, Mexico, and Chile. Through our various operating facilities, in Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Texas, and Mexico, we sort, pack, and/or ripen avocados, tomatoes and/or Hawaiian grown papayas for distributionpapayas. Additionally, we also produce salsa and prepare ready-to-eat produce and deli products. We distribute our products both domestically and internationally. We also have an operating facility in Minnesota that produces salsa. Weinternationally and report our operations in two different business segments: (1) Fresh products and (2) CalavoFoods.Calavo Foods. See Note 11 in our consolidated financial statements for further information about our business segments. See Note 1617 for discussion regarding our acquisition of Calavo Salsa Lisa.

Renaissance Food Group, LLC (RFG).

2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Calavo Growers, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Calavo de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Calavo Foods de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Calavo Inversiones (Chile) Limitada, Maui Fresh International, Inc. (Maui), Calavo Inversiones (Chile) Limitada, Hawaiian Sweet, Inc. (“HS”)(HS) and Hawaiian Pride, LLC (“HP”)(HP). In addition, we consolidate our newly acquired entity Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC (CSL), in which we have a 65 percent ownership interest. See Note 16 for discussion regarding our acquisition of Calavo Salsa Lisa. Such dissolution did not have any impact onCSL. In addition, we consolidate our financial position ornewly acquired entity Renaissance Food Group, LLC (RFG). See Note 17 for discussion regarding our resultsacquisition of operations.RFG. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Effective July 2009, we formed Calavo Inversiones (Chile) Limitada, a wholly owned subsidiary.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid financial instruments purchased with an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of non-trade receivables, infrastructure advances and prepaid expenses. Non-trade receivables were $6.9$4.5 and $5.0$6.9 million at October 31, 20102011 and 2009.2010. Infrastructure advances are discussed further below. Prepaid expenses of $0.9 million and $0.3 million at October 31, 2011 and 2010, are primarily for insurance, rent and other items.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is computed on a monthly weighted-average basis, which approximates the first-in, first-out method; market is based upon estimated replacement costs. Costs included in inventory primarily include the following: fruit, picking and hauling, overhead, labor, materials and freight.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are stated at cost and amortized over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease, using the straight-line method. Useful lives are as follows: buildings and improvements - 7 to 50 years; leasehold improvements - the lesser of the term of the lease or 7 years; equipment - 7 to 25 years; information systems hardware and software 3 to 15 years. Significant repairs and maintenance that increase the value or extend the useful life of our fixed asset are capitalized. Replaced fixed assets are written off. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to expense.

We capitalize software development costs for internal use beginning in the application development stage and ending when the asset is placed into service. Costs capitalized include coding and testing activities and various implementation costs. These costs are limited to (1) external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use computer software; (2) payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the internal-use computer software project to the extent of the time spent directly on the project; and (3) interest cost incurred while developing internal-use computer software. See Note 4 for further information.

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Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets

Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. Goodwill impairment testing is a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, and the second step of the impairment test would be unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test, used to measure the amount of impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss must be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Goodwill impairment testing requires significant judgment and management estimates, including, but not limited to, the determination of (i) the number of reporting units, (ii) the goodwill and other assets and liabilities to be allocated to the reporting units and (iii) the fair values of the reporting units. The estimates and assumptions described above, along with other factors such as discount rates, will significantly affect the outcome of the impairment tests and the amounts of any resulting impairment losses. We performed our annual assessment of goodwill and determined that no impairment existed as of October 31, 2010.

2011.

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including fixed assets and intangible assets (other than goodwill), are continually monitored and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such asset may not be recoverable. The determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset and its eventual disposition. The estimate of undiscounted cash flows is based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about future operating performance, growth rates and other factors. Estimates of undiscounted cash flows may differ from actual cash flows due to, among other things, technological changes, economic conditions, changes to the business model or changes in operating performance. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less thenthan the carrying value, an impairment loss will be recognized, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. We have evaluated our long-lived assets and determined that no impairment existed as of October 31, 2010.

2011.

Investments

We account for non-marketable investments using the equity method of accounting if the investment gives us the ability to exercise significant influence over, but not control, an investee. Significant influence generally exists when we have an ownership interest representing between 20% and 50% of the voting stock of the investee. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and our proportionate share of earnings or losses and distributions. Additional investments by other parties in the investee, if any, will result in a reduction in our ownership interest, and the resulting gain or loss will be recorded in our consolidated statements of income.

In August 2006, we entered into a joint venture agreement with San Rafael Distributing (SRD) for the purpose of the wholesale marketing, sale and distribution of fresh produce from the existing location of SRD at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market (Terminal Market), located in Los Angeles, California. Such joint venture operates under the name of Maui Fresh International, LLC (Maui Fresh LLC)Fresh) and commenced operations in August 2006. SRD and Calavo each have an equal one-half ownership interest in Maui Fresh, but SRD has overall management responsibility for the operations of Maui Fresh at the Terminal Market. We use the equity method to account for this investment.

Commencing on the first anniversary of this agreement and continuing thereafter during the term of the agreement, Calavo has the unconditional right, but not the obligation, to purchase the one-half interest in Maui Fresh owned by SRD at a purchase price to be determined pursuant to the agreement. The term of the agreement is for five years, which may be extended, or terminated early, as defined. As of October 31, 2011 and 2010, we have no advances outstanding to Maui Fresh. As of October 31, 2009, we have advanced Maui Fresh approximately $0.4 million (included in prepaid expenses and other current assets) for working capital purposes. Per the agreement, these advances were made at our own discretion and are expected to be paid back in cash.

In June 2009, we (through a newly createdour wholly owned subsidiary: Calavo Inversiones (Chile) Limitada) entered into a joint venture agreement with Exportadora M5, S.A. (M5) for the purpose of selling and distributing Chilean sourced avocados. Such joint venture operates under the name of Calavo de Chile and commenced operations in July 2009. M5 and Calavo each have an equal

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one-half ownership interest in Calavo de Chile, but M5 has overall management responsibility for the operations of Calavo De Chile. We use the equity method to account for this investment.

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Marketable Securities

Our marketable securities consist of our investment in Limoneira Company (Limoneira) stock. We currently own approximately 15% of Limoneira’s outstanding common stock. These securities are carried at fair value as determined from quoted market prices. The estimated fair value, cost, and gross unrealized gain related to such investment was $35.0$30.0 million, $23.5 million and $11.5$6.5 million as of October 31, 2010.2011. The estimated fair value, cost, and gross unrealized gain related to such investment was $24.2$35.0 million, $23.5 million and $0.7$11.5 million as of October 31, 2009.

2010.

Advances to Suppliers

We advance funds to third-party growers primarily in Chile and Mexico for various farming needs. Typically, we obtain collateral (i.e. fruit, fixed assets, etc.) that approximates the value at risk, prior to making such advances. We continuously evaluate the ability of these growers to repay advances in order to evaluate the possible need to record an allowance. No such allowance was required at October 31, 2010,2011, nor October 31, 2009.

     In June 2007, we entered into a2010.

Pursuant to our distribution agreement, which was amended in fiscal 2011, with Agricola Belher (Belher) of Mexico, a producer of fresh vegetables, primarily tomatoes, for export to the U.S. market. Pursuant to such distribution agreement,market, Belher agreed, at their sole cost and expense, to harvest, pack, export, ship, and deliver tomatoes exclusively to our company, primarily our Arizona facility. In exchange, we agreed to sell and distribute such tomatoes, advance $2 millionmake advances to Belher for operating purposes, provide additional advances as shipments are made during the season (subject to limitations, as defined), and return the proceeds from such tomato sales to Belher, net of our commission and aforementioned advances. ThePursuant to such amended agreement also allowswith Belher, we advanced Belher a total of $3.0 million, up from $2.0 million in the original agreement, during fiscal 2011. Additionally, the amended agreement calls for us to continue to advance additional amounts to Belher at our sole discretion.$3.0 million per annum for operating purposes through 2019. These advances will be collected through settlements by the end of each year. As of October 31, 20102011 and 2009,2010, we have advanced $1.0total advances of $3.0 million and $2.0$1.0 million to Belher pursuant to this agreement, which is recorded in advances to suppliers.

Infrastructure Advances

     We entered into an

Pursuant to our infrastructure agreement, in June 2007 withwe make advances to be used solely for the acquisition, construction, and installation of improvements to and on certain land owned/controlled by Belher, in order to significantly increase production yieldsas well as packing line equipment. Advances incur interest at 4.7% and fruit quality.6.5% at October 31, 2011 and 2010. Pursuant to thisthe revised/amended agreement discussed above, we advanced $2.4Belher $3.0 million and $4.2 million asduring fiscal 2011, which was used to build 47 hectares (approximately 116 acres) of shade-cloth/green house construction. As of October 31, 2011 and 2010, and 2009 ($1.2we have advanced a total of $4.2 million and $1.8$2.4 million ($0.8 million and $1.2 million included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $1.2$3.4 million and $2.4$1.2 million included in other long-term assets). Belher is to annually repay these advances in no less than 20% increments through July 2012. Agricola Belher paid $1.8 million and $0.5 million in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 related to infrastructure advances. For fiscal year 2010 and 2009, we have not made any infrastructure advances to Agricola Belher. In addition, the agreement allows for additional $1.0 million advances to take place during the last five months of each of our fiscal years 2009 and 2010, but they are subject to certain conditions and are to be made at our sole discretion. Belher is to annually repay these advances in full on or before each of July 2010 and July 2011. For fiscal 2010 and 2009, no additional advances were made to Belher.2016. Interest is to be paid monthly or annually, as defined. Belher may prepay, without penalty, all or any portion of the advances at any time.

In order to secure their obligations pursuant to both agreements discussed above, Belher granted us a first-priority security interest in certain assets, including cash, inventory and fixed assets, as defined.

Accrued Expenses

Included in accrued expenses at October 31, 2011 and 2010 are un-vouchereduninvoiced receipts and deferred consideration of approximately $1.9$4.1 million and $1.5$1.9 million. Included in accrued expenses at October 31, 2009 are un-vouchered receipts and deferred consideration of $2.0 million and $3.9 million.

Revenue Recognition

Sales of products and related costs of products sold are recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. These terms are typically met upon shipment of product to the customer. Service revenue, including freight, ripening, storage, bagging and palletization charges, is recorded when services are performed and sales of the related products are delivered.

Shipping and Handling

We include shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net revenues. Amounts incurred by us for freight are included in cost of goods sold.

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Promotional Allowances

We provide for promotional allowances at the time of sale, based on our historical experience. Our estimates are generally based on evaluating the historical relationship between promotional allowances and gross sales. The derived percentage is then applied to the current period’s sales revenues in order to arrive at the appropriate debit to sales allowances for the period. The offsetting credit is made to accrued expenses. When certain amounts of specific customer accounts are subsequently identified as promotional, they are written off against this allowance. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates and such differences are recognized as an adjustment to net sales in the period they are identified.

Allowance for Accounts Receivable

We provide an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable balances based on historical experience and the aging of the related accounts receivable.

Consignment Arrangements

We frequently enter into consignment arrangements with avocado and tomato growers and packers located outside of the United States and growers of certain perishable products in the United States. Although we generally do not take legal title to these avocados and perishable products, we do assume responsibilities (principally assuming credit risk, inventory loss and delivery risk, and limited pricing risk) that are consistent with acting as a principal in the transaction. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements include sales and cost of sales from the sale of avocados and perishable products procured under consignment arrangements. Amounts recorded for each of the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 2009 and 20082009 in the financial statements pursuant to consignment arrangements are as follows (in thousands):

             
  2010  2009  2008 
Sales $54,736  $44,776  $49,189 
Cost of Sales  48,713   41,941   45,739 
          
Gross Margin $6,023  $2,835  $3,450 
          

   2011   2010   2009 

Sales

  $38,327    $54,736    $44,776  

Cost of Sales

   34,859     48,713     41,941  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Margin

  $3,468    $6,023    $2,835  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Advertising Expense

Advertising costs are expensed when incurred. Such costs in fiscal 2011, 2010, 2009, and 20082009 were approximately $0.1 million.

Other income, net

Included in other income, net is dividend income totaling $0.3 million, $0.2$0.3 million and $0.6$0.2 million for fiscal years 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008.

2009. See Note 9 for related party disclosure related to other income.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Among the significant estimates affecting the financial statements are those related to valuation allowances for accounts receivable, goodwill, grower advances, inventories, long-lived assets, valuation of and estimated useful lives of identifiable intangible assets, stock-based compensation, promotional allowances and income taxes. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based upon currently available information. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Income Taxes

We account for deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Measurement of the deferred items is based on enacted tax laws. In the event the future consequences of differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of our assets and liabilities result in a deferred tax asset, we perform an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such asset. A valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

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As a multinational corporation, we are subject to taxation in many jurisdictions, and the calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in various taxing jurisdictions. If we ultimately determine that the payment of these liabilities will be unnecessary, the liability will be reversed and we will recognize a tax benefit during the period in which it is determined the liability no longer applies. Conversely, we record additional tax charges in a period in which it is determined that a recorded tax liability is less than the ultimate assessment is expected to be.

The application of tax laws and regulations is subject to legal and factual interpretation, judgment and uncertainty. Tax laws and regulations themselves are subject to change as a result of changes in fiscal policy, changes in legislation, the evolution of regulations and court rulings. Therefore, the actual liability for U.S. or foreign taxes may be materially different from management’s estimates, which could result in the need to record additional tax liabilities or potentially reverse previously recorded tax liabilities.

Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period without consideration of the dilutive effect of stock options. The basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding was 14,743,000, 14,610,000, 14,451,000, and 14,398,00014,451,000 for fiscal years 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008.2009. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period after consideration of the dilutive effect of stock options, which were 8,000, 9,000, 52,000, and 83,00052,000 for fiscal years 2011, 2010 2009 and 2008.2009. There were no significant anti-dilutive options for fiscal years 2011, 2010 2009 and 2008.

2009.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for awards of equity instruments issued to employees under the fair value method of accounting and recognize such amounts in their statements of operations. 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.

The value of each option award that contains a market condition is estimated using a lattice-based option valuation model, while all other option awards are valued using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model. We primarily consider the following assumptions when using these models: (1) expected volatility, (2) expected dividends, (3) expected life and (4) risk-free interest rate. Such models also consider the intrinsic value in the estimation of fair value of the option award. Forfeitures are estimated when recognizing compensation expense, and the estimate of forfeitures will be adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures will be recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change and will also impact the amount of compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.

We measure the fair value of our stock option awards on the date of grant. The following assumptions were used in the estimated grant date fair value calculations for stock options:

             
  2010  2009  2008 
Risk-free interest rate  1.70%  2.02%  2.95%
Expected volatility  47.37%  67.95%  28.24%
Dividend yield  2.5%  4.3%  2.4%
Expected life (years)  4.0   4.0   4.0 

   

2011

  2010  2009 

Risk-free interest rate

  0.96% - 1.40%   1.70  2.02

Expected volatility

  32.63% - 60.00%   47.37  67.95

Dividend yield

  2.5%   2.5  4.3

Expected life (years)

  1.5 - 4.0   4.0    4.0  

For the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 2009 and 2008,2009, we recognized compensation expense of $188,000, $52,000, $44,000, and $24,000$44,000 related to stock-based compensation.

The expected stock price volatility rates were based on the historical volatility of our common stock. The risk free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods approximating the expected life of the option. The expected life represents the average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, as calculated using the simplified method described in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107.

The Black-Scholes-Merton and lattice-based option valuation models were developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Because options held by our directors and employees have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, in our opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of these options.

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Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement

Our foreign operations are subject to exchange rate fluctuations and foreign currency transaction costs. The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is the United States dollar. As a result, monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates as of the balance sheet date and non-monetary assets, liabilities and equity are translated at historical rates. Sales and expenses are translated using a weighted-average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses resulting from those remeasurements are included in income. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are also recognized currently in income. Total foreign currency losses for fiscal 2011, net of gains, was less than $0.1 million. Total foreign currency losses for fiscal 2010, net of gains was $0.1 million. Total foreign currency gains for fiscal 2009, and 2008, net of losses, was less than $0.1 million and $0.5 million.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We believe that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates fair value based on either their short-term nature or on terms currently available to the Company in financial markets. We believe that our fixed-rate long-term obligations have a fair value of approximately $8.1$23.4 million as of October 31, 2010,2011, with a corresponding carrying value of approximately $7.5$23.7 million. In addition, our long-term borrowings pursuant to credit facilities have a fair value and a corresponding carrying value of approximately of $1.0 million.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Except as disclosed in Note 16, we were not a party to any derivative instruments during the fiscal year 2010.2011. 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.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

     In April 2009, as amended in February 2010, we adopted accounting guidance for subsequent events, which establishes general standards of accounting for, and disclosure of, events that occur after the balance sheet date, but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. In particular, this accounting guidance sets forth:
The period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
The circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements.
The disclosures that should be made about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.
     Our adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
     Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted, on a prospective basis, guidance related to fair value measurements pertaining to nonfinancial assets and liabilities. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
     Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance for business combinations, which changed its previous accounting practices regarding business combinations. The statement requires a number of changes, to be applied prospectively, to the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions, including changes in the way assets and liabilities are recognized in the purchase accounting. It also changes the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contingencies, requires the capitalization of in-process research and development at fair value, and requires the expensing of acquisition-related costs as incurred. The impact of this accounting guidance and its relevant updates on our results of operations or financial position will vary depending on each specific business combination. See Note 16 for a business combination we closed in February 2010.
     Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance for the determination of the useful life of intangible assets. This accounting guidance amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. This change is intended to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset. The requirement for determining useful lives must be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date and the disclosure requirements must be applied prospectively to all intangible assets recognized as of, and subsequent to, the effective date. Our adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

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     Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance for measuring liabilities at fair value. This accounting guidance provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more of the following methods: 1) a valuation technique that uses a) the quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset or b) quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets and/or 2) a valuation technique that is consistent with the principles of the accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures. This guidance also clarifies that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to adjust to include inputs relating to the existence of transfer restrictions on that liability. Our adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
     Effective the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we adopted revised accounting guidance related to the accounting and reporting for minority interests. Minority interests are now re-characterized as noncontrolling interests and in most cases are reported as a component of equity separate from the parent’s equity, and purchases or sales of equity interests that do not result in a change in control will be accounted for as equity transactions. In addition, net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest is now included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement and, upon a loss of control, the interest sold, as well as any interest retained, will be recorded at fair value with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. See Note 16 for a business combination we closed in February 2010.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2009, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued revised guidance for the accounting of transfers of financial assets. This guidance is intended to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. This accounting guidance will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted. We do not believe thatThe adoption of this accounting guidance willdid not have a material impact on our financial position, and results of operations.
operations or liquidity.

In June 2009, the FASB issued revised guidance for the accounting of variable interest entities, which replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards approach with a qualitative approach that focuses on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. This accounting guidance also requires an ongoing reassessment of whether an entity is the primary beneficiary and requires additional disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement in variable interest entities. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance regarding the presentation of comprehensive income. The new standard requires the presentation of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new standard also requires presentation of adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The updated guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for financial statements issued for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this standard will only impact the presentation of our consolidated financial statements and will have no impact on the reported results.

In May 2011, the FASB issued additional guidance on fair value measurements that clarifies the application of existing guidance and disclosure requirements, changes certain fair value measurement principles and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The updated guidance is effective on a prospective basis for financial statements issued for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not believe that adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.

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In December 2010, the FASB issued an update to modify Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with the existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This accounting guidance will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after NovemberDecember 15, 2009,2010, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted. We do not believe that adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as all changes in a company’s net assets, except changes resulting from transactions with shareholders. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, other comprehensive income includes the unrealized loss on our Limoneira investment totaling $3.0 million, net of income taxes. Limoneira’s stock price at October 31, 2011 equaled $17.35 per share. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, other comprehensive income includes the unrealized gain on our Limoneira investment totaling $6.5 million, net of income taxes. Limoneira’s stock price at October 31, 2010 equaled $20.24 per share, after a 10 for 1 stock split in the second quarter of fiscal year 2010. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, other comprehensive lossincome includes the unrealized loss on our Limoneira investment totaling $3.5 million, net of income taxes. Limoneira’s stock price at October 31, 2009 equaled $14.00 per share (adjusted for the above mentioned stock split). For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, other comprehensive loss includes the unrealized loss on our Limoneira investment totaling $11.7 million, net of income taxes. Limoneira’s stock price at October 31, 2008 equaled $17.30 per share (adjusted for the above mentioned stock split).

Reclassifications

Certain items in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

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3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

         
  October 31, 
  2010  2009 
Fresh fruit $8,630  $4,495 
Packing supplies and ingredients  3,069   2,652 
Finished processed foods  3,132   4,584 
       
  $14,831  $11,731 
       
     We did not record any lower of cost or market adjustments during fiscal years 2010 and 2009.

   October 31, 
   2011   2010 

Fresh fruit

  $6,588    $8,630  

Packing supplies and ingredients

   5,610     3,069  

Finished prepared foods

   5,589     3,132  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $17,787    $14,831  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

We assess the recoverability of inventories through an ongoing review of inventory levels in relation to sales and forecasts and product marketing plans. When the inventory on hand, at the time of the review, exceeds the foreseeable demand, the value of inventory that is not expected to be sold is written down. The amount of the write-down is the excess of historical cost over estimated realizable value (generally zero). Once established, these write-downs are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of the excess inventory.

The assessment of the recoverability of inventories and the amounts of any write-downs are based on currently available information and assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Demand for processed avocado products may fluctuate significantly over time, and actual demand and market conditions may be more or less favorable than our projections. In the event that actual demand is lower than originally projected, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

We may retaindid not record any lower of cost or market adjustments during fiscal years 2011 and make available for sale some or all of the inventories which have been written down. In the event that actual demand is higher than originally projected, we may be able to sell a portion of these inventories in the future. We generally scrap inventories which have been written down and are identified as obsolete.

2010

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4. Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

         
  October 31, 
  2010  2009 
Land $7,023  $6,923 
Buildings and improvements  18,039   17,694 
Leasehold improvements  1,104   828 
Equipment  48,725   45,812 
Information systems — Hardware and software  5,175   5,209 
Construction in progress  2,265   648 
       
   82,331   77,114 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (41,272)  (38,493)
       
  $41,059  $38,621 
       

   October 31, 
   2011  2010 

Land

  $7,023   $7,023  

Buildings and improvements

   18,279    18,039  

Leasehold improvements

   1,315    1,104  

Equipment

   50,511    48,725  

Information systems - hardware and software

   4,479    5,175  

Construction in progress

   4,426    2,265  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   86,033    82,331  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

   (38,942  (41,272
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $47,091   $41,059  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Depreciation expense was $3.2 million, $2.8 million $2.6 million and $2.1$2.6 million for fiscal years 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008,2009, of which $0.1$0.2 million was related to depreciation on capital leases for fiscal years 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008.

2009.

We capitalize software development costs for internal use beginning in the application development stage and ending when the asset is placed into service. We amortize such costs using the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives. InBeginning in fiscal year 2010, we have begunbegan the conversionprocess of converting to a new accounting software system.system, which is recorded into construction in progress. The net book value oftotal capitalized computer software costs related to this new accounting software system was $2.0$2.3 million and $0.4$1.7 million as of October 31, 20102011 and 2009 and2010. We expect to be completed with the related depreciation expense was $0.1 million forconversion of this accounting software in the second quarter of fiscal years ended October 31, 2010 and 2009.

43

year 2012.


5. Other Assets

Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

         
  October 31,  October 31, 
  2010  2009 
Grower advances $1,827  $2,123 
Intangibles, net  2,872   1,205 
Loan to Agricola Belher  1,225   2,450 
Other  316   298 
       
  $6,240  $6,076 
       
     At October 31, 2010, other

   October 31,
2011
   October 31,
2010
 

Intangibles, net

  $10,771    $2,872  

Grower advances

   1,531     1,827  

Loan to Agricola Belher

   3,380     1,225  

Other

   440     316  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $16,122    $6,240  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Intangible assets in the accompanying consolidated financial statements includedconsist of the following intangible assets: customer list, trade name and non-competition agreements of $2.2 million (accumulated amortization of $1.1 million), brand name intangibles of $0.3 million, trade secrets of $1.4 million (accumulated amortization of $0.1 million) and a customer list of $0.2 million. The customer-related, trade name and non-competition agreements are being amortized over periods up to 10 years, the trade secrets are being amortized over 13 years and the customer list is being amortized over 7 years. The intangible asset related to the brand name currently has an indefinite life and, as a result, is not currently subject to amortization. (in thousands):

      October 31, 2011   October 31, 2010 
   Weighted-
Average
Useful Life
  Gross
Carrying
Value
   Accum.
Amortization
  Net
Book
Value
   Gross
Carrying
Value
   Accum.
Amortization
  Net
Book
Value
 

Customer list/relationships

  8.0 years  $7,640    $(445 $7,195    $240    $(26 $214  

Trade names

  8.4 years   3,009     (1,207  1,802     2,087     (989  1,098  

Trade secrets/recipes

  11.9 years   1,520     (205  1,315     1,350     (78  1,272  

Brand name intangibles

  indefinite   275     —      275     275     —      275  

Non-competition agreements

  5.0 years   267     (83  184     67     (54  13  
    

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Intangibles, net

    $12,711    $(1,940 $10,771    $4,019    $(1,147 $2,872  
    

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

We recorded amortization expense of approximately $291,000, $171,000,$0.8 million, $0.3 million, and $247,000$0.2 million for fiscal years 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008.2009. We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $318,000$1.4 million for each of amortization expense for fiscal year 2011 and $305,000 of amortization expense forthe fiscal years 2012 through 2015. We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $1.3 million for fiscal year 2016. The remainder of approximately $1,058,000$3.5 million will be amortized over fiscal years 20162017 through 2023.

See Note 17 for discussion regarding our acquisition of Renaissance Food Group, LLC.

46


6. Revolving Credit Facilities

     In July 2009

Effective May 31, 2011, the Company and May 2008,Farm Credit West, PCA (FCW), entered into a Term Revolving Credit Agreement (Revolving Agreement). Under the terms of the Revolving Agreement, we renewed and/or extendedare advanced funds for working capital purposes, the purchase and installation of capital items, as well as other corporate needs of the Company. Total credit available under the borrowing agreement is $40 million, up from $30 million, and expires on February 1, 2016. This increase was at our non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities withrequest and not due to any immediate cash flows needs.

Effective September 30, 2011, the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (BoA), entered into an agreement, Amendment No. 4 to Loan Agreement (the Agreement), which amended our existing credit facility with BoA. Under the terms of the Agreement, we are advanced funds primarily for working capital purposes. Total credit available under the borrowing agreement is now $25 million, up from $15 million and Farm Credit West, PCA. These two credit facilities expire in July 2011now expires on February 1, 2016. This increase was at our request and February 2012. not due to any immediate cash flows needs.

Under the terms of these agreements, we are advanced funds for both working capital the purchase and installation of capital items, and/or other corporate needs of the Company. In July 2009, ourlong-term productive asset purchases. Total credit available under these combined borrowing agreements was increased from $40 million to $45$65 million, with a weighted-average interest rate of 1.6% and 2.3% at October 31, 20102011 and 2.4% at October 31, 2009.2010. Under these credit facilities, we had $17.9 million and $8.2 million and $12.0 million outstanding at October 31, 2010 and 2009, of which $6.5 million was classified as a long-term liability as October 31, 2009.2011 and 2010. These credit facilities contain various financial covenants, the most significant relating to tangible net worthTangible Net Worth (as defined), Current Ratio (as defined), and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined) (as defined). We were in compliance with all such covenants at October 31, 2010.

2011.

7. Employee Benefit Plans

We sponsor two defined contribution retirement plans for salaried and hourly employees. As a result of the acquisition of RFG, we have three additional defined contribution retirement plans bringing the total to five. Expenses for these plans approximated $733,000, $639,000, $557,000, and $604,000$557,000 for fiscal years 2011, 2010 2009 and 2008,2009, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying financial statements.

We also sponsor a non-qualified defined benefit plan for two retired executives. Pension expenses, including actuarial losses, approximated $35,000, $34,000 and $48,000 for the year ended October 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009. Pension income, including actuarial gains approximated $36,000 for the years ended October 31, 2008. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying financial statements.

Components of the change in projected benefit obligation for fiscal year ends consist of the following (in thousands):

         
  2010  2009 
Change in projected benefit obligation:        
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $283  $279 
Interest cost  16   18 
Actuarial loss  18   30 
Benefits paid  (42)  (44)
       
Projected benefit obligation at end of year (unfunded) $275  $283 
       

44


   2011  2010 

Change in projected benefit obligation:

   

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

  $275   $283  

Interest cost

   13    16  

Actuarial loss

   22    18  

Benefits paid

   (42  (42
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at end of year (unfunded)

  $268   $275  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The following is a reconciliation of the unfunded status of the plans at fiscal year ends included in accrued expenses (in thousands):
         
  2010  2009 
Projected benefit obligation $275  $283 
Unrecognized net (gain) loss      
       
Recorded pension liabilities $275  $283 
       

   2011   2010 

Projected benefit obligation

  $268    $275  

Unrecognized net (gain) loss

   —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Recorded pension liabilities

  $268    $275  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Significant assumptions used in the determination of pension expense consist of the following:

         
  2010  2009 
Discount rate on projected benefit obligation  5.00%  5.25%

   2011  2010 

Discount rate on projected benefit obligation

   4.00  5.00

47


8. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and guarantees

We lease facilities and certain equipment under non cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through 2021. We are committed to make minimum cash payments under these agreements as of October 31, 20102011, as follows (in thousands):

     
2011 $1,480 
2012  1,378 
2013  1,365 
2014  1,297 
2015  1,216 
Thereafter  4,756 
    
  $11,492 
    

2012

  $2,662  

2013

   2,659  

2014

   2,551  

2015

   2,422  

2016

   1,959  

Thereafter

   7,433  
  

 

 

 
  $19,686  
  

 

 

 

Total rent expense amounted to approximately $2.1 million, $1.7 million $1.8 million and $1.7$1.8 million for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008.2009. Rent to Limoneira, for our corporate office, amounted to approximately $0.2$0.3 million for fiscal year 2011. For fiscal years 2010 and 2009, and 2008.rent to Limoneira amounted to approximately $0.2 million. We are committed to rent our corporate facility through fiscal 2015 at an annual rental of $0.2$0.3 million per annum (subject to annual CPI increases, as defined).

Through the acquisition of RFG in June 2011, we have two additional facilities in California, one being the corporate office of RFG in Rancho Cordova, and the other being a fresh processing facility in Sacramento. RFG also has one other fresh processing facility in Houston, Texas. Both facilities process cut fruits and vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. The RFG corporate office in Rancho Cordova has an operating lease through September 2015. Total rent for fiscal 2011 was approximately $0.1 million. The processing facility in Sacramento has an operating lease through May 2021. Total rent for fiscal 2011 was approximately $0.2 million. The processing facility in Houston has an operating lease through May 2021. Total rent for fiscal 2011 was approximately $0.1 million.

We indemnify our directors and officers and have the power to indemnify each of our employees and other agents, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. The maximum amount of potential future payments under such indemnifications is not determinable. No amounts have been accrued in the accompanying financial statements related to these indemnifications.

     In February 2009, we ceased operating in our distribution center in San Antonio, Texas and transferred our operations to our newly leased facility location in Garland, Texas. The term of the operating lease for the new facility is for 10 years, with two five year options to extend at our choice. Total rent expense amounted to approximately $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the years ended October 31, 2010 and 2009.

Litigation

Hacienda Suits— We are currently under examination by the Mexican tax authorities (Hacienda) for the tax yearyears ended December 31, 2000. We have2004, and 2005.

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2011, we received an assessment totaling approximately $2.0 millionupdate from Hacienda related toour outside legal counsel regarding the amountexamination of income at our Mexican subsidiary. Subsequent to that initial assessment, the Hacienda offered a settlement of approximately $400,000, which we declined. In the second quarter of 2009, we won our appeal case. The Hacienda subsequently appealed that decision and the case was sent back to the tax court due to administrative error by such jurisdiction. During the second quarter of 2010, we once again won our appeal and, once again, the Hacienda appealed the decision and the case has been sent back to the tax court. We do not believe that the resolution of this examination will have a significant impact on our results of operations.

     We are currently under examination by the Mexican tax authorities (Hacienda) for the tax year ended December 31, 2004. We have received an assessment totaling approximately $4.5 million from Hacienda related toThe appellate court upheld a lower court’s decision on the amount of income at our Mexican subsidiary, which primarily is related to three issues, one of which represents the majority of the total assessment (the primary assessment). In the fourth quarter of 2010,two remaining items that we received a favorable ruling from the tax court related to the primary assessment, butpreviously received an unfavorable ruling related to the remaining issues. We appealed the unfavorable rulings, whichon. Based on discussions with our legal counsel, however, we believe are without merit. We do not believe that there were certain, administrative errors made by the resolutionappellate court and that one of this examinationthe outstanding tax issues will have a significant impact on our resultsbe resolved in favor of operations.

45


     In the second quarter of 2009,Company, while the Hacienda initiated an examination related to tax year ended December 31, 2007 as well. We are not aware of any assessmentsother remaining issue remains unsettled. The total assessment related to this examination nor dois estimated to be approximately $2.4 million. Based on discussion with our legal counsel, we expect this examination to have a significant impactbelieve that it is more likely than not that we will be successful in our defense and our tax position will be upheld based solely on our resultsthe technical merits of operations.
the tax position. As such, no accrual has been recorded as of October 31, 2011.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we received an assessment totaling approximately $720,000 related to the tax year ended December 31, 2005. This assessment relates to depreciation expense taken on suchour 2005 tax return. Based on discussions with legal counsel, we believe that the Hacienda’s position is without merit and do not believe that the resolution of this examination will have a significant impact on our results of operations.

     We pledged

48


The Hacienda has concluded their examination for the year ended December 31, 2007, noting no changes. In addition, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the examination of the tax year ended December 31, 2000 was settled by the court in our CalavoFoods building located in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico as collateral to the Hacienda in regards to these assessments.

favor.

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.

9. Related-Party Transactions

     We sell papayas obtained from an entity previously owned by our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President. On May 30, 2008, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of this entity. Sales of papayas through the acquisition date amounted to approximately $4,383,000, resulting in gross margins of approximately $323,000.

Certain members of our Board of Directors market avocados through Calavo pursuant to our customary marketing agreements.agreements substantially similar to the marketing agreements that we enter into with other growers. During the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008,2009, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $18.6 million, $23.9 million $7.2 million, and $11.9$7.2 million. Accounts payable to these Board members was $0.1 million and $1.3 million as of October 31, 2011, and 2010. We did not have an accounts payable balance to these Board member as of October 31, 2009.

During fiscal 2011, 2010 2009 and 2008,2009, we received $0.2 million, $0.1$0.2 million, and $0.6$0.1 million as dividend income from Limoneira.

The three previous owners and current executives of RFG have a majority ownership of certain entities that provide various services to RFG. RFG’s California operating facility leases a building from LIG partners, LLC (LIG) pursuant to an operating lease. LIG is majority owned by an entity owned by such three executives of RFG. For the year ended October 31, 2011, since the acquisition of RFG, total rent paid to LIG was $0.2 million. Additionally, RFG sells cut produce and purchases raw materials, obtains transportation services, and shares costs for certain utilities with Third Coast Fresh Distribution (Third Coast). Third Coast is majority owned by an entity owned by such three executives of RFG. For the year ended October 31, 2011, total sales made to Third Coast were $1.1 million. For the year ended October 31, 2011, total purchases made from Third Coast were $0.4 million. Amounts due from Third Coast were $0.3 million as of October 31, 2011. Amounts due to Third Coast were $0.2 million as of October 31, 2011.

10. Income Taxes

The income tax provision consists of the following for the years ended October 31 (in thousands):

             
  2010  2009  2008 
Current:            
Federal $7,988  $6,305  $2,639 
State  1,868   1,522   615 
Foreign  153   160   251 
          
Total current  10,009   7,987   3,505 
Deferred  1,332   290   1,062 
          
Total income tax provision $11,341  $8,277  $4,567 
          

   2011  2010   2009 

Current:

     

Federal

  $4,405   $7,988    $6,305  

State

   1,107    1,868     1,522  

Foreign

   (170  153     160  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current

   5,342    10,009     7,987  

Deferred

   1,907    1,332     290  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax provision

  $7,249   $11,341    $8,277  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At October 31, 20102011 and 2009,2010, gross deferred tax assets totaled approximately $3.0$2.7 million and $3.0 million, while gross deferred tax liabilities totaled approximately $9.0$8.8 million and $3.3$9.0 million. Deferred income taxes reflect the net of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes.

Significant components of our deferred taxes assets (liabilities) as of October 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

         
  2010  2009 
Allowances for accounts receivable $609  $1,568 
Inventories  662   283 
State taxes  470   342 
Intangible assets     73 
Accrued liabilities  595   462 
       
Current deferred income taxes $2,336  $2,728 
       
Property, plant, and equipment  (3,775)  (2,732)
Intangible assets  (76)  (178)
Unrealized gain, Limoneira investment  (4,586)  (292)
Retirement benefits     (83)
Stock-based compensation  125   250 
Other  46   3 
       
Long-term deferred income taxes $(8,266) $(3,032)
       

46

   2011  2010 

Allowances for accounts receivable

  $564   $609  

Inventories

   435    662  

State taxes

   276    470  

Accrued liabilities

   861    595  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Current deferred income taxes

  $2,136   $2,336  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment

   (5,258  (3,775

Intangible assets

   (312  (76

Unrealized gain, Limoneira investment

   (2,614  (4,586

Stock-based compensation

   183    125  

Other

   (1  46  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term deferred income taxes

  $(8,002 $(8,266
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

49


A reconciliation of the significant differences between the federal statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate on pretax income for the years ended October 31, is as follows:
             
  2010  2009  2008 
Federal statutory tax rate  35.0%  35.0%  35.0%
State taxes, net of federal effects  4.8   4.9   4.3 
Foreign income taxes greater (less) than U.S.  (0.9)  (1.1)  (1.2)
Benefit of lower federal tax brackets        (0.6)
Other  0.2   (1.0)  (0.3)
          
   39.1%  37.8%  37.2%
          

   2011  2010  2009 

Federal statutory tax rate

   35.0  35.0  35.0

State taxes, net of federal effects

   4.8    4.8    4.9  

Foreign income taxes greater (less) than U.S.

   (0.9  (0.9  (1.1

Other

   0.9    0.2    (1.0
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   39.8  39.1  37.8
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

We intend to reinvest our accumulated foreign earnings, which approximated $6.2$7.6 million at October 31, 2010,2011, indefinitely. As a result, we have not provided any deferred income taxes on such unremitted earnings. For fiscal years 2011, 2010 2009 and 2008,2009, income before income taxes related to domestic operations was approximately $17.1 million, $28.3 million, $21.0 million, and $10.9$21.0 million. For fiscal years 2011, 2010 2009 and 2008,2009, income before income taxes related to foreign operations was approximately $1.1 million, $0.7 million and $0.9 million and $1.4 million.

As of October 31, 20102011 and 2009,2010, we provided a liability ofless than $0.1 million for unrecognized tax benefits related to various federal and state income tax matters. The tax effected amount would reduce our effective income tax rate if recognized.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

     
Balance at November 1, 2008 $107 
Additions for tax positions of prior years  (4)
    
Balance at October 31, 2009  103 
Balance at October 31, 2010 $103 
    

Balance at November 1, 2009

  $103  

Balance at October 31, 2010

   103  

Reductions of tax positions from prior years

   (62
  

 

 

 

Balance at October 31, 2011

  $41  
  

 

 

 

We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. For fiscal 20102011 and 2009,2010, we did not record any significant accrued interest and penalties. We do not expect any unrecognized tax benefits to reverse in fiscal 2011.

2012.

We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income of multiple state tax jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to U.S. income tax examinations for the fiscal years prior to fiscal year October 31, 2007,2008, and are no longer subject to state income tax examinations for fiscal years prior to October 31, 2006.

2007.

50


11. Segment Information

     During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we renamed our “processed products” business segment to “CalavoFoods.” Such name was changed to better describe the segment. As such, we now

We report our operations in two different business segments: Fresh products and CalavoFoods.Calavo Foods. These two business segments are presented based on how information is used by our presidentChief Executive Officer to measure performance and allocate resources. The Fresh products segment includes all operations that involve the distribution of avocados grown both inside and outside of California, as well as the distribution of other non-processed, perishable foodfresh produce products. The CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods segment represents all operations related to the purchase, manufacturing, and distribution of processed avocadoprepared products, including guacamole, tortilla chips, salsa, fresh-cut fruit, ready-to-eat vegetables, recipe-ready vegetables and deli meat products. Additionally, selling, general and administrative expenses, andas well as other non-operating lineincome/expense items, are not charged directly, nor allocated to, a specific product line. These items are now evaluated by our president onlyChief Executive Officer in the aggregate. We do not allocate assets, or specifically identify them to, our operating segments.

47


             
  Fresh  Calavo-    
  products  Foods  Total 
  (All amounts are presented in thousands) 
Year ended October 31, 2010
            
Net sales $348,052  $50,299  $398,351 
Cost of sales  309,609   37,212   346,821 
          
Gross margin $38,443  $13,087  $51,530 
          
             
Year ended October 31, 2009
            
Net sales $300,235  $44,530  $344,765 
Cost of sales  271,159   29,073   300,232 
          
Gross margin $29,076  $15,457  $44,533 
          
             
Year ended October 31, 2008
            
Net sales $315,667  $45,807  $361,474 
Cost of sales  293,444   34,849   328,293 
          
Gross margin $22,223  $10,958  $33,181 
          
For fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, inter-segment sales and cost of sales of $21.1 million, $21.9 million, and $23.5 million were eliminated in consolidation.
The following table sets forth sales by product category, by segment (in thousands):
                         
  Year ended October 31, 2010  Year ended October 31, 2009 
  Fresh  Calavo-      Fresh  Calavo-     
  products  Foods  Total  products  Foods  Total 
Third-party sales:                        
Avocados $287,808  $  $287,808  $259,558  $  $259,558 
Tomatoes  41,595      41,595   14,067      14,067 
Papayas  11,278      11,278   9,118      9,118 
Pineapples  3,838      3,838   13,341      13,341 
Other Fresh products  3,617      3,617   4,219      4,219 
CalavoFoods — food service     40,654   40,654      36,493   36,493 
CalavoFoods — retail and club     17,473   17,473      15,554   15,554 
                   
Total gross sales  348,136   58,127   406,263   300,303   52,047   352,350 
Less sales incentives  (84)  (7,828)  (7,912)  (68)  (7,517)  (7,585)
                   
Net sales $348,052  $50,299  $398,351  $300,235  $44,530  $344,765 
                   
                         
  Year ended October 31, 2009  Year ended October 31, 2008 
  Fresh  Calavo-      Fresh  Calavo-    
  products  Foods  Total  products  Foods  Total 
Third-party sales:                        
Avocados $259,558  $  $259,558  $268,674  $  $268,674 
Tomatoes  14,067      14,067   19,666      19,666 
Papayas  9,118      9,118   8,392      8,392 
Pineapples  13,341      13,341   16,442      16,442 
Other Fresh products  4,219      4,219   2,564      2,564 
CalavoFoods — food service     36,493   36,493      38,919   38,919 
CalavoFoods — retail and club     15,554   15,554      14,634   14,634 
                   
Total gross sales  300,303   52,047   352,350   315,738   53,553   369,291 
Less sales incentives  (68)  (7,517)  (7,585)  (71)  (7,746)  (7,817)
                   
Net sales $300,235  $44,530  $344,765  $315,667  $45,807  $361,474 
                   

   Fresh
products
   Calavo
Foods(1)
   Total 
   (All amounts are presented in thousands) 

Year ended October 31, 2011(1)

      

Net sales

  $420,658    $101,871    $522,529  

Cost of sales

   388,820     90,848     479,668  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

  $31,838    $11,023    $42,861  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended October 31, 2010

      

Net sales

  $348,052    $50,299    $398,351  

Cost of sales

   309,609     37,212     346,821  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

  $38,443    $13,087    $51,530  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended October 31, 2009

      

Net sales

  $300,235    $44,530    $344,765  

Cost of sales

   271,159     29,073     300,232  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

  $29,076    $15,457    $44,533  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Includes net sales and gross margin of $56.7 million and $4.3 million in fiscal 2011 related to the recently acquired business RFG. See Note 17 for additional information related to the acquisition of RFG.

For fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, inter-segment sales and 2008,cost of sales of $50.1 million, $21.1 million, and $21.9 million were eliminated in consolidation.

51


The following table sets forth sales by product category, by segment (in thousands):

   Year ended October 31, 2011  Year ended October 31, 2010 
   Fresh
products
  Calavo
Foods(1)
  Total  Fresh
products
  Calavo
Foods
  Total 

Third-party sales:

       

Avocados

  $376,104   $—     $376,104   $287,808   $—     $287,808  

Tomatoes

   23,903    —      23,903    41,595    —      41,595  

Papayas

   13,245    —      13,245    11,278    —      11,278  

Pineapples

   4,278    —      4,278    3,838    —      3,838  

Other Fresh products

   3,276    —      3,276    3,617    —      3,617  

Calavo Foods - food service

   —      37,431    37,431    —      40,654    40,654  

Calavo Foods - retail and club(1)

   —      73,924    73,924    —      17,473    17,473  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total gross sales

   420,806    111,355    532,161    348,136    58,127    406,263  

Less sales incentives

   (148  (9,484  (9,632  (84  (7,828  (7,912
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net sales

  $420,658   $101,871   $522,529   $348,052   $50,299   $398,351  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Year ended October 31, 2010  Year ended October 31, 2009 
   Fresh
products
  Calavo
Foods
  Total  Fresh
products
  Calavo
Foods
  Total 

Third-party sales:

       

Avocados

  $287,808   $—     $287,808   $259,558   $—     $259,558  

Tomatoes

   41,595    —      41,595    14,067    —      14,067  

Papayas

   11,278    —      11,278    9,118    —      9,118  

Pineapples

   3,838    —      3,838    13,341    —      13,341  

Other Fresh products

   3,617    —      3,617    4,219    —      4,219  

Calavo Foods - food service

   —      40,654    40,654    —      36,493    36,493  

Calavo Foods - retail and club

   —      17,473    17,473    —      15,554    15,554  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total gross sales

   348,136    58,127    406,263    300,303    52,047    352,350  

Less sales incentives

   (84  (7,828  (7,912  (68  (7,517  (7,585
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net sales

  $348,052   $50,299   $398,351   $300,235   $44,530   $344,765  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Includes net sales of $56.7 million in fiscal 2011 related to the recently acquired business Renaissance Food Group, LLC (RFG). See Note 17 for additional information related to the acquisition of RFG.

Net sales to third parties by segment exclude inter-segment sales and cost of sales. For fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for Fresh products totaling $15.8 million, $11.7 million $14.1 million and $13.9$14.1 million were eliminated. For fiscal years 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008,2009, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for CalavoFoodsCalavo Foods totaling $34.3 million $9.4 million, $7.8 million, and $9.6$7.8 million were eliminated.

Sales to customers outside the United States were approximately $24.3 million, $16.3$24.3 million and $27.3$16.3 million for fiscal years 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008.

2009.

Long-lived assets attributed to geographic areas as of October 31, are as follows (in thousands):

             
  United States Mexico Consolidated
2010 $24,816  $16,243  $41,059 
2009 $22,748  $15,873  $38,621 

48


   United States   Mexico   Consolidated 

2011

  $30,494    $16,597    $47,091  

2010

  $24,816    $16,243    $41,059  

12. Long-Term Obligations

Long-term obligations at fiscal year ends consist of the following (in thousands):

         
  2010  2009 
Farm Credit West, PCA, term loan, bearing interest at 5.7% $6,500  $7,800 
Farm Credit West, PCA, long-term portion of revolving credit facility (Note 6)     6,450 
Capital Lease, bearing interest at 4.3% at October 31, 2010 and 2009  958   1,024 
       
   7,458   15,274 
Less current portion  (1,369)  (1,366)
       
  $6,089  $13,908 
       

   2011  2010 

Farm Credit West, PCA, (FCW) term loan, bearing interest at 1.7%

  $7,012   $—    

Bank of America, N.A. (BoA) term loan, bearing interest at 1.7%

   7,135    —    

FCW, term loan, bearing interest at 5.7%

   5,200    6,500  

Capital leases

   4,345    958  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   23,692    7,458  

Less current portion

   (5,448  (1,369
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $18,244   $6,089  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See Note 17 for discussion regarding our acquisition of RFG. In July 2005, weconjunction with such acquisition, the Company and FCW entered into a non-collateralized term loan agreement with Farm Credit West, PCA to financeTerm Loan Agreement (Term Agreement), effective May 31, 2011. Under the terms of the Term Agreement, we were advanced $15 million for the purchase of RFG. Additionally, we are required to make 60 monthly principal and interest payments, in the amount billed, from July 1, 2011 to June 1, 2016. There is no prepayment penalty associated with this Term Agreement.

52


This Term Agreement also replaces in its entirety the original Term Loan Agreement dated June 1, 2005 by and between the Company and FCW. There was no significant change in terms between the original Term Loan Agreement and this new agreement.

Effective September 30, 2011, the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (BoA), entered into an agreement, Amendment No. 4 to Loan Agreement (the Agreement), which amended our Limoneira Stock. Pursuantexisting credit facility with BoA. In addition, the Agreement includes a variable rate term loan in the amount of approximately $7.1 million. These proceeds were used to such agreement, we borrowed $13.0 million, which is to be repaid in 10 annual installments of $1.3 million. Such annual installments began July 2006 and continue through July 2015. Interest is paid monthly, in arrears, and began in August 2005, and will continue through the liferetire approximately 50% of the loan. Such loan bears interest at a fixed rateoutstanding balance (as of 5.70%.

     SuchSeptember 30, 2011) of the term loan containsowed to FCW related to the purchase of RFG (see above). This effectively split the funding of the amounts due at closing for that acquisition between both banks. The credit facility and term loan contain various financial covenants, the most significant relating to tangible net worthTangible Net Worth (as defined), and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined) and Current Ratio (as defined).

In conjunction with the purchase of RFG, we assumed various capital leases related to machinery and equipment. These leases bear interest at a weighted average interest rate of approximately 4.0%. WeThe total obligation acquired related to these capital leases were $4.0 million, with $1.1 million being classified as in compliance with all such covenants at October 31, 2010.

the current portion.

At October 31, 2010,2011, annual debt payments are scheduled as follows (in thousands):

     
  Total 
Year ending October 31:    
2011 $1,369 
2012  1,373 
2013  1,376 
2014  1,380 
2015  1,383 
Thereafter  577 
    
  $7,458 
    

   Total 

Year ending October 31:

  

2012

  $5,448  

2013

   5,384  

2014

   5,264  

2015

   4,952  

2016

   2,153  

Thereafter

   491  
  

 

 

 
  $23,692  
  

 

 

 

13. Stock-Based Compensation

The Directors Stock Option Plan
     Participation in the director’s stock option plan, which was approved by our Board of Directors in 2001, was limited to members of our Board of Directors. The plan made available to the Board of Directors the right to grant options to purchase up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock. In connection with the adoption of the plan, the Board of Directors approved an award of fully vested options to purchase 1,240,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share.
     A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except for share amounts):
         
      Weighted-Average 
  Number of Shares  Exercise Price 
Outstanding at October 31, 2007  49  $7.00 
        
Exercised  (25) $7.00 
Forfeited  (24) $7.00 
        
Outstanding at October 31, 2008       
        
     We terminated this plan during fiscal 2007 and no options remain outstanding as of October 31, 2008.

The Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The employee stock purchase plan was approved by our Board of Directors and shareholders. Participation in the employee stock purchase plan is limited to employees. The plan provides the Board of Directors, or a plan administrator, the right to make available up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock at a price not less than fair market value. In March 2002, the Board of Directors awarded selected employees the opportunity to purchase up to 474,000 shares of common stock at $7.00 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the date prior to the grant. The plan also permits us to advance all or some of the purchase price of the purchased stock to the employee upon the execution of a full-recourse note at prevailing interest rates. These awards expired in April 2002, with

49

84 participating employees electing to purchase approximately 279,000 shares. There was no activity related to such plan since this award.


84participating employees electing to purchase approximately 279,000 shares. There was no activity related to such plan since this award.
The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan

The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, was a stock-based compensation plan, under which employees and directors may be granted options to purchase shares of Calavo Growers, Inc. (the “2005 Plan”) was approved by our Boardcommon stock. We anticipate terminating such plan in the near future.

Stock options are granted with exercise prices of Directorsnot less than the fair market value at grant date, generally vest over one to five years and shareholders. The 2005 Plan authorizesgenerally expire two to five years after the grantinggrant 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 following typesdate of grant and recognize compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations over the service period that the awards are expected to persons who are employees, officers, consultants, advisors, or directorsvest. We measure the fair value of Calavo Growers, Inc. or anyour stock based compensation awards on the date of its affiliates:

“Incentive stock options” that are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder;
“Non-qualified stock options” that are not intended to be incentive stock options; and
Shares of common stock that are subject to specified restrictions
grant.

Subject to the adjustment provisions of the 2005 Plan that are applicable in the event of a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or similar transaction, up to 2,500,000 shares of common stock may be issued under the 2005 Plan and no person shall be granted awards under the 2005 Plan during any 12-month period that cover more than 500,000 shares of common stock.

In December 2006, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 20,000 shares of our common stock to two members of our Board of Directors. Each grant to acquire 10,000 shares vests in increments of 2,000 per annum over a five-year period and has an exercise price of $10.46 per share. Vested options have a term of five years from the vesting date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $10.46. The estimated fair market value of such option grant was approximately $40,000. The total compensation cost not yet recognized as of October 31, 20102011 was not significant.

53


In May 2008, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 58,000 shares of our common stock to three members of our Board of Directors. Each grant vests in equal increments over a five-year period and has an exercise price of $14.58 per share. Vested options have a term of five years from the vesting date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $14.58. The estimated fair market value of such option grants were approximately $184,000. The total compensation cost not yet recognized as of October 31, 20102011 was approximately $95,000,$55,000, which will be recognized over the remaining service period of 31 months

19 months.

In December 2008, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 10,000 shares of our common stock to one member of our Board of Directors. Such grant vests in equal increments over a five-year period and has an exercise price of $8.05 per share. Vested options have a term of five years from the vesting date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $8.05. The estimated fair market value of such option grant was approximately $37,000. The total compensation cost not yet recognized as of October 31, 20102011 was approximately $23,000,$15,000, which will be recognized over the remaining service period of 3725 months.

In August 2010, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 10,000 shares of our common stock to one member of our Board of Directors. Such grant vests in equal increments over a five-year period and has an exercise price of $19.20 per share. Vested options have a term of five years from the vesting date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $19.20. The estimated fair market value of such option grant was approximately $64,000. The total compensation cost not yet recognized as of October 31, 20102011 was approximately $60,000,$44,000, which will be recognized over the remaining service period of 5745 months.

A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except for share amounts):

                 
      Weighted-Average  Weighted-Average  Aggregate 
  Number of Shares  Exercise Price  Fair-Value  Intrinsic Value 
Outstanding at October 31, 2007  333  $9.18         
Granted  58  $14.58  $3.18/share    
Forfeited  (8) $10.46         
Exercised  (23) $9.22         
                
Outstanding at October 31, 2008  360  $10.02         
Granted  10  $8.05  $3.67/share    
Exercised  (86) $9.10         
                
Outstanding at October 31, 2009  284  $10.23         
Granted  10  $19.20  $6.36/share    
Exercised  (207) $9.13         
                
Outstanding at October 31, 2010  87  $13.89      $696 
               
Exercisable at October 31, 2010  28  $13.53      $236 
               

50


  Number of Shares  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
  Weighted-Average
Fair-Value
  Aggregate
Intrinsic  Value
 

Outstanding at October 31, 2008

  360   $10.02    

Granted

  10   $8.05   $3.67/share   

Exercised

  (86 $9.10    
 

 

 

    

Outstanding at October 31, 2009

  284   $10.23    

Granted

  10   $19.20   $6.36/share   

Exercised

  (207 $9.13    
 

 

 

    

Outstanding at October 31, 2010

  87   $13.89    

Exercised

  (15 $14.58    
 

 

 

    

Outstanding at October 31, 2011

  72   $13.75    $583  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable at October 31, 2011

  31   $12.69    $284  
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

The weighted average remaining life of such outstanding options is 5.75.1 years and the total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 20102011 was $2.6$0.1 million. The weighted average remaining life of such exercisable options is 3.1 years. The fair value of shares vested during the year ended October 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was approximately $0.7 million, $0.7 million, and $0.2 million.

The 2011 Management Incentive Plan

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. As a result of such new plan, no new awards will be made under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.

In April 2011, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 60,000 shares of our common stock to each member of our board of directors, except Lee Cole Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Each non-employee director was granted 5,000 shares of options at $21.82 per share. Such grant vests over a one-year period. Vested options have a term of one year from the vesting date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $21.82. The estimated fair market value of shares vested during the year endedsuch option grant was approximately $202,000. The total compensation cost not yet recognized as of October 31, 20082011 was approximately $85,000, which will be recognized over the remaining service period of 5 months.

In October 2011, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 10,000 shares of our common stock by one member of our Board of Directors. Such grant vests in equal increments over a five-year period and has an exercise price of

54


$21.80 per share. Vested options have a term of five years from the vesting date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $21.80. The estimated fair market value of such option grant was approximately $88,000. The total compensation cost not significant.

yet recognized as of October 31, 2011 was approximately $88,000, which will be recognized over the remaining service period of 60 months.

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

  Number of Shares  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
  Weighted-Average
Fair-Value
  Aggregate
Intrinsic  Value
 

Granted

  70   $21.82   $4.15/share   

Forfeited

Outstanding at October 31, 2011

  

 

(5

65


  

 $

$

21.82

21.82

  

  

  $—    
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable at October 31, 2011

  —     $—      $—    
 

 

 

    

 

 

 

The weighted average remaining life of such outstanding options is 1.6 years. No shares are vested or exercisable as of October 31, 2011.

14. Dividends

On December 12, 2011, we paid a $0.55 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $8,123,000 to shareholders of record on December 2, 2011. On December 13, 2010, we paid a $0.55 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $8,092,000 to shareholders of record on December 1, 2010. On December 11, 2009, we paid a $0.50 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $7,252,000 to shareholders of record on December 1, 2009.

15. 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 (Level 3).

The following table sets forth our financial assets (there are noand liabilities requiring disclosure) as of October 31, 20102011 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 presented in thousands)     
Assets at Fair Value:
                
Investment in Limoneira Company(1)
 $34,986        $34,986 
             
Total assets at fair value $34,986  $  $  $34,986 
             

   Level 1  Level 2   Level 3   Total 
   (All amounts are presented in thousands) 

Assets at Fair Value:

        

Investment in Limoneira Company(1)

  $29,991   —       —      $29,991  
  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value

  $29,991  $—      $—      $29,991  
  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)The investment in Limoneira Company consists of marketable securities in the Limoneira Company stock. We currently own approximately 15% of Limoneira’s outstanding common stock. These securities are measured at fair value by quoted market prices. Limoneira’s stock price at October 31, 20102011 and October 31, 20092010 equaled $20.24$17.35 per share and $14.00$20.24 per share (adjusted for a 10 to 1 stock split).share. Unrealized gaingains and losses are recognized through other comprehensive income. Unrealized investment holding losses arising during the year ended October 31, 2011 was $5.0 million. Unrealized investment holding gains arising during the year ended October 31, 2010 was $10.8 million. Unrealized investment holding losses arising during the year ended October 31, 2009 was $5.7 million.
                 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
  (All amounts are presented in thousands)     
Liabilities at Fair Value:
                
Salsa Lisa contingent consideration(2)
       $1,521  $1,521 
             
Total assets at fair value $  $  $1,521  $1,521 
             

55


   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
   (All amounts are presented in thousands) 

Liabilities at fair value:

        

Salsa Lisa contingent consideration(2)

   —       —      $978    $978  

RFG contingent consideration(2)

   —       —      $1,652    $1,652  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value

  $—      $—      $2,630    $2,630  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(2)
(2)Each period we revalue the contingent consideration obligations to their fair value and record increases or decreases in the fair value into selling, general and administrative expense. Increases or decreases in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations can result from changes in assumed discount periods and rates, changes in the assumed timing and amount of revenue and expense estimates. Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions described above, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. Total net decrease to the contingent considerations in fiscal year 2011 totaled $0.5 million. See Note 16 and Note 17 for further discussion.

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the contingent consideration for Salsa Lisa and RFG:

   Balance at
10/31/10
   Acquisition   Interest   Revalue
Adjustment
  Balance at
10/31/11
 
   (All amounts are presented in thousands) 

Salsa Lisa contingent consideration

  $1,521    $—      $70    $(613 $978  

RFG contingent consideration

   —       1,543     31     78    1,652  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $1,521    $1,543    $101    $(535 $2,630  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

16. Salsa Lisa Business Acquisition

On February 8, 2010, Calavo Growers, Inc. (“Calavo”)(Calavo), Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC (“Calavo Salsa Lisa”)(CSL), Lisa’s Salsa Company (“LSC”)(LSC) and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, entered into an Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated February 8, 2010 (the “Acquisition Agreement”)Acquisition Agreement), which sets forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which Calavo acquired a 65 percent ownership interest in newly created Calavo Salsa LisaCSL. which acquired substantially all of the assets of LSC. Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson, through LSC, hold the remaining 35 percent ownership of Calavo Salsa Lisa.CSL. LSC is a regional producer in the upper Midwest United States of Salsa Lisa refrigerated salsas. We believe that this new line of salsas will further diversify our product offerings and will be a natural complement to our ultra-high-pressure guacamole, as well as our recently introduced Calavo tortilla chips.

The Acquisition Agreement provided that, among other things, Calavo make a payment totaling $100,000 for the 65 percent interest, as well a $300,000 payment representing a loan to be repaid from Calavo Salsa LisaCSL to Calavo. Calavo made these initial payments on February 8, 2010.

51


The purchase price can increase, subject to earn-out payments. These earn-out payments are based on net annual sales (as defined) achievements, through fiscal year October 31, 2016, which are as follows:
     
  Then Earn-out 
Net Sales of: Payment shall be: 
$30,000,000 $1,000,000 
$40,000,000 $1,000,000 
$50,000,000 $1,000,000 
    
Maximum earn-out payment possible $3,000,000 

Net Sales of:

  Then Earn-out
Payment shall be:
 

$30,000,000

  $1,000,000  

$40,000,000

  $1,000,000  

$50,000,000

  $1,000,000  
  

 

 

 

Maximum earn-out payment possible

  $3,000,000  

More than one of the earn-out payments may be earned in a particular fiscal year through October 31, 2016, but in no event shall more than an aggregate of $3,000,000 in earn-out payments be made.

Concurrently with the execution of the Acquisition Agreement, Calavo, Calavo Salsa Lisa,CSL, LSC and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement. Among other things, such agreement calls for the establishment and maintenance of capital accounts, how profits and losses are to be allocated, as well as a buy-out option for Calavo.

Such buy-out option grants Calavo the right to cause LSC to transfer to Calavo all of LSC’s membership interest for an amount equal to $5 million at any time until October 31, 2016. If the buy-out option has not been exercised by Calavo as of October 31, 2016, however, then Calavo is required to deliver a binding offer to LSC to purchase LSC’s membership interest for a price no less than an amount equal to (A) LSC’s percentage interest, multiplied by (B) the EBTDA multiple of 8.0, multiplied by (C) Calavo Salsa Lisa’sCSL’s earnings before taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBTDA) for the year ending October 31, 2016. LSC may then elect to either accept such offer or reject such offer and submit a counter offer to purchase Calavo’s membership interest for a price no less than an amount equal to (A) Calavo’s membership interest, multiplied by (B) the EBTDA multiple of 8.0, plus 0.5, or 8.5, multiplied by (C) the Company EBTDA for the year ending October 31, 2016. LSC may not reject the buy-out offer without making a counter offer.

56


If LSC makes a counter offer to Calavo, Calavo may either accept such offer or reject such offer and submit a counter offer to purchase LSC’s membership interest for a price no less than an amount equal to (A) LSC’s membership interest, multiplied by (B) the EBTDA multiple of 8,8.0, plus 0.5, plus an additional 0.5, or 9.0 total, multiplied by (C) the Company EBTDA for the year ending October 31, 2016. The process cited above shall continue, with the EBTDA multiple increasing 0.5% at each counter offer, until either LSC or Calavo accepts the counter offer made to them.

Based on the buy-out option, as well as the initial binding offer to be made to LSC, we recorded the noncontrolling interest outside of permanent equity to highlight the potential future cash obligation related to this instrument.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition (in thousands). We obtained preliminary third-party valuations for the long-term assets acquired and incurred approximately $0.2 million in acquisition costs, which have been expensed in selling, general and administrative expenses in the period incurred.

At February 8, 2010

Current assets

  $263  

Property, plant, and equipment

   321  

Goodwill

   88  

Intangible assets

   1,950  
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

   2,622  

Current liabilities

   (55

Noncontrolling interest

   (699

Contingent consideration

   (1,468
  

 

 

 

Net cash paid as of February 8, 2010

  $400  
  

 

 

 

Of the $1,950,000 of intangible assets, $240,000 was assigned to customer relationships with a life of 7 years, $360,000 to trademarks and trade names with a life of 10 years, and $1,350,000 to trade secrets with a life of 13 years. We determined the fair value of the non-controlling interest in Calavo Salsa LisaCSL taking into consideration discounts for lack of control and lack of marketability. The fair value of the $5.0 million purchase option was determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Significant inputs include the risk free rate, volatility factor, time to expiration, underlying stock price, and exercise price. As discussed above, we will be required to pay up to an additional $3.0 million if Calavo Salsa LisaCSL achieves specified revenue targets during the first seven years, post transaction. The fair value of this contingent consideration was determined based on a probability

52


weighted method, which incorporates management’s forecasted revenue, the likelihood of the $5.0 million purchase option being exercised, and the likelihood of the revenue targets being achieved.

In October 2011, based on forecast projection analysis from a third party consulting firm, we decreased the contingent consideration liability related to the acquisition of CSL by approximately $0.6 million.

The following table reconciles shareholders’ equity attributable to noncontrolling interest (in thousands):

     
  Year ended 
  October 31, 2010 
Noncontrolling interest, beginning $ 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  (124)
Capital contributions  699 
    
Noncontrolling interest, ending $575 
    

   Year ended
October 31, 2011
  Year ended
October 31, 2010
 

Noncontrolling interest, beginning

  $575   $—    

Capital contributions

   —      699  

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

   (114  (124
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interest, ending

  $461   $575  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

17. RFG Business Acquisition

Calavo, CG Mergersub LLC (Newco), Renaissance Food Group, LLC (RFG) and Liberty Fresh Foods, LLC, Kenneth Catchot, Cut Fruit, LLC, James Catchot, James Gibson, Jose O. Castillo, Donald L. Johnson and RFG Nominee Trust (collectively, the Sellers) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 25, 2011 (the Acquisition Agreement), which sets forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which Calavo would acquire a 100 percent ownership interest in RFG. Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement,

57


Newco, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Calavo, merged with and into RFG, with RFG as the surviving entity. RFG is a fresh-food company that produces, markets, and distributes nationally a portfolio of healthy, high quality products for consumers via the retail channel. The acquisition closed on June 1, 2011.

Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement and based on the fair value of Calavo’s common stock on June 1, 2011, we agreed to pay on the closing date approximately $16 million, payable in a combination of cash and shares of unregistered Calavo common stock, as described below in greater detail. In addition, if RFG attains specified financial goals for certain 12-month periods prior to the fifth anniversary of the closing, we have agreed to pay RFG approximately up to an additional $84 million in earn-out consideration, based on the fair value of Calavo’s common stock on June 1, 2011, payable in cash and shares of unregistered Calavo common stock, as described below in greater detail. As a result, if the maximum earn-out consideration is earned, the total consideration payable to RFG pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement could be approximately $100 million. The fair value of consideration is currently being determined by the Company and will be less than the maximum consideration noted above.

The Acquisition Agreement contains covenants, representations and warranties of Calavo and RFG that are customary for transactions of this type. Prior to entering into the Acquisition Agreement, and other than with respect to the Acquisition Agreement, neither we, nor any of our officers, directors, or affiliates had any material relationship with RFG or the Sellers.

We have paid the Sellers $14.2 million in cash, net of adjustments based on RFG’s financial condition at closing, and issued the Sellers 43,000 shares of unregistered Calavo common stock.

If RFG’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for any 12-month period commencing after the closing date and ending prior to the fifth anniversary of the closing date, is equal to or greater than $8 million, and RFG has concurrently reached a corresponding revenue achievement, we have agreed to pay the Sellers $5 million in cash and to issue to the Sellers 827,000 shares of unregistered Calavo common stock, representing total consideration of approximately $24 million. This represents the maximum that can be awarded pursuant to the 1st earn-out payment. In the event that the maximum EBITDA and revenue achievements have not been reached within five years after the closing date, but RFG’s 12-month EBITDA during such period equals or exceeds $6 million and RFG has concurrently reached a corresponding revenue achievement, a sliding-scale, as defined, will be used to calculate payment. The minimum amount to be paid in the sliding-scale related to the 1st earn-out payment is approximately $14 million, payable in both cash and shares of unregistered Calavo common stock. RFG has five years to achieve any consideration pursuant to the 1st earn-out payment.

Assuming that the maximum earn-out payment has been achieved in the 1st earn-out payment, if RFG’s EBITDA, for a 15-month period commencing after the closing date and ending prior to the fifth anniversary of the closing date, is equal to or greater than $15 million for each of the 12-month periods therein, and RFG has concurrently reached a corresponding revenue achievement, we have agreed to pay the Sellers $50 million in cash and to issue to the Sellers 434,783 shares of unregistered Calavo common stock, representing total consideration of approximately $60 million. This represents the maximum that can be awarded pursuant to the 2nd earn-out payment. In the event that the maximum EBITDA and revenue achievements have not been reached within five years after the closing date, but RFG’s 12-month EBITDA during such period equals or exceeds $10 million, and RFG has concurrently reached a corresponding revenue achievement, a sliding-scale will be used to calculate payment. The minimum amount to be paid in the sliding-scale related to the 2nd earn-out payment is approximately $27 million, payable in both cash and shares of unregistered Calavo common stock. RFG has five years to achieve any consideration pursuant to the 2nd earn-out payment.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and equity issued at the date of acquisition (in thousands). We obtained third-party valuations for the long-term assets acquired and incurred approximately $0.3 million in acquisition costs, which have been expensed in selling, general and administrative expenses in the period incurred. For the five months ended October 31, 2011, since the acquisition of RFG, total selling, general and administrative expenses for RFG was $3.1 million.

At June 1, 2011

Current assets

  $10,491  

Property, plant, and equipment

   4,580  

Goodwill

   14,264  

Other assets

   117  

Intangible assets

   8,690  
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

   38,142  

Current liabilities

   (12,292

Contingent consideration

   (7,774

Long-term obligations

   (2,894

Additional paid-in capital

   (952
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

  $14,230  
  

 

 

 

58


Of the $8,690,000 of intangible assets, an allocation of $7,400,000 was assigned to customer relationships with a life of 8 years, $920,000 to trademarks and trade names with a life of 8 years, $200,000 to non-competition agreements with a life of 5 years, and $170,000 to trade secrets with a life of 3 years. As discussed above, we potentially may be required to pay a maximum of approximately $100 million if RFG achieves specified future revenue and EBITDA targets. The fair value of this contingent consideration was determined based on a probability weighted method, which incorporates management’s forecasted revenue, and the likelihood of the revenue targets being achieved.

In October 2011, based on forecast projection analysis from a third party consulting firm, we increased the contingent consideration liability related to the acquisition of RFG by approximately $0.1 million.

18. Subsequent Events

We have evaluated subsequent events to assess the need for potential recognition or disclosure in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Such events were evaluated tillthrough the date these financial statements were issued. Based upon this evaluation, it was determined that no subsequent events occurred that require recognition in the financial statements.

* * *
     Our unaudited quarterly results of operations for the eight fiscal quarters ended October 31, 2010 are set forth above under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

53

59


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Calavo Growers, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Calavo Growers, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”)Company) as of October 31, 20102011 and 2009,2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2010.2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Calavo Growers, Inc. and subsidiaries at October 31, 20102011 and 2009,2010, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2010,2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Calavo Growers Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2010,2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated January 13, 201117, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Los Angeles, California

January 13, 2011

17, 2012

54

60


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure 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”)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 as of October 31, 2010.

2011.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended October 31, 20102011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this report based on the framework set forth inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Based on our evaluation under the framework set forth inInternal Control — Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2010.2011. Our internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 20102011 has been audited by Ernst and Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

We have excluded from this assessment the operations of Renaissance Food Group, LLC (RFG), which are included in our fiscal 2011 consolidated financial statements and constituted an aggregate of $38.1 million and $24.0 million of total and net assets, as of October 31, 2011 and $56.7 million, and $1.2 million of revenues and net income, for the year then ended.

55

61


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Calavo Growers, Inc.

We have audited Calavo Growers, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2010,2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Calavo Growers, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Renaissance Food Group, LLC, which is included in the fiscal year 2011 consolidated financial statements of Calavo Growers, Inc. and constituted $38.1 million and $24.0 million of total and net assets, respectively, as of October 31, 2011 and $56.7 million and $1.2 million of revenues and net income, respectively, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Calavo Growers, Inc. also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Renaissance Food Group, LLC.

In our opinion, Calavo Growers, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2010,2011, based on the COSO criteria.

criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Calavo Growers, Inc. as of October 31, 20102011 and 20092010 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 20102011 of Calavo Growers Inc., and our report dated January 13, 201117, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Los Angeles, California

January 13, 2011

17, 2012

56

62


Item 9B. Other Information

None.

PART III

Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this Annual Report because we will file a definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Proxy Statement”)Proxy Statement), not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report, and the applicable information included in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

The names of our executive officers and their ages, titles and biographies are incorporated by reference from Part I, above.

The following information is included in our Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after our fiscal year end of October 31, 20102011 (the “Proxy Statement”)Proxy Statement) and is incorporated herein by reference:

Information regarding our directors who are standing for reelection and any persons nominated to become our directors is set forth under “Election of Directors.”

Information regarding our directors who are standing for reelection and any persons nominated to become our directors is set forth under “Election of Directors.”
Information regarding our Audit Committee and designated “audit committee financial expert” is set forth under “Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters—Board Structure and Committee Composition—Audit Committee.”
Information on our code of ethics for directors, officers and employees and our Corporate Governance Guidelines is set forth under “Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters.”
Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is set forth under “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

Information regarding our Audit Committee and designated “audit committee financial expert” is set forth under “Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters—Board Structure and Committee Composition—Audit Committee.”

Information on our code of ethics for directors, officers and employees and our Corporate Governance Guidelines is set forth under “Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters.”

Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is set forth under “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled “Executive Compensation” and “Directors’ Compensation” in the Proxy Statement.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the Proxy Statement.

Item 14. Principal Accountant’s Fees and Services

Information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the section of the Proxy Statement entitled “Principal Accountant Fees and Services.”

57

63


Part IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) (1)(1) Financial Statements
 The following consolidated financial statements as of October 31, 20102011 and 20092010 and for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 20102011 are included herewith:
 Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (Loss), Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
(2)  (2) Supplemental Schedules
 Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 All other schedules have been omitted since the required information is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
(3)Exhibits

Exhibit

Number

Description

   (3) Exhibits
2.1    
Exhibit
NumberDescription
2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated as of February 20, 2001 between Calavo Growers, Inc. and Calavo Growers of California.1
  2.2    
2.2Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 7, 2003 Among Calavo Growers, Inc., Calavo Acquisition, Inc., Maui Fresh International, Inc. and Arthur J. Bruno, Robert J. Bruno and Javier J. Badillo2
  2.3    
2.3Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of June 1, 2005, between Limoneira Company and Calavo Growers, Inc.3
  2.4    
2.4Acquisition Agreement between Calavo Growers, Inc., a California corporation and Lecil E. Cole, Eric Weinert, Suzanne Cole-Savard, Guy Cole, and Lecil E. Cole and Mary Jeanette Cole, acting jointly and severally as trustees of the Lecil E. and Mary Jeanette Cole Revocable Trust dated October 19, 1993, also known as the Lecil E. and Mary Jeanette Cole Revocable 1993 Trust dated May 19, 20084
  2.5    
2.5Acquisition Agreement between Calavo Growers, Inc., Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC, Lisa’s Salsa Company and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson dated February 8, 20105
  2.6    Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement for Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC dated February 8, 2010 among Calavo Growers, Inc., Calavo Salsa Lisa LLC, Lisa’s Salsa Company, Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson. (Portions of this agreement have been deleted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission Pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.) 16
3.1
  2.7    Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 25, 2011 among Calavo Growers, Inc., CG Mergersub LLC, Renaissance Food Group, LLC and Liberty Fresh Foods, LLC, Kenneth Catchot, Cut Fruit, LLC, James Catchot, James Gibson, Jose O. Castillo, Donald L. Johnson and RFG Nominee Trust1 (Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for confidential treatment filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The omitted portions of the exhibit have been separately filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission.) 20
  3.1  Articles of Incorporation of Calavo Growers, Inc. 1

64


  3.2    
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of Calavo Growers, Inc.6
  3.3    Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Calavo Growers, Inc. 19
10.1  Form of Marketing Agreement for Calavo Growers, Inc.7
10.2    
10.2Marketing Agreement dated as of April 1, 1996 between Tropical Hawaiian Products, Inc., a Hawaiian corporation, and Calavo Growers of California. 1
10.3    
10.3Lease Agreement dated as of November 21, 1997, between Tede S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation, and Calavo de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation, including attached Guaranty of Calavo Growers of California dated December 16, 1996.1
10.4    
10.4Lease agreement dated as of February 15, 2005, between Limoneira Company and Calavo Growers, Inc.3
10.5    
10.5Standstill agreement dated June 1, 2005, between Limoneira Company and Calavo Growers, Inc.3
10.6    
10.6Standstill agreement dated June 1, 2005 between Calavo Growers, Inc. And Limoneira Company3
10.7    
10.7Term Loan Agreement dated April 9, 2008 (effective date May 1, 2008) between Farm Credit West, PCA, and Calavo Growers, Inc. 8
10.8    
10.82005 Stock Incentive Plan Of Calavo Growers, Inc.9

58


10.9    
Exhibit
NumberDescription
10.9Calavo Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated March 11, 1989 between Egidio Carbone, Jr. and Calavo Growers of California. 1
10.10  Amendment to the Calavo Growers of California Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated November 9, 1993 Between Egidio Carbone, Jr. and Calavo Growers of California. 1
10.11  2001 Stock Option Plan for Directors.10
10.12  2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Officers and Employees.10
10.13  Business Loan Agreement between Bank of America, N.A. and Calavo Growers, Inc., dated October 15, 200711
10.14  First Amendment Agreement between Bank of America, N.A. and Calavo Growers, Inc., dated August 28, 200812
10.15  Form of Stock Option Agreement13
10.16  Amendment No. 2 to Loan Agreement dated as of July 31, 2009 between Calavo Growers, Inc. and Bank of America,
N.A.
14
10.17  Amendment to Term Loan Agreement between Farm Credit West, PCA, and Calavo Growers, Inc15
10.18  Amendment No. 3 to Loan Agreement dated February 9, 2010 between Bank of America, N.A. and Calavo Growers, Inc. 16
10.192011 Management Incentive Plan of Calavo Growers, Inc.* 17
10.20  Retention Bonus Agreement between Lecil E. Cole and Calavo Growers, Inc. 18
10.21Term Revolving Credit Agreement between Farm Credit West, PCA and Calavo Growers, Inc. as of May 31, 2011. 21
10.22Term Loan Agreement between Farm Credit West, PCA and Calavo Growers, Inc. as of May 31, 2011. 21
10.23Amendment to Term Revolving Credit Agreement between FCW and Calavo Growers, Inc. dated May 31, 2011. 22
10.24Amendment No. 4 to Loan Agreement dated as of September 30, 2011 between Calavo Growers, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A. 23
10.25Amendment No. 2 to Term Revolving Credit Agreement dated October 31, 2011 between Farm Credit West, PCA and Calavo Growers, Inc. 24
10.26Amendment No. 2 to Term Loan Agreement dated October 31, 2011 between Farm Credit West, PCA and Calavo Growers, Inc. 24
10.27Amendment No. 2 to Promissory Note dated October 31, 2011 between Farm Credit West, PCA and Calavo Growers, Inc. 24
21.1  Subsidiaries of Calavo Growers, Inc. 1
23.1    
23.1Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. *
31.1    
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) *
31.2    
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) *
32     
32Certification of 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Calavo Growers, Inc. for the year ended October 31, 2011, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (1) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2011, and 2010; (2) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009; (3) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009; (4) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009; (5) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009; and (6) Notes to Financial Statements.**

65


*Filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
**Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in Exhibit 101(a) is “furnished” and is not deemed to be “filed” or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (b) is deemed not to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (c) is not otherwise subject to liability under those sections.
1Previously filed on April 24, 2001 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-59418, and incorporated herein by reference.
2Previously filed on January 23, 2004 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
3Previously filed on June 9, 2005 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.
4Previously filed on May 29, 2008 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
5Previously filed on February 8, 2010 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
6Previously filed on December 19, 2002 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference.
7Previously filed on January 28, 2003 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
8Previously filed on May 8, 2008 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
9Previously filed on March 21, 2005 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form DEF14A and incorporated herein by reference.
10Previously filed on December 18, 2001 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-75378, and incorporated herein by reference.
11Previously filed on October 19, 2007 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
12Previously filed on January 27, 2009 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K/A and incorporated herein by reference.
13Previously filed on September 11, 2006 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.
14Previously filed on August 6, 2009 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
15Previously filed on January 11, 2010 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Exhibits
     See subsection (a) (3) above.
16Previously filed on March 11, 2010 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.
17Previously filed on January 14, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
18Previously filed on March 2, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
19Previously filed on March 30, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
20Previously filed on January 10, 2012 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K/A and incorporated herein by reference.
21Previously filed on June 15, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
22Previously filed on September 9, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.
23Previously filed on October 6, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
24Previously filed on November 14, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

59

(b)

Exhibits

See subsection (a) (3) above.

(c)

Financial Statement Schedules
See subsection (a) (1) and (2) above.

66


SIGNATURES

(c)Financial Statement Schedules
     See subsection (a) (1) and (2) above.

60


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on January 13, 2011.
17, 2012.

CALAVO GROWERS, INC

By:

 
CALAVO GROWERS, INC
By:  

/s/ Lecil E. Cole

 Lecil E. Cole
 Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer and President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on January 13, 201117, 2012 by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated:

Signature

  

Title

SignatureTitle

/s/ Lecil E. Cole

Lecil E. Cole

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors,

Chief Executive Officer and President

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Arthur J. Bruno

Arthur J. Bruno

  

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and

Corporate Secretary

(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ James E. Snyder

James E. Snyder

  

Corporate Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ Donald M. Sanders

Donald M. Sanders

  Director

/s/ Marc L. Brown

Marc L. Brown

  Director

/s/ John M. Hunt

John M. Hunt

  Director

/s/ George H. Barnes

George H. Barnes

  Director

/s/ J. Link Leavens

J. Link Leavens

  Director

/s/ Alva V. Snider

Alva V. Snider
James Helin

James Helin

  Director
/s/ Michael D. Hause
Michael D. Hause
Director 

/s/ Dorcas H. McFarlane

Dorcas H. McFarlane

  Director

/s/ Egidio Carbone, Jr

Egidio Carbone, Jr

  Director

/s/ Steven W. Hollister

Steven W. Hollister

  Director

/s/ Harold Edwards

Harold Edwards

  Director

/s/ Scott Van Der Kar

Scott Van Der Kar

  Director

61

67


SCHEDULE II

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (in thousands)

                     
  Fiscal year  Balance at          Balance at 
  ended  beginning          end 
  October 31:  of year  Additions(1)  Deductions(2)  of year 
Allowance for customer deductions  2008   1,329   7,065   7,163   1,231 
   2009   1,231   6,080   6,058   1,253 
   2010   1,253   6,474   6,912   815 
                     
Allowance for doubtful accounts  2008   942   93   53   982 
   2009   982   122   4   1,100 
   2010   1,100   127   670   557 

   Fiscal year
ended
October 31:
  Balance at
beginning
of year
   Additions(1)   Deductions(2)   Balance at
end
of year
 

Allowance for customer deductions

  2009   1,231     6,080     6,058     1,253  
  2010   1,253     6,474     6,912     815  
  2011   815     8,674     7,693     1,796  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  2009   982     122     4     1,100  
  2010   1,100     127     670     557  
  2011   557     91     159     489  

(1)Charged to net sales (customer deductions) or costs and expenses (doubtful accounts).
(2)Customer deductions taken or write off of accounts receivables.

62

68


Exhibit

Number

  

Description

Exhibit
  2.1    
NumberDescription
2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated as of February 20, 2001 between Calavo Growers, Inc. and Calavo Growers of California.1
  2.2    
2.2Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 7, 2003 Among Calavo Growers, Inc., Calavo Acquisition, Inc., Maui Fresh International, Inc. and Arthur J. Bruno, Robert J. Bruno and Javier J. Badillo2
  2.3    
2.3Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of June 1, 2005, between Limoneira Company and Calavo Growers, Inc.3
  2.4    
2.4Acquisition Agreement between Calavo Growers, Inc., a California corporation and Lecil E. Cole, Eric Weinert, Suzanne Cole-Savard, Guy Cole, and Lecil E. Cole and Mary Jeanette Cole, acting jointly and severally as trustees of the Lecil E. and Mary Jeanette Cole Revocable Trust dated October 19, 1993, also known as the Lecil E. and Mary Jeanette Cole Revocable 1993 Trust dated May 19, 20084
  2.5    
2.5Acquisition Agreement between Calavo Growers, Inc., Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC, Lisa’s Salsa Company and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson dated February 8, 20105
  2.6    Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement for Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC dated February 8, 2010 among Calavo Growers, Inc., Calavo Salsa Lisa LLC, Lisa’s Salsa Company, Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson. (Portions of this agreement have been deleted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission Pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.) 16
3.1
  2.7    Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 25, 2011 among Calavo Growers, Inc., CG Mergersub LLC, Renaissance Food Group, LLC and Liberty Fresh Foods, LLC, Kenneth Catchot, Cut Fruit, LLC, James Catchot, James Gibson, Jose O. Castillo, Donald L. Johnson and RFG Nominee Trust1 (Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted based upon a request for confidential treatment filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The omitted portions of the exhibit have been separately filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission.) 20
  3.1  Articles of Incorporation of Calavo Growers, Inc. 1
  3.2    
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of Calavo Growers, Inc.6
  3.3    Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Calavo Growers, Inc. 19
10.1  Form of Marketing Agreement for Calavo Growers, Inc.7
10.2    
10.2Marketing Agreement dated as of April 1, 1996 between Tropical Hawaiian Products, Inc., a Hawaiian corporation, and Calavo Growers of California. 1
10.3    
10.3Lease Agreement dated as of November 21, 1997, between Tede S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation, and Calavo de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation, including attached Guaranty of Calavo Growers of California dated December 16, 1996.1
10.4    
10.4Lease agreement dated as of February 15, 2005, between Limoneira Company and Calavo Growers, Inc.3
10.5    
10.5Standstill agreement dated June 1, 2005, between Limoneira Company and Calavo Growers, Inc.3
10.6    
10.6Standstill agreement dated June 1, 2005 between Calavo Growers, Inc. And Limoneira Company3
10.7    
10.7Term Loan Agreement dated April 9, 2008 (effective date May 1, 2008) between Farm Credit West, PCA, and Calavo Growers, Inc. 8
10.8    
10.82005 Stock Incentive Plan Of Calavo Growers, Inc.9
10.9    
10.9Calavo Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated March 11, 1989 between Egidio Carbone, Jr. and Calavo Growers of California. 1
10.10  Amendment to the Calavo Growers of California Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement dated November 9, 1993 Between Egidio Carbone, Jr. and Calavo Growers of California.1

69


10.11  2001 Stock Option Plan for Directors.10
10.12  2001 Stock Purchase Plan for Officers and Employees.10
10.13  Business Loan Agreement between Bank of America, N.A. and Calavo Growers, Inc., dated October 15, 200711
10.14  First Amendment Agreement between Bank of America, N.A. and Calavo Growers, Inc., dated August 28, 200812
10.15  Form of Stock Option Agreement13
10.16  Amendment No. 2 to Loan Agreement dated as of July 31, 2009 between Calavo Growers, Inc. and Bank of America,
N.A.
14
10.17  Amendment to Term Loan Agreement between Farm Credit West, PCA, and Calavo Growers, Inc15
10.18  Amendment No. 3 to Loan Agreement dated February 9, 2010 between Bank of America, N.A. and Calavo Growers, Inc. 16
10.192011 Management Incentive Plan of Calavo Growers, Inc.* 17
10.20  Retention Bonus Agreement between Lecil E. Cole and Calavo Growers, Inc. 18
10.21Term Revolving Credit Agreement between Farm Credit West, PCA and Calavo Growers, Inc. as of May 31, 2011. 21
10.22Term Loan Agreement between Farm Credit West, PCA and Calavo Growers, Inc. as of May 31, 2011. 21
10.23Amendment to Term Revolving Credit Agreement between FCW and Calavo Growers, Inc. dated May 31, 2011. 22
10.24Amendment No. 4 to Loan Agreement dated as of September 30, 2011 between Calavo Growers, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A. 23
10.25Amendment No. 2 to Term Revolving Credit Agreement dated October 31, 2011 between Farm Credit West, PCA and Calavo Growers, Inc. 24
10.26Amendment No. 2 to Term Loan Agreement dated October 31, 2011 between Farm Credit West, PCA and Calavo Growers, Inc. 24
10.27Amendment No. 2 to Promissory Note dated October 31, 2011 between Farm Credit West, PCA and Calavo Growers, Inc. 24
21.1  Subsidiaries of Calavo Growers, Inc. 1
23.1    
23.1Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. *
31.1    
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) *
31.2    
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) *

63


32       
Exhibit
NumberDescription
32Certification of 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Calavo Growers, Inc. for the year ended October 31, 2011, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (1) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2011, and 2010; (2) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009; (3) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009; (4) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009; (5) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009; and (6) Notes to Financial Statements.**

*Filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
**Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in Exhibit 101(a) is “furnished” and is not deemed to be “filed” or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (b) is deemed not to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (c) is not otherwise subject to liability under those sections.
1Previously filed on April 24, 2001 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-59418, and incorporated herein by reference.
2Previously filed on January 23, 2004 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
3Previously filed on June 9, 2005 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.
4Previously filed on May 29, 2008 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
5Previously filed on February 8, 2010 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
6Previously filed on December 19, 2002 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K, and incorporated herein by reference.
7Previously filed on January 28, 2003 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
8Previously filed on May 8, 2008 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
9Previously filed on March 21, 2005 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Form DEF14A and incorporated herein by reference.
10Previously filed on December 18, 2001 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-75378, and incorporated herein by reference.

70


11Previously filed on October 19, 2007 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
12Previously filed on January 27, 2009 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K/A and incorporated herein by reference.
13Previously filed on September 11, 2006 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.
14Previously filed on August 6, 2009 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
15Previously filed on January 11, 2010 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
16Previously filed on March 11, 2010 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.
17Previously filed on January 14, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
18Previously filed on March 2, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
19Previously filed on March 30, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
20Previously filed on January 10, 2012 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K/A and incorporated herein by reference.
21Previously filed on June 15, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
22Previously filed on September 9, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q and incorporated herein by reference.
23Previously filed on October 6, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
24Previously filed on November 14, 2011 as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

64

71