Quarterlytics / Consumer Defensive / Food Distribution / Calavo Growers, Inc.

Calavo Growers, Inc.

cvgw · NASDAQ Consumer Defensive
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Ticker cvgw
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Consumer Defensive
Industry Food Distribution
Employees 2106
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FY2023 Annual Report · Calavo Growers, Inc.
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Letter from our Chief Executive Officer 

To Our Fellow Shareholders: 

When I returned to Calavo Growers as CEO in March 2023, I was excited to have the opportunity to once 
again lead a company that I helped to build. My goal when I returned was to restore the company’s 
financial performance by focusing on the fundamentals of our operations, especially within our flagship 
avocado business. We made great progress toward that goal in fiscal 2023 as evidenced by our results. 
Our avocado business generated strong results, particularly in the second half of the year, driven by our 
renewed discipline managing fundamentals. Our guacamole business rebounded in fiscal 2023 on 
continued enhancements to our operating practices and lower fruit costs. And although our fresh cut 
business fell short of our expectations in 2023, the division’s performance did improve as the year 
progressed. While I’m proud of our accomplishments in fiscal 2023, we still have more work to do in 
2024. The progress we made in 2023 reinforces my confidence in the long-term earnings potential of the 
company given our great team members, assets, customer relationships, and grower partners.   

After much consideration, earlier this year we signed a non-binding letter of intent to sell our fresh cut 
business to F&S Fresh Foods, a leader in the industry and one of our long-trusted co-packing partners. 
We believe the transaction will enhance shareholder value as we sharpen our focus on our core avocado 
and guacamole businesses and streamline our corporate structure to generate efficiency. While the 
contemplated divestiture will reduce Calavo’s top-line, it will make our company better equipped to 
generate compelling returns for shareholders.  

I am pleased with our direction as we strive to fulfill our mission to provide fresh, high quality, healthy 
food. Calavo is a company with a proud, storied history and a bright future, and we look forward to 
delivering shareholder value in 2024 and years to come.  

We are grateful to all of you – our shareholders, team members, customers, and consumers – for your 
relationship with Calavo Growers.   

Sincerely, 

Lee E. Cole 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.   /   1141A CUMMINGS RD.   /   SANTA PAULA, CA  93060   /   CALAVO.COM 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(cid:1409)(cid:1409) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023

OR

(cid:1407) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 000-33385

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

1141-A Cummings Road, Santa Paula, CA 
(Address of principal executive offices)

33-0945304
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

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
Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value per Share

Trading Symbol(s)
CVGW

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.  
Yes (cid:1409)   No (cid:1407)(cid:3)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. 
Yes (cid:1407)   No (cid:1409)(cid:3)(cid:3)

Name Of each exchange
on which registered
Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:  (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the 
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 
Yes (cid:1409)   No (cid:1407)(cid:3)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically; every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).    Yes (cid:1409) No (cid:1407)(cid:3)

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

Large accelerated filer (cid:1407)

Accelerated filer (cid:1409)

Non-accelerated filer (cid:1407)

Smaller reporting company (cid:1407)
Emerging growth company (cid:1407)

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised 

financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. (cid:1407)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over 
financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. (cid:1409)

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the

correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. (cid:1407)

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the 

registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). (cid:1407)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes (cid:1407) No (cid:1409)

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, 2023 (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $0.5 billion.  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, 2023 was 17,798,620.

Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which we intend to hold in late April, 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, 2023.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

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 statements relating to future events and results of Calavo Growers, Inc. and its 
consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, “Calavo”, “the Company”, “we”, us or “our”), including certain projections and 
business trends, that are "forward-looking statements," as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 
1995, that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements are based on our current expectations and are 
not promises or guarantees. If any of the risks or uncertainties materialize or the assumptions prove incorrect, the results 
of Calavo may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. 
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, 
including, but not limited to, any projections of revenue, gross profit, expenses, income/(loss) from unconsolidated 
entities, earnings, earnings per share, tax provisions, cash flows and currency exchange rates; the impact of acquisitions 
or debt or equity investments or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of 
management for future operations, including execution of restructuring and integration (including information 
technology systems integration) plans; any statements regarding current or future macroeconomic trends or events and 
the impact of those trends and events on Calavo and its financial performance; statements regarding pending internal or 
external investigations, legal claims or tax disputes; any statements of expectation or belief; any statements about future 
risks associated with doing business internationally (including possible restrictive U.S. and foreign governmental 
actions, such as restrictions on transfers of funds, restrictions as a result of trade protection measures such as 
import/export/customs duties, tariffs and/or quotas); and statements about the proposed sale of our Fresh Cut business 
and certain related real property that was announced by the Company on January 16, 2024 (the “Proposed Transaction”).

Risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed 

or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: 

(cid:120)
(cid:120)

(cid:120)
(cid:120)

(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)

(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)
(cid:120)

the ability of our management team to work together successfully; 
the impact of Project Uno initiatives discussed in this Annual Report on our business, results of operations, 
and financial condition, including uncertainty as to whether the desired effects will be achieved; 
the impact of weather on market conditions;
seasonality of our business; sensitivity of our business to changes in market prices of avocados and other 
agricultural products and other raw materials including fuel, packaging and paper;
potential disruptions to our supply chain; 
risks associated with potential future acquisitions, including integration; 
potential exposure to data breaches and other cyber-attacks on our systems or those of our suppliers or 
customers; 
dependence on large customers; 
dependence on key personnel, and access to labor necessary for us to render services; 
susceptibility to wage inflation;
potential for labor disputes; 
reliance on co-packers for a portion of our production needs; 
competitive pressures, including from foreign growers; 
risks of recalls and food-related injuries to our customers; 
changing consumer preferences; 
the impact of environmental regulations, including those related to climate change; 
risks associated with the environment and climate change, especially as they may affect our sources of 
supply; 
our ability to develop and transition new products and services and enhance existing products and services 
to meet customer needs; 
risks associated with doing business internationally (including possible restrictive U.S. and foreign 
governmental actions, such as restrictions on transfers of funds and trade protection measures such as 
import/export/customs duties, tariffs and/or quotas and currency fluctuations); 
risks associated with receivables from, loans to and/or equity investments in unconsolidated entities; 
volatility in the value of our common stock; 

2

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

the impact of macroeconomic trends and events; the effects of increased interest rates on our cost of 
borrowing and consumer purchasing behavior; 
the resolution of pending internal and external investigations, legal claims and tax disputes, including an 
assessment imposed by the Mexican Tax Administrative Service (the “SAT”) and our defenses against 
collection activities commenced by the SAT; 
the ability of the parties to reach a binding agreement for the Proposed Transaction, the potential that the 
price, structure, form of consideration (for example, cash, promissory, equity) and other material terms may 
be materially different than currently expected, the continuing financial and operating performance of the 
Fresh Cut business during the negotiation process; 
the possible effect of the announcement of the sale of the Fresh Cut business on our customer, vendor and 
supplier relationships, operating results and business generally; and 
if the Company enters into a binding agreement for the Proposed Transaction, the occurrence of any event, 
change or other circumstance that prevents the completion of the sale of the Proposed Transaction, including 
the failure to satisfy all closing conditions that included in such binding agreement.

3

Item 1. Business

General development of the business

PART I

Calavo Growers, Inc. (referred to in this report as “Calavo”, the “Company”, “we’, “us” or “our”), is a global leader 
in the avocado industry and a provider of value-added fresh food.  Our expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, 
prepared avocados, and other perishable foods allows us to deliver a wide array of fresh and prepared food products to 
retail grocery, foodservice, club stores, mass merchandisers, food distributors and wholesalers on a worldwide basis. We 
procure avocados from California, Mexico and other growing regions around the world.  Through our various operating 
facilities, we (i) sort, pack, and/or ripen avocados, tomatoes and/or Hawaiian grown papayas, (ii) create, process and 
package a portfolio of healthy fresh foods including fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, and prepared foods and (iii) process 
and package guacamole.

We distribute our products both domestically and internationally and we report our operations in two different 
business segments: Grown and Prepared. The Grown segment consists of fresh avocados, tomatoes and papayas. The 
Prepared segment comprises all other products including fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat sandwiches, wraps, 
salads and snacks, guacamole, and salsa sold at retail and food service as well as avocado pulp sold to foodservice. See 
Note 10 in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further 
information about our business segments.  Our principal executive offices are located at 1141-A Cummings Road, Santa 
Paula, California 93060; and our telephone number is (805) 525-1245.  

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 (the “SEC”).  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 (this “Annual Report”).

We have a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all employees, including our executive officers, as well 
as our Board of Directors. Our code of business conduct and ethics is available for review on our corporate website. We 
intend to disclose any changes in, or waivers from, this code by posting such information on the same website or by 
filing a Form 8-K, in each case to the extent such disclosure is required by rules of the SEC or Nasdaq.

Grown

Calavo was founded in 1924 to market California avocados.  We sell avocados sourced from a variety of locations 
(including but not limited to California, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia) to a diverse group of retail grocers, foodservice 
operators, club stores, mass merchandisers, food distributors and wholesalers, under the Calavo family of brand labels, as 
well as private labels.  Many of our customers desire consistent year-round supply across multiple sourcing locations, the 
ability to receive just-in-time deliveries at their desired level of ripeness and a variety of packaging and display options.  
In our judgment, these factors benefit large handlers like us, who have the ability to develop a variety of diverse sourcing 
relationships and the value-added/bagging capabilities, ripening assets and distribution infrastructure to meet the needs 
of large nationwide accounts. We believe we have developed strong, long-term relationships with our customers that 
provide a solid base for our business.

4

The Hass variety is the predominant avocado variety marketed on a worldwide basis.  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.  Generally, California grown Hass avocados are available year-round, 
with peak production periods occurring from April through August.  In Mexico, we procure fruit from the growing 
regions of Michoacán and Jalisco.  The Mexican avocado harvest is year-round (though generally most significant from 
September to June in Michoacán and from June to January for Jalisco). Other significant growing areas from which we 
have sourced avocados include Peru and Colombia.  In fiscal 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (the 
“USDA”) approved the export of Jalisco avocados into the United States. The storage life of fresh avocados (once picked 
from the tree) is limited, typically ranging from one to four weeks depending upon the maturity of the fruit, the growing 
methods used, and the handling conditions in the distribution chain, including the utilization of controlled atmosphere 
during transport.

Avocados delivered to our packinghouses are graded, sized, packed and cooled. The actual size and 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.  The process by which avocados are purchased from growers differs slightly across our different sourcing regions.  
In California, avocado growers are provided daily field quotes, on a per pound basis, for most fruit.  These quotes are 
based on the variety, size, and grade of California avocados and are calculated based on our expectations of how much 
we believe we will sell the fruit for, less our anticipated costs and desired margin. Ultimately, we pay/settle with our 
California growers once a month.  The purchase price we pay for fruit acquired from Mexican growers is generally 
negotiated daily for substantially all the fruit harvested daily in a particular grove. The Mexican avocado crop will 
typically have three to four blooms in a single year. Once a purchase price is agreed to on a daily basis, the fruit is then 
harvested and delivered to our packinghouses located in Mexico. Based on the size and quality of the fruit harvested, the 
final settlement with the grower on the respective day’s harvest takes (cid:83)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:91)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:92)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:17)(cid:3031)(cid:58)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:82)(cid:3)
purchase fruit directly from third-party Mexican packers as a supplemental source to balance inventory or fulfill priority 
sales orders.  In such cases, the already packed fruit may not be packed in a Calavo label but will be packed to our 
standards for shipment to either our customers’ or our operating facilities. Peruvian and Colombian avocados are 
primarily handled on a consignment basis, in which the price we pay for the fruit is usually calculated as a percentage of 
the net selling price less certain charges for distribution and value-added services.

Apart from the cost of fruit and freight costs, which are generally passed on to our customer, significant portions of 

our avocado handling costs are 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. As a result of our investment in packinghouse equipment, distribution centers with value-added 
ripening and packing capabilities, and personnel, we believe that our cost structure is geared to optimally handle larger 
avocado crops. We believe that our continued success in marketing 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 avocados to 
our packinghouses and distribution centers and, ultimately, to our customers. We are subject to USDA, Mexican 
Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food/Plant Protection (“SAGARPA”) and other 
regulatory inspections to ensure the safety and the quality of the fruit being delivered.  

We have also developed a series of value-added programs that are designed to offer products and services to our 

customers that meet their various needs.  Some of these key programs are as follows:

(cid:120) Value-Added Ripening: Retailers require that their avocados meet strict quality and ripeness specifications, and 
we believe that our nationwide ripening infrastructure, using the latest technology and experienced avocado 
handling workforce, best position us to service those customers.  We believe that ripened avocados help our 
customers fulfill consumer needs and accelerate the sale of avocados through their stores.  

(cid:120) Value-Added Packaging: 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 

5

displays.  We also believe that the value proposition of avocados in a bag provides for a higher level of sales to 
grocery stores.

The avocado market is highly competitive with many avocado marketers and/or importers seeking to source 
avocados from independent, USDA certified growers worldwide. Based on the information we have from various 
industry sources, we believe that we are consistently among the largest avocado marketers in the United States (“U.S.”) 
from a volume and sales perspective.  We attribute our position as one of the top avocado distributors to our sourcing 
competitiveness and to the communication and service we maintain with our growers.  In addition, we believe our 
diversified product assortment, consistent product quality and value-added programs provide us with a competitive 
advantage in servicing retail and foodservice customers.

Our Grown business segment also markets and distributes other perishable food products, such as tomatoes and 

papayas (“Other Fresh Products”).  Tomatoes are primarily handled on a consigned basis, while papayas are handled on a 
pooling basis, generally at a fixed fee per papaya delivered.  

For sales on a consigned basis, our gross profit is based on a commission agreed to with each party, which usually is 
a percent of the overall selling price. The gross profit percentage for consignment sales 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.

Sales of our Other Fresh Products generally experience fluctuations related to seasonality.  We believe that 

distributing other types of fruit complement our offerings of avocados.

Prepared

     Prepared products include prepared avocado products (including both frozen and fresh guacamole), fresh-cut fruit and 
vegetables, fresh prepared entrée salads, wraps, sandwiches, parfaits and fresh snacking products, as well as ready-to-
heat entrees and other hot bar and various deli items, meals kit components and salad kits. Our Prepared segment has 
also expanded its capacity to provide more products in the deli and produce section of the retail category. 

Our Prepared segment consists of our prepared avocado products (“guacamole”) division and our fresh-cut division. 

We utilize ultra-high pressure technology, a cold pasteurization process, on all of our guacamole products, that is 
designed to protect and safeguard foods, without the need of preservatives. This procedure substantially destroys the 
cells of any bacteria that could lead to spoilage, food safety, or oxidation issues, without affecting the taste profile of the 
finished product. Once the procedure is complete, our packaged guacamole can be frozen to ensure a longer shelf-life or 
shipped fresh to customers in the U.S. and abroad. While the majority of our prepared avocado products are produced in 
our Uruapan, Mexico production facility, we sometimes utilize high-quality co-packers (using similar ultra-high pressure 
technology), to produce some of our retail and foodservice products. 

As a leader in refrigerated fresh packaged foods, we utilize a network of company-operated and independently-
operated USDA and organic certified fresh food facilities strategically located across the U.S.  These facilities allow us 
to offer national retailers high quality, refrigerated fresh foods that can generally be delivered within hours from time of 
production.  Consumer demand is high for quality refrigerated fresh packaged foods and our speed to market, product 
innovation and broad product portfolio position the Company well to serve retailers addressing this consumer trend.  Our 
prepared products include fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, wraps, salads, parfaits, snacks, and guacamole 
sold at retail and food service as well as avocado pulp sold to foodservice..  Our products are marketed under the Calavo, 
Avofresco, Garden Highway Fresh Cut, Garden Highway, and Garden Highway Chef Essentials brands, as well as store-
brand, private label programs. 

6

     We believe our current capacity will be sufficient for expected growth in fiscal 2024.  We believe that our marketing 
strength is distinguished by providing quality products, innovation, year-round product availability, national distribution, 
and strong customer relationships.  

      As discussed further in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” 
in Item 7 of this Annual Report, we and certain of our subsidiaries have entered into non-binding, exclusive negotiations 
regarding the potential sale of all of the assets used in our Fresh Cut business and certain related real property. The Fresh 
cut business represents substantially all of the business of the Prepared segment other than the guacamole business, 
which would be retained following the Proposed Transaction.  

Sales and Other Financial Information by Business Segment and Product Category

Sales and other financial information by business segment are provided in Note 10 to our consolidated financial 

statements that are included in this Annual Report.

Patents and Trademarks

Our trademarks include the Calavo brand name and related logos.  We also utilize the following trademarks in 
conducting our business: Avo Fresco, Bueno, Calavo Gold, Celebrate the Taste, El Dorado, Taste of Paradise, The First 
Name in Avocados, The Family of Fresh, ProRipeVIP™, RIPE NOW!, Renaissance Food Group, Garden Highway 
Fresh Cut, Garden Highway, and Garden Highway Chef Essentials.  

Working Capital Requirements

We generally bridge the timing between vendor payments and customer receipts (our working capital needs) by using 

operating cash flows and commercial bank borrowings.  In addition, from time to time we provide crop loans and other 
advances to some of our growers, which are also funded through operating cash flows and borrowings.  

Backlog

Our Grown and Prepared customers do not place product orders significantly in advance of the requested product 

delivery dates.  

Research and Development

Our research and development for new and improved products generally originates from customer requests, customer 

and market research and 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, in order to expand the category and drive new sales for our customers.  Research and development costs are 
charged to expense when incurred.  Total research and development costs for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 were 
approximately $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.3 million.  

Compliance with Government Regulations

As a purchaser, manufacturer, distributor, marketer, and advertiser of food products, our operations are subject to 
extensive regulation by various federal government agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the 
“FDA”), the USDA and the Federal Trade Commission (the “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 the distribution, safety, purity and labeling 
of food products.  In addition, our operations are subject to certain employment health and safety regulations, including 
those issued under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”).  Our packinghouse facilities and products are 
subject to periodic inspection by federal, state and local authorities, including the FDA and the California Department of 
Food and Agriculture (the “CFDA”), which oversees weights & measures compliance at our California facilities. All of 

7

our US facilities are also in compliance with the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (“FSMA”). In addition, our 
operations in Mexico are subject to Mexican regulations through the SAGARPA.

As a large importer of perishable products in the U.S., Calavo was an early adopter of the U.S. Customs & Border 

Protection’s C-TPAT certification programs for monitoring and expediting all imports to the U.S.  

As a purchaser and manufacturer of perishable agricultural commodities, we are subject to, and compliant with, the 

USDA’s Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. Certain agricultural commodities sold by Calavo are subject to 
additional specific government acts or regulations, including the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research and Information 
Act of 2000 for our avocados and the federal suspension agreement guidelines which govern tomato imports to the U.S. 

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.  

Employees

As of October 31, 2023, we had 3,064 employees, of which 1,390 were located in the US and 1,674 were located in 

Mexico.  We do not have a significant number of US employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  
Approximately 1,500 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. 

The following is a summary of the number of “salaried” and “hourly” employees as of October 31, 2023.

Location
United States
Mexico

TOTAL

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Salaried
331
207
538

Hourly

1,059
1,467
2,526

Total
1,390
1,674
3,064

You should carefully consider the following risks and other information in this Form 10-K. Any of the following risks 
could materially and adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. The following risk factors should 
be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements 
and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.

Business and Operational Risks

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Disruption

     Outbreaks of contagious diseases, including COVID-19, and other adverse public health developments in countries 
and states where we operate, have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our business and financial 
condition, as well as cause operational challenges in the manufacturing of our products and the operation of the related 
supply chains supporting our ability to deliver our products to the consumer. These effects include a potential negative 
impact on the availability of our key personnel; disruptions of our facilities or facilities of our members, business 
partners, customers, suppliers, third-party service providers or other vendors; and interruption of domestic and global 
supply chains, distribution channels, liquidity and capital or financial markets. Restrictions on or disruptions of 
transportation, border controls and closures, and other impacts on domestic and global supply chains and distribution 
channels could increase our costs for raw materials and commodity costs, increase demand for raw materials and 

8

commodities, limit our ability to meet customer demand or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operation or cash flows.

Increases in interest rates could increase the cost of servicing our indebtedness and have an adverse effect on our results 
of operations, cash flows and stock price.

    Our credit facility currently bears interest at a variable rate, which will generally change as interest rates change. We
also have various leases, and may enter into future equipment leases, with costs that increase as interest rates increase. We
bear the risk that the rates we are charged by our lenders and lessors will increase faster than the earnings and cash flow
of our business, which could reduce profitability, adversely affect our ability to service our debt, or cause us to breach
covenants contained in our credit agreement or leases, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.

     Increases in interest rates may also affect consumer purchasing behavior, including for our fresh and processed food 
products.

       Additionally, the trading price of our common stock may be affected by the dividend yield on our common stock
relative to market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the yield on our common stock may become less
attractive relative to other available securities. As a result, prospective purchasers may decide to purchase other securities
rather than shares of our common stock, which would reduce the demand for, and potentially result in a decline in the
market price of, shares of our common stock.

Due to the seasonality of the business, our revenue and operating results may vary from quarter to quarter.

Our earnings may be affected by seasonal factors, including:

(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)

the availability, quality and price of raw materials (including, but not limited to, fruit and vegetable inputs);
the timing and effects of ripening and perishability;
the ability to process perishable raw materials in a timely manner;
the leveraging of certain fixed overhead costs during off-season months; and 
variations in consumer demand and holiday timing.

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

We buy and sell fresh produce that can be subject to price volatility caused by weather conditions such as rainfall, 

hailstorms, windstorms, floods, droughts, wildfires and freezes, as well as by impacts from diseases and pests.

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 factors such as 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. Food safety warnings, advisories, notices and recalls 
such as those administered by the FDA, CDC, other federal/state government agencies and/or suppliers of various 
agricultural products, could also reduce demand and/or prices for some of our products. To the extent that consumers 
stop purchasing products that we produce due to health, food safety 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 input 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, the war in Ukraine or conflict 

9

elsewhere, 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 may adversely affect our operating results 
in the future. 

The price of various commodities can affect our costs. For example, fuel, transportation, and packaging costs are  
significant components of our operating costs, and we may not be able to pass on to our customers any increases in costs 
of fuel, transportation, or packaging. 

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

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 and we may incur significant costs or delays in any effort to restore lost 
capacity. Our production capacity for guacamole products is consolidated into a single manufacturing plant in the state of 
Michoacán, Mexico. Any significant production disruptions at this manufacturing site could result in a limitation of the 
availability of some or all our guacamole products. Any disruptions in our infrastructure could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. 

Failure  to  optimize  our  supply  chain  or  disruption  of  our  supply  chain  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on  our  business, 
financial condition and results of operations.

In coordination with our suppliers, our ability to make, move and sell products is critical to our success. Our inability 

to maintain sufficient internal production capacity or our inability to enter into co-packing agreements on terms that are 
beneficial to us could have an adverse effect on our business. Failure to adequately handle increasing production costs 
and complexity, turnover of manufacturing personnel, or production capability and efficiency issues could materially
impact our ability to produce our products in a cost-effective manner and meet customer demand.

     Additionally, damage or disruption to our collective manufacturing or distribution capabilities resulting from weather, 
any potential effects of climate change, natural disaster, disease, crop spoilage, fire or explosion, terrorism, organized 
crime, pandemics, strikes, repairs or enhancements at our facilities, or other reasons, could impair our ability to 
manufacture or sell our products. For example, our production capacity for guacamole products is consolidated into a 
single manufacturing plant in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. Any significant production disruptions at this 
manufacturing site could result in a limitation of the availability of some or all our guacamole products. Failure to take 
adequate steps to mitigate the likelihood or potential impact of such events, or to effectively manage such events if they 
occur, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and may require additional 
resources to restore our supply chain

Disruption of the supply or reliability of transportation 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, including truck, ocean, 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, governmental regulation, or governmental restrictions 
limiting specific forms of transportation could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of 
operations.

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 definitive 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 involve numerous risks, including the integration 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 

10

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. Management’s attention, or 
other resources, may be diverted if we fail to successfully complete or integrate business combination and investment 
transactions that further our strategic objectives.

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. 

Our information technology networks could be compromised by cyber attacks resulting in misappropriation of our 
confidential information or that of third parties, system disruptions or system shutdowns. For example, in 2019, certain 
of our computer systems were encrypted by ransomware, which prevented them from operating for a period of time. 
Attackers may be able to develop and deploy viruses, worms, and other malicious software programs that infiltrate our 
systems or otherwise exploit any security vulnerabilities. In addition, sophisticated hardware and operating system 
software and applications that we 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. We carry insurance, including cyber insurance, commensurate 
with our size and the nature of our operations, although there is no certainty that such insurance will in all cases be 
sufficient to fully reimburse us for all losses incurred in connection with the occurrence of any of these system security 
risks, data protection breaches, cyber-attacks or other events.

Our information technology systems may also 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 resource-intensive. Such disruptions could adversely impact our ability to 
fulfill orders and interrupt other processes. 

The loss of one or more of our largest customers, or a reduction in the level of purchases made by these customers, 
could negatively impact our sales and profits.

Sales to Kroger and Trader Joes, our largest customers, amounted to approximately 17% and 13% of our total net 
sales in 2023. We expect that a significant portion of our revenues will continue to be derived from a relatively small 
number of customers. We believe these customers make purchase decisions based on a combination of price, product 
quality, consumer demand, customer service performance, desired inventory levels and other factors that may be 
important to them at the time the purchase decisions are made. Changes in our customers' strategies or purchasing 
patterns, including a reduction in the number of brands they carry, may adversely affect our sales. Additionally, our 
customers may face financial or other difficulties which may impact their operations and cause them to reduce their level 
of purchases from us, which could adversely affect our results of operations. Customers also may respond to any price 
increase that we may implement by reducing their purchases from us, resulting in reduced sales of our products. If sales 
of our products to one or more of our largest customers decrease, the impact may have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any bankruptcy or other business disruption involving one of our 
significant customers also could adversely affect our results of operations.

Changes in our business relationships with California and Mexican growers could significantly impact our avocado
supply in the U.S.

    We are dependent on our long-term relationships with independent growers in California and Mexico to obtain and 
maintain our supply of avocados in the U.S. Deterioration of our relationships with our key growers could adversely 
affect our Grown business in the U.S., which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and 
results of operations.

11

We may not be successful in achieving targeted savings and efficiencies from cost reduction initiatives and related
strategic initiatives, including Project Uno.

      During the third quarter of 2021, we launched Project Uno, a strategic set of initiatives that seeks to identify areas of 
operating  efficiencies and  cost  savings  to  expand  profit  margins,  cash  flow  and  return  on  invested  capital.  We  have 
undertaken multiple productivity and transformation initiatives, including (1) closure and transfer of certain facilities, (2) 
implementing broader supply chain operational improvements, (3) integrating our commercial, logistics, IT, procurement 
and accounting functions across the three divisions, (4) product rationalization initiatives which are aimed at eliminating 
unprofitable or slow moving SKUs and (5) outsourcing certain functions in our North American business to third-party 
service providers and the associated implementation of new procurement technology solutions.

     We may not be successful in fully implementing our productivity plans or realizing our anticipated savings and
efficiencies, including potentially as a result of factors outside our control. If we are unable to fully realize the
anticipated savings and efficiencies of our cost reduction initiatives and related strategic initiatives, including Project
Uno, our profitability may be materially and adversely impacted.

The potential sale of our Fresh Cut business is subject to various risks and uncertainties and may not be completed on the 
currently contemplated timeline or terms, or at all.

      We and certain of our subsidiaries have entered into non-binding, exclusive negotiations regarding the potential sale 
of all of the assets used in our Fresh Cut business and certain related real property (the “Proposed Transaction”). The 
closing of the Proposed Transaction is subject to the negotiation and execution of a binding agreement. There can be no 
assurance that a binding agreement will result from the current negotiations, and if a binding agreement does result, the 
price, structure, form of consideration (for example, cash, promissory, equity) and other material terms may be materially 
different  than  currently  expected.  Whether  a  binding  agreement  results,  and  the  terms  thereof,  may  depend  on  the 
continuing financial and operating performance of the Fresh Cut business during the negotiation process and the proposed 
purchaser’s willingness and ability to provide the capital and/or financing necessary to complete the transaction. If we are 
able to finalize a bidning agreement, it may be subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including, among
others, availability of third-party consents that may be required, the accuracy of each party’s representations and warranties 
contained  in  any binding  agreement,  compliance by  each party with  its respective  covenants  contained  in  any binding 
agreement, and the potential requirement of a transaction services agreement for continuing services by the Company to 
the purchaser for a period of time following any closing. We or the proposed purchaser may be unable to satisfy such 
conditions to the closing of the Proposed Transaction in a timely manner or at all and, if such conditions are not satisfied 
or waived, the Proposed Transaction may be delayed or completed on terms that are less favorable, perhaps materially, to 
us than the terms currently being negotiated, or the Proposed Transaction may not be completed at all. Whether or not a 
binding agreement is executed and the closing occurs, the announcement and pendency of the Proposed Transaction may 
adversely  affect  our  relationships  with  customers,  suppliers  and  vendors,  and  the  operating  performance  and  financial 
results of the Prepared segment may also be materially adversely affected. We or the proposed purchaser may choose not 
to proceed with the Proposed Transaction, and if the Proposed Transaction is delayed or not completed for any reason, 
investor confidence may decline and we may face negative publicity and possible litigation. 

         Further, failure to complete the Proposed Transaction would adversely affect our current plans to use proceeds from 
the Proposed Transaction to reduce our debt and return cash to shareholders. In addition, we will have expended significant 
management resources in an effort to complete the Proposed Transaction and will have incurred transaction costs

Holders of our common stock may not receive the level of dividends provided for in our dividend policy or any dividends
at all.

Dividend payments are not mandatory or guaranteed and holders of our common stock do not have any legal right

to receive, or require us to pay, dividends. Our Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, decrease the level of
dividends provided for in our dividend policy or entirely discontinue the payment of dividends. Future dividends with
respect to shares of our capital stock, if any, depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements,
financial condition, contractual restrictions (including restrictions in our credit agreement), business opportunities,

12

provisions of applicable law (including certain provisions of the California Corporations Code) and other factors that our
board of directors may deem relevant.

If our cash flows from operating activities were to fall below our minimum expectations (or if our assumptions as

to capital expenditures or interest expense were too low or our assumptions as to the sufficiency of our credit facility
were to prove incorrect), we may need to either reduce or eliminate dividends.

We have in the past had and may in the future incur substantial indebtedness which could restrict our ability to pay
dividends and impact our financing options and liquidity position.

Our ability to pay dividends is subject to restrictions contained in the instruments governing our indebtedness.
Additionally, although our credit agreement contains covenants that restrict our ability to incur debt, as long as we meet
these covenants, we will be able to incur additional indebtedness. The degree to which we are leveraged on a
consolidated basis could have important consequences to the holders of our securities, including:

(cid:404) our ability in the future to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions

may be limited;

(cid:404) we may not be able to refinance our indebtedness on terms acceptable to us or at all;
(cid:404) a significant portion of our cash flow may be dedicated to the payment of interest on our indebtedness, thereby
reducing funds available for operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions and/or dividends on our common
stock; and

(cid:404) we may be more vulnerable to economic downturns and be limited in our ability to withstand competitive

pressures.

Changing rules, public disclosure regulations and stakeholder expectations on ESG-related matters create a variety of 
risks for our business.

      Increasingly,  regulators,  consumers,  customers,  investors, employees  and  other  stakeholders  are  focusing  on  ESG 
matters  and  related  disclosures.  These  changing  rules,  public disclosure  regulations  and  stakeholder  expectations  have 
resulted  in,  and  are  likely  to  continue  to  result  in,  increased  management  time  and attention  spent  complying  with  or 
meeting such regulations and expectations. For example, developing and acting on initiatives within the scope of ESG, 
and collecting, measuring and reporting ESG-related information and metrics can be costly, difficult and time consuming 
and is subject to evolving reporting standards, including the SEC’s proposed climate-related reporting requirements, and 
similar  proposals  by  other  international  regulatory  bodies.  This  rapidly  changing  environment  may  result  in  increased 
general and administrative expenses.

      We may also communicate certain initiatives and goals regarding environmental matters, diversity and other ESG-
related matters. These initiatives and goals could be difficult and expensive to implement, and we could be criticized for 
the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the disclosure. Further, statements about our ESG-related initiatives and goals, 
and  progress  against  those  goals,  may  be  based  on  standards  for  measuring  progress  that  are  still  developing,  internal 
controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future. In addition, we 
could be criticized for the scope or nature of such initiatives or goals, or for any revisions to these goals. If our ESG-related 
data, processes and reporting are incomplete or inaccurate, or if we fail to achieve progress with respect to our goals within 
the scope of ESG on a timely basis, or at all, our reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition could 
be adversely impacted.

13

Human Capital Risks

We have recently transitioned new personnel into executive leadership positions and our future success will depend in 
part on our ability to manage this transition successfully. Management and key personnel changes may disrupt our
operations, and we may have difficulty attracting and retaining qualified replacements.

We have experienced changes in management and other key personnel in critical functions across our organization,
including our chief executive officer. Changes in management and other key personnel have the potential to disrupt our
business, and any such disruption could adversely affect our operations, programs, growth, financial condition and
results of operations. Further, new members of management may have different perspectives on programs and
opportunities for our business, which may cause us to focus on new business opportunities or reduce or change emphasis
on our existing business programs.

      Our success is dependent upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management and key personnel in a highly 
competitive environment. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and we may incur significant costs to attract them, 
particularly at the executive level. We may face difficulty in attracting, retaining and compensating key talent for a 
number of reasons, including competitive market conditions, the effect of recent company performance on the 
achievement of performance compensation conditions, and the need to align the vision of a new executive team with our
Board’s vision for our Company. We cannot assure you that we will be able to hire or retain the personnel necessary to 
achieve our strategic vision, that personnel we do recruit will be successful or that the loss of any such personnel will not
have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

      Replacing departing executives can involve organizational disruption and uncertainty. We have in the past, and we 
may in the future pay significant severance to departed executives. If we fail to manage this transition successfully, we 
could experience significant delays or difficulty in the achievement of our development and strategic objectives and our 
business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely harmed.

A continued shortage of qualified labor could negatively affect our business and materially reduce earnings.

      We have experienced shortages of qualified labor across our operations. Participants in our supply chain have also 
experienced shortages of qualified labor. The future success of our operations, including the achievement of our strategic 
objectives, depends on our ability, and the ability of third parties on which we rely to supply and to deliver our products, 
to identify, recruit, develop and retain qualified and talented individuals. Employee retention and morale may be affected 
by our performance-weighted compensation programs, which have in the past and may in the future negatively affect 
bonuses. As a result, any shortage of qualified labor could adversely affect our business. Employee recruitment, 
development and retention efforts that we or such third parties undertake may not be successful, which could result in a 
shortage of qualified individuals in future periods. Any such shortage could decrease our ability to effectively produce 
and deliver our products and to achieve our strategic objectives. Such a shortage would also likely lead to higher wages 
for employees (or higher costs to purchase the services of such third parties) and a corresponding reduction in our results 
of operations. In the current operating environment, we are experiencing a shortage of qualified labor in certain 
geographies, particularly with plant production workers, resulting in increased costs from certain temporary wage 
actions, such as hiring and referral and retention bonus programs. A continuation of such shortages for a prolonged 
period of time could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

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

While we believe that our relations with our employees and labor unions are good, we cannot ensure 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.

14

We rely on co-packers for a portion of our production needs.

We utilize high-quality co-packers to produce a portion of our retail and foodservice products.  If we are unable to 

utilize quality co-packers effectively, we may not be able to meet our production needs for our expected growth. 
Similarly, if an existing co-packer is no longer able or willing to produce products for us, there are no assurances that we 
will be able to immediately replace them with our own production capacity or that of another co-packer operating in the 
same region and at the same level of quality.  We closely monitor and audit the quality of our co-packers; and our co-
packers are required to maintain insurance.  We, however, remain subject to risks related to the production of fresh and 
processed foods.

Industry Risks

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

The fresh produce and prepared food markets in which we operate are highly competitive.  Each of our businesses is 

subject to competitive pressures, including the following:

(cid:120)

The market for avocados is impacted by an increasing volume of foreign grown avocados being imported into 
the United States.  There have been significant plantings of avocados in Mexico, Chile, the Dominican Republic, 
Peru, Colombia 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. Increased supply could put downward 
pressure on the market price for avocados and also lead to a broader number of marketing and distribution 
competitors if we are unable to process sufficient supply to maintain our market share. 

(cid:120) We are subject to competition from other avocado packers.  If we are unable to consistently pay growers a 

(cid:120)

competitive price for their avocados, these growers may choose to have their avocados marketed by alternate 
packers.
The fresh-cut produce market is highly fragmented and we compete with a variety of national, regional and local 
manufacturers and distributors of fresh-cut produce in the geographies that we serve. These competitors include 
both branded and non-branded producers, as well as certain retailers’ own in-house fresh-cut operations.  To 
compete successfully, we must be able to strategically source a wide array of fresh produce and prepared food 
items of uniformly high quality and sell and distribute it on a timely and regular basis. The overall availability 
and quality of produce items that we purchase for processing can have a meaningful impact on sales and 
profitability of our Prepared reporting unit.  Additionally, the short-shelf life nature of these products makes this 
business highly localized and our success is often related to our ability to manufacture those products within 
close proximity to our customers’ locations.

A recall of our products could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we may be subject to 
significant liability claims should the consumption of any of our products cause injury, illness or death.

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.

Climate change may negatively affect our business and operations.

There is concern that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on 

global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. 

15

In the event that such climate change has a negative effect on agricultural productivity, we may be subject to 

decreased availability or less favorable pricing for certain commodities that are necessary for our products. As a result of 
climate change, we may also be subjected to decreased availability of water, deteriorated quality of water or less 
favorable pricing for water, which could adversely impact our manufacturing and distribution operations.

Demand for our products is subject to changing consumer preferences.

     Consumer preferences for particular food products are subject to fluctuations over time. Our ability to market and sell 
our products successfully depends in part on our ability to identify changing consumer preferences and respond to those 
changes by offering products that appeal broadly to consumers in light of current demands. Shifts in consumer 
preferences that can impact demand for our products at any given time can result from a number of factors, including 
dietary trends, attention to particular nutritional aspects of our products, concerns regarding the health effects of 
particular ingredients, attention given to ingredient sourcing practices and general public perception of food safety 
risks. Consumer demand for our products also may be impacted by any public commentary that consumers or certain 
regulatory bodies (including federal or state agencies involved in monitoring food safety) may make regarding our 
products or similar products.  Consumer demand for our products also may be impacted by changes in the level of 
advertising or promotional support that are employed by (i) us, (ii) our retail/foodservice customers, or (iii) relevant 
industry groups or third parties that provide competing products. If consumer preferences trend negatively with respect 
to any one or more of our products, our sales volumes may decline as a result.

We rely on independent certifications for a number of our products.

     We rely on independent third-party certifications, such as certifications of our products as “organic,” “Non-GMO” or 
“kosher,” to differentiate our products from others. We must comply with the requirements of independent organizations 
or certification authorities in order to label our products as certified organic. For example, we can lose our “organic” 
certification if a manufacturing plant becomes contaminated with non-organic materials, or if it is not properly cleaned 
after a production run. In addition, all raw materials must be certified organic. Similarly, we can lose our “kosher” 
certification if a manufacturing plant and raw materials do not meet the requirements of the appropriate kosher 
supervision organization. The loss of any independent certifications could adversely affect our market position as an 
organic and natural products company, which could harm our business.

Regulatory and Related Risks 

Environmental and other regulation of our business, including potential climate change regulation, could adversely 
impact us by increasing our production cost or restricting our ability to import certain products into the United States.

Climate change could increase both the frequency and severity of natural disasters that may affect our business 

operations. Moreover, there has been a broad range of proposed and promulgated state, national and international 
regulation aimed at reducing the effects of climate change. Such regulations apply or could apply in countries where we 
have interests or could have interests in the future. In the United States, there is a significant possibility that some form 
of regulation will be enacted at the federal level to address the effects of climate change. Such regulation could take 
several forms that could result in additional costs in the form of taxes, the restriction of output, investments of capital to 
maintain compliance with laws and regulations, or required acquisition or trading of emission allowances. Climate 
change regulation continues to evolve, and it is not possible to accurately estimate either a timetable for implementation 
or our future compliance costs relating to implementation. 

Increased legislative, regulatory and public scrutiny on environmental, social, and corporate governance (“ESG”) 
issues including potential litigation involving our ESG practices or disclosures may adversely affect our business, and 
results of operations.   

A number of companies have been subject to private litigation and governmental action involving a diverse set of 
claims ranging from allegedly false environmental compliance and “sustainability” disclosures, social issues such as 
modern slavery in supply chains, and governance issues involving corporate audits and reporting. Like many companies, 
we publish an annual sustainability report covering topics including energy and emissions, fair labor, and sustainable 

16

agriculture. While we believe the disclosures in our sustainability reports and elsewhere concerning ESG are accurate, 
we could still be subject to litigation involving ESG claims. Such litigation, even if without merit, could negatively 
impact our reputation, take management time and attention away from other company business, require changes in 
operations and/or adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the actions of 
growers and other industry partners on ESG matters could negatively impact our reputation or involve us in legal or 
regulatory proceedings concerning their conduct. Additionally, any perceived failures to operate in accordance with
domestic and international laws and regulations could cause consumers to no longer associate our company and our 
brands with high quality and safety products, may adversely affect the value of our brands and the demand for our 
products.

Unanticipated changes in US or international tax provisions, the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to 
additional tax liabilities could affect our financial performance.

We are subject to taxes in the US and Mexico. Due to economic and political conditions, tax rates in various 
jurisdictions may be subject to significant change. Our effective tax rates could be affected by changes in the mix of 
earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, or 
changes in tax laws or their interpretation.

We are also subject to the examination of our tax returns and other tax matters by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, 

the SAT and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these 
examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for taxes. There can be no assurance that we will accurately 
predict the outcomes of any audits, and the amounts ultimately paid upon resolution of audits could be materially
different from the amounts previously included in our income tax expense and therefore could have a material impact on 
our tax provision, net income and cash flows. If our effective tax rates were to increase, or if the ultimate determination 
of our taxes owed is for an amount in excess of amounts previously accrued, our financial condition, operating results 
and cash flows could be adversely affected. 

Our dispute with Mexican tax authorities related to the 2013 Tax Assessment may have a material adverse effect on our 
results of operations and financial position.  

     In January 2017, we received preliminary observations from the SAT related to an audit for fiscal year 2013 outlining 
certain proposed adjustments primarily related to intercompany funding, deductions for services from certain 
vendors/suppliers and IVA. We provided a written rebuttal to these preliminary observations during our second fiscal 
quarter of 2017. During the period from our third fiscal quarter of 2017 through our third fiscal quarter of 2018, we 
attempted to resolve our case with the SAT through the conclusive agreement submitted before PRODECON (Mexican 
Tax Ombudsman), having several working meetings attended by representatives of the SAT, Calavo de Mexico 
(“CDM”) and the PRODECON. However, we were unable to materially resolve our case with the SAT through the 
PRODECON process.

In July 2018, a local office of the SAT issued a final tax assessment (the “2013 Assessment”) totaling approximately 
$2.6 billion Mexican pesos (which includes annual adjustments for inflation, and equals approx. $143.8 million USD at 
October 31, 2023) related to a fiscal 2013 tax audit.  This amount has been adjusted for inflation as of October 31, 2023 
to the amount of $3 billion Mexican pesos (approx. $166.0 million USD).  Additionally, the tax authorities have 
determined that we owe our employees profit-sharing liability, totaling approximately $118 million Mexican pesos 
(approx. $6.5 million USD at October 31, 2023).  In August 2018, we filed an administrative appeal (the “Administrative 
Appeal”) on the 2013 Assessment, appealing our case to the SAT’s Legal Administration in Michoacan.  

On June 25, 2021, we became aware that the Administrative Appeal had been resolved against CDM on March 12, 
2021, and that CDM had allegedly failed to timely respond to and challenge the SAT’s notification of such resolution, 
therefore rendering the 2013 Assessment as definitive. In addition, the SAT placed liens on the fixed assets of CDM, 
with a net book value of approximately $26 million USD, and on bank accounts of CDM totaling approximately $1 
million USD in order to guaranty the 2013 Assessment. As of October 31, 2022 all liens have been removed from the 
assets of CDM as a result of a Court ruling in favor of CDM. CDM accordingly received access to its bank accounts in 
November 2022. 

17

We have taken measures to vigorously defend our position that the 2013 Assessment is without merit and we have 

court rulings in favor of CDM, including a Court resolution from the Tax Court ordering the SAT to accept an 
Administrative Guaranty and remove all liens.  On August 20, 2021, we filed an Annulment Suit (the “Suit”) with the 
Federal Tax Court, which among other things, contends that the notifications made by the SAT to CDM and its 
designated advisors of the resolution of the Administrative Appeal in March 2021 was not legally communicated and 
asserts the same matters central to the Reconsideration as wrongly concluded in the resolution of the Administrative 
Appeal. 

On September 22, 2021, we had an initial in-person meeting with the SAT in Mexico City to formally present and 
discuss the Administrative Reconsideration (the “Reconsideration”) that we filed on August 18, 2021. The SAT agreed 
to review our Reconsideration in more detail; however, on January 3, 2022, the SAT formally rejected our request for the 
Reconsideration. In response to this rejection, on January 21, 2022, we filed a capital injunction suit (the “Injunction 
Suit”) with a federal district court seeking to nullify the arguments against the Reconsideration made by the SAT on 
constitutional grounds. 

The main purpose of the Injunction Suit was to challenge the SAT’s response issued to the Reconsideration, and with 

that, to keep the Reconsideration alive until the Injunction Suit is decided. This would allow time to continue the 
discussions with SAT at the administrative level and would give SAT the legal basis to issue a new resolution. The 
Injunction Suit represents a further opportunity for a court to analyze this matter from a constitutional perspective. 

On August 16, 2023, we received notice that the federal district court rejected the Injunction Suit. In so doing, the 
federal district court did not rule on the substance of the case, stating that the substance of the case will be resolved by 
the Tax Court through the Annulment Suit. The Company filed an appeal with the federal circuit court on August 30, 
2023. 

On March 10, 2022, we met with the SAT and offered an Administrative Guaranty (Embargo en Via Administrativa) 
to secure the 2013 Assessment, which provides the SAT with certain administrative rights to CDM assets in the event we 
do not prevail in our actions through the Federal Tax Court. 

On October 10, 2022, the Tax Court ruled in favor of CDM granting the definitive suspension, accepting the 

Administrative Guaranty and forcing the SAT to remove all liens placed on CDM fixed assets and bank accounts. These 
liens were removed in November 2022. The Court also recognized that the $3.1 billion peso assessment exceeds the 
economic capacity of CDM. 

While we continue to believe that the 2013 Assessment is completely without merit, and that we will prevail on the 

Annulment Suit in the Tax Court, we also believe that it is in the best interest of CDM and the Company to settle the 
2013 Assessment as quickly as possible. Furthermore, we believe that the above actions taken by CDM will encourage 
the SAT to agree to reach a settlement. In accordance with our cumulative probability analysis on uncertain tax positions, 
our settlements made by the SAT in other cases, the 2011 Assessment settlement reached by CDM with the MFM, and 
the value of CDM assets, we recorded a provision of $11 million, in the third quarter of fiscal 2021, as a discrete item in 
Income Tax Provision. The provision includes estimated penalties, interest and inflationary adjustments. We believe that 
this provision remains appropriate as of October 31, 2023 based on our cumulative probability analysis. We incurred 
$2.4 million of related professional fees for the year ended October 31, 2023, respectively, which we have recoded in 
Expenses related to Mexican Tax matters on the consolidated statements of operations.

We cannot assure you that any of these measures will be successful or that we will be able to settle the 2013 
Assessment on terms acceptable to us or at all. Such outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our results of 
operations and financial condition which could result in an event of default under our credit facility and the acceleration 
of indebtedness under such facility. Further, we cannot assure you that the provision for this matter in our financial 
statements will be adequate to fund any settlement we may ultimately enter into or any amount of taxes.  

18

 
Our dispute with the Mexican tax authorities related to taxes receivable may have a material adverse effect on our 
results of operations and financial position. 

As of October 31, 2023, and October 31, 2022, CDM IVA receivables totaled $49.9 million (913.6 million Mexican 

pesos) and $43.6 million (865.4 million Mexican pesos).  Historically, CDM received IVA refund payments from the 
Mexican tax authorities on a timely basis. Beginning in fiscal 2014 and continuing into fiscal 2023, the tax authorities 
began objecting to refund requests and supporting documentation that had previously been deemed acceptable to process 
a refund. Additionally, they are also questioning the refunds requested attributable to IVA paid to certain suppliers that 
allegedly did not fulfill their own tax obligations. We believe these factors and others have contributed to delays in the 
processing of IVA claims by the Mexican tax authorities.  Currently, we are in the process of collecting such balances 
primarily through regular administrative processes, but these amounts may ultimately need to be recovered through 
Administrative Appeals and/or other legal means.  For further details on this matter, see Note 14 in the consolidated 
financial statements. 

We believe that our operations in Mexico are properly documented and our internationally recognized tax advisors 
believe that there are legal grounds to prevail in collecting the corresponding IVA amounts. Therefore, we believe that it 
is  probable  that  the  Mexican  tax  authorities  will  ultimately  authorize  the  refund  of  the  corresponding  IVA  amounts. 
However, there is no assurance that we will collect the full amount reflected in our financial statements.

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. Such failures could also cause reputational damage to our 
business.

If we fail to comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or other similar legal requirements, we may be subject to 
criminal and civil penalties and other remedial measures, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, 
business, results of operations or financial condition. 

We are subject to the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and other anti-corruption laws and 
regulations that generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government 
officials and/or other persons for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Our policies mandate compliance with 
these anti-bribery laws. We operate in Mexico, which is recognized as having a greater potential for governmental and 
commercial corruption. 

Recent years have seen a substantial increase in anti-bribery law enforcement activity by U.S. regulators, with more 

frequent and aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings by both the SEC and the Department of Justice 
("DOJ"), increased enforcement activity by non-U.S. regulators, and increases in criminal and civil proceedings brought 
against companies and individuals. 

On January 16, 2024, the Company announced that its internal audit process had identified to the Audit Committee of 

the Board of Directors certain matters that the Board of Directors determined after fiscal year end merited enhanced 
evaluation. A Special Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Special Committee”) was established to commence an 
investigation, with the assistance of external legal counsel and external forensic accountants. The Special Committee 
determined that certain of those matters related to the Company’s operations in Mexico raised potential issues under the 

19

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). The Company voluntarily disclosed this ongoing investigation to the SEC and 
the DOJ, and the Company intends to fully cooperate with the SEC and the DOJ in connection with these matters. 

Any determination that the Company’s operations or activities are not or were not in compliance with laws, including 
the FCPA, could result in a broad range of civil and criminal sanctions against the Company and certain of its personnel, 
including injunctive relief, disgorgement, substantial fines or penalties, imprisonment, interruptions of business, loss of 
supplier, vendor or other third-party relationships, termination of necessary licenses and permits, and other legal or 
equitable sanctions. Other internal or government investigations or legal or regulatory proceedings, including lawsuits 
brought by private litigants, may also follow as a consequence. Violations of these laws may result in criminal or civil 
sanctions, which could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of 
operations or financial condition. Moreover, our ongoing internal investigation, and cooperating with and responding to 
the SEC and the DOJ in connection with potential investigations they may undertake, as well as responding to any future 
U.S. or foreign governmental investigations or whistleblower lawsuits, have resulted in, and may continue to result in, 
substantial expenses, and have diverted and may continue to divert management’s attention from other business 
concerns, and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and growth prospects.

International Risks 

We work with international third-party suppliers and partners, and our financial results could suffer due to unfavorable 
international events or regulations.

      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 packinghouses and a processing plant in Mexico. Mexico is the largest source of our supply of 
avocados, and our operations are affected by events in that country. In recent years, there has been an increase in 
organized crime in Mexico, which could in the future affect avocado farming, packing and shipment activities and 
increase the costs and risks of doing business in Mexico. We are also subject to regulations imposed by the Mexican 
government and to examinations by the Mexican tax authorities. 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. Importing avocados from Mexico to the U.S. depends on ours border remaining open, which has closed for 
trading in the past.

      In November 2022, the Mexican Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare issued the criteria for subcontracting 
inspections noting that companies engaged in farming, packing, distribution, and export of fruit would have to internalize 
picking and hauling services. In response to that criteria and subsequent fines, we are appealing the applicability of the 
criteria to our operations in Mexico, as well as disputing the notification received. An adverse result of this appeal could 
have an adverse effect on our operations in Mexico, which rely to some extent on external picking and hauling services.

For additional information about our Mexican sourced fruit, see the “Business” section included in this Annual 

Report.

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

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

Local economic and political conditions, including disruptions in supply, labor, transportation (the transport of 
consumer goods), trading and capital markets; 
Restrictive U.S. and foreign governmental actions, such as restrictions on transfers of funds and trade protection 
measures, including import/export duties and quotas and customs duties and tariffs; and

(cid:120) Changes in legal or regulatory requirements affecting foreign investment, loans, taxes (including value-added 

taxes), imports, and exports.

20

The Hamas-Israel and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, other areas of geopolitical tension around the world, or the worsening 
of those conflicts or tensions, and any related challenging macroeconomic conditions globally and in various countries 
in which we and our customers operate may materially adversely affect our customers, vendors, and partners, and the 
duration and extent to which these factors may impact our future business and operations, results of operations, 
financial condition and cash flows remain uncertain.

    The Hamas-Israel and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, or other areas of geopolitical tension around the world, or any 
worsening or spread of those conflicts or geopolitical tensions, and any related challenging macroeconomic conditions 
globally, could decrease the spending of our existing and potential new customers, adversely affect demand for our 
products, cause one or more of our customers, vendors, and partners to file for bankruptcy protection or go out of 
business, impact expected spending and pricing levels from existing and potential new customers, and negatively impact 
collections of accounts receivable, all of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial 
condition.  

     Any of the negative impacts of the Hamas-Israel and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, other areas of geopolitical tension 
around the world, or any worsening of those conflicts or geopolitical tensions, and any related challenging 
macroeconomic conditions, may have a material adverse effect on our business and operations, results of operations, 
financial condition and cash flows. Any of these negative impacts, alone or in combination with others, also could 
exacerbate many of the other risk factors discussed in this report, including volatility in the trading prices of our common 
stock. The full extent to which these factors will negatively affect our business and operations, results of operations, 
financial condition and cash flows will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, 
including the scope, severity and duration of the Hamas-Israel and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, other areas of geopolitical 
tension around the world and any economic downturns and the actions taken by governmental authorities and other third 
parties in response.

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.  These foreign currency fluctuations also affect the ultimate realization of foreign currency denominated assets 
and liabilities in US dollar terms. While hedging instruments may help reduce the volatility associated with currency rate 
changes, hedging instruments may not be readily available, may be too expensive or may be ineffective for the respective 
reduction in volatility desired. To date, the Company has not hedged against foreign currency exposure and we may not 
hedge against foreign currency exposure in the future, which could increase our susceptibility to foreign currency 
fluctuations.

Financial Risks 

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: 

(cid:120) Market acceptance of our products; and 
(cid:120) 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 expenses and could result in covenants that would restrict our operations.  We may not be able 
to obtain additional financing, if required, in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

21

We are subject to restrictive debt covenants and other requirements related to our debt that limit our business flexibility
by imposing operating and financial restrictions on our operations.

    On June 26, 2023, Calavo and certain subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) by and
among Calavo, certain subsidiaries of Calavo as guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as agent and
lender. The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility of up to $90.0 million, along with a capex credit
facility of up to $10.0 million.

    The agreements governing our indebtedness impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us. These
restrictions prohibit or limit our ability to: incur indebtedness; grant liens on its assets; enter into certain investments;
consummate fundamental change transactions; engage in mergers or acquisitions or dispose of assets; enter into certain
transactions with affiliates; make changes to its fiscal year; enter into certain restrictive agreements; and make certain
restricted payments (including for dividends). Each of these limitations are subject to various conditions. The Credit
Agreement also contains a springing fixed charge coverage ratio financial covenant that is tested if the amount of the
Revolving Loans available for Calavo to borrow under the New Credit Facility is less than 10% of the total revolving
credit facility.

     The Credit Agreement also contains certain affirmative covenants and customary events of default provisions,
including, subject to thresholds and grace periods, among others, payment default, covenant default, cross default to
other material indebtedness, and judgment default.

     Our ability to comply with the ratios or tests may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing
economic, financial and industry conditions. A breach of any of these covenants, or failure to meet or maintain ratios or
tests could result in a default under our credit agreement. Certain events of default under our credit agreement would
prohibit us from paying dividends on our common stock. In addition, upon the occurrence of an event of default under
our credit agreement, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the credit agreement, together with
accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the credit agreement
lenders could proceed against the security granted to them to secure that indebtedness. If the lenders accelerate the
payment of the indebtedness, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full this indebtedness and our other
indebtedness.

Our ownership in unconsolidated subsidiaries, our loans/notes or advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries and other 
future debt or equity investments that we may make in unconsolidated subsidiaries, present risks and challenges that 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

Income/(loss) from unconsolidated entities includes our allocation of earnings or losses from our investments in Don 
Memo. We do not control the operations of these investments, and our allocation of potential income or loss can increase 
or decrease our overall profitability significantly.

Any loans/notes or advances that we make to unconsolidated entities (such as the existing advances to Don Memo) 
may at some point in the future be deemed uncollectible and as such may materially and negatively impact our financial 
results in the period such determination is made. As noted earlier, we do not control the operations of Don Memo, and 
their future operating performance and/or their future ability to raise capital from other third parties could negatively 
impact our ability to collect on our loans/notes or advances.

General Risks

The value of our common stock may be adversely affected by market volatility and our common stock price has 
fluctuated and may continue to fluctuate, which may make future prices of our common stock difficult to predict.

Investors should not rely on recent or historical trends to predict future stock prices, financial condition, results of 
operations or cash flows. Our common stock price, like that of other companies, can be volatile and can be affected by 
many factors, including: 

(cid:120) Our operating and financial performance and prospects; 

22

(cid:120) Announcements and public SEC filings we make about our business, financial performance and prospects;
(cid:120) Announcements our customers or competitors make regarding their business, financial performance and 

prospects;
Short-interest in our common stock, which may be significant from time-to-time;
The depth and liquidity of the market for our common stock; 
Investor perception of us and the industry and markets in which we operate;

(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120)
(cid:120) Our inclusion in, or removal from, any equity market indices;
(cid:120)
(cid:120) Whether or not we meet earnings estimates of analysts who follow our Company; 
(cid:120)
(cid:120) General financial, domestic, international, economic, industry and other market trends or conditions.

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

Competitors in common markets; and

Our performance may be impacted by general economic conditions or an economic downturn.

An overall decline in economic activity could adversely impact our business and financial results. Economic 

uncertainty may reduce consumer spending as consumers make decisions on what to include in their food budgets. This 
could also result in a shift in consumer preference. Shifts in consumer spending could result in increased pressure from 
competitors or customers that may require us to increase promotional spending or reduce the prices of some of our 
products and/or limit our ability to increase or maintain prices, which could lower our revenue and profitability. 
Instability in financial markets may impact our ability, or increase the cost, to enter into new credit agreements in the 
future. Additionally, it may weaken the ability of our customers, suppliers, third-party distributors, banks, insurance 
companies and other business partners to perform their obligations in the normal course of business, which could expose 
us to losses or disrupt the supply of inputs we rely upon to conduct our business. If one or more of our key business 
partners fail to perform as expected or contracted for any reason, our business could be negatively impacted.

Our insurance policies may not adequately protect us from liability or may negatively impact our financial condition and
results of operations due to increasing costs.

While we believe that the extent of our insurance coverage is consistent with industry practice, such coverage does

not cover all losses we may incur, even in areas for which we have coverage. Our insurance policies are subject to
coverage exclusions, deductibles and caps, and any claim we make under our insurance policies may be subject to such
limitations. Any claim we make may not be honored fully, in a timely manner, or at all, and we may not have purchased
sufficient insurance to cover all losses incurred. If we were to incur substantial liabilities or if our business operations
were interrupted for a substantial period of time, we could incur costs and suffer losses. Additionally, in the future,
insurance coverage may not be available to us at commercially acceptable premiums, or at all.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 1C. Cybersecurity

Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties  

We lease our corporate headquarters building from Limoneira, which building is located in Santa Paula, California.  

In addition, we lease a corporate office in Rancho Cordova, California.  We have numerous facilities throughout the 
United States and three facilities in Mexico.  See the following table for a summary of our locations:  

23

United States Locations:

Packinghouses:

Leased or Owned:
Owned

City
Santa Paula

State
California

Leased

Temecula

California

Operating and Distributing Facilities:

Leased or Owned:
Owned

City
Santa Paula

State
California

Leased

Swedesboro

New 
Jersey

Leased

Garland

Texas

Leased

Green Cove 
Springs

Florida

Leased

Hilo

Hawaii

Leased

Houston

Texas

Owned

Riverside

California

Leased

Sacramento

California

Description
Primarily handles fresh avocados.  The facility was purchased in 
1955 and has been improved in capacity and efficiency since then.  
We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will be 
sufficient to handle its forecasted annual production needs.

Primarily ripens, sorts, packs and ships fresh avocados. We sort 
and pack certain other fresh products as well. We sold this facility 
in 2019 and leased back a portion of it.

Description
Primarily ripens, sorts, packs and ships fresh avocados. We sort 
and pack certain other fresh products as well. We believe that the 
annual capacity of this facility will be sufficient to pack and 
ripen, if necessary, its expected annual volume of avocados and 
other fresh products delivered to us.

Primarily ripens, sorts, packs, and ships fresh avocados.  
Additionally, it also serves to store and ship certain other fresh 
products, as well as prepared foods and prepared guacamole 
products. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will 
be sufficient to handle its forecasted annual production needs.

Primarily ripens, sorts, packs and ships fresh avocados. 
Additionally, it also serves to store and ship prepared guacamole 
products.  We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will 
be sufficient to handle its forecasted annual production needs.

Primarily ripens, sorts, packs and ships fresh avocados and stores 
and ships prepared guacamole. We believe that the annual 
capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle its forecasted 
annual production needs.  

Primarily sorts, packs, and ships papayas. We believe that the 
annual capacity will be sufficient to handle its forecasted annual 
production needs.

Prepared products facility that primarily processes fresh-cut fruits 
and vegetables, and prepared foods. We believe that the annual 
capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle its forecasted 
annual production needs.

Prepared products facility that primarily processes fresh-cut fruits 
and vegetables, and prepared foods. We believe that the annual 
capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle its forecasted 
annual production needs.

Prepared products facility that primarily processes fresh-cut fruits 
and vegetables, and prepared foods. We believe that the annual 
capacity of this facility will be sufficient to handle its forecasted 
annual production needs.

24

    
    
    
Leased or Owned:
Leased

City
Clackamas

State
Oregon

Leased

Conley

Georgia

Description
Opened in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, this Prepared products 
facility primarily processes fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, and 
prepared foods. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility 
will be sufficient to handle its forecasted annual production needs.

Opened in the third quarter of fiscal 2019, this Prepared products 
facility primarily processes fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, and 
prepared foods. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility 
will be sufficient to handle its forecasted annual production needs.

Mexico Locations:

Packinghouses and Processing Facility:

Leased or Owned:
Owned

City
Uruapan

State

Description

Michoacan Our guacamole processing facility produces our guacamole 

Owned

Uruapan

Michoacan

Owned

Ciudad 
Guzman

Jalisco

products.  We believe that the annual capacity of this facility will 
be sufficient to handle its forecasted annual production needs. 

Primarily handles fresh avocados. The facility was built in 1985 
and has been significantly and continually improved in capacity 
and efficiency since then. We believe that the annual capacity of 
this facility will be sufficient to process its forecasted annual 
production needs. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial 
statements

Opened in the third quarter of 2017, this facility primarily handles 
fresh avocados. We believe that the annual capacity of this facility 
will be sufficient to process its forecasted annual production 
needs.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

See Note 7 of our consolidated financial statements for further information.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

25

PART II

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

Our common stock trades on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "CVGW".

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 2023
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

Fiscal 2022
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

Shareholders

High
$ 37.41
$ 45.24
$ 38.26
$ 38.24

High
$ 44.56
$ 45.26
$ 44.57
$ 45.50

Low
$ 29.00
$ 22.80
$ 28.84
$ 24.40

Low
$ 37.00
$ 32.75
$ 28.76
$ 29.51

As of November 30, 2023, there were 770 stockholders of record of our common stock.

Dividend Policy

Our dividend policy has historically provided for an annual dividend payment, as determined by the Board of 

Directors.  In November 2022, we announced that we would begin declaring and paying dividends quarterly rather than 
annually, as had been our practice.  

On December 14, 2022, we paid a dividend of $0.2875 per share, or an aggregate of $5.2 million, to shareholders of 

record on November 16, 2022. On April 6, 2023, we paid a $0.10 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of 
$1.7 million to shareholders of record on March 24, 2023. On July 11, 2023, we paid a $0.10 per share dividend in the 
aggregate amount of $1.8 million to shareholders of record on June 27, 2023. On October 11, 2023, we paid a $0.10 per 
share dividend in the aggregate amount of $1.8 million to shareholders of record on September 27, 2023. 

26

Shareholder Return Performance Graph

The following graph compares the performance of our common stock with the performance of the Nasdaq Market 

Index and a Peer Group of major diversified companies in our same industry for approximately the 60-month period 
beginning October 31, 2018 and ending October 31, 2023. In making this comparison, we have assumed an investment 
of $100 in Calavo Growers, Inc. common stock, the Nasdaq Market Index, the Peer Group Index as of October 31, 2018.  
We have also assumed the reinvestment of all dividends.  Our Peer Group Index includes the companies of: Andersons, 
Inc., B&G Foods, Inc., Boston Beer Company, Inc., Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc., Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Hostess 
Brands, Inc., J&J Snack Foods, Corp., John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., and Landec, Corp.

10/18

10/19

10/20

10/21

10/22

10/23

Calavo Growers, Inc.
NASDAQ Composite
Peer Group

100.00
100.00
100.00

90.34
114.77
104.33

70.84
152.47
158.68

43.11
218.01
134.68

38.14
155.75
99.79

28.47
183.76
94.01

Item 6. RESERVED

27

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 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 leading marketer, processor, and distributor of avocados and other value-added fresh foods to customers 
throughout the world.  Our expertise in marketing and distributing avocados and developing and manufacturing prepared 
avocado products and other value-added fresh foods allows us to deliver a wide array of food products to retail grocery, 
foodservice, club stores, mass merchandisers, food distributors and wholesalers throughout the world but primarily in the 
United States. We procure avocados from California, Mexico and other growing regions around the world.  Through our 
various operating facilities, we (i) sort, pack, and/or ripen avocados, tomatoes and/or Hawaiian grown papayas, (ii) 
create, process and package a portfolio of healthy fresh foods including fresh-cut fruit and vegetables and other prepared 
foods including sandwiches, salads, parfaits and snack items among other products, and (iii) process and package 
guacamole.

We distribute our products both domestically and internationally and we report our operations in two different 
business segments: Grown and Prepared. The Grown segment consists of fresh avocados, tomatoes and papayas. The 
Prepared segment comprises all other products including fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, wraps, salads, 
parfaits, snacks, and guacamole sold at retail and food service as well as avocado pulp sold to foodservice. See Note 10 
in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information 
about our business segments.  

Our Grown products business grades, sizes, packs, cools, and ripens (if desired) avocados for delivery to our 
customers.  During fiscal 2023, we operated three packinghouses and five operating and distributing facilities (also 
known as “value-added depots” or “VAD”s) that handle avocados that are sold across the United States and select 
international markets. We believe that our continued success in marketing 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 avocados to 
our packinghouses and distribution centers. We believe our diversified avocado sources help provide a level of relative 
supply stability that may, over time, serve to increase the availability and demand for avocados among consumers in the 
United States and elsewhere in the world.  Significant fluctuations in the volume of avocados delivered have an impact 
on the per pound packing costs of avocados we handle. Generally, larger crops will result in a lower per-pound handling 
cost. As a result of our investment in packinghouse equipment, distribution centers with value-added ripening and 
packing capabilities, and personnel, we believe that our cost structure is geared to optimally handle larger avocado 
volume. We believe our efforts in distributing our other various perishable foods, such as tomatoes and papayas, 
complement our offerings of avocados.  From time to time, we continue to explore the distribution of other crops that 
provide reasonable returns to our business.

Our Prepared business produces, markets and distributes, primarily nationally, a portfolio of healthy, high quality 
fresh packaged food products for consumers sold through retail and other channels.  Prepared products include fresh-cut 
fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, wraps, salads, parfaits, snacks, and guacamole sold at retail and food service as well as 
avocado pulp sold to foodservice.  Prepared products are marketed under the Calavo, Garden Highway Fresh Cut, 
Garden Highway, and Garden Highway Chef Essentials brands, as well as store-brand and private label programs. We 
believe that we are well positioned to address the diverse taste and needs of today’s foodservice and retail customers.  
Our Prepared business maintains relationships with foodservice companies and food retailers.  We continue to seek to 
expand our relationships with major foodservice companies and food retailers and develop alliances that will allow our 
products to reach more consumers.  

28

The operating results of all of our businesses have been, and will continue to be, affected by quarterly and annual 
fluctuations and market downturns due to a number of factors, including but not limited to pests and disease, weather 
patterns, changes in demand by consumers, food safety advisories, 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; the availability, quality and price of raw materials; new 
product introductions by our competitors; the utilization of production capacity at our various plant locations; change in 
the mix of products that our Grown and Prepared segments 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.

Proposed Sale of the Fresh Cut business

We and certain of our subsidiaries have entered into non-binding, exclusive negotiations regarding the potential sale 

of all of the assets used in our Fresh Cut business and certain related real property for approximately $100.0 million, 
subject to certain adjustments that may be included in a binding agreement (the “Proposed Transaction”). The Fresh cut 
business represents substantially all of the business of the Prepared segment other than the guacamole business, which 
would be retained following the Proposed Transaction. The closing of the Proposed Transaction is subject to the 
negotiation and execution of a binding agreement. There can be no assurance that a binding agreement will result from 
the current negotiations, and if a binding agreement does result, the price, structure, form of consideration (for example, 
cash, promissory, equity) and other material terms may be materially different than currently expected. For further 
discussion of the risks of the Proposed Transaction, see the Risk Factors section included elsewhere in this Annual 
Report. 

If the Proposed Transaction occurs, our results of operations for the years ended October 31, 2023, October 31, 2022 

and October 31, 2021, will not be indicative of our future results. The indirect and direct incremental impacts of the 
Proposed Transaction on our operating results, financial statements and cash flows are not reliably estimable at this time.

Recent Developments

Dividend payment

On December 14, 2022, we paid a dividend of $0.2875 per share, or an aggregate of $5.2 million, to shareholders of 

record on November 16, 2022. On April 6, 2023, we paid a $0.10 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of 
$1.7 million to shareholders of record on March 24, 2023. On July 11, 2023, we paid a $0.10 per share dividend in the 
aggregate amount of $1.8 million to shareholders of record on June 27, 2023. On October 11, 2023, we paid a $0.10 per 
share dividend in the aggregate amount of $1.8 million to shareholders of record on September 27, 2023. 

Credit Agreement

On June 26, 2023, Calavo and certain subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement by and among, Calavo, certain 

subsidiaries of Calavo as guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as agent and lender. The Credit 
Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility of up to $90.0 million, along with a capex credit facility of up to $10.0 
million. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for more information.

Compliance matters

      On January 16, 2024, the Company announced that its internal audit process had identified to the Audit Committee 
of the Board of Directors certain matters that the Board of Directors determined after fiscal year end merited enhanced 
evaluation. A Special Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Special Committee”) was established to commence an 
investigation, with the assistance of external legal counsel and external forensic accountants. The Special Committee 
determined that certain of those matters related to the Company’s operations in Mexico raised potential issues under the 
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”).  The Company has voluntarily disclosed this ongoing internal investigation to 
the SEC and the Department of Justice ("DOJ"), and the Company intends to fully cooperate with the SEC and the DOJ 
in connection with these matters. Any determination that the Company’s operations or activities were not in compliance 
with laws, including the FCPA, could result in the imposition of material fines and penalties and the imposition of 

29

 
equitable remedies. See “Risk Factors” included in this Annual Report. The Company cannot currently predict the timing 
of completion or the outcome of its internal investigation or of any actions that may be taken by the SEC, the DOJ or 
Mexican authorities in connection with the matters under investigation, and the Company cannot currently estimate the 
amount or range of loss or potential impact on its consolidated financial statements associated with these matters. 

Mexican Tax Issues

See footnotes 7 and 14 of the consolidated financial statements for information on Mexican tax matters and the 

Mexican IVA taxes receivable.

Litigation

From time to time, we are 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.

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. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the 
reported amounts of assets, 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, IVA tax receivables, inventories, useful lives of 
property, plant and equipment, promotional allowances, equity income/losses and impairment analysis from 
unconsolidated entities, loans to unconsolidated entities, 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.  Additionally, we frequently engage third party 
valuation experts to assist us with estimates described below.  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.

2013 Mexican Tax Audit Assessment. In January 2017, we received preliminary observations from SAT related to an 
audit for fiscal year 2013 outlining certain proposed adjustments primarily related to intercompany funding, deductions 
for services from certain vendors and suppliers and IVA. We provided a written rebuttal to these preliminary 
observations during our second fiscal quarter of 2017. 

As a result, in July 2018, the SAT’s local office in Uruapan issued to CDM a final tax assessment totaling 

approximately $2.6 billion Mexican pesos (which includes annual adjustments for inflation, and equals approximately 
$143.8 million USD at October 31, 2023) related to Income Tax, Flat Rate Business Tax, and value added tax, related to 
this fiscal 2013 tax audit. This amount has been adjusted for inflation as of October 31, 2023 to the amount of $3 billion 
Mexican pesos (approximately $166.0 million USD). Additionally, the tax authorities have determined that we owe our 
employee’s profit-sharing liability, totaling approximately $118 million Mexican pesos (approximately $6.5 million 
USD at October 31, 2023).

While we continue to believe that the 2013 Assessment is completely without merit, and that we will prevail on the 

Annulment Suit in the Tax Court, and that we have court rulings in favor of CDM, we also believe it is in the best 
interest of CDM and the Company to settle the 2013 Assessment as quickly as possible. Furthermore, we believe that the 
above actions taken by CDM will encourage the SAT to agree to reach a settlement. In accordance with our cumulative 

30

probability analysis, based on factors such as recent settlements made by the SAT in other cases, the 2011 Assessment 
settlement reached by CDM with the MFM, and the value of CDM assets, we recorded a provision of $11 million in the 
third quarter of fiscal 2021, as a discrete item in Income Tax Provision. The provision includes estimated penalties, 
interest and inflationary adjustments.  We believe that this provision remains appropriate as of October 31, 2023 based 
on our cumulative probability analysis.  We incurred $2.4 million of related professional fees for the year ended October 
31, 2023, which have been recorded in Expenses related to Mexican Tax matters.  See Note 7 to our consolidated
financial statements for further information.

Mexican IVA taxes receivable.  As of October 31, 2023, and October 31, 2022, CDM IVA receivables totaled $49.9 

million (913.6 million Mexican pesos) and $43.6 million (865.4 million Mexican pesos).  Historically, CDM received 
IVA refund payments from the Mexican tax authorities on a timely basis. Beginning in fiscal 2014 and continuing into 
fiscal 2023, however, the tax authorities began carrying out more detailed reviews of our refund requests and our 
supporting documentation. Additionally, they are also questioning the refunds requested attributable to IVA paid to 
certain suppliers that allegedly did not fulfill their own tax obligations. We believe these factors, and others, have 
contributed to delays in the processing of IVA claims by the Mexican tax authorities.  Currently, we are in the process of 
collecting such balances primarily through regular administrative processes, but these amounts may ultimately need to be 
recovered through Administrative Appeals and/or legal means.  

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the tax authorities informed us that their internal opinion, based on the 

information provided by the local SAT office, considers that CDM is not properly documented relative to its declared tax 
structure and therefore CDM cannot claim the refundable IVA balance. CDM has strong arguments and supporting 
documentation to sustain its declared tax structure for IVA and income tax purposes. CDM started an Administrative 
Appeal for the IVA related to the request of the months of July, August and September of 2015 (the “2015 Appeal”) in 
order to assert its argument that CDM is properly documented and to therefore change the SAT’s internal assessment. In 
August 2018, we received a favorable ruling from the SAT’s Legal Administration in Michoacan on the 2015 Appeal 
indicating that they believe CDM’s legal interpretation of its declared tax structure is indeed accurate.  While favorable 
on this central matter of CDM’s declared tax structure, the ruling, however, still does not recognize the taxpayers right to 
a full refund for the IVA related to the months of July, August and September 2015. Therefore, in October 2018, CDM 
filed a substance-over-form Annulment Suit in the Federal Tax Court to recover its full refund for IVA over the subject 
period, which is currently pending resolution.

In spite of the favorable ruling from the SAT’s Legal Administration in Michoacan, as discussed above, the local 
SAT office has denied our refund claims and continues to believe that CDM is not properly documented relative to its 
declared tax structure. As a result, they believe CDM cannot claim certain refundable IVA balances, specifically 
regarding our IVA refunds since January through October 2017. CDM has strong arguments and supporting 
documentation to sustain its declared tax structure for IVA and income tax purposes. With assistance from our 
internationally recognized tax advisory firm, CDM has filed an Administrative Appeals for the IVA related to the 
preceding months. A response to these Administrative Appeals is currently pending resolution.  

In light of the foregoing, the Company is currently considering its options for resolution of the IVA receivables. In 
the event of an unfavorable resolution of the Administrative Appeals, we plan to file Annulment Suits with the Mexican 
Federal Tax Court. If these suits result in an unfavorable ruling, there is an option to appeal to the Collegiate Circuit 
Court. The estimated time for the resolution of these suits could be 2 – 3 years. 

We believe that our operations in Mexico are properly documented and our internationally recognized tax advisors 
believe that there are legal grounds to prevail in collecting the corresponding IVA amounts. Therefore, we believe that it 
is  probable  that  the  Mexican  tax  authorities  will  ultimately  authorize  the  refund  of  the  corresponding  IVA  amounts. 
However, there is no assurance that we will collect the full amount reflected in our financial statements.

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.  We perform a goodwill impairment 
test on an annual basis, and between annual tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 

31

amount may not be recoverable. To the extent the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s allocated goodwill exceeds the 
unit’s fair value, we recognize an impairment of goodwill for the excess up to the amount of goodwill of that reporting 
unit.

In fiscal 2023 and 2022, the Company’s estimated fair value exceeded its carrying value in our quantitative 

assessment of the Company’s impairment test. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units is determined using a 
combination of valuation techniques, including a discounted cash flow methodology. To corroborate the discounted cash 
flow analysis, a market approach is utilized using observable market data such as comparable companies in similar lines 
of business that are publicly traded. The Company concluded based on quantitative assessment tests that no goodwill 
impairment existed in the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022. 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 which include forecasted cash flow.  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. 

32

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain items from our consolidated statements of operations, expressed as percentages 

of our total net sales, for the periods indicated:

Net sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative
Expenses related to Mexican tax matters
Impairment and charges related to RFG Florida facility closure
Gain on sales of Temecula packinghouse
Operating income
Interest income 
Interest expense
Other income, net
Recovery  (loss)  on  reserve  for  FreshRealm  note  receivable  and  impairment  of 
investment
Unrealized and realized net loss (gain) on Limoneira shares
Net loss

2021

2023

Year ended October 31,
2022
     100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %  
5.4 %  
5.4 %  
0.0 %  
0.9 %  
(0.0)%  
(0.9)%  
0.0 %  
(0.1)%  
0.1 %  

6.2 %  
5.5 %  
— %  
0.1 %  
(0.0)%  
0.5 %  
0.0 %  
(0.1)%  
0.1 %  

7.2 %  
6.8 %  
0.0 %  
— %  
— %  
0.0 %  
0.0 %  
(0.1)%  
0.0 %  

— %  
— %  
(0.9)%  

— %  
(0.7)%  
(0.5)%  

0.6 %  
0.4 %  
(1.1)%  

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The below tables include measures which are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles, or “GAAP,” (“non-GAAP measures”) including EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss) and 
adjusted diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). 

EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc., excluding (1) interest income and 
expense, (2) income taxes (benefit) provision, (3) depreciation and amortization, and (4) stock-based compensation 
expense.   Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA with further adjustments for (1) non-cash net losses (income) recognized from 
unconsolidated entities, (2) goodwill impairment, (3) write-off of long-lived assets, (4) acquisition-related costs, (5) 
restructuring-related costs, including certain severance costs, (6) certain litigation and other related costs, and (7) one-
time items. Adjusted EBITDA is a primary metric by which management evaluates the operating performance of the 
business, on which certain operating expenditures and internal budgets are based and by which, in addition to other 
factors, the Company’s senior management is compensated. The adjustments to calculate EBITDA and adjusted 
EBITDA are items recognized and recorded under GAAP in particular periods but might be viewed as not necessarily 
coinciding with the underlying business operations for the periods in which they are so recognized and recorded. 

Adjusted net income (loss) is defined as net income (loss) attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc. excluding (1) non-
cash net losses recognized from unconsolidated entities, (2) goodwill impairment, (3) write-off of long-lived assets, (4) 
acquisition-related costs, (5) restructuring-related costs, including certain severance costs, (6) certain litigation and other 
related costs, and (7) one-time items. Adjusted net income (loss) and the related measure of adjusted diluted EPS exclude 
certain items that are recognized and recorded under GAAP in particular periods but might be viewed as not necessarily 
coinciding with the underlying business operations for the periods in which they are so recognized and recorded. We 
believe adjusted net income (loss) affords investors a different view of the overall financial performance of the Company 
than adjusted EBITDA and the GAAP measure of net income (loss) attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.

Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are 

provided in the financial tables below.

Items are considered one-time in nature if they are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual and have not occurred in the 

past two years or are not expected to recur in the next two years, in accordance with SEC rules.  One-time items are 
identified in the notes to the reconciliations in the financial tables below.

33

Non-GAAP information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for, or superior to, 
any measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.  None of these metrics are presented as measures of 
liquidity. The way the Company measures EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS 
may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies and may not be identical to 
corresponding measures used in Company agreements.

Adjusted Net Income (Non-GAAP, Unaudited)

The following table presents adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted EPS, each a non-GAAP measure, and 
reconciles them to net income (loss) attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc., and Diluted EPS, which are the most directly 
comparable GAAP measures.  See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above (in thousands, except per share amounts).

Net loss attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Non-cash losses recognized from unconsolidated entities (a)
Loss (recovery) from FreshRealm and other related expenses (b)
Acquisition costs  (c)
Net loss (income) on Limoneira shares (d)
Rent expense add back (e)
Restructure costs - consulting, management recruiting and severance (f)
Expenses related to Mexican tax matters (g)
Impairment, losses and charges related to property, plant and equipment (h)
Legal settlement and related expenses (i)
Tax impact of adjustments (j)
Adjusted net income (loss) attributed to Calavo Growers, Inc.

Calavo Growers, Inc.’s net income (loss) per share:
Diluted EPS (GAAP)
Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share

Number of shares used in per share computation:

Diluted

Year ended October 31,

2023
(8,344)

$

2022
(6,249) $ (11,818)

2021

$

879
—
—
—
432
5,490
3,128
235
700
(2,716)
(196)

(0.47)
(0.01)

$

$
$

564
580
—
8,928
432
4,914
2,343
1,145
—
(3,788)
8,869

$

1,719
(5,989)
262
(3,858)
396
3,180
14,270
9,748
—
(1,690)
6,220

(0.35) $
$
0.50

(0.67)
0.35

$

$
$

17,750

17,663

17,621

(a) For the years ended October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we incurred losses from Agricola Don Memo totaling $0.9 million, $0.6 

million, and $1.7 million. 

(b)

In July 2021, as part of the FreshRealm Separation Agreement, FreshRealm paid Calavo the Loan Payoff Amount of $6.0
million, and we recorded the receipt on the statement of operations as a recovery of the reserve for collectability of the 
FreshRealm note receivable.  In addition, we recovered $0.1 million in receivables that we previously reserved.  For the year
ended October 31, 2021, we incurred $0.1 million of professional fees related to FreshRealm. For the year ended October 31, 
2022, we recognized a return to provision discrete tax expense of $0.6 million due to the finalization of the tax treatment of the 
loss related to the previously recorded impairment of the investment in FreshRealm.

(c)

In the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we incurred professional service costs related to a considered but non-consummated 
acquisition. 

(d) For the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021, we recorded losses of $8.6 million, and income of $3.9 million in realized and 

unrealized net gain (loss) on Limoneira shares. In the year ended October 31, 2022, we sold our entire investment of  1,677,299 
shares of Limoneira stock.  We incurred $0.3 million of broker fees as part of the sale of Limoneira stock. 

(e) For the year ended October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we incurred $0.4 million related to rent paid for Prepared’s former 

corporate office space that we have vacated and plan to sublease.

(f) For fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, results include higher stock-based compensation expense of $1.6 million, $0.1 million and $1.3 

million related to senior management transitions, which does not impact the underlying cost structure of the Company.  For fiscal 

34

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
2022 and 2021, we recorded $2.8 million and $0.9 million of consulting expenses related to an enterprise-wide strategic business 
review conducted for the purpose of restructuring to improve the profitability of the organization and efficiency of our 
operations. In fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, we incurred $2.9 million, $2.0 million and $0.9 million related to management 
recruiting and severance costs in connection with the restructuring initiative. For the year ended October 31, 2023, we recorded 
$0.8 million in severance costs as part of U.S. restructuring efforts.  Additionally, for the year ended October 31, 2023, we
incurred $0.5 million related to the divesture of Salsa Lisa.

(g) For the year ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, we incurred $2.4 million and $1.4 million of professional fees related to the 
Mexican tax matters. For the year ended October 31, 2022, we recognized a return to provision discrete tax expense of $0.9 
million due to the finalization of the tax treatment for the final settlement of the 2011 Assessment (see below). 

For the year ended October 31, 2023, we recorded a recovery of $1.7 million related to the interest and inflationary adjustments 
related to an IVA repayment from Mexican Tax Authority. For the year ended October 31, 2023, we recognized a reserve of $2.5 
million related to the collectability of IVA receivables. 

In June 2021, we paid $2.4 million in full settlement of the 2011 Assessment. Of this amount, $1.5 million was recorded as a 
discrete item in Income Tax Provision and $0.9 million is related to value added tax expense and recorded as Expenses related to 
the Mexican tax matters. An additional $0.3 million of related professional fees have also been recorded as expenses related to 
the Mexican tax matters. 

In July 2021, based on our evaluation of the most probable outcomes of the 2013 Assessment, we recorded an accrual of $11 
million as a discrete item in Income Tax Provision. An additional $0.6 million of related professional fees was also recorded as 
Expenses related to the Mexican tax matters. 

(h) On April 1, 2023, we completed the divesture of our salsa business in our Prepared segment and incurred $0.2 million in losses

related to the disposal of property, plant and equipment.

On October 18, 2021, we announced the closure of Prepared’s food processing operations at our Green Cove Springs (near 
Jacksonville), Florida facility, as part of our Project Uno profit improvement program. As of November 15, 2021, the Green Cove
facility for our Prepared segment ceased operations. In fiscal 2021, we wrote down $8.7 million of leasehold improvements, $0.1 
million of equipment, and $0.6 million of inventory (recognized through cost of goods sold).  We also paid $0.4 million in 
employee severance. We incurred $0.9 million of expenses for the year ended October 31, 2022, related to the closure of this 
facility.

(i) For the year ended October 31, 2023, we accrued $0.6 million in a legal settlement from a dispute from over 5 years ago 

connected to an old unused distribution agreement that was entered into over a decade ago.  This legal settlement was considered 
out of the ordinary, due to the length it took to settle and since we have not done business with this party for many years.  There 
are no other similar matters outstanding.  In addition, we incurred $0.1 million in associated legal fees.

(j) Tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments are based on the prevailing year-to-date tax rates in each period and adjusted to the one-

time tax charges mentioned in note (b) above.

35

Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP, Unaudited)

The following table presents EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, each a non-GAAP measure, and reconciles them to net 

income (loss) attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc., which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.  See “Non-
GAAP Financial Measures” above (in thousands, except per share amounts).

Net loss attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.
Interest Income
Interest Expense
Provision for Income Taxes 
Depreciation and Amortization 
Stock-Based Compensation 
EBITDA

$ (8,344) $ (6,249)
(500)
1,686
3,251
16,589
3,139
$ 17,916

(605)
2,495
5,942
17,282
5,210
$ 21,980

2021
$ (11,818)
(335)
798
10,747
17,571
3,950
$ 20,913

Year ended October 31,
2022

2023

Adjustments:
Non-cash losses recognized from unconsolidated entities (a)
Net loss (income) on Limoneira shares (d)
Recovery from FreshRealm and other related expenses (b)
Rent expense add back (e)
Acquisition costs (c)
Restructure costs - consulting and management recruiting and severance (f)
Expenses related to Mexican tax matters (g)
Impairment, losses and charges related to property, plant and equipment (h)
Legal settlement and related expenses (i)
Adjusted EBITDA

879
—
—
432

564
8,928
—
432

3,930
3,128
235
700
$ 31,284

4,775
1,417
1,115
—
$ 35,147

1,719
(3,858)
(5,989)
396
262
1,833
1,797
9,748
—
$ 26,821

See prior page for footnote references

Net Sales 

We believe that the fundamental consumption trends for our products continue to be favorable.  First, U.S. avocado 
demand continues to grow, with per capita consumption in 2022/2023 per USDA reaching 9.2 pounds per person, and 
approximately 64% higher than the estimate from a decade ago. We believe that the healthy eating trend that has been 
developing in the U.S. contributes to such growth, as avocados are cholesterol and sodium free, dense in fiber, vitamin 
B6, antioxidants, potassium, folate, and contain unsaturated fat, which helps lower cholesterol. 

Additionally, we believe that demographic changes in the U.S. will impact the consumption of avocados and 

avocado-based products.  The Hispanic community currently accounts for approximately 20% of the U.S. population and 
the total number of Hispanics is estimated to double by the year 2050.  Avocados are considered a staple item purchased 
by Hispanic consumers, as the per-capita avocado consumption in Mexico is significantly higher than that of the US.  

We anticipate avocado products will further penetrate the United States marketplace, driven by year-round 
availability of imported fresh avocados, a growing Hispanic population, and the promotion of the health benefits of 
avocados.  As one of the largest marketers of avocado products in the United States, we believe that we are well 
positioned to leverage this trend and to grow our avocado and guacamole products business.  Additionally, we also 
believe that avocados and avocado based products will further penetrate other markets 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 US.  This board provides a basis for a unified funding of promotional activities based on an assessment 

36

  
  
  
on all avocados 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 2023, 2022 and 
2021, on behalf of avocado growers, we remitted approximately $0.5 million, $1.5 million and $1.0 million to the 
California Avocado Commission.  During fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, we remitted approximately $8.0 million, $8.1 
million and $8.3 million to the Hass Avocado Board related to avocados. Similarly, Avocados from Mexico (AFM) was 
formed in 2013 as the marketing arm of the Mexican Hass Avocados Importers Association (MHAIA) and the 
Association of Growers and Packers of Avocados From Mexico (APEAM). During fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, we 
remitted approximately $5.5 million, $4.2 million and $5.7 million to APEAM primarily related to these marketing 
activities for Mexican avocados.   

We also believe that our other Grown products, primarily tomatoes, are positioned for future growth.  The tomato is 

the fourth most popular fresh-market vegetable (though a fruit scientifically speaking, tomatoes are more commonly 
considered a vegetable) behind potatoes, lettuce, and onions in the U.S. Over the past few decades, per capita 
consumption of tomatoes has been on the rise due primarily to the enduring popularity of salads, salad bars, and 
submarine sandwiches. Perhaps of greater importance has been the introduction of new and improved tomato varieties, 
the increased development of hot-house grown tomatoes (such as those grown by our ADM affiliate), 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 consumption in the U.S. has more than doubled in the past decade.  Papayas 

have high nutritional benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid, potassium and 
magnesium, and fiber. 

Additionally, through our Prepared segment we have 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, and 
foodservice departments.  Prepared products include fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, wraps, salads, parfaits, 
snacks, and guacamole sold at retail and food service as well as avocado pulp sold to foodservice. Our Prepared segment 
has also expanded the capacity to provide products for a larger portion of the Fresh Deli department. 

37

The following tables set forth sales by product category and sales allowances, by segment (dollars in thousands):

Year ended October 31, 2023

Year ended October 31, 2022

Grown

Prepared

Total

Grown

Prepared

Total

Avocados
Tomatoes
Papayas
Other fresh income
Fresh-cut products
Guacamole 
Salsa
Total gross sales
Less sales allowances
Less inter-segment eliminations
Net sales

Avocados
Tomatoes
Papayas
Other fresh income
Fresh-cut products
Guacamole
Salsa
Total gross sales
Less sales allowances
Less inter-segment eliminations
Net sales

$

$ 466,385
56,298
10,432
100

— $ 466,385
56,298
—
10,432
—
100
—
383,028
— 383,028
70,611
70,611
—
796
796
—
987,650
454,435
533,215
(14,073)
(9,883)
(4,190)
(1,629)
—
(1,629)
$ 971,948
$ 444,552
$ 527,396

$

$ 645,944
47,288
11,422
123

— $
—
—
—
— 426,161
74,970
—
1,860
—
502,991
704,777
(10,123)
(4,507)
—
(2,065)
$ 492,868
$ 698,205

645,944
47,288
11,422
123
426,161
74,970
1,860
1,207,768
(14,630)
(2,065)
$ 1,191,073

Year ended October 31, 2022

Year ended October 31, 2021

Grown

Prepared

Total

Grown

Prepared

Total

$

$ 645,944
47,288
11,422
123

— $
—
—
—
— 426,161
74,970
—
1,860
—
502,991
704,777
(10,123)
(4,507)
—
(2,065)
$ 492,868
$ 698,205

645,944
47,288
11,422
123
426,161
74,970
1,860
1,207,768
(14,630)
(2,065)
$ 1,191,073

$

$ 536,969
43,658
10,884
693

— $
—
—
—
— 403,017
75,681
—
2,784
—
481,482
592,204
(11,682)
(3,677)
—
(2,497)
$ 469,800
$ 586,030

536,969
43,658
10,884
693
403,017
75,681
2,784
1,073,686
(15,359)
(2,497)
$ 1,055,830

Net sales to third parties by segment exclude inter-segment sales and cost of sales.  For fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 
2021, inter-segment sales and cost of sales of $1.6 million, $2.1 million and $2.5 million between the Grown segment 
and the Prepared segment were eliminated.

38

The following table summarizes our net sales by business segment:

Gross sales:
Grown
Prepared
Less inter-segment eliminations

Total net sales

As a percentage of sales:

Grown
Prepared

Summary

2023

Change

2022

Change

2021

$ 529,025
444,552
(1,629)
$ 971,948

700,270
(24)%  $
492,868
(10)%  
(21)%  
(2,065)
(18)%  $ 1,191,073

588,527
19 %  $
469,800
5 %  
(17)%  
(2,497)
13 %  $ 1,055,830

54.3 %  
45.7 %  
100 %  

58.7 %  
41.3 %  
100 %  

55.6 %  
44.4 %  
100 %  

Net sales for the year ended October 31, 2023, compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2022, decreased by 

$219.1 million, or approximately 18%. This decrease was across both segments.

For the year ended October 31, 2023, the decrease in Grown product sales was primarily due to a decrease in price 

per unit of avocados offset by increased sales volume due to increased volumes of available fruit. For the year ended 
October 31, 2023, the decrease in Prepared product sales was due primarily to decreased sales volume from fresh-cut 
fruit products and guacamole products. 

We will continue to pursue grower recruitment opportunities and expand relationships with retail and/or foodservice 
customers with the goal to fuel net sales growth in each of our business segments. Our Grown and Prepared segments of 
our business are subject to seasonal trends which can impact the volume and/or quality of raw materials sourced in any 
particular quarter. 

Grown Products

Fiscal 2023 vs. Fiscal 2022:

Net sales for the Grown products business decreased by approximately $171.2 million, or 24%, for the year ended 
October 31, 2023 compared to the prior year period. The decrease in Grown product sales during the year ended October 
31, 2023 was primarily related to lower sales prices of avocados due to increased industry supply of avocados. Partially 
offsetting this decrease, tomato sales increased due to an increase in sales prices per carton, and higher tomato sales 
volume. 

Sales of avocados decreased $177.9 million, or 28%, for the year ended October 31, 2023, compared to the prior year 
period. The average avocado sales price per carton decreased 30% compared to the prior year period. The decrease in the 
sales price per carton was mainly due to an increased industry supply of avocados. The volume of avocados sold for the 
year ended October 31, 2023 increased 3% compared to the prior year period. 

Sales of tomatoes increased $7.7 million, or 16%, for the year ended October 31, 2023, when compared to the prior 
year period. The increase in tomato sales was primarily due to an 8% increase in the sales price per carton, and an 8% 
increase in volume sold.

Fiscal 2022 vs. Fiscal 2021:

Net sales for the Grown products business increased by approximately $111.7 million, or 19%, for the year ended 
October 31, 2022 compared to the prior year period. This increase in Grown product sales during the year ended October 
31, 2022 was due primarily to increased sales prices of avocados associated with lower overall supply of avocados in the 

39

    
    
         
    
    
         
    
    
marketplace. In addition, tomato sales increased due to an increase in overall sales volume, partially offset by a decrease 
in sales prices. 

Sales of avocados increased $108.1 million, or 20%, for the year ended October 31, 2022, compared to the prior year 
period. The average avocado sales price per carton increased 37% compared to the prior year period. This increase in the 
sales price per carton was mainly due to a decrease of supply of avocados in the marketplace. The volume of avocados 
sold for the year ended October 31, 2022, decreased 12% compared to the prior year period. 

Sales of tomatoes increased $3.6 million, or 8%, for the year ended October 31, 2022, when compared to the prior 
year period. This increase in tomato sales was due primarily to a 9% increase in the cartons sold of tomatoes, partially 
offset by a 1% decrease in average sales prices per carton.

Prepared products

Fiscal 2023 vs. Fiscal 2022:

Net sales for the Prepared products business decreased by approximately $48.3 million, or 10%, for the year ended 
October 31, 2023 compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2022. This decrease in Prepared product sales during 
the year ended October 31, 2023 was primarily related to lower sales volume of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, prepared 
foods and guacamole products. 

Net sales for fresh-cut products decreased $43.2 million, or 10%, for the year ended October 31, 2023 compared to 

the corresponding period in fiscal 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by lower sales volume of 14%, partially 
offset by a increase in sales price of 4%. 

Net sales for guacamole products decreased $6.9 million, or 10%, for the year ended October 31, 2023 compared to 

the corresponding period in fiscal 2022, primarily due to a decrease in total volume sold. 

With the divestiture of our salsa business in June 2023, we had a decrease in sales of salsa products of $1.1 million, 

or 59%.

Fiscal 2022 vs. Fiscal 2021:

Net sales for the Prepared products business increased by approximately $23.5 million, or 5%, for the year ended 

October 31, 2022 compared to the prior year period. This increase in Prepared product sales during the year ended 
October 31, 2022 was due primarily to increased sales prices of fresh-cut fruit & vegetables and prepared foods products. 
Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in sales of guacamole products due to overall lower sales volume.

Net sales for fresh-cut fruit and vegetables and prepared foods products for the year ended October 31, 2022 

compared to the prior year period increased $27.1 million, or 7%. This increase primarily reflects price increases of 14% 
as well as a favorable product mix, partially offset by a 7% decrease in sales volumes.

Net sales for guacamole products for the year ended October 31, 2022 compared to the prior year period decreased 

$3.2 million, or 4%, primarily due to a decrease in the total volume sold. 

40

Gross Profit

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

Gross profit (loss):

Grown
Prepared

Total gross profit

Gross profit percentages:

Grown
Prepared
Consolidated

Summary

2023

Change

2022

Change

2021

(Dollars in thousands)

$ 52,163
17,793
$ 69,956

4 %  $ 50,165
(25)%   23,680
(5)%  $ 73,845

146 %  

5 %  $ 47,787
9,638
29 %  $ 57,425

9.9 %  
4.0 %  
7.2 %  

7.2 %  
4.8 %  
6.2 %  

8.1 %  
2.1 %  
5.4 %  

Our cost of goods sold consists predominantly of ingredient costs (primarily fruit and other whole foods), packing 
materials, freight and handling, labor and overhead (including depreciation) associated with preparing food products, and 
other direct expenses pertaining to products sold. Gross profit decreased by approximately $3.9 million, or 5%, for the 
year ended October 31, 2023, compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2022. The decrease was primarily 
attributable to a gross profit decrease in the Prepared segment, partially offset by a gross profit increase in the Grown 
segment.

Grown products

Fiscal 2023 vs. Fiscal 2022:

During our year ended October 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year period, our Grown products segment gross 

profit increased $2.0 million or 4%. For the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, the gross profit percentages for 
avocados were 10.1% and 7.1%, respectively. Contributing to the increase in gross profit for fiscal 2023 was the 
strengthening of the Mexican Peso in relation to the U.S. Dollar during the year ended October 31, 2023, which resulted 
in a $1.2 million net gain related to the remeasurement of peso-dominated net assets at our Mexican subsidiaries. For the 
year ended October 31, 2022, we had a remeasurement loss of $1.0 million.  

Significant fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso may have a material 

impact on future gross profit for our Grown products segment.

For the year ended October 31, 2023, we generated gross profit of $4.5 million from tomato sales, up from $3.5 
million in the prior year period. The majority of our tomato sales are made on a consignment basis, in which the gross 
profit we earn is generally based on a commission agreed to with each party, which usually is a percent of the overall 
selling price; however, we also purchase some tomatoes on the spot market to meet specific customer requests and have 
certain fixed overhead costs associated with our tomato operations which impact the overall gross profit realized from 
tomato sales. The gross profit percentage for consignment sales 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 
decrease in tomato gross profit was due primarily to an increase in sales of tomatoes from third-party growers/packers.  
As discussed above, even though a majority of our tomato sales are made on a consignment basis, we had lower gross 
profit from third-party growers/packers compared to prior year. 

41

    
    
         
    
    
         
    
    
Fiscal 2022 vs. Fiscal 2021:

During our year ended October 31, 2022, as compared to the prior year period, our Grown products segment gross 
profit increased $2.3 million or 5%. While our overall gross profit increased, our gross profit percentage decreased. For 
the year ended October 31, 2022 and 2021, the gross profit percentages for avocados were 7.1% and 8.0%, 
respectively. Partially offsetting the increase in gross profit for fiscal 2022 was the weakening of the U.S. dollar in 
relation to the Mexican peso during the year ended October 31, 2022, which resulted in a $1.0 million net loss related to 
the remeasurement of peso-dominated net assets at our Mexican subsidiaries. For the year ended October 31, 2021, we 
had a remeasurement gain of $0.9 million.  

Significant fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso may have a material 

impact on future gross profit for our Grown products segment.

For the year ended October 31, 2022 we generated gross profit of $3.5 million from tomato sales, a decrease from 
$3.7 million in the prior year period. The majority of our tomato sales are made on a consignment basis, in which the 
gross profit we earn is generally based on a commission agreed to with each party, which usually is a percent of the 
overall selling price; however, we also purchase some tomatoes on the spot market to meet specific customer requests 
and have certain fixed overhead costs associated with our tomato operations which impact the overall gross profit 
realized from tomato sales. The gross profit percentage for consignment sales 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 decrease in tomato gross profit was due primarily to an increase in sales of tomatoes from third-party 
growers/packers.  As discussed above, even though a majority of our tomato sales are made on a consignment basis, we 
had lower gross profit from third-party growers/packers compared to prior year. 

Prepared products

Fiscal 2023 vs. Fiscal 2022:

The decrease in our Prepared products gross profit for the year ended October 31, 2023 was the result of decreased 

gross profit for fresh-cut fruit and vegetables products, partially offset by an increase in guacamole products.

Fresh-cut fruit and vegetables and prepared foods products gross profit percentage for the year ended October 31, 

2023 was 1.5%, compared to 4.8% for the same prior year period. The decrease in gross profit for the year ended 
October 31, 2023 was mainly due to increased commodity costs and lower volume.

Guacamole products gross profit percentage for the year ended October 31, 2023 was 19.8%, compared to a gross 
profit of 5.7% for the prior year period. The increase in gross profit percentage for the year ended October 31, 2023 in 
guacamole products was primarily due to lower raw product fruit costs and manufacturing improvements. Any 
significant fluctuation in the cost of fruit used in the production process or the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and 
the Mexican peso may have a material impact on future gross profit for our Prepared segment. 

Management has considered the impact of current operating results as well as expected future results and has 

concluded that there were no impairment indicators regarding intangible assets carried on the balance sheet as of October 
31, 2023. Management will continue to evaluate the impact of operating results on these considerations in future 
quarters.

Fiscal 2022 vs. Fiscal 2021:

The increase in our Prepared products gross profit for the year ended October 31, 2022 was the result of increased 

gross profit for fresh-cut fruit and vegetables and prepared foods, partially offset by decreases in gross profit from 
guacamole products.

Fresh-cut fruit and vegetables and prepared foods products gross profit percentages for the year ended October 31, 
2022 was 4.8%, compared to a loss of 0.9% for the same prior year period. The increase in gross profit for these products 

42

for the year ended October 31, 2022 was mainly due to increased sales prices and a reduction in distribution expenses, an 
improvement in product yield and labor productivity, and a reduction in costs related to the consolidation of operations 
in our Green Cove Springs, Florida facility into our Georgia facility. 

Guacamole products gross profit percentage for the year ended October 31, 2022 was 5.7% compared to a gross 
profit of 17.6% for the prior year period. The decrease in guacamole products gross profit was due primarily to higher 
raw product fruit costs associated with the same supply constraints that drove whole avocado prices to historically high 
levels, which increased manufacturing costs. 

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative
Percentage of net sales

2023

$ 66,400     
6.8 %  

Change

2022
(Dollars in thousands)
1 %  $ 65,482     
5.5 %  

Change

2021

16 %  $ 56,463

5.3 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $66.4 million for the year ended October 31, 2023 include costs of 
marketing and advertising, sales expenses (including broker commissions) and other general and administrative costs. 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $0.9 million, or 1%, for the year ended October 31, 2023 
compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to $2.9 million paid in severance and other costs and 
$1.6 million in stock-based compensation related to executive departures.  Partially offsetting these increases, is a 
reduction in our short-term incentive accrual of $2.3 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $65.5 million for the year ended October 31, 2022 include costs of 
marketing and advertising, sales expenses (including broker commissions) and other general and administrative costs. 
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $9.0 million, or 16%, for the year ended October 31, 2022, 
when compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to an increase in management restructuring 
costs that include recruiting fees and severance ($2.8 million), an increase in consulting services related to restructuring 
efforts ($2.0 million), an increase in our short-term incentive accrual ($1.4 million) and an increase in salaries primarily 
related to the investment in key personnel.  

43

Loss from Unconsolidated Entities

2023

Change

2022
(Dollars in thousands)

Change

2021

Loss from unconsolidated entities

    $ (879)    

56 %  $ (564)    

(67)%  $ (1,719)

Loss from unconsolidated entities includes our allocation of earnings or losses from our investments in Don Memo. 

For the years ended October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized losses of $0.9 million, $0.6 million and of $1.7 
million, respectively, related to Don Memo.  

Interest Income

Interest income
Percentage of net sales

2023

Change

Change

2021

2022
(Dollars in thousands)
21 %  $ 500     
0.0 %  

49 %  $ 335     
0.0 %  

     $ 605     
0.0 %  

The increase in interest income in fiscal 2023 as compared to 2022 is primarily due to the increase in the amount 
owed from our tomato growers from loans and infrastructure advances.  The increase in interest income in fiscal 2022 as 
compared to 2021 is primarily due to a bridge loan to one of our tomato growers.  

Interest Expense

Interest expense
Percentage of net sales

2023

Change

Change

2021

2022
(Dollars in thousands)
48 %  $ 1,686     
0.1 %  

111 %  $ 798     
0.1 %  

    $ 2,495     
0.3 %  

Interest expense is primarily generated from our line of credit borrowings with Farm Credit West, PCA (FCW) and 
Bank of America, N.A. (Bank of America) and our new credit facility with Wells Fargo. For fiscal 2023, as compared to 
fiscal 2022, the increase in interest expense was due to higher interest rates, as well as a higher average debt balance. For
fiscal 2022, as compared to fiscal 2021, the increase in interest expense was due to higher interest rates, as well as a 
higher average debt balance.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net
Percentage of net sales

2023

Change

2022
(Dollars in thousands)

Change

2021

    $ 316     
0.0 %  

(69)%  $ 1,017     
0.1 %  

0 %  $ 1,016     
— %  

Other income, net includes dividend income, as well as certain other transactions that are outside of the normal 
course of operations.  During fiscal 2022 and 2021, we received $0.6 million and $0.5 million as dividend income from 
Limoneira.  At the end of fiscal 2022, we sold our investment in Limoneira and therefore received no dividends from 
Limoneira in fiscal 2023.

Income Taxes Provision

Income tax provision
Effective tax rate

2023

Change

2022

Change

2021

(Dollars in thousands)

    $ (5,942)    
293.4 %  

83 %  $ (3,251)    
97.0 %  

(70)%  $ (10,747)

913.3 %

44

For fiscal 2023, we incurred return to provision discrete taxable items in the amount of $0.2 million. These discrete 
items were primarily related the lack of deductibility of certain Mexican tax expenses.  In addition, we recognized $5.7 
million of additional income tax provision expenses during fiscal 2023 related to the recording of additional valuation 
allowance and other permanent differences.

For fiscal 2022, we incurred return to provision discrete taxable items in the amount of $2.0 million. These discrete 

items were primarily related to rate differentials related to our carryback losses from prior years and the lack of 
deductibility of certain Mexican tax expenses.  In addition, we recognized additional income tax provision expenses 
during fiscal 2022 related to the recording of additional valuation allowance and other permanent differences.

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest

2023

Change

2022
(Dollars in thousands)

Change

2021

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
Percentage of net sales

$ (377)

(207)%  $

0.0 %  

353
0.0 %  

239 %  $

104
0.0 %  

For fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, the net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest is due to 

income/losses from Avocados de Jalisco.

45

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash used in operating activities for fiscal 2023 was $14.5 million.  Operating activities for fiscal 2022 and 2021 
provided cash flows of $50.1 million and $13.6 million, respectively.  Fiscal year 2023 operating cash flows reflect our 
net loss of $8.0 million, net increase of noncash charges (depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation 
expense, provision for losses on accounts receivable, losses from unconsolidated entities, deferred taxes, loss on disposal 
of property, plant and equipment, reserve for Mexican IVA receivables, the divestiture of our salsa business and gain on 
the sale of the Temecula packinghouse) of $28.2 million and a net decrease from changes in the non-cash components of 
our working capital accounts of approximately $34.7 million.

Decreases in operating cash flows caused by working capital changes include a net decrease in accounts payable, 
accrued expenses of $15.1 million, an increase in other assets of $7.6 million, a decrease in payable to growers of $5.4 
million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $5.4 million, an increase in accounts receivable of 
$2.4 million, an increase in advances to suppliers of $1.3 million, and an increase in inventory of $1.0 million, partially 
offset by a decrease in income taxes receivable of $3.6 million.

The decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities is primarily related to the timing of 

payments in October 2023. The increase in other assets as of October 31, 2023, when compared to the prior year period, 
is primarily due to an increase in Mexican IVA taxes receivable. The decrease in payable to growers is mostly due to 
lower sales volumes of avocados in the month of October 2023 compared to October 2022. The increase in our prepaid 
and other current assets is primarily due to a temporary deposit for collateral in connection with our workers 
compensation policies while we were in the process of obtaining a letter of credit. The increase in our accounts 
receivable is due to an increase in sales for the month of October 2023 compared to October 2022. The increase in 
advances to suppliers is mainly due to an increase in preseason advances paid to our consignment growers at the start of 
the tomato season. The increase in our inventory as of October 31, 2023, when compared to the prior year period, is 
primarily due to higher inventory of Mexican avocados. The decrease in income taxes receivable is due to a combination 
of discrete tax items and income tax refunds in fiscal 2023.  

Cash used by investing activities was $10.7 million for fiscal year 2023. Cash provided by investing activities was 

$8.0 million for fiscal year 2022.  Cash used in investing activities was $9.6 million for fiscal year 2021. Fiscal year 
2023 cash flows used by investing activities includes the purchases of property, plant and equipment of $10.7 million.

Cash provided by financing activities was $24.9 million for fiscal year 2023.  Cash used in financing activities was 
$57.8 million and $5.2 million for fiscal years 2022 and 2021.  Cash sourced during fiscal year 2023 primarily relates to 
the net source from our credit facilities totaling $33.8 million (net of repayment of Calavo’s previous Revolving Credit 
Facility with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Existing Credit Facility”) of $34.9 million), and the receipt of $4.1 million 
from our Term Loan with Wells Fargo, partially offset by $10.4 million of dividend payments, proceeds from payments 
on long-term obligations of $1.9 million, debt issuance costs of $0.7 million, and the payment of minimum withholding 
taxes on net share settlement of equity awards of $0.1 million.

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and amounts available for borrowing under our 
Credit Facility.  Restricted cash, cash and cash equivalents as of October 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $2.9 million and $3.1 
million, respectively.  Our working capital at October 31, 2023 was $51.6 million, compared to $23.7 million at October 
31, 2022.  

As discussed in the Overview section above, we and certain of our subsidiaries have entered into non-binding, 
exclusive negotiations regarding the potential sale of all of the assets used in our Fresh Cut business and certain related 
real property for approximately $100.0 million, subject to certain adjustments that may be included in a binding 
agreement. The Proposed Transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024. If completed, we 
expect to use the net proceeds from the Proposed Transaction primarily for the reduction of debt and return of cash to 
shareholders.

46

We believe that cash flows from operations, the available Credit Facility, and other sources will be sufficient to 
satisfy our future capital expenditures, working capital and other financing requirements for at least the next twelve 
months. We will continue to pursue grower recruitment opportunities and expand relationships with retail and/or 
foodservice customers to fuel growth in each of our business segments.  

      On June 26, 2023, Calavo and certain subsidiaries entered into a Credit Agreement by and among, Calavo, certain 
subsidiaries of Calavo as guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as agent and lender. The Credit 
Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility of up to $90.0 million, along with a capex credit facility of up to $10.0 
million.

The initial proceeds of the Revolving Loans were used to repay all outstanding amounts under Calavo’s previous 
revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and to pay related transaction fees and expenses, and following the 
Closing Date may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes.  For a period of one year following 
the Closing Date, Calavo may utilize the proceeds of the Term Loan to pay a certain percentage of the costs of certain 
equipment purchased by Calavo.

Borrowings of the Revolving Loans under the Credit Agreement are asset based and will be subject to a borrowing 
base calculation that includes a certain percentage of eligible accounts receivable, inventory and equipment of Calavo, 
less any reserves implemented by Agent in its permitted discretion; provided that the equipment based portion of such 
borrowing base calculation will reduce monthly following the Closing Date.

      Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin, plus, at 
Calavo’s option, either a base rate or a secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) term rate (which includes a spread 
adjustment of 0.10% and is subject to a floor of 0.00%). The applicable margin is (i) for Revolving Loans, 0.50% for 
base rate borrowings and 1.50% for SOFR term rate borrowings, and (ii) for Term Loan, 1.00% for base rate borrowings 
and 2.00% for SOFR term rate borrowings.  The New Credit Facility matures on June 26, 2028.

As of October 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the financial covenants. As of October 31, 2023, approximately 

$40.0 million was available for borrowing, based on our borrowing base calculation discussed above. 

The weighted-average interest rate under the New Credit Facility was 7.1% at October 31, 2023. Under the Credit 
Facility, we had $35.0 million and $4.1 million outstanding related to the Revolving Loans and Term Loan, respectively, 
as of October 31, 2023.

47

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, 2023.

(All amounts in thousands)

Expected maturity date October 31,

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value

Assets
Restricted cash, cash and cash 
equivalents (1)
Accounts receivable (1)
Advances to suppliers (1)

Liabilities
Payable to growers (1)
Accounts payable (1)
Borrowings pursuant to credit 
facilities (1)
Term loan (1)

$ 2,852
61,376
14,684

$ 14,788
15,537

$ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,852
— 61,376
— 14,684

—
—

—
—

—
—

—
—

$     — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 14,788
— 15,537

—

—

—

—

$ 2,852
61,376
14,684

$ 14,788
15,537

—      —
692
647

—
692

— 35,024
1,340
692

— 35,024
4,063
—

35,024
4,063

(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.

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 a significant portion of business in Mexican pesos.  Funds are transferred by 

our corporate office to Mexico on a weekly basis to satisfy foreign cash needs. We do not currently use derivative 
instruments to hedge fluctuations in the Mexican peso to U.S. dollar exchange rates.  Management does, however, 
evaluate this opportunity from time to time.  Total foreign current translation gains for fiscal years 2023 and 2021, net of 
losses, were $1.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively.  Total foreign currency translation losses for fiscal year 2022, 
net of gains, were $1.0 million. 

48

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)

Assets
Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $5,245 (2023) and $4,199 (2022) 
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Advances to suppliers
Income taxes receivable
Total current assets

Property, plant, and equipment, net
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Investments in unconsolidated entities
Deferred income tax assets
Goodwill
Intangibles, net
Other assets

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:

Payable to growers
Trade accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Other current liabilities
Current portion of term loan
Current portion of operating leases
Current portion of long-term obligations and finance leases

Total current liabilities

Long-term liabilities:

Borrowings pursuant to line of credit, long-term
Long-term portion of term loan
Long-term portion of operating leases
Long-term portion of obligations and finance leases
Deferred income tax liabilities
Other long-term liabilities
Total long-term liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:

Common stock ($0.001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 17,761 (2023) and 
17,732 (2022) shares issued and outstanding)
Additional paid-in capital
Noncontrolling interest
Retained earnings

Total shareholders' equity

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

49

October 31,

2023

2022

$

2,091
761
61,376
39,430
13,934
14,684
1,094
133,370
112,729
48,033
2,902
3,010
28,653
5,698
52,459
$ 386,854

$ 14,788
15,537
31,108
11,000
647
7,062
1,604
81,746

35,024
3,416
45,393
5,647
746
4,653
94,879

$

2,060
1,074
59,016
38,830
8,868
12,430
3,396
125,674
113,310
54,518
3,782
5,433
28,653
7,206
47,170
$ 385,746

$ 20,223
10,436
51,795
11,000
—
6,925
1,574
101,953

1,200
—
52,140
4,447
—
2,635
60,422

18
176,481
1,392
32,338
210,229
$ 386,854

18
171,223
1,015
51,115
223,371
$ 385,746

    
    
    
    
CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Year Ended October 31,

2023

2022

2021

Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative
Expenses related to Mexican tax matters
Impairment and charges related to Florida facility closure
Operating income 
Interest income
Interest expense
Other income, net
Recovery on reserve for FreshRealm note receivable and impairment of 
investment
Unrealized net income (loss) on Limoneira shares
Income (loss) before income taxes and loss from unconsolidated entities
Income tax expense
Net loss from unconsolidated entities
Net loss

Add: Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest

Net loss attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.

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

Basic
Diluted

Number of shares used in per share computation:

Basic
Diluted

     $ 971,948     $ 1,191,073     $ 1,055,830
998,405
57,425
56,463
1,797
9,162
(9,997)
335
(798)
1,016

1,117,228
73,845
65,482
1,417
959
5,987
500
(1,686)
1,017

901,992
69,956
66,400
3,128
—
428
605
(2,495)
316

—
—
(1,146)
(5,942)
(879)
(7,967)
(377)
$ (8,344) $

—
(8,605)
(2,787)
(3,251)
(564)
(6,602)
353
(6,249) $

6,130
3,858
544
(10,747)
(1,719)
(11,922)
104
(11,818)

$
$

(0.47) $
(0.47) $

(0.35) $
(0.35) $

(0.67)
(0.67)

17,750
17,750

17,663
17,663

17,621
17,621

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

50

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)

Balance, October 31, 2020
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock-based 
compensation, net of tax withholdings
Stock-based compensation
Dividend declared to shareholders ($1.15 per share)
Avocados de Jalisco noncontrolling interest 
Net loss attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc
Balance, October 31, 2021 
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock-based 
compensation, net of tax withholdings
Stock-based compensation
Avocados de Jalisco noncontrolling interest 
Net loss attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.
Balance, October 31, 2022
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock-based 
compensation, net of tax withholdings
Stock-based compensation
Dividends declared to shareholders ($0.4875 per share)
Avocados de Jalisco noncontrolling interest 
Net loss attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.
Balance, October 31, 2023

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Noncontrolling
Interest 

Total

17,661

25
—
—
—
—
17,686

46
—
—
—
17,732

29
—
—
—
—
17,761

$

18

—
—
—
—
—
18

—
—
—
—
18

—
—
—
—
—
18

165,000

89,512

1,472

256,002

(817)
3,950
—
—
—
168,133

(49)
3,139
—
—
171,223

48
5,210
—
—
—
176,481

$

—
—
(20,330)
—
(11,818)
57,364

—
—
—
(6,249)
51,115

—
—
(10,433)
—
(8,344)
32,338

$

$

—
—
—
(104)
—
1,368

—
—
(353)
—
1,015

—
—
—
377
—
1,392

$

(817)
3,950
(20,330)
(104)
(11,818)
226,883

(49)
3,139
(353)
(6,249)
223,371

48
5,210
(10,433)
377
(8,344)
210,229

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

51

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization
Non-cash operating lease expense
Net loss from unconsolidated entities
Realized and unrealized net loss on Limoneira shares
Divesture of Calavo Salsa Lisa
Impairment and non-cash charges related to closure of Florida facility
Recovery from reserve for FreshRealm note receivable and impairment of investment
Provision for uncollectible Mexican IVA taxes receivable
Stock-based compensation expense
Gain on sale of Temecula packinghouse
Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment
Deferred income taxes

Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Advances to suppliers
Income taxes receivable/payable
Other assets
Payable to growers
Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
Loan to Agricola Belher
Proceeds received from Limoneira stock sales
Proceeds received from FreshRealm Separation Agreement recovery
Proceeds received on repayment of infrastructure loan
Infrastructure advance to tomato growers

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Payment of dividend to shareholders
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities
Payments on revolving credit facilities
Payments of debt issuance cost
Payments of minimum withholding taxes on net share settlement of equity awards
Proceeds from term loan
Proceeds from sale leaseback
Payments on long-term obligations and finance leases
Proceeds from stock option exercises

Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
Supplemental Information:

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest
Income taxes

Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new financing lease obligations
Settlement of Agricola Belher infrastructure advance offset against payable to growers
Property, plant, and equipment included in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses

Year Ended October 31,
2022

2023

2021

$

(7,967)

$

(6,602)

$ (11,922)

17,282
38
879
—
624
—
—
2,474
5,210
(216)
40
1,851

(2,360)
(989)
(5,466)
(1,326)
3,620
(7,594)
(5,435)
(15,131)
(14,466)

(10,694)
—
—
—
—
—
(10,694)

(10,433)
256,912
(223,089)
(693)
—
4,063
—
(1,930)
48
24,878
(282)
3,134
2,852

2,492
1,492

2,814
928
1,794

$

$
$

$
$
$

16,589
20
564
8,605
—
317
—
—
3,139
(216)
186
(117)

19,850
1,837
(147)
(4,677)
8,128
(4,961)
(2,809)
10,527
50,233

(9,769)
—
18,450
—
—
—
8,681

(20,330)
267,200
(303,700)
—
(96)
—
240
(1,996)
47
(58,635)
279
2,855
3,134

1,482
2,601

611
1,060
160

$

$
$

$
$
$

$

$
$

$
$
$

17,571
83
1,719
(3,858)
—
9,748
(6,130)
—
3,950
(216)
(170)
(2,526)

(15,024)
412
3,567
(1,632)
(933)
(7,831)
11,687
15,077
13,572

(11,438)
(3,500)
—
6,000
900
(1,326)
(9,364)

(20,343)
334,850
(317,700)
—
(864)
—
—
(1,398)
47
(5,408)
(1,200)
4,055
2,855

687
3,047

1,430
—
312

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

52

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Description of the business

Business

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

2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles 

generally accepted in the U.S.

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 de Mexico), Calavo Growers de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. ( 
Calavo Growers de Mexico), Maui Fresh International, Inc. (Maui), Hawaiian Sweet, Inc. (HS), CW Hawaii Pride, LLC 
(HP), Renaissance Food Group, LLC (RFG), and Avocados de Jalisco, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (Avocados de Jalisco), in which 
we have an 83% ownership interest.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 
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 valuation allowances for accounts, 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. 

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.

Restricted Cash

We have $0.8 million and $1.1 million in restricted cash at October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.  

In connection with the New Credit Facility, we temporarily posted cash collateral to satisfy certain collateral 
requirements as we transitioned banks providing letters of credit related to our workers compensation policies. As of 
October 31, 2023, we recorded $0.8 million and $3.0 million as restricted cash and prepaid and other current assets, 
respectively, related to this transition.

In the prior year, we had restricted cash in our subsidiary Calavo de Mexico.  This cash was restricted due to the 2013 

tax assessment.  In November 2022, this restriction was lifted. 

53

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 $6.8 million and $4.8 million at October 31, 2023 and 2022, 
respectively.  Included in non-trade receivables are $2.7 million and $1.8 million related to the current portion of non-
CDM Mexican IVA (i.e. value-added) taxes at October 31, 2023 and 2022 (See Note 14).  Infrastructure advances are 
discussed below. Prepaid expenses totaling $4.8 million and $3.1 million at October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, are 
primarily for insurance, rent and other items.

Accounts Receivable

     Trade accounts receivable are reported at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and 
customer deductions accounted for as variable consideration.  The Company performs credit evaluations of customers 
and evaluates the need for allowances for potential credit losses based on historical experience, as well as current and 
expected general economic conditions. 

The total allowance for estimated uncollectable accounts receivable balances and customer deductions were $5.2 

million and $4.2 million as of October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  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 10 years.  Significant repairs and maintenance that increase the value or extend the 
useful life of our fixed asset are capitalized.  Ongoing maintenance and repairs are charged to expense.  

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.  We perform an assessment of goodwill 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. To the extent the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s allocated goodwill exceeds the unit’s fair value, 
we recognize an impairment of goodwill for the excess up to the amount of goodwill of that reporting unit.

In fiscal 2023 and 2022, the Company’s estimated fair value significantly exceeded its carrying value. The fair value 
of the Company’s reporting units is determined using a combination of valuation techniques, including a discounted cash 
flow methodology. To corroborate the discounted cash flow analysis, a market approach is utilized using observable 
market data such as comparable companies in similar lines of business that are publicly traded. The Company concluded 
based on its quantitative assessment that no goodwill impairment existed in the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 
2022. 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 which includes forecasted cash flow.  The estimates 

54

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. 

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 than 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.  For fiscal years 2023 and 2022, 
we performed our annual assessment of long-lived assets and determined that no impairment existed as of October 31, 
2023 and 2022.

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.  

In December 2014, Calavo formed a wholly-owned subsidiary Calavo Growers De Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. 
(Calavo Sub). In July 2015, Calavo Sub entered into a Shareholder Agreement with Grupo Belo del Pacifico, S.A. de 
C.V., (Belo) a Mexican company owned by Agricola Belher, and Agricola Don Memo, S.A. de C.V. (Don Memo). Don 
Memo, a Mexican corporation formed in July 2013, is engaged in the business of owning and improving land in Jalisco, 
Mexico for the growing and sale of tomatoes and other produce.  Belo and Calavo Sub have an equal one-half ownership 
interest in Don Memo.  Pursuant to a management service agreement, Belo, through its officers and employees, shall 
have day-to-day power and authority to manage the operations. This investment contribution represent Calavo Sub’s 
50% ownership in Don Memo, which is included in investment in unconsolidated entities on our balance sheet. We use 
the equity method to account for this investment.  As of October 31, 2023 and 2022, we have an investment of $2.9 
million and $3.8 million, respectively, in Don Memo.

Advances to Suppliers

We advance funds to third-party growers primarily in 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, 2023 and 2022. 

Pursuant to our distribution agreement with Agricola Belher (Belher) of Mexico, a producer of fresh vegetables, 
primarily tomatoes, for export to the U.S. 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, 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.  These advances will be collected through settlements by the end 
of each year.  As of October 31, 2023 and 2022, we have total advances of $5.4 million and $4.5 million, respectively, to 
Belher pursuant to this agreement, respectively, which are recorded in advances to suppliers. 

Similar to Belher, we make advances to Don Memo for operating purposes, provide additional advances as shipments 

are made during the season, and return the proceeds from such tomato sales to Don Memo, net of our commission and 
aforementioned advances. As of October 31, 2023 and 2022, we have total advances of $7.3 million and $7.0 million, 

55

respectively, to Don Memo, which is recorded in advances to suppliers, offset by tomato liabilities from the sales of 
tomatoes per the tomato marketing agreement.

We also have a distribution agreement with tomato grower Exportadora Silvalber (Silvalber).  We made $2.8 million 
and $1.4 million in advances for operating purposes, similar to Belher and Don Memo, as of October 31, 2023 and 2022, 
respectively. Advances to suppliers are offset by tomato liabilities from the sales of tomatoes per the tomato marketing 
agreement. 

Infrastructure Advances

Pursuant to our infrastructure agreements, we make advances to be used solely for the acquisition, construction, and 
installation of improvements to and on certain land owned/controlled by Belher and Don Memo, as well as packing line 
equipment.  

In October 2020, we entered into an infrastructure loan agreement with Don Memo for $2.4 million secured by Don 
Memo’s property and equipment.  This infrastructure loan accrues interest at 7.25%.  In October 2020, we advanced $0.7 
million related to this loan agreement.  We advanced an additional $0.7 million, and $0.6 million in the first, and second 
quarters of fiscal 2021, respectively.  We have a total balance outstanding of $1.6 million at October 31, 2023 (included 
in other assets). We had a total balance outstanding of $1.6 million at October 31, 2022 ($0.4 million is included in 
prepaids and other current assets and $1.2 million is included in other assets).

In July 2021, we made a bridge loan of $3.5 million to Belher.  This loan is secured by certain farmland in Mexico 
and accrues interest at 10%. In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, this loan was amended to be due with installments of $0.9 
million on July 31, 2022, $0.9 million on July 31, 2023 and $1.7 million on July 31, 2024. As part of this amended loan 
agreement, we can withhold payments on both the infrastructure advances and the bridge loan through the netting the 
amount due against the grower payable due to Belher.  For each the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, we withheld 
$0.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, from payments to Belher to offset the bridge loan repayments. The remaining 
bridge loan has been recorded as $1.7 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets. 

Accrued Expenses

Included in accrued expenses are liabilities related to the receipt of goods and/or services for which an invoice has 
not yet been received. These totaled approximately $14.5 million and $28.7 million for the years ended October 31, 2023 
and 2022, respectively.  

Leases

     Right-of-use assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities 
represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. The Company makes a determination 
if an arrangement constitutes a lease at inception, and categorizes the lease as either an operating or finance lease. 

     Right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present 
value of lease payments over the lease term. For finance leases, we recognize interest expense and amortization of the 
right-of-use asset, and for operating leases, we recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The 
interest expense amortization component of the finance lease liabilities is recorded within interest expense on the 
consolidated statements of operations.

     When available, we use the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value; however, most of 
our leases do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. We estimated our incremental borrowing rate based upon 
a synthetic credit rating and yield curve analysis. As a result, the incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate 
the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments.

56

    We have elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify (under one year term), meaning 
we  will  recognize  expense  on  a  straight-line  basis  and will  not  include  the  recognition  of  a right-of-use  asset or  lease 
liability. We will account for lease and non-lease components as a single-lease component for all leases. 

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when obligations under the terms of a contract with its customer are satisfied; 
generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of its products. Revenue is measured as the amount of net consideration 
expected to be received in exchange for transferring products. Revenue from product sales is governed primarily by 
customer pricing and related purchase orders (“contracts”) which specify shipping terms and certain aspects of the 
transaction price including variable considerations such as rebates, discounts and other sales incentives. Contracts are at 
standalone pricing. The performance obligation in these contracts is determined by each of the individual purchase 
orders and the respective stated quantities, with revenue being recognized at a point in time when obligations under the 
terms of the agreement are satisfied. This generally occurs with the transfer of control of our products to the customer 
and the product is delivered. The Company's customers have an implicit and explicit right to return non-conforming 
products. A provision for payment discounts and product return allowances, which is estimated, is recorded as a 
reduction of sales in the same period that the revenue is recognized. 

Sales Incentives and Other Promotional Programs

The Company routinely offers sales incentives and discounts through various regional and national programs to our 

customers and consumers. These programs include product discounts or allowances, product rebates, product returns, 
one-time or ongoing trade-promotion programs with customers and consumer coupon programs that require the 
Company to estimate the expected costs of such programs. The costs associated with these activities are accounted for as 
reductions to the transaction price of the Company’s products and are, therefore, recorded as reductions to gross sales at 
the time of sale. The Company bases its estimates of incentive costs on historical trend experience with similar programs, 
actual incentive terms per customer contractual obligations and expected levels of performance of trade promotions, 
utilizing customer and sales organization inputs. The Company maintains liabilities at the end of each period for the 
estimated incentive costs incurred but unpaid for these programs. Differences between estimated and actual incentive 
costs are generally not material and are recognized in earnings in the period such differences are determined. Reserves 
for product returns, accrued rebates and promotional accruals are included in the consolidated balance sheets as part of 
accounts receivable.

Principal vs. Agent Considerations

We frequently enter into consignment arrangements with avocado and tomato growers and packers located outside of 

the U.S. and growers of certain perishable products in the U.S. We evaluate whether the performance obligation is a 
promise to transfer services to the customer (as the principal) or to arrange for services to be provided by another party 
(as the agent) using a control model. This evaluation determined that the Company is in control of establishing the 
transaction price, managing all aspects of the shipments process and taking the risk of loss for delivery, collection, and 
returns. Based on the Company’s evaluation of the control model, it determined that all of the Company’s major 
businesses act as the principal rather than the agent within their revenue arrangements and such revenues are reported on 
a gross basis.

Customers

We sell to retail grocery, foodservice, club stores, mass merchandisers, food distributors and wholesale customers.  

Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 66%, 59% and 58% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal years 
2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  Sales to our largest customer, Kroger (including its affiliates), represented 
approximately 17%, 15%, and 16% of net sales in each of fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Trader Joes, 
represented approximately 13% and 11% of net sales in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. Additionally, Wal-Mart 
(including its affiliates) represented approximately 9%, 10% and 11% of net sales in fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, 
respectively.  No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of our net sales in any of the last three fiscal years.

57

Shipping and Handling

We include shipping and handling fees billed to customers in net sales.  Amounts incurred by us for freight are 

included in cost of goods sold.

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 an allowance on accounts receivable.  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.

Consignment Arrangements

We frequently enter into consignment arrangements with avocado and tomato growers and packers located outside of 

the U.S. and growers of certain perishable products in the U.S. 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 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, 2023, 2022 
and 2021 in the financial statements pursuant to consignment arrangements are as follows (in thousands):

Sales
Cost of Sales
Gross Profit

Advertising Expense

2023

2022

2021

$ 56,811
51,937
$ 4,874

$ 59,748
53,238
$ 6,510

$ 52,287
45,945
$ 6,342

Advertising costs are expensed when incurred and are generally included as a component of selling, general and 
administrative expense. Such costs were approximately $0.4 million, $0.6 million and $0.4 million for fiscal years 2023, 
2022, and 2021, respectively.   

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are generally included as a component of selling, 
general and administrative expense. Total research and development costs for fiscal year 2023, 2022 and 2021 was 
approximately $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.  

Restructuring Costs

For the year ended October 31, 2022, we recorded $2.8 million of consulting expenses (included in selling, general 

and administrative expenses) related to an enterprise-wide strategic business review conducted for the purpose of 
restructuring to improve the profitability of the organization and efficiency of our operations. We also recorded $5.5 
million and $2.0 million for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of management recruiting and 
severance costs related to this restructuring initiative. 

58

    
    
    
Other Income

Included in other income is dividend income totaling $0 million, $0.8 million, and $0.6 million for fiscal years 2023, 

2022 and 2021, respectively.  See Note 8 for related party disclosure related to other income.

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. 

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 Loss 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 and contingent consideration.  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 and the effect of contingent consideration shares.

Basic and diluted net loss per share is calculated as follows (U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data):

Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.
Denominator:
Weighted average shares - Basic
Effect on dilutive securities – Restricted stock/units/options (1)
Weighted average shares - Diluted
Net loss per share attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc:
Basic
Diluted

Year ended October 31,
2022

2021

2023

$ (8,344)

$ (6,249) $ (11,818)

17,750
—
17,750

17,663
—
17,663

17,621
—
17,621

$
$

(0.47)
(0.47)

$
$

(0.35) $
(0.35) $

(0.67)
(0.67)

59

(1) For the year ended October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, approximately 104,000 shares, 82,000 shares, and 42,000 

shares of common stock equivalents were excluded in the computation of diluted net loss per share, 
respectively, as the effect would be anti-dilutive since the Company reported a net loss.

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 our 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.  

For the years ended October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized compensation expense of $5.2 million, $3.1

million, and $4.0 million related to stock-based compensation, respectively (See Note 12).  For our restricted stock 
awards, the value of the stock-based compensation was determined from quoted market prices at the date of the grant.  
For our stock option awards, we measure the fair value of our stock options awards using the Black-Scholes-Merton and 
lattice-based option valuation models.

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 (U.S.) 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 in income. Total foreign currency translation 
gains for fiscal 2023 and 2021, net of losses, was $1.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Total foreign currency 
translation losses for fiscal 2022, net of gains, was $1.0 million. 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We believe that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and short-

term borrowings approximates fair value based on either their short-term nature or on terms currently available to the 
Company in financial markets.  Due to current market rates, we believe that our fixed-rate long-term obligations and 
finance leases have nearly the same fair value and carrying value of approximately $7.3 million and $6.0 million as of 
October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. 

Derivative Financial Instruments

We were not a party to any material 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.  

Noncontrolling Interest

The following tables reconcile shareholders’ equity attributable to noncontrolling interest related to Avocados de 

Jalisco (in thousands).

Avocados de Jalisco noncontrolling interest

Year ended

Year ended

October 31, 2023 October 31, 2022

Noncontrolling interest, beginning 
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest of Avocados de Jalisco
Noncontrolling interest, ending

$

$

1,015
377
1,392

$

$

1,368
(353)
1,015

60

3.    Inventories

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

Fresh fruit
Packing supplies and ingredients
Finished prepared foods
Total

October 31,
2023

October 31,
2022

     $ 19,870      $ 16,938
14,176
7,716
$ 38,830

9,438
10,122
$ 39,430

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.  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. 

4.     Property, Plant, and Equipment 

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

October 31,

2023

2022

Land
Buildings and improvements
Leasehold improvements
Equipment
Information systems - hardware and software
Construction in progress

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     $

11,008      $
46,627
21,524
127,876
14,767
6,846
228,648
(115,919)
$ 112,729

11,008
45,733
19,030
121,441
11,920
8,307
217,439
(104,129)
$ 113,310

Depreciation expense was $13.8 million, $15.0 million and $14.5 million for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, 
respectively.  Included in property, plant, and equipment are finance leases. Amortization of finance leases was $1.9 
million, $1.8 million and $1.8 million for fiscal years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

61

5.     Other Assets and Intangibles

Other assets consist of the following (in thousands): 

Mexican IVA (i.e. value-added) taxes receivable, net (see Note 14)
Infrastructure advances (see Note 2)
Bridge loan to Agricola Belher (see Note 2)
Other
Total

The intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

October 31, October 31,

2023
$ 49,888
1,641
—
930
$ 52,459

2022
$ 43,625
1,241
1,700
604
$ 47,170

Customer list/relationships
Trade names
Trade secrets/recipes
Brand name intangibles
Intangibles, net

Weighted-
Average
Useful Life
8 years
8 years
9 years
indefinite

October 31, 2023

October 31, 2022

Gross
Carrying
Value
$ 17,100
3,949
170
275
$ 21,494

Net
Book
Accum.
Amortization
Value
$ (12,517) $ 4,583
840
(3,109)
—
(170)
275
—
$ (15,796) $ 5,698

Gross
Carrying
Value
$ 17,340
4,060
630
275
$ 22,305

Net
Book
Accum.
Amortization
Value
$ (11,373) $ 5,967
960
(3,100)
4
(626)
—
275
$ (15,099) $ 7,206

We recorded amortization expense of approximately $1.5 million, $1.6 million, and $1.6 million for fiscal years 
2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.  We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $1.5 million for 
fiscal year 2024, $1.5 million for fiscal year 2025, $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026, and $0.9 million thereafter.

6.     Revolving Credit Facilities

      On June 26, 2023, Calavo and certain subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) by and 
among Calavo, certain subsidiaries of Calavo as guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as agent and 
lender (“Agent”). The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility of up to $90.0 million (the “Revolving 
Loans”), along with a capex credit facility of up to $10.0 million (the “Term Loan”, and together with the Revolving 
Loans, the “New Credit Facility”).

     The initial proceeds of $36.8 million on the Revolving Loans were used to fully repay the outstanding $34.9 million, 
balance under Calavo’s previous revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and to pay related transaction fees 
and expenses, and following the Closing Date (June 26, 2023) may be used for working capital and other general 
corporate purposes.  For a period of one year following the Closing Date, Calavo may utilize the proceeds of the Term 
Loan to pay a certain percentage of the costs of certain equipment purchased by Calavo.

      Borrowings of the Revolving Loans under the Credit Agreement are asset-based and are subject to a borrowing base 
calculation that includes a certain percentage of eligible accounts receivable, inventory and equipment of Calavo, less 
any reserves implemented by Agent in its permitted discretion; provided that the equipment based portion of such 
borrowing base calculation will reduce monthly following the Closing Date.

      Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin, plus, at 
Calavo’s option, either a base rate or a secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) term rate (which includes a spread 
adjustment of 0.10% and is subject to a floor of 0.00%). The applicable margin is (i) for Revolving Loans, 0.50% for 
base rate borrowings and 1.50% for SOFR term rate borrowings, and (ii) for Term Loan, 1.00% for base rate borrowings 
and 2.00% for SOFR term rate borrowings.  The New Credit Facility matures on June 26, 2028 (the “Maturity Date”).
Calavo may voluntarily prepay loans under the New Credit Facility, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty. 
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, Calavo may be required to make certain mandatory 
prepayments prior to the Maturity Date.

62

     The Credit Agreement contains negative covenants that, among other things, limit Calavo’s ability to: incur 
indebtedness; grant liens on its assets; enter into certain investments; consummate fundamental change transactions; 
engage in mergers or acquisitions or dispose of assets; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; make changes to its 
fiscal year; enter into certain restrictive agreements; and make certain restricted payments (including for dividends). 
Each of these limitations are subject to various conditions.  The Credit Agreement also contains a springing fixed charge 
coverage ratio financial covenant that is tested if the amount of the Revolving Loans available for Calavo to borrow 
under the New Credit Facility is less than 10% of the total revolving credit facility.

     The Credit Agreement also contains certain affirmative covenants and customary events of default provisions, 
including, subject to thresholds and grace periods, among others, payment default, covenant default, cross default to 
other material indebtedness, and judgment default.

As of October 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the financial covenants, and we expect to remain in compliance 

for the next 12-months from our issuance date. As of October 31, 2023, approximately $40.0 million was available for 
borrowing, based on our borrowing base calculation discussed above. 

The weighted-average interest rate under the Credit Facility was 7.1% at October 31, 2023. Under the New Credit 
Facility, we had $35.0 million and $4.1 million outstanding related to the Revolving Loans and Term Loan, respectively, 
as of October 31, 2023. The future principal payments related to the Term Loan is approximately $0.6 million for fiscal 
year 2024, $0.7 million for fiscal year 2025, $0.7 million for fiscal year 2026, $0.7 million for fiscal year 2027, and $1.4 
million for fiscal year 2028.

In connection with the New Credit Facility, we temporarily posted cash collateral to satisfy certain collateral 
requirements as we transitioned banks providing letters of credit related to our workers compensation policies. As of 
October 31, 2023, we have recorded $0.8 million and $3.0 million as restricted cash and prepaid and other current assets, 
respectively, related to this transition.

     The weighted-average interest rate under our previous credit facility with Bank of America was 4.9%  at October 31, 
2022. Under this credit facility, we had $1.2 million outstanding as of October 31, 2022, and had standby letters-of-
credit of $3.2 million as of October 31, 2022.

7.     Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and guarantees

We lease facilities and certain equipment under non-cancelable leases expiring at various dates through 2031. We are 
committed to make minimum cash payments under these agreements as of October 31, 2022.  See Note 15 for additional 
details on the type of lease agreements.

We indemnify our directors and have the power to indemnify each of our officers, employees and other agents, to the 
maximum extent permitted by applicable law.  No amounts have been accrued in the accompanying financial statements 
related to these indemnifications.

Compliance matters

On January 16, 2024, the Company announced that its internal audit process had identified to the Audit Committee of 

the Board of Directors certain matters that the Board of Directors determined after fiscal year end merited enhanced 
evaluation. A Special Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Special Committee”) was established to commence an 
investigation, with the assistance of external legal counsel and external forensic accountants. The Special Committee 
determined that certain of those matters related to the Company’s operations in Mexico raised potential issues under the 
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). The Company has voluntarily disclosed this ongoing internal investigation to 
the SEC and the Department of Justice ("DOJ"), and the Company intends to fully cooperate with the SEC and the DOJ 
in connection with these matters. Any determination that the Company’s operations or activities were not in compliance 

63

with laws, including the FCPA, could result in the imposition of material fines and penalties and the imposition of 
equitable remedies. The Company cannot currently predict the timing of completion or the outcome of its internal 
investigation or of any actions that may be taken by the SEC, the DOJ or Mexican authorities in connection with the 
matters under investigation, and the Company cannot currently estimate the amount or range of loss or potential impact 
on its consolidated financial statements associated with these matters.

Mexico tax audits

We conduct business both domestically and internationally and, as a result, one or more of our subsidiaries files 
income tax returns in U.S. federal, U.S. state and certain foreign jurisdictions.  Accordingly, in the normal course of 
business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities, primarily in Mexico and the United States.

2013 Assessment

      In January 2017, we received preliminary observations from the Servicio de Administracion Tributaria in Mexico 
(the “SAT”) related to an audit for fiscal year 2013 outlining certain proposed adjustments primarily related to 
intercompany funding, deductions for services from certain vendors/suppliers and IVA. We provided a written rebuttal to 
these preliminary observations during our second fiscal quarter of 2017. During the period from our third fiscal quarter 
of 2017 through our third fiscal quarter of 2018, we attempted to resolve our case with the SAT through the conclusive 
agreement submitted before PRODECON (Mexican Tax Ombudsman), having several working meetings attended by 
representatives of the SAT, Calavo de Mexico (“CDM”) and the PRODECON. However, we were unable to materially 
resolve our case with the SAT through the PRODECON process.

As a result, in July 2018, the SAT’s local office in Uruapan issued to CDM a final tax assessment (the “2013 

Assessment”) totaling approximately $2.6 billion Mexican pesos (which includes annual adjustments for inflation, and 
equals approximately $143.8 million USD at October 31, 2023) related to income tax, flat rate business tax, and value 
added tax, related to this fiscal 2013 tax audit. This amount has been adjusted for inflation as of October 31, 2023 to the 
amount of $3 billion Mexican pesos (approximately $166.0 million USD). Additionally, the tax authorities have 
determined that we owe our employees profit-sharing liability, totaling approximately $118 million Mexican pesos 
(approximately $6.5 million USD at October 31, 2023).  In August 2018, we filed an Administrative Appeal on the 2013 
Assessment, appealing our case to the SAT’s central legal department in Michoacan.

On June 25, 2021, we became aware that the Administrative Appeal had been resolved by the SAT against CDM on 

March 12, 2021, and that we had allegedly failed to timely respond to and challenge the SAT’s notification of such 
resolution, therefore rendering the 2013 Assessment as definitive. Consequently, the SAT placed liens on the fixed assets 
of CDM, with a net book value of approximately $26 million USD, and on bank accounts of CDM totaling 
approximately $1 million USD in order to guaranty the 2013 Assessment. Based on legal counsel from our tax advisory 
firm, we and our tax advisory firm have concluded that the March notification was not legally communicated.

On August 18, 2021, we filed an Administrative Reconsideration (the Reconsideration) before the Central Legal 
Department of the SAT located in Mexico City, asserting that the resolution in March of the Administrative Appeal was 
wrongly concluded, in particular with respect to the following matters:

o Failure to recognize CDM as a “maquiladora”
o Considering the Company to have a permanent establishment in Mexico,
o Including fruit purchase deposits transferred by the Company to CDM as taxable, 
o Application of 16% IVA tax to fruit purchase deposits; and
o Imposing double-taxation on the fruit purchase transactions

On August 20, 2021 we filed an Annulment Suit (the Annulment Suit) with the Federal Tax Court, which among 

other things, strongly contends that the notifications made by the SAT to CDM and its designated advisors of the 
resolution of the Administrative Appeal in March 2021 were not legally communicated. In addition, the Annulment Suit 
asserts the same matters central to the Reconsideration, as described above, as wrongly concluded in the resolution of the 
Administrative Appeal.

64

On September 22, 2021, we had an initial in-person meeting with the SAT in Mexico City to formally present and 

discuss the Reconsideration. The SAT agreed to review our Reconsideration in more detail; however, on January 3, 
2022, the SAT formally rejected our request for the Reconsideration. In response to this rejection, on January 21, 2022, 
we filed a capital suit (the “Injunction Suit”) with a federal district court seeking to nullify the arguments against the 
Reconsideration made by the SAT on constitutional grounds.

The injunction Suit was to challenge the SAT’s response issued to the Reconsideration, and with that, to keep the 
Reconsideration alive until the Injunction Suit is decided. This would allow time to continue the discussions with SAT at 
the administrative level and would give SAT the legal basis to issue a new resolution. The Injunction Suit represents a 
further opportunity for a court to analyze this matter from a constitutional perspective.

On August 16, 2023, we received notice that the federal district court rejected the Injunction Suite. In so doing, the 
federal district court did not rule on the substance of the case, stating that the substance of the cse will be resolved by the 
Tax Court through the Annulment Suit.  The Company filed an appeal with the federal circuit court on August 30, 2023.

On March 10, 2022, we met with the SAT and offered an Administrative Guaranty (Embargo en Via Administrativa) 
to secure the 2013 Assessment, which provides the SAT with certain administrative rights to CDM assets in the event we 
do not prevail in our actions through the Federal Tax Court.

On October 10, 2022, the Tax Court ruled in favor of CDM granting the definitive suspension, accepting the 

Administrative Guaranty and forcing the SAT to remove all liens placed on CDM fixed assets and bank accounts.  These 
liens were removed in November 2022. The Court also recognized that the $3.1 billion pesos assessment exceeds the 
economic capacity of CDM.

On October 13, 2023, the company filed an extension of the Annulment Suit filed on August 20, 2021, as a result of 

the response to the lawsuit filed by the Tax Authority, pointing out that Tax Authority’s resolution is unlawful due to 
improper substantiation and motivation, because of the following:

• The QR Code does not allow the company to verify the veracity of the document, 
• The notification of the tax assessment was not sent to the phone number indicated by the company, when the Tax 
Authority was obliged to do so, among others. 

On November 14, 2023, the Tax Court notified the admission of the extension of the lawsuit was filed. 

While we continue to believe that the 2013 Assessment is completely without merit, and that we will prevail on the 

Annulment Suit in the Tax Court, we also believe that it is in the best interest of CDM and the Company to settle the 
2013 Assessment as quickly as possible. Furthermore, we believe that the above actions taken by CDM will encourage 
the SAT to agree to reach a settlement. In accordance with our cumulative probability analysis on uncertain tax positions, 
our settlements made by the SAT in other cases, the 2011 Assessment settlement reached by CDM with the MFM, and 
the value of CDM assets, we recorded a provision of $11 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021, as a discrete item in 
Income Tax Provision. The provision includes estimated penalties, interest and inflationary adjustments.  We believe that 
this provision remains appropriate as of October 31, 2023 based on our cumulative probability analysis.  We incurred 
$2.4 million of related professional fees for the year ended October 31, 2023, which have been recorded in Expenses 
related to Mexican Tax matters on the consolidated statements of operations.

Litigation

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.

65

8.     Related-Party Transactions

Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer

Certain members of our Board of Directors market California avocados through Calavo pursuant to marketing 
agreements substantially similar to the marketing agreements that we enter with other growers.  During the years ended 
October 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by 
members of our Board of Directors was $2.7 million, $7.5 million and $17.8 million, respectively.  We did not have any 
amounts due to Board members as of October 31, 2023 and 2022. For the year ended October 31, 2023, we have 
purchased $3.1 million of avocados from entities affiliated with our Chief Executive Officer.

Agricola Don Memo, S.A. de C.V. (“Don Memo”)

In December 2014, Calavo formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Calavo Growers De Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. 

(Calavo Sub). In July 2015, Calavo Sub entered into a Shareholder Agreement with Belo, a Mexican company owned by 
Agricola Belher, and formed Agricola Don Memo, S.A. de C.V.  Belo and Calavo Sub have an equal one-half ownership 
interest in Don Memo in exchange for $2 million each.  Pursuant to a management service agreement, Belo, through its 
officers and employees, has day-to-day power and authority to manage the operations. Therefore, Don Memo is 
accounted for on the equity method  as an unconsolidated entity. Belo is entitled to a management fee payable annually 
in July of each year.  Additionally, Calavo Sub is entitled to commission for the sale of produce in Mexico, the U.S., 
Canada, and any other overseas market. 

As of October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we have an investment of $2.9 million, $3.8 million and $4.3 million, 

respectively, representing Calavo Sub’s 50% ownership in Don Memo, which is included as an investment in 
unconsolidated entities on our balance sheet. We make advances to Don Memo for operating purposes, provide 
additional advances as shipments are made during the season, and return the proceeds from tomato sales under our 
marketing program to Don Memo, net of our commission and aforementioned advances. For the year ended October 31, 
2022, we advanced an additional $2.8 million of preseason advances to Don Memo.  As of October 31, 2023, 2022 and 
2021, we had outstanding advances of $7.3 million, $7.0 million and $4.2 million, respectively, to Don Memo. As of 
October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we had a tomato liability of $1.5 million, $1.9 million and $3.0 million, respectively, 
to Don Memo. During the year ended October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 we purchased $15.8 million, $13.7 million and 
$14.7 million, respectively, of tomatoes from Don Memo pursuant to our consignment agreement.

In October 2020, we entered into an infrastructure loan agreement with Don Memo for up to $2.4 million secured by 
certain property and equipment of Don Memo.  This infrastructure loan accrues interest at 7.25%.  The total outstanding 
balance related to this infrastructure loan agreement at October 31, 2023 was $1.6 million (included in other assets).  The 
total outstanding balance related to this infrastructure loan agreement at October 31, 2022 was $1.6 million ($0.4 million 
is included in prepaids and other current assets and $1.2 million in other assets). 

Belher

We make advances to Belher for operating purposes, provide additional advances as shipments are made during the 

season, and return the proceeds from tomato sales under our marketing program to Belher, net of our commission and 
aforementioned advances. We had grower advances due from Belher of $5.4 million, $4.5 million and $4.5 million as of 
October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  

In August 2018, we entered into an amended infrastructure agreement with Belher and advanced $3.0 million. This 

amount was to be paid back annually at $0.6 million through June 2023, and accrue interest of LIBOR plus 10%.  In 
August 2020, we amended this agreement to lower the interest rate to 7.25% and change the repayment terms to two 
years ($0.9 million per year). This infrastructure advance was paid in full during fiscal 2022, through the netting against 
the grower payable to Belher (see below).  

In July 2021, we made a bridge loan of $3.5 million to Belher.  This loan is secured by certain farmland in Mexico 
and accrues interest at 10%. In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, this loan was amended to be due with installments of $0.9 

66

million on July 31, 2022, $0.9 million on July 31, 2023 and $1.7 million on July 31, 2024. As part of this amended loan 
agreement, we can withhold payments on both the infrastructure advances and the bridge loan through the netting against 
the grower payable due to Belher.  For the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, we withheld $0.9 million and $1.1 
million, respectively, from payments to Belher to offset the bridge loan repayments.  As of October 31, 2023, the balance 
of the bridge loan has been recorded as $1.7 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets. As of October 31, 
2022, the balance of the bridge loan has been recorded as $0.9 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets and 
$1.7 million in other assets. During the year ended October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we purchased $16.2 million, $19.4 
million, and $16.3 million, respectively, of tomatoes from Belher pursuant to our consignment agreement.

Avocados de Jalisco, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“Avocados de Jalisco”)

In August 2015, we entered into a Shareholder’s Agreement with various partners to form Avocados de Jalisco, 
which is a Mexican corporation engaged in procuring, packing, and selling avocados.  This entity is approximately 83% 
owned by Calavo and is consolidated in our financial statements.  Avocados de Jalisco built a packinghouse located in 
Jalisco, Mexico and such packinghouse began operations in June of 2017. As of October 31, 2023 and 2022, we have 
made an insignificant amount of preseason advances to various partners of Avocados de Jalisco.  During the year ended 
October 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we purchased approximately $8.1 million, $7.0 million and $13.0 million, 
respectively, of avocados from the partners of Avocados de Jalisco.  

9.     Income Taxes 

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

Current:
Federal
State
Foreign
Total current

Deferred:
Federal
State
Foreign
Total deferred
Change in valuation allowance
Total income tax provision 

2023

2022

2021

$ (387) $ 2,012
147
1,209
3,368

280
1,143
1,036

$ (3,449)
323
16,703
13,577

(468)
(337)
2,656
1,851
3,055
$ 5,942

(162)
746
(701)
(117)
—
$ 3,251

790
(343)
(3,934)
(3,487)
657
$ 10,747

      The following table presents domestic and foreign components of loss before income taxes for the years ended 
October 31, (in thousands):

Domestic
Foreign
Income (loss) before taxes

2023

$ (8,741) $
6,716
$ (2,025) $

2021

2022
(1,411) $ (4,959)
3,784
(1,940)
(3,351) $ (1,175)

     The above loss before taxes includes the net loss from unconsolidated entites of $0.9 million and $0.6 million for the 
years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, which is recorded in foreign operations, respectively. Additionally, for fiscal 
2022, we received income tax refunds of $6.7 million.

At October 31, 2023 and 2022, gross deferred tax assets totaled approximately $25.8 million and $23.5 million, while 
gross deferred tax liabilities totaled approximately $18.7 million and $16.2 million, respectively.  Deferred income taxes 

67

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 tax assets (liabilities) as of October 31, are as follows (in thousands):

Intangible assets
Stock-based compensation
State taxes
Allowance for accounts receivable
Inventories
Accrued liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
Net operating loss
Capital loss carryover
Credits and incentives
Total deferred income tax assets 

Property, plant, and equipment
Operating lease - right of use assets
Other
Total deferred income tax liabilities
Valuation allowance
Net deferred income tax assets 

2023

2022

$

941
316
7
1,276
591
2,238
14,444
4,109
806
1,099
25,827

$

2,828
715
6
936
442
1,143
14,861
549
804
1,194
23,478

(6,340)
(12,111)
(227)
(18,678)
(4,885)
2,264

$

(2,002)
(13,723)
(490)
(16,215)
(1,830)
5,433

$

    The Company’s net deferred income tax assets as presented in the consolidated balance sheets consists of the 
following items as of October 31, (in thousands):

Deferred income tax assets
Deferred income tax liabilities
Net deferred income tax assets

     Year Ended October 31,

2023
$ 3,010
(746)
$ 2,264

$

$

2022

5,433
—
5,433

As of October 31, 2023, the Company had a federal net operating loss carryforward of $6.6 million. As of October 

31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has gross state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $13.4 million and 
$9.1 million, respectively, with carryforward periods primarily ranging from 20 years to indefinite. 

The Company’s domestic operations has incurred a cumulative operating loss for the last three years. During the 
fourth quarter of the year ended October 31, 2023, based on this evaluation, and after considering future reversals of 
existing taxable temporary differences, the Company determined the realization of a majority of the net deferred tax 
assets no longer met the more likely than not criteria and a valuation allowance was recorded against the majority of the 
net deferred tax assets.  As of October 31, 2023 and 2022, there is a valuation allowance of $4.9 million and $1.8 
million, respectively, against the deferred tax assets that are more likely not to be realized. During the year ended 
October 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company increased the valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets by $3.1 
million and $0.6 million, respectively.

68

    
    
A reconciliation of the significant differences between the federal statutory income tax rate and the effective income 

tax rate on pretax income (loss) for the years ended October 31, is as follows:

Federal statutory tax rate
State taxes, net of federal effects
Rate differential on NOL carryback
Foreign tax rate differential
Uncertain tax positions
Stock based compensation
Provision to return
US tax on foreign income, net
State rate change
Valuation allowance
Limits on executive compensation
Other permanent differences
Other

     2023

2022

2021

21.0 %   21.0 %  
0.9
—
(29.8)
—
(26.3)
(12.3)
(15.8)
0.9
(150.7)
(21.6)
(19.1)
(40.6)
(293.4)%   (97.0)%  

(1.3)
—
5.2
5.1
(6.1)
(59.9)
—
(2.5)
(24.2)
—
(33.8)
(0.5)

21.0 %  
11.6
125.8
16.1
(1,059.9)
(16.7)
39.2
—
9.2
(44.1)
—

—
(15.5)
(913.3) %  

As of October 31, 2023, and 2022, we had $11.1 million for unrecognized tax benefits related primarily to the 

probable outcomes of the 2013 Mexico Assessment. See Note 7 for further information.  

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized taxes (exclusive of interest and 

penalties) was as follows (in thousands):

Beginning balance
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior periods
Gross increase - Tax positions in prior periods
Gross increase - Tax positions in current period
Ending balance

     Year Ended October 31,

2023
$ 11,131
—
—
—
$ 11,131

2022
11,303
(172)
—
—
11,131

$

$

Although it is reasonably possible that certain unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease within the next 

twelve months due to tax examination changes, settlement activities, expirations of statutes of limitations, or the impact 
on recognition and measurement considerations related to the results of published tax cases or other similar activities, the 
Company does not anticipate any significant changes to unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months. The 
Company accounts for income taxes regarding uncertain tax positions and recognized interest and penalties related to 
uncertain tax positions in income tax benefit/(expense) in the consolidated statements of operations. Total accrued 
interest and penalties recorded on the consolidated balance sheet were zero because the company prepaid the disputed 
amount.  See Note 7 for additional details.

We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income of multiple state tax and foreign tax jurisdictions.  We 
are no longer subject to U.S. income tax examinations for the fiscal years prior to October 31, 2020, and are no longer 
subject to state income tax examinations for fiscal years prior to October 31, 2019.

The Company determined that certain foreign earnings to be indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. Our 
intent is to permanently reinvest these funds outside of the United States and our current plans do not demonstrate a need 
to repatriate the cash to fund our U.S. operations. However, if these funds were repatriated, we would be required to 
accrue and pay applicable United States taxes (if any) and withholding taxes payable to foreign tax authorities.

69

    
    
10.     Segment Information

Calavo operates in two segments, Grown and Prepared.  The Grown segment consists of fresh avocados, tomatoes 
and papayas. The Prepared segment comprises all other products including fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat 
sandwiches, wraps, salads and snacks, and guacamole sold at retail and food service as well as avocado pulp sold to 
foodservice. 

     These two business segments are presented based on how information is used by our Chief Executive Officer (our 
Chief Operating Decision Maker) to measure performance and allocate resources. Selling, general and administrative 
expenses, as well as other non-operating income/expense items, are evaluated by our Chief Executive Officer in the 
aggregate.  We do not allocate assets, or specifically identify them, to our operating segments. Prior year information has 
been recast to conform with the new segment disclosures. 

The following table sets forth sales, cost of sales, and gross profit by segment (in thousands)

Year ended October 31, 2023
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit

Year ended October 31, 2022
Net sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit

Grown

Prepared

Inter-segment
Elimins.

Total

(All amounts are presented in thousands)

$ 529,025
476,862
$ 52,163

$ 444,552
426,759
$ 17,793

$ 700,270
650,105
$ 50,165

$ 492,868
469,188
$ 23,680

$

$

$

$

(1,629) $
(1,629)

— $

971,948
901,992
69,956

(2,065) $ 1,191,073
1,117,228
(2,065)
73,845

— $

For fiscal year 2023, 2022 and 2021, inter-segment sales and cost of sales of $1.6 million, $2.1 million and $2.5 

million, respectively, between Grown and Prepared were eliminated. 

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

Year ended October 31, 2023

Year ended October 31, 2022

Grown

Prepared

Total

Grown

Prepared

Total

$

$ 645,944
47,288
11,422
123

— $
—
—
—
— 426,161
74,970
—
1,860
—
502,991
704,777
(10,123)
(4,507)
—
(2,065)
$ 492,868
$ 698,205

645,944
47,288
11,422
123
426,161
74,970
1,860
1,207,768
(14,630)
(2,065)
$ 1,191,073

Avocados
Tomatoes
Papayas
Other fresh income
Fresh-cut products
Guacamole 
Salsa
Total gross sales
Less sales allowances
Less inter-segment eliminations
Net sales

$

$ 466,385
56,298
10,432
100

— $ 466,385
56,298
—
10,432
—
100
—
383,028
— 383,028
70,611
70,611
—
796
796
—
987,650
454,435
533,215
(14,073)
(9,883)
(4,190)
(1,629)
—
(1,629)
$ 971,948
$ 444,552
$ 527,396

70

Avocados
Tomatoes
Papayas
Other fresh income
Fresh-cut products
Guacamole
Salsa
Total gross sales
Less sales allowances
Less inter-segment eliminations
Net sales

Year ended October 31, 2022

Year ended October 31, 2021

Grown

Prepared

Total

Grown

Prepared

Total

$

$ 645,944
47,288
11,422
123

— $
—
—
—
— 426,161
74,970
—
1,860
—
502,991
704,777
(10,123)
(4,507)
—
(2,065)
$ 492,868
$ 698,205

645,944
47,288
11,422
123
426,161
74,970
1,860
1,207,768
(14,630)
(2,065)
$ 1,191,073

$

$ 536,969
43,658
10,884
693

— $
—
—
—
— 403,017
75,681
—
2,784
—
481,482
592,204
(11,682)
(3,677)
—
(2,497)
$ 469,800
$ 586,030

536,969
43,658
10,884
693
403,017
75,681
2,784
1,073,686
(15,359)
(2,497)
$ 1,055,830

Sales to customers outside the U.S. were approximately $34.6 million, $27.8 million and $34.8 million for fiscal 

years 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

Prepared segment sales included sales to two customers who represented more than 10% of total consolidated 

revenues for fiscal 2023. Prepared segment sales included sales to one customer who represented more than 10% of total 
consolidated revenues for fiscal 2022 and 2021. Additionally, the Grown products segment had sales to one customer 
that represented more than 10% of total consolidated revenues for fiscal 2021.

Our goodwill balance of $28.7 million is attributed by segment to Grown for $4.0 million and Prepared for $24.7 

million as of October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. 

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

October 31, 2023
October 31, 2022

11.     Long-Term Obligations

United States
77,791
$
77,208
$

Mexico

$
$

34,938
36,102

Consolidated
$ 112,729
$ 113,310

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

Finance leases
Less current portion

See Note 15 for additional information. 

12.     Stock-Based Compensation

The 2020 Equity Incentive Plan

2023
7,251
(1,604)
$ 5,647

2022
6,021
(1,574)
$ 4,447

In April 2021, our shareholders approved the Calavo Growers, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2020 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 2020 Plan.  This is a five-year plan, with up to 
1,500,000 shares issuable through December 9, 2025.

71

    
    
Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs)

On November 3, 2022, our former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) entered into an amendment to his employment 
agreement, which changed $100,000 of his guaranteed STIP cash bonus for fiscal 2022 to $100,000 worth of unrestricted 
Calavo common stock.  On December 22, 2022, our CEO was granted 3,321 shares of unrestricted common stock. The 
closing share price of our common stock at the grant date was $30.12.  

On December 1, 2022, our 10 directors were granted 3,478 restricted shares each (for a total of 34,780 shares).  

These shares have full voting rights and participate in dividends as if unrestricted. The closing share price of our stock on 
such grant date was $34.51.  Two directors did not seek reelection in April of 2023, and, consequently, 1,678 shares for 
each director (for a total of 3,356 shares) vested and became unrestricted while 1,800 shares for each director (for a total 
of 3,600 shares) were forfeited. As of November 1, 2023, the remaining 27,824 shares vested and became unrestricted.  
The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for these grants was $1.1 million for the year ended October 31, 
2023.  

On March 7, 2023, our former CEO was terminated.  As part of his Separation Agreement, the remaining 19,329 
restricted shares that were granted as part of his original employment agreement were immediately vested.  The total 
stock-based compensation expense recognized was $0.8 million for the year ended October 31, 2023.

The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock awards was $2.3 million for each of the 
years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022. As of October 31, 2023, there was less than $0.1 million of unrecognized stock-
based compensation costs related to non-vested RSAs, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average 
period of  0.3 years.  

A summary of restricted stock activity, related to our 2011 Plan and 2020 Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for 

per share amounts):

Outstanding at October 31, 2022
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Outstanding at October 31, 2023

Number of Shares
$
67
$
38
(72) $
(4) $
$
29

Weighted-Average
Grant Price

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

$

747

45.01
34.13
41.85
37.85
35.24

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Restricted Stock Units (PRSUs)

On December 1, 2022, we issued RSUs and PRSUs for officers and other members of management as part of our 
long-term incentive plan. The RSUs are time-based and vest annually in equal amounts over a three-year period. The 
PRSUs are based on three-year cumulative performance targets of net sales, adjusted EBITDA and return on invested 
capital and vest entirely at the third anniversary.  We granted 66,325 RSUs and 66,325 PRSUs at a grant price of $34.51.  

On March 7, 2023, our former CEO was terminated.  As part of his Separation Agreement, 7,421 RSUs and 13,687 

PRSUs immediately vested.  The accelerated stock-based compensation expense recognized was $0.5 million for the 
year ended October 31, 2023.  With his termination, 8,574 PRSUs and 11,285 RSUs were forfeited. In June of 2023, two 
of our Senior Vice Presidents departed the Company and, pursuant to their employment agreements, 10,311 RSUs 
immediately vested.  The accelerated stock-based compensation expense recognized was $0.3 million for the year ended 
October 31, 2023.  With these departures 6,123 PRSUs and 6,123 RSUs were forfeited.  

On November 1, 2023, each of our 8 directors were granted 4,929 RSUs each (for a total of 39,432 RSUs) at a price 

of $24.35 and will vest in one year.  

72

The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for RSUs was $1.6 million and $0.7 million for the year 
ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of October 31, 2023, there was $1.2 million of unrecognized stock-
based compensation costs related to non-vested RSUs, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average 
period of 1.8 years.  

A combined summary of RSU activity, related to our 2020 Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for per share 

amounts):

Outstanding at October 31, 2022
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Outstanding at October 31, 2023

Number of Shares Weighted-Average

Represented

Grant Price

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

$
52
68
$
(32) $
(37) $
$
51

39.17
34.46
39.25
35.65
35.36

$

1,284

At the end of each reporting period, the Company will adjust compensation expense for the PRSUs based on its best 

estimate of attainment of the specified performance targets.  The cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a 
change in the estimated number of PRSUs that are expected to be earned will be recognized as an adjustment in the 
period of the adjustment.  As of October 31, 2023, the Company determined that it was not probable that any of the 
PRSUs for the 2022 or 2023 three-year cumulative performance grant would vest. The Company recorded a net reversal 
of approximately $0.3 million of previously amortized stock-based compensation for the year months ended October 31, 
2023, for all PRSUs.  The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for PRSUs was $0.2 million and $0.1 
million for the year ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. 

The summary of PRSU activity, related to our 2020 Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

Outstanding at October 31, 2022
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Adjusted for performance factor
Outstanding at October 31, 2023

Stock Options

Number of Shares Weighted-Average

Represented

Grant Price

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

$
31
66
$
(14) $
(33) $
(50) $
— $

37.49
34.51
35.65
35.35
35.22

— $

—

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

We measure compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognize 

compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations over the service period that the awards are expected 
to vest.  

       In March 2023, the Company agreed to award our newly appointed CEO a stock option to purchase 500,000 shares of 
the Company’s common stock pursuant to the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, which will vest in the following four tranches 
upon satisfaction of the milestones described below (the “Milestones”):

(i) 200,000 shares subject to the option shall vest and become exercisable on March 10, 2024;

(ii)  100,000  shares  subject  to  the  option  shall  vest  and  become  exercisable  (1)  if  the  closing  price  per  share  of  the 
Company’s common stock, as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market, is greater than or equal to $50.00 (the “Target Share 
Price”),  and  (2)  the  average  closing  price  per  share  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  for  any  thirty  (30)  day  period

73

following achievement of the Target Share Price (the “Thirty-day Average Share Price”), is greater than or equal to $50.00, 
as reported by Nasdaq;

(iii) 100,000 shares subject to the option shall vest and become exercisable (1) upon achievement of the Target Share Price, 
and (2) the Thirty-day Average Share Price is greater than or equal to $60.00, as reported by Nasdaq; and

(iv) 100,000 shares subject to the option shall vest and become exercisable (1) upon achievement of the Target Share Price, 
and (2) the Thirty-day Average Share Price is greater than or equal to $70.00, as reported by Nasdaq;

      provided, however, that satisfaction of each Milestone is subject to our newly appointed CEO continuing as the 
President and CEO of the Company through each vesting event; and provided further that regardless of when he achieves 
the Milestones set forth in subsections (ii) through (iv) above, the applicable tranche shall only vest on or after March 10,
2024. 

  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:

Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Expected life (years)

    March 2023

4.31 %
35.0 %
1.6 %
3.0

     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.  For the market award, we 
determined both the fair value and derived service period using a Monte Carlo simulation model on the closing date.

     Based on the above details and assumptions, we valued these options at $1.8 million.  We will amortize this amount 
on a straight-line basis over the derived service period.  

The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for options was $1.3 million for the year ended October 31, 
2023. As of October 31, 2023, there was $0.7 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation costs related to options, 
which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of 0.4 years.  

A summary of stock option activity, related to our 2011 and 2020 Management Incentive Plan, is as follows (in 

thousands, except for per share amounts):

Outstanding at October 31, 2022
Exercised
Granted
Outstanding at October 31, 2023
Exercisable at October 31, 2023

74

Number of Shares
27
$
(2) $
$
$
$

500
525
17

Weighted-Average Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Exercise
Price

44.67
23.48
24.39
25.44
49.52

$
475
$ —

13.     Dividends

In November 2022, we announced that we would begin declaring and paying dividends quarterly rather than annually 

which had been our prior practice.  

On December 14, 2022, we paid a dividend of $0.2875 per share, or an aggregate of $5.2 million, to shareholders of 

record on November 16, 2022. On April 6, 2023, we paid a $0.10 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $1.7 
million to shareholders of record on March 24, 2023. On July 11, 2023, we paid a $0.10 per share dividend in the 
aggregate amount of $1.8 million to shareholders of record on June 27, 2023.  

On September 1, 2023, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share. This dividend was paid on 

October 11, 2023, to shareholders of record on September 27, 2023.

14.  Mexican IVA taxes receivable

Included in other assets are tax receivables due from the Mexican government for value-added taxes (IVA) paid in 

advance. CDM is charged IVA by vendors on certain expenditures in Mexico, which, insofar as they relate to the 
exportation of goods, translate into IVA amounts receivable from the Mexican government.

As of October 31, 2023, and October 31, 2022, CDM IVA receivables totaled $49.9 million (913.6 million Mexican 

pesos) and $43.6 million (865.4 million Mexican pesos).  Historically, CDM received IVA refund payments from the 
Mexican tax authorities on a timely basis. Beginning in fiscal 2014 and continuing into fiscal 2021, however, the tax 
authorities began carrying out more detailed reviews of our refund requests and our supporting documentation. 
Additionally, they are also questioning the refunds requested attributable to IVA paid to certain suppliers that allegedly 
did not fulfill their own tax obligations. We believe these factors, and others, have contributed to delays in the processing 
of IVA claims by the Mexican tax authorities.  Currently, we are in the process of collecting such balances, primarily 
through regular administrative processes, but these amounts may ultimately need to be recovered through Administrative 
Appeals and/or legal means.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the tax authorities informed us that their internal opinion, based on the 

information provided by the local SAT office, considers that CDM is not properly documented relative to its declared tax 
structure and therefore CDM cannot claim the refundable IVA balance. CDM has strong arguments and supporting 
documentation to sustain its declared tax structure for IVA and income tax purposes. CDM started an Administrative 
Appeal for the IVA related to the request of the months of July, August and September of 2015 (the “2015 Appeal”) in 
order to assert its argument that CDM is properly documented and to therefore change the SAT’s internal assessment. In 
August 2018, we received a favorable ruling from the SAT’s Legal Administration in Michoacan on the 2015 Appeal 
indicating that they believe CDM’s legal interpretation of its declared tax structure is indeed accurate.  While favorable 
on this central matter of CDM’s declared tax structure, the ruling, however, still does not recognize the taxpayers right to 
a full refund for the IVA related to the months of July, August and September 2015. Therefore, in October 2018, CDM 
filed a substance-over-form Annulment Suit in the Federal Tax Court to recover its full refund for IVA over the subject 
period, which is currently pending resolution.

In April 2022, the Tax Court issued the ruling for the months of July, August and September 2015 through which it 

was declared that the following resolutions were resolved:

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

It is recognized that CDM operates as a maquila under the authorization of the Ministry of Finance.

It is recognized that all bank deposits corresponding to the purchase of avocados on behalf of Calavo 
Growers Inc. (CGI), are subject to the maquila program and it is not accruable income for purposes of 
income tax nor activities subject to VAT. 

It is recognized that IVA is recoverable, since CDM demonstrated the existence of operations carried under 
the maquila services.

75

(cid:120)

Resolved that certain IVA amounts attributed to the purchase of certain packing materials are not 
recoverable as CDM was not the buyer on record and therefore did not pay for the materials, which 
approximated $6.9 million pesos (approximately $0.4 million USD). 

    In January 2023, the Federal Tax Court issued a definitive resolution confirming the ruling from April 2022, ordering 
SAT to refund approximately $18 million pesos (approx. $1.1 million USD at October 31, 2023) and confirming that the 
$6.9 million pesos (approx. $0.4 million USD at October 31, 2023) related to packing materials will not be recoverable. 
For the year ended October 31, 2023, we recognized a reserve of $1.4 million USD for Mexican IVA tax receivables 
related to certain packing material vendors corresponding to the years 2013 and 2015. This reserve includes the amounts 
included in the January 2023 ruling as well as other similar receivables that are subject to proceedings in this same 
Federal Tax Court.

    In June 2023, we received $2.8 million from the SAT related to Mexican IVA tax receivables corresponding to fiscal 
year 2013, which was consistent with the January 2023 definitive resolution. Of this amount, $1.7 million was interest 
and inflation related adjustments. This $1.7 million was netted with expenses related to Mexican tax matters on the 
statement of operations. 

    Various cases from IVA periods in April, June and August 2017 were issued negative resolutions and the deadline to 
challenge the resolutions has elapsed.  The cases can still be pursued but must be re-initiated providing new evidence.  
Although the likelihood of success is still relatively high, the requirement to re-initiate has reduced the likelihood of 
recovery and therefore the Company has reserved $1.1 million as of October 2023.  

We believe that our operations in Mexico are properly documented, and our internationally recognized tax advisors 
believe that there are legal grounds to prevail in collecting the corresponding IVA amounts. With assistance from our 
internationally recognized tax advisory firm, as of October 31, 2023, CDM has filed Administrative Appeals for months 
for which IVA refunds have been denied by the SAT, and will continue filing such appeals for any months for which 
refunds are denied in the future. Therefore, it is probable that the Mexican tax authorities will ultimately authorize the 
refund of the remaining IVA amounts.

15.  Leases

     We lease property and equipment under finance and operating leases. For leases with terms greater than 12 months, 
we record the related asset and obligation at the present value of lease payments over the term. Many of our leases 
include rental escalation clauses, renewal options and/or termination options that are factored into our determination of 
lease payments when appropriate. 

    We also lease certain property, plant and equipment, including office facilities, under operating leases. The lease term 
consists of the noncancellable period of the lease and the periods covered by options to extend or terminate the lease 
when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options. The Company's lease agreements do not 
contain any residual value guarantees.

76

Lease Position

The following table presents the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet as of October 31, 

2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

Assets
Non-current assets:

Operating lease assets
Finance lease assets 

Liabilities 
Current liabilities:

Operating
Finance

Long-term obligations

Operating
Finance

Operating lease right-of-use assets
Property, plant and equipment, net

October 31, October 31,

2023

2022

$ 48,033 $ 54,518
5,721
$ 54,810 $ 60,239

6,777

Current portion of operating leases
Current portion of long-term obligations and finance leases

$

7,062 $
1,604

6,925
1,574

Long-term operating leases, less current portion
Long-term obligations and finance leases, less current portion

45,393
5,647

52,140
4,447
$ 59,706 $ 65,086

Weighted-average remaining lease term:

Operating leases
Finance leases

Weighted-average discount rate:

Operating leases
Finance leases

Lease Costs

Fiscal 2023
8.2 years
6.5 years

Fiscal 2022
9.3 years
6.9 years

3.10 %
4.83 %

2.87 %
3.62 %

The following table presents certain information related to the lease costs for finance and operating leases for the 

years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

Year ended

Year ended

$

October 31, 2023 October 31, 2022
1,756
$
8,733
2,483
(30)
133
213
13,288

1,913
8,511
2,476
—
198
273
13,371

$

$

Amortization of financing lease assets (recorded in cost of sales)
Operating lease cost
Short-term lease cost
Sublease income
Variable lease cost
Interest on financing lease liabilities
Total lease cost

77

      
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
Other Information

The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to the leases for the years ended October 31, 

2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows for operating leases
Financing cash flows for finance leases
Operating cash flows for finance leases

Year ended
October 31, 2023
7,043
$
1,793
262

Year ended
October 31, 2022
7,012
$
1,683
213

The total right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating leases for the years ended October 31, 2023 and 

2022 were $0.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

Undiscounted Cash Flows

The following table reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for each of the first five years and total remaining years 

to the finance lease liabilities and operating lease liabilities recorded on the balance sheet as of October 31, 2023 (in 
thousands):

2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Thereafter
Total lease payments
Less: imputed interest
Total lease liability

Operating
Leases

Finance
Leases

$

$

8,556
7,539
7,058
6,670
6,501
23,204
59,528
7,073
52,455

$

$

1,909
1,415
1,137
997
748
2,235
8,441
1,190
7,251

78

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Calavo Growers, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Calavo Growers, Inc. and subsidiaries (the 
"Company") as of October 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' 
equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2023, and the related notes 
(collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all 
material respects, the financial position of the Company as of October 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its 
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2023, in conformity with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2023, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated January 31, 2024, expressed an unqualified 
opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with 
the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal 
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the 
PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material 
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of 
material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that 
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. 
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial 
statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to 
accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, 
subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion
on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, 
providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Mexican IVA taxes receivable — Refer to Note 14 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

As of October 31, 2023, the Company’s subsidiary, Calavo de Mexico (“CDM”), has a value-added taxes (IVA) 
receivable of $49.9 million due from the Mexican government. Historically, CDM received IVA refund payments 
from the Mexican tax authorities on a timely basis.  Beginning in fiscal 2014 and continuing into fiscal 2023, there 
have been delays in the processing of the IVA claims by the Mexican tax authorities.  The Mexican authorities 

79

informed the Company that CDM is not properly documented relative to its declared tax structure and therefore 
CDM cannot claim the refundable IVA balance. Mexican authorities also questioned refunds requested attributable 
to IVA paid to certain suppliers that allegedly did not fulfill their own tax obligations.   

Given the significant judgments made by management to determine the Company’s ability to recover the IVA taxes 
receivable, performing audit procedures to evaluate the Company’s interpretation and compliance with international 
tax laws involved significant auditor judgment and use of tax specialists with specialized skills and knowledge, 
which we have determined to be a critical audit matter.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to management’s judgments related to the collectability of the IVA taxes receivable 
included the following, among others:

(cid:120) We tested the effectiveness of the controls over the recoverability of the Mexican IVA taxes receivable and 

the review of related disclosures.

(cid:120) With the assistance of our tax specialists, we evaluated the recoverability of the IVA receivable by 
evaluating the technical merits and the Company’s interpretation of international tax law, including 
substantiating that the Company’s declared tax structure is in compliance with Mexican tax regulations.

(cid:120) We obtained legal letters from the Company’s tax advisors related to the collectability of the IVA 

receivable, and evaluated case rulings supporting the recoverability of IVA taxes paid to non-compliant 
vendors.

Uncertain Tax Positions Related to Mexico tax audits — Refer to Note 7 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company is under audit by the Mexican tax authorities relating to the Company’s 2013 fiscal year. The 
Mexican tax authorities have assessed the Company with an underpayment of tax amounts alleging improper 
deductions for intercompany funding, deductions for services from certain vendors/suppliers and IVA in the 
Company’s calculation of taxable income. The assessment, including the effect of inflation and penalties, amounted 
to $3 billion Mexican pesos (approximately $166.0 million USD) as of October 31, 2023. The Company has filed an 
administrative reconsideration, an appeal to its injunction suit and an annulment suit to dismiss the assessment made 
by the Mexican tax authorities. While the Company believes the assessment is completely without merit, and that 
the Company will prevail on the annulment suit in tax court, the Company believes it is in the best interest to settle 
the 2013 tax matter. Therefore, in accordance with a cumulative probability analysis, the Company concluded that a 
provision of $11 million remains appropriate as of October 31, 2023.

Given the significant judgments made by management in determining its analysis and accounting for the Company’s 
uncertain tax position for the 2013 tax matter, performing audit procedures to evaluate the Company’s interpretation 
and compliance with international tax laws involved significant auditor judgment and use of tax specialists with 
specialized skills and knowledge, which we have determined to be a critical audit matter.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the determination of whether it is more likely than not that the Company’s tax 
positions challenged by the Mexican tax authorities will be realized included the following, among others: 

(cid:120) We tested the effectiveness of the controls over the evaluation of uncertain tax positions as it relates to the 

periods subject to the Mexico tax audit and the review of related disclosures.

(cid:120) With the assistance of our tax specialists, we evaluated the Company’s interpretation of international taw 

laws and whether the declared tax structure is in compliance with Mexican tax regulations. 

(cid:120) We obtained legal letters from the Company’s tax advisors related to understanding the advisors current 
assessment of the tax audit and assessed the technical merits of tax positions taken by the Company.

80

(cid:120) We evaluated the reasonableness of the method, judgment, and assumptions used by the Company in 

determining the provision recognized to settle the uncertain tax position using a cumulative probability 
analysis.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Los Angeles, California
January 31, 2024

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.

81

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

None. 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures (cid:3)

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and 
principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined 
in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as of the end of the 
period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer 
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of October 31, 2023.  

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (cid:3)

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended October 31, 2023 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 in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework).  

Based on our evaluation under the framework set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, our 

management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2023.  Our 
internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2023 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an 
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein. 

82

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of 
Calavo Growers, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Calavo Growers, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) 
as of October 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company 
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2023, based on 
criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.  

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended October 31, 2023, of the Company 
and our report dated January 31, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB 
and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and 
the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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. 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Los Angeles, California
January 31, 2024

83

Item 9B. Other Information

Trading Plans
During the quarter ended October 31, 2023, no director or Section 16 officer adopted or terminated any Rule 10b5-1
trading arrangements or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (in each case, as definted in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-
K).

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections  

Not applicable.    

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), 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 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 our board of directors and serve at the discretion of 
the board.

Name
Lecil Cole
Shawn Munsell
Mike Browne
Ronald Araiza
Paul Harrison

Age
84
48
64 Vice President Executive Sales & Operations

Chief Executive Officer 
Chief Financial Officer 

Position

  64   Vice President Executive Fresh Foods

46 Vice President Executive RFG Prepared

Lecil Cole served as our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President from 1999 until 

his retirement in 2020.  He retired as a director of the Company in 2021. In March 2023, the Company reinstated Mr. 
Cole as our Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Calavo, Mr. Cole served as an executive of Safeway Stores and as 
the Chairman of Central Coast Federal Land Bank.  Mr. Cole farms a total of approximately 4,400 acres in California on 
which avocados and cattle are produced and raised.

Shawn Munsell has served as our Chief Financial Officer since June 2022. Prior to his appointment as Chief 
Financial Officer, Mr. Munsell led the finance and accounting functions for Tyson Foods’ (NYSE: TSN) chicken 
segment, from 2018 to 2022, as Senior Vice President of Finance and Accounting. From 2015 to 2018, he served as 
Tyson’s Treasurer. Prior to Tyson, Mr. Munsell was with CF Industries, serving in a variety of roles with progressive 
responsibility for the nitrogen products manufacturer.

Mike Browne returned to Calavo June 2023 as the Vice President Executive Sales and Operations. He served as our 

Vice President from May 2005 to December 2019. 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. From December 2019 to September 2021, Mr. Browne was 
the Chief Operating Officer of Mission Produce.  

Ronald Araiza returned to Calavo as our Vice President of Prepared Foods in June 2023 after a brief hiatus.  He 
served as a Vice President of Calavo from January 2017 until October 2022. Mr. Araiza has approximately twenty years 

84

 
of experience as a Vice President at Mission Produce and Del Rey Avocado. Mr. Araiza is also a past alternate board 
member of the California Avocado Commission.

Paul Harrison was promoted to Executive Vice President in September 2023. Paul Harrison has been with the 
Company since February 2020 as Vice President of Operations.  Before joining Calavo, Mr. Harrison was the Regional
Vice President of Operations – West of Revolution Foods from October 2017 to February 2020.  He previously served as 
Director of Operations at Fresh and Easy and the Director of Operations at True Fresh.

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, 2023 (the Proxy Statement) and is incorporated herein by 
reference: 

(cid:190) Information regarding our directors who are standing for reelection and any persons nominated to 

become our directors is set forth under "Election of Directors." 

(cid:190) 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." 

(cid:190) 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.”

85

Part IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) (1) Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements as of October 31, 2023 and 2022 and for each of the three years 
in the period ended October 31, 2023 are included herewith: 

Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and Report of 
Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34).

      (2) No financial statement schedules are required to be filed by Item 8 of Form 10-K.

(3) Exhibits

See the “Exhibit Index” on pages 87 - 89 of this report.

(b) Exhibits 

See subsection (a) (3) above. 

(c) Financial Statement Schedules

See subsection (a) (1) and (2) above. 

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

None

86

Exhibit
Number

EXHIBIT INDEX 

Description

2.1*

2.2*

2.3*

2.4*

2.5*

2.6*

2.7*

2.8*

2.9*

2.10*

Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated as of February 20, 2001 between Calavo 
Growers, Inc. and Calavo Growers of California. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the 
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-59418 filed by the Registrant on April 24, 2001)
Agreement 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. Badillo. 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on 
January 23, 2004)
Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of June 1, 2005, between Limoneira Company and Calavo Growers, 
Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the 
Registrant on June 9, 2005)
Acquisition 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, 2008 (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on May 29, 2008)
Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement between Calavo Growers, Inc., Calavo Salsa Lisa, LLC, 
Lisa’s Salsa Company and Elizabeth Nicholson and Eric Nicholson dated February 8, 2010 (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on March 11, 
2010)
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.) (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on March 11, 2010)
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.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed by the Registrant on January 10, 2012).
Sale of LLC Interest Agreement dated October 31, 2012 between Calavo Growers, Inc. and San Rafael 
Distributing, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by 
the Registrant on November 6, 2012).
Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 31, 2013, among Calavo Growers, Inc., 
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 Trust (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on September 4, 
2013).
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated August 16, 2013, by and among 
FreshRealm, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and the Members (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on September 9, 2013).

87

2.11*

3.1*

3.2*

4.1*

10.1*

10.2*

10.3*

10.4*

10.5*

10.6*

10.7*

10.8*

10.9*

Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 1, 2013, among Calavo 
Growers, Inc., Renaissance Food Group, LLC and Liberty Fresh Foods, LLC, Kenneth J. Catchot, Cut 
Fruit, LLC, James S. Catchot, James Gibson, Jose O. Castillo, Donald L. Johnson and the RFG Nominee 
Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant 
on November 16, 2023).
Articles of Incorporation of Calavo Growers, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the 
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-59418 filed by the Registrant on April 24, 2001). 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Calavo Growers, Inc., effective as of September 25, 2014 (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on September 30, 
2014).
Description of the Securities of Calavo Growers, Inc. Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A 
filed by the Registrant on March 30, 2020).
Form of Marketing Agreement for Calavo Growers, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on January 28, 2003).
Form of Notice of Restricted Stock Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on March 14, 2022).
Form of Notice of Stock Option Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on March 14, 2022).
2020 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(a) to the Registration Statement on 
Form S-8 filed by the Registrant on June 10, 2021).
Form of Indemnification Agreement between with each of its directors and executive officers
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant 
on September 1, 2022).
Employment Agreement dated June 9, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on June 10, 2022).
Lease 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 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the 
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-59418 filed by the Registrant on April 24, 2001)
Lease agreement dated as of February 15, 2005, between Limoneira Company and Calavo Growers, Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant 
on June 9, 2005)
2011 Management Incentive Plan of Calavo Growers, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to 
the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on January 14, 2011).

88

10.10*

10.11*

10.12*

10.13*

10.14*

10.15*

21.1*

23.1
31.1
31.2
32**

97.1
101.INS

Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on November 2, 2022).
Severance and Release Agreement of Brian Kocher (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on June 6, 2023).
Employment Agreement of Lecil E. Cole (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on June 6, 2023).
Employment Agreement – Graciela Montgomery (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on June 6, 2023).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on June 6, 2023).
Credit Agreement, dated June 26, 2023, by and among the Company, certain of its subsidiaries as 
guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as agent and lender (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on June 30, 2023).
Subsidiaries of Calavo Growers, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Registration 
Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-59418 filed by the Registrant on April 24, 2001).
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to 18 
U.S.C. Section 1350
Calavo Growers, Inc. Clawback Policy
Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File 
because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

*

**

Previously filed.

This certification is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the 
liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or 
the Exchange Act.

89

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 31, 2024.

CALAVO GROWERS, INC

By:

/s/ Lecil Cole
Lecil Cole
Chief Executive Officer 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on January 

31, 2024 by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated:

Signature

/s/ Lecil Cole
Lecil Cole

/s/ Shawn Munsell
Shawn Munsell

/s/ Steven W. Hollister
Steven W. Hollister

/s/ Marc L. Brown
Marc L. Brown

/s/ Adriana Mendizabal
Adriana Mendizabal

/s/ Michael A. DiGregorio
Michael A. DiGregorio

/s/ James Helin
James Helin

/s/ Farha Aslam
Farha Aslam 

/s/ J. Link Leavens
J. Link Leavens

/s/ Kathleen M. Holmgren
Kathleen M. Holmgren

Title

Chief Executive Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer)

Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

90