Calavo Growers - 10-Q quarterly report FY

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 þ     No o

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

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

Registrant’s number of shares of common stock outstanding as of April 30, 2006 was 14,291,833

     This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements relating to our future results (including certain projections and business trends) that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements frequently are identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” and other similar expressions. Our actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: increased competition, conducting substantial amounts of business internationally, pricing pressures on agricultural products, adverse weather and growing conditions confronting avocado growers, new governmental regulations, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those set forth in Part I., Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, and those detailed from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

     Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo, the Company, we, us or our) procures and markets avocados and other perishable commodities and prepares and distributes processed avocado products. Our expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, processed avocados, and other perishable foods allows us to deliver a wide array of fresh and processed food products to food distributors, produce wholesalers, supermarkets, and restaurants on a worldwide basis. Through our three operating facilities in southern California and two facilities in Mexico, we sort and pack avocados procured in California and Mexico and prepare processed avocado products. Additionally, we procure avocados internationally, principally from Mexico, Chile, and the Dominican Republic, and distribute other perishable foods, such as Hawaiian grown papayas. During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, we combined our California avocados and international avocados and perishable food products reporting segments. As a result, we now report our operations in two different business segments: (1) fresh products and (2) processed products. See footnote 2 for further explanation.

     The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Such adjustments consist of adjustments of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year. Our operations are sensitive to a number of factors, including weather-related phenomena and their effects on industry volumes, prices, product quality, and costs. Operations are also sensitive to fluctuations in currency exchange rates in both sourcing and selling locations, as well as economic crises and security risks in developing countries. These statements should also be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005.

     In November 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 115-1/124-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments. This FSP addresses the determination as to when an investment is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other than temporary, and the measurement of an impairment loss. This FSP also includes accounting considerations subsequent to the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment and requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as other-than-temporary impairments. The guidance in this FSP amends SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, SFAS No. 124, Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations, and Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock. This FSP is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. We do not expect that the adoption of this FSP will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

     In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154, Accounting changes and Error Corrections, which replaces APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements. SFAS No. 154 applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principles and requires retrospective application (a term defined by the statement) to prior periods’ financial statements, unless it is impracticable to

determine the effect of a change. It also applies to changes required by an accounting pronouncement that does not include specific transition provisions. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We will adopt SFAS No. 154 as of the beginning of fiscal 2007 and do not expect that the adoption of SFAS No. 154 will have a material impact on our financial condition of results of operations.

     In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. This pronouncement amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. SFAS No. 123(R) requires that companies account for awards of equity instruments issued to employees under the fair value method of accounting and recognize such amounts in their statements of operations. We adopted SFAS No. 123(R) on November 1, 2005 using the modified prospective method and, accordingly, have not restated the consolidated statements of operations for prior interim periods or fiscal years. Under SFAS No. 123(R), we are required to 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.

     Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), we accounted for employee stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, as permitted by SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure. Under the intrinsic value method, the difference between the market price on the date of grant and the exercise price is charged to the statement of operations over the vesting period. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), we recognized compensation cost only for stock options issued with exercise prices set below market prices on the date of grant and provided the necessary pro forma disclosures required under SFAS No. 123.

     During the three and six month periods ended April 30, 2005, we recognized $13,000 and $25,000 of compensation expense with respect to stock option awards pursuant to APB 25, which was charged to the consolidated statement of operations. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2005, had stock-based compensation been accounted for based on the estimated grant date fair values, as defined by SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and net income per share would have been the following pro forma amounts (in thousands, except per share amounts):

     In December 2003, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 50,000 shares of our common stock to two members of our Board of Directors. Each option to acquire 25,000 shares vests in substantially equal installments over a three-year period, has an exercise price of $7.00 per share, and has a term of five years from the grant date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $10.01. In December 2005, however, these stock option agreements were modified to shorten the option terms, as defined. Such modifications were contemplated primarily as a result of Section 409A of the tax code and did not result in a significant change in fair value.

     Under SFAS No. 123(R), we now record in our consolidated statements of operations (i) compensation cost for options granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled on or after November 1, 2005 under the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) and (ii) compensation cost for the unvested portion of options granted prior to November 1, 2005 over their remaining vesting periods using the amounts previously measured under SFAS No. 123 for pro forma disclosure purposes.

     In April 2006, the price of our common stock reached $11/per share. Therefore, all 400,000 options related to our stock option grant that took place in August 2005 will now vest in August 2006 (for those persons still employed). The achievement of this market condition resulted in a decrease in the initial, estimated derived service period. As a result, we recorded an additional $85,000 stock-based compensation expense charge during the second quarter ended April 30, 2006. Further, we expect stock compensation expense to approximate $104,000 per month through August 2006 related to this stock option grant. During the three and six months ended April 30, 2006, we recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $154,000 and $226,000 for stock options in our consolidated statement of operations.

     Consistent with the valuation method for the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, we are using the Black-Scholes-Merton and binomial option models to value compensation expense associated with stock-based awards under SFAS No. 123(R). In addition, forfeitures are estimated when recognizing compensation expense, and the estimate of forfeitures will be adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures will be recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change and will also impact the amount of compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.

     There were no options granted during the three and six months periods ended April 30, 2006 and April 30, 2005.

     The Black-Scholes-Merton and binomial option valuation models were developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. Because options held by our directors and employees have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in our opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of these options.

     During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, we examined our California avocados and international avocados and perishable food products reporting segments. We concluded that these two reporting segments have similar economic characteristics, production processes, customers and distribution methods. Therefore, in accordance with the aggregation criteria of FASB Statement No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, we combined these two operating segments into one reportable segment, fresh products. As a result, we now report our operations in two different business segments: (1) fresh products and (2) processed products. These two business segments are presented based on how information is used by our president to measure performance and allocate resources. The fresh products segment includes all operations that involve the distribution of avocados grown both inside and outside of California, as well as the distribution of other non-processed, perishable food products. The processed products segment represents all operations related to the purchase, manufacturing, and distribution of processed avocado products. Additionally, selling, general and administrative expenses and other income, net are no longer charged directly, nor allocated to, a specific product line. These items are now evaluated by our president only in aggregate. We do not allocate assets, or specifically identify them to, our operating segments. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

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

     Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

     During the three and six month periods ended April 30, 2006 and 2005, we were not required to, and did not, record any provisions to reduce our inventories to the lower of cost or market.

     We sell papayas obtained from an entity owned by our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President. Sales of papayas procured from the related entity amounted to approximately $2,591,000, and $3,423,000 for the six months ended April 30, 2006 and 2005, resulting in gross margins of approximately $203,000 and $249,000. Sales of papayas procured from the related entity amounted to approximately $1,324,000, and $1,603,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2006 and 2005, resulting in gross margins of approximately $90,000 and $99,000. Included in accrued liabilities are approximately $278,000 and $79,000 at April 30, 2006 and October 31, 2005 due to this entity.

     Certain members of our Board of Directors market avocados through Calavo pursuant to marketing agreements substantially similar to the marketing agreements that we enter into with other growers. During the three months ended April 30, 2006 and 2005, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $4.5 million and $1.7 million. During the six months ended April 30, 2006 and 2005, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $6.2 million and $2.1 million.

     In December 2005, we repurchased 120,000 shares of our common stock at an average price per share of $10.00 from the estate of a deceased former member of our Board of Directors.

     Included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements are the following intangible assets: customer-related intangibles of $590,000 (accumulated amortization of $265,000 at April 30, 2006), brand name intangibles of $275,000 and other identified intangibles totaling $2,000 (accumulated amortization of $2,000 at April 30, 2006). The customer-related intangibles are being amortized over five years. The other identified intangibles are fully amortized as of April 30, 2006. The intangible asset related to the brand name currently has an indefinite remaining useful life and, as a result, is not currently subject to amortization. We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $59,000 for the remainder of fiscal 2006 and approximately $118,000 per annum for fiscal 2007 through fiscal 2008, with the remaining amortization expense of approximately $30,000 recorded in fiscal 2009.

     In November 2001, our Board of Directors approved two stock-based compensation plans.

     Participation in the directors stock option plan is limited to members of our Board of Directors. The plan makes available to the Board of Directors, or a plan administrator, the right to grant options to purchase up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock. In connection with the adoption of the plan, the Board of Directors approved an award of fully vested options to purchase 1,240,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share. We anticipate terminating this plan during fiscal 2006. Outstanding options would not be impacted by such termination.

     In January 2002, members of our Board of Directors elected to exercise options to purchase approximately 1,005,000 shares of common stock. The exercise price was paid by delivery of full-recourse promissory notes with a face value of $4,789,000 and by cash payments of approximately $236,000. These notes and the related security agreements provide, among other things, that each director pledge as collateral the shares acquired upon exercise of the stock option, as well as additional shares of common stock held by the directors with a value equal to 10% of the loan amount, if the exercise price was paid by means of a full-recourse note. The notes, which bear interest at 7% per annum, provide for annual interest payments with a final principal payment due March 1, 2007. Directors will be allowed to withdraw shares from the pledged pool of common stock prior to repayment of their notes, as long as the fair value of the remaining pledged shares is at least equal to 120% of the outstanding note balance. The notes have been presented as a reduction of shareholders’ equity as of April 30, 2006 and October 31, 2005.

     In December 2003, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 50,000 shares of our common stock to two members of our Board of Directors. Each option to acquire 25,000 shares vests in substantially equal installments over a three-year period, has an exercise price of $7.00 per share, and has a term of five years from the grant date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $10.01. In December 2005, the related stock option agreements were modified to shorten the option terms, as defined. Such modifications were contemplated primarily as a result of Section 409A of the tax code. During the three months ended April 30, 2006 and 2005, we recognized approximately $13,000 of compensation expense with respect to these stock option awards. During the six months ended April 30, 2006 and 2005, we recognized approximately $25,000 of compensation expense with respect to these stock option awards.

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

     The weighted average remaining life of such outstanding options is 2.64 years and the total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended April 30, 2006 was $0.1 million. At April 30, 2006, the total unrecognized fair value compensation cost related to such unvested stock options awards was approximately $33,000, which is expected to be recognized over the remaining period of eight months.

     The employee stock purchase plan was approved by our Board of Directors and shareholders. Participation in the employee stock purchase plan is limited to employees. The plan provides the Board of Directors, or a plan administrator, the right to make available up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock at a price not less than fair market value. In March 2002, the Board of Directors awarded selected employees the opportunity to purchase up to 474,000 shares of common stock at $7.00 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the date prior to the grant. The plan also permits us to advance all or some of the purchase price of the purchased stock to the employee upon the execution of a full-recourse note at prevailing interest rates. These awards expired in April 2002, with 84 participating employees electing to purchase approximately 279,000 shares.

     The purchase price was paid by delivery of full-recourse promissory notes with a face value of $1,352,000 and by cash payments of approximately $600,000. These notes and the related security agreements provide, among other things, that each employee pledge as collateral the shares acquired. The notes, which bear interest at 7% per annum, provide for annual interest and principal payments for a period of two to four years. The notes have been presented as a reduction of shareholders’ equity as of April 30, 2006 and October 31, 2005.

     The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan of Calavo Growers, Inc. (the “2005 Plan”) was approved by our Board of Directors and shareholders. The 2005 Plan authorizes the granting of the following types of awards to persons who are employees, officers, consultants, advisors, or directors of Calavo Growers, Inc. or any of its affiliates:

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

     In August 2005, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 400,000 shares of our common stock to various employees of the Company. As discussed in footnote 1, these options now vest in August 2006. See footnote 1 for further explanation. These options have an exercise price of $9.10 per share and a term of 5 years from the grant date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $9.10. During the six months ended April 30, 2006, 9,000 options have been forfeited, and the total intrinsic value of options outstanding was $0.7 million.

     In January 2006, we paid a $0.32 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $4.6 million to shareholders of record on December 15, 2005. In January 2005, we paid a $0.30 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $4,052,000 to shareholders of record on November 15, 2004.

     Pursuant to our Grower Development Program, whereby funds can be advanced to growers in exchange for their commitment to deliver a minimum volume of avocados on an annual basis, which generally extends over a multi-year period (i.e. 10 years), we advanced approximately $1.2 million during the six months of fiscal 2006. We expect to advance an additional $2.0 million, via either cash or debt restructuring, in October 2006. Advances are not repaid and are amortized to cost of goods sold over the term of the related agreement. Amortization related to the advances described above are not expected to commence until October 2006.

     We are currently under examination by the Mexican tax authorities (Hacienda) for the tax year ended December 31, 2000. During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, we received an assessment totaling approximately $2.0 million from Hacienda related to the amount of income at our Mexican subsidiary. Based primarily on discussions with legal counsel and the evaluation of our claim, we believe that Hacienda’s position has no merit and that the Company will prevail. Accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the financial statements as of April 30, 2006. We pledged our processed products building located in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico as collateral to the Hacienda in regards to this assessment.

     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.

     Pursuant to our 2006 Management Incentive Plan Program (the “MIP Program”), we recorded approximately $0.2 million of compensation expense during the six months ended April 30, 2006. Amounts accrued pursuant to our MIP Program are not expected to be paid until fiscal 2007.

     This information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report, and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2005 of Calavo Growers, Inc. (we, Calavo, or the Company). Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

     In January 2006, we paid a $0.32 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $4.6 million to shareholders of record on December 15, 2005.

     Pursuant to our Grower Development Program, whereby funds can be advanced to growers in exchange for their commitment to deliver a minimum volume of avocados on an annual basis, which generally extends over a multi-year period (i.e. 10 years), we advanced approximately $1.2 million during the six months of fiscal 2006. We expect to advance an additional $2.0 million, via either cash or debt restructuring, in October 2006. Advances are not repaid and are amortized to cost of goods sold over the term of the related agreement. Amortization related to the advances described above are not expected to commence until October 2006.

     In December 2005, we repurchased 120,000 shares of our common stock at an average price per share of $10.00 from the estate of a deceased former member of our Board of Directors.

     Pursuant to our 2006 Management Incentive Plan Program (the “MIP Program”), we recorded approximately $0.2 million of compensation expense during the six months ended April 30, 2006. Amounts accrued pursuant to our MIP Program are not expected to be paid until fiscal 2007.

     The following table summarizes our net sales by business segment for each of the three and six month periods ended April 30, 2006 and 2005:

     Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2006, compared to fiscal 2005, increased by $7.2 million, or 12.0%; whereas net sales for the six months ended April 30, 2006, compared to fiscal 2005, increased by $10.2 million, or 9.5%. These increases were primarily driven by increased sales related to avocados sourced from California, partially offset by decreased sales related to Chilean, The Dominican Republic, and/or Mexican sourced avocados. While the procurement of fresh avocados related to our fresh products segment is very seasonal, our processed products business is generally not subject to a seasonal effect. For the related three and six month period, the increase in net sales to third parties delivered by our processed products business was due primarily to an increase in total pounds of product sold.

     Net sales to third parties by segment exclude value-added services billed by our Uruapan packinghouse, Uruapan processing plant and Mexicali processing plant to the parent company. All intercompany sales are eliminated in our consolidated results of operations.

     Net sales delivered by the business increased by approximately $4.6 million, or 8.7%, for the second quarter of fiscal 2006, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2005. This increase is primarily related to an increase in sales related to avocados sourced from California. California avocados sales reflect a 110.4% increase in pounds of avocados sold, partially offset by a reduction in average selling prices, when compared to the same prior year period. The increase in pounds is consistent with the expected increase in the overall harvest of the California avocado crop for the 2005/2006 season. Our market share of California avocados increased to 33.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2006, when compared to a 27.1% market share for the same prior year period. Average selling prices, on a per carton basis, for California avocados for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were 26.1% lower when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this decrease in average selling prices to significantly more pounds sold in the U.S. marketplace.

     The increased sales related to California sourced fruit discussed above for the second quarter of fiscal 2006, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2005, was partially offset by a decrease in sales of Mexican and Chilean grown avocados in the U.S., Japanese, and/or European marketplace. The volume of Mexican fruit sold decreased by approximately 6.4 million pounds, or 30.1%, when compared to the same prior year period. This decrease was primarily in the U.S. marketplace and was primarily related to the large California avocado crop discussed above. The volume of Chilean fruit sold decreased by approximately 3.7 million pounds, or 100.0%, when compared to the same prior year period. This decrease is primarily related to the size of the Chilean avocado crop, as well as the timing of the delivery to the United States. There was no significant difference in the average selling price, on a per carton basis, of Mexican avocados sold when compared to the same prior year period.

     Net sales delivered by the business increased by approximately $5.5 million, or 5.7%, for the six months ended April 30, 2006, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2005. This increase is primarily related to an increase in sales related to avocados sourced from California. California avocados sales reflect a 96.9% increase in pounds of avocados sold, partially offset by lower average selling prices, when compared to the same prior year period. The increase in pounds is consistent with the expected increase in the overall harvest of the California avocado crop for the 2005/2006 season. Our market share of California avocados increased to 34.5% for the first six months of fiscal 2006, when compared to a 30.3% market share for the same prior year period. Average selling prices, on a per carton basis, for California avocados for the first six months of fiscal 2006 were 23.6% lower when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this decrease in average selling prices to significantly more pounds sold in the U.S. marketplace.

     In addition to the increased sales related to California sourced fruit discussed above, sales of Mexican sourced fruit also increased for the first six months of fiscal 2006, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2005. The volume of Mexican fruit handled increased by approximately 1.8 million pounds, or 4.8%, when compared to the same prior year period. Such increases, however, were partially offset by a decrease in sales of Chilean grown avocados. The volume of Chilean fruit sold decreased by approximately 10.3 million pounds, or 59.9%, when compared to the same prior year period. This decrease is primarily related to the size of the Chilean avocado crop, as well as the timing of the delivery to the United States. There was no significant difference in the average selling price, on a per carton basis, of Mexican avocados sold when compared to the same prior year period. The average selling price of Chilean avocados sold, on a per carton basis, increased approximately 17.1% when compared to the same prior year period.

     We anticipate that California avocado sales will experience a seasonal increase during the third fiscal quarter of 2006, as compared to the second fiscal quarter of 2006. We do not anticipate a significant fluctuation of non-California sourced fruit sales during the third fiscal quarter of 2006, as compared to the second fiscal quarter of 2006. This is consistent with the cyclical nature of the availability of foreign sourced avocados in the U.S. marketplace, as well as the current expected size of the California avocado crop.

     For the quarter ended April 30, 2006, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2005, sales to third-party customers increased by approximately $2.6 million, or 39.0%. This increase is primarily related to a 42.6% increase in total pounds sold. Our average net selling prices remained fairly consistent during the second quarter ended April 30, 2006 when compared to the same prior year period.

     For the first six months of fiscal 2006, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2005, sales to third-party customers increased by approximately $4.7 million, or 38.3%. This increase is primarily related to a 39.4% increase in total pounds sold, as our ultra high pressure products have experienced widespread acceptance in both the retail and foodservice sectors. Our average net selling prices remained fairly consistent during the first six months ended April 30, 2006 when compared to the same prior year period.

     Our ultra high pressure products continue to experience solid demand. During the second quarter ended April 30, 2006, sales of ultra high pressure products totaled approximately $3.3 million, as compared to $1.8 million for the same prior year period. We believe that the introduction of these fresh guacamole products will, in the long-term, successfully address a growing market segment.

     The following table summarizes our gross margins and gross profit percentages by business segment for each of the three and six month periods ended April 30, 2006 and 2005:

     Our cost of goods sold consists predominantly of fruit costs, packing materials, freight and handling, labor and overhead (including depreciation) associated with preparing food products and other direct expenses pertaining to products sold. Gross margins increased by approximately $2.3 million, or 36.3%, and $3.8 million, or 45.3%, for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2006 when compared to the same periods for fiscal 2005. These increases were primarily attributable to improvements in both our fresh products and processed products segments.

     For the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2006, as compared to the same prior year period, gross margins related to our fresh products segment increased. Such increases were primarily driven by a significant increase in pounds of California fruit sold. For the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2006, we experienced a 110.4% and 96.9% increase in fruit sold. This had the effect of decreasing our per pound production costs, which, as a result, positively impacted gross margins. The resulting higher gross margins for California avocados were partially offset, however, by decreases in Mexican and Chilean sourced fruit and the lower gross margins resulting therefrom. For the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2006, the volume of Chilean fruit decreased 100% and 59.9%, and the volume of Mexican fruit decreased 30.1% for the second quarter 2006 when compared to the same prior year period. Additionally, we also experienced an increase in Mexican fruit costs. Collectively, these items contributed to a higher per pound cost, which negatively affected gross margins.

     The processed products gross profit percentages for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2006, increased primarily as a result of lower fruit costs and increases in total pounds produced, which had the effect of reducing our per pound costs. We anticipate that the gross profit percentage for our processed product segment will continue to experience significant fluctuations during the next fiscal quarter primarily due to the uncertainty of the cost of fruit that will be used in the production process.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs of marketing and advertising, sales expenses and other general and administrative costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.8 million, or 17.6%, for the three months ended April 30, 2006, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2005. This increase was primarily related to higher corporate costs, including, but not limited to, costs related to implementing provisions required under section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (totaling approximately $0.5 million), an increase in employee compensation expenses (totaling approximately $0.2 million) and an increase in stock based compensation (totaling approximately $0.1 million). For the first six months ended April 30, 2006, when compared to the same prior year period, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $0.7 million, or 7.8%. This increase was primarily related to higher corporate costs, including, but not limited to, an increase in employee compensation expenses (totaling approximately $0.2 million), an increase in stock based compensation (totaling approximately $0.2 million), an increase in auditing fees (totaling approximately $0.1 million) and an increase in rent expense related to our corporate office (totaling approximately $0.1 million).

     Other income, net, includes interest income and expense generated in connection with our financing and operating activities, as well as certain other transactions that are outside of the course of normal operations. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2005, other income, net, includes the gain on the sale of our corporate facility totaling approximately $1.7 million.

     For the first six months of fiscal 2006, our provision for income taxes was $1.0 million, as compared to $0.6 million recorded for the comparable prior year period. We expect our effective tax rate to approximate 39.0% during fiscal 2006. Such increase from the prior year is primarily related to changes in our foreign tax rate.

     Cash provided by operating activities was $3.3 million for the six months ended April 30, 2006, compared to $3.2 million for the similar period in fiscal 2005. Operating cash flows for the six months ended April 30, 2006 reflect our net income of $1.5 million, net non-cash charges (depreciation and amortization, stock compensation expense and provision for losses on accounts receivable) of $1.3 million and a net increase in the noncash components of our working capital of approximately $0.5 million.

     These working capital increases include an increase in payable to growers of $8.7 million, an increase in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses of $1.8 million, a decrease in income tax receivable of $1.0 million, and a decrease in advances to suppliers of $0.9 million, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $10.9 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $0.5 million, and an increase in inventory of $0.5 million.

     The increase in our accounts receivable balance, as of April 30, 2006, when compared to October 31, 2005, primarily reflects higher sales recorded in the month of April 2006, as compared to October 2005. The increase in payable to our growers primarily reflects an increase in fruit delivered in the month of April 2006, as compared to October 2005. Similar to the increase in payable to growers, the increase in inventory is also primarily related to an increase in fruit delivered in the month of April 2006, as compared to October 2005, but was partially offset by a decrease in finished processed foods, primarily driven by sales exceeding production during such time period. The decrease in income tax receivable primarily relates to income from operations through the six months ended April 30, 2006. The decrease in advances to suppliers is primarily related to less outstanding advances to foreign avocado suppliers as of April 30, 2006 as compared to October 31, 2005.

     Cash used in investing activities was $1.8 million for the six months ended April 30, 2006 and related principally to the purchase of property, plant and equipment items.

     Cash used in financing activities was $2.4 million for the six months ended April 30, 2006, which related principally to the payment of a $4.6 million dividend and the retirement of common stock of $1.2 million. Such payments were partially offset, however, by $2.9 million of borrowings from our lines of credit.

     Our principal sources of liquidity are our existing cash reserves, cash generated from operations and amounts available for borrowing under our existing credit facilities. Cash and cash equivalents as of April 30, 2006 and October 31, 2005 totaled $0.3 million and $1.1 million. Our working capital at April 30, 2006 was $16.8 million, compared to $17.6 million at October 31, 2005. The overall working capital decrease primarily reflects increases in our payable to growers and accrued expense balances, partially offset by an increase in our accounts receivable balance.

     We continue to have success with our ProRipeVIP™ avocado ripening program. This proprietary program allows us to deliver avocados with varying degrees of ripeness to our customers. In conjunction with such program, we intend to not only invest in additional Aweta AFS (acoustic firmness sensor) technology and equipment, but also expand our refrigeration and storage capabilities. Total estimated capital required related to our current expansion plans totals approximately $2.6 million. We are currently negotiating long-term financing for substantially all of the capital required. No assurances can be provided, however, that such financing will be available at favorable terms, if any at all.

     We believe that cash flows from operations, available credit facilities, and expected long-term credit facilities will be sufficient to satisfy our future capital expenditures, grower recruitment efforts, working capital and other financing requirements. We will continue to evaluate grower recruitment opportunities and exclusivity arrangements with food service companies to fuel growth in each of our business segments. We have two short-term, non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities. These credit facilities expire in February 2007 and April 2008 and are with separate banks. Under the terms of these agreements, we are advanced funds for working capital purposes. Total credit available under the combined short-term borrowing agreements was $24 million, with a weighted-average interest rate of 5.8% and 4.8% at April 30, 2006 and October 31, 2005. Under these credit facilities, we had $4.4 million and $1.4 million outstanding as of April 30, 2006 and October 31, 2005. The credit facilities contain various financial covenants with which we were in compliance at April 30, 2006. The most significant financial covenants relate to working capital, tangible net worth (as defined), and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) (as defined) requirements.

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

     Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable from shareholders, payable to growers, accounts payable, current 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 April 30, 2006.

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

     Our Mexican-based operations transact business in Mexican pesos. Funds are transferred by our corporate office to Mexico on a weekly basis to satisfy domestic cash needs. Consequently, the spot rate for the Mexican peso has a moderate impact on our operating results. However, we do not believe that this impact is sufficient to warrant the use of derivative instruments to hedge the fluctuation in the Mexican peso. Total foreign currency gains and losses for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2005 do not exceed $0.1 million.

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

          There were no substantial changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended April 30, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

     We are involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, none of which we believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results from operations.

     On April 26, 2006, we held the annual meeting of shareholders of Calavo Growers, Inc. at 15765 W. Telegraph Road, Santa Paula, California, 93060. At the meeting, the holders of our outstanding common stock acted on the following matters:

     During the second quarter ended April 30, 2006, Lecil Cole’s based salary increased $40,000, from $350,000 to $390,000. In conjunction with such salary increase, however, Mr. Cole will no longer receive director compensation. The difference between Mr. Cole’s salary increase and director compensation is insignificant.

Pursuant to the requirements 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.