Tejon Ranch Co: Form 10-Q for the period ended Mar 31, 2024

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding strategic alliances, the almond, pistachio and grape industries, the future plantings of permanent crops, future yields, prices and water availability for the Company's crops and real estate operations, future prices, production and demand for oil and other minerals, future development of the Company's property, future revenue and income of its jointly-owned travel plaza and other joint venture operations, potential losses to Tejon Ranch Co. and its subsidiaries (the Company, Tejon, we, us, and our) as a result of pending environmental proceedings, the adequacy of future cash flows to fund our operations, and of current assets and contracts to meet our water and other commitments, market value risks associated with investment and risk management activities and with respect to inventory, accounts receivable and our own outstanding indebtedness, ongoing negotiations and other future events and conditions. In some cases, these statements are identifiable through use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “likely,” and similar expressions such as “in the process.” In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth, and trends in our business and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance, are subject to assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievement implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and important factors include, but are not limited to, weather, market and economic forces, availability of financing for land development activities, and competition and success in obtaining various governmental approvals and entitlements for land development activities. No assurance can be given that the actual future results will not differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make for several reasons, including those described above and in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

OVERVIEW

We are a diversified real estate development and agribusiness company committed to responsibly using our land and resources to meet the housing, employment, and lifestyle needs of Californians and to create value for our shareholders. In support of these objectives, we have been investing in land planning and entitlement activities for new commercial/industrial and resort/residential land developments and in infrastructure improvements within our active industrial development. Our prime asset is approximately 270,000 acres of contiguous, largely undeveloped land that, at its most southerly border, is 60 miles north of Los Angeles and, at its most northerly border, is 15 miles east of Bakersfield.

Business Objectives and Strategies

Our primary business objective is to maximize long-term shareholder value through the improvement and monetization of our land-based assets. A key element of our strategy is to entitle and then develop large-scale mixed-use master planned residential and commercial/industrial real estate development projects to serve the growing populations of Southern and Central California. Our mixed-use master planned residential developments include up to 35,278 housing units, and more than 35 million square feet of commercial space. We have obtained entitlements on MV and the first approved final map for the project consisting of 401 residential lots and parcels for hospitality, amenities, and public uses. The Grapevine at Tejon Community has approved entitlements for 12,000 units and 5 million square feet of commercial development. Centennial at Tejon Ranch, or Centennial, had entitlements approved in 2019 by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. These approvals were litigated in two lawsuits filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court in May 2019 and the Company has since worked on defending and addressing the ongoing litigation, including considering all options to address the Superior Court’s January 2022 decision and the Superior Court’s March 22, 2023 final judgment. On May 26, 2023, we filed a Notice of Appeal, thereby appealing the Superior Court’s decision to the Second District of the California Court of Appeal. On June 27, 2023, CBD/CNPS cross-appealed the Superior Court’s ruling. During the appeal process the Superior Court’s order of the rescission of project approvals have been placed on hold. See Note 11 (Commitments and Contingencies) of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Centennial litigation.

We are currently executing on value creation as we are engaged in construction, commercial sales, and leasing at our fully operational commercial/industrial center, TRCC. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company began construction of the first phase of a multi-family community, Terra Vista at Tejon, within TRCC. The development is located on a 22-acre site located immediately north of the Outlets at Tejon. In this first phase, the Company plans to develop 228 units of multi-family residences, in seven apartment buildings, as well as a clubhouse with pool and fitness facilities. The Conditional Use Permit approved by Kern County Board of Supervisors authorized up to a maximum of 495 multi-family residences to be constructed. All of these efforts are supported by diverse revenue streams generated from other operations, including: farming, mineral resources, ranch operations, and our various joint ventures.

Our Business

We currently operate in five reporting segments: commercial/industrial real estate development; resort/residential real estate development; mineral resources; farming; and ranch operations.

Activities within the commercial/industrial real estate development segment include planning and permitting of land for development; construction of infrastructure; construction of pre-leased buildings; construction of buildings to be leased or sold; and the sale of land to third-parties for their own development. The commercial/industrial real estate development segment also includes activities related to the power plant lease and communications leases.

At the heart of the commercial/industrial real estate development segment is TRCC, a 20 million square foot commercial/industrial development on Interstate 5 just north of the Los Angeles basin. Over eight million square feet of industrial, commercial and retail space has already been developed or under development, including distribution centers for IKEA, Caterpillar, Nestlé, Famous Footwear, L'Oreal, Camping World, Sunrise Brands, Dollar General and RectorSeal. TRCC sits on both sides of Interstate 5, giving distributors immediate access to the west coast’s principal north-south goods movement corridor.

We are also involved in multiple joint ventures within TRCC with several partners that help us expand our commercial/industrial business activities:

• A joint venture with TravelCenters of America that owns and operates two travel and truck stop facilities, comprised of five separate gas stations with convenience stores and fast-food restaurants within TRCC-West and TRCC-East.
• A joint venture with Rockefeller Development Group, or Rockefeller:
• TRCC/Rock Outlet Center LLC operates the Outlets at Tejon, a net leasable 326,000 square foot shopping experience in TRCC-East.
• Five joint ventures with Majestic Realty Co., or Majestic, to develop, manage, and operate industrial buildings within TRCC:
• TRC-MRC 1, LLC operates a 480,480 square foot industrial building in TRCC-East that is fully leased;
• TRC-MRC 2, LLC operates a 651,909 square foot building in TRCC-West that is fully leased;
• TRC-MRC 3, LLC operates a 579,040 square foot industrial building in TRCC-East that is fully leased;
• TRC-MRC 4, LLC operates a 629,274 square foot industrial building in TRCC-East that is fully leased; and
• TRC-MRC 5, LLC operates a 446,400 square foot industrial building in TRCC-East that is fully leased.

The resort/residential real estate development segment is actively involved in the land entitlement and development process internally and through a joint venture. Our active developments within this segment are MV, Centennial, and Grapevine.

• MV encompasses a total of 26,417 acres, of which 5,082 acres will be used for a mixed-use development that will include housing, retail, and commercial components. MV is entitled for 3,450 homes, 160,000 square feet of commercial development, 750 hotel keys, and more than 21,335 acres of open space. The first final map for the project consisting of 401 residential lots and parcels for hospitality, amenities, and public uses was approved by Kern County in December 2021;
• The Centennial development is a mixed-use master planned community development encompassing 12,323 acres of our land within Los Angeles County. Upon completion of Centennial, it is estimated that the community will include approximately 19,333 homes and 10.1 million square feet of commercial development, including nearly 3,500 affordable units. See Note 11 (Commitments and Contingencies) of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to current litigation;
• Grapevine is an 8,010-acre development area located on the San Joaquin Valley floor area of our lands, adjacent to TRCC. Upon completion of Grapevine, the community will include 12,000 homes, 5.1 million square feet of commercial development, and more than 3,367 acres of open space and parks; and
• Immediately northeast of Grapevine is Grapevine North, a 7,655-acre development area, which is currently used for agricultural purposes. Identified as a development area in the RWA, Grapevine North presents a significant opportunity for future development. Grapevine North may feature mixed-use community development similar to Grapevine at Tejon Ranch, or other development uses as appropriate based upon market conditions at the time.

Please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, for a more detailed description of our active developments within the resort/residential real estate development segment.

Our mineral resources segment generates revenues from oil and gas royalty leases, rock and aggregate mining leases, a lease with National Cement Company of California Inc., and water sales.

The farming segment produces revenues from the sale of wine grapes, almonds, and pistachios.

Lastly, the ranch operations segment consists of game management revenues and ancillary land uses such as grazing leases and filming.

Summary of First Quarter 2024 Performance

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we had a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $914,000 compared to net income of $1,774,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The primary driver of this decrease of $2,688,000 was our mineral resources segment. Net income from this segment decreased by $2,473,000 mainly due to lower water sales revenue resulting from heavy rainfall in California. Additionally, expenses in the resort/residential segment increased by $1,173,000 due to higher professional service fees incurred during the quarter. Partially offsetting the above unfavorable variances was $942,000 of tax benefits recorded during this quarter compared to $1,013,000 of tax provisions recorded over the comparative period.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations provides a narrative discussion of our results of operations. It contains the results of operations for each reporting segment of the business and is followed by a discussion of our financial position. It is useful to read the reporting segment information in conjunction with Note 13 (Reporting Segments and Related Information) of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our interim financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts for assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (1) the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made, and (2) changes in the estimates that are likely to occur from period to period, use of different estimates that we reasonably could have used in the current period, or would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, impairment of long-lived assets, capitalization of costs, allocation of costs related to land sales and leases, stock compensation, and our future ability to utilize deferred tax assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, our critical accounting policies have not changed since the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Please refer to that filing for a description of our critical accounting policies. Please also refer to Note 1 (Basis of Presentation) in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this report for newly adopted accounting principles.

Results of Operations by Segment

We evaluate the performance of our reporting segments separately, to monitor the different factors affecting financial results. Each reporting segment is subject to review and evaluation, as we monitor current market conditions, market opportunities, and available resources. The performance of each reporting segment is discussed below:

Real Estate – Commercial/Industrial:

($ in thousands)

29

• Commercial/industrial real estate development segment revenues were $2,945,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, an increase of $269,000, or 10%, from $2,676,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to additional landscaping revenues of $196,000 due to an increase in out-of-scope services, such as clean-up and repairs, caused by the heavy winter storms. TRCC management fees and reimbursements also increased by $110,000 due to higher management fees of $95,000 and higher development fees of $65,000 recognized for TRC-MRC5, LLC joint venture, partially offset by lower tenant reimbursements revenue of $50,000.
• Commercial/industrial real estate development segment expenses were $1,927,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, an increase of $232,000, or 14%, from $1,695,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in payroll and stock compensation expense of $115,000 and an increase in insurance cost of $85,000 over the comparative period.

The logistics operators currently located within TRCC have demonstrated success in serving all of California and the western region of the United States, and we showcase their success in our marketing efforts. We expect to continue to focus our marketing strategy for TRCC on the significant labor and logistical benefits of our site, the pro-business approach of Kern County, and the demonstrated success of the current tenants and owners within our development. Our location fits within the logistics model that many companies are using, which favors large, centralized distribution facilities which have been strategically located to maximize the balance of inbound and outbound efficiencies, rather than many decentralized smaller distribution centers. The world-class logistics operators located within TRCC have demonstrated success through utilization of this model. With access to markets of over 40 million people for next-day delivery service, they are also demonstrating success with e-commerce fulfillment.

Our FTZ designation allows businesses to secure the many benefits and cost reductions associated with streamlined movement of goods in and out of the trade zone. This FTZ designation is further supplemented by the AKIP adopted by the Kern County Board of Supervisors. AKIP aims to expand and enhance Kern County's competitiveness by taking affirmative steps to attract new businesses and to encourage the growth and resilience of existing businesses. AKIP provides incentives, such as assistance in obtaining tax incentives, building supporting infrastructure, and workforce development.

We believe the FTZ and AKIP, along with our ability to provide fully entitled, shovel-ready land parcels to support buildings of any size, including buildings one million square feet or larger, can provide us with a potential marketing advantage. Our marketing efforts target the Inland Empire region of Southern California, the Santa Clarita Valley of northern Los Angeles County, the northern part of the San Fernando Valley (due to the limited availability of new product and high real estate costs in these locations), and the San Joaquin Valley of California. We continue to analyze the market and evaluate expansions of industrial buildings for lease either on our own or in partnerships, as we have done with the buildings developed within our joint ventures.

A potential disadvantage to our development strategy is our distance from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in comparison to the warehouse/distribution centers located in the Inland Empire, a large industrial area located east of Los Angeles, which continues its expansion eastward beyond Riverside and San Bernardino, to include Perris, Moreno Valley, and Beaumont. As development in the Inland Empire continues to move east and farther away from the ports, the potential disadvantage of our distance from the ports is being mitigated. Demand for large distribution facilities is continuing to drive development farther east in a search for large, entitled parcels.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, vacancy rates in the Inland Empire climbed 110 basis points to 6.2% and net absorption retreated with 2.7 million square feet of negative demand. Average asking rents declined for the third consecutive quarter. The San Fernando Valley and Ventura County industrial markets continue to see tight conditions, as vacancy and availability remained at historically low numbers. Vacancy was unchanged, and the overall net absorption slightly outpaced new supply. See below for the vacancy rates and average asking rent of Inland Empire, San Fernando Valley and Ventura County.

Industrial users seeking larger spaces are continuing to go further north into neighboring Kern County, and particularly, TRCC, which has attracted increased attention as market conditions continue to tighten. Additionally, TRCC is in a position to capture tenant awareness due to our ability to provide a competitive alternative for users in the Inland Empire and the Santa Clarita Valley.

We expect our commercial/industrial real estate development segment to continue to experience costs, net of amounts capitalized, primarily related to professional service fees, marketing costs, planning costs, and staffing costs, as we continue to pursue development opportunities. From a macroeconomic perspective, the tightening of capital markets may cause a near-term slowdown in new commercial real estate developments.

The actual timing and completion of development is difficult to predict, due to the uncertainties of the market. Infrastructure development and marketing activities and costs could continue to increase over several years, as we develop our land holdings. We will also continue to evaluate land resources to determine the highest and best uses for our land holdings. Future land sales are dependent on market circumstances and specific opportunities. Our goal in the future is to increase land value and create future revenue growth through planning and development of commercial and industrial properties.

Real Estate – Resort/Residential:

We are in the preliminary stages of property development for this segment; hence, no revenues or profits are attributed to this segment.

Resort/residential real estate development segment expenses were $1,561,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, an increase of $1,173,000 from $388,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. This increase is primarily attributable to an additional $1,251,000 related to professional service fees and planning costs related to capital efforts tied to our master planned communities.

Our long-term business plan of developing the communities of MV, Centennial, and Grapevine remains unchanged. Long-term macro fundamentals, primarily California's large population and household formation, will support housing demand in our region. California also has a significant documented housing shortage, which we believe our communities will help ease. A majority the expenditures and capital investment to be incurred within our resort/residential real estate segment are expected to continue to focus on the mixed-use master planned communities of Centennial, Grapevine, and Mountain Village.

As we move forward with our master planned communities, we expect to explore funding opportunities for the future development of our projects. Such funding opportunities could come from a variety of sources, such as joint ventures with financial partners, debt financing, or the Company’s issuance of additional common stock.

Mineral Resources:

($ in thousands)

• Mineral resources segment revenues were $2,489,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $4,423,000, or 64%, from $6,912,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The reduction in revenues is primarily attributed to a decline in water sales revenue of $3,736,000 due to the heavy rainfalls in California, which severely limited water sales opportunities. Reimbursable revenues also decreased $767,000 due to mineral resources taxes reassessment for this segment.
• Mineral resources segment expenses were $2,116,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $1,950,000, or 48%, from $4,066,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease is primarily due to lower water cost of sales recognized of $1,625,000 when compared to the previous year.

As anticipated changes arise in the future related to groundwater management in California, such as limits on groundwater pumping, we believe our water assets, including water banking operations, ground water recharge programs, and access to water contracts like those we have purchased in the past, will become even more important and valuable in servicing our projects and providing opportunities for water sales to third-parties.

Prices for oil and natural gas fluctuate in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control, such as: changes in domestic and global supply and demand, domestic and global inventory levels, political and regulatory conditions in California, and international disputes. Production has seen an overall decline in California as a result of regulatory conditions.

Farming:

($ in thousands)

• Farming segment revenues were $865,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $320,000, or 27%, from $1,185,000 during the same period in 2023. The decrease is mainly caused by declines in other revenues - farming water sales of $212,000 decline due to higher level of water availability, and hay sales revenue fell $119,000 following the Company's decision to ramp down the hay business.
• Farming segment expenses were $2,067,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, an increase of $54,000, or 3%, from $2,013,000 during the same period in 2023.

Our almond, pistachio, and wine grape crop sales are highly seasonal, with most of our sales occurring during the third and fourth quarters. Each year, almonds and pistachios are sold at market prices, while grapes are sold to wineries at contracted prices. Higher anticipated 2024 California state almond production is anticipated to have an adverse effect on selling prices throughout 2024. It is too early in the production cycle for 2024 to have a subjective estimate of potential production for almonds, grapes, and pistachios.

Weather conditions can also impact the number of tree and vine dormant hours, which are integral to tree and vine growth. Farmers in California faced a warm winter negatively impacting dormant hours, which can impact production especially within pistachios. Late winter and early spring rainstorms impacted the timing of various farming activities such as pesticide sprays, any impact to production will not be known until later in the summer. In addition, higher cultural and financing costs and a reduced bloom cycle with highly compromised bee flight hours created more adversity for farmers. The abundant rain and snow have vastly improved the water situation, while shipping logistics continue to improve.

Labor costs, both internal and through labor contractors, continue to increase and the Company expects this trend to continue over the foreseeable future. The Company utilizes external labor contractors, as necessary, for large projects, such as pruning and harvesting, as a way to manage our labor needs. From a broader inflationary standpoint, the Company is seeing, and will continue to see, an increase in production costs, most notably chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, and fuel costs.

Lastly, the impact of state ground water management laws on new plantings and continuing crop production remains unknown. Water delivery and water availability continues to be a long-term concern within California. Any limitation of delivery of SWP water, and the absence of available alternatives during drought periods, could potentially cause permanent damage to orchards and vineyards throughout California. While this could impact us, we believe we have sufficient water resources available to meet our requirements for the next crop year.

Ranch Operations:

($ in thousands)

• Ranch operations revenues were $1,107,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $385,000, or 26%, from $1,492,000 for the same period in 2023. The decrease is attributed to lower filming location revenues of $469,000, partially offset by higher revenues recognized for grazing leases of $79,000.
• Ranch operations expenses were $1,227,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $103,000, or 8%, from $1,330,000 for the same period in 2023. This decrease is mainly attributed to the savings in payroll and compensation expense of $64,000, reduction in landscaping services of $19,000 and reduction in insurance expense of $15,000.

Corporate and Other:

Corporate general and administrative costs were $2,492,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, an increase of $205,000, or 9%, from $2,287,000 for the same period in 2023. The increase is primarily attributable to higher salary expense and stock compensation expense recognized during the period.

Total other income was $615,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $175,000 from $790,000 for the same period in 2023. This decrease is primarily attributed to a decrease in other income of $404,000, mainly due to the employee retention credit received in the first quarter of 2023 of $426,000, which did not reoccur in 2024. The decrease in other income was partially offset by an increase in interest income of $229,000 resulting from higher interest rates over the comparative periods.

Joint Ventures:

($ in thousands)

• Equity in earnings was $1,513,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $4,000, from $1,517,000 during the same period in 2023. The decrease is primarily attributed to lower equity in earnings realized on Petro Travel Plaza joint venture as a result of lower fuel sales volume, offset by higher equity in earnings realized on the TRC-MRC joint ventures including a new revenue stream generated by the recently completed building of TRC-MRC5 LLC joint venture.

Please refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for further financial discussion of the results of our joint ventures.

General Outlook

Our operations are seasonal and future results of operations cannot reliably be predicted based on quarterly results. Historically, our largest percentage of farming revenues are recognized during the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year. Real estate activity and leasing activities are dependent on market circumstances and specific opportunities and therefore are difficult to predict from period to period.

For further discussion of the risks and uncertainties that could potentially adversely affect us, please refer to Part I, Item 7 – “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, or Annual Report, and to Part I, Item 1A - "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report. For further discussion, please refer to Note 11 (Commitments and Contingencies) of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.

Income Taxes

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we had an income tax benefit of $942,000 compared to income tax expense of $1,013,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The effective tax rates approximated 51% and 36% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of March 31, 2024, there were no income taxes payable. We classify interest and penalties incurred on tax payments as income tax expenses. Our effective tax rates were higher than statutory rates primarily because of permanent differences related to Section 162(m). The Section 162(m) compensation deduction limitations occurred due to changes in tax law arising from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Cash Flow and Liquidity

Our financial position allows us to pursue our strategies of continued development of TRCC, funding of operating activities, land entitlement, development, and conservation. Accordingly, we have established well-defined priorities for our available cash, including investing in core operating segments to achieve profitable future growth. We have historically funded our operations with cash flows from operating activities, investment proceeds, and short-term borrowings from our bank credit facilities. In the past, we have also issued common stock and used the proceeds for capital investment activities.

To enhance shareholder value over the long-term, we expect to continue to make investments in our real estate segments to secure land entitlement approvals, build infrastructure for our developments, invest in to be leased assets, provide adequate water supplies, and provide funds for general land development activities. Within our farming segment, we intend to make investments, as needed, to improve efficiency and add capacity to its operations, when it is profitable to do so.

Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled approximately $60,671,000 as of March 31, 2024, a decrease of $3,792,000 from $64,463,000 as of December 31, 2023.

The following table shows our cash flow activities for the three months ended March 31,

(in thousands)

Operating Activities

During the first three months of 2024, our operations provided $777,000 primarily as a result of collection of account receivables, offset by increases in inventories and prepaid expenses, and our net loss from operations.

During the first three months of 2023, the Company's operations provided $3,413,000 primarily as a result of distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures and our net income from operations.

Investing Activities

During the first three months of 2024, investing activities provided $3,074,000. We made capital expenditures, inclusive of capitalized interest and payroll (exclusive of stock compensation), of $8,112,000, which includes predevelopment activities for our master planned communities, $599,000 consisting of permitting efforts for MV, $353,000 consisting of permitting efforts for Grapevine, and costs related to litigation defense for Centennial of $994,000. At TRCC, we spent $2,446,000 of construction cost on Terra Visa at Tejon and $1,573,000 on infrastructure improvements at TRCC-East. Within our farming segment, we spent $1,846,000, which includes cultural costs for orchards currently classified as under development and replacement of machinery and equipment. Additionally, we used $5,248,000 to acquire water assets. We had marketable securities of $46,239,000 that matured, and we reinvested $38,614,000. Lastly, we received proceeds of $5,500,000 from joint venture distributions.

During the first three months of 2023, investing activities provided $877,000. The Company made capital expenditures, inclusive of capitalized interest and payroll (exclusive of stock compensation), of $5,037,000, which includes predevelopment activities for our master planned communities, $524,000 consisting of permitting efforts for MV, $326,000 consisting of permitting efforts for Grapevine, and costs related to litigation defense for Centennial of $700,000. At TRCC, we spent $1,286,000 on infrastructure improvements at TRCC-East. Within our farming segment, we spent $1,659,000, which includes cultural costs for orchards currently classified as under development and replacement of machinery and equipment. Additionally, the Company used $4,355,000 to acquire water assets. The Company had marketable securities maturities of $27,193,000 and reinvested $28,892,000. Lastly, the Company received proceeds of $10,644,000, and $1,324,000 from joint venture distributions, and water sales, respectively.

As we move forward, we anticipate we will continue to use cash from operations, proceeds from the maturity of securities, and anticipated distributions from joint ventures to fund real estate project investments, including the investments summarized below.

Our estimated capital investment, inclusive of capitalized interest and payroll, for the remainder of 2024 is primarily related to our real estate projects. These estimated investments include approximately $40,074,000 of construction costs for the Terra Vista at Tejon multi-family project phase 1 development and $14,832,000 of infrastructure development at TRCC-East to support the continued commercial retail and industrial development, water treatment system improvements, and expansion of the wastewater treatment plant for future anticipated absorption. We also expect to invest up to $7,652,000 for land planning, litigation/appeals, federal and state agency permitting activities, and development activities at MV, Centennial, and Grapevine during the remainder of 2024. Lastly, we plan to continue to invest $1,222,000 in cultural costs tied to new almond orchards and vineyards, and to replace farm equipment. The farm investments are part of a long-term farm management program to redevelop declining orchards and vineyards to maintain and improve future farm revenues.

We capitalize interest cost as a cost of the project only during the period for which activities necessary to prepare an asset for its intended use are ongoing, provided expenditures for the asset have been made and interest cost has been incurred. Capitalized interest for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, was $968,000 and $621,000, respectively, and is classified within real estate development. We also capitalized payroll costs related to development, pre-construction, and construction projects, which aggregated $547,000 and $668,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Financing Activities

During the first three months of 2024, financing activities used $206,000, which was attributable to the tax payments on vested share grants.

During the first three months of 2023, financing activities used $3,030,000, which was attributable to long-term debt service of $436,000, and tax payments on vested share grants of $2,594,000.

It is difficult to accurately predict cash flows due to the nature of our businesses and fluctuating economic conditions. Our earnings and cash flows will be affected from period to period by the commodity nature of our farming and mineral operations, the timing of sales and leases of property within our development projects, and the beginning of development within our residential projects. The timing of sales and leases within our development projects is difficult to predict due to the time necessary to complete the development process and negotiate sales or lease contracts. Often, the timing aspect of land development can lead to particular years or periods having more or less earnings than comparable periods. Based on our experience, we believe we will have adequate cash flows, cash balances, and availability on our line of credit over the next twelve months to fund internal operations. As we move forward with the completion of the litigation, permitting and engineering design for our master planned communities and prepare to move into the development stage, we may need to secure additional funding through either the issuance of equity and/or by securing other forms of financing such as joint venture equity and debt financing.

We regularly evaluate our short-term and long-term capital investment needs. Based on the timing of capital investments, we may supplement our current cash, marketable securities, and operational funding sources through the sale of common stock and the incurrence of additional debt.

Capital Structure and Financial Condition

At March 31, 2024, total capitalization at book value was $530,664,000, consisting of $47,942,000 of debt and $482,722,000 of equity, resulting in a debt-to-total-capitalization ratio of approximately 9.0%.

On November 17, 2023, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with AgWest Farm Credit, PCA, as administrative agent and letter of credit intermediary (Administrative Agent), and certain other lenders (the Credit Agreement Lenders), collectively, the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility provides TRC with (i) a revolving credit line (RCL) in the amount of $160,000,000 and (ii) the option for TRC to utilize a letter of credit sub-facility in the amount of $15,000,000 (LOC Sub-Facility). The LOC Sub-Facility is part of, and not in addition to, the RCL. As further summarized below, the RCL requires interest only payments and has a maturity date of January 1, 2029.

Upon closing of the Revolving Credit Facility, funds from the RCL were used to pay off and close out the existing Bank of America, N.A. Term Note and Revolving Line of Credit Note. The amount of this pay off was $47,078,564 plus accrued interest and fees on the Bank of America Term Note. The Company evaluated the debt exchange under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 470 and determined that the exchange should be treated as a debt extinguishment. Future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility will be used for ongoing working capital requirements, including to fund future construction projects, farming and ranching operations, and other general corporate purposes.

To maintain availability of funds, undrawn amounts under the RCL will accrue an unused fee of 15 basis points per annum except that, for the LOC Sub-Facility, TRC will incur a fee of 2.00% per annum for each letter of credit issued to TRC. TRC’s ability to borrow/draw additional funds is subject to compliance with certain financial and other covenants, some of which are further described below, and the continuing accuracy of certain representations and warranties contained in the Revolving Credit Facility.

The interest rate per annum applicable to the Revolving Credit Facility is the one-month term SOFR plus an interest rate spread that is based on TRC’s consolidated net liabilities to equity ratio (NLER). The interest rate spread for the NLER has three tiers: (1) 2.75% if the NLER is 55% or more; (2) 2.5% if the NLER is between 35% and less than 55%; and (3) 2.25% if the NLER is less than 35%. The interest rate spread in the previous sentence may effectively be reduced by applying a patronage credit for TRC’s participation in the farm credit program, which patronage credit historically has been (for reference and information purposes only and not as a guarantee of future patronage credit) between 100-125 basis points. The patronage credit is paid annually by the Administrative Agent in the form of a dividend. As of March 31, 2024, the Company's NLER was in tier 3, or less than 35%, and the applicable interest rate spread was 2.25%.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires the payment of interest only during the term, at which point the full drawn amount, plus accrued interest, must be repaid by the maturity date, if TRC has not earlier repaid the borrowed amount or extended the maturity date. The RCL may be repaid in part, or in full, by TRC at any time during the term without penalty. Certain events of default (as described in the Revolving Credit Facility) allow acceleration of repayment of borrowed funds, interest and other fees. The Revolving Credit Facility is unsecured, but the agreement provides the Administrative Agent a springing lien on TRC’s wholly owned, unencumbered assets, exclusive of assets subject to negative pledge, if one or more covenants is breached.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires compliance with three financial covenants: (a) total liabilities divided by tangible net worth not greater than 0.55 to 1.00 at each year end; (b) a debt service coverage ratio not less than 1.50 to 1.00 as of each year end on a rolling four quarter basis; and (c) a liquidity ratio not less than 2.00 to 1.00 at each year end.

The Revolving Credit Facility also contains customary negative covenants that limit the ability of the Company to, among other things, make capital expenditures, incur indebtedness and issue guaranties, consummate certain asset sales, acquisitions or mergers, make investments, pay dividends or repurchase stock, make a change in capital ownership, or incur liens on any assets.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including: failure to make required payments; failure to comply with terms of the Credit Facility; bankruptcy and insolvency. The Credit Facility contains other customary terms and conditions, including representations and warranties, which are typical for credit facilities of this type.

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all financial covenants.

We expect that current and future capital resource requirements will be provided primarily from current cash and marketable securities, cash flow from ongoing operations, distributions from joint ventures, proceeds from the sale of developed and undeveloped land parcels, potential sales of assets, additional use of debt or drawdowns against our line of credit, proceeds from the reimbursement of public infrastructure costs through CFD bond debt (described below under “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements”), or issuance of additional common stock.

In May 2022, we filed an updated shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that went effective in May 2022. Under the shelf registration statement, we may offer and sell in the future through one or more offerings not to exceed $200,000,000 of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants or any combination of the foregoing. The shelf registration allows for efficient and timely access to capital markets and, when combined with our other potential funding sources just noted, provides us with a variety of capital funding options that can then be used and appropriately matched to our funding needs.

We have a strong liquidity position at March 31, 2024 with $60,671,000 in cash and securities and $108,615,000 available on our New RLC to meet any short-term liquidity needs. See Note 3 (Marketable Securities) and Note 7 (Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt) of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

We continue to expect that substantial investments will be required to develop our land assets. To meet these capital requirements, we may need to secure additional debt financing and continue to renew our existing credit facilities. In addition to debt financing, we will use other capital alternatives such as joint ventures with financial partners, sales of assets, and/or the issuance of common stock. We will use a combination of the above funding sources to properly match funding requirements with the assets or development project being funded. There is no assurance that we can obtain financing or that we can obtain financing at favorable terms. We believe we have adequate capital resources to fund our cash needs and our capital investment requirements in the near term as described earlier in the cash flow and liquidity discussions.

Contractual Cash Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments as of March 31, 2024, to be paid over the next five years and thereafter:

(In thousands)

The table above includes only those contracts that include fixed or minimum obligations. It does not include normal purchases that are made in the ordinary course of business.

Estimated water payments include the Nickel Family, LLC water contract, which obligates us to purchase 6,693 acre-feet of water annually through 2044 and SWP contracts with WRMWSD, TCWD, Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District, and Dudley-Ridge Water Storage District. These contracts for the supply of future water run through 2035. Please refer to Note 5 (Long-Term Water Assets) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding water assets.

Our cash contract commitments consist of contracts in various stages of completion related to infrastructure development within our industrial developments and entitlement costs related to our industrial and residential development projects. Also, included in the cash contract commitments are estimated fees earned in 2014 by a consultant, related to the entitlement of the Grapevine Development Area. We exited a consulting contract in 2014 related to the Grapevine Development and are obligated to pay an earned incentive fee at the time of successful receipt of all project permits and entitlements and at a value measurement date five-years after entitlements have been achieved for Grapevine. The final amount of the incentive fees will not be finalized until the future payment dates. We believe that net savings from exiting the contract over this future time period will more than offset the incentive payment costs.

As discussed in Note 12 (Retirement Plans) of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, we have long-term liabilities for deferred employee compensation, including pension and supplemental retirement plans. Payments in the above table reflect estimates of future defined benefit plan contributions from us to the plan trust, estimates of payments to employees from the plan trust, and estimates of future payments to employees from us that are in the SERP program. We expect to contribute $165,000 to our defined benefit plan in 2024.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The following table shows contingent obligations we have with respect to certain bonds issued by the CFDs:

($ in thousands)

The TRPFFA is a joint powers authority formed by Kern County and TCWD to finance public infrastructure within our Kern County developments. TRPFFA created two CFDs, the West CFD and the East CFD. The West CFD has placed liens on 420 acres of our land to secure payment of special taxes related to $19,540,000 of bond debt sold by TRPFFA for TRCC-West. The East CFD has placed liens on 1,931 acres of our land to secure payments of special taxes related to $72,055,000 of bond debt sold by TRPFFA for TRCC-East. At TRCC-West, the West CFD has no additional bond debt approved for issuance. At TRCC-East, the East CFD has approximately $44,035,000 of additional bond debt authorized by TRPFFA.

In connection with the sale of the bonds, there is a standby letter of credit for $3,358,000 related to the issuance of East CFD bonds. The standby letter of credit is in place to provide additional credit enhancement and cover approximately two years' worth of interest on the outstanding bonds. This letter of credit will not be drawn upon unless we, as the largest landowner in the CFD, fail to make our property tax payments. As development occurs within TRCC-East, there is a mechanism in the bond documents to reduce the amount of the letter of credit. As of March 31, 2024, we believe that the letter of credit will likely never be drawn upon. This letter of credit is for a two-year period and will be renewed in two-year intervals, as necessary. The annual cost related to the letter of credit is approximately $67,000. The tax assessment of each individual property sold or leased within each CFD is not determinable at this time, because it is based on the current tax rate of the property at the time of sale or at the time it is leased to a third-party. Accordingly, we were not required to recognize an obligation as of March 31, 2024.

As of March 31, 2024, aggregate outstanding debt of unconsolidated joint ventures was $225,200,000; $20,776,000 is attributable to the loan for TRCC/Rock Outlet joint venture. This loan is 100% guaranteed at March 31, 2024. All other outstanding debt attributed to our joint ventures have met their respective debt covenants, hence not subject to an effective guarantee at March 31, 2024. We do not provide a guarantee on the $12,365,000 of debt related to our joint venture with TA/Petro.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, a non-GAAP financial measure, and is used by us and others as a supplemental measure of performance. We use Adjusted EBITDA to assess the performance of our core operations, for financial and operational decision making, and as a supplemental or additional means of evaluating period-to-period comparisons on a consistent basis. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as EBITDA, excluding stock compensation expense. We believe Adjusted EBITDA provides investors relevant and useful information because it permits investors to view income from our operations on an unleveraged basis, before the effects of taxes, depreciation and amortization, and stock compensation expense. By excluding interest expense and income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA allow investors to measure our performance independent of our capital structure and indebtedness and, therefore, allow for a more meaningful comparison of our performance to that of other companies, both in the real estate industry and in other industries. We believe that excluding charges related to share-based compensation facilitates a comparison of our operations across periods and among other companies without the variances caused by different valuation methodologies, the volatility of the expense (which depends on market forces outside our control), and the assumptions and the variety of award types that a company can use. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as measures of our performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our historical cash expenditures or future cash requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments. While EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are relevant and widely used measures of performance, they do not represent net income or cash flows from operations as defined by GAAP. Further, our computation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies.

($ in thousands)

Net operating income (NOI) is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as operating income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, excluding general and administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and gain or loss on sales of real estate. We believe NOI provides useful information to investors regarding our financial condition and results of operations because it primarily reflects those income and expense items that are incurred at the property level. Therefore, we believe NOI is a useful measure for evaluating the operating performance of our real estate assets.

($ in thousands)

40

($ in thousands)

The Company utilizes NOI of unconsolidated joint ventures as a measure of financial or operating performance that is not specifically defined by GAAP. We believe NOI of unconsolidated joint ventures provides investors with additional information concerning operating performance of our unconsolidated joint ventures. We also use this measure internally to monitor the operating performance of our unconsolidated joint ventures. Our computation of this non-GAAP measure may not be the same as similar measures reported by other companies. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of the operating performance of our unconsolidated joint ventures or to cash flows computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of liquidity nor are they indicative of cash flows from operating and financial activities of our unconsolidated joint ventures.

The following schedule reconciles net income of unconsolidated joint ventures to NOI of unconsolidated joint ventures. Please refer to Note 14 (Investment in Unconsolidated and Consolidated Joint Ventures) of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on joint ventures.

($ in thousands)

41

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company due to adverse changes in financial or commodity market prices or rates. We are exposed to market risk in the areas of interest rates and commodity prices.

Financial Market Risks

Our exposure to financial market risks includes changes to interest rates and credit risks related to marketable securities, interest rates related to our outstanding indebtedness and trade receivables.

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal, while at the same time maximizing yields and prudently managing risk. To achieve this objective and limit interest rate exposure, we limit our investments to securities with a maturity of less than five years and an investment grade rating from Moody’s or Standard and Poor’s. See Note 3 (Marketable Securities) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our current RCL has a $47,942,000 outstanding balance. The interest rate on this line of credit can float at a rate equal to one-month term SOFR plus 2.25% for an effective rate of 7.58% at March 31, 2024. During the term of this RCL (which matures in January 2029), the Company can borrow at any time and partially or wholly repay any outstanding borrowings and then re-borrow, as necessary outstanding balances.

Market risk related to our farming inventories ultimately depends on the value of almonds, grapes, and pistachios at the time of payment or sale. Credit risk related to our receivables depends upon the financial condition of our customers. Based on historical experience with our current customers, and periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial conditions, we believe our credit risk is minimal. Market risk related to our farming inventories is discussed below in the section pertaining to commodity price exposure.

The following tables provide information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. The tables present our debt obligations and marketable securities and their related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Financial Market Risks

Principal Amount by Expected Maturity

At March 31, 2024

(In thousands except percentage data)

42

Interest Rate Sensitivity Financial Market Risks

Principal Amount by Expected Maturity

At December 31, 2023

(In thousands except percentage data)

Commodity Price Exposure

Farming inventories and accounts receivable are exposed to adverse price fluctuations. Farming inventories consist of farming, cultural, and processing costs associated with crop production. Farming inventory costs are recorded as incurred. Historically, these costs have been recovered through crop sales occurring after harvest.

With respect to accounts receivable, the amount at risk primarily relates to farm crops. These receivables are recorded as estimates of the prices that ultimately will be received for the crops. The final price is generally not known for several months following the close of our fiscal year. Of the $5,593,000 of accounts receivable outstanding at March 31, 2024, $1,689,000 or 30%, pertains to pistachio sales receivables that are at risk to changing prices. Over the previous three years, pistachio prices have fluctuated between $1.62 to $2.14.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

At the end of the period covered by this report, management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that all information required in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act was accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period required by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 under the Exchange Act that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.