Quarterly report pursuant to sections 13 or 15(d)

Investment in Magnolia

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Investment in Magnolia
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Investment in Magnolia [Abstract]  
Investment in Magnolia

Note 3. Investment in Magnolia

In May 2010, Alico invested $12.2 million to obtain a 39% limited partner equity interest in Magnolia TC 2, LLC ("Magnolia"), a Florida limited liability company whose primary business activity is acquiring tax certificates issued by various counties in the State of Florida on properties which have property tax delinquencies. In Florida, such certificates are sold at general auction based on a bid interest rate. If the property owner does not redeem such certificate within two years, which requires the payment of delinquent taxes plus the bid interest, a tax deed can be obtained by the winning bidder who can then force an auctioned sale of the property. Tax certificates hold a first priority lien position.

Revenue is recognized by Magnolia when the interest obligation under the tax certificates it holds becomes a fixed amount. In order to redeem a tax certificate in Florida, a minimum of 5% of the face amount of the certificate (delinquent taxes) must be paid to the certificate holder regardless of the amount of time the certificate has been outstanding. Magnolia has recognized the minimum 5% earnings on its tax certificate portfolio. Expenses of the fund include an acquisition fee of 1%, interest expense, a monthly management fee and other administrative costs.

The investment in Magnolia is accounted for in accordance with the equity method of accounting, whereby the Company records its 39% interest in the reported income or loss of the fund each quarter. Based on the March 31, 2012, unaudited internal financial statements of Magnolia, Alico recorded a net investment loss of $87 thousand and net investment income of $10 thousand for the three and six months ended March 31, 2012, as compared with net investment income of $95 thousand and net investment loss of $74 thousand for the three and six months and ended March 31, 2011. Magnolia made certain distributions during the six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 to the Company of approximately $1.3 million and $950 thousand, respectively.