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Description of Business and Basis of Presentation | 12 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] |
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation | Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Description of Business Alico, Inc. (“Alico”), together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company", "we", "us" or "our”), is a Florida agribusiness and land management company owning approximately 122,000 acres of land throughout Florida, including approximately 90,000 acres of mineral rights. The Company manages its land based upon its primary usage, and reviews its performance based upon two primary classifications - Alico Citrus and Conservation and Environmental Resources. Financial results are presented based upon its three business segments (Alico Citrus, Conservation and Environmental Resources and Other Operations). Basis of Presentation The Company has prepared the accompanying financial statements on a consolidated basis. These accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, which are referred to herein as the “Financial Statements”, have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In the opinion of management, the accompanying Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s results as of and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. All significant intercompany transactions and account balances between the consolidated businesses have been eliminated. Segments Operating segments are defined in the criteria established under the Financial Accounting Standards Board - Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) Topic 280 as components of public entities that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses for which separate financial information is available and which is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company’s CODM assesses performance and allocates resources based on three operating segments: Alico Citrus (formerly Orange Co.), Conservation and Environmental Resources and Other Operations. Principles of Consolidation The Financial Statements include the accounts of Alico, Inc. and the accounts of all the subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is held by the Company. Under U.S. GAAP, consolidation is generally required for investments of more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of an investee, except when control is not held by the majority owner. The Company’s subsidiaries include: Alico Land Development, Inc., Alico-Agri, Ltd., Alico Plant World, LLC, Alico Fruit Company, LLC, Alico Citrus Nursery, LLC, Alico Chemical Sales, LLC, 734 Citrus Holdings LLC and subsidiaries, Alico Fresh Fruit LLC, Alico Skink Mitigation, LLC and Citree Holdings 1, LLC. The Company considers the criteria established under FASB ASC Topic 810, “Consolidations” in its consolidation process. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the accompanying Financial Statements, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses and cash flows during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from those estimates based upon future events. The Company evaluates estimates on an ongoing basis. The estimates are based on current and expected economic conditions, historical experience, the experience and judgment of the Company’s management and various other specific assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable. The Company evaluates its assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in the Company’s evaluations. Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Affiliate The Financial Statements include all assets and liabilities of the less-than-100%-owned affiliate the Company controls, Citree Holdings I, LLC (“Citree”). Accordingly, the Company has recorded a noncontrolling interest in the equity of such entity. Citree had net losses of $91,432, $69,230 and $64,014 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, of which $46,630, $35,307 and $32,647 was attributable to the Company for fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” as a new ASC topic (Topic 606). The core principle of this ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU further provides guidance for any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (for example, lease contracts). The FASB subsequently issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 until annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with earlier adoption permitted. The FASB also recently issued ASU 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing," and 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients," that clarify or amend the original Topic 606. ASU 2014-09 can be adopted using one of two retrospective transition methods: 1) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or 2) as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on the Company’s Financial Statements upon adoption. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)." This guidance will require entities that enter into leases as a lessee to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under previous GAAP. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our Financial Statements, and it will become effective for Alico at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2020. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)." The amendment clarifies the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations as contained in ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to a customer. ASU No. 2016-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption of ASU No. 2016-08 is permitted but not before December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-08 on our Financial Statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” The objective of this update is to simplify several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. This guidance, which will be adopted October 1, 2017, is not expected to have a significant impact on our Financial Statements In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230).” This ASU will provide guidance on the presentation and classification of specific cash flow items to improve consistency within the statement of cash flows. The effective date for adoption of this guidance would be our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-15 will have on our Financial Statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory” (ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes), which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. This ASU is effective for the Company on October 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet evaluated the effect, if any, that ASU 2016-16 will have on our Financial Statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business" that provides guidance to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities (set) is a business. Under the new guidance, an entity first determines whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If this threshold is met, the set is not a business. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. The ASU will be applied prospectively to any transactions occurring within the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other” (Topic 350) which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment. The updated guidance eliminates Step 2 of the impairment test, which requires entities to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, determined in Step 1. This guidance will become effective for us in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period. We will adopt this guidance using a prospective approach. Earlier adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, “Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets" (Subtopic 610-20): The ASU clarifies that ASC 610-20 applies to the derecognition of nonfinancial assets and in substance nonfinancial assets unless other specific guidance applies. As a result, it will not apply to the derecognition of businesses, nonprofit activities, or financial assets (including equity method investments), or to contracts with customers. The ASU also clarifies that an in substance nonfinancial asset is an asset or group of assets for which substantially all of the fair value consists of nonfinancial assets and the group or subsidiary is not a business. In addition, transfers of nonfinancial assets to another entity in exchange for a noncontrolling ownership interest in that entity will be accounted for under ASC 610-20, removing specific guidance on such partial exchanges from ASC 845, Nonmonetary Transactions. As a result, guidance specific to real estate sales in ASC 360-20 will be eliminated. As such, sales and partial sales of real estate assets will now be subject to the same derecognition model as all other nonfinancial assets. The ASU will also impact the accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets (including in substance real estate). When an entity transfers its controlling interest in a nonfinancial asset, but retains a noncontrolling ownership interest, the entity will measure the retained interest at fair value. This will result in full gain/loss recognition upon the sale of a controlling interest in a nonfinancial asset. Current guidance generally prohibits gain recognition on the retained interest. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years and early adoption is permitted. The ASU will be applied prospectively to any transaction occurring from the date of adoption. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation” (Topic 718) which clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. ASU 2017-09 will reduce diversity in practice and result in fewer changes to the terms of an award being accounted for as modifications. Under ASU 2017-09, an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if the award's fair value, vesting conditions and classification as an equity or liability instrument are the same immediately before and after the change. ASU 2017-09 will be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the adoption date. The guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect this new guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The Company has reviewed other recently issued accounting standards which have not yet been adopted in order to determine their potential effect, if any, on the results of operations or financial condition. Based on the review of these other recently issued standards, the Company does not currently believe that any of those accounting pronouncements will have a significant effect on its current or future financial position, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying Financial Statements for consistent presentation to the current period. These reclassifications had no impact on net income, equity or cash flows as previously reported; however, working capital decreased by approximately $1,184,000 at September 30, 2016. Seasonality The Company is primarily engaged in the production of fruit for sale to citrus markets, which is of a seasonal nature, and subject to the influence of natural phenomena and wide price fluctuations. Historically, the second and third quarters of our fiscal year generally produce the majority of our annual revenue, and working capital requirements are typically greater in the first and fourth quarters of the fiscal year. The results of the reported periods herein are not necessarily indicative of the results for any other interim periods or the entire fiscal year. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business Combinations The Company accounts for its business acquisitions under the acquisition method of accounting as indicated in FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations”, which requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the fair value of all assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, and establishes the acquisition date as the fair value measurement point. Accordingly, the Company recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, including contingent assets and liabilities and noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, based on fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition. In accordance with FASB ASC 805, the Company recognizes and measures goodwill, if any, as of the acquisition date, as the excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the identified net assets acquired. When we acquire a business from an entity under common control, whereby the companies are ultimately controlled by the same party or parties both before and after the transaction, it is treated similar to the pooling of interests method of accounting. The assets and liabilities are recorded at the transferring entity’s historical cost instead of reflecting the fair value of assets and liabilities. Revenue Recognition Revenues from agricultural crops are recognized at the time the crop is harvested and delivered to the customer. Receivables from crops sold are recorded for the estimated proceeds to be received from the customer. On a quarterly basis, management reviews the reasonableness of the revenues accrued based on buyers’ and processors’ advances to growers, cash and futures markets and experience in the industry. Adjustments are made throughout the year to these estimates as more current relevant industry information becomes available. Differences between the estimates and the final realization of revenues can be significant and can be either an increase or decrease to reported revenues. During the periods presented in this report, no material adjustments were made to the reported revenues of the Company’s crops. Alico recognizes revenues from cattle sales at the time the cattle are delivered. Alico Fruit Company, LLC ("AFC") operations primarily consist of providing supply chain management services to Alico, as well as to other citrus growers and processors in the state of Florida. AFC also purchases and resells citrus fruit; in these transactions, AFC (i) acts as a principal; (ii) takes title to the products; and (iii) has the risks and rewards of ownership, including the risk of loss for collection, delivery or returns. Therefore, AFC recognizes revenues based on the gross amounts due from customers for its marketing activities. Supply chain management services revenues are recognized when the services are performed. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short term and immediate nature of these financial instruments. The carrying amounts of our debt approximates fair value as the debt is with commercial lenders at interest rates that vary with market conditions or have fixed rates that approximate market rates for obligations with similar terms and maturities (see Note 10. “Fair Value Measurements”). Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers cash in banks and highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. At various times throughout the fiscal year, and as of September 30, 2017, some accounts held at financial institutions were in excess of the federally insured limit of $250,000. The Company has not experienced any losses on these accounts and believes credit risk to be minimal. Accounts receivable Accounts receivable from customers are generated from revenues based on the sale of citrus, cattle, leasing and other transactions. The Company grants credit in the course of its operations to third party customers. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts for amounts which are not probable of collection. The estimate, evaluated quarterly by the Company, is based on historical collection experience, current macroeconomic climate and market conditions and a review of the current status each customer’s account. Changes in the financial viability of significant customers and worsening of economic conditions may require changes to its estimate of the recoverability of the receivables. Such changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which these changes become known. The allowance for doubtful accounts is included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table presents accounts receivable, net for fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
(in thousands) | September 30,
| 2017 |  | 2016
Accounts receivable | $ | 4,314 |  |  | $ | 4,753 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (28 | ) |  | (13 | )
Accounts receivable, net | $ | 4,286 |  |  | $ | 4,740 |
Concentrations Accounts receivable from the Company’s major customers as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 and revenue for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, are as follows:
(in thousands) | Accounts Receivable |  | Revenue |  | % of Total Revenue
| 2017 | 2016 |  | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |  | 2017 | 2016 | 2015
Tropicana | $ | 2,506 |  | $ | 1,710 |  |  | $ | 111,197 |  | $ | 46,898 |  | $ | 21,925 |  |  | 85.6 | % | 32.5 | % | 14.3 | %
Cutrale Citrus Juice | $ | — |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,364 |  | $ | 22,735 |  | $ | 23,556 |  |  | 1.1 | % | 15.8 | % | 15.4 | %
Minute Maid | $ | — |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  | $ | 49,271 |  | $ | 57,484 |  |  | — | % | 34.2 | % | 37.5 | %
Louis Dreyfus | $ | — |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  | $ | — |  | $ | 22,460 |  |  | — | % | — | % | 14.7 | %
The citrus industry is subject to various factors over which growers have limited or no control, including weather conditions, disease, pestilence, water supply and market price fluctuations. Market prices are highly sensitive to aggregate domestic and foreign crop sizes, as well as factors including, but not limited to, weather and competition from foreign countries. Real Estate In recognizing revenues from land sales, the Company applies specific revenue recognition criteria, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to determine when land sales revenues can be recorded. For example, in order to fully recognize a gain resulting from a real estate transaction, the sale must be consummated with a sufficient down payment of at least 20% to 25% of the sales price depending upon the type and timeframe for development of the property sold and any receivable from the sale cannot be subject to future subordination. In addition, the seller cannot retain any material continuing involvement in the property sold. When these criteria are not met, the Company recognizes a gain proportionate to collections utilizing either the installment method or deposit method as appropriate. Inventories The costs of growing crops, including but not limited to labor, fertilization, fuel, crop nutrition and irrigation, are capitalized into inventory throughout the respective crop year. Such costs are expensed as cost of sales when the crops are harvested and are recorded as operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost for unharvested citrus crops is based on accumulated production costs incurred during the period from January 1 through the balance sheet date. The cost of the beef cattle inventory is based on the accumulated cost of developing such animals for sale from July 1 through the balance sheet date (see Note 5. “Inventories”). Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization. Major improvements are capitalized while expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred. Costs related to the development of citrus groves through planting of trees are capitalized. Such costs include land clearing, excavation and construction of ditches, dikes, roads, and reservoirs, among other costs. After the planting, caretaking costs or pre-productive maintenance costs are capitalized for four years. After four years, a planting is considered to have reached maturity and the accumulated costs are depreciated over 25 years, except for land clearing and excavation, which are considered costs of land and not depreciated. The breeding herd consists of purchased animals and animals raised on the Company’s ranches. Purchased animals are stated at the cost of acquisition. The cost of animals raised on the ranch is based on the accumulated cost of developing such animals for productive use. Real estate costs incurred for the acquisition, development and construction of real estate projects are capitalized. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets, with the exception of leasehold improvements and assets acquired through capital leases, which are depreciated over their estimated useful lives if the lease transfers ownership or contains a bargain purchase option, otherwise the term of the lease. The estimated useful lives for property and equipment are primarily as follows:
Citrus trees | 25 years
Equipment and other facilities | 3-20 years
Buildings and improvements | 25-39 years
Breeding herd | 5-7 years
Changes in circumstances, such as technological advances or changes to our business model or capital strategy could result in the actual useful lives differing from the original estimates. In those cases where we determine that the useful life of property and equipment should be shortened, we would depreciate the asset over its revised estimated remaining useful life, thereby increasing depreciation expense (see Note 7. “Property and Equipment, Net”). Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. The Company records impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations, or asset group, when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the estimated cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) to be generated by those assets or asset group over the remaining lives of the assets or asset group are less than the carrying amounts of those assets. In calculating impairments and the estimated cash flows, the Company assigns its asset groups by determining the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of the other Company assets. The net carrying values of assets or asset group not recoverable are reduced to their fair values. Our cash flow estimates are based on historical results adjusted to reflect our best estimates of future market conditions and operating conditions. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, long-lived assets were comprised of property and equipment. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the fair value of the assets acquired less liabilities assumed in connection with such acquisition. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives acquired in an acquisition are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually, on the same date, or more frequently should an event occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Such events or circumstances may be a significant change in business climate, economic and industry trends, legal factors, negative operating performance indicators, significant competition, changes in strategy or disposition of a reporting unit or a portion thereof. In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary or to perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. Under the qualitative assessment, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. If, under the quantitative assessment, the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the amount of the impairment loss, if any, must be measured under step two of the impairment analysis. In step two of the analysis, we would record an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over its implied fair value, should such a circumstance arise. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, no impairment was required. Other Non-Current Assets Other non-current assets primarily include investments owned in agricultural cooperatives, cash surrender value on life insurance and equity investment in affiliate (Magnolia). Investments in stock related to agricultural cooperatives are carried at cost. Income Taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. The provision for income taxes includes income taxes currently payable and those deferred as a result of temporary differences between the financial statements and the income tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in income tax rates on deferred income tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Projected future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies are considered and evaluated when assessing the need for a valuation allowance. Any increase or decrease in a valuation allowance could have a material adverse or beneficial impact on the Company’s income tax provision and net income or loss in the period the determination is made. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not record a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which a change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share for our common stock is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Alico common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is similarly calculated, except that the calculation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed issuance of shares of common stock issuable under equity-based compensation plans in accordance with the treasury stock method, or any other type of securities convertible into common stock, except where the inclusion of such common shares would have an anti-dilutive effect. The following table presents a reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
(in thousands) | Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
| 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic | 8,300 |  |  | 8,303 |  |  | 8,056 |
Effect of dilutive securities - stock options and unrestricted stock | — |  |  | 8 |  |  | 5 |
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted | 8,300 |  |  | 8,311 |  |  | 8,061 |
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the Company issued 750,000 stock options to certain executives of the Company. There were no employee stock options granted for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Non-vested restricted shares of common stock entitle the holder to receive non-forfeitable dividends upon issuance and are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the Company had stock options that were excluded from the diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, there were no anti-dilutive equity awards or convertible securities that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation is measured based on the fair value of the equity award at the grant date and is typically expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Upon the vesting of restricted stock, the Company issues common stock from common shares held in treasury. Total stock-based compensation expense for the three years ended September 30, 2017 in general and administrative expense was as follows:
(in thousands) | Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
| 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Stock compensation expense: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Executives | $ | 880 |  |  | $ | 150 |  |  | $ | 55 |
Board of Directors | 773 |  |  | 774 |  |  | 762 |
Members | — |  |  | — |  |  | 135 |
Total stock compensation expense | $ | 1,653 |  |  | $ | 924 |  |  | $ | 952 |
Equity Method Investments and Variable Interest Entities The Company evaluates the method of accounting for investments in which it does not hold an equity interest of at least 50% based on the amount of control it exercises over the operations of the investee, exposure to losses in excess of its investment, the ability to significantly influence the investee and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of the investee. Investments not qualifying for consolidation are accounted for under the equity method whereby the ongoing investment in the entity, consisting of its initial investment adjusted for distributions, gains and losses of the entity are classified as a single line in the balance sheet and as a non-operating item in the statements of operation. In May 2010, the Company invested $12,150,000 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. Revenues are 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. Expenses 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 and is included in other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Based on the September 30, 2017 unaudited internal financial statements of Magnolia, the Company recognized net investment loss of approximately $202,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017. The Company recognized net investment loss of approximately $103,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 and net investment income of approximately $57,000 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. Net investment income is included in Investment and interest income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Magnolia made certain distributions during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015; the Company’s share of those distributions was approximately $324,000, $171,000, and $675,000, respectively.

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