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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004 or
 
o Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
For the transition period from _________ to _________.
 
Commission File Number 01912
 
SONOMAWEST HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

California

94-1069729

(State of incorporation)

(IRS Employer Identification #)

   

2064 Highway 116 North, Sebastopol, CA

95472-2662

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

    
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:     707-824-2534
 
 
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
YES:    X     NO:           
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
YES:            NO:     X   
 
As of November 10, 2004, there were 1,114,257 shares of common stock, no par value, outstanding.
  
     

 

 
SONOMAWEST HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  Page 
Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
              
 
   
              Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2004 and June 30, 2004
 
3
 
              
 
   
              Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003
 
4
 
              
 
   
              Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity - Three months ended September 30, 2004
 
5
 
              
 
   
              Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003
 
6
 
       
              Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
7
 
       
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 

 12

 
            
 
 
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   15  
       
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
16
 
       
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
       
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
17
 
       
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
17
 
       
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
17
 
       
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
17
 
       
Item 5. Other Information
 
17
 
       
Item 6. Exhibits
 
17
 
       
Signature
 
 18
 
       
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
19
 
       
EXHIBITS
 
20
 
 

 
     

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

SONOMAWEST HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

ASSETS
 
9/30/04
(unaudited)
 
 
6/30/04
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
             
Cash
 
$
1,757
 
$
1,348
 
Accounts receivable
   
150
   
131
 
Other receivables
   
25
   
33
 
Interest receivable - Related party
   
-
   
3
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
99
   
135
 
Current deferred income taxes, net
   
64
   
77
 
Total current assets
   
2,095
   
1,727
 
RENTAL PROPERTY, net
   
1,656
   
1,698
 
INVESTMENT, at cost
   
3,001
   
3,001
 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
   
448
   
417
 
PREPAID COMMISSIONS AND OTHER ASSETS
   
152
   
163
 
Total assets
 
$
7,352
 
$
7,006
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
             
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$
56
 
$
56
 
Accounts payable
   
191
   
127
 
Accrued payroll and related liabilities
   
13
   
33
 
Accrued expenses
   
174
   
241
 
Unearned rents and deposits
   
292
   
287
 
Total current liabilities
   
726
   
744
 
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities
   
1,606
   
1,620
 
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
   
131
   
131
 
Total liabilities
   
2,463
   
2,495
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
             
Preferred stock: 2,500 shares authorized; no shares outstanding
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock: 5,000 shares authorized, no par value; 1,114 and 1,105 shares outstanding in fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively
   
2,766
   
2,756
 
Stock subscription receivable - Related Party
   
-
   
(400
)
Retained earnings
   
2,123
   
2,155
 
Total shareholders’ equity
   
4,889
   
4,511
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
7,352
 
$
7,006
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

  
     

 


SONOMAWEST HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 AND 2003
(UNAUDITED)
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

   
 
2004
 
2003
As Adjusted
 
RENTAL REVENUE
 
$
432
 
$
403
 
TENANT REIMBURSEMENTS
   
148
   
139
 
TOTAL REVENUE
   
580
   
542
 
               
OPERATING COSTS
   
484
   
456
 
OPERATING COSTS - RELATED PARTY EXPENSES
   
134
   
132
 
TOTAL OPERATING COSTS
   
618
   
588
 
OPERATING LOSS
   
(38
)
 
(46
)
               
INTEREST INCOME
   
6
   
7
 
INTEREST EXPENSE
   
(20
)
 
(15
)
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE
   
1
   
6
 
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
   
(51
)
 
(48
)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT
   
19
   
1
 
NET LOSS 
 
$
(32
)
$
(47
)
               
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES AND EQUIVALENTS:
             
Basic and Diluted
   
1,114
   
1,105
 
               
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
             
Basic and Diluted
 
$
(0.03
)
$
(0.04
)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

  
     

 

 

SONOMAWEST HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER, 30, 2004
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

   
Common Stock
 
Stock
     
Total
 
   
Number
     
Subscription
 
Retained
 
Shareholders’
 
   
of Shares
   
Amount
   
Receivable
   
Earnings
   
Equity
 
 
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 2004
   
1,114
 
$
2,756
 
$
(400
)
$
2,155
 
$
4,511
 
Net loss
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(32
)
 
(32
)
Repayment of stock subscription receivable
   
-
   
-
   
400
   
-
   
400
 
Non-cash stock compensation charge
         
10
   
-
   
-
   
10
 
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
   
1,114
 
$
2,766
 
$
-
 
$
2,123
 
$
4,889
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


  
     

 

SONOMAWEST HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 AND 2003
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
             
Net loss
 
$
(32
)
$
(47
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
             
Non-cash stock compensation charge
   
10
   
34
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
   
53
   
49
 
               
Changes in assets and liabilities:
             
Accounts receivable, net
   
(19
)
 
(21
)
Other receivables
   
8
   
(8
)
Related party interest receivable
   
3
   
3
 
Deferred income tax benefit
   
(18
)
 
(1
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
36
   
40
 

Prepaid commissions and other assets
   
11
   
(50
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
(3
)
 
6
 
Accrued payroll and related liabilities
   
(20
)
 
(54
)
Unearned rents and deposits
   
5
   
3
 
     
66
   
1
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
34
   
(46
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Capital expenditures
   
(11
)
 
(112
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(11
)
(112
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
Principal payments of long-term debt
   
(14
)
 
(17
)
Proceeds from repayment of stock subscription receivable - Related Party
   
400
   
-
 
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities
   
386
   
(17
)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
   
409
   
(175
)
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
1,348
   
1,939
 
CASH AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
1,757
 
$
1,764
 


Supplemental Cash Flow Information
   
2004
 
2003
 
Interest paid
 
$
19
 
$
35
 
Taxes paid
 
$
1
 
$
1
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 

 
     

 
SONOMAWEST HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
 
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited interim statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes these disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation for the periods presented have been reflected and are of a normal recurring nature. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2004. The results of operations for the three-month period ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be achieved for the entire year ending June 30, 2005.
 
Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2003 unaudited interim financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. See Note 2.
 
Accounting Policies
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue is recognized on a monthly basis, based upon the dollar amount specified in the related lease. The Company requires that all tenants be covered by a lease. The Company does not have leases that include provisions that require the lessee to pay the lessor any additional rent based upon the lessee’s sales or any other financial performance levels. Reimbursements of certain costs received from tenants are recognized as tenant reimbursement revenues.
 
Valuation of investment in MetroPCS Communications, Inc.

The investment in MetroPCS Communications, Inc. is accounted for using the cost method. The Company continues to monitor the financial condition, cash flow, operational performance and other relevant information, to the extent available, about MetroPCS Communications, to evaluate the fair value of this investment. This process is based primarily on information disclosed in MetroPCS Inc.s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, following MetroPCS Inc.’s recent registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (File Number 333-111470).
 
It is impracticable for the Company to determine the fair value of the Company’s investment in MetroPCS Communications without incurring excessive costs. The Company accounts for its investment in MetroPCS Communications under the cost method, which was $3,001,200 as of September 30, 2004. The Company owns approximately 0.857% of the total outstanding shares of MetroPCS Communications’ Series D Preferred Stock and approximately 0.33% of its total outstanding capital stock on an as-converted basis. In its report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, MetroPCS, Inc. reported on its consolidated balance sheet total assets of $902,494,000, revenues of $459,482,000, net income of $1,817,000, total stockholder’s equity of $84,888,000, and stockholders' equity attributable to the Series D Preferred Stock of $379,401,000. If as a result of its review of information available to the Company regarding MetroPCS Communications, the Company believes its investment should be reduced to a fair value below its cost, the reduction would be charged to "loss on investments" on the consolidated statements of operations.
 

 
     

 

Note 2 - Tenant Reimbursements
 
During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company concluded that tenant reimbursements are more appropriately classified as a separate line item of revenue rather than as a reduction of operating costs. Accordingly, the accompanying statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2004 reflect tenant reimbursements as a separate line item of revenue. Comparative statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2003 have been revised to reflect the current period presentation. The revenue and operating cost reclassifications below reflect an increase in revenue and a corresponding increase in operating costs in the amounts of $139,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The reclassifications have no impact on previously reported operating income (loss), net loss or net loss per share amounts
 
The results of the reclassifications for the comparative period presented, are as follows:
 
Statement of Operations Data:
   
 
Three months Ended September 30, 2004
As Originally
Reported
 
Reclassifications
 
As Adjusted
 
Tenant Reimbursements
 
$
--
 
$
139,000
 
$
139,000
 
Total Revenues
 
$
403,000
 
$
139,000
 
$
542,000
 
Operating Costs
 
$
449,000
 
$
139,000
 
$
588,000
 
 

Note 3 - Investment
 
As of December 10, 2003, the Company had completely funded its $3 million minority investment in the Series D Preferred Stock of MetroPCS, Inc., a public reporting telecommunications company (File Number 333-111470). On March 23, 2004 MetroPCS, Inc. filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering of its common stock. On, July 13, 2004, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetroPCS Communications, Inc. was merged with MetroPCS, Inc. As a result, MetroPCS, Inc. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetroPCS Communications, Inc. and all of the outstanding shares of MetroPCS, Inc. were exchanged for shares of MetroPCS Communications, Inc., including the Company's Series D Preferred Stock. On July 28, 2004 MetroPCS Communications announced that it had determined not to proceed at that time with the planned initial public offering of common stock pending a review of certain accounting issues that had come to its attention relating to its previously disclosed financial statements. On August 6, 2004, MetroPCS, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MetroPCS Communications, Inc., issued a press release announcing the expected restatement of its financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2004. On August 12, 2004 MetroPCS Communications, Inc. formally withdrew the registration. On October 6, 2004 MetroPCS, Inc., issued a press release announcing that on October 5, 2004 its audit committee determined that MetroPCS’ previously issued financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 and subsequent interim periods including all earnings releases and other communications relating to such periods, should not be relied upon.
 

 
     

 

The Company accounts for its investment in MetroPCS Communications under the cost method. The Company owns approximately 0.857% of the total outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock and approximately 0.33% of the total outstanding capital stock on an as-converted basis.
 
The Series D Preferred Stock is entitled to receive cumulative annual dividends, prior to all other securities except the Series C Preferred Stock, equal to 6% per annum of the liquidation value of the shares (initially equal to $100 per share and subject to adjustment). No dividends have been declared to date, but as of June 30, 2004, $382,702 of unpaid dividends has accrued with respect to the Company's shares of Series D Preferred Stock.
 
The Series D Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the holders thereof or automatically upon (i) an initial public offering which results in gross proceeds of at least $50 million and yields an adjusted equity valuation of two times the liquidation value of the Series D Preferred Stock; (ii) the trading on a national securities exchange for a 30-day consecutive period at a price which implies a valuation of the Series D Preferred Stock in excess of twice the aggregate initial purchase price; or (iii) a date specified by holders of 66 2/3% of the then outstanding Series D Preferred Stock. There is a weighted average adjustment to the conversion price in the event of certain additional issuances of Common Stock (of any class) or securities convertible into Common Stock (of any class).
 
The Series D Preferred Stock votes together on an as-converted basis with the Class C Common Stock on most matters. Certain matters affecting the Series D Preferred Stock require a separate vote of the Series D Preferred Stock. The holders of Series D Preferred Stock as a class are entitled to nominate one director to the Board of Directors.
 
The Series D Preferred Stock is entitled to payment along with the Series C Preferred Stock of its liquidation preference prior to payment to any other class of securities (other than the Series C Preferred Stock). The per share liquidation price for the Series D Preferred Stock is $100 per share plus the greater of accrued and unpaid dividends and the amount that would have been paid in respect of each share had such share been converted to Common Stock immediately prior to the liquidation event. Upon the occurrence of certain events, the Series D Preferred Stock must be redeemed by MetroPCS Communications at a price equal to the liquidation value plus accrued and unpaid dividends.
 
The Company has no relationships with MetroPCS Communications other than its investment. A director of the Company has a small indirect stock interest in MetroPCS Communications and the Company's largest shareholder is a member of the Board of Directors of MetroPCS Communications.
 
Note 4 - Stock Options
 
Effective July 1, 2002, the Company elected to account for all prospective stock options in accordance with SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”. As a result, during the first three months of fiscal 2005 the Company incurred a charge of $9,600 related to the issuance of 1,700 fully vested stock options to the Chief Financial Officer (500), Secretary (500) and two employees (700). During the first three months of fiscal 2004 the Company incurred a charge of $34,000 related to the issuance of 24,200 fully vested stock options to the directors, officers and certain employees of the Company.
 
Prior to July 1, 2002, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” under which compensation cost was recorded as the difference between the fair value and the exercise price at the date of grant, and was recorded on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the underlying options. Prior to July 1, 2002, the Company had adopted the disclosure only provisions of Statement of Financial Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation”. The Company continues to account for stock options granted prior to July 1, 2002 in accordance with APB 25; and thus, continues to apply the disclosure only provisions of SFAS 123 to such options. No compensation expense has been recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2004 pursuant to stock options issued prior to July 1, 2002 as the option terms are fixed and the exercise price equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant for all options granted by the Company.
 

 
     

 

Had compensation cost for the stock options granted prior to July 1, 2002 been determined based upon the fair value at grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS 123, the net loss would have been increased to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
 
   

 For the three months ended September 30,

 
   

 2004

   

2003 

 
   

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

       
Net Loss, as reported
 
$
(32
)
$
(47
)
Add back: Actual Stock Compensation Expense Recognized under APB 25
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
Less: Pro-forma Stock Compensation Charge—Net of taxes
 
$
--
 
$
(1
)
Pro-forma Net Loss
 
$
(32
)
$
(48
)
Loss Per Share:
             
Basic and diluted - as reported
 
$
(0.03
)
$
(0.04
)
Basic and diluted - pro-forma
 
$
(0.03
)
$
(0.04
)

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, with the following weighted-average assumptions used for the 2004 and 2003 grants, respectively: weighted average risk-free interest rates of 3.08 and 3.54 percent; expected dividend yield of 0 percent; expected life of four years for the Plan options; and expected volatility of 51.00 and 22.00 percent.

For options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2004, the weighted average fair value as of the grant date was $ 5.67.
 
Note 5 - Related Parties
 
On July 1, 2004, Bugatto Investment Company (of which David J. Bugatto, director of the Company, is the president) entered into a consulting agreement pursuant to which Bugatto Investment Company provides real estate consulting services to the Company for an hourly fee of $225.  In addition, in the event either of the Company’s Sonoma County properties is sold during the term of the agreement, Bugatto Investment Company will be paid a fee of 2% of the gross sales price regardless of whether or not a broker is involved.  The termination date of the agreement is June 30, 2005, or an earlier date specified by either party.  During the three months ended September 30, 2004, the Company incurred $9,981 for real estate consulting services from Bugatto Investment Company.  These expenses are included in Operating Costs - Related Party.  As of September 30, 2004, the Company had a payable to David Bugatto of $1,508.
 

 
     

 

On August 1, 2004, Thomas R. Eakin, CFO, entered into a consulting agreement with the Company, whereby Thomas Eakin provides financial management and accounting services to the Company. During the three months ended September 30, 2004, the Company incurred $18,113 for financial management and accounting consulting services from Thomas Eakin. These expenses are included in Operating Costs - Related Party. As of September 30, 2004 the Company had a payable of $2,582 to Thomas Eakin. This independent consulting agreement terminates on July 31, 2005. Per the terms of the agreement, Thomas Eakin is compensated at an hourly billing rate of $115 per hour, plus expenses.
 
Gary L. Hess, director and former President and Chief Executive Officer, has entered into an agreement with the Company to sell its remaining Perma-Pak inventory and equipment. During the three months ended September 30, 2004, the Company incurred no commissions and did not owe Mr. Hess any commissions under this agreement. On August 1, 2004, Gary L. Hess paid in full all principal and interest owing under the promissory note in the original principal amount of $400,000 issued to Mr. Hess in connection with his exercise of stock options on January 28, 2002.  The note bore interest at the Applicable Federal Rate (AFR) for loans of three years or less on the date of the note (the AFR at January 28, 2002 was 2.73%) and was payable quarterly.  The note receivable is shown under the Shareholders’ Equity section of the balance sheet as Stock Subscription Receivable - Related Party as of June 30, 2004.  The interest receivable on this note is included under Interest Receivable - Related Party, on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2004. 
 
Roger S. Mertz, Chairman of the Board, is a partner of the law firm Allen Matkins Leck Gamble & Mallory LLP, which firm serves as the Company’s outside legal counsel. During the three months ended September 30, 2004, the Company incurred $106,189, for legal services from Allen Matkins. These expenses are included in Operating Costs - Related Party. As of September 30, 2004, the Company had a payable to Allen Matkins of $52,830.
 
Craig Stapleton, a former director and the Company's largest shareholder is a member of the Board of Directors of MetroPCS Communications
 
Note 6 - Minimum Lease Income
 
The Company has been leasing warehouse space, generating rental revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003 of $432,000 and $403,000, respectively. The leases have varying terms, which range from month-to-month to expiration dates through 2013. As of September 30, 2004, assuming none of the existing leases are renewed or no additional space is leased, the following will be the future minimum lease income (in thousands):

 
Year Ending June 30
     
Balance of 2005
   
1,061
 
2006
   
1,246
 
2007
   
566
 
2008
   
235
 
2009
   
170
 
Thereafter
   
589
 
Total
 
$
3,866
 
 
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
SonomaWest Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "Registrant") is including the following cautionary statement in this Quarterly Report to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. The statements contained in this Report that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" (as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "estimated," "projects," "anticipated," "expects," "intends," "believes," or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The Company’s expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, although actual results may differ materially from those described in any such forward-looking statements. All written and oral forward-looking statements made in connection with this Report which are attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the "Certain Factors" as set forth in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 filed on September 28, 2004, and other cautionary statements set forth under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations". There can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs or projections will be achieved or accomplished, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 
     

 

The financial statements herein presented for the three months ending September 30, 2004 and reflect all the adjustments that in the opinion of management are necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods then ended. All adjustments during the periods presented are of a normal recurring nature.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require the Company to make estimates and assumptions. The Company believes that of its significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

The most critical accounting policies were determined to be those related to: valuation of the Company’s investment in MetroPCS Communications and the valuation allowances on deferred tax assets.

Valuation of investment in MetroPCS Communications, Inc.

The investment in MetroPCS Communications is accounted for using the cost method. The Company continues to monitor the financial condition, cash flow, operational performance and other relevant information about MetroPCS Communications, to evaluate the fair value of this investment. This process is based primarily on information disclosed in MetroPCS Inc.’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, following MetroPCS Inc.’s recent registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (File Number 333-111470).
 
It is impracticable for the Company to determine the fair value of the Company’s investment in MetroPCS Communications without incurring excessive costs. The Company accounts for its investment in MetroPCS Communications under the cost method, which was $3,001,200 as of September 30, 2004 and $2,696,000 as of September 30, 2003. The Company owns approximately 0.857% of the total outstanding shares of MetroPCS Communications' Series D Preferred Stock and approximately 0.33% of its total outstanding capital stock on an as-converted basis. In its report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, MetroPCS, Inc. reported on its consolidated balance sheet total assets of $902,494,000, revenues of $459,482,000, net income of $1,817,000, total stockholder’s equity of $84,888,000, and stockholders' equity attributable to the Series D Preferred Stock of $379,401,000. If as a result of its review of information available to the Company regarding MetroPCS Communications, the Company believes its investment should be reduced to a fair value below its cost, the reduction would be charged to "loss on investments" on the consolidated statements of operations.


 
     

 

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Taxes
 
The Company records deferred tax assets and/or liabilities based upon its estimate of the taxes payable in future years, taking into consideration any change in tax rates and other statutory provisions. The Company continues to post losses from its continuing operations. The losses have generated federal tax net operating losses ("NOLs"), some of which have been carried back to offset prior years’ taxable income. As of June 30, 2002 the Company carried back all of its remaining allowable NOLs. After the carryback of the June 30, 2002 federal NOL the Company cannot carryback any more net losses, and as a result all taxable losses incurred subsequent to June 30, 2002 will be carried forward to offset future taxable income. California does not allow corporations to carry back their NOLs, and corporations can only carry forward a portion of the NOLs to future years to offset net operating profits. Furthermore, the Company’s California NOLs will begin to expire in fiscal 2005. As of June 30, 2004, all existing valuation allowance against state net operating losses was reversed, as the Company believes that the market value of the Company’s property is well in excess of the carrying value of such property. At September 30, 2004, the Company had recorded, net deferred tax assets of $513,000, which compares to $493,000 of net deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2004.
 
OVERVIEW
 
The Company’s business consists of its real estate management and rental operations and its minority investment in the Series D preferred stock of a public reporting telecommunications company, MetroPCS Communications, Inc.
 
In 2000 and 2001, the Company liquidated its fruit processing operations, but continued to hold its real estate and other assets. Thereafter, an opportunity was made available to the Company to invest in MetroPCS, Inc., a public reporting telecommunications company with operations, in part, in Northern California. The Company believed that such an investment was a good investment, which provided a diversification of its assets.
 
As of September 30, 2004, the Company continues to hold its real estate assets in Sebastopol, California and has completely funded its $3 million minority investment in the Series D preferred stock of MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (following the merger and exchange of securities of MetroPCS, Inc. for securities of MetroPCS Communications, Inc.). In accordance with APB Opinion 18, the Company accounts for its investment in MetroPCS Communications under the cost method. The Company’s interest in the Series D offering is approximately 0.857% (30,012 shares of 3,500,987) and on an as converted basis is approximately 0.33% (638,576 shares of 193,513,851).
 
During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company concluded that tenant reimbursements are more appropriately classified as a separate line item of revenue rather than as a reduction of operating costs. Accordingly, the accompanying statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2004 reflect tenant reimbursements as a separate line item of revenue. Comparative statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2003 have been revised to reflect the current period presentation. The reclassifications have no impact on previously reported operating income (loss), net loss or net loss per share amounts.

  
     

 

 

 
RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
 
Results of Operations

The Company leases warehouse, production, and office space as well as outside storage space at both of its properties. The two properties are located on 82 acres of land and have a combined leaseable area under roof of 391,000 square feet. As of September 30, 2004 and 2003 the Company had a total of 28 tenants. The tenants have varying original lease terms ranging from month-to-month to ten years with options to extend the leases. As of September 30, 2004, the tenants occupied approximately 266,000 square feet under roof, or 68% of the leasable area under roof. This compares to 243,000 square feet under roof, or 62% of the leasable area under roof as of September 30, 2003. In addition to the area under roof, the Company had 72,000 square feet of outside area under lease as of September 30, 2004 and 70,000 as of September 30, 2003.
 
Rental Revenue. For the three months ended September 30, 2004 rental revenue increased $29,000 or 7% as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. The increase in rental revenue is attributable to the increase in leased square footage.
 
Tenant Reimbursements. For the three months ended September 30, 2004 tenant reimbursements increased $9,000 or 6% as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2003. Such reimbursements typically fluctuate based on utility costs and tenant occupied space. However, during the three months ended September 30, 2004, the majority of the $9,000 increase relates to (1) a tenant reimbursing the Company $6,300 for roof repairs and (2) another tenant reimbursing the Company $2,066 for legal fees. The balance was a result of additional utility consumption. The combined impact of the electrical and gas rate changes was relatively minor.
 
Operating Costs. For the three months ended September 30, 2004 total operating costs increased $30,000 or 5% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2003. This increase of $30,000 is comprised of an increase in Operating Costs—Related Party of $2,000, and an increase of $28,000 in Operating Costs. The increase of $28,000 was primarily a result of increases in repairs and maintenance of $32,600, utilities related to additional tenant usage of $10,000 and the write-off of loan fees and additional depreciation of $8,000. These increases were partially offset by a decrease from fiscal 2003 of $24,000 in Non-Cash Stock Compensation. The large increase in repairs and maintenance is a result of significant painting expenses and is not expected to recur in the near future. The Company’s total operating costs exceeded the tenant rental revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003. The Company continues to closely scrutinize all discretionary spending. In addition, the Company continues to actively search for additional tenant revenue to eliminate these negative operating results. The Company continues to market the properties to prospective tenants. There can be no assurance that tenants will be found in the near term or at rates comparable with existing leases. As a result, the Company’s operating results will be negatively impacted as long as the tenant rental revenue stream fails to cover existing operating costs.
 
Interest Income. For the three months ended September 30, 2004, the Company generated $6,000 of interest income on its cash balances as compared to $7,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2003. The lower interest income in fiscal 2004 is a result of a slight decrease in the available invested cash and slightly lower interest rates.
 
Interest Expense. Historically, interest expense has consisted primarily of interest expense on mortgage debt and the changes in the value of the Company’s interest rate swap contract. However, as of December 1, 2003, the Company’s swap contract with its bank terminated. As a result, interest expense of $20,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, consists solely of interest on the Company’s outstanding debt. This compares to $36,000 of interest expense and a positive swap contract adjustment of $19,000 for the corresponding period in the prior year.
 

 
     

 

Other Income and Expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2004, the Company incurred a net increase in other income of $1,000 from the sale of used equipment. This compares to $6,000 of other income for the period ending September 30, 2003. The $6,000 was comprised of $4,500 from the sale of used equipment and $1,500 in rental revenue from the sublease of the Company’s former corporate office space. The Company’s former corporate office lease expired in December2003.
 
Income Taxes. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2004 increased to a benefit of 37% from a benefit of 2% for the three months ended September 30, 2003. State income taxes and the effect of permanent differences on a small taxable loss accounted for the difference between the effective tax rate of 37% for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and the federal statutory income tax rate of 34% The change in the effective tax rates between periods is due to the fact that the Company began to benefit state net operating losses during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 and has continued to do so through September 30, 2004. Until the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company had provided a valuation allowance for all state net operating losses due to uncertainty as to their realizability. As of June 30, 2004, all existing valuation allowance against state net operating losses was reversed, as the Company believes that the market value of the Company’s property is well in excess of the carrying value of such property. In the three months ended September 30, 2003, the benefit percentage of 2% was lower than the normal combined rate of 40%, as a result of the valuation allowance placed on state net operating losses due to the uncertainty of the future realization of such deferred tax assets and future taxable income against which the state net operating losses could be offset and the impact of permanent differences on a small taxable loss.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
The Company had cash of $1.7 million at September 30, 2004 (all of which was unrestricted), and current maturities of long-term debt of $56,000. Although the Company incurred a net loss of $32,000 from continuing operations, it generated positive cash flow of $409,000. This increase was primarily a result of the receipt of the shareholder stock subscription receivable of $400,000 coupled with slightly positive cash flow from operating activities. This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $14,000 for principal payments on long-term debt and $11,000 of capital expenditures. The Company anticipates that its cash commitments for the next twelve months will consist of $56,000 of principal debt reduction and $360,000 of capital expenditures. The Company anticipates funding the resultant decline in cash out of its cash balances.
 
The Company has completely funded its $3 million minority investment in the Series D preferred stock of MetroPCS Communications, Inc.
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company currently has no derivative financial instruments that expose the Company to market risk. The Company is exposed to cash flow and fair value risk due to changes in interest rates with respect to its notes payable and in changes in the fair value of its investment in MetroPCS Communications, Inc. As of September 30, 2004, the Company believes that the carrying amounts for cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value. The Company believes the note payable approximates fair market value as the term to maturity is short (December 2005) and as a result of this short term maturity, the Company believes its exposure to market risk for significant changes in the variable interest rate (prime + .25%) will be immaterial. It is impracticable for the Company to determine the fair value of the Company’s investment in MetroPCS Communications without incurring excessive costs. The Company accounts for its investment in MetroPCS Communications under the cost method, which was $3,001,200 as of September 30, 2004. The Company owns approximately 0.857% of the total outstanding shares of MetroPCS Communications' Series D Preferred Stock and approximately 0.33% of its total outstanding capital stock on an as-converted basis.
 

 
     

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
As of September 30, 2004, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e)). Based upon that evaluation, the Company's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable level in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company that is required to be included in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
The Company's management, including the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that the Company's disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met due to numerous factors, ranging from errors to conscious acts of an individual, or individuals acting together. In addition, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error and/or fraud may occur and not be detected.
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
None
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
None

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
 
None

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
 
None
 
Item 5. Other Information
 
None
 

 
     

 

Item 6. Exhibits
        3.1      Restated Articles of Incorporation (1)
 
        3.2      Bylaws (2)
 
       10.1     Consulting Agreement dated August 1, 2004 between SonomaWest Holdings, Inc. and Thomas R. Eakin, d.b.a. Eakin Consulting. (2)

   10.2 Consulting Agreement dated July 1, 2004 between SonomaWest Holdings, Inc. and Bugatto Investment Company. (2)

   31.1 Chairman of the Board Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

   31.2 Chief Financial Officer Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

   32.1 Chairman of the Board Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. +

   32.2 Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. +
_________________________
(1)   Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-01912) filed January 2, 2001.
(2)   Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-01912) filed on September 28, 2004.
 
*  Filed herewith.
 
+  Furnished herewith.

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
Date: November 12, 2004
 

/s/ Thomas R. Eakin                               
Thomas R. Eakin, Chief Financial Officer

  
     

 

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
Document Description
 
31.1
 
Chairman of the Board Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
31.2
 
Chief Financial Officer Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
 
32.1
 
Chairman of the Board Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. +
 
32.2
 
Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. +
 
 
  Filed herewith
 
  Furnished herewith