form10k_dec09.htm


united states
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[√]           Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
 
OR
 
[    ]           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 0-12114
 
Cadiz Inc.
(Exact name of registrant specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
77-0313235
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

550 S. Hope Street, Suite 2850
 
Los Angeles, CA
90071
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(213) 271-1600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(Title of Each Class)
(Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933.
Yes       No   √   
 
Indicate by a check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Yes       No   √   
 
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   √    No       
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ___ No___
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§220.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment of this Form 10-K. □
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Large accelerated filer         Accelerated filer   √     Non-accelerated filer         Smaller Reporting Company       
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Yes         No   √  
 
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by nonaffiliates as of June 30, 2009, was approximately $113,281,869 based on 11,763,434 shares of common stock outstanding held by nonaffiliates and the closing price on that date.  Shares of common stock held by each executive officer and director and by each entity that owns more than 5% of the outstanding common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
 
As of March 9, 2010, the Registrant had 13,677,772 shares of common stock outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for its 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.  The Registrant is not incorporating by reference any other documents within this Annual Report on Form 10-K except those footnoted in Part IV under the heading “Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.


 
 
 
 
Cadiz Inc.

Table of Contents

PART I
   
     
Item 1.
1
     
Item 1A.
7
     
Item 1B.
9
     
Item 2.
9
     
Item 3.
11
     
Item 4.
11
     
PART II
   
     
Item 5.
12
     
Item 6.
14
     
Item 7.
15
     
Item 7A.
25
     
Item 8.
25
     
Item 9.
26
     
Item 9A.
26
     
Item 9B.
27
     
PART III
   
     
Item 10.
28
     
Item 11.
28
     
Item 12.
28
     
Item 13.
28
     
Item 14.
28
     
PART IV
   
     
Item 15.
29
 
ii
 
 
PART I

ITEM 1.  Business
 
    This Form 10-K presents forward-looking statements with regard to financial projections, proposed transactions such as those concerning the further development of our land and water assets, information or expectations about our business strategies, results of operations, products or markets, or otherwise makes statements about future events.  Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “projects”, “forecasts”, “expects”, “plans” and “proposes”.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.  These include, among others, the cautionary statements under the caption “Risk Factors”, as well as other cautionary language contained in this Form 10-K.  These cautionary statements identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.  When considering forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements described above.
 
Overview
 
    Our primary assets consist of 45,000 acres of land in three areas of eastern San Bernardino County, California.  Virtually all of this land is underlain by high-quality groundwater resources that are suitable for a variety of water storage and supply programs.  The advantages of underground water storage relative to surface storage include minimal surface environmental impacts, low capital investment, and minimal evaporative water loss. The properties are located in proximity to the Colorado River and the Colorado River Aqueduct, the major source of imported water for Southern California.

     The value of these assets derives from a combination of increasing pressure on water and renewable energy supplies in California.  California is presently facing a dire water crisis.  Water agencies throughout California imposed mandatory rationing in 2009 in order to meet anticipated demand.  Additionally, through a series of policy initiatives, the State of California and the United States government have issued compelling calls for increased renewable energy production in order to meet future national energy needs. This includes California’s mandate to acquire 33% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020.  As a result, we believe that a competitive advantage exists for companies that can provide high-quality, reliable, and affordable water to major population centers as well as for companies that can site renewable energy facilities.
 
    Our objective is to realize the highest and best use for these assets in an environmentally responsible way.  We believe this can best be achieved through a combination of water supply and storage programs, sustainable agricultural development and the production of renewable energy at our properties.
 
1
 
 
(a)        General Development of Business
 
    We are a Delaware corporation formed in 1992 to act as the surviving corporation in a Delaware reincorporation merger with Pacific Agricultural Holdings, Inc., a California corporation formed in 1983.
 
    As part of our historical business strategy, we have conducted our land acquisition, water development activities, agricultural operations, search for international water and agricultural opportunities and real estate development initiatives to maximize the long-term value of our properties and future prospects.  See “Narrative Description of Business” below.
 
    Our initial focus was on the acquisition of land and the assembly of contiguous land holdings through property exchanges to prove the quantity and quality of water resources in the region.  We subsequently established agricultural operations on our properties in the Cadiz Valley and sought to develop the water resources underlying that site.
 
    In 1993, we secured permits for up to 9,600 acres of agricultural development in the Cadiz Valley and the withdrawal of more than 1 million acre-feet of groundwater from the underlying aquifer system. Once the agricultural development was underway, we also identified that the location, geology, and hydrology of this property is uniquely suited for both agricultural development and the development of an aquifer storage, recovery, and dry-year supply project to augment the water supplies available to Southern California.

     In 1997, we entered into the first of a series of agreements with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (“Metropolitan”) to jointly design, permit, and build such a project (the “Cadiz Project” or “Project”).  In general, several elements are needed to complete the development: (1) Federal and state environmental permits; (2) a pipeline right-of-way from the Colorado River Aqueduct to the project area; (3) a storage and supply agreement with one or more public water agencies or private water utilities; and (4) construction and working capital financing.  Between 1997 and 2002, we and Metropolitan received substantially all of the state and federal approvals required for the permits necessary to construct and operate the Project, including a Record of Decision (“ROD”) from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which endorsed the Cadiz Project and offered a right-of-way for construction of Project facilities.
 
    In October 2002, Metropolitan’s staff brought the right-of-way matter before the Metropolitan Board of Directors.  By a very narrow margin, the Metropolitan Board voted not to accept the right-of-way grant and not to proceed with the Project.

            In April 2003, we filed a claim against Metropolitan seeking compensatory damages.   When settlement negotiations failed to produce a resolution, we filed a lawsuit against Metropolitan in Los Angeles Superior Court in November 2005 seeking compensatory damages for a breach of various contractual and fiduciary obligations to us, and interference with the economic advantage we would have obtained from the Cadiz Project.  In October 2008, the presiding Superior Court Judge held that any breach of duty that may have been committed by Metropolitan is subject to the bar of Government immunity and thus there would be no liability.  Following the ruling, we were granted leave to amend our claim against Metropolitan.  On February 11, 2009, we and Metropolitan agreed to settle our differences and dismissed all outstanding claims remaining against each other.
 
2
 
 
    In September 2008, we secured a new right-of-way for the Project’s water conveyance pipeline by entering into a lease agreement with the Arizona & California Railroad Company.  The agreement allows Cadiz to utilize a portion of the railroad’s right-of-way for the Cadiz Project water conveyance pipeline for a period up to 99 years.
 
    In May 2009, we entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Natural Heritage Institute (“NHI”), a leading global environmental organization committed to protecting aquatic ecosystems, to assist with our efforts to sustainably manage the development of our Cadiz Valley property.  As part of this “Green Compact”, we will follow stringent plans for groundwater management and habitat conservation, and create a groundwater management plan for the Project.
 
    In June 2009, we executed Letters of Intent (“LOI”) with five Southern California water providers. As part of the LOIs, Cadiz and the water providers will develop a cost-sharing agreement, finalize terms of pricing, design and capital allocation, and work towards implementation of the Project.  These providers serve more than three million customers in California’s San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties. We expect to add additional participants for other aspects of the project as the environmental review proceeds.
 
    In order to continue to fund our working capital requirements, in June 2009 we completed arrangements to amend our $36.4 million zero coupon senior secured convertible term loan to extend the maturity date from June 29, 2011, to June 29, 2013.  Additionally, in October and November 2009, we completed a private placement (the “Placement”) to raise an additional $7.1 million, which, when used together with the cash resources on hand, will allow us to continue to fund our development activities. These transactions are described in more detail in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.”
 
    In February 2010, we released new details of a comprehensive year-long study measuring the vast scale and recharge rate of the Cadiz aquifer system.  The study was conducted by internationally recognized environmental consulting firm CH2M Hill at the Project area utilizing new models produced by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2006 and 2008.  CH2M Hill and additional hydrology experts that have peer-reviewed the work confirmed the aquifer system can sustainably support the Cadiz Project.  Major findings of the report include:

·  
The groundwater in storage in the alluvial aquifer ranges from 17 to 34 million acre-feet;

·  
The character of the underlying carbonate units greatly contribute to the productivity of the groundwater basin and would substantially add to the quantity of water stored in the alluvial aquifer system;

·  
Application of the latest USGS computer model results in a recharge estimate of 32,000 acre-feet per year, much higher than the previous USGS Maxey-Eakin model estimates of 2,070 to 10,343 acre-feet per year; and

·  
A significant groundwater resource generated by precipitation in the watershed is presently being wasted to evaporation at the Bristol and Cadiz Dry Lakes.
 
3
 
 
    With the hydrological studies complete, we will now proceed with the environmental review of the Project jointly with our public agency partners.

 (b)       Financial Information about Industry Segments
 
    Our primary business is to acquire and develop land and water resources.  Our agricultural operations are confined to limited farming activities at the Cadiz Valley property.  As a result, our financial results are reported in a single segment.  See Consolidated Financial Statements.  See also Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

(c)        Narrative Description of Business
 
    Our business strategy is the development of our landholdings for their highest and best uses.  At present, our development activities are focused on water resource, agricultural and renewable energy development.

Water Resource Development
 
    Our portfolio of water resources is located in proximity to the Colorado River and the Colorado River Aqueduct (“CRA”), the principal source of imported water for Southern California, and provides us with the opportunity to participate in a variety of water storage and supply programs, exchanges, and conservation programs with public agencies and other partners.
 
    The Cadiz  Water Conservation and Storage Project
 
    We own approximately 35,000 acres of land and the subsurface strata, inclusive of the unsaturated soils and appurtenant water rights in the Cadiz and Fenner valleys of eastern San Bernardino County (the “Cadiz Property”).  The aquifer system underlying this property is naturally recharged by precipitation (both rain and snow) within a watershed of approximately 1,300 square miles.  See Item 2, “Properties – The Cadiz/Fenner Valley Property”.
 
    The Cadiz Water Conservation and Storage Project (the “Cadiz Project”) would provide Southern California with a valuable increase in water supply during periods of drought or other emergencies. The Cadiz Project is a comprehensive conjunctive use and water conservation program that provides for the managed and scheduled withdrawal of groundwater and imported water from the aquifer system that underlies the Cadiz Property to optimize efficient use and avoid waste.
 
    Cadiz Project facilities would include, among other things:

·  
Spreading basins, which are shallow settling ponds that will be configured to efficiently percolate water from the ground surface down to the water table using subsurface storage capacity for the storage of water and minimize evaporative loss versus surface storage facilities;
 
4
 
 
·  
High yield wells designed to efficiently recover available native groundwater and  stored Colorado River water from beneath the Cadiz Project area;

·  
A 42-mile conveyance pipeline to connect the spreading basins and well field to the CRA;

·  
A pumping plant to pump water through the conveyance pipeline from the CRA to the Cadiz Project spreading basins; and

·  
Energy for the Project is expected to be supplied by solar power.
 
    Other Eastern Mojave Properties
 
    Our second largest landholding is approximately 9,000 acres in the Piute Valley of eastern San Bernardino County.  This landholding is located approximately 15 miles from the resort community of Laughlin, Nevada, and about 12 miles from the Colorado River town of Needles, California.  Extensive hydrological studies, including the drilling and testing of a full-scale production well, have demonstrated that this landholding is underlain by high-quality groundwater.  The aquifer system underlying this property is naturally recharged by precipitation (both rain and snow) within a watershed of approximately 975 square miles.  Discussions with potential partners with the objective of developing our Piute Valley assets are ongoing.
 
    Additionally, we own acreage located near Danby Dry Lake, approximately 30 miles southeast of our landholdings in the Cadiz and Fenner valleys.  The Danby Lake property is located approximately 10 miles north of the CRA.  Initial hydrological studies indicate that it has excellent potential for an aquifer storage, recovery and supply project.

Agricultural Development
 
    Within the Cadiz Valley property, 9,600 acres have been zoned for agriculture.  The infrastructure includes seven wells that are interconnected within this acreage, with total annual production capacity of approximately 13,000 acre feet of water.  Additionally, there are housing and kitchen facilities that support up to 300 employees.  The underlying groundwater, fertile soil, and desert temperatures are well suited for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
 
    Permanent crops currently in production include 160 acres of certified organic vineyards and 260 acres of lemons.  Both of these crops are farmed using sustainable agricultural practices.  Additionally, in January 2009, we entered into an agreement with a third party to develop up to another 500 acres of lemons.
 
    Seasonal vegetable crops are all grown organically and 2010 plantings are expected to include squash and beans.

Renewable Energy and Other Development Opportunities
 
    In addition to the projects described above, we believe our landholdings are suitable for other types of development, including solar energy generation.  Both federal and state initiatives support alternative energy facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of imported fossil fuels. The locations, topography, and proximity of our properties to utility corridors are well-suited for solar energy generation and transmission. An additional advantage we can offer is the availability of the water supply needed by solar thermal power plant designs.  We are engaged in on-going discussions with energy companies interested in utilizing our landholdings for various types of solar energy development.
 
5
 
 
    Over the longer term, we believe that population growth in nearby desert communities in Southern California, Nevada and Arizona will resume and that, in time, the economics of commercial and residential development on our properties will also become attractive.
 
    We remain committed to our land and water assets and will continue to explore all opportunities for development of these assets.  We cannot predict with certainty which of these development initiatives will ultimately be realized.

Seasonality
 
    Our water resource development activities are not seasonal in nature.
 
    Our farming operations are limited to the cultivation of lemons and grapes/raisins and spring and fall plantings of vegetables on the Cadiz Valley properties.  These operations are subject to the general seasonal trends that are characteristic of the agricultural industry.

Competition
 
    We face competition for the acquisition, development and sale of our properties from a number of competitors.  We may also face competition in the development of water resources  and siting of renewable energy facilities associated with our properties.  Since California has scarce water resources and an increasing demand for available water, we believe that location, price and reliability of delivery are the principal competitive factors affecting transfers of water in California.

Employees
 
    As of December 31, 2009, we employed 9 full-time employees (i.e. those individuals working more than 1,000 hours per year).  We believe that our employee relations are good.

Regulation
 
    Our operations are subject to varying degrees of federal, state and local laws and regulations.  As we proceed with the development of our properties, including the Cadiz Project, we will be required to satisfy various regulatory authorities that we are in compliance with the laws, regulations and policies enforced by such authorities.  Groundwater development, and the export of surplus groundwater for sale to entities such as public water agencies, is subject to regulation by specific existing statutes, in addition to general environmental statutes applicable to all development projects.  Additionally, we must obtain a variety of approvals and permits from state and federal governments with respect to issues that may include environmental issues, issues related to special status species, issues related to the public trust, and others.  Because of the discretionary nature of these approvals and concerns which may be raised by various governmental officials, public interest groups and other interested parties during both the development and the approval process, our ability to develop properties and realize income from its projects, including the Cadiz Project, could be delayed, reduced or eliminated.
 
6
 
 
Access To Our Information
 
    Our annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and are available free of charge through our web site, www.cadizinc.com, as soon as reasonably practical after electronic filing of such material with the SEC.
 
    Our SEC filings are also available to the public at the SEC website at www.sec.gov.  You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room located at 100 F Street N.E., Washington D.C. 20549.  Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room.


ITEM 1A.  Risk Factors
 
    Our business is subject to a number of risks, including those described below.

Our Development Activities Have Not Generated Significant Revenues
 
    At present, our activities are focused on water resource, agricultural, and renewable energy development at our San Bernardino County properties.  We have not received significant revenues from our development activities to date and we do not know when, if ever, we will receive operating revenues sufficient to offset the costs of our development activities.  As a result, we continue to incur a net loss from operations.

We May Never Generate Significant Revenues or Become Profitable Unless We Are Able To Successfully Implement Programs To Develop Our Land Assets and Related Water Resources
 
    We do not know the terms, if any, upon which we may be able to proceed with our water and other development programs.  Regardless of the form of our water development programs, the circumstances under which transfers or storage of water can be made and the profitability of any transfers or storage are subject to significant uncertainties, including the risk of variable water supplies and changing water allocation priorities.  Additional risks include our ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals and permits, possible litigation by environmental or other groups, unforeseen technical difficulties, general market conditions for real estate and water supplies, and the time needed to generate significant operating revenues from such programs after operations commence.

The Development of Our Properties Is Heavily Regulated, Requires Governmental Approvals and Permits That Could Be Denied, and May Have Competing Governmental Interests and Objectives
 
    In developing our land assets and related water resources, we are subject to local, state, and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning zoning, resource protection, environmental impacts, infrastructure design, subdivision of land, construction and similar matters.  Our development activities are subject to the risk of adverse interpretations or changes to U.S. federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies.  Further, our development activities require governmental approvals and permits that, if denied or granted subject to unfavorable conditions or restrictions, would adversely impact our ability to successfully implement our development programs.  
 
7
 
 
    The opposition of government officials may adversely affect our ability to obtain needed government approvals and permits upon satisfactory terms in a timely manner.  In this regard, federal government appropriations currently preclude spending for any proposal to store water for the purpose of export or for any activities associated with the approval of rights-of-way on lands managed by the Needles Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management.  As a result of a new right-of-way with the Arizona & California Railroad Company, we do not believe federal approval will be required to implement the Cadiz Project, however, even this may be subject to similar challenges.
 
    A significant portion of our Cadiz Valley property is included in a study area as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) process for the expansion of the Marine Corp Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California.  Our property is included in one of the five different alternatives that will be studied for the base expansion during the EIS process over the next three years.  If any of the Cadiz Valley landholdings are included in the final expansion area, then we will be entitled to full fair market value compensation for any property taken.
 
    Additionally, the statutes, regulations and ordinances governing the approval processes provide third parties the opportunity to challenge proposed plans and approvals.  In California, third parties have the ability to file litigation challenging the approval of a project, which they usually do by alleging inadequate disclosure and mitigation of the environmental impacts of the project.  Opposition from environmental groups could cause delays and increase the costs of our development efforts or preclude such development entirely.  While we have worked with representatives of various environmental interests and agencies to minimize and mitigate the impacts of our planned projects, certain groups may remain opposed to our development plans.

Our Failure To Make Timely Payments of Principal and Interest on Our Indebtedness May Result in a Foreclosure on Our Assets
 
    As of December 31, 2009, we had indebtedness outstanding to our senior secured lenders of approximately $43.6 million.  Our assets have been put up as collateral for this debt.  If we cannot generate sufficient cash flow to make principal and interest payments on this indebtedness when due, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the terms of agreements governing our indebtedness, we may default on our obligations.  If we default on our obligations, our lenders may sell off the assets that we have put up as collateral.  This, in turn, would result in a cessation or sale of our operations.

The Conversion of Our Outstanding Senior Indebtedness into Common Stock Would Dilute the Percentage of Our Common Stock Held by Current Stockholders
 
    Our senior indebtedness is convertible into common stock at the election of our lenders.  As of December 31, 2009, our senior indebtedness was convertible into 1,766,201 shares of our common stock, an amount equal to approximately 11% of the number of fully-diluted shares of our common stock outstanding as of that date.  An election by our lenders to convert all or a portion of our senior secured indebtedness into common stock will dilute the percentage of our common stock held by current stockholders.
 
8
 
 
We May Not Be Able To Obtain the Financing We Need To Implement Our Asset Development Programs
 
    Based upon our current and anticipated usage of cash resources, we have sufficient funds to meet our expected working capital needs through fiscal year 2010.  We will continue to require additional working capital to meet our cash resource needs from that point forward and to continue to finance our operations until such time as our asset development programs produce revenues. If we cannot raise needed funds, we might be forced to make substantial reductions in our operating expenses, which could adversely affect our ability to implement our current business plan and ultimately our viability as a company.  We cannot assure you that our current lenders, or any other lenders, will give us additional credit should we seek it.  If we are unable to obtain additional credit, we may engage in further equity financings.  Our ability to obtain equity financing will depend, among other things, on the status of our asset development programs and general conditions in the capital markets at the time funding is sought.   Although we currently expect our capital sources to be sufficient to meet our near term liquidity needs, there can be no assurance that our liquidity requirements will continue to be satisfied.  Any further equity financings would result in the dilution of ownership interests of our current stockholders.

The Issuance of Equity Securities Under Management Equity Incentive Plans Will Impact Earnings
 
    Our compensation programs for management emphasize long-term incentives, primarily through the issuance of equity securities and options to purchase equity securities.  It is expected that plans involving the issuance of shares, options, or both will be submitted from time to time to our stockholders for approval.  In the event that any such plans are approved and implemented, the issuance of shares and options under such plans may result in the dilution of the ownership interest of other stockholders and will, under currently applicable accounting rules, result in a charge to earnings based on the value of our common stock at the time of issue and the fair value of options at the time of their award.  The expense would be recorded over the vesting period of each stock and option grant.


ITEM 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments
 
    Not applicable at this time.


ITEM 2.  Properties
 
    Following is a description of our significant properties.

The Cadiz/Fenner Valley Property
 
    Since 1983, we have acquired approximately 35,000 acres of largely contiguous land in the Cadiz and Fenner Valleys of eastern San Bernardino County, California.  This area is located approximately 30 miles north of the Colorado River Aqueduct.  In 1984, we conducted investigations of the feasibility of agricultural development of this land.  These investigations confirmed the availability of high-quality groundwater in quantities appropriate for agricultural development.
 
9
 
 
    Additional independent geotechnical and engineering studies conducted since 1985 have confirmed that the Cadiz/Fenner property overlies an aquifer system that is ideally suited for aquifer storage and use of indigenous groundwater, as contemplated in the Cadiz Project.  See Item 1, “Business – Narrative Description of Business – Water Resource Development”.
 
    In November 1993, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a General Plan Amendment establishing an agricultural land use designation for 9,600 acres in the Cadiz Valley. This action also allows for the withdrawal of more than 1,000,000 acre-feet of groundwater from the aquifer system underlying our property.
 
    In February 2010, we released new details of a comprehensive year-long study measuring the vast scale and recharge rate of the Cadiz aquifer system.  The study was conducted by internationally recognized environmental consulting firm CH2M Hill at the Project area utilizing new models produced by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2006 and 2008.  CH2M Hill and additional hydrology experts that have peer-reviewed the work confirmed the aquifer system can sustainably support the Cadiz Project.

Other Eastern Mojave Properties
 
    We also own approximately 10,800 additional acres in the eastern Mojave Desert, including the Piute and Danby Lake properties.
 
    Our second largest property consists of approximately 9,000 acres in the Piute Valley of eastern San Bernardino County.  This landholding is located approximately 15 miles from the resort community of Laughlin, Nevada, and about 12 miles from the Colorado River town of Needles, California.  Extensive hydrological studies, including the drilling and testing of a full-scale production well, have demonstrated that this landholding is underlain by high-quality groundwater.  The aquifer system underlying this property is naturally recharged by precipitation (both rain and snow) within a watershed of approximately 975 square miles.  Discussions with potential partners have commenced with the objective of developing our Piute Valley assets.
 
    Additionally, we own acreage located near Danby Dry Lake, approximately 30 miles southeast of our landholdings in the Cadiz and Fenner Valleys.  Our Danby Lake property is located approximately 10 miles north of the Colorado River Aqueduct.  Initial hydrological studies indicate that it has excellent potential for an aquifer storage, recovery and supply project.

Executive Offices
 
    We lease approximately 7,200 square feet of office space in Los Angeles, California for our executive offices.  The lease terminates in October 2012.  Current base rent under the lease is approximately $14,000 per month.
 
10
 
 
Cadiz Real Estate
 
    In December 2003, we transferred substantially all of our assets (with the exception of our office sublease, certain office furniture and equipment and any Sun World related assets) to Cadiz Real Estate LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Cadiz Real Estate”).  We hold 100% of the equity interests of Cadiz Real Estate, and therefore we continue to hold 100% beneficial ownership of the properties that we transferred to Cadiz Real Estate.  Cadiz Real Estate was created at the behest of our then existing senior secured lender, ING Capital LLC (“ING”).  The Board of Managers of Cadiz Real Estate currently consists of two managers appointed by us.
 
    Cadiz Real Estate is a co-obligor under our senior secured convertible term loan, for which assets of Cadiz Real Estate have been pledged as security.
 
    Because the transfer of our properties to Cadiz Real Estate has no effect on our ultimate beneficial ownership of these properties, we refer throughout this Report to properties owned of record either by Cadiz Real Estate or by us as “our” properties.

Debt Secured by Properties
 
    Our assets have been pledged as collateral for $43.6 million of debt outstanding on December 31, 2009.  Information regarding interest rates and principal maturities is provided in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


ITEM 3.  Legal Proceedings
 
    There are no material pending legal proceedings to which we are a party or of which any of our property is the subject.


ITEM 4.  (Removed and Reserved)
 
11
 
 
PART II

ITEM 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities
 
    Our common stock is currently traded on The NASDAQ Global Market ("NASDAQ") under the symbol "CDZI."  The following table reflects actual sales transactions for the dates that we were trading on NASDAQ, as reported by Bloomberg LP.

   
High
   
Low
 
Quarter Ended
 
Sales Price
   
Sales Price
 
             
2008:
           
March 31
 
$
20.73
   
$
13.81
 
June 30
 
$
19.57
   
$
15.15
 
September 30
 
$
20.39
   
$
14.66
 
December 31
 
$
18.77
   
$
8.45
 
                 
2009:
               
March 31
 
$
8.20
   
$
7.51
 
June 30
 
$
9.98
   
$
9.37
 
September 30
 
$
11.86
   
$
11.44
 
December 31
 
$
12.13
  
 
$
11.92
 
 
    On March 9, 2010, the high, low and last sales prices for the shares, as reported by Bloomberg, were $12.98, $12.59, and $12.70, respectively.
 
    As of March 9, 2010, the number of stockholders of record of our common stock was 155.
 
    To date, we have not paid a cash dividend on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.  Our senior secured convertible term loan has covenants that prohibit the payment of dividends.
 
    All securities sold by us during the three years ended December 31, 2009, which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, have been previously reported in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
12
 
 
 
STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE
 
    The stock price performance graph below compares the cumulative total return of Cadiz common stock against the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s Small Cap 600 NASDAQ U.S. index and the Russell 2000® index for the past five fiscal years. The graph indicates a measurement point of December 31, 2004, and assumes a $100 investment on such date in Cadiz common stock, the Standard & Poor’s Small Cap 600 and the Russell 2000® indices. With respect to the payment of dividends, Cadiz has not paid any dividends on its common stock, but the Standard & Poor’s Small Cap 600 and the Russell 2000® indices assume that all dividends were reinvested. The stock price performance graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this annual report on Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except to the extent that Cadiz specifically incorporates this graph by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.Cadiz Stock Performance Graph
 
 
13
 
 
ITEM 6.  Selected Financial Data
 
    The following selected financial data insofar as it relates to the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005, has been derived from our audited financial statements.  The information that follows should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the period ended December 31, 2009 included in Part IV of this Form 10-K.  See also Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".
 
($ in thousands, except for per share data)
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                     
Total revenues
 
$
808
 
$
992
 
$
426
 
$
614
 
$
1,197
 
Net loss
   
(14,399
)
 
(15,909
)
 
(13,633
)
 
(13,825
)
 
(23,025
)
Net loss applicable to common stock
 
$
(14,399
)
$
(15,909
)
$
(13,633
)
$
(13,825
)
$
(23,025
)
Per share:
                               
Net loss (basic and diluted)
 
$
(1.13
)
$
(1.32
)
$
(1.15
)
$
(1.21
)
$
(2.14
)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
   
12,722
   
12,014
   
11,845
   
11,381
   
10,756
 
   
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Balance Sheet Data:
                               
Total assets
 
$
50,319
 
$
47,412
 
$
49,572
 
$
50,326
 
$
46,046
 
Long-term debt
 
$
36,665
 
$
33,975
 
$
29,652
 
$
25,881
 
$
25,883
 
Preferred stock, common stock and additional paid-in capital
 
$
276,884
 
$
263,658
 
$
254,102
 
$
245,322
 
$
226,852
 
Accumulated deficit
 
$
(265,651
)
$
(251,252
$
(235,343
)
$
(221,710
)
$
(207,885
)
Stockholders' equity
 
$
11,233
 
$
12,406
 
$
18,759
 
$
23,612
 
$
18,967
 

    On October 20, 2003, we and holders of Series D and Series E Preferred Stock entered into an agreement to exchange all outstanding shares of Series D and Series E Preferred Stock, plus accrued and unpaid dividends, for an aggregate of 400,000 shares of common stock.  Holders of the remaining 100,000 shares of Series F Preferred Stock, which was convertible into our common stock, were only entitled to dividends if common stock dividends are paid.  At the holder’s election, 99,000 shares of Series F Preferred Stock were converted into our common stock in 2004, and the remaining 1,000 shares were converted in 2007.  On December 31, 2009, there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.
 
    Common shares issued and outstanding have increased from 11,330,463 in 2005 to 13,500,997 in 2009.  The increase is primarily due to the issuance of shares to investors in private placements, the issuance of shares to investors upon the conversion of preferred stock and warrant exercises, and the issuance of shares to employees, vendors and lenders.
 
14
 
 
ITEM 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
    In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the following discussion contains trend analysis and other forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "projects", "forecasts", "expects", "plans" and "proposes".  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.  These include, among others, our ability to maximize value from our land and water resources and our ability to obtain new financings as needed to meet our ongoing working capital needs.  See additional discussion under the heading "Risk Factors” above.

Overview
 
    Our operations (and, accordingly, our working capital requirements) relate primarily to our water, agricultural, and renewable energy development activities.
 
    Our primary asset consists of 45,000 acres of land in three areas of eastern San Bernardino County, California.  Virtually all of this land is underlain by high-quality groundwater resources that are suitable for a variety of uses, including water storage and supply programs.  The advantages of underground water storage relative to surface storage include minimal surface environmental impacts, low capital investment, and minimal evaporative water loss. The properties are located in proximity to the Colorado River and the Colorado River Aqueduct, the major source of imported water for Southern California.
 
    The value of these assets derives from a combination of increasing pressure on water and renewable energy supplies in California.  California is presently facing a dire water crisis.  Water agencies throughout California imposed mandatory rationing in 2009 in order to meet anticipated demand.  Additionally, through a series of policy initiatives, the State of California and the United States government have issued compelling calls for increased renewable energy production in order to meet future national energy needs. This includes California’s mandate to acquire 33% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020.  As a result, we believe that a competitive advantage exists for companies that can provide high-quality, reliable, and affordable water to major population centers as well as for companies that can site renewable energy facilities.
 
    Our objective is to realize the highest and best use for these assets in an environmentally responsible way.  We believe this can best be achieved through a combination of water supply and storage programs, sustainable agricultural development and the production of renewable energy at our properties.

Water Resource Development
 
    In 1993, we secured permits for up to 9,600 acres of agricultural development in the Cadiz Valley and the withdrawal of more than one million acre-feet of groundwater from the underlying aquifer system.  Once the agricultural development was underway, we also established that the location, geology and hydrology of this property is uniquely suited for both agricultural development and the development of an aquifer storage, recovery, and dry-year supply project to augment the water supplies available to Southern California.
 
15
 
 
   In 1997, we entered into the first of a series of agreements with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (“Metropolitan”) to jointly design, permit and build such a project (the “Cadiz Project” or “Project”). In general, several elements are needed to complete the development: (1) federal and state environmental permits; (2) a pipeline right of way from the Colorado River Aqueduct to the project area; (3) a storage and supply agreement with one or more public water agencies or private water utilities; and (4) construction and working capital financing.
 
    Between 1997 and 2002, we and Metropolitan received substantially all of the state and federal approvals required for the permits necessary to construct and operate the Project, including a Record of Decision (“ROD”) from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which endorsed the Cadiz Project and offered a right-of-way for construction of project facilities.  The ROD also approved a Final Environmental Impact Statement (“FEIS”) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”).
 
    In October 2002, Metropolitan’s staff brought the right-of-way matter before the Metropolitan Board of Directors.  By a very narrow margin, the Metropolitan Board voted not to accept the right-of-way grant and not to proceed with the Project.
 
    In April 2003, we filed a claim against Metropolitan seeking compensatory damages.  When settlement negotiations failed to produce a resolution, we filed a lawsuit against Metropolitan in Los Angeles Superior Court on November 17, 2005, seeking compensatory damages for a breach of various contractual and fiduciary obligations to us, and interference with the economic advantage we would have obtained from the Cadiz Project.  On February 11, 2009, we and Metropolitan agreed to settle our differences and dismissed all outstanding claims remaining against each other.
 
    In September 2008, we secured a new right-of-way for the Project’s water conveyance pipeline by entering into a lease agreement with the Arizona & California Railroad Company.  The agreement allows Cadiz to utilize a portion of the railroad’s right-of-way for the Cadiz Project water conveyance pipeline for a period up to 99 years.
 
    In May 2009, we entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Natural Heritage Institute (“NHI”) a leading global environmental organization committed to protecting aquatic ecosystem, to assist with our efforts to sustainably manage the development of our Cadiz Valley property.  As part of this “Green Compact” we will follow stringent plans for groundwater management and habitat conservation and create a groundwater management plan for the Project.
 
    In June 2009, we executed Letters of Intent ("LOI") with five Southern California water providers.  As part of the LOIs, Cadiz and the water providers will develop a cost-sharing agreement, finalize terms of pricing, design and capital allocation and work towards implementation of the Project.  These providers serve more than three million customers in California’s San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties.   We expect to add additional participants for other aspects of the project as the environmental review proceeds.
 
16
 
 
    In February 2010, we released new details of a comprehensive year-long study measuring the vast scale and recharge rate of the Cadiz aquifer system.  The study was conducted by internationally recognized environmental consulting firm CH2M Hill at the Project area utilizing new models produced by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2006 and 2008.  CH2M Hill and additional hydrology experts that have peer-reviewed the work confirmed the aquifer system can sustainably support the Cadiz Project.  With the hydrological studies complete, we will now proceed with the environmental review of the Project.

Agricultural Development
 
    Within the Cadiz Valley property, 9,600 acres have been zoned for agriculture.  The infrastructure includes seven wells that are interconnected within this acreage, with total annual production capacity of approximately 13,000 acre feet of water.  Additionally, there are housing and kitchen facilities that support up to 300 employees.  The underlying groundwater, fertile soil, and desert temperatures are well suited for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
 
    Permanent crops currently in production include 160 acres of certified organic vineyards and 260 acres of lemons.  Both of these crops are farmed using sustainable agricultural practices.  Additionally, we entered into an agreement with a third party to develop up to another 500 acres of lemons.
 
    Seasonal vegetable crops are all grown organically and 2010 plantings are expected to include squash and beans.

Other Development Opportunities
 
    In addition to the development projects described above, we believe that our landholdings are suitable for other types of development, including solar energy generation.  Both federal and state initiatives support alternative energy facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of imported fossil fuels. The locations, topography, and proximity of our properties to utility corridors are well-suited for solar energy generation and transmission. An additional advantage we can offer is the availability of the water supply needed by solar thermal power plant designs. We are presently in discussions with energy companies interested in utilizing our landholdings for various types of solar energy development.
 
    Over the longer term, we believe that the population of Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona will continue to grow, and that, in time, the economics of commercial and residential development of our properties will become attractive.
 
    We remain committed to our land and water assets and we continue to explore all opportunities for development of these assets.  We cannot predict with certainty which of these various opportunities will ultimately be utilized.
 
17
 
 
Results of Operations

(a)       Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
    We have not received significant revenues from our water resource and real estate development activity to date.  As a result, we continue to incur a net loss from operations.  We had revenues of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, and $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The decrease in revenue is primarily due to a smaller raisin and lemon harvest in 2009 in comparison to 2008.  The net loss totaled $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared with a net loss of $15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The larger loss in 2008 resulted primarily from higher non-cash expenses related to stock and option awards, and expenses related to our lawsuit against the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California that was settled in the first quarter of 2009.
 
    Our primary expenses are our ongoing overhead costs (i.e. general and administrative expense) and our interest expense.  We will continue to incur non-cash expenses in connection with our management and director equity incentive compensation plans.
 
    Revenues.  Revenue totaled $0.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $1.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2008.  The decrease in revenue is primarily due to a smaller raisin and lemon harvest in 2009 in comparison to 2008.  2009 revenues included $0.6 million of revenues related to citrus crop sales, which were down $0.1 million from the prior year, and $0.2 million of revenues related to raisin sales, which were down $0.1 million from the prior year.
 
    Cost of Sales.  Cost of Sales totaled $1.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2009, compared with $1.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
    General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2009, totaled $9.4 million compared with $11.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  Non-cash compensation costs related to stock and option awards are included in general and administrative expenses.
 
    Compensation costs from stock and option awards for the year ended December 31, 2009 totaled $2.3 million compared with $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The expense reflects the vesting schedule of the 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plan stock awards that became effective in July 2007.  Of these amounts, $1.2 million in 2009 and $3.1 million in 2008 relate to Milestone Based Deferred Stock, none of which were ultimately issued.  Shares and options issued under the Plans vest over varying periods from the date of issue to January 2011.
 
    Other general and administrative expenses, exclusive of stock based compensation costs, totaled $7.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2009, compared with $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  Higher 2009 expenses were primarily due to additional legal and consulting fees related to water development efforts.
 
    Depreciation.  Depreciation expenses totaled $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $0.3 million for 2008.
 
    Interest Expense, net.  Net interest expense totaled $4.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $4.3 million during 2008.  The following table summarizes the components of net interest expense for the two periods (in thousands):
 
18
 
 
   
Year Ended
December 31,
 
    2009     2008  
             
Interest on outstanding debt
 
$
2,356
   
$
2,033
 
Amortization of debt discount
   
1,937
     
2,299
 
Amortization of deferred loan costs
   
56
     
77
 
Interest income
   
(35
)
   
(107
)
                 
   
$
4,314
   
$
4,302
 
 
    The interest on outstanding debt increased from $2.0 million to $2.4 million due to the increase in interest rate from 5% to 6% per annum on the senior secured convertible term loan, while the amortization of debt discount decreased from $2.3 million to $1.9 million due to extension of the accretion schedule related to the conversion option embedded in the term loan.  2009 interest income decreased to $35 thousand from $107 thousand in the prior year due to lower short-term interest rates and a more conservative investment policy.

 
    Debt Refinancing.  Deferred loan costs, which are primarily legal fees, are amortized over the life of each loan agreement.  In June 2006, we refinanced our term loan with ING Capital LLC (“ING”) with a new senior secured convertible term loan with a different lender.  As a result, $408,000 of legal fees were capitalized and will be amortized over the 7 year life of the loan agreement.  In June 2009, the conversion feature of the term loan was modified.  As a result of the modification of the convertible debt arrangement, the change in conversion value between the original and modified instrument was approximately $1.6 million, which was recorded as an additional debt discount.  Such debt discount is accreted to the redemption value of the instrument over the remaining term of the loan as additional interest expense.

(b)       Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
    We had revenues of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, and $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The higher revenues were due to a larger lemon and raisin harvest.  The net loss totaled $15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared with a net loss of $13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The larger loss in 2008 resulted primarily from additional net interest expense of $1.1 million and additional amortization expense related to stock based compensation of $0.8 million.
 
    Our primary expenses are our ongoing overhead costs (i.e. general and administrative expense) and our interest expense.  We will continue to incur non-cash expenses in connection with our management and director equity incentive compensation plans.
 
    Revenues.  Revenue totaled $1.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $0.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2007.  2008 revenues included $0.7 million of revenues related to citrus crop sales, which were up $0.3 million from the prior year and $0.3 million of revenues related to raisin sales compared with $0 in the prior year.  Increased lemon revenues related to increased production following a freeze in 2007, and increased raisin revenues related to our farming the vineyard in 2008 compared with it being leased to a third party in 2007.
 
19
 
 
    Cost of Sales.  Cost of Sales totaled $1.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2008, compared with $0.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2007.  The higher costs were a result of increased handling costs of lemons due to a larger crop in 2008 and the costs of growing raisins, which were leased to a third party in 2007.
 
    General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2008, totaled $11.2 million compared with $10.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.  Non-cash compensation costs related to stock and option awards are included in general and administrative expenses.
 
    Compensation costs from stock and option awards for the year ended December 31, 2008, totaled $4.4 million compared with $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The expenses primarily relate to stock and options issued under the 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plans and the Outside Director Compensation Plan.  7,026 shares were granted under the Plans in 2008, compared with 954,599 shares in 2007.  Shares and options issued under the Plans vest over varying periods from the date of issue to December 2011.
 
    Other general and administrative expenses, exclusive of stock based compensation costs, totaled $6.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2008, compared with $6.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.  Higher 2008 expenses were primarily due to additional legal and consulting fees related to water development efforts, including our lawsuit against The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
 
    Depreciation.  Depreciation expenses totaled $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $0.3 million for 2007.
 
    Interest Expense, net.  Net interest expense totaled $4.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $3.2 million during 2007.  Higher interest expense was primarily due to the amortization of the debt discount related to the senior secured convertible term loan arranged in June 2006.  2008 interest income dropped to approximately $107,000 from approximately $605,000 in the prior year due to lower short-term interest rates. The following table summarizes the components of net interest expense for the two periods (in thousands):
 
   
Year Ended
December 31,
 
    2009     2008  
             
Interest on outstanding debt
 
$
2,033
   
$
1,929
 
Amortization of debt discount
   
2,299
     
1,852
 
Amortization of deferred loan costs
   
77
     
62
 
Interest income
   
(107
)
   
(605
)
                 
   
$
4,302
   
$
3,238
 
 
    Debt Refinancing.  Deferred loan costs, which are primarily legal fees, are amortized over the life of each loan agreement.  In June 2006, we refinanced our term loan with ING Capital LLC (“ING”) with a new senior secured convertible term loan with a different lender.  As a result, $408,000 of legal fees were capitalized and will be amortized over the 7 year life of the loan agreement.
 
20
 
 
    Other Income (expense).  We had no other income (expense) in the year ended December 31, 2008, compared with $2,000 of losses on the disposition of assets during the year ended December 31, 2007.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

(a)       Current Financing Arrangements
 
    As we have not received significant revenues from our water resource, agricultural and renewable energy development activity to date, we have been required to obtain financing to bridge the gap between the time water resource and other development expenses are incurred and the time that revenue will commence.  Historically, we have addressed these needs primarily through secured debt financing arrangements, private equity placements and the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants.
 
    We have worked with our secured lenders to structure our debt in a way which allows us to continue development of the Cadiz Project and minimize the dilution of the ownership interests of common stockholders. In June 2006, we entered into a new $36.4 million five year zero coupon senior secured convertible term loan with Peloton Partners LLP (through an affiliate) and another lender (the “Term Loan”).  On April 16, 2008, we were advised that Peloton had assigned its interest in the Term Loan to an affiliate of Lampe Conway & Company LLC (“Lampe Conway”), and Lampe Conway subsequently replaced Peloton as administrative agent of the loan.  On June 4, 2009, we completed arrangements to amend the Term Loan.  The significant terms of the amendment are as follows:

·  
Maturity date was extended from June 29, 2011, to June 29, 2013;

·  
Interest will continue to accrue at 6% per annum through maturity;

·  
The conversion feature has been modified to allow up to $4.55 million of principal to be converted into 650,000 shares of Cadiz common stock (“Initial Conversion Portion”) at a conversion price of $7 per share, and the remaining principal and interest to be converted into shares of Cadiz common stock at a conversion price of $35 per share.  If fully converted at June 29, 2013, this would result in Cadiz common stock being issued at an average conversion price of $26 per share; and

·  
We now have the right at any time prior to June 29, 2013 to prepay the loan's outstanding principal (other than as to the Initial Conversion Portion) plus all accrued interest in full without penalty, and may at the same time prepay the Initial Conversion Portion either in stock at a 110% conversion premium or, at the election of the lenders, in cash with an equal value (but not less than $4.55 million).
 
    The Term Loan is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company, which contains representations, warranties and covenants that are typical for agreements of this type, including restrictions that would limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends or make restricted payments, dispose of assets, make investments and merge or consolidate with another person.  However, while there are affirmative covenants, there are no financial maintenance covenants and no restrictions on the Company’s ability to issue additional common stock to fund future working capital needs.
 
21
 
 
    As a result of the modification of the convertible debt arrangement, the change in conversion value between the original and modified instrument of approximately $1.6 million was recorded as an additional debt discount.  Such debt discount is accreted to the redemption value of the instrument over the remaining term of the loan as additional interest expense.
 
    The debt covenants associated with the loan were negotiated by the parties with a view towards our operating and financial condition as it existed at the time the agreements were executed.  At December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with our debt covenants.
 
   A private placement which we completed in November 30, 2004, included the issuance of warrants to purchase shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $15.00 per share.  During 2006, holders of 70,000 of the warrants exercised their warrants, resulting in our issuance of 70,000 shares of common stock with net proceeds of $1,050,000.  In January 2007, we exercised our right to terminate all unexercised warrants on March 2, 2007, subject to a 30 day notice period.  In response, holders of all 335,440 warrants then outstanding exercised their warrants during February 2007.  As a result, we issued 335,440 shares of our common stock and received net proceeds of $5,031,000.  Following these exercises, no warrants from this 2004 private placement remain outstanding.
 
    In November and December of 2008, we completed a private placement of 165,000 Units at the price of $31.50 per unit for proceeds of $5,197,500.  Each Unit consists of three (3) shares of our common stock and two (2) common stock purchase warrants.  The first warrant entitled the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $12.50 per share.  On November 17, 2009, the exercise price of this Callable Warrant was temporarily reduced to $10.50 per share.  In response, holders of 162,849 warrants exercised their warrants, resulting in our issuance of 162,849 shares of common stock with net proceeds of $1,709,915.  The remaining 2,151 warrants were cancelled.  The second warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $12.50 per share.  This warrant has a term of three years and is not callable by us.
 
    In October 2009, the Company raised $7.1 million with a private placement of 226,200 Units at $31.50 per Unit.  This includes 20,880 Units purchased by the Lenders of the Term Loan pursuant to the Lenders’ Participation Rights under the Term Loan.  Each Unit consists of three (3) shares of the Company’s common stock and one (1) stock purchase warrant.  The warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $15.00 per share.  The warrant has a term of three (3) years, but is callable by the Company at any time following November 1, 2010, if the closing market price of the Company’s common stock exceeds $22.50 for 10 consecutive trading days.
 
    As we continue to actively pursue our business strategy, additional financing will be required.  See “Outlook”, below.  The covenants in the Term Loan do not prohibit our use of additional equity financing and allow us to retain 100% of the proceeds of any equity financing.  We do not expect the loan covenants to materially limit our ability to finance our water development activities.
 
    At December 31, 2009, we had no outstanding credit facilities other than the Convertible Term Loan.
 
22
 
 
    Cash Used for Operating Activities.  Cash used for operating activities totaled $6.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, and $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The cash was primarily used to fund general and administrative expenses related to our water development efforts.
 
    Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities.  Cash provided by investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2009, was $4.4 million, compared with $4.8 million of cash used for investing activities during the same period in 2008.  The 2009 period included $4.5 million of short-term deposits that matured, which were not considered cash equivalents in 2008.
 
    Cash Provided by Financing Activities.  Cash provided by financing activities totaled $8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared with $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The 2009 cash provided included $1.7 million of proceeds from the issuance of 162,849 shares of common stock at $10.50 per share upon exercise of outstanding warrants, and $7.1 million of proceeds from a private placement.  The 2008 result reflects $5.1 million of proceeds from a private placement.  See “Current Financing Arrangements” above.

(b)       Outlook
 
    Short Term Outlook.  The $7.1 million in proceeds from our October and November 2009 private placement, along with the $1.7 million in proceeds from the warrant exercise, provides us with sufficient funds to meet our expected working capital needs for the next 12 months.  Within the next 12 months we will need to identify financing for our 2011 working capital needs.  Based on our current and anticipated usage of cash resources, we will continue to require additional working capital to meet our cash resource needs until such time as our asset development programs produce revenue.  If we are unable to generate this from our current development activities, then we will need to seek additional equity financing in the capital markets.  We expect to continue our historical practice of structuring our financing arrangements to match the anticipated needs of our development activities.  See "Long Term Outlook", below.  No assurances can be given, however, as to the availability or terms of any new financing.
 
    Long Term Outlook. In the longer term, we will need to raise additional capital to finance working capital needs, capital expenditures and any payments due under our senior secured convertible term loan at maturity.  See “Current Financing Arrangements” above.  Payments will be due under the term loan only to the extent that lenders elect not to exercise equity conversion rights prior to the loan’s final maturity date.  Our future working capital needs will depend upon the specific measures we pursue in the entitlement and development of our water resources and other development.  Future capital expenditures will depend primarily on the progress of the Cadiz Project.  We will evaluate the amount of cash needed, and the manner in which such cash will be raised, on an ongoing basis.  We may meet any future cash requirements through a variety of means, including equity or debt placements, or through the sale or other disposition of assets.  Equity placements would be undertaken only to the extent necessary, so as to minimize the dilutive effect of any such placements upon our existing stockholders.  Limitations on our liquidity and ability to raise capital may adversely affect us.  Sufficient liquidity is critical to meet our resource development activities.  However, liquidity in the currently dislocated capital markets has been severely constrained since the beginning of the credit crisis.  Although we currently expect our sources of capital to be sufficient to meet our near term liquidity needs, there can be no assurance that our liquidity requirements will continue to be satisfied.  If the Company cannot raise needed funds, it might be forced to make substantial reductions in its operating expenses, which could adversely affect its ability to implement its current business plan and ultimately its viability as a company.
 
23
 
 
(c)       Critical Accounting Policies
 
    As discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Cadiz, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related footnotes.  In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements based on all relevant information available at the time and giving due consideration to materiality.  We do not believe there is a great likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported related to the accounting policies described below.  However, application of these policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.  Management has concluded that the following critical accounting policies described below affect the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
 
    (1)  Intangible and Other Long-Lived Assets.  Property, plant and equipment, intangible and certain other long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized over their useful lives.  Useful lives are based on management’s estimates of the period over which the assets will generate revenue.  Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  The Company reevaluates the carrying value of its water program annually and has confirmed that the carrying value of the water program is not impaired as of December 31, 2009.
 
    (2) Goodwill. As a result of a merger in May 1988 between two companies, which eventually became known as Cadiz Inc., goodwill in the amount of $7,006,000 was recorded.  Approximately $3,193,000 of this amount was amortized until the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”) on January 1, 2002.  Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, or if events occur which require an impairment analysis be performed.  The Company has confirmed that the carrying value of the goodwill is not impaired as of December 31, 2009.
 
    (3)  Deferred Tax Assets and Valuation Allowances.  To date, the Company has not generated significant revenue from its water development programs, and it has a history of net operating losses.  As such, the Company has generated significant deferred tax assets, including large net operating loss carry forwards for federal and state income taxes for which it has recorded a full valuation allowance.  Management is currently working on water and real estate development projects, including the Cadiz Project, that are designed to generate future taxable income, although there can be no guarantee that this will occur.  If taxable income is generated in future years, some portion or all of the valuation allowance will be reversed, and an increase in net income would consequently be reported.
 
24
 
 
(d)       New Accounting Pronouncements
 
    See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”.

(e)       Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
    Cadiz does not have any off balance sheet arrangements at this time.
 
(f)        Certain Known Contractual Obligations
   
Payments Due by Period
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
Less than 1 year
   
1-3 years
   
4-5 years
   
After 5 years
 
                               
Long term debt obligations
 
$
43,672
   
$
20
   
$
20
   
$
43,632
   
$
-
 
                                         
Interest payable
   
10,254
     
1
     
0
     
10,253
     
-
 
                                         
Operating leases
   
716
     
366
     
350
     
-
     
-
 
                                         
   
$
54,642
   
$
387
   
$
370
   
$
53,885
   
$
-
 
 
    Long-term debt included in the table above primarily reflects the Convertible Term Loan, which is described above in Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation; Liquidity and Capital Resources".  Operating leases include the lease of the Company’s executive offices, as described in Item 2, "Properties".
 
    Not included in the table above is a potential obligation to pay an amount of up to 1% of the net present value of the Cadiz Project in consideration of certain legal and advisory services to be provided to us.  This fee would be payable upon completion of binding agreements for at least 51% of the Cadiz Project’s annual capacity and receipt of all environmental approvals and permits necessary to start construction of the Cadiz Project.  A portion of this fee may be payable in stock.  Interim payments of $1.5 million, applicable to the final total, would be made upon the achievement of certain specified milestones.  $500 thousand of these interim payments was earned in June 2009 and paid as of December 31, 2009.  This arrangement may be terminated by either party upon 60 days notice, with any compensation earned but unpaid prior to termination payable following termination.


ITEM 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
    As of December 31, 2009, all of our indebtedness bore interest at fixed rates; therefore, we are not exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on long-term debt obligations.
 

ITEM 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
    The information required by this item is submitted in response to Part IV below. See the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
25
 
 
ITEM 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
    Not applicable.
 
 
ITEM 9A.  Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
    We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information related to the Company, including its consolidated entities, is accumulated and communicated to senior management, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (the “Principal Executive Officer”) and Chief Financial Officer (the “Principal Financial Officer”) and to our Board of Directors.  Based on their evaluation as of December 31, 2009, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
    Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f).  Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on our evaluation under that framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009.  The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
    In connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, there was no change identified in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
26
 
 
ITEM 9B.  Other Information
 
    Our 2009 annual meeting was held on December 14, 2009.  The stockholders took the following actions at the meeting:
 
    1.  Elected Messrs. Keith Brackpool, Stephen E. Courter, Stephen J. Duffy, Geoffrey Grant, Winston H. Hickox, Murray H. Hutchison, Raymond J. Pacini and Timothy J. Shaheen to the Company's Board of Directors.  Mr. Brackpool was elected by the vote of 7,151,558 shares in favor and 729,539 withheld and no broker non-votes.  Mr. Courter was elected by the vote of 7,152,334 shares in favor and 728,763 withheld and no broker non-votes.  Mr. Duffy was elected by the vote of 7,152,374 shares in favor and 728,723 withheld and no broker non-votes.  Mr. Grant was elected by the vote of 7,151,505 shares in favor and 729,592 withheld and no broker non-votes.  Mr. Hickox was elected by the vote of 7,152,372 shares in favor and 728,725 withheld and no broker non-votes.  Mr. Hutchison was elected by the vote of 6,956,470 shares in favor and 924,627 withheld and no broker non-votes.  Mr. Pacini was elected by the vote of 7,152,297 shares in favor and 728,800 withheld and no broker non-votes.  Mr. Shaheen was elected by the vote of 6,962,132 shares in favor and 918,965 withheld and no broker non-votes.
 
    2.  Ratified the selection by our Board of Directors of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to continue as our independent certified public accountants for fiscal year 2009 by a vote of 7,790,170 in favor and 72,434 against, with 18,493 abstaining and no broker non-votes.
 
    3.  Approved the Company’s 2009 Equity Incentive Plan by a vote of 4,161,190 in favor and 2,287,560 against, with 7,347 abstaining and 1,425,000 broker non-votes.
 
27
 
 
PART III
 
ITEM 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
    The information called for by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive proxy statement involving the election of directors which we intend to file with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.


ITEM 11.  Executive Compensation
 
    The information called for by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive proxy statement involving the election of directors which we intend to file with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.
 

ITEM 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
    The information called for by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive proxy statement involving the election of directors which we intend to file with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.


ITEM 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
    The information called for by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive proxy statement involving the election of directors which we intend to file with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.


ITEM 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
    The information called for by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive proxy statement involving the election of directors which we intend to file with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.
 
28
 
 
PART IV

ITEM 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
 
 
1.
Financial Statements.  See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
2.
Financial Statement Schedule.  See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
3.
Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Form 10-K.

 
3.1
Cadiz Certificate of Incorporation, as amended(1)

 
3.2
Amendment to Cadiz Certificate of Incorporation dated November 8, 1996(2)

 
3.3
Amendment to Cadiz Certificate of Incorporation dated September 1, 1998(3)

 
3.4
Amendment to Cadiz Certificate of Incorporation dated December 15, 2003(4)

 
3.5
Certificate of Elimination of Series D Preferred Stock, Series E-1 Preferred Stock and Series E-2 Preferred Stock of Cadiz Inc. dated December 15, 2003(4)

 
3.6
Certificate of Elimination of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Cadiz Inc., dated March 25, 2004(4)

 
3.7
Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations of Series F Preferred Stock of Cadiz Inc.(5)

 
3.8
Cadiz Bylaws, as amended (6)

 
3.9
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations of Series F Preferred Stock of Cadiz Inc. dated June 30, 2006, as corrected by Certificate of Correction dated March 14, 2007(14)

 
3.10
Certificate of Elimination of Series F Preferred Stock of Cadiz Inc. (as filed August 3, 2007)(16)

 
4.1
Form of Subscription Agreement used for issuance of Units in November 2008(7)

 
4.2
Form of Subscription Agreement used for issuance of Units in December 2008(7)

 
4.3
Form of Warrant Agreement (Callable Warrant)(7)
 
29
 
 
 
4.4
Form of Warrant Agreement (Non-Callable)(7)
 
 
4.5
Form of Subscription Agreement used for issuance of Units in October and November 2009(8)

 
4.6
Form of Warrant Agreement(8)
 
 
10.1
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Cadiz Real Estate LLC dated December 11, 2003(4)

 
10.2
Amendment No. 1, dated October 29, 2004, to Limited Liability Company Agreement of Cadiz Real Estate LLC(9)

 
10.3
Consulting Agreement dated August 1, 2002 by and between Richard Stoddard and Cadiz Inc., and Extension of Consulting Agreement dated January 1, 2004 by and between Richard Stoddard and Cadiz Inc.(9)

 
10.4
Settlement Agreement dated as of August 11, 2005 by and between Cadiz Inc., on the one hand, and Sun World International, Inc., Sun Desert, Inc., Coachella Growers and Sun World/Rayo, on the other hand(10)

 
10.5
$36,375,000 Credit Agreement among Cadiz Inc. and Cadiz Real Estate LLC, as Borrowers, the Several Lenders from time to time parties thereto, and Peloton Partners LLP, as Administrative Agent, dated as of June 26, 2006(11)

 
10.6
Amendment No. 1 dated September 29, 2006 to the $36,375,000 Credit Agreement among Cadiz Inc. and Cadiz Real Estate LLC, as Borrowers, the Several Lenders from time to time parties thereto and Peloton Partners LLP, as Administrative Agent, dated as of June 26, 2006(12)

 
10.7
Outside Director Compensation Plan(13)

 
10.8
Resolutions adopted by the Cadiz Inc. Board of Directors on March 13, 2007, increasing the monthly consulting fees paid to Richard E. Stoddard(14)

 
10.9
2007 Management Equity Incentive Plan(15)

 
10.10
Amendment No. 2 dated October 1, 2007 to Reorganization Plan and Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Assets dated as of February 18, 1998 among Cadiz Inc. and Mark A. Liggett in his capacity as successor in interest to Exploration Research Associates, Incorporated., a California corporation (“ERA”) and in his individual capacity as former sole shareholder of ERA and as the successor in interest to ERA(17)

 
10.11
Longitudinal Lease Agreement dated September 17, 2008 between Arizona & California Railroad Company and Cadiz Real Estate, LLC(18)
 
30
 
 
 
10.12
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Keith Brackpool and Cadiz Inc. dated May 22, 2009(19)

 
10.13
Employment Agreement between Timothy J. Shaheen and Cadiz Inc. dated May 22, 2009(19)

 
10.14
Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement among Cadiz Inc. and Cadiz Real Estate LLC, as Borrowers, the Several Lenders from time to time parties thereto, and LC Capital Master Fund Ltd., as Administrative Agent, dated as of June 4, 2009(20)

 
10.15
2009 Equity Incentive Plan(21)

 
10.16
Letter of Intent with Golden State Water Company dated June 1, 2009(8)

 
10.17
Services and Exclusivity Agreement with Layne Christensen Company dated November 2, 2009, as amended by amendments dated January 4, 2010, and January 27, 2010.

 
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 
31.1
Certification of Keith Brackpool, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cadiz Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
31.2
Certification of Timothy J. Shaheen, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Cadiz Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
32.1
Certification of Keith Brackpool, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cadiz Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
32.2
Certification of Timothy J. Shaheen, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Cadiz Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

________________________________________________________________________


 
(1)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Registration Statement of Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-75642) declared effective May 16, 1994 filed on February 23, 1994
 
(2)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996 filed on November 14, 1996
 
(3)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 filed on November 13, 1998
 
(4)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed on November 2, 2004
 
31
 
 
 
(5)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 30, 2004 filed on December 2, 2004
 
(6)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 filed on August 13, 1999
 
(7)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to Amendment No.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-156502) filed on January 27, 2009
 
(8)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-163321) filed on November 24, 2009
 
(9)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 filed on March 31, 2005
 
(10)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 filed on November 14, 2005
 
(11)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-126117) filed on July 28, 2006
 
(12)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K dated October 4, 2006 and filed October 4, 2006
 
(13)
Previously filed as Appendix B to our definitive proxy dated October 10, 2006 and filed October 10, 2006
 
(14)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 filed on March 16, 2007
 
(15)
Previously filed as Appendix A to our definitive proxy dated April 27, 2007 and filed April 27, 2007
 
(16)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 filed on August 6, 2007
 
(17)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed on March 14, 2008
 
(18)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 on November 10, 2008
 
(19)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, filed on August 10, 2009
 
(20)
Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-136117) filed on August 3, 2009
 
(21)
Previously filed as Appendix A to our definitive proxy dated November 3, 2009, and filed on November 5, 2009
 
32
 
 
Cadiz Inc.

Index to Financial Statements
 
CADIZ INC. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Page
   
34
   
36
   
37
   
38
   
39
   
40
   
66
   
 
(Schedules other than those listed above have been omitted since they are either not required, inapplicable, or the required information is included on the financial statements or notes thereto.)
 
33
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Cadiz Inc.:
 
 
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and stockholder's equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cadiz Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
34
 
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 15, 2010
 
35
 
 
Cadiz Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations


   
Year Ended December 31,
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Total revenues
 
$
808
   
$
992
   
$
426
 
                         
Costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation shown below)
   
1,102
     
1,098
     
566
 
General and administrative
   
9,445
     
11,154
     
9,988
 
Depreciation
   
342
     
341
     
261
 
                         
Total costs and expenses
   
10,889
     
12,593
     
10,815
 
                         
Operating loss
   
(10,081
)
   
 (11,601
)
   
(10,389
)
                         
Interest expense, net
   
(4,314
)
   
(4,302
)
   
(3,238
)
Other expense
   
-
     
-
     
(2
 )
                         
Other expense, net
   
(4,314
)
   
(4,302
)
   
(3,240
)
                         
Net loss before income taxes
   
(14,395
)
   
(15,903
)
   
(13,629
)
                         
Income tax expense
   
4
     
6
     
4
 
                         
Net loss applicable to common stock
 
$
(14,399
)
 
$
(15,909
)
 
$
(13,633
)
                         
Basic and diluted net loss per share
 
$
(1.13
)
 
$
(1.32
)
 
$
(1.15
)
                         
Weighted-average shares outstanding
   
12,722
     
12,014
     
11,845
 
                         

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
36
 
 
Cadiz Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets
   
December 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
ASSETS
           
             
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
8,878
   
$
2,014
 
Short-term investments
   
-
     
4,500
 
Accounts Receivable
   
175
     
66
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
362
     
507
 
                 
Total current assets
   
9,415
     
7,087
 
                 
Property, plant, equipment and water programs, net
   
36,613
     
35,784
 
Goodwill
   
3,813
     
3,813
 
Other assets
   
478
     
728
 
                 
Total assets
 
$
50,319
   
$
47,412
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
 
$
499
   
$
247
 
Accrued liabilities
   
829
     
559
 
Current portion of long term debt
   
20
     
9
 
                 
Total current liabilities
   
1,348
     
815
 
                 
Long-term debt
   
36,665
     
33,975
 
Tax liability
   
321
     
216
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
752
     
-
 
                 
      Total liabilities
   
39,086
     
35,006
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
               
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
                 
Common stock - $0.01 par value; 70,000,000 shares
               
authorized; shares issued and outstanding: 13,500,997 at
               
    December 31, 2009, and 12,453,210 at December 31, 2008
   
135
     
125
 
                 
Additional paid-in capital
   
276,749
     
263,533
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(265,651
)
   
(251,252
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
11,233
     
12,406
 
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
50,319
   
$
47,412
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
37
 
 
Cadiz Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
($ in thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net loss
 
$
(14,399
)
 
$
(15,909
)
 
$
(13,633
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
                       
Used for operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
   
342
     
341
     
261
 
Amortization of deferred loan costs
   
56
     
77
     
62
 
Amortization of debt discount
   
1,937
     
2,299
     
1,852
 
Interest added to loan principal
   
2,356
     
2,033
     
1,928
 
Net loss on disposal of assets
   
-
     
-
     
2
 
Compensation charge for stock awards and share options
   
2,273
     
4,358
     
3,609
 
Issuance of stock for services
   
500
     
135
     
-
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
   
(109
)
   
(46
)
   
281
 
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other
   
145
     
(291
)
   
27
 
Decrease in other assets
   
194
     
-
     
-
 
Increase (decrease) increase in accounts payable
   
252
     
(161
)
   
(36
)
(Decrease) increase in accrued liabilities
   
(30
   
27
 
   
371
 
        Increase (decrease) in tax liability     105       4       (7
                         
Net cash used for operating activities
   
(6,378
)
   
(7,133
)
   
(5,283
)
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Investments in short-term deposits
   
-
     
(4,500
)
   
(8,819
)
Additions to property, plant and equipment
   
(119
)
   
(93
)
   
(1,105
)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
   
4,500
     
-
     
8,819
 
Other assets
   
-
     
(235
)
   
(250
)
                         
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
   
4,381
     
(4,828
)
   
(1,355
)
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
-
     
-
     
139
 
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
8,835
     
5,063
     
5,032
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
   
46
     
-
     
-
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
   
(20
)
   
(9
)
   
(9
)
                         
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
8,861
     
5,054
     
5,162
 
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
6,864
     
(6,907
)
   
(1,476
)
                         
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
2,014
     
8,921
     
10,397
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
8,878
   
$
2,014
   
$
8,921
 
                         
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statement.
 
38
 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007
 
($ in thousands)
 
         
Additional
         
Total
 
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
Paid-in
   
Accumulated
   
Stockholders’
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Deficit
   
Equity
 
                                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2006
   
1,000
   
$
-
     
11,536,597
   
$
116
   
$
245,206
   
$
(221,710
)
 
$
23,612
 
                                                         
Issuance of shares pursuant to warrant exercise
   
-
     
-
     
335,440
     
3
     
5,029
     
-
     
5,032
 
Issuance of shares pursuant to stock awards and option exercise
   
-
     
-
     
14,285
     
-
     
139
     
-
     
139
 
Issuance of shares upon conversion of Series F Preferred Stock
   
(1,000
)
   
-
     
17,289
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Stock compensation expense
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,609
     
-
     
3,609
 
Net loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
   
(13,633
)
 
(13,633
)
Balance as of December 31, 2007
   
-
   
$
-
     
11,903,611
   
$
119
   
$
253,983
   
$
(235,343
)
 
$
18,759
 
                                                         
Issuance of shares pursuant to stock awards
   
-
     
-
     
54,599
     
1
     
-
     
-
     
1
 
Issuance of shares pursuant to Private Placement
   
-
     
-
     
495,000
     
5
     
5,192
     
-
     
5,197
 
Stock compensation expense
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,358
     
-
     
4,358
 
Net loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(15,909
)
   
(15,909
)
Balance as of December 31, 2008
   
-
   
$
-
     
12,453,210
   
$
125
   
$
263,533
   
$
(251,252
)
 
$
12,406
 
                                                         
Issuance of shares pursuant to stock awards
   
-
     
-
     
147,026
     
1
     
-
     
-
     
1
 
Issuance of shares pursuant to warrant exercises and Private Placement
   
-
     
-
     
841,449
     
8
     
8,827
     
-
     
8,835
 
Issuance of common stock for services
   
-
     
-
     
59,312
     
1
     
499
     
-
     
500
 
Convertible term loan conversion option
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,617
     
-
     
1,617
 
Stock compensation expense
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,273
     
-
     
2,273
 
Net loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(14,399
)
   
(14,399
)
Balance as of December 31, 2009
   
-
   
$
-
     
13,500,997
   
$
135
   
$
276,749
   
$
(265,651
)
 
$
11,233
 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
39
 
 
Cadiz Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
    The Company’s primary asset consists of 45,000 acres of land in three areas of eastern San Bernardino County, California.  Virtually all of this land is underlain by high-quality groundwater resources that are suitable for a variety of water storage and supply programs.  The advantages of underground storage relative to surface storage include minimal surface environmental impacts, low capital investment, and minimal evaporative water loss.  The properties are located in proximity to the Colorado River and the Colorado River Aqueduct, the major source of imported water for Southern California.
 
    The value of these assets derives from a combination of increasing pressure on water and renewable energy supplies in California.  California is presently facing a dire water crisis.  Water agencies throughout California imposed mandatory rationing in 2009 in order to meet anticipated demand.  Additionally, through a series of policy initiatives, the State of California and the United States government have issued compelling calls for increased renewable energy production in order to meet future national energy needs. This includes California’s mandate to acquire 33% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020.  As a result, the Company believes that a competitive advantage exists for companies that can provide high-quality, reliable, and affordable water to major population centers as well as for companies that can site renewable energy facilities.
 
    The Company’s objective is to realize the highest and best use for these assets in an environmentally responsible way.  The Company believes this can best be achieved through a combination of water supply and storage programs, sustainable agricultural development and the production of renewable energy at the Cadiz properties.
 
    In 1993, Cadiz acquired permits for up to 9,600 acres of agricultural development in the Cadiz Valley and the withdrawal of more than one million acre-feet of groundwater from the aquifer system underlying the property.  The Company believes that the location, geology and hydrology of this property is uniquely suited for both agriculture and the development of an aquifer storage, recovery and supply program to augment the water supplies available to Southern California.
 
    To this end, in 1997, Cadiz entered into the first of a series of agreements with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (“Metropolitan”) to jointly design, permit and build such a project (the “Cadiz Project” or “Project”).  In general, several elements are needed to complete the development:  (1) federal and state environmental permits; (2) a pipeline right-of-way from the Colorado River Aqueduct to the project area; (3) a storage and supply agreement with one or more public water agencies or private water utilities; and (4) construction and working capital financing.
 
    Between 1997 and 2002, Cadiz and Metropolitan received substantially all of the state and federal approvals required for the permits necessary to construct and operate the Project, including a Record of Decision (“ROD”) from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which endorsed the Cadiz Project and offered a right-of-way for construction of project facilities.  The ROD also approved a Final Environmental Impact Statement (“FEIS”) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”).
 
40
 
 
    In October 2002, Metropolitan’s staff brought the right-of-way matter before the Metropolitan Board of Directors.  By a very narrow margin, the Metropolitan Board voted not to accept the right-of-way grant and not to proceed with the Project.
 
    In April 2003, Cadiz filed a claim against Metropolitan seeking compensatory damages.  When settlement negotiations failed to produce a resolution, Cadiz filed a lawsuit against Metropolitan in Los Angeles Superior Court on November 17, 2005, seeking compensatory damages for a breach of various contractual and fiduciary obligations to us, and interference with the economic advantage we would have obtained from the Cadiz Project.  On February 11, 2009, Cadiz and Metropolitan agreed to settle our differences and dismissed all outstanding claims remaining against each other.
 
    Meanwhile, the need for new water storage and dry-year supplies has not abated.  The population of California continues to grow, while water supplies are being challenged by drought, lack of infrastructure and environmental protections.  Indeed, California is facing the very real possibility that current and future supplies of water will not be able to meet demand.   Moreover, cities throughout Southern California have endured dry local conditions for three years leaving supplies in storage at perilously low levels, while Colorado River deliveries to the State have remained at average levels.
 
    These conditions have greatly challenged California’s water supplies.  Approximately 49 water agencies throughout California have imposed mandatory rationing in 2009 in order to meet anticipated demand and at least 60 water agencies have imposed voluntary conservation measures.  Policy leaders and lawmakers have introduced legislation to improve the State’s water infrastructure and are pursuing public financing for new storage and supply projects.
 
    To meet the growing demand for new water storage and supplies, the Company has continued to pursue the implementation of the Cadiz Project.
 
    In addition to agriculture and water development, the Company believes that its landholdings are suitable for other types of development, including solar energy generation.  Both federal and state initiatives support alternative energy facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of imported fossil fuels. The locations, topography, and proximity of the Company’s properties to utility corridors are well-suited for solar energy generation. An additional advantage the Company can provide is the availability of the water supply needed by solar thermal power plant designs.  The Company is presently in discussions with energy companies interested in utilizing the Company’s landholdings for various types of solar energy development.
 
    Over the longer term, the Company believes that the population of Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona will continue to grow, and that, in time, the economics of commercial and residential development of the Company’s properties will become attractive.
 
    The Company remains committed to its land and water assets and will continue to explore all opportunities for development of these assets.  The Company cannot predict with certainty which of these various opportunities will ultimately be utilized.
 
41
 
 
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation
 
    The financial statements of the Company have been prepared using accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business.  The Company incurred losses of $14.4 million, $15.9 million and $13.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The Company had working capital of $8.1 million at December 31, 2009, and used cash in operations of $6.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Currently, the Company’s sole focus is the development of its land and water assets.
 
    In June 2006, the Company raised $36.4 million through the private placement of a five year zero coupon convertible term loan with Peloton Partners LLP (“Peloton”), as administrative agent, and an affiliate of Peloton and another investor, as lenders (the “Term Loan”).  The proceeds of the new term loan were partially used to repay the Company’s prior term loan facility with ING Capital LLC (“ING”).  On April 16, 2008, the Company was advised that Peloton’s interest in the Term Loan had been assigned to an affiliate of Lampe, Conway & Company LLC (“Lampe Conway”), and Lampe Conway subsequently replaced Peloton as administrative agent of the loan.  On June 4, 2009, the Company completed arrangements to amend the Term Loan and extend its maturity to June of 2013.
 
    In February 2007, $5.0 million was raised when certain warrant holders chose to exercise their rights to purchase 335,440 shares of the Company’s common stock for $15.00 per share.  In November and December 2008, the Company raised an additional $5.2 million with a private placement of 165,000 Units at $31.50 per unit.  Each unit consists of three (3) shares of the Company’s common stock and two (2) stock purchase warrants.  The first warrant entitled the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $12.50 per share.  On November 17, 2009, the exercise price of this Callable Warrant was temporarily reduced to $10.50 per share.  In response, holders of 162,849 warrants exercised their warrants, resulting in our issuance of 162,849 shares of common stock with net proceeds of $1,709,915.  The remaining 2,151 warrants were cancelled.  The second warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $12.50 per share.  This warrant has a term of three years and is not callable by us.
 
    In October and November 2009, the Company raised $7.1 million with a private placement of 226,200 Units at $31.50 per Unit.  This includes 20,880 Units purchased by the Lenders of the Term Loan pursuant to the Lenders’ Participation Rights under the Term Loan.  Each Unit consists of three (3) shares of the Company’s common stock and one (1) stock purchase warrant.  The warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $15.00 per share.  The warrant has a term of three (3) years, but is callable by the Company at any time following November 1, 2010, if the closing market price of the Company’s common stock exceeds $22.50 for 10 consecutive trading days.
 
42
 
 
    The Company’s current resources do not provide the capital necessary to fund a water development project should the Company be required to do so.  There is no assurance that additional financing (public or private) will be available on acceptable terms or at all.  If the Company issues additional equity or equity linked securities to raise funds, the ownership percentage of the Company’s existing stockholders would be reduced.  New investors may demand rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of common stock.  If the Company cannot raise needed funds, it might be forced to make further substantial reductions in its operating expenses, which could adversely affect its ability to implement its current business plan and ultimately its viability as a company.
 
    The proceeds remaining from the Company’s $8.8 million private placement in 2009, and the sale of common shares, pursuant to the exercise of certain warrants in 2009, provide it with sufficient funds to meet expected working capital needs for the next 12 months.  Within the next 12 months the Company will need to identify financing for its 2011 working capital needs.  If the Company is unable to generate this from its current development activities, then it will need to seek additional equity financing in the capital markets.

Principles of Consolidation
 
    In December 2003, the Company transferred substantially all of its assets (with the exception of an office sublease, certain office furniture and equipment and any Sun World related assets) to Cadiz Real Estate LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Cadiz Real Estate”).  The Company holds 100% of the equity interests of Cadiz Real Estate, and therefore continues to hold 100% beneficial ownership of the properties that it transferred to Cadiz Real Estate.  Because the transfer of the Company’s properties to Cadiz Real Estate has no effect on its ultimate beneficial ownership of these properties, the properties owned of record either by Cadiz Real Estate or by the Company are treated as belonging to the Company.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  In preparing these financial statements, management has made estimates with regard to goodwill and other long-lived assets, stock compensation and deferred tax assets.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition
 
    The Company recognizes crop sale revenue upon shipment and transfer of title to customers.

Stock-Based Compensation
 
    General and administrative expenses include $2.3 million, $4.4 million and $3.6 million of stock based compensation expenses in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
    The fair value of each option granted to employees and directors is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
 
43
 
 
    The Company applies the Black-Scholes valuation model in determining the fair value of share-based payments to employees, which is then amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
 
    ASC 718 also requires the Company to estimate forfeitures in calculating the expense related to stock-based compensation as opposed to only recognizing these forfeitures and the corresponding reduction in expense as they occur.  The remaining vesting periods are relatively short, and the potential impact of forfeitures is not material.  The Company is in a tax loss carryforward position and is not expected to realize a benefit from any additional compensation expense recognized under ASC 718.  See Note 7, “Income Taxes".

Net Loss Per Common Share
 
    Basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) is computed by dividing the net loss, after deduction for preferred dividends either accrued or imputed, if any, by the weighted-average common shares outstanding.  Options, deferred stock units, warrants, participating and redeemable preferred stock and the zero coupon term loan convertible into or exercisable for certain shares of the Company’s common stock were not considered in the computation of diluted EPS because their inclusion would have been antidilutive.  Had these instruments been included, the fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding would have increased by approximately 2,420,000 shares, 2,372,000 shares and 2,208,000 shares for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
    The Company considers all short-term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  The Company invests its excess cash in deposits with major international banks and government agency notes and, therefore, bears minimal risk.  Such investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value, and are considered cash equivalents for purposes of reporting cash flows.

Short-Term Investments
 
    The Company considers all short-term deposits with an original maturity greater than three months, but no greater than one year, to be short-term investments.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had no short-term investments, and had $4.5 million invested in short-term investments at December 31, 2008.

Property, Plant, Equipment and Water Programs
 
    Property, plant, equipment and water programs are stated at cost.  Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ten to forty-five years for land improvements and buildings and five to fifteen years for machinery and equipment.  Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the term of the relevant lease agreement or the estimated useful life of the asset.
 
44
 
 
    Water rights and water storage and supply programs are stated at cost.  Certain costs directly attributable to the development of such programs have been capitalized by the Company.  These costs, which are expected to be recovered through future revenues, consist of direct labor, drilling costs, consulting fees for various engineering, hydrological, environmental and feasibility studies, and other professional and legal fees.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
    The Company evaluates its long-lived assets, including intangibles, for potential impairment when circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.  This evaluation is based upon estimated future cash flows. In the event that the undiscounted cash flows are less than the net book value of the assets, the carrying value of the assets will be written down to their estimated fair value.  Beginning in 2004, the Company has reviewed the valuation of the water program annually and has concluded that the carrying amount of the program was not impaired.  The Company’s analysis could be impacted by changes in plans related to the Cadiz Project.

Goodwill and Other Assets
 
    As a result of a merger in May 1988 between two companies which eventually became known as Cadiz Inc., goodwill in the amount of $7,006,000 was recorded.  Approximately $3,193,000 of this amount was amortized prior to the adoption of ASC 350 on January 1, 2002.  Goodwill is tested for impairment annually in the first quarter of each year, or if events occur which require an impairment analysis be performed.  Beginning in 2002, the Company has performed an annual impairment test of goodwill in the first quarter of each year and has determined that the goodwill was not impaired.

   
Amounts
 
   
(in thousands)
 
       
Balance at December 31, 2007
 
$
3,813
 
Adjustments
   
-
 
         
Balance at December 31, 2008
   
3,813
 
Adjustments
   
-
 
         
Balance at December 31, 2009
 
$
3,813
 

 
    Deferred loan costs represent costs incurred to obtain debt financing.  Such costs are amortized over the life of the related loan.  At December 31, 2009, the deferred loan fees relate to the zero coupon secured convertible term loan with Lampe Conway & Company LLC (“Lampe Conway”), as described in Note 6, "Long-Term Debt".

Income Taxes
 
    Income taxes are provided for using an asset and liability approach which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the applicable enacted tax rates.  A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
 
45
 
 
    Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”).  The adoption of ASC 740 did not have a significant impact on the financial statements of the Company.  In connection with the adoption of ASC 740, the Company elected to classify income tax penalties and interest as general and administrative and interest expenses, respectively.  See Note 7, “Income Taxes”.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
    Financial assets with carrying values approximating fair value include cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.  Financial liabilities with carrying values approximating fair value include accounts payable and accrued liabilities due to their short-term nature.  The carrying value of the Company's debt, before discount, approximates fair value, based on interest rates available to the Company for debt with similar terms.  See Note 6, "Long-Term Debt", for discussion of fair value of debt.

 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
    No cash payments are due on the loan with Lampe Conway prior to the June 29, 2013, final maturity date.
 
    In December 2009, the Company recorded non-cash additions to fixed assets of $1,052,000, which were accrued at year-end, for the development of new wells at the Cadiz Project site.
 
    Cash payments for income taxes were $4,000, $6,400, and $7,300 in the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
    On January 1, 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new accounting guidance on fair value measurements. This new guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The new guidance was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2008, for certain financial assets and liabilities. Refer to Note 14, "Fair Value Measurements", for additional information regarding our fair value measurements for financial assets and liabilities. The new guidance was effective for non-financial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value on a non-recurring basis beginning January 1, 2009.   The new accounting guidance describes how to measure fair value based on a three-level hierarchy of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable.
 
46
 
 
  •   
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
  •   
Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
 
  •   
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
 
    The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

    In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new accounting guidance on business combinations and non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements. The new guidance revises the method of accounting for a number of aspects of business combinations and noncontrolling interests, including acquisition costs, contingencies (including contingent assets, contingent liabilities and contingent purchase price), the impacts of partial and step-acquisitions (including the valuation of net assets attributable to non-acquired minority interests) and post-acquisition exit activities of acquired businesses. This new accounting guidance was effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The adoption of this accounting guidance has had no impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
 
    In May 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new accounting guidance on convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion, including partial cash settlement.  This new guidance requires an issuer to allocate the initial proceeds from the issuance of a convertible debt instrument between the instrument’s liability and equity components so that the effective interest rate of the liability component equals the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate at issuance.  The Company adopted this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2009.  The adoption of this accounting guidance had no impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.
 
    In June 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new accounting guidance for determining whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities.  This new accounting guidance addresses whether unvested instruments granted in share-based payment transactions that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities subject to the two-class method of computing earnings per share.  This accounting guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  Earlier adoption is prohibited.  The adoption of this new accounting guidance had no impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
 
    In April 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new guidance for interim disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments.  This new guidance requires disclosures beginning in the second quarter of 2009 about the fair value of all financial instruments, for which it is practicable to estimate that fair value, for interim and annual reporting periods.  Since this guidance impacts disclosure only, the adoption will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.  This enhanced disclosure is provided in Note 14, "Fair Value Measurements".
 
47
 
 
    In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for transfers of financial assets. This amendment requires greater transparency and additional disclosures for transfers of financial assets and the entity’s continuing involvement with them and changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets. In addition, this amendment eliminates the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity (QSPE). This amendment is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of this new accounting guidance will not impact the Company's financial position and results of operations.
 
    In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board also issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for the consolidation of variable interest entities (VIEs). The elimination of the concept of a QSPE, as discussed above, removes the exception from applying the consolidation guidance within this amendment. This amendment requires an enterprise to perform a qualitative analysis when determining whether or not it must consolidate a VIE. The amendment also requires an enterprise to continuously reassess whether it must consolidate a VIE. Additionally, the amendment requires enhanced disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement with VIEs and any significant change in risk exposure due to that involvement, as well as how its involvement with VIEs impacts the enterprise’s financial statements. Finally, an enterprise will be required to disclose significant judgments and assumptions used to determine whether or not to consolidate a VIE. This amendment is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of this new accounting guidance will not impact the Company's financial position and results of operations
 
    In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (Codification). The Codification will become the single source for all authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied for financial statements issued for periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Codification did not change GAAP and will not have an affect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
 
48
 
 
NOTE 3 – PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND WATER PROGRAMS
 
    Property, plant, equipment and water programs consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Land and land improvements
 
$
23,050
   
$
21,998
 
Water programs
   
14,274
     
14,274
 
Buildings
   
1,161
     
1,161
 
Leasehold improvements
   
570
     
570
 
Furniture and fixtures
   
421
     
407
 
Machinery and equipment
   
915
     
854
 
Construction in progress
   
44
     
-
 
     
40,435
     
39,264
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(3,822
)
   
(3,480
)
                 
   
$
36,613
   
$
35,784
 

    Depreciation expense during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $342,000, $341,000, and $261,000.


NOTE 4 – OTHER ASSETS
 
    Other assets consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Deferred loan costs, net
 
$
188
   
$
244
 
Prepaid rent
   
32
     
226
 
Security deposits
   
258
     
258
 
   
$
478
   
$
728
 
 
    Deferred loan costs consist of legal and other fees incurred to obtain debt financing.  Amortization of deferred loan costs was approximately $56,000, $77,000, and $62,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Prepaid rent consists of rental and other fees incurred to obtain the right-of-way for the Cadiz Project water conveyance pipeline, as discussed in Note 1, "Description of Business".  Amortization of prepaid rent was approximately $194,000 in 2009 and $64,400 in 2008.
 
49
 
 
NOTE 5 – ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
    Accrued liabilities consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Payroll, bonus, and benefits
 
$
54
   
170
 
Consulting and legal expenses
   
365
     
77
 
Deferred rent
   
148
     
189
 
Other accrued expenses
   
262
     
123
 
   
$
829
   
$
559
 

 
NOTE 6 – LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the carrying amount of the Company’s outstanding debt is summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
                 
Zero coupon secured convertible term loan due June 29, 2013.  Interest accruing at 5% per annum until June 29, 2009 and at 6% thereafter
 
$
43,632
   
$
41,276
 
Other loans
   
40
     
13
 
Debt discount
   
(6,987
)
   
(7,305
)
     
36,685
     
33,984
 
                 
Less current portion
   
20
     
9
 
                 
   
$
36,665
   
$
33,975
 
 
    The Company estimates fair value of debt to be $36,258,000.
 
    Pursuant to the Company’s loan agreements, annual maturities of long-term debt outstanding on December 31, 2009, are as follows:

Year
 
$
000’s
 
         
2010
   
20
 
2011
   
16
 
2012
   
4
 
2013
   
43,632
 
   
$
43,672
 
 
50
 
 
    In June 2006, the Company entered into a $36.4 million five year zero coupon convertible term loan with Peloton Partners LLP, as administrative agent for the loan, and with an affiliate of Peloton and another investor, as lenders.  Certain terms of the loan were subsequently amended pursuant to Amendment #1 to the Credit Agreement, which was effective September 2006.  On April 16, 2008, the Company was advised that Peloton had assigned its interest in the loan to an affiliate of Lampe Conway & Company LLC (“Lampe Conway”), and Lampe Conway subsequently replace Peloton as administrative agent of the loan (the “Lampe Conway Loan”).  On June 4, 2009, the Company completed arrangements to amend the Term Loan.  The significant terms of the amendment are as follows:

·  
Maturity date was extended from June 29, 2011, to June 29, 2013;

·  
Interest will continue to accrue at 6% per annum through maturity;

·  
The convert feature has been modified to allow up to $4.55 million of principal to be converted into 650,000 shares of Cadiz common stock (“Initial Convert Portion”) at a conversion price of $7 per share, and the remaining principal and interest to be converted into shares of Cadiz common stock at a conversion price of $35 per share.  If fully converted at June 29, 2013, this would result in Cadiz common stock being issued at an average convert price of $26 per share; and

·  
The Company now has the right at any time prior to June 29, 2013 to prepay the loan's outstanding principal (other than as to the Initial Convert Portion) plus all accrued interest in full without penalty, and may at the same time prepay the Initial Convert Portion either in stock at a 110% conversion premium or, at the election of the lenders, in cash with an equal value (but not less than $4.55 million).
 
    The term loan is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company, which contains representations, warranties and covenants that are typical for agreements of this type, including restrictions that would limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends or make restricted payments, dispose of assets, make investments and merge or consolidate with another person.  However, while there are affirmative covenants, there are no financial maintenance covenants and no restrictions on the Company’s ability to issue additional common stock to fund future working capital needs.
 
    As a result of the modification of the convertible debt arrangement, the change in conversion value between the original and modified instrument was approximately $1.6 million which was recorded as an additional debt discount.  Such debt discount is accreted to the redemption value of the instrument over the remaining term of the loan as additional interest expense.
 
    The Company has analyzed all of the above provisions of the convertible loan and related agreements for embedded derivatives under generally accepted accounting principles and SEC rules.  The Company concluded that certain provisions of the convertible loan agreement, which were in effect prior to the first amendment date, are deemed to be derivatives.  Therefore, these embedded instruments were bifurcated from the host debt instrument and classified as a liability in the Company’s financial statements.  The Company prepared valuations for each of the deemed derivatives using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and recorded a liability of approximately $12.2 million on the June 30, 2006 loan funding date, with an offsetting discount to the convertible term loan.
 
51
 
 
    On June 30, 2006, the derivative liability was classified and recorded as part of long-term debt in the balance sheet.  The debt discount will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the loan using the effective interest amortization method.  The principal valuation assumptions are as follows:

Loan balance available for conversion:
$36.4 million
Expected term:
5 years
Cadiz common share price:
$17.01
Volatility:
46%
Risk-free Interest Rate:
5.18%
Change in control probability:
10%
 
    On September 29, 2006, the terms of the loan were amended, and it was determined that bifurcation of the embedded equity conversion option is no longer required.  The derivative liability was adjusted to fair value on the amendment date, and the $2,919,000 increase in fair value was recorded as an “Other Expense” item in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.  The $15.2 million fair value of the derivative liability was then transferred to the Additional Paid-in Capital component of Stockholders' Equity.
 
    In 2006, the Company incurred $408,000 of outside legal expenses related to the negotiation and documentation of the loan, which will be amortized over the life of the loan.
 
 December 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants under the Lampe Conway Loan.


NOTE 7 – INCOME TAXES
 
    Deferred taxes are recorded based upon differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and available carryforwards.  Temporary differences and carryforwards which gave rise to a significant portion of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, are as follows (in thousands):

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Deferred tax assets:
           
     Net operating losses
 
$
38,573
   
$
35,303
 
     Fixed asset basis difference
   
7,262
     
7,312
 
     Contributions carryover
   
1
     
1
 
     Deferred compensation
   
1,260
     
3,603
 
     Accrued liabilities
   
253
     
108
 
                 
          Total deferred tax assets
   
47,350
     
46,400
 
                 
     Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
   
(47,350
)
   
(46,400
)
                 
          Net deferred tax asset
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
52
 
 
    The valuation allowance increased $950,000 and $4,220,000 in 2009 and 2008, respectively, due to an increase in the net operating loss category of deferred tax assets.  The change in deferred tax assets resulted from current year net operating losses, expiration of prior year loss carryovers, and changes to future tax deductions resulting from terms of stock compensation plans.
 
    As of December 31, 2009, the Company had net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards of approximately $100.3 million for federal income tax purposes and $50.6 million for California income tax purposes.  Such carryforwards expire in varying amounts through the year 2029.  Use of the carryforward amounts is subject to an annual limitation as a result of ownership changes.
 
    On August 26, 2005, a Settlement Agreement between Cadiz, on the one hand, and Sun World and three of Sun World’s subsidiaries, on the other hand, was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, concurrently with the Court’s confirmation of the amended Plan.  The Settlement Agreement provides that following the September 6, 2005 effective date of Sun World’s plan of reorganization, Cadiz will retain the right to utilize the Sun World net operating loss carryovers (NOLs).  Sun World Federal NOLs are estimated to be approximately $58 million.  If, in any year from calendar year 2005 through calendar year 2011, the utilization of such NOLs results in a reduction of Cadiz’ tax liability for such year, then Cadiz will pay to the Sun World bankruptcy estate 25% of the amount of such reduction, and shall retain the remaining 75% for its own benefit.  There is no requirement that Cadiz utilize these NOLs during this reimbursement period, or provide any reimbursement to the Sun World bankruptcy estate for any NOLs used by Cadiz after this reimbursement period expires.
 
    As of the January 1, 2007, adoption of ASC 740, the Company possessed unrecognized tax benefits totaling approximately $3.3 million.  A schedule of changes for the 36 months ended December 31, 2009 is shown below:

   
Amounts
 
   
(in millions)
 
       
Balance at January 1, 2007
 
$
3.3
 
         
     Additions or reductions for tax positions of prior years
   
-
 
     Additions or reductions for tax positions of current year
   
-
 
     Changes related to current year settlements
   
-
 
     Changes due to expirations of the statute of limitations
   
-
 
         
Balance at December  31, 2007
 
$
3.3
 
         
     Additions or reductions for tax positions of prior years
   
-
 
     Additions or reductions for tax positions of current year
   
-
 
     Changes related to current year settlements
   
-
 
     Changes due to expirations of the statute of limitations
   
-
 
         
Balance at December 31, 2008
   
3.3
 
         
     Additions or reductions for tax positions of prior years
   
-
 
     Additions or reductions for tax positions of current year
   
-
 
     Changes related to current year settlements
   
-
 
     Changes due to expirations of the statute of limitations
   
-
 
         
Balance at December 31, 2009
 
$
3.3
 
 
53
 
 
    None of these tax benefits, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate because the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against these assets.  Additionally, as of December 31, 2009, the Company had accrued a total of $321,000 for state taxes, interest and penalties related to income tax positions in prior returns.  In connection with the adoption of ASC 740, the Company elected to classify income tax penalties and interest as general and administrative and interest expenses, respectively.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, general and administrative and interest expenses included approximately $0 of income tax penalties.
 
    The Company does not expect that the unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease in the next 12 months.
 
    The Company's tax years 2006 through 2009 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service, and tax years 2005 through 2009 remain subject to examination by California tax jurisdictions.  In addition, the Company's loss carryforward amounts are generally subject to examination and adjustment for a period of three years for federal tax purposes and four years for California purposes, beginning when such carryovers are utilized to reduce taxes in a future tax year.
 
    A reconciliation of the income tax benefit to the statutory federal income tax rate is as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Expected federal income tax benefit at 34%
 
$
(4,895
)
 
$
(5,379
)
 
$
(4,638
)
Loss with no tax benefit provided
   
3,751
     
4,492
     
3,983
 
State income tax
   
4
     
6
     
4
 
Stock Options
   
462
     
86
     
-
 
Non-deductible expenses and other
   
682
     
801
     
655
 
                         
 Income tax expense
 
$
4
   
$
6
   
$
4
 

    Because it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize its net deferred tax assets, it has recorded a full valuation allowance against these assets.  Accordingly, no deferred tax asset has been recorded in the accompanying balance sheet.
 
54
 
 
NOTE 8 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    The Company has a 401(k) Plan for its salaried employees.  The Company matches 100% of the first three percent of annual base salary and 50% of the next two percent of annual base salary contributed by an employee to the plan.  The Company contributed approximately $42,000, $47,000, and $38,000 to the plans for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 

NOTE 9 – PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK

Series F Convertible Preferred Stock
 
    In June 2007, ING elected to covert the 1,000 preferred shares then remaining outstanding into 17,289 shares of the Company’s common stock, and the Company subsequently filed a Certification of Elimination of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock with the State of Delaware.  As a result, no Series F Preferred Stock was issued or outstanding on December 31, 2009.

Common Stock and Warrants
 
    On November 30, 2004, the Company completed a private placement of 400,000 Units at the price of $60.00 per Unit.  Each Unit consisted of five (5) shares of the Company’s common stock and one (1) common stock purchase warrant.  Each warrant entitled the holder to purchase, commencing 180 days from the date of issuance, one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $15.00 per share.  Each warrant had a term of three (3) years.  In September 2006, certain warrant holders exercised their right to purchase 70,000 common shares.  In 2007, the Company exercised its right to terminate the remaining warrants on March 2, 2007, subject to a 30 day notice period.  In response, the remaining warrant holders exercised their right to purchase 335,440 shares of the Company’s common stock during the notice period.  Following this exercise, no warrants from this 2004 private placement remain outstanding.
 
    On October 1, 2007, the Company agreed to the conditional issuance of up to 300,000 shares to the former sole shareholder and successor in interest to Exploration Research Associates, Inc. (“ERA”), who is now an employee of the Company.  The agreement settled certain claims by ERA against the Company, and provided that the 300,000 shares will be issued if and when certain significant milestones in the development of the Company’s properties are achieved.
 
    In November 2008, the Company arranged for certain legal and advisory services including interim payments due upon completion of specified milestones with respect to the Cadiz Project, with the fee payable in cash and/or stock.  The first such milestone was satisfied on June 4, 2009, resulting in an obligation by the Company to pay a fee of $500,000, for which the parties agreed to payment in the form of 59,312 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $8.43 per share, reflecting the fair market value of the stock on June 4, 2009.
 
55
 
 
    A private placement was completed by the Company in November and December of 2008 of 165,000 Units at the price of $31.50 per unit for proceeds of $5,197,500.  Each Unit consists of three (3) shares of the Company’s common stock and two (2) common stock purchase warrants.  The first warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $12.50 per share.  On November 17, 2009, the exercise price of this Callable Warrant was temporarily reduced to $10.50 per share in an effort to induce warrant holders to purchase additional shares to provide additional sources of financing for the Company’s on-going projects and operating costs.  In response to the inducement, holders of 162,849 warrants exercised their warrants, resulting in our issuance of 162,849 shares of common stock with net proceeds of $1,709,915.  The fair value of the inducement was an immaterial amount that did not impact losses applicable to the common shareholders in the calculation of earnings per share.  The remaining 2,151 warrants were cancelled.  The second warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $12.50 per share.  This warrant has a term of three years and is not callable by the Company.
 
    In October and November 2009, the Company raised $7.1 million with a private placement of 226,200 Units at $31.50 per Unit.  This includes 20,880 Units purchased by the Lenders of the Term Loan pursuant to the Lenders’ Participation Rights under the Term Loan.  Each Unit consists of three (3) shares of the Company’s common stock and one (1) stock purchase warrant.  The warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $15.00 per share.  The warrant has a term of three (3) years, but is callable by the Company at any time following November 1, 2010 if the closing market price of the Company’s common stock exceeds $22.50 for 10 consecutive trading days.
 
    As discussed in Note 6, "Long-Term Debt", principal and accrued interest on the Lampe Conway Loan is convertible into common shares of the Company at the Lender’s option.  The terms of the loan include optional prepayment provisions that could result in an early conversion of the loan under certain circumstances, and a preferred conversion formula is provided upon a change in control of the Company.


NOTE 10 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS AND WARRANTS
 
    The Company has issued options pursuant to its 2003 and 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plans.  The Company also has granted stock awards pursuant to its 2003 Management Equity Incentive Plan, 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plan and Outside Director Compensation Plan, as described below.  In December 2009, shareholders approved the adoption of the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan.  As of December 31, 2009, there were no issuances under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan.

2003 Management Equity Incentive Plan
 
    In December 2003, concurrently with the completion of the Company’s then current financing arrangements with ING, the Company’s board of directors authorized the adoption of a Management Equity Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”).  Under the Incentive Plan, a total of 1,472,051 shares of common stock and common stock options were granted to key personnel.  The Board formed allocation committees to direct the initial allocation of 717,373 of these shares and a subsequent allocation of 377,339 shares of common stock and 377,339 options to purchase common stock.  All the stock and options were granted prior to December 31, 2006, and all vesting conditions were satisfied prior to December 31, 2007.
 
56
 
 
Outside Director Compensation Plan
 
    The Cadiz Inc. Outside Director Compensation Plan was approved by Cadiz shareholders in November 2006.  Under the plan, each outside director receives $30,000 of cash compensation and receives a deferred stock award consisting of shares of the Company’s common stock with a value equal to $20,000 on June 30th of each year.  The award accrues on a quarterly basis, with $7,500 of cash compensation and $5,000 of stock earned for each fiscal quarter in which a director serves.  The deferred stock award vests automatically on the January 31st which first follows the award date.

2007 Management Equity Incentive Plan
 
    The 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plan was approved by stockholders at the June 15, 2007 Annual Meeting.  The plan provides for the grant and issuance of up to 1,050,000 shares and options to the Company’s employees and consultants.  The plan became effective when the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-8 on July 25, 2007, and grants of 950,000 shares of common stock and options to purchase 7,661 shares of common stock became effective on that date.  Options to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock were granted in January 2008.  As discussed below, all grants are subject to vesting conditions, and certain grants are subject to additional market conditions.

2009 Equity Incentive Plan
 
    The 2009 Equity Incentive Plan was approved by stockholders at the December 14, 2009, Annual Meeting, and became immediately effective.  The plan provides for the grant and issuance of up to 850,000 shares and options to the Company’s employees and consultants.  On December 18, 2009, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-8 registering the shares issuable pursuant to this plan.  115,000 shares of common stock and options to purchase 387,500 shares of common stock were granted in January 2010.
 
Stock Options Issued under the 2003 and 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plans
 
    The 2003 Management Equity Incentive Plan provided for the granting of 377,339 options for the purchase of one share of common stock.  Options issued under the Management Equity Incentive Plan were granted during 2005 and 2006.  The options have a ten year term with vesting periods ranging from issuance date to three years.  Certain of these options had strike prices that were below the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  All options have been granted to officers, employees and consultants of the Company.  365,000 options were granted under the plan during 2005, and the remaining 12,339 options were granted in 2006.

    The Company granted options to purchase 7,661 common shares at a price of $20.00 per share under the 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plan on July 25, 2007, and options to purchase 10,000 common shares at a price of $18.99 on January 9, 2008.  The options have strike prices that were slightly above the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date that the grant became effective.  The options have a ten year term with vesting periods ranging from issuance date to 16 months.  Unexercised options to purchase 20,000 shares and 40,000 shares were forfeited in August 2008 and February 2009, respectively.  Previously recognized expenses of $66,000 related to the unvested portion of these awards was credited against stock based compensation expense in 2008.  All options have been issued to officers, employees and consultants of the Company.  In total, options to purchase 325,000 shares were unexercised and outstanding on December 31, 2009, under the two management equity plans.
 
57
 
 
    The fair value of each option granted under both plans was estimated on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option pricing model based on the following weighted-average assumptions:

Risk free interest rate
4.21%
Expected life
9.5 years
Expected volatility
46%
Expected dividend yield
0.0%
Weighted average vesting period
0.8 years
 
    The risk free interest rate was assumed to be equal to the yield of a U.S. Treasury bond of comparable maturity, as published in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release for the relevant date.  The expected life estimate is based on an analysis of the employees receiving option grants and the expected behavior of each employee.  The expected volatility was derived from an analysis of the historical volatility of the trading price per share of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market.  The Company does not anticipate that it will pay dividends to common shareholders in the future, and the weighted average vesting period is based on the option vesting schedule, assuming no options are forfeit prior to the initial vesting date.
 
    The Company recognized stock option related compensation costs of $0, $82,000 and $180,000 in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, relating to these options.  No stock options were exercised during fiscal 2009.  Options to purchase 10,000 shares were exercised in 2007.
 
    A summary of option activity under the plans as of December 31, 2009, and changes during the current fiscal year is presented below:

         
Weighted-
   
Average
   
Aggregate
 
         
Average
   
Remaining
   
Intrinsic
 
         
Exercise
   
Contractual
   
Value
 
Options
 
Shares
   
Price
   
Term
   
($000’s)
 
                         
Outstanding January 1, 2009
   
365,000
   
$
12.85
     
6.4
   
3,885
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Exercised
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Forfeited or expired
   
(40,000
   
-
     
-
     
 (175
)
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
   
325,000
   
$
12.68
     
5.4
   
$
3,710
 
Exercisable at December 31, 2009
   
325,000
   
$
12.68
     
5.4
   
$
3,710
 

    The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were $11.18, and $9.43 per share, respectively.  The following table summarizes stock option activity for the periods noted.
 
58
 
 
         
Weighted-
 
         
Average
 
   
Amount
   
Exercise Price
 
                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
   
375,000
   
$
13.06
 
 Granted
   
10,000
   
$
18.99
 
 Expired or canceled
   
(20,000)
   
$
20.00
 
 Exercised
   
-
   
$
-
 
                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
   
365,000
   
$
12.85
 
 Granted
   
-
   
$
-
 
 Expired or canceled
   
(40,000
)
 
$
17.25
 
 Exercised
   
-
     
-
 
                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
   
325,000
(a)
 
$
12.68
 
                 
Options exercisable at December 31, 2009
   
325,000
   
$
12.68
 
                 
Weighted-average years of remaining contractual life of options outstanding at December 31, 2009
   
5.4
         

(a)  
Exercise prices vary from $12.00 to $18.99, and expiration dates vary from May 2015 to December 2016.

Stock Awards to Directors, Officer, Consultants and Employees
 
    The Company has also granted stock awards pursuant to its 2003 and 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plans and its Outside Director Compensation Plan.
 
    The 2003 Management Equity Incentive Plan provided for the granting of 1,094,712 shares of common stock in May 2005, the 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plan provides for the granting of up to 1,050,000 shares of stock and stock options, the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the granting of up to 850,000 shares of stock and stock options, and the Outside Director Compensation Plan provides for the granting of up to 50,000 shares.  Compensation cost for stock granted to employees and directors is measured at the quoted market price of the Company's stock on the date of grant.
 
    All of the shares issuable under the 2003 Management Equity Incentive Plan were awarded in May 2005.  At that time, 717,373 initial allocation shares and 377,339 subsequent allocation shares were awarded.  604,029 shares were issued on the award date, 364,904 shares were issued in December 2005, and the remaining 125,779 shares were issued in December 2006.  On December 31, 2006, no additional shares were issuable under the 2003 Management Equity Incentive Plan.
 
59
 
 
    Of the total 1,050,000 shares reserved under the 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plan, a grant of 950,000 shares under the 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plan became effective on July 25, 2007.  The grant consisted of two separate awards.

-  
A 150,000 share award that vests in three equal installments on January 1, 2008, January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2010.  100,000 shares have been issued pursuant to this award as of December 31, 2009.

-  
800,000 of the shares were designated as Milestone-Based Deferred Stock, none of which were ultimately issued.  The shares were allocated for issuance subject to the satisfaction of certain milestone conditions relating to the trading price of our common stock during the period commencing March 13, 2007, and ending March 12, 2009.  The milestone conditions were not satisfied by March 12, 2009, resulting in the expiration of all 800,000 shares.
 
    Of the remaining 100,000 shares reserved under the 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plan, 10,000 were issued as options as described above, and 90,000 were issued as shares that vested in May 2009.
 
    The initial Outside Director Compensation Plan award was made on November 14, 2006, and included 10,416 shares for service rendered during the 12 month service period ended June 30, 2004 and 2005 and 4,285 shares for services rendered during the 12 month service period ended June 30, 2006.  10,416 shares were issued immediately upon shareholder approval in November 2006, and the remaining 4,285 shares vested and were issued in January 2007.  A 4,599 share award for service during the plan year ended June 30, 2007, became effective on that date, and this award vested on January 31, 2008.  A 7,206 share award for service during the plan year ended June 30, 2008, became effective on that date, and this award vested on January 31, 2009.  An 11,775 share award for service during the plan year ended June 30, 2009, became effective on that date, and this award will vest on January 31, 2010.
 
    The compensation cost of stock grants without market conditions is measured at the quoted market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant.  The fair value of the two 2007 Management Equity Incentive Plan awards with market conditions was calculated using a lattice model using the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk free interest rate
4.74%
Current stock price
$19.74
Expected volatility
38%
Expected dividend yield
0.0%
Weighted average vesting period
2.0 years
 
    The risk free interest rate was assumed to be equal to the yield of a U.S. Treasury bond of comparable maturity, as published in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release for the relevant date.  The current stock price is the closing price of the Company’s common stock quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market on the grant date.  The expected volatility was derived from an analysis of the historical volatility of the trading price per share of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market.  The Company does not anticipate that it will pay dividends in the future.
 
60
 
 
    The lattice model calculates a derived service period, which is equal to the median period between the grant date and the date that the relevant market conditions are satisfied.  The derived service periods for the grants with $28 and $35 per share market conditions are 0.72 years and 1.01 years, respectively.  The weighted average vesting period is based on the latter of the derived service period and the scheduled vesting dates for each grant.
 
    The accompanying consolidated statements include approximately $2,273,000, $4,276,000, and $3,429,000 of stock based compensation expense related to these stock awards in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  On December 31, 2009, the unamortized compensation expense relating to these stock awards was $496,000.  This unamortized compensation expense is expected to be recognized through December 31, 2010.
   
    A summary of stock awards activity under the plans during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 is presented below:

         
Weighted-
 
         
Average
 
         
Grant-date
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
         
($000’s)
 
             
Nonvested at December 31, 2007
   
954,599
   
$
9,620
 
 Granted
   
7,026
     
120
 
 Forfeited or canceled
   
-
     
-
 
 Vested
   
(54,599
)
   
(1,090
)
                 
Nonvested at December 31, 2008
   
907,026
   
$
8,650
 
 Granted
   
101,775
     
712
 
 Forfeited or canceled
   
(800,000
   
(6,556
 Vested
   
(147,026
)
   
(1,706
)
                 
Nonvested at December 31, 2009
   
61,775
   
$
1,100
 

Stock Purchase Warrants Issued to Non-Employees
 
    The Company accounts for equity securities issued to non-employees in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718 and ASC 505.  On November 30, 2004, the Company completed a private placement of 400,000 units, each Unit consisting of five (5) shares of the Company’s common stock and one (1) common stock purchase warrant.  Each of the 400,000 warrants entitle the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $15.00 per share.  An additional 5,440 warrants were issued to an individual who assisted the company in identifying participants in the November 30, 2004 private placement and elected to receive a commission for the services in stock rather than cash.  Each warrant had a term of three (3) years and was callable at the Company’s option.
 
61
 
 
    During 2006, certain warrant holders exercised their rights to purchase 70,000 shares, and the Company received $1,050,000 from the sale of that common stock.  In 2007, the Company exercised a right to terminate the remaining warrants on March 2, 2007, subject to a 30 day notice period.  In response, the remaining warrant holders exercised their rights to purchase 335,440 shares of the Company’s common stock during the notice period, and the Company received $5.0 million from the sale of these shares.  Following this exercise, no warrants from this 2004 private placement remain outstanding.
 
    A private placement was completed by the Company in November and December of 2008 of 165,000 Units at the price of $31.50 per unit for proceeds of $5,197,500.  Each Unit consists of three (3) shares of the Company’s common stock and two (2) common stock purchase warrants.  The first warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $12.50 per share.  On November 17, 2009, the exercise price of this Callable Warrant was temporarily reduced to $10.50 per share.  In response, holders of 162,849 warrants exercised their warrants, resulting in our issuance of 162,849 shares of common stock with net proceeds of $1,709,915.  The remaining 2,151 warrants were cancelled.  The second warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $12.50 per share.  This warrant has a term of three years and is not callable by the Company.
 
    In October 2009, the Company raised $7.1 million with a private placement of 226,200 Units at $31.50 per Unit.  This includes 20,880 Units purchased by the Lenders of the Term Loan pursuant to the Lenders’ Participation Rights under the Term Loan.  Each Unit consists of three (3) shares of the Company’s common stock and one (1) stock purchase warrant.  The warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $15.00 per share.  The warrant has a term of three (3) years, but is callable by the Company at any time following November 1, 2010 if the closing market price of the Company’s common stock exceeds $22.50 for 10 consecutive trading days.
 
    391,200 warrants remain outstanding as of December 31, 2009.


NOTE 11 – SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
    The primary business of the Company is to acquire and develop land and water resources.  As a result, the Company’s financial results are reported in a single segment.


NOTE 12 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    The Company leases equipment and office facilities under operating leases that expire through 2012.  Aggregate rental expense under all operating leases was approximately $375,000, $236,000, and $140,000 in the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  At December 31, 2009, the future minimum rental commitments under existing non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
 
62
 
 
Year
 
$
000’s
 
         
2010
   
366
 
2011
   
212
 
2012
   
138
 
         
   
$
716
 
 
    In the normal course of its agricultural operations, the Company handles, stores, transports and dispenses products identified as hazardous materials.  Regulatory agencies periodically conduct inspections and, currently, there are no pending claims with respect to hazardous materials.
 
    The Company entered into a Services and Exclusivity Agreement with Layne Christensen Company (“Layne”) on November 2, 2009.  The agreement provides that the Company will contract exclusively with Layne for certain water related services, including drilling of boreholes, drilling of monitoring wells, completion of test wells, completion of production wells, and completion of aquifer, storage and recovery wells.  In exchange for the Services and Exclusivity Agreement, Layne has agreed to forego $752,000 for work performed as of December 31, 2009.
 
    Alternatively, if (a) the Company elects by December 31, 2012, not to proceed with the Cadiz Project, then it will pay Layne 100% of the $752,000 balance due for work performed as of December 31, 2009, or (b) the Company elects by December 31, 2012, to proceed with the Cadiz Project and in its reasonable discretion decides not to use Layne as the exclusive provider of services for the well field the Company will pay Layne 125% of the $752,000 balance due for work performed as of December 31, 2009.
 
    As previously reported, the Company has a potential obligation to pay an amount of up to 1% of the net present value of the Cadiz Project in consideration of certain legal and advisory services to be provided to us.  This fee would be payable upon completion of binding agreements for at least 51% of the Cadiz Project’s annual capacity and receipt of all environmental approvals and permits necessary to start construction of the Cadiz Project.  A portion of this fee may be payable in stock.  Interim payments of $1.5 million, applicable to the final total, would be made upon the achievement of certain specified milestones.  $500 thousand of these interim payments was earned in June 2009 and paid as of December 31, 2009.  This arrangement may be terminated by either party upon 60 days notice, with any compensation earned but unpaid prior to termination payable following termination.
 
    The Company is involved in other legal and administrative proceedings and claims.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of each proceeding or all such proceedings combined will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial statements.
 
63
 
 
NOTE 13 – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands except per share data)
     
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
June 30,
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2009
   
2009
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues
 
$
29
   
$
19
   
$
138
   
$
622
 
Operating loss
   
(2,210
)
   
(3,245
)
   
(2,157
)
   
(2,469
)
Net loss applicable to common stock
   
(3,395
)
   
(4,386
)
   
(3,134
)
   
(3,484
)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
(0.35
)
 
$
(0.25
)
 
$
(0.26
)
 
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
June 30,
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2008
   
2008
   
2008
 
                                 
Revenues
 
$
17
   
$
16
   
$
247
   
$
712
 
Operating loss
   
(4,008
)
   
(2,641
)
   
(2,381
)
   
(2,571
)
Net loss applicable to common stock
   
(4,979
)
   
(3,698
)
   
(3,486
)
   
(3,746
)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share
 
$
(0.42
)
 
$
(0.31
)
 
$
(0.29
)
 
$
(0.30
)
   
 
 
NOTE 14 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
    The following table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. We consider a security that trades at least weekly to have an active market. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.  

 
Investments at Fair Value as of December 31, 2009
 
(in thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
                     
Certificates of Deposit
  $ 6,400     $ -     $ -     $ 6,400  
                                 
Total investments at fair value
  $ 6,400     $ -     $ -     $ 6,400  
 

 
Investments at Fair Value as of December 31, 2008
 
(in thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
                     
Certificates of Deposit
  $ 4,500     $ -     $ -     $ 4,500  
                                 
Total investments at fair value
  $ 4,500     $ -     $ -     $ 4,500  
 
64
 
 
NOTE 15 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
    In January 2010, the Company granted 115,000 shares of common stock and options to purchase 387,500 shares of common stock to employees and consultants under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
65
 
 
Cadiz Inc.

Schedule 1 - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 ($ in thousands)
 
   
   
Balance at
   
Additions Charged to
         
Balance
 
 
 
Beginning
   
Costs and
   
Other
         
at End
 
Year ended December 31, 2009
 
of Period
   
Expenses
   
Accounts
   
Deductions
   
of Period
 
                               
 Tax valuation allowance
 
$
46,400
   
$
950
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
47,350
 
  
                                       
Year ended December 31, 2008
                                       
                                         
 Tax valuation allowance
 
$
42,180
   
$
4,220
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
46,400
 
                                         
Year ended December 31, 2007
                                       
                                         
 Tax valuation allowance
 
$
34,201
   
$
7,979
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
42,180
 
                                         
 
66
 
 
SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

CADIZ INC.
 
By:
/s/ Keith Brackpool 
 
Keith Brackpool,
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
   
Date:
March 15, 2010


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Name and Position
Date
   
/s/ Keith Brackpool
March 15, 2010
Keith Brackpool, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
 (Principal Executive Officer)
 
   
/s/ Timothy J. Shaheen
March 15, 2010
Timothy J. Shaheen, Chief Financial Officer
 
 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
   
/s/ Stephen J. Duffy
March 15, 2010
Stephen J. Duffy, Director
 
   
/s/ Geoffrey Grant
March 15, 2010
Geoffrey Grant, Director
 
   
/s/ Winston H. Hickox
March 15, 2010
Winston H. Hickox, Director
 
   
/s/ Murray H. Hutchison
March 15, 2010
Murray H. Hutchison, Director
 
   
/s/ Raymond J. Pacini
March 15, 2010
Raymond J. Pacini, Director
 
   
/s/ Stephen E. Courter
March 15, 2010
Stephen E. Courter, Director
 
 
67