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EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - SunOpta Inc.exhibit32.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - SunOpta Inc.exhibit31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - SunOpta Inc.exhibit31-1.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

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: 001-34198

SUNOPTA INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

CANADA Not Applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2233 Argentia Road  
Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2X7, Canada (905) 821-9669
(Address of principal executive offices) (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes [X]          No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 [X]          No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

  Large accelerated filer [  ] Accelerated filer [X]
  Non-accelerated filer [  ] Smaller reporting company [  ]
  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Emerging growth company [  ]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [  ]          No [X]

The number of the registrant’s common shares outstanding as of November 3, 2017 was 86,707,385.


SUNOPTA INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)  
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 6
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 7
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity as at and for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 8
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 9
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 11
     
Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 32
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 55
Item 4 Controls and Procedures 56
     
PART II OTHER INFORMATION  
Item 1 Legal Proceedings 57
Item 1A Risk Factors 57
Item 5 Other Information 57
Item 6 Exhibits 57

Basis of Presentation

Except where the context otherwise requires, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) to the “Company”, “SunOpta”, “we”, “us”, “our” or similar words and phrases are to SunOpta Inc. and its subsidiaries, taken together.

In this report, all currency amounts presented are expressed in thousands of United States (“U.S.”) dollars (“$”), except per share amounts, unless otherwise stated. Other amounts may be presented in thousands of Canadian dollars (“C$”), euros (“€”), Mexican pesos (“M$”) and British pounds (“£”). As at September 30, 2017, the closing rates of exchange for the Canadian dollar, euro, Mexican peso and British pound, expressed in U.S. dollars, based on Bank of Canada exchange rates, were C$0.8013, €1.1812, M$0.0550 and £1.3394. These rates are provided solely for convenience and do not necessarily reflect the rates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements which are based on our current expectations and assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Generally, forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and are typically accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “target”, “intend”, “project”, “potential”, “continue”, “believe”, “expect”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might”, “plan”, “will”, “may”, “predict”, the negatives of such terms, and words and phrases of similar impact and include, but are not limited to references to future financial and operating results, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions; our ability to implement the four pillars and achieve the objectives of our strategic Value Creation Plan, including realizing our targeted earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), expected benefits from EBITDA enhancements implemented to-date, and targeted working capital efficiencies; estimated losses and related insurance recoveries associated with the recall of certain roasted sunflower kernel products; anticipated timing for discontinuing nutrition bar product lines and operations, and the amount and timing of related exit costs; anticipated timing for completion of the expansion of our Mexican frozen fruit facility; possible operational consolidation; rationalization of assets and operations; business strategies; plant and production capacities; revenue generation potential; anticipated construction costs; competitive strengths; goals; capital expenditure plans; business and operational growth and expansion plans; anticipated operating margins and operating income targets; gains or losses associated with business transactions; cost reductions; rationalization and improved efficiency initiatives; proposed new product offerings; future growth of our business and global markets for our products; and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, expectations and analyses we make in light of our experience and our interpretation of current conditions, historical trends and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate in the circumstances.

SUNOPTA INC. 2   September 30, 2017 10-Q


Whether actual results and developments will agree with and meet our expectations and predictions is subject to many risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations and predictions. We believe these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

  •  

failure or inability to complete our ongoing operational review and implement value creation strategies in a timely manner;

   

 

  •  

conflicts of interest between our significant investors and our other stakeholders;

   

 

  •  

product liability suits, recalls and threatened market withdrawals that may arise or be brought against us;

   

 

  •  

food safety concerns and instances of food-borne illnesses that could harm our business;

   

 

  •  

litigation and regulatory enforcement concerning marketing and labeling of food products;

   

 

  •  

significant food and health regulations to which we are subject;

   

 

  •  

ability to obtain additional capital as required to achieve expected growth rates;

   

 

  •  

impairment charges in goodwill or other intangible assets;

   

 

  •  

the highly competitive industry in which we operate;

   

 

  •  

that our customers may choose not to buy products from us;

   

 

  •  

loss of one or more key customers;

   

 

  •  

changes and difficulty in predicting consumer preferences for natural and organic food products;

   

 

  •  

the effective management of our supply chain;

   

 

  •  

volatility in the prices of raw materials and energy;

   

 

  •  

the availability of organic and non-genetically modified ingredients;

   

 

 

unfavorable growing and operating conditions due to adverse weather conditions;

   

 

  •  

an interruption at one or more of our manufacturing facilities;

   

 

  •  

technology failures that could disrupt our operations and negatively impact our business;

   

 

  •  

the loss of service of our key management;

   

 

  •  

labor shortages or increased labor costs;

   

 

  •  

technological innovation by our competitors;


SUNOPTA INC. 3   September 30, 2017 10-Q



  •  

ability to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights;

   

 

  •  

changes in laws or regulations governing foreign trade or taxation;

   

 

  •  

agricultural policies that influence our operations;

   

 

  •  

substantial environmental regulation and policies to which we are subject;

   

 

  •  

the enactment of climate change laws;

   

 

  •  

fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates and the prices of certain commodities;

   

 

  •  

exposure to our international operations;

   

 

  •  

increased vulnerability to economic downturns and adverse industry conditions due to our level of indebtedness;

   

 

  •  

restrictions under the terms of our debt and equity instruments on how we may operate our business;

   

 

  •  

our ability to renew our revolving asset-based credit facility (the “Global Credit Facility”) when it becomes due on February 10, 2021;

   

 

  •  

ability to meet the financial covenants under the Global Credit Facility or to obtain necessary waivers from our lenders;

   

 

  •  

ability to effectively manage our growth and integrate acquired companies;

   

 

  •  

ability to achieve the estimated benefits or synergies to be realized from business acquisitions;

   

 

  •  

exposure to unknown liabilities arising from business acquisitions;

   

 

  •  

unexpected disruptions on our business resulting from business acquisitions;

   

 

  •  

ability to successfully consummate possible future divestitures of businesses;

   

 

  •  

volatility of our operating results and share price;

   

 

  •  

that we do not currently intend to, and are restricted in our ability to, pay any cash dividends on our common shares in the foreseeable future;

   

 

  •  

dilution in the value of our common shares through the exchange of convertible preferred stock, exercise of equity- based awards, participation in our employee stock purchase plan, and issuance of additional securities; and

   

 

  •  

impact of the publication of industry analyst research or reports about our business on the value of our common shares.

SUNOPTA INC. 4   September 30, 2017 10-Q


All forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements, and our actual results or the developments we anticipate may not be realized. We do not undertake any obligation to update our forward-looking statements after the date of this report for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. Additional information about these factors and about the material factors or assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements may be found under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this report, and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators.

SUNOPTA INC. 5   September 30, 2017 10-Q


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

SunOpta Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All dollar amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
 

    Quarter ended     Three quarters ended  
    September 30,           September 30,        
    2017     October 1, 2016     2017     October 1, 2016  
   $    $    $    $  
                         
Revenues   320,713     348,732     987,198     1,049,192  
                         
Cost of goods sold   284,258     307,702     870,382     940,283  
                         
Gross profit   36,455     41,030     116,816     108,909  
                         
Selling, general and administrative expenses   26,102     23,915     99,413     72,676  
Intangible asset amortization   2,817     2,826     8,429     8,472  
Other expense, net (note 12)   5,972     10,312     12,022     22,723  
Foreign exchange loss   2,575     1,068     4,350     3,060  
                         
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before the following   (1,011 )   2,909     (7,398 )   1,978  
                         
Interest expense, net   8,371     12,178     23,820     34,748  
                         
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes   (9,382 )   (9,269 )   (31,218 )   (32,770 )
                         
Recovery of income taxes   (3,499 )   (5,411 )   (14,049 )   (15,632 )
                         
Loss from continuing operations   (5,883 )   (3,858 )   (17,169 )   (17,138 )
                         
Discontinued operations (note 4)                        
     Loss from discontinued operations   -     -     -     (1,993 )
     Gain on classification as held for sale   -     -     -     560  
     Recovery of income taxes   -     -     -     599  
     Loss from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interests   -     -     -     264  
     Loss from discontinued operations attributable to SunOpta Inc.   -     -     -     (570 )
                         
Loss   (5,883 )   (3,858 )   (17,169 )   (17,708 )
                         
Earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests   144     (503 )   664     4  
                         
Loss attributable to SunOpta Inc.   (6,027 )   (3,355 )   (17,833 )   (17,712 )
                         
Loss per share – basic (note 13)                        
     - from continuing operations   (0.09 )   (0.04 )   (0.27 )   (0.20 )
     - from discontinued operations   -     -     -     (0.01 )
    (0.09 )   (0.04 )   (0.27 )   (0.21 )
                         
Loss per share – diluted (note 13)                        
     - from continuing operations   (0.09 )   (0.04 )   (0.27 )   (0.20 )
     - from discontinued operations   -     -     -     (0.01 )
    (0.09 )   (0.04 )   (0.27 )   (0.21 )

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

SUNOPTA INC. 6   September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All dollar amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 

    Quarter ended     Three quarters ended  
    September 30,           September 30,        
    2017     October 1, 2016     2017     October 1, 2016  
   $    $    $    $  
                         
Loss from continuing operations   (5,883 )   (3,858 )   (17,169 )   (17,138 )
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to SunOpta Inc.   -     -     -     (570 )
Loss   (5,883 )   (3,858 )   (17,169 )   (17,708 )
                         
Other comprehensive earnings, net of income taxes                        
     Changes related to cash flow hedges (note 6)                        
           Unrealized gains   155     -     1,568     -  
           Reclassification of gains to earnings   (107 )   -     (1,311 )   -  
           Net changes related to cash flow hedges   48     -     257     -  
     Currency translation adjustment   1,459     689     4,954     282  
     Other comprehensive earnings, net of income taxes   1,507     689     5,211     282  
                         
Comprehensive loss   (4,376 )   (3,169 )   (11,958 )   (17,426 )
                         
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests   52     (482 )   617     (486 )
                         
Comprehensive loss attributable to SunOpta Inc.   (4,428 )   (2,687 )   (12,575 )   (16,940 )

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

SUNOPTA INC. 7   September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All dollar amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 

    September 30, 2017     December 31, 2016  
   $    $  
             
             
ASSETS            
Current assets            
     Cash and cash equivalents   2,855     1,251  
     Accounts receivable   147,481     157,369  
     Inventories (note 7)   370,599     368,482  
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets   37,257     19,794  
     Income taxes recoverable   4,862     2,801  
     Assets held for sale (note 2)   1,250     -  
Total current assets   564,304     549,697  
             
Property, plant and equipment   160,100     162,239  
Goodwill   224,415     223,611  
Intangible assets   174,808     183,524  
Deferred income taxes   1,056     1,045  
Other assets   8,411     9,442  
             
Total assets   1,133,094     1,129,558  
             
LIABILITIES            
Current liabilities            
     Bank indebtedness (note 8)   259,008     201,494  
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   156,538     173,745  
     Customer and other deposits   638     2,543  
     Income taxes payable   2,371     5,661  
     Other current liabilities   251     1,016  
     Current portion of long-term debt (note 8)   2,045     2,079  
     Current portion of long-term liabilities   5,304     5,500  
Total current liabilities   426,155     392,038  
             
Long-term debt (note 8)   228,761     229,008  
Long-term liabilities   8,281     15,354  
Deferred income taxes   31,281     44,561  
Total liabilities   694,478     680,961  
             
Series A Preferred Stock (note 9)   79,932     79,184  
             
EQUITY            
SunOpta Inc. shareholders’ equity            
     Common shares, no par value, unlimited shares authorized, 
           86,673,271 shares issued (December 31, 2016 - 85,743,958)
  308,319     300,426  
     Additional paid-in capital   26,657     25,522  
     Retained earnings   30,157     53,838  
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 11)   (7,928 )   (13,104 )
    357,205     366,682  
Non-controlling interests   1,479     2,731  
Total equity   358,684     369,413  
             
Total equity and liabilities   1,133,094     1,129,558  

Commitments and contingencies (note 15)

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

SUNOPTA INC. 8   September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
As at and for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All dollar amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 

                            Accumulated              
                Additional           other com-     Non-        
                paid-in     Retained     prehensive     controlling        
    Common shares     capital     earnings     loss     interests     Total  
    000s    $    $    $    $    $    $  
                                           
Balance at December 31, 2016   85,744     300,426     25,522     53,838     (13,104 )   2,731     369,413  
                                           
Employee share purchase plan   40     281     -     -     -     -     281  
Stock incentive plan   889     7,612     (3,212 )   -     -     -     4,400  
Stock-based compensation   -     -     4,133     -     -     -     4,133  
Dividends on Series A Preferred Stock (note 9)   -     -     -     (5,100 )   -     -     (5,100 )
Accretion on Series A Preferred Stock (note 9)   -     -     -     (748 )   -     -     (748 )
Loss from continuing operations   -     -     -     (17,833 )   -     664     (17,169 )
Currency translation adjustment   -     -     -     -     5,001     (47 )   4,954  
Cash flow hedges, net of income taxes of $110 (note 6)   -     -     -     -     257     -     257  
Acquisitions of non-controlling interests (note 3)   -     -     214     -     (82 )   (1,869 )   (1,737 )
                                           
Balance at September 30, 2017   86,673     308,319     26,657     30,157     (7,928 )   1,479     358,684  

                            Accumulated              
                Additional           other com-     Non-        
                paid-in     Retained     prehensive     controlling        
    Common shares     capital     earnings     loss     interests     Total  
    000s    $    $    $    $    $    $  
                                           
Balance at January 2, 2016   85,418     297,987     22,327     106,838     (6,113 )   5,140     426,179  
                                           
Employee share purchase plan   67     326     -     -     -     -     326  
Stock incentive plan   169     1,157     (569 )   -     -     -     588  
Stock-based compensation   -     -     3,173     -     -     -     3,173  
Loss from continuing operations   -     -     -     (17,142 )   -     4     (17,138 )
Currency translation adjustment   -     -     -     -     508     (226 )   282  
Loss from discontinued operations,
   net of income taxes (note 4)
  -     -     -     (570 )   -     (264 )   (834 )
Disposition of discontinued operation (note 4)   -     -     -     -     (5,094 )   (2,054 )   (7,148 )
                                           
Balance at October 1, 2016   85,654     299,470     24,931     89,126     (10,699 )   2,600     405,428  

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

SUNOPTA INC. 9   September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 

    Quarter ended     Three quarters ended  
    September 30,           September 30,        
    2017     October 1, 2016     2017     October 1, 2016  
   $    $    $    $  
                         
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)                        
Operating activities                        
Loss   (5,883 )   (3,858 )   (17,169 )   (17,708 )
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to SunOpta Inc.   -     -     -     (570 )
Loss from continuing operations   (5,883 )   (3,858 )   (17,169 )   (17,138 )
Items not affecting cash:                        
     Depreciation and amortization   8,254     8,646     24,601     25,955  
     Amortization and write-off of debt issuance costs   613     3,988     1,751     10,210  
     Deferred income taxes   (3,425 )   (5,252 )   (13,340 )   (19,760 )
     Stock-based compensation   1,995     1,181     4,133     3,173  
     Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments (note 6)   754     (749 )   (475 )   (1,264 )
     Fair value of contingent consideration (note 12)   83     124     287     (1,281 )
     Impairment of long-lived assets (note 2)   4,467     10,300     8,190     12,035  
     Acquisition accounting adjustment on inventory sold   -     1,890     -     13,404  
     Other   55     (64 )   (46 )   343  
     Changes in non-cash working capital (note 14)   (18,006 )   836     (25,319 )   (60,943 )
Net cash flows from operations - continuing operations   (11,093 )   17,042     (17,387 )   (35,266 )
Net cash flows from operations - discontinued operations   -     -     -     758  
    (11,093 )   17,042     (17,387 )   (34,508 )
Investing activities                        
Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (6,527 )   (5,463 )   (22,694 )   (14,803 )
Proceeds from sale of assets   475     -     776     -  
Acquisition of non-controlling interests (note 3)   (1,737 )   -     (1,737 )   -  
Other   5     -     369     700  
Net cash flows from investing activities - continuing operations   (7,784 )   (5,463 )   (23,286 )   (14,103 )
Net cash flows from investing activities - discontinued operations   -     -     -     1,754  
    (7,784 )   (5,463 )   (23,286 )   (12,349 )
Financing activities                        
Increase (decrease) under line of credit facilities (note 8)   19,222     (13,097 )   48,571     258,475  
Repayment of line of credit facilities (note 8)   -     -     -     (192,677 )
Borrowings under long-term debt (note 8)   417     -     417     432  
Repayment of long-term debt (note 8)   (564 )   (520 )   (1,680 )   (11,529 )
Payment of cash dividends on Series A Preferred Stock   (1,700 )   -     (4,991 )   -  
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and employee share purchases   1,052     227     4,681     914  
Payment of debt issuance costs   (206 )   (1,179 )   (206 )   (5,545 )
Payment of contingent consideration (note 6)   -     -     (4,330 )   (4,554 )
Other   13     8     (290 )   (126 )
Net cash flows from financing activities - continuing operations   18,234     (14,561 )   42,172     45,390  
Net cash flows from financing activities - discontinued operations   -     -     -     (1,180 )
    18,234     (14,561 )   42,172     44,210  
Foreign exchange gain on cash held in a foreign currency   41     329     105     305  
                         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the period   (602 )   (2,653 )   1,604     (2,342 )
                         
Discontinued operations cash activity included above:                        
     Add: Balance included at beginning of period   -     -     -     1,707  
     Less: Balance included at end of period   -     -     -     -  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of the period   3,457     4,292     1,251     2,274  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents - end of the period   2,855     1,639     2,855     1,639  

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

SUNOPTA INC. 10 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 

    Quarter ended     Three quarters ended  
    September 30,           September 30,        
    2017     October 1, 2016     2017     October 1, 2016  
   $    $    $    $  
                         
Non-cash investing and financing activities                        
Accrued cash dividends on Series A Preferred Stock (note 9)   -     -     (1,700 )   -  
Proceeds on disposition of discontinued operation, note receivable (note 4)   -     -     -     1,537  

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

SUNOPTA INC. 11 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

1. Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

SunOpta Inc. (the “Company” or “SunOpta”) was incorporated under the laws of Canada on November 13, 1973. The Company operates businesses focused on a healthy products portfolio that promotes sustainable well-being. The Company’s two reportable segments, Global Ingredients and Consumer Products, operate in the natural, organic and specialty food sectors and utilize an integrated business model to bring cost-effective and quality products to market.

Basis of Presentation

The interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, these condensed interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation have been included and all such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Operating results for the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 30, 2017 or for any other period. The interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared on a basis consistent with the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, except as described below under “Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Adoption of New Accounting Standards”. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Company consists of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2017 is a 52-week period ending on December 30, 2017, with quarterly periods ending on April 1, July 1 and September 30, 2017. Fiscal year 2016 was a 52-week period ending on December 31, 2016, with quarterly periods ending on April 2, July 2 and October 1, 2016.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”, which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows, including contingent consideration payments made after a business combination. As permitted, the Company elected to early adopt the guidance as at December 31, 2016 on a retrospective basis. In connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-15, the Company reclassified $4.6 million of contingent consideration payments from investing activities to financing activities on the comparative consolidated statement of cash flows for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”, which is intended to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, the classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and the classification on the statement of cash flows. Under the new guidance, companies will record excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement rather than in additional paid-in capital. In addition, the guidance permits companies to elect to recognize forfeitures of share-based payments as they occur, rather than estimating the number of awards expected to be forfeited as is currently required. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017, and elected upon adoption to recognize forfeitures of stock-based awards as they occur versus estimating at the time of grant. The cumulative effect of this change in accounting policy as at January 1, 2017, was not material to the Company’s financial statements. Commencing January 1, 2017, the Company recognizes excess tax benefits and deficiencies in the provision for income taxes on its consolidated statements of operations and as an operating activity on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

SUNOPTA INC. 12 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

Recently Issued Accounting Standards, Not Adopted as at September 30, 2017

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (that is, Step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, companies will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (that is, measure the charge based on Step 1 of the current goodwill impairment model). The guidance is effective on a prospective basis for interim and annual goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2020; however, early adoption is permitted for testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, which requires measurement and recognition of expected versus incurred credit losses for most financial assets. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”, a comprehensive new standard that amends various aspects of existing accounting guidance for leases, including the recognition of a right of use asset and a lease liability for leases with a duration of greater than one year. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements; however, the Company anticipates that upon adoption of the standard it will recognize additional assets and corresponding liabilities related to leases on its balance sheet.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. Under the new standard, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this principle and, in doing so, it is possible more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP, including identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers by one year the effective date of ASU 2014-09. During 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, 2016-11, 2016-12 and 2016-20, all of which clarify certain implementation guidance within ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09, as amended, is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and is to be applied on either a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis.

With the assistance of a third party, the Company analyzed its significant customer relationships to determine the effects of ASU 2014-09. In particular, the Company assessed under the new guidance whether its existing contracts with customers to produce certain consumer-packaged goods would permit the Company to recognize revenue over time versus at a point in time, based on whether the given product has an alternative use or not and whether there is an enforceable right to payment under the contract for product produced to date. Based on its assessment to date, the Company has tentatively concluded that it does not satisfy the criteria to recognize revenue over time, and, therefore, expects to continue to recognize revenue at a point in time consistent with its current policies and processes. Consequently, the Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and revenue recognition practices, or its internal controls. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently in the process of finalizing its assessment, and reviewing its disclosures for revenue recognition to conform with the disclosure requirements of the standard.

SUNOPTA INC. 13 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

2. Value Creation Plan

Overview

On October 7, 2016, the Company entered into a strategic partnership with Oaktree Capital Management L.P., a private equity investor (together with its affiliates, “Oaktree”). On October 7, 2016, Oaktree invested $85.0 million through the purchase of cumulative, non-participating Series A Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, SunOpta Foods Inc. (“SunOpta Foods”) (see note 9). The Company conducted, with the assistance of Oaktree, a thorough review of its operations, management and governance, with the objective of maximizing the Company’s ability to deliver long-term value to its shareholders. Through this review, the Company developed a Value Creation Plan built on four pillars: portfolio optimization, operational excellence, go-to-market effectiveness and process sustainability. The Company engaged management consulting firms to support the design and implementation of the Value Creation Plan.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, measures taken under the Value Creation Plan included the closure of the Company’s San Bernardino, California, juice facility and the Company’s soy extraction facility in Heuvelton, New York. In addition, effective November 11, 2016, Hendrik Jacobs stepped down as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).

In the first three quarters of 2017, further measures were taken under the Value Creation Plan, including the exit from the San Bernardino facility and equipment leases, as well as the planned exits from flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations (as described below). In addition, the Company made organizational changes within its management and executive teams, including the appointment of David Colo as President and CEO effective February 6, 2017, and the recruitment of new employees in the areas of quality, sales, marketing, operations and engineering. The Company also made capital investments at several of its manufacturing facilities to enhance food safety and production efficiencies.

Exiting Flexible Resealable Pouch and Nutrition Bar Product Lines and Operations

On July 26, 2017, SunOpta Foods entered an agreement with Skjodt-Barrett Contract Packaging LLC to sell equipment used in the production of flexible resealable pouches at the Company’s Allentown, Pennsylvania facility for gross proceeds of $2.0 million ($1.2 million net of costs to sell). The transaction closed on November 3, 2017. The Company continued to produce flexible resealable pouch products for existing customers until the closing date. The Company’s aseptic beverage operations were not affected by the sale of assets, and the Company will continue to produce aseptic beverages at its Allentown facility.

On September 27, 2017, the Company announced its intention to exit its nutrition bar product lines and operations in Carson City, Nevada. The Company expects to exit from these activities prior to the end of fiscal 2017, and will continue to produce nutrition bar products for existing customers until the exit date. The Company is in discussions with potential buyers interested in purchasing the nutrition bar equipment and assuming the facility lease.

As the flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations do not qualify for presentation as discontinued operations, operating results from these activities were reported in continuing operations on the consolidated statements of operations for the current and comparative periods. Revenues from sales of these product lines were $13.5 million and $44.1 million for the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $14.3 million and $45.0 million for the quarter and three quarters ended October 1, 2016, respectively. Losses before income taxes from these operations were $8.6 million and $12.9 million for the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared with $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the quarter and three quarters ended October 1, 2016, respectively. For the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017, losses before income taxes from these operations included impairment charges for inventory ($1.3 million) and long-lived assets ($4.5 million) related to the exit activities, as well as employee termination costs of $1.4 million. These operations are included in the Consumer Products operating segment.

SUNOPTA INC. 14 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

Continuity of Costs Incurred Under the Value Creation Plan

The following table summarizes costs incurred since the inception of the Value Creation Plan to September 30, 2017:

    (a)     (b)     (c)        
          Employee              
    Asset     recruitment,     Consulting        
    impairments     retention and     fees and        
    and facility     termination     temporary        
    closure costs     costs     labor costs     Total  
   $    $    $    $  
Fiscal 2016                        
Costs incurred and charged to expense   10,300     -     483     10,783  
Cash payments   -     -     (483 )   (483 )
Non-cash adjustments   (10,300 )   -     -     (10,300 )
   Balance payable, October 1, 2016   -     -     -     -  
Costs incurred and charged to expense   1,222     2,763     3,558     7,543  
Cash payments   -     (694 )   (1,901 )   (2,595 )
Non-cash adjustments   (1,222 )   (266 )   -     (1,488 )
   Balance payable, December 31, 2016(1)   -     1,803     1,657     3,460  
                         
Fiscal 2017                        
Costs incurred and charged to expense   4,095     3,478     9,710     17,283  
Cash payments   (3,581 )   (2,578 )   (1,774 )   (7,933 )
Non-cash adjustments   (714 )   276     -     (438 )
   Balance payable (receivable), April 1, 2017(1)   (200 )   2,979     9,593     12,372  
Costs incurred and charged to expense   262     2,550     4,876     7,688  
Cash payments   (262 )   (2,685 )   (9,538 )   (12,485 )
Non-cash adjustments   -     51     -     51  
   Balance payable (receivable), July 1, 2017(1)   (200 )   2,895     4,931     7,626  
Costs incurred and charged to expense   5,754     3,284     1,218     10,256  
Cash payments   -     (2,061 )   (5,964 )   (8,025 )
Non-cash adjustments   (5,754 )   240     -     (5,514 )
   Balance payable (receivable), September 30, 2017(1)   (200 )   4,358     185     4,343  

  (1)

Balance payable was included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and balance receivable was included in accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets.


(a)

Asset impairments and facility closure costs

   

For fiscal 2016, represents asset impairment losses of $10.3 million recorded in the third quarter and $1.2 million recorded in the fourth quarter related to the closures of the San Bernardino and Heuvelton facilities, respectively.

   

For fiscal 2017, represents an additional asset impairment loss of $3.7 million recorded in the first quarter on the disposal of the San Bernardino assets, which included $3.2 million paid for the early buyout of the San Bernardino equipment leases. In exchange for the San Bernardino assets, the facility landlord agreed to release the Company from its remaining property lease obligation and to pay proceeds of $0.2 million on December 31, 2017. Facility closure costs reflect $0.4 million incurred by the Company for rent and maintenance of the San Bernardino facility prior to its disposal to the landlord.


SUNOPTA INC. 15 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

In addition, represents asset impairment losses recorded in the third quarter of 2017 related to the exit from flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations as described above.

(b)

Employee recruitment, retention and termination costs

   

Represents third-party recruiting fees incurred to identify and retain new employees; reimbursement of relocation costs for new employees; retention and signing bonuses accrued for certain existing and new employees; and severance benefits, net of forfeitures of stock-based awards, and legal costs related to employee terminations. Some employee termination costs will be paid out in periods after termination. Retention bonuses will be paid out to employees who remain employed by the Company through specified retention dates. Certain employees will be entitled to pro-rata payouts of their retention bonuses if their employment terminates earlier than their retention payment date.

   
(c)

Consulting fees and temporary labor costs

   

Represents the cost for third-party consultants and temporary labor engaged to support the design and implementation of the Value Creation Plan. In addition, consulting fees incurred in the third quarter of 2016 were related to external financial and legal advisors engaged to review the Company’s operating plan and evaluate a range of strategic and financial actions that the Company could take to maximize shareholder value, which concluded with the strategic partnership with Oaktree.

For the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017, costs incurred and charged to expense were recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as follows:

    Quarter ended     Three quarters ended  
    September 30,     October 1,     September 30,     October 1,  
    2017     2016     2017     2016  
   $    $    $    $  
Cost of goods sold(1)   1,287     -     1,921     -  
Selling, general and administrative expenses(2)   2,400     483     20,839     483  
Other expense(3)   6,569     10,300     12,467     10,300  
    10,256     10,783     35,227     10,783  

  (1)

Inventory write-downs and facility closure costs recorded in cost of goods sold were allocated to the Consumer Products operating segment.

  (2)

Consulting fees and temporary labor costs, and employee recruitment, relocation and retention costs recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses were allocated to Corporate Services.

  (3)

Asset impairment and employee termination costs recorded in other expense were not allocated to the Company’s operating segments or Corporate Services.

The Company estimates third-party consulting and employee recruitment, retention and termination costs related to the Value Creation Plan to be incurred and expensed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 will be approximately $10 million, which includes approximately $8.0 million related to the early termination of the flexible resealable pouch equipment leases that was paid on closing of the asset sale transaction. This estimate does not include currently unforeseen asset impairment charges or employee-related costs that may arise from future actions taken under the Value Creation Plan.

3. Acquisition of Non-Controlling Interests in Mexican Subsidiary

On July 28, 2017, the Company acquired all the capital stock of Opus Foods Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (“Opus”) held by non-controlling interests for $1.7 million. This acquisition increased the Company’s equity ownership in Opus from 75% to 100%. The Company acquired its initial 75% interest in Opus through the acquisition of Sunrise Holdings (Delaware), Inc. (“Sunrise”) in October 2015. Opus owns and operates a frozen fruit processing facility located in central Mexico. The increase in the Company’s ownership position in Opus was accounted for as an equity transaction, with the difference between the cash consideration paid and the amount of the non-controlling interest related to Opus being recognized in additional paid-in capital.

SUNOPTA INC. 16 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

4. Discontinued Operation

On April 6, 2016, the Company completed the sale of its 66% holding of common shares of Opta Minerals Inc. (“Opta Minerals”) to Speyside Equity Fund I LP for aggregate gross proceeds of $4.8 million (C$6.2 million), of which $3.2 million (C$4.2 million) was received in cash, and $1.5 million (C$2.0 million) was received in the form of a subordinated promissory note bearing interest at 2.0% per annum that will mature on October 6, 2018. The Company has no significant continuing involvement with Opta Minerals.

The following table reconciles the major components of the results of discontinued operations to the amounts reported in the consolidated statement of operations for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016:

   $  
Revenues   24,896  
Cost of goods sold   (22,133 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (3,024 )
Other expense, net   (794 )
Foreign exchange loss   (454 )
Interest expense   (484 )
Loss before income taxes   (1,993 )
Gain on classification as held for sale before income taxes   560  
Total pre-tax loss from discontinued operations   (1,433 )
Recovery of income taxes   599  
Loss from discontinued operations   (834 )
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interest   264  
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to SunOpta Inc.   (570 )

5. Product Recall

During the second quarter of 2016, the Company announced a voluntary recall of certain roasted sunflower kernel products produced at its Crookston, Minnesota facility due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The affected sunflower products originated from the Crookston facility between May 31, 2015 and April 21, 2016. Estimated losses related to the recall totaled $47.0 million as at September 30, 2017, compared to $40.0 million as at December 31, 2016, comprised of estimates for customer losses and direct incremental costs incurred by the Company. The estimates for customer losses reflected the cost of the affected sunflower kernel products returned to or replaced by the Company and the estimated cost to reimburse customers for costs incurred by them related to the recall of their retail products that contain the affected sunflower kernels as an ingredient or component. The incremental costs incurred directly by the Company do not include lost earnings associated with the interruption of production at the Company’s roasting facilities, or the costs to put into place corrective and preventive actions at those facilities.

The Company’s estimates for customer losses related to the recall are provisional and were determined based on an assessment of the information available up to the date of filing of this report, including a review of customer claims received as of that date and consideration of the extent of potential additional claims that have yet to be received. The Company’s estimates reflect the amount of losses that it determined as at September 30, 2017 to be both probable and reasonably estimable. The Company may need to revise its estimates in subsequent periods as the Company continues to work with its customers and insurance providers to substantiate the claims received to date and any additional claims that may be received. These revisions may occur at any time and may be material.

The Company has general liability and product recall insurance policies with aggregate limits of $47.0 million under which it expects to recover recall-related costs, less applicable deductibles. The Company recognizes expected insurance recoveries in the period in which the recoveries are determined to be probable of realization. As at September 30, 2017, the Company had recognized recoveries up to the limit of the coverage available under its insurance policies. Consequently, to the extent any losses are excluded under the insurance policies or additional losses are recognized related to existing or new claims, these excluded or excess losses will be recognized as a charge to future earnings.

SUNOPTA INC. 17 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

As at September 30, 2017, $12.4 million of the estimated recall-related costs were unsettled and were recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. These costs were offset by the corresponding estimated insurance recoveries of $11.1 million included in accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheet as at September 30, 2017, which was net of $35.3 million of advances the Company received from its insurance providers prior to September 30, 2017. As at September 30, 2017, the Company had settled customer claims and direct costs in the amount of $34.6 million, which was fully funded under the Company’s general liability and product recall insurance policies.

6. Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents for each of the fair value hierarchies, the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

          September 30, 2017  
          Fair value                    
          asset (liability)     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
         $    $    $    $  
(a)   Commodity futures and forward contracts(1)                        
       Unrealized short-term derivative asset     376     54     322     -  
       Unrealized short-term derivative liability     (242 )   -     (242 )   -  
       Unrealized long-term derivative liability     (2 )   -     (2 )   -  
(b)   Inventories carried at market(2)   3,179     -     3,179     -  
(c)   Forward foreign currency contracts                        
         Not designated as hedging instruments(3)   (1,237 )   -     (1,237 )   -  
         Designated as a hedging instruments(4)   368     -     368     -  
(d)   Contingent consideration(5)   (11,236 )   -     -     (11,236 )
(e)   Embedded derivative(6)   2,690     -     -     2,690  

          December 31, 2016  
          Fair value                    
          asset (liability)     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
         $    $    $    $  
(a)   Commodity futures and forward contracts(1)                        
       Unrealized short-term derivative asset     787     43     744     -  
       Unrealized short-term derivative liability     (916 )   -     (916 )   -  
       Unrealized long-term derivative liability     (8 )   -     (8 )   -  
(b)   Inventories carried at market(2)   8,231     -     8,231     -  
(c)   Forward foreign currency contracts                        
         Not designated as hedging instruments(3)   1,345     -     1,345     -  
(d)   Contingent consideration(5)   (15,279 )   -     -     (15,279 )
(e)   Embedded derivative(6)   2,944     -     -     2,944  

  (1)

Unrealized short-term derivative asset was included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, unrealized short-term derivative liability was included in other current liabilities and unrealized long-term derivative liability was included in long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

  (2)

Inventories carried at market were included in inventories on the consolidated balance sheets.

  (3)

Forward foreign currency contracts not designated as a hedge were included in accounts receivable or accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.


SUNOPTA INC. 18 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

  (4)

Forward foreign currency contracts designated as a hedge were included in other assets or other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

  (5)

Contingent consideration obligations were included in long-term liabilities (including the current portion thereof) on the consolidated balance sheets.

  (6)

The embedded derivative was included in other assets (long-term) on the consolidated balance sheets.


(a)

Commodity futures and forward contracts

   

The Company’s derivative contracts that are measured at fair value include exchange-traded commodity futures and forward commodity purchase and sale contracts. Exchange-traded futures are valued based on unadjusted quotes for identical assets priced in active markets and are classified as level 1. Fair value for forward commodity purchase and sale contracts is estimated based on exchange-quoted prices adjusted for differences in local markets. Local market adjustments use observable inputs or market transactions for similar assets or liabilities, and, as a result, are classified as level 2. Based on historical experience with the Company’s suppliers and customers, the Company’s own credit risk, and the Company’s knowledge of current market conditions, the Company does not view non-performance risk to be a significant input to fair value for the majority of its forward commodity purchase and sale contracts.

   

These exchange-traded commodity futures and forward commodity purchase and sale contracts are used as part of the Company’s risk management strategy, and represent economic hedges to limit risk related to fluctuations in the price of certain commodity grains, as well as the prices of cocoa and coffee. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Gains and losses on changes in fair value of these derivative instruments are included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statement of operations. For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized a loss of $0.1 million (October 1, 2016 – gain of $0.7 million) and for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized a gain of $0.3 million (October 1, 2016 – gain of $1.3 million) related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives.

   

As at September 30, 2017, the notional amounts of open commodity futures and forward purchase and sale contracts were as follows (in thousands of bushels):


    Number of bushels purchased (sold)  
    Corn     Soybeans  
Forward commodity purchase contracts   (120 )   44  
Forward commodity sale contracts   (493 )   (676 )
Commodity futures contracts   365     495  

In addition, as at September 30, 2017, the Company had net open forward contracts to sell 235 lots of cocoa and 4 lots of coffee.

(b)

Inventories carried at market

   

Grains inventory carried at fair value is determined using quoted market prices from the Chicago Board of Trade (“CBoT”). Estimated fair market values for grains inventory quantities at period end are valued using the quoted price on the CBoT adjusted for differences in local markets, and broker or dealer quotes. These assets are placed in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as there are observable quoted prices for similar assets in active markets. Gains and losses on commodity grains inventory are included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations. As at September 30, 2017, the Company had 228,722 bushels of commodity corn and 183,325 bushels of commodity soybeans in inventories carried at market.

   
(c)

Foreign forward currency contracts

   

As part of its risk management strategy, the Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. For any open forward foreign exchange contracts at period end, the contract rate is compared to the forward rate, and a gain or loss is recorded. These contracts are placed in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as the inputs used in making the fair value determination are derived from and are corroborated by observable market data. Certain of these forward foreign exchange contracts may be designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, while other of these contracts represent economic hedges that are not designated as hedging instruments.


SUNOPTA INC. 19 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

(i) Not designated as hedging instruments

As at September 30, 2017, the Company had open forward foreign exchange contracts to sell euros to buy U.S. dollars with a notional value of €28.4 million ($32.5 million), and to sell British pounds to buy euros with a notional value of £0.8 million (€0.9 million). As these contracts were not designated as hedging instruments, gains and losses on changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are included in foreign exchange loss or gain on the consolidated statement of operations. For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized a gain of $0.3 million (October 1, 2016 – loss of $0.3 million) related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives and for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized a loss of $2.6 million (October 1, 2016 – loss of $0.5 million) related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives.

(ii) Designated as hedging instruments

In the first quarter of 2017, the Company initiated a foreign currency cash flow hedging program with the objective of managing the variability of cash flows associated with a portion of forecasted purchases of raw fruit inventories denominated in Mexican pesos. As at September 30, 2017, the Company had net open forward foreign exchange contracts to sell U.S. dollars to buy Mexican pesos with a notional value of $2.4 million (M$51.8 million), and to sell Mexican pesos to buy U.S. dollars with a notional value of M$46.0 million ($2.5 million). As these contracts have been designated as hedging instruments, the effective portion of the gains and losses on changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are included in other comprehensive earnings and reclassified to cost of goods sold in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings, which is upon the sale of the inventories. For the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized unrealized gains in other comprehensive earnings of $0.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively, related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives. For the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017, the Company reclassified from other comprehensive earnings realized gains on these derivatives of $0.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, to cost of goods sold. In addition, in the second quarter of 2017, the Company reclassified an unrealized gain of $0.9 million related to the ineffective portion of the hedge to foreign exchange loss on the consolidated statements of operations. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company expects to reclassify the $0.4 million remaining amount of the unrealized gain recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings.

(d)

Contingent consideration

   

The fair value measurement of contingent consideration arising from business acquisitions is determined using unobservable (level 3) inputs. These inputs include: (i) the estimated amount and timing of the projected cash flows on which the contingency is based; and (ii) the risk-adjusted discount rate used to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The following table presents a reconciliation of contingent consideration obligations for the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016:


  Quarter ended     Three quarters ended  
    September 30,     October 1,     September 30,     October 1,  
    2017     2016     2017     2016  
   $    $    $    $  
Balance, beginning of period   (11,153 )   (15,051 )   (15,279 )   (21,010 )
     Issuances   -     -     -     -  
     Fair value adjustments(1)   (83 )   (124 )   (287 )   1,281  
     Payments(2)   -     -     4,330     4,554  
Balance, end of period   (11,236 )   (15,175 )   (11,236 )   (15,175 )

SUNOPTA INC. 20 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

  (1)

For all periods presented, reflected the accretion for the time value of money, which was included in other income/expense (see note 12). In addition, for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, included a gain of $1.7 million on the settlement of the contingent consideration obligation related to the Company’s acquisition of Niagara Natural Fruit Snack Company Inc. (“Niagara Natural”) in August 2015.

  (2)

For the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, reflected the second installment payment of deferred consideration to the former unitholders of Citrusource, LLC (“Citrusource”), which was acquired by the Company in March 2015, and payment of the remaining deferred consideration to a former shareholder of Organic Land Corporation OOD, which was acquired by the Company in December 2012. For the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, reflected the first installment payment related to Citrusource and cash settlement of the remaining obligation related to Niagara Natural.


(e)

Embedded derivative

   

On August 5, 2011 and August 29, 2014, the Company invested $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in convertible subordinated notes issued by Enchi Corporation (“Enchi”), a developer of advanced bioconversion products for the renewable fuels industry. The Company’s investment includes the value of an accelerated payment option embedded in the notes, which may result in a maximum payout to the Company of $5.1 million. Due to a lack of level 1 or level 2 observable market quotes for the notes, the Company used a discounted cash flow analysis (income approach) to estimate the original fair value of the embedded derivative based on unobservable level 3 inputs. The Company assesses changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative based on the performance of actual cash flows derived from certain royalty rights owned by Enchi, which are expected to be the primary source of funds available to settle the embedded derivative, relative to the financial forecasts used in the valuation analysis. As at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company determined that the fair value of this embedded derivative was $2.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, based on distributions received from Enchi on the notes up to those dates and on expectations related to the remaining royalty rights.

7. Inventories

    September 30,     December 31,  
    2017     2016  
   $    $  
Raw materials and work-in-process   271,645     266,072  
Finished goods   102,039     101,585  
Company-owned grain   7,675     15,027  
Inventory reserves   (10,760 )   (14,202 )
    370,599     368,482  

SUNOPTA INC. 21 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

8. Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt

    September 30,     December 31,  
    2017     2016  
   $    $  
Bank indebtedness:            
     Global Credit Facility(1)   256,444     199,281  
     Bulgarian credit facility(2)   2,564     2,213  
    259,008     201,494  
             
Long-term debt:            
     Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $8,217 (December 31, 2016 - $8,835)(3)   222,781     222,163  
     Capital lease obligations   6,184     7,454  
     Other   1,841     1,470  
    230,806     231,087  
Less: current portion   2,045     2,079  
    228,761     229,008  

(1)

Global Credit Facility

   

On February 11, 2016, the Company entered into a five-year credit agreement for a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million, subject to borrowing base capacity (the “Global Credit Facility”). The Global Credit Facility is used to support the working capital and general corporate needs of the Company’s global operations, in addition to funding future strategic initiatives. The Global Credit Facility also includes borrowing capacity available for letters of credit and provides for borrowings on same-day notice, including in the form of swingline loans. Subject to customary borrowing conditions and the agreement of any such lenders to provide such increased commitments, the Company may request to increase the total lending commitments under the Global Credit Facility to a maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $450.0 million. Outstanding principal amounts under the Global Credit Facility are repayable in full on the maturity date of February 10, 2021.

   

Individual borrowings under the Global Credit Facility have terms of six months or less and bear interest based on various reference rates, including prime rate and LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin in the Global Credit Facility ranges from 1.25% to 1.75% for loans bearing interest based on LIBOR and from 0.25% to 0.75% for loans bearing interest based on the prime rate and, in each case, is set quarterly based on average borrowing availability for the preceding fiscal quarter. As at September 30, 2017, the weighted-average interest rate on the facilities was 3.10%.

   

On September 19, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into an amendment to the Global Credit Facility to add an additional U.S. asset-based credit subfacility of an aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million (the “New U.S. Subfacility”).

   

The New U.S. Subfacility was fully drawn on the Effective Date. Amortization payments on the aggregate principal amount of the New U.S. Subfacility are equal to $2.5 million payable at the end of each fiscal quarter, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2019. Optional prepayment of borrowings under the New U.S. Subfacility are not permitted until the first anniversary of the Effective Date and are subject to certain availability conditions. Borrowings repaid under the New U.S. Subfacility may not be borrowed again.

   

Borrowings under the New U.S. Subfacility bear interest at a margin over various reference rates. The applicable margin for the New U.S. Subfacility will be set quarterly based on average borrowing availability for the preceding fiscal quarter and will range from 2.00% to 2.50% with respect to base rate and prime rate borrowings and from 3.00% to 3.50% for eurocurrency rate and bankers’ acceptance rate borrowings. The initial margin for the New U.S. Subfacility is 2.50% with respect to base rate and prime rate borrowings and 3.50% with respect to eurocurrency rate borrowings.


SUNOPTA INC. 22 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

Obligations under the Global Credit Facility are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries and, subject to certain exceptions, such obligations are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company.

The Global Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the Company’s ability to create liens on assets; sell assets and enter into sale and leaseback transactions; pay dividends, prepay junior lien and unsecured indebtedness and make other restricted payments; incur additional indebtedness and make guarantees; make investments, loans or advances, including acquisitions; and engage in mergers or consolidations.

(2)

Bulgarian credit facility

   

On June 28, 2017, a subsidiary of The Organic Corporation B.V. (“TOC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, extended its revolving credit facility agreement dated May 22, 2013, to provide up to €4.5 million to cover the working capital needs of TOC’s Bulgarian operations. The facility is secured by the accounts receivable and inventories of the Bulgarian operations and is fully guaranteed by TOC. Interest accrues under the facility based on EURIBOR plus a margin of 2.75%, and borrowings under the facility are repayable in full on April 30, 2018. As at September 30, 2017, the weighted-average interest rate on the Bulgarian credit facility was 2.75%.

   
(3)

Senior Secured Second Lien Notes

   

On October 20, 2016, SunOpta Foods issued $231.0 million of 9.5% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2022 (the “Notes”). The Company incurred $9.3 million of debt issuance costs related to the Notes, which were recorded as a reduction against the principal amount of the Notes and are being amortized over the six-year term of the Notes. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 at a rate of 9.5% per annum, commencing on April 15, 2017. The Notes will mature on October 9, 2022. Giving effect to the amortization of debt issuance costs, the effective interest rate on the Notes is approximately 10.4% per annum.

   

Prior to October 9, 2018, SunOpta Foods may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time and from time to time at a “make-whole” redemption price set forth in the indenture governing the Notes. On or after October 9, 2018, SunOpta Foods may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at the redemption prices equal to 107.125% through October 8, 2019, 104.750% from October 9, 2019 through October 8, 2020, 102.375% from October 9, 2020 through October 8, 2021 and at par thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of redemption. In addition, prior to October 9, 2018, SunOpta Foods may, on one or more occasions, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 109.500% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of redemption. At any time prior to October 9, 2018, SunOpta Foods may also redeem, during each twelve-month period beginning on October 20, 2016, up to 10% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at a price equal to 103.000% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of redemption. In the event of a change of control, SunOpta Foods will be required to make an offer to repurchase the Notes at 101.000% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

   

The Notes are secured by second-priority liens on substantially all of the assets that secure the credit facilities provided under the Global Credit Facility, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens. The Notes are senior secured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with SunOpta Foods’ existing and future senior debt and senior in right of payment to any future subordinated debt. The Notes are effectively subordinated to debt under the Global Credit Facility and any future indebtedness secured on a first priority basis. The Notes are initially guaranteed on a senior secured second-priority basis by the Company and each of its subsidiaries (other than SunOpta Foods) that guarantees indebtedness under the Global Credit Facility, subject to certain exceptions.


SUNOPTA INC. 23 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

The Notes are subject to covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to (i) incur additional debt or issue preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends and make certain types of investments and other restricted payments; (iii) create liens; (iv) enter into transactions with affiliates; (v) sell assets; and (vi) create restrictions on the ability of restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends, make loans or advances or transfer assets to the Company, SunOpta Foods or any guarantor of the Notes. The indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include nonpayment, breach of covenants in the indenture, certain payment defaults or acceleration of other indebtedness, a failure to pay certain judgments and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may declare the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on, if any, all the Notes to be due and payable.

On October 19, 2017, the Company repaid $7.5 million principal amount of the Notes at 103.000% .

9. Series A Preferred Stock

On October 7, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), the Company and SunOpta Foods entered into a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) with Oaktree Organics, L.P. and Oaktree Huntington Investment Fund II, L.P. (collectively, the “Investors”). Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, SunOpta Foods issued an aggregate of 85,000 shares of Preferred Stock to the Investors for consideration in the amount of $85.0 million. In connection with the issuance of the Preferred Stock, the Company incurred direct and incremental expenses of $6.0 million, which reduced the carrying value of the Preferred Stock. At any time on or after the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, SunOpta Foods may redeem all of the Preferred Stock for an amount, per share of Preferred Stock, equal to the value of the liquidation preference at such time. The carrying value of the Preferred Stock is being accreted to the redemption amount of $85.0 million through charges to retained earnings over the period preceding the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, which accretion amounted to $0.3 million and $0.7 million for the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

In connection with the Subscription Agreement, the Company agreed to, among other things (i) ensure SunOpta Foods has sufficient funds to pay its obligations under the terms of the Preferred Stock and (ii) grant each holder of Preferred Stock (the “Holder”) the right to exchange the Preferred Stock for shares of common stock of the Company (the “Common Shares”). The Preferred Stock is non-participating with the Common Shares in dividends and undistributed earnings of the Company.

The Preferred Stock has a stated value and initial liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Cumulative preferred dividends accrue daily on the Preferred Stock at an annualized rate of 8.0% prior to October 5, 2025 and 12.5% thereafter, in each case of the liquidation preference (subject to an increase of 1.0% per quarter, up to a maximum rate of 5.0% per quarter on the occurrence of certain events of non-compliance). Prior to October 5, 2025, SunOpta Foods may pay dividends in cash or elect, in lieu of paying cash, to add the amount that would have been paid to the liquidation preference. After October 4, 2025, the failure to pay dividends in cash will be an event of non-compliance. The Preferred Stock ranks senior to the shares of common stock of SunOpta Foods with respect to dividend rights and rights on the distribution of assets on any liquidation, winding up or dissolution of the Company or SunOpta Foods. As at September 30, 2017, the Company had accrued unpaid dividends of $1.7 million, which were recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

At any time, the Holders may exchange their shares of Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, into the number of Common Shares equal to, per share of Preferred Stock, the quotient of the liquidation preference divided by $7.50 (such price, the “Exchange Price” and such quotient, the “Exchange Rate”). As at September 30, 2017, the aggregate shares of Preferred Stock outstanding were exchangeable into 11,333,333 Common Shares. The Exchange Price is subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments, including a weighted-average adjustment for issuances of Common Shares below the Exchange Price, provided that the Exchange Price may not be lower than $7.00 (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances). SunOpta Foods may cause the Holders to exchange all of the Preferred Stock into a number of Common Shares based on the applicable Exchange Price if (i) fewer than 10% of the shares of Preferred Stock issued on the Closing Date remain outstanding or (ii) on or after the third anniversary of the Closing Date, the average volume-weighted average price of the Common Shares during the then preceding 20 trading day period is greater than 200% of the Exchange Price. Prior to the receipt of applicable approval by the holders of Common Shares, shares of Preferred Stock were not exchangeable into more than 19.99% of the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exchange (the “Beneficial Ownership Exchange Cap”). On May 24, 2017, the holders of Common Shares approved the removal of the Beneficial Ownership Exchange Cap.

SUNOPTA INC. 24 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

In connection with the Subscription Agreement, the Company issued Special Shares, Series 1 (the “Special Voting Shares”) to the Investors, which entitle the Investors to one vote per Special Voting Share on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Common Shares, together as a single class, subject to certain exceptions. Additional Special Voting Shares will be issued, or existing Special Voting Shares will be redeemed, as necessary to ensure that the aggregate number of Special Voting Shares outstanding is equal to the number of shares of Preferred Stock outstanding from time to time multiplied by the Exchange Rate in effect at such time. As at September 30, 2017, 11,333,333 Special Voting Shares were issued and outstanding, which represented an approximate 11.6% voting interest in the Company. The Special Voting Shares are not transferable and the voting rights associated with the Special Voting Shares will terminate upon the transfer of the Preferred Stock to a third party, other than a controlled affiliate of the Investors. The Investors are entitled to designate up to two nominees for election to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and have the right to designate one individual to attend meetings of the Board as a non-voting observer, subject to the Investors maintaining certain levels of beneficial ownership of Common Shares on an as-exchanged basis. For so long as the Investors beneficially own or control at least 50% of the Preferred Stock issued on the Closing Date, including any corresponding Common Shares into which such Preferred Stock are exchanged, the Investors will be entitled to (i) participation rights with respect to future equity offerings of the Company; and (ii) governance rights, including the right to approve certain actions proposed to be taken by the Company and its subsidiaries.

10. Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Incentive Plan

For the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, the Company granted 872,285 stock options to selected employees that vest 100% on the third anniversary of the grant date and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the stock options was $4.22. The following table summarizes the weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of the stock options granted:

Grant-date stock price $  9.41  
Exercise price $  9.41  
Dividend yield   0%  
Expected volatility(1)   42.3%  
Risk-free interest rate(2)   2.0%  
Expected life of options (in years)(3)   6.5  

  (1)

Determined based on the historical volatility of the Common Shares over the expected life of the stock options.

  (2)

Determined based on U.S. Treasury yields with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the stock options.

  (3)

Determined based on the mid-point of vesting (three years) and expiration (ten years).

The aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options awarded to employees was $3.7 million, which will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period.

For the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, the Company also granted 1,440,737 performance share units (“PSU”) to selected employees and 702,504 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to selected employees and directors.

The vesting of the PSUs is subject to the satisfaction of certain stock price performance conditions during a three-year performance period ending May 24, 2020. One-third of the PSUs will vest upon achieving a stock price of $11.00, one-third will vest upon achieving a stock price of $14.00, and one-third will vest upon achieving a stock price of $18.00, in each case for 20 consecutive trading days and subject to the employee’s continued employment throughout the performance period.

SUNOPTA INC. 25 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

Each vested PSU will entitle the employee to receive one common share of the Company without payment of additional consideration.

The fair value of the PSUs was estimated using a Monte Carlo valuation model, which simulates the potential outcomes for the Company’s stock price performance and determines the payouts that would occur under each scenario. Fair value is based on the average of those results. The grant-date weighted-average fair value of the PSUs was determined to be $5.85, based on the following inputs to the valuation model:

Grant-date stock price $  9.47  
Dividend yield   0%  
Expected volatility(1)   42.3%  
Risk-free interest rate(2)   1.5%  
Expected life (in years)(3)   3.0  

(1)

Determined based on the historical volatility of the Common Shares over 6.5 years, which is consistent with the volatility assumption for stock options granted to employees on the same date as the PSUs.

(2)

Determined based on U.S. Treasury yields with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the PSUs.

(3)

Determined based on vesting for the PSUs.

The aggregate grant-date fair value of the PSUs was $8.4 million, which will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite three-year performance period.

The RSUs granted to employees vest ratably on each of the first through third anniversaries of the grant date. RSUs granted to directors vest 100% on the first anniversary of the grant date. Each vested RSU will entitle the employee or director to receive one common share of the Company. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the RSUs was estimated to be $9.26, based on the stock price of the Common Shares as of the dates of grant. The aggregate grant-date fair value of the RSUs awarded to employees and directors of $6.5 million will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the weighted-average vesting period of 2.7 years.

CEO Plan

On February 6, 2017, David Colo was appointed President and CEO of the Company. In connection with his appointment, the Company granted Mr. Colo 473,940 performance-based stock options (the “Special Stock Options”) and 277,780 performance stock units (the “Special Performance Units”). In addition, Mr. Colo was granted 100,000 RSUs, of which 50,000 were contingent on Mr. Colo purchasing Common Shares with an aggregate value of $1.0 million in the open market.

The vesting of the Special Stock Options and Special Performance Units is subject to: (i) Mr. Colo’s continued employment with the Company during a three-year performance period ending February 6, 2020; and (ii) the satisfaction of certain stock price performance conditions during the performance period. One-third of the Special Stock Options and Special Performance Units will vest upon achieving a stock price of $11.00, one-third will vest upon achieving a stock price of $14.00, and one-third will vest upon achieving a stock price of $18.00, in each case for 20 consecutive trading days and subject to Mr. Colo’s continued employment through the performance period. Each vested Special Stock Option will entitle Mr. Colo to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $7.00, which was equal to the closing price of the Common Shares as at February 6, 2017. Each vested Special Performance Unit will entitle Mr. Colo to receive one common share of the Company without payment of additional consideration.

The grant-date weighted-average fair values of the Special Stock Options and Special Performance Units were estimated using a Monte Carlo valuation model and determined to be $1.84 and $2.79, respectively, based on the following inputs to the valuation model:

          Special  
    Special Stock     Performance  
    Options     Units  
Grant-date stock price $  7.00   $  7.00  
Exercise price  $  7.00      NA   
Dividend yield    0%      0%   
Expected volatility(1)    42.0%      42.0%   
Risk-free interest rate(2)    2.2%      1.5%  
Expected life (in years) (3)    6.5      3.0   

SUNOPTA INC. 26 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

  (1)

Determined based on the historical volatility of the Common Shares over the expected life of the Special Stock Options.

  (2)

Determined based on U.S. Treasury yields with a remaining term equal to the respective expected lives of the Special Stock Options and Special Performance Units.

  (3)

Determined using the simplified method for the Special Stock Options, based on the mid-point of vesting (three years) and expiration (ten years). Determined based on vesting for the Special Performance Units.

The aggregate grant-date fair value of the Special Stock Options and Special Performance Units awarded to Mr. Colo was $1.6 million, which will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite three-year performance period.

The RSUs granted to Mr. Colo vest in three equal installments beginning on February 6, 2018. Each vested RSU will entitle Mr. Colo to receive one common share of the Company. The grant-date fair value of the RSUs was estimated to be $7.00 based on the stock price of the Common Shares as of the date of grant. The aggregate grant-date fair value of the RSUs awarded to Mr. Colo of $0.7 million will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period.

11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Net unrealized gains/(losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:

    September 30,     December 31,  
    2017     2016  
   $    $  
Currency translation adjustment   (8,185 )   (13,104 )
Cash flow hedges, net of income taxes   257     -  
    (7,928 )   (13,104 )

12. Other Expense, Net

The components of other expense (income) were as follows:

    Quarter ended     Three quarters ended  
    September 30,     October 1,     September 30,     October 1,  
    2017     2016     2017     2016  
   $    $    $    $  
Impairment of long-lived assets(1)   4,467     10,300     8,190     12,035  
Employee termination costs(2)   2,052     138     4,227     1,153  
Product withdrawal and recall costs(3)   134     -     413     1,697  
Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent consideration(4)   83     124     287     (1,281 )
Legal settlement(5)   (1,024 )   -     (1,024 )   9,000  
Other   260     (250 )   (71 )   119  
    5,972     10,312     12,022     22,723  

SUNOPTA INC. 27 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

(1)

Impairment of long-lived assets

For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, represented the impairment of assets associated with the exit from flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations, and, for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, included $3.2 million paid for the early buyout of the San Bernardino equipment leases (see note 2).

For the quarter ended October 1, 2016, represented the impairment of equipment and leasehold improvements in connection with the closure of the San Bernardino facility. In addition, for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, included the impairment of leasehold improvements at the Company’s Buena Park, California, facility on the consolidation of Company’s frozen fruit processing operations following the acquisition of Sunrise in October 2015.

(2)

Employee termination costs

   

For the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017, represented severance benefits, net of forfeitures of stock- based awards, and legal costs incurred in connection with the Value Creation Plan (see note 2), including employees affected by the exit from flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations.

   

For the quarter and three quarters ended October 1, 2016, primarily represented severance benefits for employees affected by the consolidation of the Company’s frozen fruit processing operations.

   
(3)

Product withdrawal and recall costs

   

For the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, represented product withdrawal and recall costs that were not eligible for reimbursement under the Company’s insurance policies.

   

For the quarter and three quarters ended October 1, 2016, the Company recognized estimated costs of $1.1 million related to the voluntary withdrawal of a consumer-packaged product due to a quality-related issue, and the $0.6 million for insurance deductibles related to the sunflower recall (see note 5).

   
(4)

Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent consideration

   

For all periods presented, reflected the accretion of contingent consideration obligations to reflect the time value of money. In addition, for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, included a gain of $1.7 million on the settlement of the contingent consideration obligation related to the acquisition of Niagara Natural in August 2015.

   
(5)

Legal settlement

   

In the second quarter of 2016, the Company recorded a charge of $9.0 million related to the settlement of a product recall dispute with a customer involving certain flexible resealable pouch products manufactured by the Company in 2013. The settlement amount included up to $4.0 million in rebates payable to the customer over a four-year period. In connection with the exit from the flexible resealable pouch product lines and operations, the Company agreed to an upfront cash settlement of the remaining rebate obligation, resulting in a recovery of $1.0 million recognized in the third quarter of 2017.


SUNOPTA INC. 28 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

13. Loss Per Share

Basic and diluted loss per share were calculated as follows (shares in thousands):

    Quarter ended     Three quarters ended  
    September     October 1,     September     October 1,  
    30, 2017     2016     30, 2017     2016  
Numerator for basic loss per share:                        
     Loss from continuing operations, less amount attributable to non-controlling interests $  (6,027 ) $  (3,355 ) $  (17,833 ) $  (17,142 )
     Less: dividends and accretion on Series A Preferred Stock   (1,954 )   -     (5,848 )   -  
     Loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders   (7,981 )   (3,355 )   (23,681 )   (17,142 )
     Loss from discontinued operations attributable to SunOpta Inc.   -     -     -     (570 )
     Loss available to common shareholders $  (7,981 ) $  (3,355 ) $  (23,681 ) $  (17,712 )
                         
Denominator for basic loss per share:                        
     Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding   86,541     85,619     86,232     85,529  
                         
Basic loss per share:                        
     - from continuing operations $  (0.09 ) $  (0.04 ) $  (0.27 ) $  (0.20 )
     - from discontinued operations   -     -     -     (0.01 )
  $  (0.09 ) $  (0.04 ) $  (0.27 ) $  (0.21 )
                         
Numerator for diluted loss per share:                        
     Loss from continuing operations, less amount attributable to non-controlling interests $  (6,027 ) $  (3,355 ) $  (17,833 ) $  (17,142 )
     Less: dividends and accretion on Series A Preferred Stock(1)   (1,954 )   -     (5,848 )   -  
     Loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders   (7,981 )   (3,355 )   (23,681 )   (17,142 )
     Loss from discontinued operations attributable to SunOpta Inc.   -     -     -     (570 )
     Loss available to common shareholders $  (7,981 ) $  (3,355 ) $  (23,681 ) $  (17,712 )
                         
Denominator for diluted loss per share:                        
     Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding   86,541     85,619     86,232     85,529  
     Dilutive effect of the following:                        
        Series A Preferred Stock(1)   -     -     -     -  
        Stock options and RSUs(2)   -     -     -     -  
     Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding   86,541     85,619     86,232     85,529  
                         
Diluted loss per share:                        
     - from continuing operations $  (0.09 ) $  (0.04 ) $  (0.27 ) $  (0.20 )
     - from discontinued operations   -     -     -     (0.01 )
  $  (0.09 ) $  (0.04 ) $  (0.27 ) $  (0.21 )

SUNOPTA INC. 29 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

(1)

For the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017, it was more dilutive to assume the Preferred Stock was not converted into Common Shares and, therefore, the numerator of the diluted loss per share calculation was not adjusted to add back the dividends and accretion on the Preferred Stock and the denominator was not adjusted to include 11,333,333 Common Shares issuable on an if-converted basis.

   
(2)

For the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017, stock options and RSUs to purchase or receive 917,702 (October 1, 2016 – 31,582) and 850,013 (October 1, 2016 – 20,534) Common Shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share due to their anti-dilutive effect of reducing the loss per share. In addition, for the quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2017, options to purchase 1,518,129 (October 1, 2016 – 1,873,871) and 2,488,826 (October 1, 2016 – 2,453,271) Common Shares, respectively, were anti-dilutive because the exercise prices of these options were greater than the average market price.

14. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

    Quarter ended     Three quarters ended  
    September 30,     October 1,     September 30,     October 1,  
    2017     2016     2017     2016  
   $    $    $    $  
Changes in non-cash working capital:                        
     Accounts receivable   5,113     (22,302 )   12,754     (56,049 )
     Inventories   15,100     5,150     9,187     (34,760 )
     Income tax recoverable/payable   (552 )   9,423     (5,351 )   14,807  
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (6,695 )   (1,985 )   (16,241 )   (2,591 )
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (30,455 )   10,999     (23,760 )   21,943  
     Customer and other deposits   (517 )   (449 )   (1,908 )   (4,293 )
    (18,006 )   836     (25,319 )   (60,943 )

15. Commitments and Contingencies

Employment Matter

On April 19, 2013, a class-action complaint, in the case titled De Jesus, et al. v. Frozsun, Inc. d/b/a Frozsun Foods, was filed against Sunrise Growers, Inc. (then named Frozsun, Inc.) in California Superior Court, Santa Barbara County seeking damages, equitable relief and reasonable attorneys’ fees for alleged wage and hour violations. This case includes claims for failure to pay all hours worked, failure to pay overtime wages, meal and rest period violations, waiting-time penalties, improper wage statements and unfair business practices. The putative class includes approximately 10,000 non-exempt hourly employees from Sunrise’s production facilities in Santa Maria and Oxnard, California. The parties attended mediation on October 12, 2017 and reached a general agreement to resolve the matter on a class-wide basis. The parties are negotiating the remaining details of the settlement which is subject to court approval. It is anticipated that the parties will seek preliminary approval of the settlement from the court in December 2017 or January 2018. The Company expects to recover the full amount payable under the settlement through insurance coverage and an escrow account established in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Sunrise.

Other Claims

In addition, various claims and potential claims arising in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. It is the opinion of management that these claims or potential claims are without merit and the amount of potential liability, if any, to the Company is not determinable. Management believes the final determination of these claims or potential claims will not materially affect the financial position or results of the Company.

SUNOPTA INC. 30 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

16. Segmented Information

The composition of the Company’s reportable segments is as follows:

  •  

Global Ingredients aggregates our North American-based Raw Material Sourcing and Supply and European-based International Sourcing and Supply operating segments focused on the procurement and sale of specialty and organic grains and seeds, raw material ingredients, value-added grain- and cocoa-based ingredients, and organic commodities.

   

  •  

Consumer Products consists of three main commercial platforms: Healthy Beverages, Healthy Fruit and Healthy Snacks. Healthy Beverages includes aseptic packaged products including non-dairy and dairy beverages, broths and teas; refrigerated premium juices; and shelf-stable juices and functional waters. Healthy Fruit includes individually quick frozen (“IQF”) fruits for retail; IQF and bulk frozen fruit for foodservice; and custom fruit preparations for industrial use. Healthy Snacks includes fruit snacks; nutrition bars; and flexible resealable pouch products.

In addition, Corporate Services provides a variety of management, financial, information technology, treasury and administration services to each of the Company’s operating segments from the Company’s headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario and administrative office in Edina, Minnesota.

When reviewing the operating results of the Company’s operating segments, management uses segment revenues from external customers and segment operating income/loss to assess performance and allocate resources. Segment operating income/loss excludes other income/expense items and goodwill impairment losses. In addition, interest expense and income amounts, and provisions for income taxes are not allocated to the operating segments.

  Quarter ended  
          September 30, 2017  
    Global     Consumer        
    Ingredients     Products     Consolidated  
   $    $    $  
Segment revenues from external customers   140,533     180,180     320,713  
Segment operating income   5,265     4,528     9,793  
Corporate Services               (4,832 )
Other expense, net (see note 12)               (5,972 )
Interest expense, net               (8,371 )
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes               (9,382 )

    Quarter ended  
    October 1, 2016  
    Global     Consumer        
    Ingredients     Products     Consolidated  
   $    $    $  
Segment revenues from external customers   137,174     211,558     348,732  
Segment operating income   7,404     8,104     15,508  
Corporate Services               (2,287 )
Other expense, net (see note 12)               (10,312 )
Interest expense, net               (12,178 )
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes               (9,269 )

SUNOPTA INC. 31 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SunOpta Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
(Unaudited)
(All tabular amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

  Three quarters ended  
    September 30, 2017  
    Global     Consumer        
    Ingredients     Products     Consolidated  
   $    $    $  
Segment revenues from external customers   420,247     566,951     987,198  
Segment operating income   18,388     14,696     33,084  
Corporate Services               (28,460 )
Other expense, net (see note 12)               (12,022 )
Interest expense, net               (23,820 )
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes               (31,218 )

    Three quarters ended  
    October 1, 2016  
    Global     Consumer        
    Ingredients     Products     Consolidated  
   $    $    $  
Segment revenues from external customers   441,694     607,498     1,049,192  
Segment operating income   24,256     6,989     31,245  
Corporate Services               (6,544 )
Other expense, net (see note 12)               (22,723 )
Interest expense, net               (34,748 )
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes               (32,770 )

SUNOPTA INC. 32 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Financial Information

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the interim consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 contained under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (“Form 10-K”). Unless otherwise indicated herein, the discussion and analysis contained in this MD&A includes information available to November 8, 2017.

Certain statements contained in this MD&A may constitute forward-looking statements as defined under securities laws. Forward-looking statements may relate to our future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, litigation, projected costs, capital expenditures, financial results, taxes, plans and objectives. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “target”, “intend”, “project”, “potential”, “continue”, “believe”, “expect”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might”, “plan”, “will”, “may”, “predict”, or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. To the extent any forward-looking statements contain future-oriented financial information or financial outlooks, such information is being provided to enable a reader to assess our financial condition, material changes in our financial condition, our results of operations, and our liquidity and capital resources. Readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose, including investment decisions.

Forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding expected growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements are also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what we currently expect. These factors are more fully described in the “Risk Factors” section at Item 1A of the Form 10-K and Item 1A of Part II of this report.

Forward-looking statements contained in this commentary are based on our current estimates, expectations and projections, which we believe are reasonable as of the date of this report. You should not place undue importance on forward-looking statements and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Other than as required under securities laws, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking information at any particular time.

Unless otherwise noted herein, all currency amounts in this MD&A are expressed in U.S. dollars. All tabular dollar amounts are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts.


SUNOPTA INC. 33 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Overview

SunOpta is a global company focused on sourcing organic and non-genetically modified (“non-GMO”) ingredients, and manufacturing healthy food and beverage products. Our global sourcing platform makes us one of the leading suppliers of organic and non-GMO raw materials and ingredients in the food industry. Our consumer products portfolio utilizes internally and externally sourced raw materials and ingredients to manufacture healthy food and beverage products for supply to retail, foodservice and branded food customers. We operate our business in the following reportable segments:

  •  

Global Ingredients aggregates our North American-based Raw Material Sourcing and Supply and European-based International Sourcing and Supply operating segments focused on the procurement and sale of specialty and organic grains and seeds, raw material ingredients, value-added grain- and cocoa-based ingredients, and organic commodities.

   

  •  

Consumer Products consists of three main commercial platforms: Healthy Beverages, Healthy Fruit and Healthy Snacks. Healthy Beverages includes aseptic packaged products including non-dairy and dairy beverages, broths and teas; refrigerated premium juices; and shelf-stable juices and functional waters. Healthy Fruit includes individually quick frozen (“IQF”) fruits for retail; IQF and bulk frozen fruit for foodservice; and custom fruit preparations for industrial use. Healthy Snacks includes fruit snacks; nutrition bars; and flexible resealable pouch products.

     
SUNOPTA INC. 34 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Fiscal Year

We operate on a fiscal calendar that results in a given fiscal year consisting of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2017 is a 52-week period ending on December 30, 2017, with quarterly periods ending on April 1, July 1 and September 30, 2017. Fiscal year 2016 was a 52-week period ending on December 31, 2016, with quarterly periods ending on April 2, July 2 and October 1, 2016.

Value Creation Plan

On October 7, 2016, we entered into a strategic partnership with Oaktree Capital Management L.P., a private equity investor (together with its affiliates, “Oaktree”). On October 7, 2016, Oaktree invested $85.0 million through the purchase of cumulative, non-participating Series A Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) of our wholly-owned subsidiary, SunOpta Foods Inc. (“SunOpta Foods”).

Following the strategic partnership, with the assistance of Oaktree, we conducted a thorough review of our operations, management and governance, with the objective of maximizing our ability to deliver long-term value to our shareholders. As a product of this review our management and the Board of Directors developed a Value Creation Plan built on four pillars: portfolio optimization, operational excellence, go-to-market effectiveness and process sustainability. The Value Creation Plan is a broad-based initiative focused on increasing shareholder value through strategic investments made to the people and assets of the Company to deliver sustained profitable growth. We expect the Value Creation Plan to be implemented in phases, and span several years.

As part of the first phase of the Value Creation Plan, we are targeting implementation of $30 million of productivity-driven annualized enhancements of earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), to be implemented over 2017 and 2018. For fiscal 2017, these EBITDA benefits will be offset by expenses associated with the Value Creation Plan, including structural investments made in the areas of quality, sales, marketing, operations and engineering resources, as well as non-structural third-party consulting support, severance, and recruiting costs. The plan also calls for increased investment in capital upgrades at several manufacturing facilities to enhance food safety and manufacturing efficiencies. Over time, these investments are expected to yield additional improvement in EBITDA beyond the $30 million of initial productivity-driven savings. For the third quarter of 2017, we continued to achieve progress against each of the four pillars of the Value Creation Plan and we believe we are on track to achieve targeted productivity enhancements, while continuing to make the necessary structural investments we believe will accelerate growth and drive long-term value. Recent progress on each of the four pillars of the Value Creation Plan is highlighted below:

Portfolio Optimization

The focus of the portfolio optimization pillar is to simplify the business, investing where structural advantages exist, while exiting businesses or product lines where we are not effectively positioned. Recent highlights include:

  •  

Announced the exit from nutrition bar product lines and operations in Carson City, Nevada, targeting substantial completion by the end of the fourth quarter of 2017.

   

  •  

Announced the discontinuation of flexible resealable pouch products along with an agreement to sell the associated pouch equipment for $2.0 million, which closed on November 3, 2017.

   

  •  

Continued progress on an expansion project to add incremental freezing capacity, storage, and retail bagging capabilities to our Mexican frozen fruit facility, which is expected to be ready in time for the 2018 fruit season.

   

  •  

Continued progress on an expansion project to add increased roasting and press capacity to our specialty cocoa processing facility in the Netherlands.

Since the initiation of the Value Creation Plan, we have implemented portfolio changes that are expected to yield approximately $6.0 million of annualized EBITDA benefits. The increase from the previously disclosed target of $5.0 million reflects the planned exit of the flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines.

SUNOPTA INC. 35 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Operational Excellence

The focus of the operational excellence pillar is to ensure food quality and safety, coupled with improved operational performance and efficiency. We expect these efforts to generate productivity improvements and cost savings in manufacturing, procurement and logistics. Recent highlights include:

  •  

Continued to enhance food safety and quality across the manufacturing platform at the plant level and supplier level with a focus on ensuring raw materials meet strict food safety and quality standards before entering our facilities.

   

  •  

Continued to identify and implement productivity initiatives focusing on manufacturing efficiencies, purchasing synergies and effective freight management.

   

  •  

Under the direction of a new continuous improvement leader, rolled out “SunOpta 360” across the network of aseptic beverage facilities, establishing a sustainable continuous improvement methodology for the Company and adding to the pipeline of opportunities.

Since the initiation of the Value Creation Plan, we have implemented process improvements and cost savings that are expected to yield approximately $5.3 million of annualized EBITDA benefits.

Go-To-Market Effectiveness

The focus of the go-to-market effectiveness pillar is to optimize customer and product mix in existing sales channels, and identify and penetrate new high-potential sales channels. We expect efforts under this pillar to improve revenue growth and profitability over time. Recent highlights include:

  •  

Continued to grow the pipeline of commercial opportunities across the beverage, aseptic and fruit snack categories with recent private label, foodservice, and contract manufacturing account wins across several consumer products categories.

   

  •  

Hired a new Chief Customer Officer for the Consumer Products segment, as well as a new head of marketing, and other new commercial talent that will focus efforts on growing the topline.

Since the initiation of the Value Creation Plan, we have implemented go-to-market improvements through strategic pricing actions that are expected to yield approximately $1.2 million of annualized EBITDA benefits. We have lowered this estimate from $2.0 million, as previously disclosed, to reflect improvements associated with our flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines, which we now intend to exit.

Process Sustainability

The focus of the process sustainability pillar is to ensure we have the infrastructure, systems and skills to sustain the business improvements and value captured from the Value Creation Plan. Broadening the skillset and experience of SunOpta’s leadership team is a critical component to the process sustainability pillar of the Value Creation Plan. Recent highlights include:

  •   Appointed a new General Manager to lead the frozen fruit platform.
     
  •   Upgraded several plant manager positions across the Company.
     
  •   Continued focus on customer service and working capital levels as sales and operations planning processes and support systems are refined.
     
  •   Initiated enterprise resource planning at our Mexican frozen fruit facility.

The statements we make in this report about the expected results of the Value Creation Plan, including expected improvements in earnings, EBITDA, working capital efficiencies, expected cash flows, and expected costs, are forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above. EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that management uses when assessing the performance of our operations and our ability to generate cash flows to fund our cash requirements, including debt service and capital expenditures. See footnote (3) to the “Consolidated Results of Operations for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016” table below for a reconciliation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA from loss from continuing operations, which we consider to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.

SUNOPTA INC. 36 September 30, 2017 10-Q


In the second half of 2016 and first three quarters of 2017, we incurred significant costs in connection with measures taken under the Value Creation Plan. These costs included inventory and long-lived asset impairment charges and facility closure costs primarily related to the closure of our San Bernardino, California, juice facility ($10.3 million in the third quarter of 2016 and $4.4 million in the first three quarters of 2017), and the exit from flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations ($5.8 million in the third quarter of 2017), as well as employee recruitment, relocation, retention and severance costs related to exit activities and organizational changes within management and executive teams, and recruiting efforts in the areas of quality, sales, marketing, operations and engineering ($3.3 million and $9.3 million in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017, respectively). In addition, we incurred third-party legal advisory, consulting and temporary labor costs in support of the Value Creation Plan of $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2016, and $1.2 million and $15.8 million in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2017, respectively. We also made capital investments at several of our manufacturing facilities to enhance food safety and production efficiency.

Costs incurred and charged to expense in the quarters and three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 were recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as follows:

    Quarter ended     Three quarters ended  
    September 30,     October 1,     September 30,     October 1,  
    2017     2016     2017     2016  
   $    $    $    $  
Cost of goods sold(1)   1,287     -     1,921     -  
Selling, general and administrative expenses(2)   2,400     483     20,839     483  
Other expense(3)   6,569     10,300     12,467     10,300  
    10,256     10,783     35,227     10,783  

  (1)

Inventory write-downs and facility closure costs recorded in cost of goods sold were allocated to the Consumer Products operating segment.

  (2)

Consulting fees and temporary labor costs, and employee recruitment, relocation and retention costs recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses were allocated to Corporate Services.

  (3)

Asset impairment and employee termination costs recorded in other expense were not allocated to the Company’s operating segments or Corporate Services.

We estimate third-party consulting and employee recruitment, retention and termination costs related to the Value Creation Plan to be incurred and expensed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 will be approximately $10 million, which includes approximately $8.0 million related to the early termination of the flexible resealable pouch equipment leases that was paid on closing of the asset sale transaction. This estimate does not include currently unforeseen asset impairment charges or employee-related costs that may arise from future actions taken under the Value Creation Plan.

For more information regarding the Value Creation Plan, see note 2 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Recall of Certain Roasted Sunflower Kernel Products

During the second quarter of 2016, we announced a voluntary recall of certain roasted sunflower kernel products produced at our Crookston, Minnesota facility due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Estimated losses related to the recall totaled $47.0 million as at September 30, 2017, compared to $40.0 million as at December 31, 2016, comprised of estimates for customer losses and direct incremental costs that we incurred. Our estimates for customer losses are provisional and were determined based on an assessment of the information available up to the date of filing of this report, including a review of customer claims received as of that date and consideration of the extent of potential additional claims that have yet to be received. We have general liability and product recall insurance policies with aggregate limits of $47.0 million under which we expect to recover recall-related costs, less applicable deductibles. As at September 30, 2017, we had recognized recoveries up to the limit of the coverage available under our insurance policies. Consequently, to the extent any losses are excluded under the insurance policies or additional losses are recognized related to existing or new claims, these excluded or excess losses will be recognized as a charge to future earnings. As at September 30, 2017, we had settled customer claims and direct costs in the amount of $34.6 million, which settlements were fully funded under our general liability and product recall insurance policies.

SUNOPTA INC. 37 September 30, 2017 10-Q


For more information regarding the recall, see note 5 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report.

SUNOPTA INC. 38 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Consolidated Results of Operations for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016

    September 30,     October 1,              
For the quarter ended   2017     2016     Change     Change  
   $    $    $     %  
Revenues                        
     Global Ingredients   140,533     137,174     3,359     2.4%  
     Consumer Products   180,180     211,558     (31,378 )   -14.8%  
Total revenues   320,713     348,732     (28,019 )   -8.0%  
                         
Gross profit                        
     Global Ingredients   16,064     16,796     (732 )   -4.4%  
     Consumer Products   20,391     24,234     (3,843 )   -15.9%  
Total gross profit   36,455     41,030     (4,575 )   -11.2%  
                         
Segment operating income (loss)(1)                        
     Global Ingredients   5,265     7,404     (2,139 )   -28.9%  
     Consumer Products   4,528     8,104     (3,576 )   -44.1%  
     Corporate Services   (4,832 )   (2,287 )   (2,545 )   -111.3%  
Total segment operating income   4,961     13,221     (8,260 )   -62.5%  
                         
Other expense, net   5,972     10,312     (4,340 )   -42.1%  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before the following   (1,011 )   2,909     (3,920 )   -134.8%  
Interest expense, net   8,371     12,178     (3,807 )   -31.3%  
Recovery of income taxes   (3,499 )   (5,411 )   1,912     35.3%  
Loss from continuing operations   (5,883 )   (3,858 )   (2,025 )   -52.5%  
Earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests   144     (503 )   647     128.6%  
                         
Loss attributable to SunOpta Inc.(2)   (6,027 )   (3,355 )   (2,672 )   -79.6%  

(1)

When assessing the financial performance of our operating segments, we use an internal measure of operating income that excludes other income/expense items and goodwill impairments determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). This measure is the basis on which management, including the Chief Executive Officer, assesses the underlying performance of our operating segments.

   

We believe that disclosing this non-GAAP measure assists investors in comparing financial performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that are not indicative of our core operating performance. However, the non-GAAP measure of operating income should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following table presents a reconciliation of segment operating income/loss to earnings (loss) from continuing operations before the following, which we consider to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.


    Global     Consumer     Corporate        
      Ingredients     Products     Services     Consolidated  
  For the quarter ended  $    $    $    $  
  September 30, 2017                        
  Segment operating income (loss)   5,265     4,528     (4,832 )   4,961  
  Other income (expense), net   (233 )   (5,969 )   230     (5,972 )
  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before the following   5,032     (1,441 )   (4,602 )   (1,011 )
                           
  October 1, 2016                        
  Segment operating income (loss)   7,404     8,104     (2,287 )   13,221  
  Other expense, net   (14 )   (10,218 )   (80 )   (10,312 )
  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before the following   7,390     (2,114 )   (2,367 )   2,909  

We believe that investors’ understanding of our financial performance is enhanced by disclosing the specific items that we exclude from segment operating income. However, any measure of operating income excluding any or all of these items is not, and should not be viewed as, a substitute for operating income prepared under U.S. GAAP. These items are presented solely to allow investors to more fully understand how we assess financial performance.

SUNOPTA INC. 39 September 30, 2017 10-Q



(2)

When assessing our financial performance, we use an internal measure of earnings from continuing operations, net of non-controlling interests, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP that includes dividends and accretion on convertible preferred stock and excludes specific items recognized in other income/expense, impairment losses on goodwill, long-lived assets and investments, other unusual items that are identified and evaluated on an individual basis, which due to their nature or size, we would not expect to occur as part of our normal business on a regular basis. We believe that the identification of these excluded items enhances an analysis of our financial performance of our core business when comparing those operating results between periods, as we do not consider these items to be reflective of normal core business operations.

   

The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted earnings/loss from loss from continuing operations, which we consider to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. In addition, recognizing our intention to exit flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations (as described above under “Value Creation Plan”), we have prepared this table in a columnar format to present the effect of these operations on our consolidated results for the current and comparative periods. We believe this presentation assists investors in assessing the results of the operations we intend to exit and the effect of those operations on our financial performance.


      Excluding flexible     Flexible              
      resealable pouch     resealable pouch              
      and nutrition bar     and nutrition bar           Consolidated  
      Per Diluted     Per Diluted           Per Diluted  
      Share     Share           Share  
         For the quarter ended  $    $    $    $    $    $  
         September 30, 2017                                    
         Loss from continuing operations   (639 )         (5,244 )         (5,883 )      
         Less: earnings attributable to non-controlling interests   (144 )         -           (144 )      
         Less: dividends and accretion of Series A Preferred Stock   (1,954 )         -           (1,954 )      
         Loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders   (2,737 )   (0.03 )   (5,244 )   (0.06 )   (7,981 )   (0.09 )
                                       
         Adjusted for:                                    
                 Costs related to the Value Creation Plan(a)   3,050           7,206           10,256        
                 Product withdrawal and recall costs(b)   134           -           134        
                 Recovery of legal settlement(c)   (1,024 )         -           (1,024 )      
                 Other(d)   293           -           293        
                 Net income tax effect(e)   (774 )         (2,810 )         (3,584 )      
  Adjusted loss   (1,058 )   (0.01 )   (848 )   (0.01 )   (1,906 )   (0.02 )
                                     
         October 1, 2016                                    
         Loss from continuing operations   (3,759 )         (99 )         (3,858 )      
         Add: loss attributable to non-controlling interests   503           -           503        
         Loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders   (3,256 )   (0.04 )   (99 )   (0.00 )   (3,355 )   (0.04 )
                                       
         Adjusted for:                                    
                 Costs related to the Value Creation Plan(f)   10,783           -           10,783        
                 Costs related to business acquisitions(g)   5,515           -           5,515        
                 Product withdrawal and recall costs(h)   683           -           683        
                 Litigation-related legal fees(i)   564           -           564        
                 Other(d)   12           -           12        
                 Net income tax effect(e)   (6,629 )         -           (6,629 )      
                 Change in unrecognized tax benefits(j)   (1,268 )         -           (1,268 )      
         Adjusted earnings (loss)   6,404     0.07     (99 )   (0.00 )   6,305     0.07  

  (a)

Reflects inventory write-downs of $1.3 million recorded in cost of goods sold; and consulting fees, temporary labor, employee recruitment, relocation and retention costs of $2.4 million recorded in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses; and asset impairment charges and employee termination costs of $6.6 million recorded in other expense (as described above under “Value Creation Plan”).

  (b)

Reflects product withdrawal costs not eligible for reimbursement under our insurance policies, which were recorded in other expense.

  (c)

Reflects a recovery on the early extinguishment of a rebate obligation that arose from the prior settlement of a flexible resealable pouch product recall dispute with a customer, which was recorded in other income.

  (d)

Other included fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration arrangements and gain/loss on the sale of assets, which were recorded in other expense.

  (e)

Reflects the tax effect of the preceding adjustments to earnings and reflects an overall estimated annual effective tax rate of approximately 30% on adjusted earnings before tax.

  (f)

Reflects legal advisory costs of $0.5 million recorded in SG&A expenses; and asset impairment charges of $10.3 million recorded in other expense (as described above under “Value Creation Plan”).

  (g)

Reflects costs related to the acquisition of Sunrise Holdings (Delaware), Inc. (“Sunrise”) in October 2015 (the “Sunrise Acquisition”), including an acquisition accounting adjustment related to Sunrise’s inventory sold in the third quarter of 2016 of $1.9 million, which was recorded in cost of goods sold; and the non-cash amortization and expense of debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the financing related to the Sunrise Acquisition of $3.6 million, which was recorded in interest expense.


SUNOPTA INC. 40 September 30, 2017 10-Q



  (h)

Reflects $0.7 million adjustment for the estimated lost gross profit caused by the recall of certain sunflower kernel products (as described above under “Recall of Certain Roasted Sunflower Kernel Products”), which reflected a shortfall in revenues against anticipated volumes of approximately $2.9 million, less associated cost of goods sold of approximately $2.2 million.

  (i)

Reflects legal costs related to the settlement of the flexible resealable pouch product recall dispute with a customer (see (c) above), which were recorded in SG&A expenses.

  (j)

Reflects the realization of previously unrecognized tax benefits, due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.

We believe that investors’ understanding of our financial performance is enhanced by disclosing the specific items that we exclude from earnings/loss attributable to SunOpta Inc. to compute adjusted earnings/loss. However, adjusted earnings/loss is not, and should not be viewed as, a substitute for earnings prepared under U.S. GAAP. Adjusted earnings/loss is presented solely to allow investors to more fully understand how we assess our financial performance.

(3)

We use measures of EBITDA when assessing the performance of our operations and our ability to generate cash flows to fund our cash requirements, including debt service and capital expenditures. We also use these measures to review and assess our progress under the Value Creation Plan (as described above under “Value Creation Plan”) and to assess operating performance in connection with our employee incentive programs. In addition, we are subject to certain debt covenants that restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness unless we meet certain ratios based on EBITDA. We define EBITDA as segment operating income/loss plus depreciation, amortization and non-cash stock-based compensation, and adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA excluding other unusual items that affect the comparability of operating performance as identified in the determination of adjusted earnings (refer above to footnote (2)). The following table presents a reconciliation of segment operating income/loss, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA from loss from continuing operations, which we consider to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. In addition, as described above under footnote (2), we have prepared this table in a columnar format to present the effect of flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar operations on our consolidated results for the current and comparative periods. We believe this presentation assists investors in assessing the results of the operations we intend to exit and the effect of those operations on our financial performance and cash-generating ability.


      Excluding flexible     Flexible        
      resealable pouch     resealable pouch        
      and nutrition bar     and nutrition bar     Consolidated  
  For the quarter ended  $    $    $  
  September 30, 2017                  
  Loss from continuing operations   (639 )   (5,244 )   (5,883 )
  Recovery of income taxes   (146 )   (3,353 )   (3,499 )
  Interest expense, net   8,371     -     8,371  
  Other expense, net   53     5,919     5,972  
  Total segment operating income (loss)   7,639     (2,678 )   4,961  
       Depreciation and amortization   8,055     199     8,254  
       Stock-based compensation(a)   2,235     -     2,235  
  EBITDA   17,929     (2,479 )   15,450  
  Adjusted for:                  
       Costs related to Value Creation Plan(b)   2,400     1,287     3,687  
  Adjusted EBITDA   20,329     (1,192 )   19,137  
                     
  October 1, 2016                  
  Loss from continuing operations   (3,759 )   (99 )   (3,858 )
  Recovery of income taxes   (5,348 )   (63 )   (5,411 )
  Interest expense, net   12,178     -     12,178  
  Other expense, net   10,312     -     10,312  
  Total segment operating income (loss)   13,383     (162 )   13,221  
       Depreciation and amortization   8,436     210     8,646  
       Stock-based compensation(a)   1,181     -     1,181  
  EBITDA   23,000     48     23,048  
  Adjusted for:                  
       Costs related to Value Creation Plan(b)   483     -     483  
       Costs related to business acquisitions(c)   1,890     -     1,890  
       Product withdrawal and recall costs(d)   683     -     683  
       Litigation-related legal fees(e)   564     -     564  
  Adjusted EBITDA   26,620     48     26,668  

  (a)

For the third quarter of 2017, stock-based compensation of $2.2 million was recorded in SG&A expenses, and the reversal of $0.2 million of previously recognized stock-based compensation related to forfeited awards previously granted to terminated employees was recognized in other expense. For the third quarter of 2016, stock-based compensation of $1.2 million was recorded in SG&A.

  (b)

For the third quarter of 2017, reflects inventory write-downs of $1.3 million recorded in cost of goods sold and consulting fees, temporary labor, employee recruitment, relocation and retention costs of $2.4 million recorded in SG&A expenses. For the third quarter of 2016, reflects legal advisory costs recorded in SG&A expenses. (As described above under “Value Creation Plan”).

  (c)

Reflects the acquisition accounting adjustment related to Sunrise’s inventory sold in the third quarter of 2016 of $1.9 million, which was recorded in cost of goods sold.

  (d)

Reflects the estimated lost gross profit caused by the recall of certain sunflower kernel products of $0.7 million, which reflected the shortfall in revenues against anticipated volumes of approximately $2.9 million, less associated cost of goods sold of approximately $2.2 million.


SUNOPTA INC. 41 September 30, 2017 10-Q



  (e)

Reflects legal costs related to the settlement of a flexible resealable pouch product recall dispute with a customer, which were recorded in SG&A expenses.

Although we use EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as measures to assess the performance of our business and for the other purposes set forth above, these measures have limitations as analytic tools, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for an analysis of our results of operations as reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

  •  

neither EBITDA nor adjusted EBITDA reflects the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest payments on our indebtedness;

   

  •  

neither EBITDA nor adjusted EBITDA includes the payment of taxes, which is a necessary element of our operations;

   

  •  

although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and neither EBITDA nor adjusted EBITDA reflects any cash requirements for such replacements; and

   

  •  

neither EBITDA nor adjusted EBITDA includes non-cash stock-based compensation, which is an important component of our total compensation program for employees and directors.

Because of these limitations, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as measures of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Management compensates for these limitations by not viewing EBITDA or adjusted EBITDA in isolation, and specifically by using other U.S. GAAP and non-GAAP measures, such as revenues, gross profit, segment operating income, earnings and adjusted earnings to measure our operating performance. Neither EBITDA nor adjusted EBITDA is a measurement of financial performance under U.S. GAAP and neither should be considered as an alternative to our results of operations or cash flows from operations determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and our calculations of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to the calculation of similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

(4)

In order to evaluate our results of operations, we use certain non-GAAP measures that we believe enhance an investor’s ability to derive meaningful year-over-year comparisons and trends from our results of operations. In particular, we evaluate our revenues on a basis that excludes the effects of fluctuations in commodity pricing and foreign exchange rates. In addition, we exclude specific items from our reported results that due to their nature or size, we do not expect to occur as part of our normal business on a regular basis. These items are identified above under footnote (2), and in the discussion of our results of operations below. These non-GAAP measures are presented solely to allow investors to more fully assess our results of operations and should not considered in isolation of, or as substitutes for an analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP.

Revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 decreased by 8.0% to $320.7 million from $348.7 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. Excluding the impact on revenues for the third quarter of 2017 of changes in commodity-related pricing and foreign exchange rates (a decrease in revenues of approximately $2.7 million) and sales of flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar products (a decrease in revenues of $0.8 million), revenues in the third quarter of 2017 decreased by 7.4%, compared with the third quarter of 2016. This decrease in revenues on an adjusted basis reflected lower sales of frozen fruit products due to lower consumer demand and lost customer volumes, and lower sales of non-dairy aseptic beverage products related to customer order patterns and the previously announced loss of a significant customer.

Gross profit decreased $4.6 million, or 11.2%, to $36.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared with $41.0 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. As a percentage of revenues, gross profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 was 11.4% compared to 11.8% for the quarter ended October 1, 2016, a decrease of 0.4% . The gross profit percentage for the third quarter of 2017 would have been approximately 11.8%, excluding the impact of a $1.3 million write-down of flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar inventories as a result of the plan to exit these product lines. The gross profit percentage for the third quarter of 2016 would have been approximately 12.3%, excluding the impact of costs related to the acquisition accounting adjustment related to the Sunrise inventory sold subsequent to the acquisition date ($1.9 million) and lost margin caused by the sunflower recall ($0.7 million). Excluding these items, the gross profit percentage decreased 0.5% on an adjusted basis in the third quarter of 2017, compared with the third quarter of 2016, which reflected higher losses within our flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar operations, due to the closure of west coast pouch operations following a fire in the third quarter of 2016, and higher plant costs and production inefficiencies related to the introduction of new nutrition bar offerings. In addition, we experienced lower production volumes and operating efficiencies within our aseptic beverage operations related to the shortfall in sales volumes. These factors were partially offset by lower raw material pricing within our healthy fruit operations and operational savings following the closure of the San Bernardino premium juice facility.

Total segment operating income for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 decreased by $8.3 million, or 62.5%, to $5.0 million, compared with $13.2 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. As a percentage of revenues, segment operating income was 1.5% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared with 3.8% for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. The decrease in segment operating income reflected the lower overall gross profit as described above and a $2.2 million increase in SG&A expenses. The increase in SG&A expenses mainly reflected incremental employee recruitment, relocation and retention costs ($1.2 million) and consulting fees and temporary labor costs ($1.2 million) associated with the Value Creation Plan. Excluding these items, as well as those items identified above affecting gross profit, segment operating income as a percentage of revenues on an adjusted basis would have been 2.7% for the third quarter of 2017, compared with 4.8% for the third quarter of 2016. In addition, SG&A expenses reflected higher employee compensation-related costs related to structural investments in new quality, sales, marketing, engineering and accounting resources, offset by a reversal in the third quarter of 2017 of employee short-term incentives tied to operating performance. Segment operating income included a foreign exchange loss of $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared with $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2016, which mainly reflected the impact of movements in the U.S. dollar relative to the euro and Mexican peso on our international organic ingredient and frozen fruit operations.

SUNOPTA INC. 42 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Further details on revenue, gross profit and segment operating income variances are provided below under “Segmented Operations Information”.

Other expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 of $6.0 million reflected the impairment of long-lived assets related to the exit from our flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations ($4.5 million) and employee termination costs ($2.1 million) associated with the Value Creation Plan, partially offset by a $1.0 million recovery on the early extinguishment of a rebate obligation that arose from the prior settlement of a recall dispute with a customer related to flexible resealable pouch products. Other expense for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 of $10.3 million reflected the impairment of long-lived assets associated with the closure of San Bernardino facility of $10.3 million.

Interest expense decreased by $3.8 million to $8.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared with $12.2 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. Interest expense included the amortization and write-off of debt issuance costs of $0.6 million and $3.6 million in the third quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively. The quarter-over-quarter decrease in interest expense primarily reflected the reduction in non-cash amortization following the one-year maturity of the initial second lien loans used to partially fund the Sunrise Acquisition, and the repayment of $79.0 million of second lien debt with the net proceeds from the Preferred Stock offering in October 2016.

We recognized a recovery of income tax of $3.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared with $5.4 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 (which included the realization of $1.3 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits). The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 was 37.3%, compared with 44.7% for the third quarter of 2016 (excluding the impact of the change in unrecognized tax benefits). The effective tax rates reflected the effect of a mix of pre-tax losses projected in the U.S. and pre-tax earnings in certain other jurisdictions. In fiscal years 2017 and 2016, pre-tax losses projected in the U.S. reflected anticipated costs associated with the Value Creation Plan, including asset impairment charges and employee termination costs related to the exit from flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations, and closure of the San Bernardino facility.

On a consolidated basis, we realized a loss of $6.0 million (diluted loss per share of $0.09) for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared with a loss of $3.4 million (diluted loss per share of $0.04) for the quarter ended October 1, 2016.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, adjusted loss was $1.9 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, on a consolidated basis, compared with adjusted earnings of $6.3 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, on a consolidated basis for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. Excluding flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations, which we plan to exit, adjusted loss was $1.1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared with adjusted earnings of $6.4 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 was $19.1 million on a consolidated basis, compared with $26.7 million on a consolidated basis for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. Excluding flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations, adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 was $20.3 million, compared with $26.6 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. Adjusted earnings and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. See footnotes (2) and (3) to the table above for a reconciliation of adjusted earnings/loss and adjusted EBITDA from loss from continuing operations, which we consider to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.

SUNOPTA INC. 43 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Segmented Operations Information

Global Ingredients                        
    September 30,                    
For the quarter ended   2017     October 1, 2016     Change     % Change  
                         
Revenues $  140,533   $  137,174   $  3,359     2.4%  
Gross Profit   16,064     16,796     (732 )   -4.4%  
Gross Profit %   11.4%     12.2%           -0.8%  
                         
Operating Income $  5,265   $  7,404   $  (2,139 )   -28.9%  
Operating Income %   3.7%     5.4%           -1.7%  

Global Ingredients contributed $140.5 million in revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared to $137.2 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016, an increase of $3.4 million, or 2.4% . The impact on revenues of changes including foreign exchange rates and commodity-related pricing had a negligible impact on the quarter-over-quarter change in Global Ingredients revenues. The table below explains the increase in revenue:

Global Ingredients Revenue Changes  
Revenues for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 $137,174
               Increased volumes of internationally-sourced organic ingredients including nuts, cocoa and grains, 
               partially offset by lower volumes of seeds, fruits, vegetables and liquid sweeteners
4,589
               Favorable foreign exchange impact on euro-denominated sales due to a weaker average U.S. dollar quarter-over-quarter 2,709
               Increased volumes of domestically-sourced organic feed and specialty soy, 
               partially offset by lower volumes of specialty corn
2,521
               Increased commodity pricing for internationally-sourced organic ingredients 1,161
               Decreased commodity pricing for domestically-sourced specialty and organic grains and seeds (3,855)
               Lower roasted volumes due to reduced customer demand following the sunflower recall, and lower raw 
               sunflower volumes due to competition from global suppliers
(3,766)
Revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 $140,533

Gross profit in Global Ingredients decreased by $0.7 million to $16.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 compared to $16.8 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016, and the gross profit percentage decreased by 0.8% to 11.4% . The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to an unfavorable product mix of, and reduced pricing spreads on, certain internationally-sourced organic ingredients, partially offset by improved pricing spread on domestically-sourced organic feed. The table below explains the decrease in gross profit:

Global Ingredients Gross Profit Changes  
Gross profit for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 $16,796
               Reduced pricing spreads and lower volumes of certain higher-margin internationally-
               sourced organic ingredients, and lower sales volumes of raw sunflower and roasted
               products
(1,605)
               Improved pricing spread on domestically-sourced organic feed, partially offset by lower
               commodity pricing on specialty soy
873
Gross profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 $16,064

SUNOPTA INC. 44 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Operating income in Global Ingredients decreased by $2.1 million, or 28.9%, to $5.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared to $7.4 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. The table below explains the decrease in operating income:

Global Ingredients Operating Income Changes  
Operating income for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 $7,404
               Decrease in gross profit, as explained above (732)
               Increase in foreign exchange losses primarily related to forward currency contracts (1,414)
               Increase in corporate cost allocations (75)
               Lower employee-related compensation costs due to the reversal of short-term incentive 
               accruals, mostly offset by increased headcount within our international organic ingredient operations
82
Operating income for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 $5,265

Looking forward, we believe Global Ingredients is well positioned in growing non-GMO and organic food categories. However, performance of Global Ingredients in the near-term could continue to be affected by reduced customer demand due to the sunflower recall. We intend to focus our efforts on (i) growing our organic sourcing and supply capabilities, making certified organic ingredients a larger proportion of our overall sales; (ii) leveraging our international sourcing and supply capabilities internally, and forward and backward integrating where opportunities exist; and (iii) initiating a global desk coordination program between our North American and International sourcing and supply operations to capitalize on global opportunities and drive incremental sales volume. The statements in this paragraph are forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above. Increased supply pressure in the commodity-based markets in which we operate, increased competition, volume decreases or loss of customers, unexpected delays in our expansion or desk coordination plans, or our inability to secure quality inputs or achieve our product mix or cost reduction goals, along with the other factors described above under “Forward-Looking Statements”, could adversely impact our ability to meet these forward-looking expectations.

Consumer Products                        
    September 30,                    
For the quarter ended   2017     October 1, 2016     Change     % Change  
                         
Revenues $  180,180   $  211,558   $  (31,378 )   -14.8%  
Gross Profit   20,391     24,234     (3,843 )   -15.9%  
Gross Profit %   11.3%     11.5%           -0.2%  
                         
Operating Income $  4,528   $  8,104   $  (3,576 )   -44.1%  
Operating Income %   2.5%     3.8%           -1.3%  

Consumer Products contributed $180.2 million in revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared to $211.6 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016, a $31.4 million, or 14.8% decrease. Excluding the impact on revenues of changes in raw fruit commodity-related pricing (a decrease in revenues of $2.7 million) and sales of flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar products (a decrease in revenues of $0.8 million), Consumer Products revenues decreased 14.2% . The table below explains the decrease in revenues:

SUNOPTA INC. 45 September 30, 2017 10-Q



Consumer Products Revenue Changes  
Revenues for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 $211,558
               Lower volumes of frozen fruit due to declines in consumer consumption trends and lost customer 
               volumes, as well as the impact of lower raw fruit commodity-related pricing passed on to customers
(19,138)
               Lower volumes of non-dairy aseptic beverage products related to customer order patterns and the 
               previously announced loss of a significant customer, partially offset by higher volumes of fruit snacks
(11,470)
               Lower sales of flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar products (770)
Revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 $180,180

Gross profit in Consumer Products decreased by $3.8 million to $20.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 compared to $24.2 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016, and the gross profit percentage decreased by 0.2% to 11.3% . For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, gross profit as a percentage of revenue was impacted by a write-down of $1.3 million of flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar inventories as a result of the plan to exit these operations. For the quarter ended October 1, 2016, gross profit as a percentage of revenue was impacted by the acquisition accounting adjustment related to Sunrise inventory sold of $1.9 million. Excluding these costs, the gross profit percentage in Consumer Products would have been 12.0% and 12.3% for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively. The decrease in gross profit percentage primarily reflected lower production volumes within our aseptic beverage operations, and higher losses within our flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar operations. These factors were partially offset by improved raw material pricing within our healthy fruit operations and operational savings from the closure of the San Bernardino premium juice facility. The table below explains the decrease in gross profit:

Consumer Products Gross Profit Changes  
Gross profit for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 $24,234
               Lower sales volumes of non-dairy aseptic beverages, partially offset by operational savings following 
               the closure of the San Bernardino facility and higher sales volumes of fruit snacks
(2,624)
               Higher losses within flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar operations (including the write-down of inventories 
               related to exit activities), which reflected the impact of the closure of west coast pouch operations following a fire at a 
               third-party facility in the third quarter of 2016, and higher plant costs and production inefficiencies related to the introduction
               of new nutrition bar offerings
(2,516)
               Lower sales volumes of frozen fruit, partially offset by favorable pricing on sourced raw fruit, as well as productivity
               and cost reduction initiatives within fruit ingredient operations
(593)
               Acquisition accounting adjustment related to Sunrise inventory sold in the third quarter of 2016 1,890
Gross profit for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 $20,391

Operating income in Consumer Products decreased by $3.6 million, or 44.1%, to $4.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared to $8.1 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. The table below explains the decrease in operating income:

SUNOPTA INC. 46 September 30, 2017 10-Q



Consumer Products Operating Income Changes  
Operating income for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 $8,104
               Decrease in gross profit, as explained above (3,843)
               Increase in corporate cost allocations (1,578)
               Lower employee-related compensation costs due to the reversal of short-term incentive accruals, 
               and lower foreign exchange losses on international operations
1,845
Operating income for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 $4,528

Looking forward we believe our Consumer Products segment remains well-positioned in markets with attractive growth potential. However, a continued decline in consumer consumption of frozen fruit could adversely affect the near-term performance of the Consumer Products segment. We intend to focus our efforts on (i) continuing to invest in new sales and marketing resources creating greater channel specific focus on retail and foodservice to bolster our pipeline of opportunities to drive incremental sales volume; (ii) investing in our facilities to enhance quality, safety, and manufacturing efficiency to drive both incremental sales and cost reduction; (iii) executing procurement and supply chain cost reduction initiatives focused on leveraging our buying power and creating increased network efficiency in our planning and logistics efforts; and (iv) leveraging our innovation capabilities to bring new value-added packaged products and processes to market and to increase our capacity utilization across the Consumer Products segment. The statements in this paragraph are forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above. Unfavorable shifts in consumer preferences, increased competition, availability of raw material supply, volume decreases or loss of customers, unexpected delays in our expansion and integration plans, inefficiencies in our manufacturing processes, lack of consumer product acceptance, or our inability to successfully implement the particular goals and strategies indicated above, along with the other factors described above under “Forward-Looking Statements”, could have an adverse impact on these forward-looking expectations.

Corporate Services                        
    September 30,                    
For the quarter ended   2017     October 1, 2016     Change     % Change  
                         
Operating Loss $  (4,832 ) $  (2,287 ) $  (2,545 )   -111.3%  

Operating loss at Corporate Services increased by $2.5 million to $4.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, from a loss of $2.3 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. The table below explains the increase in operating loss:

Corporate Services Operating Loss Changes  
Operating loss for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 $(2,287)
               Third-party consulting costs and employee recruitment, relocation and retention costs associated 
               with the Value Creation Plan
(1,917)
               Higher non-compensation-related costs, including the unfavorable impact on Canadian dollar-denominated 
               corporate headquarter expenses of a weaker average U.S. dollar quarter-over-quarter
(838)
               Decrease in foreign exchange gains on foreign currency transactions (740)
               Higher employee-related compensation costs, including stock-based compensation, associated with the Value 
               Creation Plan, partially offset by the reversal of short-term incentive accruals
(703)
               Increase in corporate cost allocations to SunOpta reporting segments 1,653
Operating loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 $(4,832)

Corporate cost allocations mainly consist of salaries of corporate personnel who directly support the operating segments, as well as costs related to the enterprise resource management system. These expenses are allocated to the operating segments based on (1) specific identification of allocable costs that represent a service provided to each segment and (2) a proportionate distribution of costs based on a weighting of factors such as revenue contribution and number of people employed within each segment.

SUNOPTA INC. 47 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Consolidated Results of Operations for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016

    September 30,     October 1,              
For the three quarters ended   2017     2016     Change     Change  
   $    $    $     %  
Revenues                        
     Global Ingredients   420,247     441,694     (21,447 )   -4.9%  
     Consumer Products   566,951     607,498     (40,547 )   -6.7%  
Total revenues   987,198     1,049,192     (61,994 )   -5.9%  
                         
Gross profit                        
     Global Ingredients   52,453     54,716     (2,263 )   -4.1%  
     Consumer Products   64,363     54,193     10,170     18.8%  
Total gross profit   116,816     108,909     7,907     7.3%  
                         
Segment operating income (loss)(1)                        
     Global Ingredients   18,388     24,256     (5,868 )   -24.2%  
     Consumer Products   14,696     6,989     7,707     110.3%  
     Corporate Services   (28,460 )   (6,544 )   (21,916 )   -334.9%  
Total segment operating income   4,624     24,701     (20,077 )   -81.3%  
                         
Other expense, net   12,022     22,723     (10,701 )   -47.1%  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before the following   (7,398 )   1,978     (9,376 )   -474.0%  
Interest expense, net   23,820     34,748     (10,928 )   -31.4%  
Recovery of income taxes   (14,049 )   (15,632 )   1,583     10.1%  
Loss from continuing operations   (17,169 )   (17,138 )   (31 )   -0.2%  
Earnings attributable to non-controlling interests   664     4     660     16500.0%  
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to SunOpta Inc.   -     (570 )   570     100.0%  
                         
Loss attributable to SunOpta Inc.(2)   (17,833 )   (17,712 )   (121 )   -0.7%  

(1)

The following table presents a reconciliation of segment operating income/loss to earnings (loss) from continuing operations before the following, which we consider to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure (refer to footnote (1) to the “Consolidated Results of Operations for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016” table regarding the use of this non-GAAP measure).


    Global     Consumer     Corporate        
      Ingredients     Products     Services     Consolidated  
  For the three quarters ended  $    $    $    $  
  September 30, 2017                        
  Segment operating income (loss)   18,388     14,696     (28,460 )   4,624  
  Other expense, net   (346 )   (10,714 )   (962 )   (12,022 )
  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before the following   18,042     3,982     (29,422 )   (7,398 )
                           
  October 1, 2016                        
  Segment operating income (loss)   24,256     6,989     (6,544 )   24,701  
  Other expense, net   (779 )   (21,472 )   (472 )   (22,723 )
  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before the following   23,477     (14,483 )   (7,016 )   1,978  

SUNOPTA INC. 48 September 30, 2017 10-Q



(2)

The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted earnings/loss from loss from continuing operations, which we consider to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure (refer to footnote (2) to the “Consolidated Results of Operations for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016” table regarding the use of this non-GAAP measure). In addition, recognizing our intention to exit flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations (as described above under “Value Creation Plan”), we have prepared this table in a columnar format to present the effect of these operations on our consolidated results for the current and comparative periods. We believe this presentation assists investors in assessing the results of the operations we intend to exit and the effect of those operations on our financial performance.


      Excluding flexible     Flexible              
      resealable pouch     resealable pouch              
      and nutrition bar     and nutrition bar           Consolidated  
      Per Diluted     Per Diluted           Per Diluted  
      Share     Share           Share  
         For the three quarters ended  $    $    $    $    $    $  
         September 30, 2017                                    
         Loss from continuing operations   (9,304 )         (7,865 )         (17,169 )      
         Less: earnings attributable to non-controlling interests   (664 )         -           (664 )      
         Less: dividends and accretion of Series A Preferred Stock   (5,848 )         -           (5,848 )      
         Loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders   (15,816 )   (0.18 )   (7,865 )   (0.09 )   (23,681 )   (0.27 )
                                       
         Adjusted for:                                    
                 Costs related to the Value Creation Plan(a)   28,021           7,206           35,227        
                 Product withdrawal and recall costs(b)   1,142           -           1,142        
                 Recovery of legal settlement(c)   (1,024 )         -           (1,024 )      
                 Other(d)   166           -           166        
                 Net income tax effect(e)   (12,560 )         (2,810 )         (15,370 )      
         Adjusted loss   (71 )   (0.00 )   (3,469 )   (0.04 )   (3,540 )   (0.04 )
                                     
         October 1, 2016                                    
         Loss from continuing operations   (17,101 )         (37 )         (17,138 )      
         Less: earnings attributable to non-controlling interests   (4 )         -           (4 )      
         Loss from continuing operations available to common shareholders   (17,105 )   (0.20 )   (37 )   (0.00 )   (17,142 )   (0.20 )
                                       
         Adjusted for:                                    
                 Costs related to business acquisitions(f)   25,931           -           25,931        
                 Legal settlement and litigation-related legal fees(g)   10,850           -           10,850        
                 Costs related to the Value Creation Plan(h)   10,783           -           10,783        
                 Product withdrawal and recall costs(i)   2,680           -           2,680        
                 Plant start-up costs(j)   1,565           -           1,565        
                 Write-off of debt issuance costs(k)   215           -           215        
                 Other(l)   1,199           -           1,199        
                 Gain on settlement of contingent consideration(m)   (1,715 )         -           (1,715 )      
                 Net income tax effect(e)   (19,985 )         -           (19,985 )      
                 Change in unrecognized tax benefits(n)   (1,268 )         -           (1,268 )      
         Adjusted earnings (loss)   13,150     0.15     (37 )   (0.00 )   13,113     0.15  

  (a)

Reflects inventory write-downs and facility closure costs of $1.9 million recorded in cost of goods sold; consulting fees, temporary labor, employee recruitment, relocation and retention costs of $20.8 million recorded in SG&A expenses; and asset impairment charges and employee termination costs of $12.5 million recorded in other expense (as described above under “Value Creation Plan”).

  (b)

Reflects costs related to the recall of certain sunflower kernel products (as described above under “Recall of Certain Roasted Sunflower Kernel Products), including a $0.7 million adjustment for the estimated lost gross profit in the first quarter of 2017 caused by the sunflower recall, which reflected a shortfall in revenues against prior year volumes of approximately $3.3 million, less associated cost of goods sold of approximately $2.6 million; and $0.4 million of product withdrawal costs not eligible for reimbursement under our insurance policies, which were recorded in other expense.

  (c)

Reflects a recovery on the early extinguishment of a rebate obligation that arose from the prior settlement of a flexible resealable pouch product recall dispute with a customer (see (g) below), which was recorded in other income.

  (d)

Other included fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration arrangements; severance costs unrelated to the Value Creation Plan; and gain/loss on the sale of assets, which were recorded in other expense.

  (e)

Reflects the tax effect of the preceding adjustments to earnings and reflects an overall estimated annual effective tax rate of approximately 30% on adjusted earnings before tax.


SUNOPTA INC. 49 September 30, 2017 10-Q



  (f)

Reflects costs related to the Sunrise Acquisition, including an acquisition accounting adjustment related to Sunrise’s inventory sold in the first three quarters of 2016 of $13.4 million, which was recorded in cost of goods sold; the non-cash amortization and expense of debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the initial financing related to the Sunrise Acquisition of $10.1 million, which were recorded in interest expense; and $2.4 million of integration costs related to the closure and consolidation of our frozen fruit processing operations following the Sunrise Acquisition, which were recorded in cost of goods sold and other expense.

  (g)

Reflects a charge of $9.0 million for the settlement of a flexible resealable pouch product recall dispute with a customer in the second quarter of 2016, which was recorded in other expense, and associated legal costs, which were recorded in SG&A expenses. The settlement amount included up to $4.0 million in rebates payable to the customer over a four-year period.

  (h)

Reflects legal advisory costs of $0.5 million recorded in SG&A expenses; and asset impairment charges of $10.3 million recorded in other expense (as described above under “Value Creation Plan”).

  (i)

Reflects costs of $1.1 million for the withdrawal of a consumer-packaged product for a quality-related issue and $0.6 million for insurance deductibles related to the sunflower recall, which were recorded in other expense. Also reflects a $1.0 million adjustment for the estimated lost gross profit caused by the sunflower recall, which reflected a shortfall in revenues against anticipated volumes of approximately $6.4 million, less associated cost of goods sold of approximately $5.4 million.

  (j)

Plant start-up costs relate to the ramp-up of production at our Allentown, Pennsylvania, facility following the completion of the addition of aseptic beverage processing and filling capabilities in the fourth quarter of 2015, which were recorded in cost of goods sold. These start-up costs reflected the negative gross profit reported by the facility as the facility ramped up to break-even production levels.

  (k)

Reflects the write-off to interest expense of $0.2 million of remaining unamortized debt issuance costs related to our former North American credit facilities, which were replaced by the Global Credit Facility.

  (l)

Other includes severance costs of $0.6 million and fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration arrangements of $0.6 million, which were recorded in other expense.

  (m)

Reflects a gain of settlement of the contingent consideration obligation related to the Niagara Natural acquisition, which was recorded in other income.

  (n)

Reflects the realization of previously unrecognized tax benefits, due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.


(3)

The following table presents a reconciliation of segment operating income/loss, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA from loss from continuing operations, which we consider to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure (refer to footnote (3) to the “Consolidated Results of Operations for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016” table regarding the use of this non-GAAP measure). In addition, as described above under footnote (2), we have prepared this table in a columnar format to present the effect of flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar operations on our consolidated results for the current and comparative periods. We believe this presentation assists investors in assessing the results of the operations we intend to exit and the effect of those operations on our financial performance and cash-generating ability.


      Excluding flexible     Flexible        
      resealable pouch     resealable pouch        
      and nutrition bar     and nutrition bar     Consolidated  
  For the three quarters ended  $    $    $  
  September 30, 2017                  
  Loss from continuing operations   (9,304 )   (7,865 )   (17,169 )
  Recovery of income taxes   (9,021 )   (5,028 )   (14,049 )
  Interest expense, net   23,820     -     23,820  
  Other expense, net   6,103     5,919     12,022  
  Total segment operating income (loss)   11,598     (6,974 )   4,624  
       Depreciation and amortization   23,951     650     24,601  
       Stock-based compensation(a)   4,700     -     4,700  
  EBITDA   40,249     (6,324 )   33,925  
  Adjusted for:                  
       Costs related to Value Creation Plan(b)   21,473     1,287     22,760  
       Product withdrawal and recall costs(c)   729     -     729  
  Adjusted EBITDA   62,451     (5,037 )   57,414  
                     
  October 1, 2016                  
  Loss from continuing operations   (17,101 )   (37 )   (17,138 )
  Recovery of income taxes   (15,608 )   (24 )   (15,632 )
  Interest expense, net   34,748     -     34,748  
  Other expense, net   22,723     -     22,723  
  Total segment operating income (loss)   24,762     (61 )   24,701  
       Depreciation and amortization   25,300     655     25,955  
       Stock-based compensation(a)   3,173     -     3,173  
  EBITDA   53,235     594     53,829  
  Adjusted for:                  
       Costs related to Value Creation Plan(b)   483     -     483  
       Product withdrawal and recall costs(c)   983     -     983  
       Costs related to business acquisitions(d)   13,554     -     13,554  
       Litigation-related legal fees(e)   1,850     -     1,850  
       Plant expansion and start-up costs(f)   1,565     -     1,565  
  Adjusted EBITDA   71,670     594     72,264  

  (a)

For the first three quarters of 2017, stock-based compensation of $4.7 million was recorded in SG&A expenses, and the reversal of $0.6 million of previously recognized stock-based compensation related to forfeited awards previously granted to terminated employees was recognized in other expense. For the first three quarters of 2016, stock-based compensation of $3.2 million was recorded in SG&A expenses.


SUNOPTA INC. 50 September 30, 2017 10-Q



  (b)

For the first three quarters of 2017, reflects inventory write-downs and facility closure costs of $1.9 million recorded in cost of goods sold, and consulting fees, temporary labor, employee recruitment, relocation and retention costs of $20.8 million recorded in SG&A expenses. For the third quarter of 2016, reflects legal advisory costs of $0.5 million recorded in SG&A expenses. (As described above under “Value Creation Plan”).

  (c)

For the first three quarters of 2017, reflects the estimated lost gross profit caused by the recall of certain sunflower kernel products of $0.7 million, which reflected the shortfall in revenues in the first quarter of 2017 against first quarter of 2016 volumes of approximately $3.3 million, less associated cost of goods sold of approximately $2.6 million. For the first three quarters of 2016, reflects estimated lost gross profit of $1.0 million, which reflected a shortfall in revenues in the first three quarters of 2016 against anticipated volumes of approximately $6.4 million, less associated cost of goods sold of approximately $5.4 million.

  (d)

Reflects costs related to the acquisition accounting adjustment related to Sunrise’s inventory sold in the first three quarters of 2016 of $13.4 million and the integration costs related to the closure and consolidation of our frozen fruit processing operations following the Sunrise Acquisition of $0.2 million, which were recorded in cost of goods sold.

  (e)

Reflects legal costs related to the settlement of the flexible resealable pouch product recall dispute with a customer, which were recorded in SG&A expenses.

  (f)

Reflects the negative gross profit reported by the Allentown facility as the facility ramped up to break-even production levels.


(4)

Refer to footnote (4) to the “Consolidated Results of Operations for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016” table regarding the use of certain other non-GAAP measures in the discussion of our results of operations below.

Revenues for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 decreased by 5.9% to $987.2 million from $1,049.2 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016. Excluding the impact on revenues for the first three quarters of 2017 of changes in commodity-related pricing and foreign exchange rates (a decrease in revenues of $14.6 million), estimated impact of the recall of certain sunflower kernel products based on shortfall against prior year volumes (a decrease in revenues of $3.3 million), and sales of flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar products (a decrease in revenues of $0.9 million), revenues in the first three quarters of 2017 decreased by 4.3%, compared with the first three quarters of 2016. This decrease in revenues on an adjusted basis reflected a lower sales of frozen fruit products due to lower consumer demand and lost customer volumes, lower sales of non-dairy aseptic beverage products related to customer order patterns and the previously announced loss of a significant customer, and lower raw and roasted sunflower volumes, due to global competition and reduced customer demand following the sunflower recall. These factors were partially offset by increased volumes of domestically-sourced grains and of premium juice products.

Gross profit increased $7.9 million, or 7.3%, to $116.8 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, compared with $108.9 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016. As a percentage of revenues, gross profit for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 was 11.8% compared to 10.4% for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, an increase of 1.5% . The gross profit percentage for the first three quarters of 2017 would have been approximately 12.1%, excluding the impact of the write-down of flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar inventories as a result of the plan to exit these product lines ($1.3 million), lost margin caused by the sunflower recall ($0.7 million), and facility closure costs under the Value Creation Plan ($0.6 million). For the first three quarters of 2016, the gross profit percentage would have been 11.8%, excluding the impact of costs related to the acquisition accounting adjustment related to the Sunrise inventory sold subsequent to the acquisition date ($13.4 million), start-up costs related to the ramp-up of production at the Allentown aseptic beverage facility ($1.6 million), and lost margin caused by the sunflower recall ($1.0 million). Excluding these items, the gross profit percentage increased 0.3% on an adjusted basis in the first three quarters of 2017, compared with the first three quarters of 2016, which reflected improved operating efficiencies and raw material pricing within our healthy fruit operations and operational savings following the closure of the San Bernardino premium juice facility, as well as a favorable foreign exchange impact on U.S. dollar-denominated raw material sourcing within our international organic ingredient operations. These factors were partially offset by higher losses within our flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar operations, due to the closure of west coast pouch operations following a fire in the third quarter of 2016, and higher plant costs and production inefficiencies related to the introduction of new nutrition bar offerings. In addition, we experienced lower production volumes and operating efficiencies within our aseptic beverage operations related to the shortfall in sales volumes, and reduced operating efficiencies in our sunflower and roasting operations, due to the lower production volumes following the recall.

Total segment operating income for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 decreased by $20.1 million, or 81.3%, to $4.6 million, compared with $24.7 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016. As a percentage of revenues, segment operating income was 0.5% for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, compared with 2.4% for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016. The decrease in segment operating income reflected a $26.7 million increase in SG&A expenses that more than offset the higher overall gross profit as described above. The increase in SG&A expenses mainly reflected incremental consulting fees and temporary labor costs ($15.8 million) and employee recruitment, relocation and retention costs ($5.1 million) associated with the Value Creation Plan. Excluding these items, as well as those items identified above affecting gross profit, segment operating income as a percentage of revenues on an adjusted basis would have been 2.8% for the first three quarters of 2017, compared with 4.1% for the first three quarters of 2016. In addition, the increase in SG&A expenses reflected higher employee compensation-related costs related to structural investments in new quality, sales, marketing, engineering and accounting resources. Segment operating income included foreign exchange losses of $4.3 million and $3.1 million in the first three quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively, which mainly reflected the impact of movements in the U.S. dollar relative to the euro and Mexican peso on our international organic ingredient and frozen fruit operations.

SUNOPTA INC. 51 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Further details on revenue, gross profit and segment operating income/loss variances are provided below under “Segmented Operations Information”.

Other expense for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 of $12.0 million reflected the impairment of long-lived assets related to the exit from our flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations and closure of the San Bernardino facility ($8.2 million), and employee termination costs ($4.2 million) associated with the Value Creation Plan, partially offset by a $1.0 million recovery on the early extinguishment of a rebate obligation that arose from the prior settlement of a recall dispute with a customer related to flexible resealable pouch products. Other expense for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016 of $22.7 million reflected the impairment of long-lived assets associated with the San Bernardino facility ($10.3 million), the cost of the settlement of the aforementioned flexible resealable pouch product recall dispute with a customer ($9.0 million, which included up to $4.0 million in rebates payable to the customer over a four-year period), as well as facility rationalization and severance costs primarily related to the consolidation of our frozen fruit processing facilities following the Sunrise Acquisition ($2.2 million), and costs associated with product withdrawals and recalls ($1.7 million). Other expenses in the first three quarters of 2016 were partially offset by the $1.7 million gain on settlement of the contingent consideration obligation related to the acquisition of Niagara Natural.

Interest expense decreased by $10.9 million to $23.8 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, compared with $34.7 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016. Interest expense included the amortization and write-off of debt issuance costs of $1.8 million and $10.2 million in the first three quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively. The period-over-period decrease in interest expense primarily reflected the reduction in non-cash amortization following the one-year maturity of the initial second lien loans used to partially fund the Sunrise Acquisition, and the repayment of $79.0 million of second lien debt with the net proceeds from the Preferred Stock offering in October 2016.

We recognized a recovery of income tax of $14.0 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, compared with $15.6 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016 (which included the realization of $1.3 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits). The effective tax rate for the first three quarters of 2017 was 45.0%, compared with 43.8% for the first three quarters of 2016 (excluding the impact of the change in unrecognized tax benefits). The effective tax rates reflected the effect of a mix of pre-tax losses projected in the U.S. and pre-tax earnings in certain other jurisdictions. In fiscal 2017, pre-tax losses projected in the U.S. reflect anticipated costs associated with the Value Creation Plan, including asset impairment charges and employee termination costs related to the exit from flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations, and closure of the San Bernardino facility. In fiscal 2016, pre-tax losses in the U.S. reflected costs associated with the Value Creation Plan (including the asset impairment charge related to the closure of the San Bernardino facility), Sunrise Acquisition, settlement of the product recall dispute, and product withdrawal and recall costs.

Loss from continuing operations attributable to SunOpta Inc. for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 was $17.8 million, compared with a loss of $17.1 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, a decrease of $0.7 million. Diluted loss per share from continuing operations was $0.27 for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, compared with diluted loss per share from continuing operations of $0.20 for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016.

The loss from discontinued operations of $0.6 million in the first three quarters of 2016 was related our investment in Opta Minerals Inc., which we sold in April 2016.

On a consolidated basis, we realized a loss of $17.8 million (diluted loss per share of $0.27) for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, compared with a loss of $17.7 million (diluted loss per share of $0.21) for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016.

For the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, adjusted loss was $3.5 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, on a consolidated basis, compared with adjusted earnings of $13.1 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, on a consolidated basis for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016. Excluding flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations, which we plan to exit, adjusted earnings was $0.1 million, or $0.00 per diluted share, for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, compared with $13.2 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017. Adjusted EBITDA for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 was $57.4 million on a consolidated basis, compared with $72.3 million on a consolidated basis for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016. Excluding flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar product lines and operations, adjusted EBITDA for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 was $62.5 million, compared with $71.7 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2016. Adjusted earnings and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. See footnotes (2) and (3) to the table above for a reconciliation of adjusted earnings/loss and adjusted EBITDA from loss from continuing operations, which we consider to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.

SUNOPTA INC. 52 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Segmented Operations Information

Global Ingredients                        
    September 30,                    
For the three quarters ended   2017     October 1, 2016     Change     % Change  
                         
Revenues $  420,247   $   441,694   $   (21,447 )   -4.9%  
Gross Profit   52,453     54,716     (2,263 )   -4.1%  
Gross Profit %   12.5%     12.4%           0.1%  
                         
Operating Income $  18,388   $   24,256   $   (5,868 )   -24.2%  
Operating Income %   4.4%     5.5%           -1.1%  

Global Ingredients contributed $420.2 million in revenues for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, compared to $441.7 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, a decrease of $21.4 million, or 4.9% . Excluding the impact on revenues of changes including foreign exchange rates and commodity-related pricing (a decrease in revenues of $12.0 million), and the recall of certain sunflower kernel products announced in the second quarter of 2016 (a decrease in revenues of $3.3 million), Global Ingredients revenues decreased approximately 1.4% . The table below explains the decrease in revenue:

Global Ingredients Revenue Changes  
Revenues for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016 $441,694
               Lower roasted volumes due to reduced customer demand following the sunflower recall, and lower raw 
               sunflower volumes due to competition from global suppliers
(16,618)
               Decreased commodity pricing for domestically-sourced specialty and organic grains and seeds (9,954)
               Decreased commodity pricing for internationally-sourced organic ingredients (1,703)
               Decreased volumes of internationally-sourced organic ingredients including liquid sweeteners, fruits, vegetables 
               and seeds, partially offset by increased volumes of nuts, animal feed and cocoa
(1,529)
               Unfavorable foreign exchange impact on euro-denominated sales due to a stronger U.S. dollar period-over-period (294)
               Increased volumes of domestically-sourced specialty soy and organic feed, partially offset by lower volumes of 
               specialty corn and crop inputs
8,651
Revenues for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 $420,247

Gross profit in Global Ingredients decreased by $2.3 million to $52.5 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 compared to $54.7 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, and the gross profit percentage increased by 0.1% to 12.5% . The increase in gross profit as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to a favorable foreign exchange impact on U.S. dollar-denominated raw material sourcing within our international organic ingredient operations, mostly offset by an unfavorable product mix of, and reduced pricing spreads on, certain organic commodities, and reduced operating efficiencies within our sunflower and roasting operations due to lower volumes following the recall. The table below explains the decrease in gross profit:

SUNOPTA INC. 53 September 30, 2017 10-Q



Global Ingredients Gross Profit Changes  
Gross profit for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016 $54,716
               Lower sales volumes of raw sunflower and roasted products, and reduced operating 
               efficiencies due to lower production volumes
(4,746)
               Favorable foreign exchange impact on U.S. dollar-denominated raw material sourcing within our international organic 
               ingredient operations (partially offset by losses on forward currency contracts included below in operating income), 
               as well as improved operating efficiencies at our European production facilities, partially offset by reduced pricing 
               spreads and lower volumes of certain higher-margin internationally-sourced organic ingredients
2,173
               Increased specialty soy and grain ingredient volumes, partially offset by reduced pricing spread on domestically-sourced 
               organic feed and reduced volumes of higher-margin crop inputs due to a reduction in contracted acres
310
Gross profit for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 $52,453

Operating income in Global Ingredients decreased by $5.9 million, or 24.2%, to $18.4 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, compared to $24.3 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016. The table below explains the decrease in operating income:

Global Ingredients Operating Income Changes  
Operating income for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016 $24,256
               Decrease in gross profit, as explained above (2,263)
               Increase in foreign exchange losses primarily related to forward currency contracts (2,966)
               Higher employee-related compensation costs due to increased headcount within our international organic ingredient 
               operations, partially offset by lower non-compensation- related costs
(413)
               Increase in corporate cost allocations (226)
Operating income for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 $18,388

Consumer Products                        
    September 30,                    
For the three quarters ended   2017     October 1, 2016     Change     % Change  
                         
Revenues $  566,951   $  607,498   $  (40,547 )   -6.7%  
Gross Profit   64,363     54,193     10,170     18.8%  
Gross Profit %   11.4%     8.9%           2.5%  
                         
Operating Income % $  14,696   $  6,989   $  7,707     110.3%  
Operating Income %   2.6%     1.2%           1.4%  

Consumer Products contributed $567.0 million in revenues for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, compared to $607.5 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, a $40.5 million, or 6.7% decrease. Excluding the impact on revenues of changes in raw fruit commodity-related pricing (a decrease in revenues of $2.7 million) and sales of flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar products (a decrease in revenues of $0.9 million), Consumer Products revenues decreased 6.6% . The table below explains the decrease in revenues:

SUNOPTA INC. 54 September 30, 2017 10-Q



SUNOPTA INC. 55 September 30, 2017 10-Q



Consumer Products Revenue Changes  
Revenues for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016 $607,498
               Lower volumes of frozen fruit due to declines in consumer consumption trends and lost customer volumes, 
               and the impact of lower raw fruit commodity-related pricing passed on to customers, partially offset by increased 
               fruit ingredient volumes
(34,592)
               Lower retail sales of non-dairy aseptic beverages related to customer order patterns and the previously announced 
               loss of a significant customer, partially offset by increased volumes of non-dairy aseptic beverage products into the 
               foodservice channel, and higher volumes of premium juice and fruit snack products
(5,013)
               Lower volumes of flexible resealable pouch volumes (including the impact on revenues from the closure of west coast 
               pouch operations due to the fire at a third-party facility in the third quarter of 2016), partially offset by higher volumes of nutrition bars as a result of new product introductions
(942)
Revenues for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 $566,951

Gross profit in Consumer Products increased by $10.2 million to $64.4 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 compared to $54.2 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, and the gross profit percentage increased by 2.5% to 11.4% . For the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, gross profit as a percentage of revenue was impacted by a write-down of flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar inventories as a result of the plan to exit these product lines ($1.3 million), as well as costs associated with the closure of the San Bernardino facility ($0.4 million). For the three quarters ended October 1, 2016, gross profit as a percentage of revenue was impacted by the acquisition accounting adjustment related to Sunrise inventory sold ($13.4 million) and costs associated with the expansion activities at the Allentown aseptic beverage facility ($1.6 million). Excluding these costs, the gross profit percentage in Consumer Products would have been 11.7% for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, compared with 11.4% for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016. The increase in gross profit percentage primarily reflected improved operating efficiencies and raw material pricing within our healthy fruit operations and operational savings from the closure of the San Bernardino facility, largely offset by higher losses within our flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar operations. The table below explains the increase in gross profit:

Consumer Products Gross Profit Changes  
Gross profit for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016 $54,193
               Acquisition accounting adjustment related to Sunrise inventory sold in the first three quarters of 2016 13,404
               Increased contribution on sales of frozen fruit, based on operating efficiencies due to the timing of the 
               fruit harvest (which was delayed in fiscal 2016, resulting in higher labor costs and reduced supply) and 
               favorable pricing on sourced raw fruit, as well as increased volumes of fruit ingredients, and productivity
               and cost reduction initiatives within fruit ingredient operations
5,784
               Higher losses within flexible resealable pouch and nutrition bar operations (including the write-down of 
               inventories related to exit activities), which reflected the impact of the closure of west coast pouch operations 
               following the fire at a third-party facility in the third quarter of 2016, and higher plant costs and production inefficiencies 
               related to the introduction of new nutrition bar offerings
(6,913)
               Lower sales volumes of non-dairy aseptic beverages, partially offset by higher sales volumes of premium juice 
               and fruit snack products, and operational savings following the closure of the San Bernardino facility
(2,105)
Gross profit for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 $64,363

Operating income in Consumer Products increased by $7.7 million to $14.7 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, compared to $7.0 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016. The table below explains the increase in operating income:

SUNOPTA INC. 56 September 30, 2017 10-Q



Consumer Products Operating Income Changes  
Operating loss for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016 $6,989
               Increase in gross profit, as explained above 10,170
               Lower foreign exchange losses on international operations, and lower non- compensation-related costs 2,271
               Increase in corporate cost allocations (4,734)
Operating income for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 $14,696

Corporate Services                        
    September 30,                    
For the three quarters ended   2017     October 1, 2016     Change     % Change  
                         
Operating Loss $  (28,460 ) $  (6,544 ) $  (21,916 )   -334.9%  

Operating loss at Corporate Services increased by $21.9 million to $28.5 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017, from a loss of $6.5 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016. The table below explains the increase in operating loss:

Corporate Services Operating Loss Changes  
Operating loss for the three quarters ended October 1, 2016 $(6,544)
               Third-party consulting costs and employee recruitment, relocation and retention costs associated with the Value Creation Plan (20,356)
               Higher employee-related compensation costs, including stock-based compensation, associated with the Value Creation Plan (6,552)
               Decrease in foreign exchange gains on foreign currency transactions (92)
               Increase in corporate cost allocations to SunOpta reporting segments 4,960
               Lower non-compensation-related costs, partially offset by the unfavorable impact on Canadian dollar-denominated 
               corporate headquarter expenses of a weaker average U.S. dollar period-over-period
124
Operating loss for the three quarters ended September 30, 2017 $(28,460)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have the following sources from which we can fund our operating cash requirements:

 

Existing cash and cash equivalents;

   

 

 

Available operating lines of credit;

   

 

 

Cash flows generated from operating activities, including working capital efficiency efforts;

   

 

 

Cash flows generated from the exercise, if any, of stock options during the year;

   

 

 

Potential additional long-term financing, including the offer and sale of debt and/or equity securities; and

   

 

 

Potential sales of non-core divisions, or assets.


SUNOPTA INC. 57 September 30, 2017 10-Q


On February 11, 2016, we entered a five-year credit agreement for a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $350 million, subject to borrowing base capacity (the “Global Credit Facility”). The Global Credit Facility supports the working capital and general corporate needs of our global operations, in addition to funding strategic initiatives. In addition, subject to customary borrowing conditions and the agreement of any such lenders to provide such increased commitments, we may request to increase the total lending commitments under this facility to a maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $450 million. The applicable margin in the Global Credit Facility ranges from 1.25% to 1.75% for loans bearing interest based on LIBOR and from 0.25% to 0.75% for loans bearing interest based on the prime rate and, in each case, is set quarterly based on average borrowing availability for the preceding fiscal quarter.

On September 19, 2017, we entered into an amendment to the Global Credit Facility to add an additional U.S. asset-based credit subfacility of an aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million. The principal amount of this subfacility is repayable in quarterly instalments of $2.5 million, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2019. Borrowings repaid under this subfacility may not be borrowed again. The applicable margin for this subfacility ranges from 2.00% to 2.50% with respect to base rate and prime rate borrowings and from 3.00% to 3.50% for eurocurrency rate and bankers’ acceptance rate borrowings.

As at September 30, 2017, we had outstanding borrowings of $256.4 million and approximately $69.0 million of available borrowing capacity under the Global Credit Facility. For more information on the Global Credit Facility, see note 8(1) to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report.

On October 20, 2016, SunOpta Foods issued $231.0 million of 9.5% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due October 9, 2022 (the “Notes”). The issuance of the Notes represented the culmination of the financing arrangements associated with the Sunrise Acquisition. For more information on the Notes, see note 8(3) to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report.

In order to finance significant acquisitions, if any, that may arise in the future, we may need additional sources of cash that we could attempt to obtain through a combination of additional bank or subordinated financing, a private or public offering of debt or equity securities, or the issuance of common stock as consideration in an acquisition. There can be no assurance that these types of financing would be available at all or, if so, on terms that are acceptable to us.

In the event that we require additional liquidity due to market conditions, unexpected actions by our lenders, changes to our growth strategy, or other factors, our ability to obtain any additional financing on favourable terms, if at all, could be limited.

Cash Flows

Quarter ended September 30, 2017 Compared to quarter ended October 1, 2016

Net cash and cash equivalents decreased $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2017 to $2.9 million as at September 30, 2017, compared with $3.5 million at July 1, 2017, which primarily reflected cash used by continuing operating activities of $11.1 million and capital expenditures of $6.5 million, offset by borrowings of $19.2 million under our line of credit facilities.

Cash used in operating activities of continuing operations was $11.1 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared with cash provided of $17.0 million in the third quarter of 2016, an increase in cash used of $28.1 million. The increase in cash used by operating activities in the third quarter of 2017, compared with the third quarter of 2016, reflected the relative timing of fruit purchases and the cash payment of $8.0 million of costs incurred under the Value Creation Plan.

Cash used in investing activities of continuing operations was $7.8 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared with cash used of $5.5 million in the third quarter of 2016, an increase of $2.3 million, which mainly reflected the acquisition of the non-controlling interest in our Mexican frozen fruit operations for $1.7 million, and an increase in capital expenditures of $1.1 million to add a second processing line at our Dutch cocoa facility, as well as to implement food safety and production enhancements across our manufacturing facilities.

Cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations was $18.2 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared with cash used of $14.6 million in the third quarter of 2016, an increase in cash provided of $33.8 million. Net borrowings under our line of credit facilities increased $19.2 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared with a decrease of $13.1 million the third quarter of 2016. The quarter-over-quarter increase in borrowings of $32.3 million mainly reflected the increase in working capital requirements in the third quarter of 2017.

SUNOPTA INC. 58 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Three quarters ended September 30, 2017 Compared to three quarters ended October 1, 2016

Net cash and cash equivalents increased $1.6 million in the first three quarters of 2017 to $2.9 million as at September 30, 2017, compared with $1.3 million as at December 31, 2016, which primarily reflected $48.6 million of borrowings under our line of credit facilities, partially offset by capital expenditures of $22.7 million, cash used by continuing operating activities of $17.4 million and preferred stock dividends of $5.0 million.

Cash used in operating activities of continuing operations was $17.4 million in the first three quarters of 2017, compared with cash used of $35.3 million in the first three quarters of 2016, a decrease in cash used of $17.9 million. The decrease in cash used by operating activities in the first three quarters of 2017, compared with the first three quarters of 2016, reflected cash generated through working capital efficiency initiatives, which were focused on lowering inventory positions, maximizing purchasing terms, and augmenting collection efforts for accounts receivable. These positive efforts were partially offset by the cash settlement of $28.4 million of costs incurred under the Value Creation Plan.

Cash used in investing activities of continuing operations was $23.3 million in the first three quarters of 2017, compared with $14.1 million in the first three quarters of 2016, an increase in cash used of $9.2 million, which mainly reflected an increase in capital expenditures of $7.8 million related to new capabilities within our aseptic beverage operations and expansion of our Dutch cocoa facility, as well as food safety and production enhancements. In addition, capital expenditures in the first three quarters of 2017 included $3.2 million related to the early buyout of equipment leases associated with the closure of the San Bernardino facility.

Cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations was $42.2 million in the first three quarters of 2017, compared with $45.4 million in the first three quarters of 2016, a decrease in cash provided of $3.2 million. Net borrowings under our line of credit facilities increased $48.6 million in the first three quarters of 2017, compared with an increase of $65.8 million the first three quarters of 2016, a period-over-period decrease in borrowings of $17.2 million, which reflected the reduction in working capital requirements in the first three quarters of 2017, and the repayment of $10.0 million of second lien debt in the first three quarters of 2016, partially offset by the period-over-period increase in capital spending. Net borrowings under our line of credit facilities in the first three quarters of 2016 reflected the repayment in full of outstanding borrowings of $192.7 million under our former North American and European credit facilities with borrowings under the Global Credit Facility.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

There are currently no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes outside the normal course of business in our contractual obligations since December 31, 2016.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, related revenues and expenses, and disclosure of gain and loss contingencies at the date of the financial statements. The estimates and assumptions made require us to exercise our judgment and are based on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We continually evaluate the information that forms the basis of our estimates and assumptions as our business and the business environment generally changes. The use of estimates is pervasive throughout our financial statements. There have been no material changes to the critical accounting estimates disclosed under the heading “Critical Accounting Estimates” in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, of the Form 10-K.

SUNOPTA INC. 59 September 30, 2017 10-Q


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”, of the Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to our exposures to market risks since December 31, 2016.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has established disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Such disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to its management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and our CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2017.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, has evaluated whether any change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

SUNOPTA INC. 60 September 30, 2017 10-Q


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On April 19, 2013, a class-action complaint, in the case titled De Jesus, et al. v. Frozsun, Inc. d/b/a Frozsun Foods, was filed against Sunrise Growers, Inc. (then named Frozsun, Inc.) in California Superior Court, Santa Barbara County seeking damages, equitable relief and reasonable attorneys’ fees for alleged wage and hour violations. This case includes claims for failure to pay all hours worked, failure to pay overtime wages, meal and rest period violations, waiting-time penalties, improper wage statements and unfair business practices. The putative class includes approximately 10,000 non-exempt hourly employees from Sunrise’s production facilities in Santa Maria and Oxnard, California. The parties attended mediation on October 12, 2017 and reached a general agreement to resolve the matter on a class-wide basis. The parties are negotiating the remaining details of the settlement which is subject to court approval. It is anticipated that the parties will seek preliminary approval of the settlement from the court in December 2017 or January 2018. The Company expects to recover the full amount payable under the settlement through insurance coverage and an escrow account established in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Sunrise Holdings (Delaware), Inc. in October 2015.

From time to time, we are involved in other litigation incident to the ordinary conduct of our business. For a discussion of legal proceedings, see note 15 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Certain risks associated with our operations are discussed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. There have been no material changes to the previously-reported risk factors as of the date of this quarterly report. Our previously reported risk factors should be carefully reviewed in connection with an evaluation of our Company.

Item 5. Other Information

Election of Director

On November 6, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) appointed Derek Briffett as a director of the Company, increasing the size of the Board to nine directors. Mr. Briffett is expected to serve on the Board’s Audit Committee.

Mr. Briffett was not selected as a director pursuant to any arrangements or understandings with the Company or with any other person and there are no transactions between Mr. Briffett and the Company that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Mr. Briffett will be compensated for his service on the Board on the same basis as each of the Company’s other non-employee directors. In addition to annual grants of restricted stock units, directors who are not employees of the Company receive an annual cash retainer of $50,000 and reimbursement for reasonable travel and related expenses to attend meetings and to manage Board responsibilities.

Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are included as part of this report.

10.1†

Separation Agreement and Full and Final Release between SunOpta Inc. and Edward Haft (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 28, 2017).

 

10.2

Second Amendment and Joinder, dated September 19, 2017, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of February 11, 2016, among SunOpta Inc., SunOpta Foods Inc., The Organic Corporation B.V., the other borrowers and guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as U.S. Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. (acting through its Canada Branch), as Canadian Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. (acting through its London Branch), as Dutch Administrative Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 22, 2017).

 

31.1*

Certification by David Colo, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

31.2*

Certification by Robert McKeracher, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

32*

Certifications by David Colo, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Robert McKeracher, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

101.INS*

XBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCH*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

101.CAL*

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document


SUNOPTA INC. 61 September 30, 2017 10-Q



101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
   
* Filed herewith.

SUNOPTA INC. 62 September 30, 2017 10-Q


SIGNATURES

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

  SUNOPTA INC.
   
Date: November 8, 2017 /s/ Robert McKeracher
  Robert McKeracher
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Authorized Signatory and Principal Financial Officer)

SUNOPTA INC. 63 September 30, 2017 10-Q