SunOpta Inc. - Quarter Report: 2015 April (Form 10-Q)

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 April 4, 2015

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)

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, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

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 May 8, 2015 was 67,785,470.

SUNOPTA INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended April 4, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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 are expressed in thousands of United States (“U.S.”) dollars (“$”), except per share amounts, unless otherwise stated. Amounts expressed in Canadian dollars are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars and preceded by the symbol “Cdn $”, and amounts expressed in euros are expressed in thousands of euros and preceded by the symbol “€”. As at April 4, 2015, the closing rates of exchange for the U.S. dollar, expressed in Canadian dollars and euros, were $1.00 = Cdn $1.2564 and $1.00 = €0.9192. 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”, “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 possible operational consolidation, reduction of non-core 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, and references to the future growth of the business and global markets for the Company’s products. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions 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 circumstance.

Whether actual results and developments will agree with 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:

• our ability to renew our syndicated North American credit facilities when they become due on July 27, 2016;

• restrictions in our syndicated credit agreement on how we may operate our business;

• our ability to meet the covenants of our credit facilities;

• our European syndicated credit facilities are due on demand with no set maturity date;

• our potential additional capital needs in order to maintain current growth rates, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all;

• our customers’ ability to choose not to buy products from us;

• loss of a key customer;

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

• the highly competitive industry in which we operate;

• an interruption at one or more of our manufacturing facilities;

• the loss of service of our key management;

• the effective management of our supply chain;

• volatility in the prices of raw materials and energy;

• enactment of climate change legislation;

• unfavorable growing and operating conditions due to adverse weather conditions;

• dilution in the value of our common shares through the exercise of stock options, warrants, participation in our employee stock purchase plan and issuance of additional securities;

• impairment charges in goodwill or other intangible assets;

• technological innovation by our competitors;

• our ability to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights;

• substantial environmental regulation and policies to which we are subject;

• significant food and health regulations to which SunOpta Foods is subject;

• agricultural policies that influence our operations;

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

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

• our ability to realize the value of our investment in Opta Minerals Inc.;

• we do not currently intend to pay any cash dividends on our common shares in the foreseeable future;

• fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates and certain commodities;

• our ability to effectively manage our growth and integrate acquired companies; and

• the volatility of our operating results and share price.

Consequently all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that our actual results or the developments we anticipate will be realized. 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 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015 (“Form 10-K”). For a more detailed discussion of the principal factors that could cause actual results to be materially different, you should read the risk factors under Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, of the Form 10-K.

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

Commitments and contingencies (note 10)

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

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 operates in two industry segments, the largest being SunOpta Foods, which consists of two reportable segments, Global Ingredients and Consumer Products, that operate in the natural, organic and specialty food sectors and utilize an integrated business model to bring cost-effective and quality products to market. In addition to SunOpta Foods, the Company owned approximately 66% of Opta Minerals Inc. (“Opta Minerals”) as at April 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015, on a non-dilutive basis. Opta Minerals produces, distributes and recycles industrial minerals, silica-free abrasives and specialty sands.

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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“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 ended April 4, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending January 2, 2016 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 January 3, 2015. 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 January 3, 2015.

Comparative Balances

Certain comparative balances have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted by the Company in the current fiscal year:

• On December 22, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its fiber and starch business (the “Fiber Business”), which has been presented as a discontinued operation in the consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended April 5, 2014.

• The Company has reclassified its investment in convertible subordinated notes of Enchi Corporation (“Enchi”), including the value ascribed to the embedded derivative attributable to the notes (see note 4), from investment to other assets (long-term) on the consolidated balance sheet as at January 3, 2015.

Fiscal Year-End

The fiscal year of the Company consists of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2015 is a 52-week period ending on January 2, 2016, with quarterly periods ending on April 4, July 4 and October 3, 2015, while fiscal year 2014 was a 53-week period ending on January 3, 2015, with quarterly periods ending on April 5, July 5 and October 4, 2014.

The fiscal year of Opta Minerals ends on December 31, with its quarterly periods ending on March 31, June 30 and September 30.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest – Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”, which requires that debt issuance costs be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. The guidance, however, does not affect the recognition and measurement of debt issuance costs. The guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. In accordance with the new standard, the Company will reclassify financing costs recorded as deferred charges in other assets (current and long-term) on the consolidated balance sheets to bank indebtedness or long-term debt commencing with its annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 2, 2016. As at April 4, 2015, deferred financing costs recorded on the consolidated balance sheet amounted to $780.

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. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied on either a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

On April 29, 2015, the FASB issued a proposed ASU that would defer the effective date of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 by one year to annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Under the proposed ASU, earlier application would be permitted only as of annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.

2. Business Acquisition

Citrusource, LLC

On March 2, 2015, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding units of Citrusource, LLC (“Citrusource”), a producer of premium not-from-concentrate private label organic and conventional orange juice and citrus products in the U.S. The acquisition of Citrusource has been accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. The results of Citrusource have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are reported in the Consumer Products operating segment. The acquisition of Citrusource aligns with the Company’s strategy of growing its value-added consumer products portfolio and leveraging its integrated operating platform.

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the consideration transferred as at the acquisition date:

The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date. The following amounts recognized for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are provisional and subject to change: (i) amounts for current assets and current liabilities pending finalization of the working capital adjustment; (ii) amount and useful life of the identified intangible asset pending final evaluation of the fair value of recently awarded business prior to the acquisition date; and (iii) amount of goodwill pending the completion of the valuations of the contingent consideration arrangement and intangible asset. The Company expects to finalize these amounts no later than one year from the acquisition date.

The Company incurred $125 of acquisition-related costs that were expensed in the first quarter of 2015. These costs are included in other expenses in the consolidated statement of operation (see note 7).

Revenues of Citrusource for the period from the acquisition date to April 4, 2015 were $2,236 and earnings, net of income taxes, were $115, which included the effects of the acquisition accounting adjustments.

The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the quarters ended April 4, 2015 and April 5, 2014, as if the acquisition Citrusource had occurred as of December 29, 2013.

The unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations were prepared using the acquisition method of accounting and are based on unaudited historical financial information of the Company and Citrusource. Except to the extent realized, the unaudited pro forma information does not reflect any operating synergies or other benefits that the Company may achieve as a result of this acquisition, or the costs that may be necessary to achieve these operating synergies and other benefits. The unaudited pro forma information reflects primarily the following adjustments:

• incremental amortization expense related to the fair value of the identified intangible asset acquired;

• additional interest costs associated with an increase in borrowings under the Company’s syndicated credit facilities to fund the upfront cash consideration paid as at the acquisition date;

• exclusion of acquisition-related costs from earnings for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, and the inclusion of those costs in earnings for the comparative period; and

• consequential tax effects of the preceding adjustments.

The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what the Company’s consolidated results of operations actually would have been had the acquisition of Citrusource been completed on December 29, 2013. In addition, the unaudited pro forma information does not purport to project the future results of operations of the Company.

3. Discontinued Operations

Fiber and Starch Business

On December 22, 2014, the Company completed the sale of the Fiber Business for $37,500, subject to certain closing adjustments. The Fiber Business included five facilities located in Louisville, Kentucky, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cambridge, Minnesota, Fosston, Minnesota, and Galesburg, Illinois. The Fiber Business was formerly part of the former Value Added Ingredients operating segment. The Company continues to operate both its integrated grain- and fruit-based ingredient businesses, which were not part of the sale, and which previously formed the remainder of the former Value Added Ingredients operating segment. The Company recognized a gain on sale of the Fiber Business in discontinued operations, net of income taxes, of $1,898 in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Operating Results Reported in Discontinued Operations

The following table presents the operating results of Fiber Business reported in earnings from discontinued operations:

4. 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 April 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015:

As at April 4, 2015, the notional amounts of open commodity futures and forward purchase and sale contracts were as follows (in thousands of bushels):

5. Inventories

6. Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt

7. Other Expense (Income), Net

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

8. Earnings Per Share

Earnings (loss) per share are calculated as follows:

For the quarter ended April 4, 2015, stock options to purchase 557,628 (April 5, 2014 - nil) common shares were excluded from the calculation of potential dilutive common shares due to their anti-dilutive effect.

9. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

As at April 4, 2015, cash and cash equivalents included $2,083 (January 3, 2015 - $2,170) that was specific to Opta Minerals and cannot be utilized by the Company for general corporate purposes.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Plum Dispute

Plum, PBC, a Delaware public benefit corporation (“Plum”), and SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“SGOI”), are parties to a manufacturing and packaging agreement dated September 21, 2011 (the “Plum Manufacturing Agreement”). Pursuant to the Plum Manufacturing Agreement, SGOI agreed to manufacture and package certain food items for Plum at SGOI’s Allentown, Pennsylvania facility in accordance with Plum’s specifications regarding, among other things, product ingredients and packaging, manufacturing process, and quality control standards. On November 8, 2013, Plum initiated a voluntary recall of certain products manufactured by SGOI at its Allentown facility. On February 3, 2015, Plum filed a complaint against SGOI in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown, Pennsylvania. On April 13, 2015, Plum filed an amended complaint adding packaging manufacturer and supplier Cheer Pack North America as a Defendant. SGOI has asserted counterclaims against Plum and cross-claims against Cheer Pack. In the amended complaint, Plum alleges it initiated the recall in response to consumer complaints of spoiled packaging of certain products, which could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort if consumed. Plum alleges in its amended complaint that the spoilage of its products resulted from a post-processing issue at SGOI’s Allentown facility. Plum is seeking unspecified damages equal to the direct costs of the recall and handling of undistributed product, incidental and consequential damages, lost profits and attorneys’ fees. The Company disputes the allegations made by Plum against SGOI in its amended complaint and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims; however, the Company cannot reasonably predict the outcome of this claim, nor can it estimate the amount of loss, or range of loss, if any, that may result from this claim.

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.

11. Segmented Information

In the fourth quarter of 2014, following the sale of the Fiber Business (see note 3), the Company implemented changes to its organizational structure to align and focus the operations of SunOpta Foods on two key “go-to-market” categories: ingredient sourcing and supply; and consumer-packaged products. Consequently, the Company realigned the operating segments of SunOpta Foods to reflect the resulting changes in management reporting and accountability to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The segment information presented below for the quarter ended April 5, 2014 has been restated to reflect the realigned operating segments of SunOpta Foods. The Opta Minerals operating segment remained unchanged.

Effective with the realignment, the Company operates in the following three reportable segments:

• Global Ingredients aggregates the Company’s 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 manufactures and supplies branded and private label aseptic beverages; re-sealable pouch products; individually quick frozen (“IQF”) fruits and vegetables; fruit bases and toppings; premium juices; shelf stable juices and waters; and fruit- and grain-based snacks.

• Opta Minerals processes, distributes and recycles industrial minerals, silica-free abrasives, and specialty sands for use in the steel, foundry, loose abrasive cleaning, and municipal water filtration industries.

In addition, Corporate Services provides a variety of management, financial, information technology, treasury and administration services to each of the SunOpta Foods operating segments from the Company’s offices in Brampton, Ontario and Edina, Minnesota.

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

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 April 4, 2015 contained under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“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 January 3, 2015 (“Form 10-K”). Unless otherwise indicated herein, the discussion and analysis contained in this MD&A includes information available to May 13, 2015.

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”, “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 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.

All dollar amounts in this MD&A are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts, unless otherwise noted.

Calendar 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 2015 will be a 52-week period ending on January 2, 2016, with quarterly periods ending on April 4, July 4 and October 3, 2015, whereas fiscal year 2014 was a 53-week period ending on January 3, 2015, with quarterly periods ending on April 5, July 5 and October 4, 2014. As a result, the first quarter of 2015 consisted of 13 weeks, compared with 14 weeks for the first quarter of 2014. Except as otherwise noted in this MD&A, the impact of the additional week on our results of operations for the first quarter of 2014 was insignificant relative to the first quarter of 2015.

Operational Realignment

In the fourth quarter of 2014, following the sale of our fiber and starch business (the “Fiber Business”) on December 22, 2014, we implemented changes to our organizational structure to align and focus the operations of SunOpta Foods on two key “go-to-market” categories: ingredient sourcing and supply; and consumer-packaged products. Consequently, we realigned the operating segments of SunOpta Foods to reflect the resulting changes in management reporting and accountability to our Chief Executive Officer. We believe this new operational structure aligns well with SunOpta Foods’ integrated field-to-table business model and product portfolio. Effective with the realignment, the Value Added Ingredients operating segment ceased to exist and SunOpta Foods operates in the following two reportable segments: Global Ingredients, which includes the grain-based ingredients business of the former Value Added Ingredients operating segment; and Consumer Products, which includes the fruit-based ingredient business of the former Value Added Ingredients operating segment. The Opta Minerals operating segment remained unchanged. The segmented operations information provided in the consolidated financial statements and this MD&A for the quarter ended April 5, 2014 has been restated to reflect these realigned reportable segments, as well as to present the Fiber Business as a discontinued operation.

Business Developments during the First Quarter of 2015

Acquisition of Citrusource, LLC

On March 2, 2015, we acquired Citrusource, LLC (“Citrusource”), a producer of premium not-from-concentrate private label organic and conventional orange juice and citrus products in the U.S. We paid $13,300 in cash at closing and we may pay additional consideration based on the incremental growth in Citrusource’s base business and the value of synergies created from combining the operations of Citrusource with our premium juice facility. The preliminary fair value of the total consideration transferred to acquire Citrusource was $33,784 as at the acquisition date, which was allocated primarily to a customer relationships intangible asset ($14,000) and goodwill ($17,136). The fair values assigned to the consideration transferred and net assets acquired are provisional and subject to change. The acquisition of Citrusource aligns with our strategy of growing our value-added consumer products portfolio and leveraging our integrated operating platform. Citrusource has been included in the Consumer Products operating segment since the date of acquisition.

Consolidated Results of Operations for the quarters ended April 4, 2015 and April 5, 2014

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.

Revenues for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 decreased by 5.9% to $303,406 from $322,379 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014. Revenues in SunOpta Foods decreased by 4.8% to $273,949 and revenues in Opta Minerals decreased by 14.7% to $29,457. Excluding the impact of changes including commodity-related pricing and foreign exchange rates; product rationalizations; and the additional week of sales in the first quarter of 2014, revenues increased approximately 6.9% on a consolidated basis and approximately 9.1% within SunOpta Foods. In particular, the additional week of sales in the first quarter of 2014 contributed to a decline in year-over-year revenues within SunOpta Foods of approximately $21,281. Excluding this impact, SunOpta Foods’ revenues reflected stronger demand for organic ingredients in the U.S. and Europe, offset by the impact of sales mix within aseptic beverages and lower sales of certain other consumer-based products, as well as lower sunflower volumes following the rationalization of certain facilities and product lines in the third quarter of 2014. At Opta Minerals, the decrease in revenues reflected competitive pressure in the infrastructure market and a cyclical slowdown in the steel industry in the first quarter of 2015.

Gross profit decreased $3,330, or 9.2%, to $32,892 for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared with $36,222 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014. As a percentage of revenues, gross profit for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 was 10.8% compared to 11.2% for the quarter ended April 5, 2014, an decrease of 0.4% . Within SunOpta Foods, the gross profit percentage was 10.6% for the first quarter of 2015, compared with 10.9% for the first quarter of 2014, which reflected lower production volumes of consumer-based products; costs related to the retrofit of our premium juice facility; and costs associated with the expansion of our Allentown, Pennsylvania facility to add aseptic beverage processing and filling capabilities. These factors were partially offset by higher margins on organic ingredient sales, and improved performance in our rationalized sunflower operations. The gross profit percentage at Opta Minerals declined to 12.6% in the first quarter of 2015, compared with 14.2% in the first quarter of 2014, primarily due to lower volumes of higher-margin steel products and increased raw material costs.

Total segment operating income for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 decreased by $2,591, or 21.5%, to $9,432, compared with $12,023 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014. As a percentage of revenues, segment operating income was 3.1% for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared with 3.7% for the quarter ended April 5, 2014. The decrease in segment operating income reflected lower overall gross profit as described above and a $271 increase in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, primarily due to higher employee-related costs, partially offset by controlled discretionary spending. The increase in SG&A was more than offset by a year-over-year increase in foreign exchange gains of $1,017, mainly related to the positive impact of a strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro on foreign exchange contracts within our international sourcing and supply operations, partially offset by the negative impact of the same exchange rate movement on intercompany and third-party loan balances at Opta Minerals.

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

Other income for the quarter ended April 5, 2014 of $1,141 reflected a gain of $1,373 on the settlement of the earn-out related to the acquisition of Edner of Nevada, Inc. in December 2010.

The decrease in interest expense of $325 to $1,823 for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared with $2,148 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014, was primarily due to lower overall borrowings within SunOpta Foods, reflecting proceeds of $37,500 from the sale of the Fiber Business in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The provision for income tax for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 was $2,757, or 36.4% of earnings before taxes, compared with $4,433, or 40.2% of earnings before taxes, for the quarter ended April 5, 2014. The decrease in the effective tax rate reflected a change in the jurisdictional mix of earnings, as a result of growth in the profitability of our international sourcing and supply operations, and the benefit of available tax credits.

Losses attributable to non-controlling interests for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 were $416, compared with losses of $20 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014, which primarily reflected lower net earnings at Opta Minerals.

On a consolidated basis, we recognized earnings of $5,234 (diluted earnings per share of $0.08) for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared with earnings of $6,640 (diluted earnings per share of $0.10) for the quarter ended April 5, 2014.

SunOpta Foods contributed $273,949 or 90.3% of consolidated revenue for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared with $287,834 or 89.3% of consolidated revenues for the quarter ended April 5, 2014, a decrease of $13,885 or 4.8% . The table below explains the decrease in revenue by reportable segment for SunOpta Foods:

Gross margin in SunOpta Foods decreased by $2,153, or 6.9%, for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 to $29,170, or 10.6% of revenues, compared to $31,323, or 10.9% of revenues for the quarter ended April 5, 2014. The table below explains the decrease in gross margin by reportable segment for SunOpta Foods:

Operating income in SunOpta Foods decreased by $2,088, or 15.3%, for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 to $11,541 or 4.2% of revenues, compared to $13,629 or 4.7% of revenues for the quarter ended April 5, 2014. The table below explains the decrease in operating income for SunOpta Foods:

Further details on revenue, gross margin and operating income variances within SunOpta Foods are provided in the segmented operations information that follows.

Global Ingredients contributed $155,057 in revenues for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared to $153,313 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014, an increase of $1,744 or 1.1% . Excluding the impact of changes including foreign exchange rates, commodity-related pricing, product rationalizations, and the additional week of sales in the first quarter of 2014, Global Ingredients revenues increased approximately 20.0% . The table below explains the increase in revenue:

Gross margin in Global Ingredients increased by $3,999 to $17,319 for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 compared to $13,320 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014, and the gross margin percentage increased by 2.5% to 11.2% . The increase in gross margin as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to favorable sales mix of organic raw materials and improved sunflower processing yields, partially offset by lower pricing spreads on non-GMO and specialty soy and corn. The table below explains the increase in gross margin:

Operating income in Global Ingredients increased by $5,442, or 153.8%, to $8,981 for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared to $3,539 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014. The table below explains the increase in operating income:

Looking forward, we believe Global Ingredients is well positioned in growing natural and organic food categories. We intend to focus our efforts on (i) growing our identity preserved, non-GMO and organic sourcing and supply capabilities; (ii) leveraging our international sourcing and supply capabilities internally, and forward and backward integrating where opportunities exist; (iii) expanding our processing expertise and increasing our value-added capabilities; and (iv) expanding our international sales base via strategic relationships for procurement of product to drive incremental sales volume. Our long-term target for Global Ingredients is to achieve a segment operating margin of 6% to 8%, which assumes we are able to secure a consistent quantity and quality of natural and organic raw materials, improve product mix, and control costs. 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 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 contributed $118,892 in revenues for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared to $134,521 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014, a $15,629 or 11.6% decrease. Excluding the impact of changes including foreign exchange rates, commodity-related pricing, and the additional week of sales in the first quarter of 2014, Consumer Products revenues decreased approximately 2.8% . The table below explains the decrease in revenue:

Gross margin in Consumer Products decreased by $6,152 to $11,851 for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared to $18,003 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014, and the gross margin percentage decreased by 3.4% to 10.0% . The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of revenue was due to increased raw material costs and lower production volumes, as well as increased costs associated with the retrofit of our premium juice facility and expansion activities at our Allentown facility. The table below explains the decrease in gross margin:

Operating income in Consumer Products decreased by $7,530, or 74.6%, to $2,560 for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared to $10,090 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014. The table below explains the decrease in operating income:

Looking forward, we will continue to invest in our Consumer Products portfolio including the expansion of our aseptic processing capabilities at our Allentown facility, which is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2015; investment in enhanced packaging capabilities at our snack operation in Omak, Washington and our frozen operation in Buena Park, California; and further investment in our existing aseptic facilities to allow us to produce new carton formats and sizes. All of these investments are designed to expand our ability to address fast growing markets and drive growth in margins and operating income. We remain customer focused and continue to explore new ways to bring new value-added packaged products and processes to market, leveraging our global raw material sourcing and supply capabilities. Continued new product development, innovation in healthy snacks and the expansion of our integrated juice operations, combined with increasing demand for portable nutritious fruit offerings are expected to drive growth in this business. Long-term we are targeting 11% to 13% operating margins from Consumer Products. The statements in this paragraph are forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above. Unfavorable shifts in consumer preferences, increased competition, volume decreases or loss of customers, unexpected delays in our expansion 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.

Opta Minerals contributed $29,457 in revenues for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared to $34,545 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014, a decrease of $5,088 or 14.7% . The table below explains the decrease in revenue:

Gross margin for Opta Minerals decreased by $1,177 to $3,722 for the quarter ended April 4, 2015 compared to $4,899 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014, and the gross margin percentage decreased by 1.6% to 12.6% . The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of revenue was due primarily to unfavorable changes in product mix, reflecting lower volumes of higher-margin steel and magnesium products, and increased raw material costs. The table below explains the decrease in gross margin:

Operating income for Opta Minerals decreased by $1,544, or 150.6%, to an operating loss of $519 for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, compared to operating income of $1,025 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014. The table below explains the decrease in operating income:

We have identified Opta Minerals as a non-core holding. Opta Minerals is continuing to review strategic alternatives available to it to enhance value for all shareholders. Opta Minerals is focused on leveraging its global platform to drive expansion of existing product offerings to a wider customer base and new geographies. In addition, it continues to focus on maximizing operating efficiencies and introducing new and innovative products to the markets it serves. We own approximately 66% of Opta Minerals and segment operating income is presented prior to non-controlling interest expense. The statements in this paragraph are forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above. An extended period of softness in the steel and foundry industries, slowdowns in the economy, or delays in bringing new products and operations completely online, along with the other factors described above under “Forward-Looking Statements,” could have an adverse impact on these forward-looking expectations.

Operating loss at Corporate Services decreased by $1,041 to $1,590 for the quarter ended April 4, 2015, from a loss of $2,631 for the quarter ended April 5, 2014. The table below explains the decrease in operating loss:

Management fees mainly consist of salaries of corporate personnel who perform back office functions for divisions, as well as costs related to the enterprise resource management system. These expenses are allocated to the groups 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.

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;

• Cash flows generated from the exercise, if any, of stock options or warrants 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.

On October 14, 2014, The Organic Corporation (“TOC”) and certain of our other subsidiaries entered into a multipurpose facilities agreement with a syndicate of lenders (collectively, the “Lenders”), which provides for a total of €92,500 in financing via four main facilities: (i) an €80,000 revolving credit facility covering working capital needs; (ii) a €5,000 facility covering commodity hedging requirements; (iii) a €5,000 facility designated for letters of credit; and (iv) a €2,500 pre-settlement facility covering currency hedging requirements (collectively, the “Club Facility”). This facility supports our international sourcing and supply operations. There is no set maturity to the Club Facility and the Club Facility’s credit limit can be extended or adjusted based on the needs of the business and upon approval of the Lenders.

On May 8, 2014, Opta Minerals amended and extended its credit agreement dated May 18, 2012, which provides for a Cdn $20,000 revolving term credit facility and a Cdn $52,500 non-revolving term credit facility. The revolving term credit facility now matures on August 14, 2015, with the outstanding principal amount repayable in full on the maturity date. The principal amount of the non-revolving term credit facility is repayable in equal quarterly installments of approximately Cdn $1,312. Opta Minerals may be required to make additional repayments on the non-revolving term credit facility if certain financial covenants are not met. The non-revolving term credit facility matures on May 18, 2017, with the remaining outstanding principal amount repayable in full on the maturity date. These credit facilities are specific to the operations of Opta Minerals; are standalone and separate from facilities used to finance our core food operations; and are without recourse to SunOpta Inc.

Also on May 8, 2014, certain financial covenants under the Opta Minerals credit agreement were amended for the quarterly periods ending June 30, 2014 through September 30, 2015. Opta Minerals was in compliance with all its financial covenants as at March 31, 2015; however, there is no assurance that it will remain in compliance with certain financial covenants at all measurement dates within the next 12 months. Failure to meet a financial covenant would constitute an event of default under its credit agreement, unless the lenders agree to a waiver or further amendment.

On July 27, 2012, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders. The amended agreement provides secured revolving credit facilities of Cdn $10,000 and $165,000, as well as an additional $50,000 in availability upon the exercise of an uncommitted accordion feature. These facilities mature on July 27, 2016, with the outstanding principal amount repayable in full on the maturity date. These facilities support our core North American food operations.

On February 27, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program, pursuant to which we may make purchases, from time to time, of up to $30,000 of our common shares. This program will terminate after one year or at such time as we complete our purchases. The amount of common shares to be purchased and the timing of purchases may be subject to various factors, including the market price of the common shares, general market conditions, our capital requirements, alternate investment opportunities, and restrictions under our credit agreements and applicable law. In no event will we acquire shares representing in excess of 5% of our issued and outstanding shares unless all necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained. The common shares to be repurchased will be funded using existing resources; however, there is no assurance that any shares will be repurchased and we may elect to suspend or discontinue the program at any time. As at May 13, 2015, we had not repurchased any common shares under this program.

We have an effective registration statement on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, pursuant to which we may offer up to $200,000 of debt, equity and other securities. We also have a prospectus on file with Canadian securities regulators covering the offer and sale of up to $200,000 of debt, equity and other securities. While the U.S. registration statement and the Canadian prospectus could be used by us for a public offering of debt, equity or other securities to raise additional capital, our ability to conduct any such future offerings will be subject to market conditions.

In order to finance significant acquisitions 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 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 favorable terms, if at all, could be limited.

Cash Flows

Cash flows for the quarter ended April 4, 2015

Net cash and cash equivalents declined $6,447 in the first quarter of 2015 to $3,491 as at April 4, 2015, compared with $9,938 as at January 3, 2015, which primarily reflected the following uses of cash:

• the upfront consideration of $13,300 paid in connection with the acquisition of Citrusource;

• capital expenditures of $5,651, primarily related to retrofit of our premium juice facility and expansion of our Allentown facility; and

• cash used in continuing operating activities of $11,486.

These uses of cash were mostly offset by:

• net borrowings under our line of credit facilities of $23,257; and

• cash proceeds on the exercise of stock options and warrants of $2,428 in the aggregate.

Cash used in operating activities of continuing operations was $11,486 in the first quarter of 2015, compared with $12,130 in the first quarter of 2014, a decrease in cash used of $644, mainly due to reduced working capital requirements in SunOpta Foods, as a result of improved working capital efficiency, due in part to the rationalization of certain sunflower facilities and product lines in the third quarter of 2014. In the first quarter of each fiscal year, cash used in continuing operations also reflects the normal timing of cash payments to growers for crop deliveries during the fourth quarter of the prior fiscal year, which is typically the quarter with the higher level of deliveries.

Cash used in investing activities of continuing operations was $19,073 in the first quarter of 2015, compared with $4,411 in the first quarter of 2014, an increase in cash used of $14,662, which mainly related to the $13,300 upfront payment to acquire Citrusource, as well as an increase in capital expenditures of $2,077 in the first quarter of 2015, compared with the first quarter of 2014.

Cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations was $24,133 in the first quarter of 2015, compared with $14,585 in the first quarter of 2014, an increase of $9,548, reflecting an increase in borrowings under our line of credit facilities of $7,728 and higher proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants of $1,763, which was mainly used to fund the upfront payment to acquire Citrusource.

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 January 3, 2015.

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.

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 January 3, 2015.

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 and Chief Financial Officer, 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 Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of April 4, 2015.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 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 April 4, 2015. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended April 4, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Plum Dispute

Plum, PBC, a Delaware public benefit corporation (“Plum”), and SunOpta Global Organic Ingredients, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“SGOI”), are parties to a manufacturing and packaging agreement dated September 21, 2011 (the “Plum Manufacturing Agreement”). Pursuant to the Plum Manufacturing Agreement, SGOI agreed to manufacture and package certain food items for Plum at SGOI’s Allentown, Pennsylvania facility in accordance with Plum’s specifications regarding, among other things, product ingredients and packaging, manufacturing process, and quality control standards. On November 8, 2013, Plum initiated a voluntary recall of certain products manufactured by SGOI at its Allentown facility. On February 3, 2015, Plum filed a complaint against SGOI in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown, Pennsylvania. On April 13, 2015, Plum filed an amended complaint adding packaging manufacturer and supplier Cheer Pack North America as a Defendant. SGOI has asserted counterclaims against Plum and cross-claims against Cheer Pack. In the amended complaint, Plum alleges it initiated the recall in response to consumer complaints of spoiled packaging of certain products, which could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort if consumed. Plum alleges in its amended complaint that the spoilage of its products resulted from a post-processing issue at SGOI’s Allentown facility. Plum is seeking unspecified damages equal to the direct costs of the recall and handling of undistributed product, incidental and consequential damages, lost profits and attorneys’ fees. The Company disputes the allegations made by Plum against SGOI in its amended complaint and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims; however, the Company cannot reasonably predict the outcome of this claim, nor can it estimate the amount of loss, or range of loss, if any, that may result from this claim.

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 10 to the interim consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Certain risks associated with our operations are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2015. There have been no material changes to the previously-reported risk factors as of the date of this quarterly report. All of such previously reported risk factors continue to apply to our business and should be carefully reviewed in connection with an evaluation of our Company.

Item 6. Exhibits

The list of exhibits in the Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

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.

EXHIBIT INDEX