SunOpta Inc. - Quarter Report: 2017 September (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 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)

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):

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

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.

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:

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.

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 15)

(See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements)

(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’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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

(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.

7. Inventories

8. Bank Indebtedness and Long-Term Debt

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.

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.

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

12. Other Expense, Net

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

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.

13. Loss Per Share

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

14. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

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.

16. Segmented Information

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

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.