| | Continuing | | | Discontinued | | | | | | | |
| | Operations | | | Operations | | | Consolidated | |
| | | | | Per Share | | | | | | Per Share | | | | | | Per Share | |
For the three quarters ended | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
September 30, 2023 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | (20,158 | ) | | | | | (143,126 | ) | | | | | (163,284 | ) | | | |
Dividends and accretion on preferred stock | | (1,552 | ) | | | | | - | | | | | | (1,552 | ) | | | |
Loss attributable to common shareholders | | (21,710 | ) | | (0.19 | ) | | (143,126 | ) | | (1.26 | ) | | (164,836 | ) | | (1.45 | ) |
Adjusted for: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) | | - | | | | | | 118,795 | | | | | | 118,795 | | | | |
Inventory reserves and impairment charges(b) | | - | | | | | | 17,864 | | | | | | 17,864 | | | | |
Start-up costs(c) | | 17,855 | | | | | | - | | | | | | 17,855 | | | | |
Product recall costs, net of insurance recoveries(d) | | - | | | | | | 2,500 | | | | | | 2,500 | | | | |
Business development costs(e) | | 2,390 | | | | | | - | | | | | | 2,390 | | | | |
Severance costs(f) | | 897 | | | | | | - | | | | | | 897 | | | | |
Other(g) | | (20 | ) | | | | | 519 | | | | | | 499 | | | | |
Net income tax on adjusting items(h) | | - | | | | | | - | | | | | | - | | | | |
Change in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets(i) | | 3,978 | | | | | | - | | | | | | 3,978 | | | | |
Adjusted earnings (loss) | | 3,390 | | | 0.03 | | | (3,448 | ) | | (0.03 | ) | | (58 | ) | | (0.00 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
October 1, 2022 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net earnings (loss) | | 4,308 | | | | | | (10,203 | ) | | | | | (5,895 | ) | | | |
Dividends and accretion on preferred stock | | (2,279 | ) | | | | | - | | | | | | (2,279 | ) | | | |
Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders | | 2,029 | | | 0.02 | | | (10,203 | ) | | (0.09 | ) | | (8,174 | ) | | (0.08 | ) |
Adjusted for: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) | | - | | | | | | 31,468 | | | | | | 31,468 | | | | |
Sale of frozen fruit processing facility(j) | | - | | | | | | (2,544 | ) | | | | | (2,544 | ) | | | |
Start-up costs(c) | | 1,329 | | | | | | - | | | | | | 1,329 | | | | |
Business development costs(e) | | 874 | | | | | | - | | | | | | 874 | | | | |
Exit from fruit ingredient processing facility(k) | | 577 | | | | | | - | | | | | | 577 | | | | |
Other(g) | | 831 | | | | | | (64 | ) | | | | | 767 | | | | |
Net income tax on adjusting items(h) | | (949 | ) | | | | | (16,414 | ) | | | | | (17,363 | ) | | | |
Adjusted earnings | | 4,691 | | | 0.04 | | | 2,243 | | | 0.02 | | | 6,934 | | | 0.06 | |
(a) For the first three quarters of 2023, reflects the estimated pre-tax loss on the divestiture of Frozen Fruit which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations. For the first three quarters of 2022, reflects the pre-tax loss on the divestiture of Sunflower of $23.2 million, together with a loss of $8.2 million on the settlement of the purchase price allocation related to the 2020 divestiture of our global ingredients business, Tradin Organic, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations.
(b) For the first three quarters of 2023, reflects inventory reserves and impairment charges on equipment and operating lease right-of-use assets recognized in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations.
(c) For the first three quarters of 2023, start-up costs included the ramp-up of production at our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas, the start-up of new extrusion and high-speed packaging lines at our fruit snacks facility in Omak, Washington, and professional fees related to productivity initiatives within our manufacturing operations, which were recorded in cost of goods sold ($16.3 million) and SG&A expenses ($1.5 million). For the first three quarters of 2022, start-up costs mainly related to the hiring and training of new employees for the Midlothian facility, and the integration of the Dream and West Life brands, which were recorded in cost of goods sold ($1.2 million) and SG&A expenses ($0.1 million).
(d) Reflects the self-insured retention amount under our insurance policies related to the recall of specific frozen fruit products initiated in the second quarter of 2023, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations.
SUNOPTA INC. | 34 | September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q |
(e) Represents third-party costs associated with business development activities, which are inclusive of costs related to the evaluation, execution, and integration of external acquisitions and divestitures, internal expansion projects, and other strategic initiatives. For the first three quarters of 2023, business development costs related to the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, and, for the first three quarters of 2022, these costs related to the divestitures of Frozen Fruit and Sunflower, together with our inaugural Investor Day held in June 2022. These costs were recorded in SG&A expenses.
(f) For the first three quarters of 2023, reflects employee severance costs accrued in connection with the consolidation of our continuing operations following the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in SG&A expenses.
(g) Other includes reserves for legal settlements and gains and loss on the disposal of assets, which are recorded in other income/expense and loss from discontinued operations.
(h) Reflects the tax effect of the preceding adjustments to earnings calculated based on the statutory tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction of the underlying adjustment, net of deferred tax valuation allowances. In addition, for the first three quarters of 2022, reflects $11.0 million of tax benefits resulting from the settlement of the purchase price allocation related to the divestiture of Tradin Organic.
(i) For the first three quarters, reflects an increase to the valuation allowance for U.S. deferred tax assets recognized in the second quarter of 2023, based on an assessment of the future realizability of the related tax benefits.
(j) For the first three quarters of 2022, reflects the gain on sale in August 2022 of a previously owned frozen fruit processing facility, net of exit costs, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations.
(k) For the first three quarters of 2022, reflects exit costs related to a former fruit ingredient processing facility, which are recorded in other expense.
(3) The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA from net earnings (loss), which we consider to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure (refer to footnote (3) to the "Consolidated Results of Operations for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022" table regarding the use of this non-GAAP measure).
| | Continuing | | | Discontinued | | | | |
| | Operations | | | Operations | | | Consolidated | |
For the three quarters ended | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
September 30, 2023 | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | (20,158 | ) | | (143,126 | ) | | (163,284 | ) |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | 3,978 | | | (636 | ) | | 3,342 | |
Interest expense, net | | 19,391 | | | 1,392 | | | 20,783 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 22,873 | | | 8,861 | | | 31,734 | |
Stock-based compensation | | 8,989 | | | - | | | 8,989 | |
Adjusted for: | | | | | | | | | |
Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) | | - | | | 118,795 | | | 118,795 | |
Inventory reserves and impairment charges(b) | | - | | | 17,864 | | | 17,864 | |
Start-up costs(c) | | 17,855 | | | - | | | 17,855 | |
Product recall costs, net of insurance recoveries(d) | | - | | | 2,500 | | | 2,500 | |
Business development costs(e) | | 2,390 | | | - | | | 2,390 | |
Severance costs(f) | | 897 | | | - | | | 897 | |
Other(g) | | (20 | ) | | 519 | | | 499 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | | 56,195 | | | 6,169 | | | 62,364 | |
SUNOPTA INC. | 35 | September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Continuing | | | Discontinued | | | | |
| | Operations | | | Operations | | | Consolidated | |
For the three quarters ended | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
October 1, 2022 | | | | | | | | | |
Net earnings (loss) | | 4,308 | | | (10,203 | ) | | (5,895 | ) |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | 1,360 | | | (15,978 | ) | | (14,618 | ) |
Interest expense, net | | 8,844 | | | 1,160 | | | 10,004 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 16,828 | | | 11,687 | | | 28,515 | |
Stock-based compensation | | 9,691 | | | - | | | 9,691 | |
Adjusted for: | | | | | | | | | |
Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) | | - | | | 31,468 | | | 31,468 | |
Sale of frozen fruit processing facility(j) | | - | | | (2,544 | ) | | (2,544 | ) |
Start-up costs(c) | | 1,329 | | | - | | | 1,329 | |
Business development costs(e) | | 874 | | | - | | | 874 | |
Exit from fruit ingredient processing facility(k) | | 577 | | | - | | | 577 | |
Other(g) | | 831 | | | (64 | ) | | 767 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | | 44,642 | | | 15,526 | | | 60,168 | |
(a)-(k) Refer to footnote (2) above.
(4) Refer to footnote (4) to the "Consolidated Results of Operations for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022" table regarding the use of certain other non-GAAP measures in the discussion of our results of operations below.
Revenues for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023 increased by 4.0% to $448.7 million from $431.6 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022. The change in revenues from the first three quarters of 2022 to the first three quarters of 2023 was due to the following:
| | $ | | | % | |
2022 revenues | | 431,605 | | | | |
Price | | 19,558 | | | 4.5% | |
Volume/Mix | | (2,490 | ) | | -0.6% | |
2023 revenues | | 448,673 | | | 4.0% | |
Note: percentages may not add due to rounding.
For the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, the 4.0% increase in revenues reflected a 4.5% increase in pricing mainly reflecting the wrap-around benefit of pricing actions taken with customers in 2022 to offset inflationary cost increases, partially offset by an unfavorable volume/mix impact of 0.6%. The unfavorable volume/mix reflected lower external sales of plant-based ingredients due to a customer transferring part of its business to a second-source supplier and increased internal demand for oat base, together with softer demand for almond beverages and lower sales volumes of everyday broths, partially offset by sales volume growth for oat milks and creamers, 330-milliliter protein shakes, and teas, together with higher sales volumes for fruit snacks.
Gross profit decreased $12.9 million, or 17.0%, to $63.0 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, compared with $75.9 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022. Gross margin for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023 was 14.0% compared to 17.6% for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022, a decrease of 360 basis points.
In the first three quarters of 2023, we incurred start-up costs included in cost of goods sold of $16.3 million (3.6% gross margin impact) related to our new plant in Midlothian, Texas, and new extrusion and high-speed packaging lines at our fruit snacks facility in Omak, Washington, compared with $1.2 million (0.3% gross margin impact) of start-up costs incurred in the first three quarters of 2022. Excluding the impact of these costs, adjusted gross margin for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023 was 17.7% compared to 17.9% for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022, a decrease of 20 basis points. See footnote (1) to the "Consolidated Results of Operations for the Three Quarters Ended September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022" table for a reconciliation of adjusted gross margin from gross margin calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
SUNOPTA INC. | 36 | September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q |
The 20-basis point decrease in adjusted gross margin reflected the impact of incremental depreciation of new production equipment for capital expansion projects ($6.4 million or 1.7% gross margin impact), together with the negative impacts of higher manufacturing costs and lower production volumes and plant utilization, largely offset by the wrap-around benefit of pricing actions taken in 2022 to recover input cost inflation, together with a favorable mix shift in our plant-based ingredient operations, with increased internal use of oat base to support our beverage business and lower external sales.
Operating income decreased $11.3 million to $3.2 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, compared with $14.5 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022. The decrease in operating income reflected lower gross profit, as described above, together with higher business development and employee severance costs in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit and related consolidation of our continuing operations, partially offset by lower employee incentive compensation accruals and variable stock-based compensation expense based on performance.
(Further details on the changes in revenue, gross profit and operating income are provided in the rollforward tables below.)
Net interest expense increased by $10.6 million to $19.4 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, compared with $8.8 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022, resulting from an increase in outstanding debt to finance capital expansion projects, together with the impact of higher interest rates.
For the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, we recognized income tax expense of $4.0 million on a pre-tax loss of $16.2 million, reflecting the recognition of a full valuation allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets in the second quarter of 2023, based on our assessment that the related tax benefits were no longer more likely than not to be realized in the future. For the three quarters ended October 1, 2022, we recognized income tax expense of $1.4 million on pre-tax earnings of $5.7 million, reflecting an effective tax rate of 24.0%.
Loss from continuing operations for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023 was $20.2 million, compared with earnings of $4.3 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022. Diluted loss per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders (after dividends and accretion on preferred stock) was $0.19 for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, compared with a diluted earnings per share of $0.02 for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022.
We recognized a loss from discontinued operations of $143.1 million (diluted loss per share of $1.26) for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, compared with $10.2 million (diluted loss per share of $0.09) for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022. The increase in the loss from discontinued operations reflected the estimated pre-tax loss on the divestiture of Frozen Fruit of $118.8 million recognized in the third quarter of 2023, compared with a pre-tax loss on the divestiture of Sunflower of $23.2 million recorded in the third quarter of 2022, together with an $8.2 million loss on the settlement of the purchase price allocation related to the 2020 divestiture of our global ingredients business, Tradin Organic. In addition, the increase in the loss from discontinued operations reflected a period-over-period decrease in the gross profit of Frozen Fruit prior to the divestiture due to lower sales and production volumes as a result of softer retail consumption trends and lost foodservice distribution, together with inventory reserves recognized in connection with the divestiture.
We realized a loss attributable to common shareholders of $164.8 million (diluted loss per share of $1.45) for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, compared with a loss attributable to common shareholders of $8.2 million (diluted loss per share of $0.08) for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022. Loss attributable to common shareholders included dividends and accretion on our Series B-1 preferred stock of $1.6 million and $2.3 million in the first three quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively.
On a consolidated basis, adjusted loss for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023 was $0.1 million, or $0.00 loss per diluted share, compared with adjusted earnings of $6.9 million, or $0.06 earnings per diluted share, for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022. For the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, adjusted earnings from continuing operations were $3.4 million, or $0.03 earnings per diluted share, compared with adjusted earnings of $4.7 million, or $0.04 earnings per diluted share, for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022.
On a consolidated basis, adjusted EBITDA increased $2.2 million, or 3.6%, for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023 to $62.4 million, compared with $60.2 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations increased $11.6 million, or 25.9%, to $56.2 million for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, compared with $44.6 million for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022.
SUNOPTA INC. | 37 | September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q |
Adjusted earnings (loss) and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. See footnotes (2) and (3) to the "Consolidated Results of Operations for the Three Quarters Ended September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022" table for a reconciliation of adjusted earnings (loss) and adjusted EBITDA from net earnings (loss), which we consider to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.
Rollforward of Revenue, Gross Profit and Operating Income
For the three quarters ended | | September 30, 2023 | | | October 1, 2022 | | | Change | | | % Change | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | $ | 448,673 | | $ | 431,605 | | $ | 17,068 | | | 4.0% | |
Gross profit | | 62,976 | | | 75,914 | | | (12,938 | ) | | -17.0% | |
Gross margin | | 14.0% | | | 17.6% | | | | | | -3.6% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income | $ | 3,211 | | $ | 14,512 | | $ | (11,301 | ) | | -77.9% | |
Operating margin | | 0.7% | | | 3.4% | | | | | | -2.7% | |
Revenues
The table below explains the $17.1 million increase in revenues from $431.6 million for the first three quarters of 2022 to $448.7 million for the first three quarters of 2023:
Revenues for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022 | $431,605 |
| Wrap-around benefit of pricing actions taken in 2022 to offset input cost inflation, together with sales volume growth for oat milks and creamers, 330-milliliter protein shakes and teas, partially offset by softer demand for almond beverages and lower sales volumes of everyday broths | 26,849 |
| Higher sales volumes for fruit snacks and smoothie bowls | 11,872 |
| Lower external sales of plant-based ingredients due to a customer transferring part of its business to a second-source supplier and increased internal demand for oat base | (21,653) |
Revenues for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023 | $448,673 |
Gross Profit
The table below explains the $12.9 million decrease in gross profit of from $75.9 million for the first three quarters of 2022 to $63.0 million for the first three quarters of 2023:
Gross profit for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022 | $75,914 |
| Increase in start-up costs related to capital expansion projects | (15,156) |
| Incremental depreciation related to capital expansion projects | (6,396) |
| Higher sales pricing and increased internal use of oat base to support our beverage business, partially offset by higher manufacturing costs, together with the impact of lower production volumes and plant utilization | 8,614 |
Gross profit for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023 | $62,976 |
SUNOPTA INC. | 38 | September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q |
Operating Income
The table below explains the $11.3 million decrease in operating income from $14.5 million for the first three quarters of 2022 to $3.2 million for the first three quarters of 2023:
Operating income for the three quarters ended October 1, 2022 | $14,512 |
| Decrease in gross profit, as explained above | ($12,938) |
| Lower employee incentive compensation accruals based on performance, partially offset by higher business development and employee severance costs in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit and related consolidation of our continuing operations | 935 |
| Lower variable stock-based compensation expense based on performance | 702 |
Operating income for the three quarters ended September 30, 2023 | $3,211 |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
From time to time, as part of our ongoing efforts to improve working capital efficiency, we utilize, at our sole discretion, supplier finance programs offered by some of our major customers that allow us to sell our receivables from the customers to such customers' financial institutions, on a non-recourse basis, in order to be paid earlier than our payment terms with the customer provide at a discount rate that leverages those customers' favorable credit ratings. Utilizing these programs reduces our accounts receivable balances, improves our cash flows, and reduces the cost of servicing these receivables with our revolving credit facility.
In connection with our efforts to extend payment terms with our major suppliers to enhance cash flows, we facilitate our own voluntary supplier finance program through a third-party financial institution, by which a participating supplier may elect to sell an invoice to the financial institution in order to be paid earlier than the contractual payment terms provide (see note 6 to the unaudited consolidated financings statements included in this report.) Additionally, we are financing certain other purchases of goods and services through extended payables facilities, by which third-party intermediaries settle the supplier invoice on the contractual due date, and we pay the intermediaries the face amount of the invoice, together with interest, at a later date (see note 7 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report.)
On December 31, 2020, we entered into a five-year credit agreement, as amended, for a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $250 million, subject to borrowing base capacity. As at September 30, 2023, we had outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $139.9 million (December 31, 2022 - $137.3 million), including a $12.5 million first-in-last-out ("FILO") term loan (December 31, 2022 - $20.0 million), and available borrowing capacity of approximately $39 million (January 1, 2022 - $50 million). Commencing with the first quarter of 2023, we are making amortization payments on the principal amount of the FILO term loan of $2.5 million each quarter, with the remaining amount payable at the maturity thereof on April 15, 2024.
In October 2023, we utilized a portion of the cash proceeds from the divestiture of Frozen Fruit to reduce the outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility by $74.7 million, which increased our available borrowing capacity to approximately $52 million.
The credit agreement also provided a five-year, up to $75 million delayed draw term loan, to be used for capital expenditures, which could be drawn upon up to March 31, 2023. As at March 31, 2023, we had utilized $57.0 million on the term loan facility to partially finance the purchase of equipment for our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas, as well as certain other equipment purchases. Commencing in March 2023, we are repaying the term loan facility in monthly installments of $0.7 million, with the remaining amount payable at the maturity thereof on December 31, 2025. As at September 30, 2023, the principal amount outstanding under the term loan facility was $52.3 million (December 31, 2022 - $43.7 million).
For the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, the weighted-average interest rate on all outstanding borrowings under our asset-based credit facilities was 7.21% (October 1, 2022 - 3.83%), reflecting increases in short-term interest rates.
For more information on our asset-based credit facilities, see note 8 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report.
SUNOPTA INC. | 39 | September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q |
As at September 30, 2023, we had outstanding finance lease liabilities of $113.3 million (December 31, 2022 - $124.1 million), with a weighted-average implicit interest rate of 8.05% and a weighted-average remaining lease term of 3.1 years. Additions to finance leases in the first three quarters of 2023 were related to the final buildout of our Midlothian, Texas, facility, and the additions of new extrusion and high-speed packaging lines at our fruit snacks facility in Omak, Washington. For more information on our operating and finance lease obligations, including maturity dates, see note 5 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report.
As at September 30, 2023, our subsidiary, SunOpta Foods Inc. ("SunOpta Foods") had 15,000 shares of Series B-1 preferred stock issued and outstanding. The Series B-1 preferred stock currently has a liquidation preference of approximately $1,015 per share and is exchangeable into shares of our common stock at an exchange price of $2.50 per share, which presently equates to approximately 6,089,333 common shares. Cumulative preferred dividends accrue daily on the Series B-1 preferred stock at an annualized rate of 8.0% of the liquidation preference, which equates to quarterly dividend distributions of approximately $0.3 million. At any time, the holders of the Series B-1 preferred stock may elect to exchange their shares of Series B-1 preferred stock into shares of our common stock. In addition, since April 24, 2023, SunOpta Foods may cause the holders of the Series B-1 Preferred Stock to exchange all of their shares of Series B-1 preferred stock into shares of our common stock if the volume-weighted average trading price of our common shares during the then preceding 20 trading day period is greater than 200% of the $2.50 exchange price per share.
For more information on the Series B-1 preferred stock, see note 9 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report.
We estimate cash expenditures of approximately $45 million on identified capital projects in fiscal 2023, including $38.7 million spent in the first three quarters of 2023 (including $1.5 million related to discontinued operations). Cash expenditures on continuing operations mainly related to the completion of our Midlothian, Texas, facility. We funded our cash expenditures in the first three quarters of 2023 using our term loan facility, together with cash advances under finance leases and our revolving credit facility. In addition, $9.7 million of finance leases commenced in the first three quarters of 2023, related to the new extrusion and high-speed packaging lines at our fruit snacks facility in Omak, Washington.
We believe that our operating cash flows, including the selective use of supplier finance programs and the extended payables facility to improve payment terms, together with our revolving credit facility, and access to lease financing, will be adequate to meet our operating, investing, and financing needs for the foreseeable future, including the 12-month period following the fiscal period end of our financial statements included in this report. However, in order to finance significant investments in our existing businesses, or significant business acquisitions, if any, that may arise in the future, we may need additional sources of cash that we could attempt to obtain through a combination of additional bank or subordinated financing, a private or public offering of debt or equity securities, or the issuance of common stock. There can be no assurance that these types of financing would be available at all or, if so, on terms that are acceptable to us. In addition, we may explore the sale of selected operations or assets from time to time to improve our profitability, reduce our indebtedness, and/or improve our position to obtain additional financing.
Cash Flows
Summarized cash flow information for the periods ended September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022 is as follows:
| | For the quarter ended | | | For the three quarters ended | |
| | September 30, 2023 | | | October 1, 2022 | | | Change | | | September 30, 2023 | | | October 1, 2022 | | | Change | |
| | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | |
Net cash flows provided by (used in): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating activities | | (25,853 | ) | | 9,339 | | | (35,192 | ) | | (8,385 | ) | | 23,419 | | | (31,804 | ) |
Investing activities | | (4,716 | ) | | (37,281 | ) | | 32,565 | | | (37,272 | ) | | (94,560 | ) | | 57,288 | |
Financing activities | | 30,573 | | | 27,942 | | | 2,631 | | | 45,661 | | | 77,466 | | | (31,805 | ) |
Discontinued operations | | 2,559 | | | (94 | ) | | 2,653 | | | 2,861 | | | (6,093 | ) | | 8,954 | |
SUNOPTA INC. | 40 | September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q |
Operating Activities of Continuing Operations
Cash used in operating activities of continuing operations increased $35.2 million and $31.8 million from the third quarter and first three quarters of 2022 to the comparable periods of 2023. The increases in cash used mainly reflected the impact of start-up costs related to our Midlothian, Texas, facility, and higher cash interest expense on borrowings to finance capital expenditures, together with increases in working capital in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2023, mainly due to the timing of receivables and payables, partially offset by higher inventory purchases in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2022 to support our fruit snacks operations.
Investing Activities of Continuing Operations
Cash used in investing activities of continuing operations decreased $32.6 million and $57.3 million from the third quarter and first three quarters of 2022 to the comparable periods of 2023. The year-over-year decreases in investing cash outflows reflected the completion of certain major capital projects, including the construction of our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas.
Financing Activities of Continuing Operations
Cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations increased $2.6 million from the third quarter of 2022 to the third quarter of 2023, and decreased $31.8 million from the first three quarters of 2022 to the first three quarters of 2023. The year-over-year movements in financing cash flows mainly reflected increased borrowings under our revolving credit facilities to fund changes in working capital and capital expenditures in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2023, together with net proceeds from notes payable associated with our use of extended payables facilities, offset by net repayments of long-term debt as capital projects are completed.
Discontinued Operations
Net cash provided by discontinued operations increased $2.7 million and $9.0 million in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2023, respectively, which reflected lower period-over-period purchases of frozen fruit inventory to align with demand. In addition, in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2022, cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations included net proceeds of $16.1 million received on the sale of a frozen fruit processing facility, partially offset in the first three quarters of 2022 by a $6.3 million payment in settlement of the purchase price allocation and other post-closing matters related to the 2020 divestiture of Tradin Organic.
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.
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 December 31, 2022.
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 our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
SUNOPTA INC. | 41 | September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q |
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. As a result of the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting identified and described in Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2023.
Notwithstanding the identified material weaknesses, management has concluded that the consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly represent in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows at and for the periods presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Remediation Plan for Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company is in the process of improving its policies and procedures relating to the preparation and review of the consolidated income tax provision and recognition of deferred tax assets related to stock-based compensation. Management plans to enhance its internal controls by adding controls to ensure proper review and assessment of business activities impacting the provision and completeness and accuracy of data used in preparing the consolidated tax provision and deferred tax assets.
The material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until the applicable remedial controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. As a result of the material weakness relating to the annual consolidated income tax provision and recognition of deferred tax assets, we believe the remediation will occur in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 and will strengthen our internal control over financial reporting and will prevent a reoccurrence of the material weaknesses described in Item 9A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Other than the actions taken under "Remediation Plan for Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting" discussed above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
SUNOPTA INC. | 42 | September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q |
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
For a discussion of legal proceedings, see note 14 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Certain risks associated with our operations are discussed in Item 1A "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. There have been no material changes to the previously reported risk factors as of the date of this quarterly report. Our previously reported risk factors should be carefully reviewed in connection with an evaluation of our Company.
Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are included as part of this report.
Exhibit | Description |
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2.1 | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2023, among SunOpta Inc., Sunrise Growers Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V., SunOpta Mx, S.A. de C.V., Sunrise Growers, Inc., Nature's Touch Frozen Fruits, LLC and Natures Touch Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2023). |
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10.1† | Executive Employment Agreement made as of October 11, 2023 between Greg Gaba and SunOpta Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2023). |
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31.1* | Certification by Joseph D. Ennen, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
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31.2* | Certification by Greg Gaba, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
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32* | Certifications by Joseph D. Ennen, Chief Executive Officer, and Greg Gaba, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
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101.INS* | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File as its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |
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101.SCH* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
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101.CAL* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
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101.DEF* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
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101.LAB* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
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101.PRE* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
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104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
† Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
* Filed herewith.
SUNOPTA INC. | 43 | September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| SUNOPTA INC. |
| |
Date: November 9, 2023 | /s/ Greg Gaba |
| Greg Gaba |
| Chief Financial Officer (Authorized Signatory and Principal Financial Officer) |
SUNOPTA INC. | 44 | September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q |