SunOpta Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
For the quarters and three quarters ended October 3, 2015 and October 4, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

(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. On October 9, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Sunrise Holdings (Delaware), Inc. (“Sunrise”), pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “PSA”) dated July 30, 2015 (the “Sunrise Acquisition”). For further information regarding the Sunrise Acquisition, including related financing, see notes 8 and 16.

In addition to SunOpta Foods, the Company owned approximately 66% of Opta Minerals Inc. (“Opta Minerals”) as at October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015, on a non-dilutive basis. Opta Minerals produces, distributes and recycles industrial minerals, silica-free abrasives and specialty sands.

Over the last several years, Opta Minerals has periodically breached certain financial covenants under its credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders, including as at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015. As described in note 7, Opta Minerals obtained waivers from the lenders on August 11, 2015 in respect of the June 30, 2015 default and October 30, 2015, in respect of the September 30, 2015 default. In connection with these waivers, certain additional covenants were added from the date of the waivers through November 30, 2015. In addition, the lenders agreed to extend the maturity of Opta Minerals’ revolving term credit facility to November 30, 2015.

Opta Minerals will require the continued support of its current financial lenders and, effective November 30, 2015, Opta Minerals will require another extension of its revolving credit facility and an additional waiver on future covenants, if breached, or an alternative source of financing. There can be no assurance that a further extension and additional waiver will be provided or that alternative sources of financing on terms favorable to Opta Minerals can be obtained to finance its operations and meet its obligations.

Opta Minerals’ credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority security interest on substantially all of the assets of Opta Minerals, and are without recourse to SunOpta Inc.

The factors noted above may cast significant doubt as to Opta Minerals’ ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not reflect the adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of expenses and consolidated balance sheet classifications that might be necessary if Opta Minerals is unable to realize its assets and settle its liabilities as a going concern in the normal course of operations. Such adjustments could be material to the Company.

Opta Minerals ability to continue to operate as a going concern could also have a significant impact on the Company’s ability to recover the carrying value of its investment in Opta Minerals, which amounted to approximately $25,000 as at October 3, 2015.

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 and three quarters ended October 3, 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:

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 September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-16, “Business Combinations – Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”, which eliminates the current guidance that requires an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively as if the accounting for the business combination had been completed at the acquisition date. Instead, under the new guidance, an acquirer recognizes measurement-period adjustments in the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment, including the effect on earnings of any amounts that would have been recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 does not change the criteria for determining whether an adjustment qualifies as a measurement-period adjustment or change the length of the measurement period, which cannot exceed one year from the date of the acquisition. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and the guidance is applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the adoption date. As permitted, the Company has elected to early adopt this guidance in the third quarter of 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact of the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory – Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”, which requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost and net realizable value (“NRV”)”, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. The new guidance eliminates the need to determine replacement cost and evaluate whether it is above the ceiling (NRV) or below the floor (NRV less a normal profit margin). The guidance defines NRV as the “estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation”. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued 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, and, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, “Interest – Imputation of Interest – Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Cost Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements”, which permits the presentation of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements as assets. The guidance is effective on a retrospective basis for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. As permitted, the Company will early-adopt this guidance commencing with its annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 2, 2016. As the adoption of this guidance will impact balance sheet classification only, there will be no impact on the Company’s results of operations.

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. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers by one year the effective date of the new revenue recognition guidance. The guidance will be 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. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

2. Business Acquisitions

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.

Niagara Natural Fruit Snack Company Inc.

On August 11, 2015, the Company acquired the net operating assets of Niagara Natural Fruit Snack Company Inc. (“Niagara Natural”). Niagara Natural is a manufacturer of all-natural fruit snacks located in the Niagara Region of Ontario. The acquisition of the net operating assets of Niagara Natural has been accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. The results of Niagara Natural 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 following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as at the acquisition date, which are subject to change pending finalization of the working capital adjustment and valuation of tangible and intangible assets. The Company expects to finalize these amounts no later than one year from the acquisition date.

Revenue and Earnings

Revenues of Citrusource and Niagara Natural for the periods from the respective acquisition dates to October 3, 2015 were approximately $20,000, in the aggregate, and earnings, net of income taxes, were approximately $700, in the aggregate, which included the effects of the acquisition accounting adjustments.

The 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, Citrusource and Niagara Natural. Except to the extent realized, the pro forma information does not reflect any operating synergies or other benefits that the Company may achieve as a result of these acquisitions, or the costs that may be necessary to achieve these operating synergies and other benefits. The pro forma information reflects primarily the following adjustments:

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

3. Investment in Joint Venture

On May 2, 2015, the Company paid $733 in cash to increase its ownership position in Selet Hulling PLC (“Selet”) from 35% to 76%. Selet is a joint venture located in Ethiopia focused on the sourcing and supply of organic sesame. As a result of its increased ownership in Selet, the Company also obtained full management control of the operation. The increase in the Company’s ownership position was accounted for as an equity transaction, with the difference between the cash consideration paid and the amount by which the non-controlling interest related to Selet was adjusted being recognized in additional paid-in capital.

4. 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. In the second quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a loss of $134, net of income taxes, for a closing working capital adjustment.

5. 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 October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015:

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

These exchange-traded commodity futures and forward commodity purchase and sale contracts are used as part of the Company’s risk management strategy, and represent economic hedges to limit risk related to fluctuations in the price of certain commodity grains, as well as the prices of cocoa and coffee. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Gains and losses on changes in fair value of these derivative instruments are included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statement of operations. For the quarter ended October 3, 2015, the Company recognized a gain of $1,088 (October 4, 2014 – loss of $1,802) and for the three quarters ended October 3, 2015, the Company recognized a gain of $534 (October 4, 2014 – loss of $2,021) related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives.

In addition, as at October 3, 2015, the Company had net open forward contracts to sell 287 lots of cocoa and to purchase 4 lots of coffee.

Grains inventory carried at fair value is determined using quoted market prices from the Chicago Board of Trade (“CBoT”). Estimated fair market values for grains inventory quantities at period end are valued using the quoted price on the CBoT adjusted for differences in local markets, and broker or dealer quotes. These assets are placed in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as there are observable quoted prices for similar assets in active markets. Gains and losses on commodity grains inventory are included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations. As at October 3, 2015, the Company had 206,971 bushels of commodity corn and 402,194 bushels of commodity soybeans in inventories carried at market.

As at October 3, 2015, Opta Minerals held interest rate swaps with a notional value of Cdn $33,350 to pay fixed rates of 1.85% to 2.02%, plus a margin of 2.0% to 3.5% based on certain financial ratios of Opta Minerals, and receive a variable rate based on various reference rates including prime, bankers’ acceptances or LIBOR, plus the same margin, until May 2017. The net notional value decreases in accordance with the quarterly principal repayments on Opta Minerals’ non-revolving term credit facility.

At each period end, the Company calculates the marked-to-market fair value of the interest rate swaps using a valuation technique using quoted observable prices for similar instruments as the primary input. Based on this valuation, the previously recorded fair value is adjusted to the current marked-to-market position. The marked-to-market gain or loss is placed in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Prior to July 4, 2015, the interest rate swaps were designated as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes with gains and losses on changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments included on the consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings. As at July 4, 2015, it was determined that the cash flow hedge was no longer highly effective due to the breach by Opta Minerals of certain of its financial covenants (see note 7). As a result, the accumulated amount of the loss recorded in other comprehensive earnings/loss related to the interest rate swaps of $458, net of income tax benefit of $119, was reclassified to interest expense in the second quarter of 2015. Subsequent to July 4, 2015, gains and losses on changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations. For the quarter ended October 3, 2015, the Company recognized a gain of $68 (October 4, 2014 – gain of $62) and for the three quarters ended October 3, 2015, a loss of $105 (October 4, 2014 – gain of $15) related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives.

As part of its risk management strategy, the Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. For any open forward foreign exchange contracts at period end, the contract rate is compared to the forward rate, and a gain or loss is recorded. These contracts are placed in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as the inputs used in making the fair value determination are derived from and are corroborated by observable market data. While these forward foreign exchange contracts typically represent economic hedges that are not designated as hedging instruments, certain of these contracts may be designated as hedges. As at October 3, 2015 the Company had open forward foreign exchange contracts with a notional value of €23,712 ($26,731). Gains and losses on changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are included in foreign exchange loss or gain on the consolidated statement of operations. For the quarter ended October 3, 2015, the Company recognized a loss of $489 (October 4, 2014 – gain of $1,038) and for the three quarters ended October 3, 2015, the Company recognized a loss of $1,074 (October 4, 2014 – gain of $1,597) related to changes in the fair value of these derivatives.

The fair value measurement of contingent consideration arising from business acquisitions is determined using unobservable (level 3) inputs. These inputs include: (i) the estimated amount and timing of the projected cash flows on which the contingency is based; and (ii) the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value those cash flows. The following table presents a reconciliation of contingent consideration obligations for the three quarters ended October 3, 2015:

The Company’s investment in subordinated convertible notes of Enchi includes the value of an accelerated payment option embedded in the notes, which may result in a maximum payout to the Company of $5,100. As at October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015, the Company determined that the fair value of this embedded derivative was $3,409. Due to a lack of level 1 or level 2 observable market quotes for the notes, the Company used a discounted cash flow analysis (income approach) to estimate the original fair value of the embedded derivative based on unobservable level 3 inputs. The Company assesses changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative based on the performance of actual cash flows derived from certain royalty rights owned by Enchi, which are expected to be the primary source of funds available to settle the embedded derivative, relative to the financial forecasts used in the valuation analysis. As at October 3, 2015, there was no significant change to the expectations related to the royalty rights that would impact the fair value of the embedded derivative

The syndicated North American credit facilities support the core North American food operations of the Company.

On September 22, 2015, the Company entered into a first amending agreement to its amended and restated credit agreement dated July 27, 2012, which extended the maturity date of the North American credit facilities from July 27, 2016 to January 27, 2017. The North American credit facilities comprise secured revolving credit facilities of Cdn $10,000 (or the equivalent U.S. dollar amount) and $165,000, as well as an additional $50,000 in availability upon the exercise of an uncommitted accordion feature. Outstanding principal amounts under these facilities are repayable in full on the maturity date.

Interest on borrowings under the facilities accrues based on various reference rates including London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus an applicable margin of 1.75% to 2.50%, which is set quarterly based on average borrowing availability. As at October 3, 2015, the weighted-average interest rate on the facilities was 2.08% .

The facilities are collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, excluding Opta Minerals and The Organic Corporation (“TOC”).

The European credit facilities support the international sourcing and supply operations of the Global Ingredients reportable segment.

On October 14, 2014, TOC and certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) 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”).

The €80,000 revolving credit facility is secured by the working capital of the Borrowers. The Club Facility is due on demand with no set maturity date. Interest costs under the Club Facility accrue based on the aggregate of: (i) a fixed loan margin of 1.75%; and (ii) a variable rate based on LIBOR or Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) plus an applicable spread as set by the Lenders on a periodic basis. As at October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015, €76,094 ($85,257) and €58,205 ($69,869), respectively, of this facility had been utilized.

On April 27, 2015, a subsidiary of TOC amended its revolving credit facility agreement dated May 22, 2013, to provide up to €4,500 to cover the working capital needs of TOC’s Bulgarian operations. The facility is secured by the accounts receivable and inventories of the Bulgarian operations and is fully guaranteed by TOC. Interest accrues under the facility based on EURIBOR plus a margin of 2.75%, and borrowings under the facility are repayable in full on April 30, 2016. As of October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015, nil and €1,934 ($2,322), respectively, was borrowed under this facility.

As at October 3, 2015, the weighted-average interest rate on the European credit facilities was 2.44% .

These credit facilities are specific to the operations of Opta Minerals, and are without recourse to SunOpta Inc.

On May 8, 2014, Opta Minerals amended and extended its credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders 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 was due to mature on August 14, 2015; however, the lenders extended the maturity date of the revolving credit facility from August 14, 2015 to October 2, 2015 and then from October 2, 2015 to November 30, 2015. The non-revolving term credit facility is due to mature on May 18, 2017, unless earlier payment is required due to an event of default. The principal amount of the non-revolving term credit facility is repayable in equal quarterly installments of approximately Cdn $1,312.

As described in note 1, as at June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015, Opta Minerals was not in compliance with all of its financial covenants under its credit agreement. Failure to meet a financial covenant constitutes an event of default, unless the lenders agree to a waiver or amendment. On August 11, 2015, in respect of the June 30, 2015 default and October 30, 2015, in respect of the September 30, 2015 default, Opta Minerals obtained waivers in respect of the aforementioned covenant requirements from its lenders, provided that Opta Minerals meets certain additional financial covenants. As there is no assurance that Opta Minerals will be in compliance with all its financial covenants at all measurement dates within the next 12 months, the non-revolving term credit facility has been classified as current on the consolidated balance sheet as at October 3, 2015.

Opta Minerals’ credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority security interest on substantially all of the assets of Opta Minerals.

Interest on the borrowings under the credit facility accrues at the borrower’s option based on various reference rates including LIBOR, plus an applicable margin of 2.00% to 5.50% based on certain financial ratios of Opta Minerals. Opta Minerals utilizes interest rate swaps to hedge the interest payments on a portion of the borrowings under the non-revolving term credit facility (see note 5). As at September 30, 2015, the weighted-average interest rate on the credit facilities was 6.23%, after taking into account the related interest rate hedging activities.

8. Common Shares

On September 30, 2015, the Company completed a registered offering of 16,670,000 of its common shares, no par value, at a price of $6.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $100,020 (the “Equity Offering”). Underwriting and other issuance costs of $4,676 incurred in connection with the issuance of these new common shares have been reflected as a reduction to the gross proceeds from the Equity Offering, net of income taxes of $1,200. The proceeds from the Equity Offering were used by the Company to fund a portion of the purchase price of the Sunrise Acquisition (see note 16).

9. Stock-Based Compensation

Under the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company may grant a variety of stock-based awards including stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance share units (“PSUs”) to selected employees and directors of the Company.

Stock Options

For the three quarters ended October 3, 2015, the Company granted 462,780 options to employees that vest ratably on each of the first through fifth anniversaries of the grant date and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of these options was $5.48, which is recognized on a straight-line basis over the five-year vesting period based on the number of stock options expected to vest.

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:

Restricted Stock Units and Performance Share Units

For the three quarters ended October 3, 2015, the Company granted 64,487 RSUs and 115,071 PSUs to certain employees and directors of the Company.

Time-based RSUs vest ratably on each of the first through third anniversaries of the grant date. The fair value of each RSU granted was estimated to be $10.07 based on the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The grant-date fair value is recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period based on the number of RSUs expected to vest.

Performance-based PSUs vest three years following the grant date. The number of PSUs that ultimately vest (up to a specified maximum) will be determined based on performance relative to predetermined performance measures of the Company. If the Company’s performance is below a specified performance level, no PSUs will vest. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the PSUs granted was estimated to be $10.16 based on the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the grant dates. Each reporting period, the number of PSUs that are expected to vest is re-determined and the grant-date fair value of these PSUs is amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period less amounts previously recognized.

Each vested RSU and PSU will be settled through the issuance of common shares of the Company and are therefore treated as equity awards.

Warrants

On January 29, 2015, the Company received proceeds of $812 on the exercise of warrants issued by the Company on February 5, 2010 to purchase 250,000 common shares at an exercise price of $3.25 per share, and, on June 4, 2015, the Company received proceeds of $3,067 on the exercise of warrants issued by the Company on June 11, 2010 to purchase 600,000 common shares at an exercise price of $5.11 per share.

10. Other Expense (Income), Net

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

For the quarter ended October 3, 2015, employee severance costs included contractual severance benefits of $1,227 and previously unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of $854 recognized in connection with the departure of Steven Bromley as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) effective October 1, 2015. For the three quarters ended October 3, 2015, employee severance costs also included those costs related to the departure of the former President and CEO of Opta Minerals effective May 26, 2015.

For the quarter and three quarters ended October 4, 2014, employee severance costs included costs incurred by the Company in connection with the closure and sale of certain of its sunflower facilities.

Business development costs represent external professional and consulting fees, and other costs incurred in connection with the review of strategic opportunities to acquire or divest of businesses or assets. For the quarter and three quarters ended October 3, 2015, these costs were primarily incurred in connection with the agreement to acquire Sunrise (see note 16), as well as the acquisitions of the Citrusource and Niagara Natural (see note 2).

For the quarter and three quarters ended October 3, 2015, Opta Minerals incurred direct costs in connection with the closure or relocation of certain of its abrasives plants.

For the three quarters ended October 4, 2014, the Company recorded a gain of $1,373 in connection with the settlement of the remaining earn-out related to the acquisition of Edner of Nevada, Inc. (“Edner”) on December 14, 2010. In addition, the Company made a payment of $800 to the former owners of Edner in connection with this settlement.

For the three quarters ended October 4, 2014, the Company recognized a gain of $1,018 on the sale of certain of its sunflower facilities for cash consideration of $5,688.

For the quarter and three quarters ended October 4, 2014, Opta Minerals wrote down the carrying value of certain property, plant and equipment in connection with the closure of one of its industrial minerals plants.

11. Impairment Loss on Investment

For the quarter and three quarters ended October 4, 2014, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $8,441 on the consolidated statements of operations to write down the carrying value of its investment in equity and debt securities of Enchi.

12. Earnings Per Share

Earnings (loss) per share are calculated as follows:

For the quarter ended October 3, 2015, stock options to purchase 870,192 (October 4, 2014 − 50,500) common shares were excluded from the calculation of potential dilutive common shares due to their anti-dilutive effect. For the three quarters ended October 3, 2015, stock options to purchase 405,996 (October 4, 2014 − 50,500) common shares were excluded from the calculation of potential dilutive common shares due to their anti-dilutive effect.

As at October 3, 2015, cash and cash equivalents included $1,626 (January 3, 2015 - $2,170) that was specific to Opta Minerals and cannot be utilized by the Company for general corporate purposes.

14. 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 processes, 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. Plum alleges it initiated the recall in response to consumer complaints of bloated packaging and premature spoilage of certain products, which could lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort if consumed. Plum alleges 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 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.

15. 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 and three quarters ended October 4, 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:

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.

Sunrise Acquisition

On October 9, 2015 (the “acquisition date”), the Company completed the Sunrise Acquisition for total consideration of approximately $452,000 in cash. In addition, the Company paid approximately $21,000 at closing to settle acquisition-related transaction costs incurred by Sunrise in connection with the Sunrise Acquisition. Sunrise is a processor of conventional and organic IQF fruit in the U.S. The Company financed the Sunrise Acquisition, including the settlement of the related acquisition costs incurred by Sunrise, through a combination of: (i) net proceeds of approximately $95,500 from the Equity Offering (see note 8); (ii) net borrowings of approximately $318,000 under the Loan Agreement (defined below); and (iii) borrowings of approximately $59,500 under its existing North American credit facilities.

The Sunrise Acquisition will be accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company will record the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Due to the limited time since the closing of the Sunrise Acquisition, the valuation activities and related acquisition accounting are incomplete at the time of the filing of these consolidated financial statements. As a result, the Company is unable to provide amounts recognized as of the acquisition date for major classes of assets and liabilities acquired, including goodwill. In addition, because the acquisition accounting is incomplete, the Company is unable to provide the supplemental pro forma revenue and earnings for the combined entity, as the pro forma adjustments are expected to primarily consist of estimates for the amortization of identifiable intangible assets acquired and related income tax effects, which will result from the purchase price allocation and determination of the fair values for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Loan Agreement

On October 9, 2015 (the “funding date”), SunOpta Foods Inc. (the “Borrower”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors (together with the Company, the “Guarantors”), entered into a Second Lien Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with a group of lenders, pursuant to which the Company borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $330,000 of term loans. The proceeds of the Loan Agreement, net of related financing costs, were used to partially fund the Sunrise Acquisition as described above. The Loan Agreement is guaranteed by the Company and all of its subsidiaries that guarantee its North American credit facilities, and is secured on a second-priority basis by security interests on all of the Borrower’s and Guarantors’ assets that secure the Company’s North American credit facilities.

The term loans made under the Loan Agreement on the funding date (the “Initial Loans”) mature on the first anniversary of the funding date. If any Initial Loans remain outstanding on the first anniversary of the funding date (the “Interim Loan Conversion Date”) and no bankruptcy event of default then exists, all Initial Loans then outstanding automatically convert into term loans (such converted loans, the “Term Loans”), which would mature on the seventh anniversary of the funding date (the “Maturity Date”). At the Company’s election, interest on the Initial Loans is initially determined by reference to either: (i) LIBOR (subject to a 1.0% per annum floor) plus an applicable margin of 6.0% per annum; or (ii) an alternate base rate specified in the Loan Agreement plus an applicable margin of 5.0% . The applicable margin increases by 0.50% at the end of each three-month period after the funding date until the Interim Loan Conversion Date. In each case, the Initial Loans carry a maximum interest rate of 9.5% per annum, and any Term Loans will bear interest at 9.5% per annum. After the Interim Loan Conversion Date, the lenders also have the right to exchange their Term Loans for notes in a corresponding principal amount which would mature on the Maturity Date.

The Initial Loans may be voluntarily prepaid at par at any time prior to the Interim Loan Conversion Date and must be prepaid at par upon the incurrence of certain indebtedness, the issuance of certain types of equity and the sale of certain assets.

The Loan Agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties, customary covenants that restrict the Company’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things: incur, assume or permit to exist additional indebtedness (including guarantees thereof); pay dividends or certain other distributions on capital stock or repurchase capital stock or prepay certain indebtedness; incur liens on certain assets; make certain investments; permit certain restrictions on the ability of the restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments to the Borrower and Guarantors; engage in transactions with affiliates; and sell certain assets or merge or consolidate with or into other companies.