Recent Quotes View Full List My Watchlist Create Watchlist Indicators DJI Nasdaq Composite SPX Gold Crude Oil EL&P Market Index Markets Stocks ETFs Tools Overview News Currencies International Treasuries SunOpta Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2023 Financial Results By: SunOpta Inc. via Business Wire February 28, 2024 at 17:00 PM EST Revenue from continuing operations increased 13.7% to $181.6 million, driven by volume growth Loss from continuing operations of $1.8 million, compared to $0.4 million in the prior year Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $22.3 million, an increase of 17.5% Re-affirming 2024 outlook SunOpta Inc. (“SunOpta” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY), a U.S.-based global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based foods and beverages, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars and results are reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, except where specifically noted. Fourth Quarter 2023 highlights: Revenues of $181.6 million increased 13.7% compared to $159.8 million in the prior year period, driven by volume growth Gross profit margin was 14.1% on a reported basis. Adjusted gross margin1 was 17.3%, down 50-basis points from the prior year period, mainly due to the 80-basis point increase in depreciation related to new production equipment. Operating income of $5.1 million increased 47.8% compared to $3.4 million in the prior year period. Loss from continuing operations was $1.8 million compared to $0.4 million in the prior year period mainly due to an increase in interest expense partially offset by increased gross profit. Adjusted earnings1 from continuing operations of $5.7 million increased 120% compared to $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 mainly due to improved operating performance, partially offset by increases in interest expense and depreciation. Adjusted EBITDA1 from continuing operations increased by 17.5% to $22.3 million, or 12.3% of revenues, compared to $19.0 million and 11.9% of revenues in the prior year period. “Our latest results provide validation of the powerful potential of our platform. We are a growth company in growing categories and are armed with an optimized product portfolio and high-quality base of leverageable assets that provide significant runway for continued growth,” said Brian Kocher, Chief Executive Officer of SunOpta. “Fourth quarter revenues and Adjusted EBITDA exceeded expectations reflecting solid execution against our strategic priorities focused on operational excellence and growth. Volume was up double-digits and accelerated sharply from the third quarter, underscoring the strength of our competitive position and the broad-based demand we are seeing across our portfolio. Plant-based milks and fruit snacks continue to drive growth. We are gaining share with existing customers as well as adding new customers in both categories. In addition, our 330-milliliter protein shake business continues to ramp up aggressively, advancing our total addressable market expansion efforts. We are re-affirming our outlook for 2024 reflecting a high degree of confidence in the direction and trajectory of our business.” Fourth Quarter 2023 Results Revenues increased 13.7% to $181.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was driven by favorable volume/mix which was up 14.7% partially offset by a price reduction of 1.0% due to pass through of commodity prices. Volume/mix reflected broad based volume growth from oat milks and creamers, 330-milliliter protein shakes and teas, as well as increased sales volumes for fruit snacks, partially offset as expected, by lower external sales of plant-based ingredients, due to increased internal demand for oat base, as well as lower broth volumes. Gross profit was $25.6 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $23.8 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of revenues, gross profit margin was 14.1% compared to 14.9% in the fourth quarter of 2022, a decrease of 80 basis points, as reported. Adjusted gross margin1 was 17.3% for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to 17.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The 50-basis point decrease in adjusted gross margin reflected the impact of incremental depreciation of new production equipment for capital expansion projects partially offset by a positive mix shift in plant-based ingredients with increased internal use. Operating income was $5.1 million, or 2.8% of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to operating income of $3.4 million, or 2.1% of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by higher gross profit. Loss from continuing operations was $1.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $0.4 million in the prior year period. Diluted loss per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders (after dividends and accretion on preferred stock) was $0.02 for the fourth quarter compared with diluted loss per share of $0.01 in the prior year period. Loss from discontinued operations was $10.0 million or $0.09 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus earnings of $1.5 million or $0.01 per diluted share in the year earlier period. Adjusted earnings1 from continuing operations was $5.7 million or $0.05 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to adjusted earnings from continuing operations of $2.6 million or $0.02 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2022 mainly due to improved operating performance, partially offset by increases in interest expense and depreciation. Adjusted EBITDA1 from continuing operations was $22.3 million or 12.3% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $19.0 million or 11.9% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2022. Please refer to the discussion and table below under “Non-GAAP Measures”. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of December 30, 2023, SunOpta had total assets of $669.4 million and total debt of $263.2 million compared to total assets of $855.9 million and total debt of $308.5 million at fiscal 2022 year end. During the fourth quarter of 2023, cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $12.0 million compared to $7.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in cash provided mainly reflected improved operating performance, partially offset by increased working capital and the impact of higher start-up costs and cash interest expense. Investing activities of continuing operations consumed $9.2 million of cash during the fourth quarter of 2023 down from $26.4 million in the prior year, reflecting the completion of certain major capital projects, including the construction of our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas. 2024 Outlook2 For fiscal 2024, the Company is re-affirming its outlook and continues to expect strong growth in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA: ($ millions) 2024 Outlook Growth Revenue $ 670 – 700 6% - 11% Adj. EBITDA $ 87 - 92 11% - 17% Conference Call SunOpta plans to host a conference call at 5:30 P.M. Eastern time on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, to discuss the fourth quarter financial results. After opening remarks, there will be a question and answer period. Investors interested in listening to the live webcast can access a link on SunOpta's website at www.sunopta.com under the "Investor Relations" section or directly here. A replay of the webcast will be archived and can be accessed for approximately 90 days on the Company's website. This call may be accessed with the toll free dial-in number dial (888) 440-4182 or International dial-in number (646) 960-0653 using Conference ID: 8338433. 1 See discussion of non-GAAP measures 2 The Company has included certain forward-looking statements about the future financial performance that include non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA. These non–GAAP financial measures are derived by excluding certain amounts, expenses or income, from the corresponding financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The determination of the amounts that are excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures is a matter of management judgment and depends upon, among other factors, the nature of the underlying expense or income amounts recognized in a given period. We are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of the aforementioned forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures because management cannot reliably predict all of the necessary components of such GAAP measures. Historically, management has excluded the following items from certain of these non-GAAP measures, and such items may also be excluded in future periods and could be significant amounts. Expenses related to the acquisition or divestiture of businesses or assets, including business development costs, integration costs, severance, retention costs and transaction costs; Start-up costs of new facilities and equipment; Charges associated with restructuring and cost saving initiatives, including but not limited to asset impairments, accelerated depreciation, severance costs and lease abandonment charges; Asset impairment charges and facility closure costs; Legal settlements or awards; and The tax effect of the above items. About SunOpta Inc. SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based food and beverages. Founded 50 years ago, SunOpta manufactures organic and specialty products sold through retail and foodservice channels. SunOpta operates as a manufacturer for leading natural and private label brands, and also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN ®, Dream®, West LifeTM. For more information, visit www.sunopta.com, and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our belief that our protein shake business will ramp aggressively, our expectation for strong growth in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA and our anticipated Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, Revenue growth and Adjusted EBITDA growth for fiscal 2024. Generally, forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and are typically accompanied by words such as “continues”, “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimates”, “can”, “will”, “target”, "should", "would", "plans", "becoming", "intend", "confident", "may", "project", "intention", "might", "predict", “budget”, “forecast” or other similar terms and phrases intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on information available to the Company on the date of this release and are based on estimates and assumptions made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments including, but not limited to, the Company’s actual financial results; our exit from, and use of proceeds from the divestiture of the assets and liabilities of, Frozen Fruit, uninterrupted operations and service levels to our customers; current customer demand for the Company’s products; general economic conditions; continued consumer interest in health and wellness; the Company’s ability to maintain product pricing levels; planned facility and operational expansions, closures and divestitures; cost rationalization and product development initiatives; alternative potential uses for the Company’s capital resources; portfolio optimization and productivity efforts; the sustainability of the Company’s sales pipeline; the Company’s expectations regarding commodity pricing, margins and hedging results; procurement and logistics savings; freight lane cost reductions; yield and throughput enhancements; the cost of the frozen fruit recall; labor cost reductions; and the terms of our insurance policies. Whether actual timing and results will agree with expectations and predictions of the Company is subject to many risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, potential loss of suppliers and customers as well as the possibility of supply chain, logistics and other disruptions; unexpected issues or delays with the Company’s structural improvements and automation investments; failure or inability to implement portfolio changes, process improvements, go-to-market improvements and process sustainability strategies in a timely manner; changes in the level of capital investment; local and global political and economic conditions; consumer spending patterns and changes in market trends; decreases in customer demand; delayed or unsuccessful product development efforts; potential product recalls; potential additional costs associated with the frozen fruit recall; working capital management; availability and pricing of raw materials and supplies; potential covenant breaches under the Company’s credit facilities; and other risks described from time to time under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q (available at www.sec.gov). Consequently, all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update the forward-looking statements in this document, in other documents, or on its website to reflect future events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. SunOpta Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations For the quarters and years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) (All dollar amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) Quarter ended Year ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ $ $ $ Revenues 181,624 159,790 630,297 591,395 Cost of goods sold 155,983 135,974 541,680 491,665 Gross profit 25,641 23,816 88,617 99,730 Selling, general and administrative expenses 19,597 19,605 78,000 78,469 Intangible asset amortization 446 446 1,784 1,784 Other expense, net 475 243 455 1,651 Foreign exchange loss (gain) 66 101 110 (107 ) Operating income 5,057 3,421 8,268 17,933 Interest expense, net 7,518 4,312 26,909 13,156 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (2,461 ) (891 ) (18,641 ) 4,777 Income tax expense (benefit) (709 ) (464 ) 3,269 896 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1,752 ) (427 ) (21,910 ) 3,881 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (9,982 ) 1,481 (153,108 ) (8,722 ) Net earnings (loss) (11,734 ) 1,054 (175,018 ) (4,841 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (429 ) (830 ) (1,981 ) (3,109 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (12,163 ) 224 (176,999 ) (7,950 ) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (0.02 ) (0.01 ) (0.21 ) 0.01 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (0.09 ) 0.01 (1.34 ) (0.08 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (0.11 ) 0.00 (1.55 ) (0.07 ) Weighted-average common shares outstanding (000s) Basic 115,793 107,861 114,226 107,659 Diluted 115,793 107,861 114,226 110,247 SunOpta Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets As at December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) (All dollar amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ $ ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 306 679 Accounts receivable 64,862 59,545 Inventories 83,215 74,439 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 25,235 15,535 Income taxes recoverable 4,717 4,040 Current assets held for sale 5,910 148,119 Total current assets 184,245 302,357 Restricted cash 8,448 - Property, plant and equipment, net 319,898 292,306 Operating lease right-of-use assets 105,919 78,761 Intangible assets, net 21,861 23,646 Goodwill 3,998 3,998 Deferred income taxes - 3,712 Other long-term assets 25,055 5,184 Non-current assets held for sale - 145,888 Total assets 669,424 855,852 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 96,650 95,879 Notes payable 17,596 - Income taxes payable - 957 Current portion of long-term debt 24,346 38,491 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 15,808 12,499 Current liabilities held for sale - 13,207 Total current liabilities 154,400 161,033 Long-term debt 238,883 269,993 Operating lease liabilities 100,102 74,329 Deferred income taxes 505 - Non-current liabilities held for sale - 3,228 Total liabilities 493,890 508,583 Series B-1 preferred stock 14,509 28,062 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common shares 464,169 440,348 Additional paid-in capital 27,534 33,184 Accumulated deficit (332,687 ) (155,688 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income 2,009 1,363 Total shareholders' equity 161,025 319,207 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 669,424 855,852 SunOpta Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the quarters and years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) Quarter ended Year ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ $ $ $ CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) Operating activities Net earnings (loss) (11,734 ) 1,054 (175,018 ) (4,841 ) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (9,982 ) 1,481 (153,108 ) (8,722 ) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1,752 ) (427 ) (21,910 ) 3,881 Items not affecting cash: Depreciation and amortization 8,166 6,219 31,039 23,047 Amortization of debt issuance costs 305 417 1,398 1,601 Deferred income taxes (282 ) (11,533 ) 3,978 (296 ) Stock-based compensation 2,789 4,139 11,778 13,830 Loss on extinguishment of debt 1,584 - 1,584 - Other 297 2,003 707 3,825 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of divestitures 853 6,509 (24,999 ) (15,142 ) Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations 11,960 7,327 3,575 30,746 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations (7,529 ) 20,186 11,269 29,829 Net cash provided by operating activities 4,431 27,513 14,844 60,575 Investing activities Additions to property, plant and equipment (8,853 ) (26,397 ) (46,125 ) (125,139 ) Cash settlement of foreign currency forward contract (394 ) - (394 ) - Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment - - - 4,182 Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations (9,247 ) (26,397 ) (46,519 ) (120,957 ) Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations 91,636 6,383 90,551 14,133 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 82,389 (20,014 ) 44,032 (106,824 ) Financing activities Increase (decrease) in borrowings under revolving credit facilities (38,581 ) 9,916 (15,863 ) 29,640 Borrowings of long-term debt 180,015 16,710 199,855 90,907 Repayment of long-term debt (63,868 ) (6,528 ) (95,303 ) (20,085 ) Repayment of asset-based credit facilities (141,880 ) - (141,880 ) - Payment of debt issuance costs (3,297 ) (63 ) (3,297 ) (735 ) Proceeds from notes payable 24,441 - 102,043 - Repayment of notes payable (51,291 ) - (84,447 ) - Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and employee share purchases 1,051 425 1,882 1,628 Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based awards (283 ) (27 ) (9,404 ) (1,629 ) Payment of cash dividends on preferred stock (305 ) (609 ) (1,732 ) (2,436 ) Payment of common share issuance costs - - (191 ) - Payment of preferred stock issuance costs - (756 ) - (756 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations (93,998 ) 19,068 (48,337 ) 96,534 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations 12,388 (26,347 ) (2,464 ) (49,833 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (81,610 ) (7,279 ) (50,801 ) 46,701 Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the period 5,210 220 8,075 452 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of the period 3,544 459 679 227 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of the period 8,754 679 8,754 679 Non-GAAP Measures Adjusted Gross Margin The Company uses a measure of adjusted gross margin to evaluate the underlying profitability of its revenue-generating activities within each reporting period. This non-GAAP measure excludes non-capitalizable start-up costs included in cost of goods sold that are incurred in connection with capital expansion projects. Additionally, the Company’s measure of adjusted gross margin may exclude other unusual items that are identified and evaluated on an individual basis, which due to their nature or size, the Company would not expect to occur as part of its normal business on a regular basis. The Company believes that disclosing this non-GAAP measure provides investors with a meaningful, consistent comparison of its profitability measure for the periods presented. However, the non-GAAP measure of adjusted gross margin should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for gross margin calculated based on gross profit determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted gross margin from reported gross margin calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Quarter ended Year ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Reported gross margin 14.1 % 14.9 % 14.1 % 16.9 % Start-up costs(a) 1.3 % 2.9 % 3.0 % 1.0 % Product withdrawal costs(b) 1.9 % - 0.5 % - Adjusted gross margin 17.3 % 17.8 % 17.6 % 17.8 % Note: percentages may not add due to rounding. (a) Represents incremental direct costs incurred in connection with plant expansion projects and new product introductions before the project or product reaches normal production levels, including costs for the hiring and training of additional personnel, fees for outside services, travel costs, and plant- and production-related expenses. For 2023, start-up costs included in cost of goods sold related to the ramp-up of production at our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas, and the start-up of a new extrusion and high-speed packaging lines at our fruit snacks facility in Omak, Washington. For 2022, start-up costs included in cost of goods sold related to the hiring and training of new employees for the Midlothian facility together with costs related to the integration of the acquired Dream and West Life brands. (b) Reflects costs, net of expected recoveries, related to the withdrawal of specific batches of aseptically-packaged product due to a faulty seal caused by an equipment misconfiguration by a third-party service provider. The equipment issue was identified and resolved in the third quarter of 2023, and none of the withdrawn product made it into the consumer marketplace. Adjusted Earnings/Loss and Adjusted EBITDA In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company provides additional information about its operating results regarding adjusted earnings/loss and adjusted earnings/loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), which are not measures in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company believes that adjusted earnings/loss and adjusted EBITDA assist investors in comparing performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that management believes are not indicative of its operating performance. These non-GAAP measures are presented solely to allow investors to more fully assess the Company’s results of operations and should not be considered in isolation of, or as substitutes for, an analysis of the Company’s results as reported under U.S. GAAP. The following are tabular presentations of adjusted earnings/loss and adjusted EBITDA, including a reconciliation from net earnings/loss, which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated Per Share Per Share Per Share For the quarters ended $ $ $ $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (1,752 ) (9,982 ) (11,734 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (429 ) - (429 ) Loss attributable to common shareholders (2,181 ) (0.02 ) (9,982 ) (0.09 ) (12,163 ) (0.11 ) Adjusted for: Product withdrawal costs(a) 3,440 - 3,440 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(b) - 3,150 3,150 Start-up costs(c) 2,394 - 2,394 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(d) - 1,900 1,900 Loss on extinguishment of debt(e) 1,584 - 1,584 Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(f) - 1,026 1,026 Severance costs(g) - 1,016 1,016 Other(h) 491 617 1,108 Net income tax on adjusting items(i) - - - Adjusted earnings (loss) 5,728 0.05 (2,273 ) (0.02 ) 3,455 0.03 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) (427 ) 1,481 1,054 Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (830 ) - (830 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (1,257 ) (0.01 ) 1,481 0.01 224 0.00 Adjusted for: Start-up costs(c) 4,699 - 4,699 Business development costs(j) 296 - 296 Other(h) 243 (138 ) 105 Net income tax on adjusting items(i) (1,377 ) (1,889 ) (3,266 ) Adjusted earnings (loss) 2,604 0.02 (546 ) (0.00 ) 2,058 0.02 Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated For the quarters ended $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (1,752 ) (9,982 ) (11,734 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (709 ) 469 (240 ) Interest expense (income), net 7,518 (838 ) 6,680 Depreciation and amortization 8,166 25 8,191 Stock-based compensation 2,789 - 2,789 Adjusted for: Product withdrawal and recall costs(a) 3,440 - 3,440 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(b) - 3,150 3,150 Start-up costs(c) 2,394 - 2,394 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(d) - 1,900 1,900 Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(f) - 1,026 1,026 Severance costs(g) - 1,016 1,016 Other(h) 491 617 1,108 Adjusted EBITDA 22,337 (2,617 ) 19,720 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) (427 ) 1,481 1,054 Income tax benefit (464 ) (176 ) (640 ) Interest expense, net 4,312 418 4,730 Depreciation and amortization 6,219 2,939 9,158 Stock-based compensation 4,139 - 4,139 Adjusted for: Start-up costs(c) 4,699 - 4,699 Business development costs(j) 296 - 296 Other(h) 243 (138 ) 105 Adjusted EBITDA 19,017 4,524 23,541 (a) Reflects costs, net of expected recoveries, of $3.4 million related to the withdrawal of specific batches of aseptically-packaged product due to a faulty seal caused by an equipment misconfiguration by a third-party service provider, which are recorded in cost of goods sold. (b) Reflects asset impairment charges and contract cancellation costs related to the exit from our Oxnard, California, frozen fruit processing facility in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (c) For the fourth quarter of 2023, start-up costs included the ramp-up of production at our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas, and the start-up of a new extrusion line at our fruit snacks facility in Omak, Washington, which are recorded in cost of goods sold. For the fourth quarter of 2022, start-up costs mainly related to the hiring and training of new employees for the Midlothian facility, which are recorded in cost of goods sold ($4.6 million) and SG&A expenses ($0.1 million). (d) Reflects inventory reserves recognized in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (e) For the fourth quarter of 2023, we recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt in connection with the refinancing of our credit agreement in December 2023, which is recorded in interest expense, net. (f) Reflects the pre-tax loss on the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (g) Reflects severance costs of $1.0 million for employees of Frozen Fruit that did not transfer as part of the divestiture, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (h) For the fourth quarter of 2023, other includes a $0.4 million loss on a foreign exchange hedge in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in other expense. For the fourth quarters of 2022 and 2023, other also reflects gains and losses on the disposal of assets, which are recorded in other expense and loss from discontinued operations. (i) Reflects the tax effect of the 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 fourth quarter of 2022, includes $1.9 million of tax benefits resulting from the settlement of the purchase price allocation related to the divestiture of Tradin Organic. (j) 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 fourth quarter of 2022, these costs related to the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in SG&A expenses. Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated Per Share Per Share Per Share For the years ended $ $ $ $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (21,910 ) (153,108 ) (175,018 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (1,981 ) - (1,981 ) Loss attributable to common shareholders (23,891 ) (0.21 ) (153,108 ) (1.34 ) (176,999 ) (1.55 ) Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 119,821 119,821 Start-up costs(b) 20,249 - 20,249 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(c) - 12,900 12,900 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(d) - 10,014 10,014 Product withdrawal and recall costs(e) 3,440 2,500 5,940 Business development costs(f) 2,390 - 2,390 Loss on extinguishment of debt(g) 1,584 - 1,584 Severance costs(h) 897 1,016 1,913 Other(i) 471 1,136 1,607 Net income tax on adjusting items(j) - - - Change in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets(k) 3,978 - 3,978 Adjusted earnings (loss) 9,118 0.08 (5,721 ) (0.05 ) 3,397 0.03 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) 3,881 (8,722 ) (4,841 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (3,109 ) - (3,109 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders 772 0.01 (8,722 ) (0.08 ) (7,950 ) (0.07 ) Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 31,468 31,468 Start-up costs(b) 6,028 - 6,028 Sale of frozen fruit processing facility(l) - (2,544 ) (2,544 ) Business development costs(f) 1,170 - 1,170 Exit from fruit ingredient processing facility(m) 577 - 577 Other(i) 1,074 (202 ) 872 Net income tax on adjusting items(j) (2,326 ) (18,303 ) (20,629 ) Adjusted earnings 7,295 0.07 1,697 0.02 8,992 0.08 Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated For the years ended $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (21,910 ) (153,108 ) (175,018 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 3,269 (167 ) 3,102 Interest expense, net 26,909 554 27,463 Depreciation and amortization 31,039 8,886 39,925 Stock-based compensation 11,778 - 11,778 Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 119,821 119,821 Start-up costs(b) 20,249 - 20,249 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(c) - 12,900 12,900 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(d) - 10,014 10,014 Product withdrawal and recall costs(e) 3,440 2,500 5,940 Business development costs(f) 2,390 - 2,390 Severance costs(h) 897 1,016 1,913 Other(i) 471 1,136 1,607 Adjusted EBITDA 78,532 3,552 82,084 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) 3,881 (8,722 ) (4,841 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 896 (16,154 ) (15,258 ) Interest expense, net 13,156 1,578 14,734 Depreciation and amortization 23,047 14,626 37,673 Stock-based compensation 13,830 - 13,830 Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 31,468 31,468 Start-up costs(b) 6,028 - 6,028 Sale of frozen fruit processing facility(l) - (2,544 ) (2,544 ) Business development costs(f) 1,170 - 1,170 Exit from fruit ingredient processing facility(m) 577 - 577 Other(i) 1,074 (202 ) 872 Adjusted EBITDA 63,659 20,050 83,709 (a) For 2023, reflects the pre-tax loss on the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations. For 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 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 are recorded in cost of goods sold ($18.7 million) and SG&A expenses ($1.5 million). For 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 are recorded in cost of goods sold ($5.7 million) and SG&A expenses ($0.3 million). (c) For 2023, reflects inventory reserves recognized in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (d) For 2023, reflects asset impairment charges and contract cancellation costs related to the exit from our Oxnard, California, frozen fruit processing facility in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (e) For 2023, reflects costs, net of expected recoveries, of $3.4 million related to the withdrawal of specific batches of aseptically-packaged product due to a faulty seal caused by an equipment misconfiguration by a third-party service provider, which are recorded in cost of goods sold, as well as the self-insured retention amount of $2.5 million 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. (f) 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 2023, business development costs related to the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, and, for 2022, these costs related to the divestitures of Frozen Fruit and Sunflower, together with our inaugural Investor Day held in June 2022. These costs are recorded in SG&A expenses. (g) For 2023, we recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt in connection with the refinancing of our credit agreement in December 2023, which is recorded in interest expense, net. (h) For 2023, reflects employee severance costs of $0.9 million recognized in connection with the consolidation of our continuing operations following the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in SG&A expenses, as well as severance costs of $1.0 million for employees of Frozen Fruit that did not transfer as part of the divestiture, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (i) For 2023, other includes a $0.4 million loss on a foreign exchange hedge in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in other expense. For 2023 and 2022, other also reflects reserves for legal settlements and gains and losses on the disposal of assets, which are recorded in other expense/income and loss from discontinued operations. (j) Reflects the tax effect of the 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 2022, includes $12.9 million of tax benefits resulting from the settlement of the purchase price allocation related to the divestiture of Tradin Organic. (k) For 2023, 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. (l) For 2022, reflects the gain on sale of a previously owned frozen fruit processing facility, net of exit costs, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (m) For 2022, reflects exit costs related to a former fruit ingredient processing facility, which are recorded in other expense. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240228507642/en/Contacts Investor Relations: Reed Anderson ICR 646-277-1260 reed.anderson@icrinc.com Data & News supplied by www.cloudquote.io Stock quotes supplied by Barchart Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes. 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SunOpta Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2023 Financial Results By: SunOpta Inc. via Business Wire February 28, 2024 at 17:00 PM EST Revenue from continuing operations increased 13.7% to $181.6 million, driven by volume growth Loss from continuing operations of $1.8 million, compared to $0.4 million in the prior year Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $22.3 million, an increase of 17.5% Re-affirming 2024 outlook SunOpta Inc. (“SunOpta” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY), a U.S.-based global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based foods and beverages, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars and results are reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, except where specifically noted. Fourth Quarter 2023 highlights: Revenues of $181.6 million increased 13.7% compared to $159.8 million in the prior year period, driven by volume growth Gross profit margin was 14.1% on a reported basis. Adjusted gross margin1 was 17.3%, down 50-basis points from the prior year period, mainly due to the 80-basis point increase in depreciation related to new production equipment. Operating income of $5.1 million increased 47.8% compared to $3.4 million in the prior year period. Loss from continuing operations was $1.8 million compared to $0.4 million in the prior year period mainly due to an increase in interest expense partially offset by increased gross profit. Adjusted earnings1 from continuing operations of $5.7 million increased 120% compared to $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 mainly due to improved operating performance, partially offset by increases in interest expense and depreciation. Adjusted EBITDA1 from continuing operations increased by 17.5% to $22.3 million, or 12.3% of revenues, compared to $19.0 million and 11.9% of revenues in the prior year period. “Our latest results provide validation of the powerful potential of our platform. We are a growth company in growing categories and are armed with an optimized product portfolio and high-quality base of leverageable assets that provide significant runway for continued growth,” said Brian Kocher, Chief Executive Officer of SunOpta. “Fourth quarter revenues and Adjusted EBITDA exceeded expectations reflecting solid execution against our strategic priorities focused on operational excellence and growth. Volume was up double-digits and accelerated sharply from the third quarter, underscoring the strength of our competitive position and the broad-based demand we are seeing across our portfolio. Plant-based milks and fruit snacks continue to drive growth. We are gaining share with existing customers as well as adding new customers in both categories. In addition, our 330-milliliter protein shake business continues to ramp up aggressively, advancing our total addressable market expansion efforts. We are re-affirming our outlook for 2024 reflecting a high degree of confidence in the direction and trajectory of our business.” Fourth Quarter 2023 Results Revenues increased 13.7% to $181.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was driven by favorable volume/mix which was up 14.7% partially offset by a price reduction of 1.0% due to pass through of commodity prices. Volume/mix reflected broad based volume growth from oat milks and creamers, 330-milliliter protein shakes and teas, as well as increased sales volumes for fruit snacks, partially offset as expected, by lower external sales of plant-based ingredients, due to increased internal demand for oat base, as well as lower broth volumes. Gross profit was $25.6 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $23.8 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of revenues, gross profit margin was 14.1% compared to 14.9% in the fourth quarter of 2022, a decrease of 80 basis points, as reported. Adjusted gross margin1 was 17.3% for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to 17.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The 50-basis point decrease in adjusted gross margin reflected the impact of incremental depreciation of new production equipment for capital expansion projects partially offset by a positive mix shift in plant-based ingredients with increased internal use. Operating income was $5.1 million, or 2.8% of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to operating income of $3.4 million, or 2.1% of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by higher gross profit. Loss from continuing operations was $1.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $0.4 million in the prior year period. Diluted loss per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders (after dividends and accretion on preferred stock) was $0.02 for the fourth quarter compared with diluted loss per share of $0.01 in the prior year period. Loss from discontinued operations was $10.0 million or $0.09 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus earnings of $1.5 million or $0.01 per diluted share in the year earlier period. Adjusted earnings1 from continuing operations was $5.7 million or $0.05 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to adjusted earnings from continuing operations of $2.6 million or $0.02 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2022 mainly due to improved operating performance, partially offset by increases in interest expense and depreciation. Adjusted EBITDA1 from continuing operations was $22.3 million or 12.3% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $19.0 million or 11.9% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2022. Please refer to the discussion and table below under “Non-GAAP Measures”. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of December 30, 2023, SunOpta had total assets of $669.4 million and total debt of $263.2 million compared to total assets of $855.9 million and total debt of $308.5 million at fiscal 2022 year end. During the fourth quarter of 2023, cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $12.0 million compared to $7.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in cash provided mainly reflected improved operating performance, partially offset by increased working capital and the impact of higher start-up costs and cash interest expense. Investing activities of continuing operations consumed $9.2 million of cash during the fourth quarter of 2023 down from $26.4 million in the prior year, reflecting the completion of certain major capital projects, including the construction of our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas. 2024 Outlook2 For fiscal 2024, the Company is re-affirming its outlook and continues to expect strong growth in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA: ($ millions) 2024 Outlook Growth Revenue $ 670 – 700 6% - 11% Adj. EBITDA $ 87 - 92 11% - 17% Conference Call SunOpta plans to host a conference call at 5:30 P.M. Eastern time on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, to discuss the fourth quarter financial results. After opening remarks, there will be a question and answer period. Investors interested in listening to the live webcast can access a link on SunOpta's website at www.sunopta.com under the "Investor Relations" section or directly here. A replay of the webcast will be archived and can be accessed for approximately 90 days on the Company's website. This call may be accessed with the toll free dial-in number dial (888) 440-4182 or International dial-in number (646) 960-0653 using Conference ID: 8338433. 1 See discussion of non-GAAP measures 2 The Company has included certain forward-looking statements about the future financial performance that include non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA. These non–GAAP financial measures are derived by excluding certain amounts, expenses or income, from the corresponding financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The determination of the amounts that are excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures is a matter of management judgment and depends upon, among other factors, the nature of the underlying expense or income amounts recognized in a given period. We are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of the aforementioned forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures because management cannot reliably predict all of the necessary components of such GAAP measures. Historically, management has excluded the following items from certain of these non-GAAP measures, and such items may also be excluded in future periods and could be significant amounts. Expenses related to the acquisition or divestiture of businesses or assets, including business development costs, integration costs, severance, retention costs and transaction costs; Start-up costs of new facilities and equipment; Charges associated with restructuring and cost saving initiatives, including but not limited to asset impairments, accelerated depreciation, severance costs and lease abandonment charges; Asset impairment charges and facility closure costs; Legal settlements or awards; and The tax effect of the above items. About SunOpta Inc. SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based food and beverages. Founded 50 years ago, SunOpta manufactures organic and specialty products sold through retail and foodservice channels. SunOpta operates as a manufacturer for leading natural and private label brands, and also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN ®, Dream®, West LifeTM. For more information, visit www.sunopta.com, and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our belief that our protein shake business will ramp aggressively, our expectation for strong growth in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA and our anticipated Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, Revenue growth and Adjusted EBITDA growth for fiscal 2024. Generally, forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and are typically accompanied by words such as “continues”, “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimates”, “can”, “will”, “target”, "should", "would", "plans", "becoming", "intend", "confident", "may", "project", "intention", "might", "predict", “budget”, “forecast” or other similar terms and phrases intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on information available to the Company on the date of this release and are based on estimates and assumptions made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments including, but not limited to, the Company’s actual financial results; our exit from, and use of proceeds from the divestiture of the assets and liabilities of, Frozen Fruit, uninterrupted operations and service levels to our customers; current customer demand for the Company’s products; general economic conditions; continued consumer interest in health and wellness; the Company’s ability to maintain product pricing levels; planned facility and operational expansions, closures and divestitures; cost rationalization and product development initiatives; alternative potential uses for the Company’s capital resources; portfolio optimization and productivity efforts; the sustainability of the Company’s sales pipeline; the Company’s expectations regarding commodity pricing, margins and hedging results; procurement and logistics savings; freight lane cost reductions; yield and throughput enhancements; the cost of the frozen fruit recall; labor cost reductions; and the terms of our insurance policies. Whether actual timing and results will agree with expectations and predictions of the Company is subject to many risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, potential loss of suppliers and customers as well as the possibility of supply chain, logistics and other disruptions; unexpected issues or delays with the Company’s structural improvements and automation investments; failure or inability to implement portfolio changes, process improvements, go-to-market improvements and process sustainability strategies in a timely manner; changes in the level of capital investment; local and global political and economic conditions; consumer spending patterns and changes in market trends; decreases in customer demand; delayed or unsuccessful product development efforts; potential product recalls; potential additional costs associated with the frozen fruit recall; working capital management; availability and pricing of raw materials and supplies; potential covenant breaches under the Company’s credit facilities; and other risks described from time to time under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q (available at www.sec.gov). Consequently, all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update the forward-looking statements in this document, in other documents, or on its website to reflect future events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. SunOpta Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations For the quarters and years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) (All dollar amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) Quarter ended Year ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ $ $ $ Revenues 181,624 159,790 630,297 591,395 Cost of goods sold 155,983 135,974 541,680 491,665 Gross profit 25,641 23,816 88,617 99,730 Selling, general and administrative expenses 19,597 19,605 78,000 78,469 Intangible asset amortization 446 446 1,784 1,784 Other expense, net 475 243 455 1,651 Foreign exchange loss (gain) 66 101 110 (107 ) Operating income 5,057 3,421 8,268 17,933 Interest expense, net 7,518 4,312 26,909 13,156 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (2,461 ) (891 ) (18,641 ) 4,777 Income tax expense (benefit) (709 ) (464 ) 3,269 896 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1,752 ) (427 ) (21,910 ) 3,881 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (9,982 ) 1,481 (153,108 ) (8,722 ) Net earnings (loss) (11,734 ) 1,054 (175,018 ) (4,841 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (429 ) (830 ) (1,981 ) (3,109 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (12,163 ) 224 (176,999 ) (7,950 ) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (0.02 ) (0.01 ) (0.21 ) 0.01 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (0.09 ) 0.01 (1.34 ) (0.08 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (0.11 ) 0.00 (1.55 ) (0.07 ) Weighted-average common shares outstanding (000s) Basic 115,793 107,861 114,226 107,659 Diluted 115,793 107,861 114,226 110,247 SunOpta Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets As at December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) (All dollar amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ $ ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 306 679 Accounts receivable 64,862 59,545 Inventories 83,215 74,439 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 25,235 15,535 Income taxes recoverable 4,717 4,040 Current assets held for sale 5,910 148,119 Total current assets 184,245 302,357 Restricted cash 8,448 - Property, plant and equipment, net 319,898 292,306 Operating lease right-of-use assets 105,919 78,761 Intangible assets, net 21,861 23,646 Goodwill 3,998 3,998 Deferred income taxes - 3,712 Other long-term assets 25,055 5,184 Non-current assets held for sale - 145,888 Total assets 669,424 855,852 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 96,650 95,879 Notes payable 17,596 - Income taxes payable - 957 Current portion of long-term debt 24,346 38,491 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 15,808 12,499 Current liabilities held for sale - 13,207 Total current liabilities 154,400 161,033 Long-term debt 238,883 269,993 Operating lease liabilities 100,102 74,329 Deferred income taxes 505 - Non-current liabilities held for sale - 3,228 Total liabilities 493,890 508,583 Series B-1 preferred stock 14,509 28,062 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common shares 464,169 440,348 Additional paid-in capital 27,534 33,184 Accumulated deficit (332,687 ) (155,688 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income 2,009 1,363 Total shareholders' equity 161,025 319,207 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 669,424 855,852 SunOpta Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the quarters and years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) Quarter ended Year ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ $ $ $ CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) Operating activities Net earnings (loss) (11,734 ) 1,054 (175,018 ) (4,841 ) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (9,982 ) 1,481 (153,108 ) (8,722 ) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1,752 ) (427 ) (21,910 ) 3,881 Items not affecting cash: Depreciation and amortization 8,166 6,219 31,039 23,047 Amortization of debt issuance costs 305 417 1,398 1,601 Deferred income taxes (282 ) (11,533 ) 3,978 (296 ) Stock-based compensation 2,789 4,139 11,778 13,830 Loss on extinguishment of debt 1,584 - 1,584 - Other 297 2,003 707 3,825 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of divestitures 853 6,509 (24,999 ) (15,142 ) Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations 11,960 7,327 3,575 30,746 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations (7,529 ) 20,186 11,269 29,829 Net cash provided by operating activities 4,431 27,513 14,844 60,575 Investing activities Additions to property, plant and equipment (8,853 ) (26,397 ) (46,125 ) (125,139 ) Cash settlement of foreign currency forward contract (394 ) - (394 ) - Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment - - - 4,182 Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations (9,247 ) (26,397 ) (46,519 ) (120,957 ) Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations 91,636 6,383 90,551 14,133 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 82,389 (20,014 ) 44,032 (106,824 ) Financing activities Increase (decrease) in borrowings under revolving credit facilities (38,581 ) 9,916 (15,863 ) 29,640 Borrowings of long-term debt 180,015 16,710 199,855 90,907 Repayment of long-term debt (63,868 ) (6,528 ) (95,303 ) (20,085 ) Repayment of asset-based credit facilities (141,880 ) - (141,880 ) - Payment of debt issuance costs (3,297 ) (63 ) (3,297 ) (735 ) Proceeds from notes payable 24,441 - 102,043 - Repayment of notes payable (51,291 ) - (84,447 ) - Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and employee share purchases 1,051 425 1,882 1,628 Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based awards (283 ) (27 ) (9,404 ) (1,629 ) Payment of cash dividends on preferred stock (305 ) (609 ) (1,732 ) (2,436 ) Payment of common share issuance costs - - (191 ) - Payment of preferred stock issuance costs - (756 ) - (756 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations (93,998 ) 19,068 (48,337 ) 96,534 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations 12,388 (26,347 ) (2,464 ) (49,833 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (81,610 ) (7,279 ) (50,801 ) 46,701 Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the period 5,210 220 8,075 452 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of the period 3,544 459 679 227 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of the period 8,754 679 8,754 679 Non-GAAP Measures Adjusted Gross Margin The Company uses a measure of adjusted gross margin to evaluate the underlying profitability of its revenue-generating activities within each reporting period. This non-GAAP measure excludes non-capitalizable start-up costs included in cost of goods sold that are incurred in connection with capital expansion projects. Additionally, the Company’s measure of adjusted gross margin may exclude other unusual items that are identified and evaluated on an individual basis, which due to their nature or size, the Company would not expect to occur as part of its normal business on a regular basis. The Company believes that disclosing this non-GAAP measure provides investors with a meaningful, consistent comparison of its profitability measure for the periods presented. However, the non-GAAP measure of adjusted gross margin should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for gross margin calculated based on gross profit determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted gross margin from reported gross margin calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Quarter ended Year ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Reported gross margin 14.1 % 14.9 % 14.1 % 16.9 % Start-up costs(a) 1.3 % 2.9 % 3.0 % 1.0 % Product withdrawal costs(b) 1.9 % - 0.5 % - Adjusted gross margin 17.3 % 17.8 % 17.6 % 17.8 % Note: percentages may not add due to rounding. (a) Represents incremental direct costs incurred in connection with plant expansion projects and new product introductions before the project or product reaches normal production levels, including costs for the hiring and training of additional personnel, fees for outside services, travel costs, and plant- and production-related expenses. For 2023, start-up costs included in cost of goods sold related to the ramp-up of production at our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas, and the start-up of a new extrusion and high-speed packaging lines at our fruit snacks facility in Omak, Washington. For 2022, start-up costs included in cost of goods sold related to the hiring and training of new employees for the Midlothian facility together with costs related to the integration of the acquired Dream and West Life brands. (b) Reflects costs, net of expected recoveries, related to the withdrawal of specific batches of aseptically-packaged product due to a faulty seal caused by an equipment misconfiguration by a third-party service provider. The equipment issue was identified and resolved in the third quarter of 2023, and none of the withdrawn product made it into the consumer marketplace. Adjusted Earnings/Loss and Adjusted EBITDA In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company provides additional information about its operating results regarding adjusted earnings/loss and adjusted earnings/loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), which are not measures in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company believes that adjusted earnings/loss and adjusted EBITDA assist investors in comparing performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that management believes are not indicative of its operating performance. These non-GAAP measures are presented solely to allow investors to more fully assess the Company’s results of operations and should not be considered in isolation of, or as substitutes for, an analysis of the Company’s results as reported under U.S. GAAP. The following are tabular presentations of adjusted earnings/loss and adjusted EBITDA, including a reconciliation from net earnings/loss, which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated Per Share Per Share Per Share For the quarters ended $ $ $ $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (1,752 ) (9,982 ) (11,734 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (429 ) - (429 ) Loss attributable to common shareholders (2,181 ) (0.02 ) (9,982 ) (0.09 ) (12,163 ) (0.11 ) Adjusted for: Product withdrawal costs(a) 3,440 - 3,440 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(b) - 3,150 3,150 Start-up costs(c) 2,394 - 2,394 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(d) - 1,900 1,900 Loss on extinguishment of debt(e) 1,584 - 1,584 Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(f) - 1,026 1,026 Severance costs(g) - 1,016 1,016 Other(h) 491 617 1,108 Net income tax on adjusting items(i) - - - Adjusted earnings (loss) 5,728 0.05 (2,273 ) (0.02 ) 3,455 0.03 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) (427 ) 1,481 1,054 Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (830 ) - (830 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (1,257 ) (0.01 ) 1,481 0.01 224 0.00 Adjusted for: Start-up costs(c) 4,699 - 4,699 Business development costs(j) 296 - 296 Other(h) 243 (138 ) 105 Net income tax on adjusting items(i) (1,377 ) (1,889 ) (3,266 ) Adjusted earnings (loss) 2,604 0.02 (546 ) (0.00 ) 2,058 0.02 Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated For the quarters ended $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (1,752 ) (9,982 ) (11,734 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (709 ) 469 (240 ) Interest expense (income), net 7,518 (838 ) 6,680 Depreciation and amortization 8,166 25 8,191 Stock-based compensation 2,789 - 2,789 Adjusted for: Product withdrawal and recall costs(a) 3,440 - 3,440 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(b) - 3,150 3,150 Start-up costs(c) 2,394 - 2,394 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(d) - 1,900 1,900 Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(f) - 1,026 1,026 Severance costs(g) - 1,016 1,016 Other(h) 491 617 1,108 Adjusted EBITDA 22,337 (2,617 ) 19,720 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) (427 ) 1,481 1,054 Income tax benefit (464 ) (176 ) (640 ) Interest expense, net 4,312 418 4,730 Depreciation and amortization 6,219 2,939 9,158 Stock-based compensation 4,139 - 4,139 Adjusted for: Start-up costs(c) 4,699 - 4,699 Business development costs(j) 296 - 296 Other(h) 243 (138 ) 105 Adjusted EBITDA 19,017 4,524 23,541 (a) Reflects costs, net of expected recoveries, of $3.4 million related to the withdrawal of specific batches of aseptically-packaged product due to a faulty seal caused by an equipment misconfiguration by a third-party service provider, which are recorded in cost of goods sold. (b) Reflects asset impairment charges and contract cancellation costs related to the exit from our Oxnard, California, frozen fruit processing facility in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (c) For the fourth quarter of 2023, start-up costs included the ramp-up of production at our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas, and the start-up of a new extrusion line at our fruit snacks facility in Omak, Washington, which are recorded in cost of goods sold. For the fourth quarter of 2022, start-up costs mainly related to the hiring and training of new employees for the Midlothian facility, which are recorded in cost of goods sold ($4.6 million) and SG&A expenses ($0.1 million). (d) Reflects inventory reserves recognized in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (e) For the fourth quarter of 2023, we recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt in connection with the refinancing of our credit agreement in December 2023, which is recorded in interest expense, net. (f) Reflects the pre-tax loss on the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (g) Reflects severance costs of $1.0 million for employees of Frozen Fruit that did not transfer as part of the divestiture, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (h) For the fourth quarter of 2023, other includes a $0.4 million loss on a foreign exchange hedge in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in other expense. For the fourth quarters of 2022 and 2023, other also reflects gains and losses on the disposal of assets, which are recorded in other expense and loss from discontinued operations. (i) Reflects the tax effect of the 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 fourth quarter of 2022, includes $1.9 million of tax benefits resulting from the settlement of the purchase price allocation related to the divestiture of Tradin Organic. (j) 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 fourth quarter of 2022, these costs related to the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in SG&A expenses. Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated Per Share Per Share Per Share For the years ended $ $ $ $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (21,910 ) (153,108 ) (175,018 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (1,981 ) - (1,981 ) Loss attributable to common shareholders (23,891 ) (0.21 ) (153,108 ) (1.34 ) (176,999 ) (1.55 ) Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 119,821 119,821 Start-up costs(b) 20,249 - 20,249 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(c) - 12,900 12,900 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(d) - 10,014 10,014 Product withdrawal and recall costs(e) 3,440 2,500 5,940 Business development costs(f) 2,390 - 2,390 Loss on extinguishment of debt(g) 1,584 - 1,584 Severance costs(h) 897 1,016 1,913 Other(i) 471 1,136 1,607 Net income tax on adjusting items(j) - - - Change in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets(k) 3,978 - 3,978 Adjusted earnings (loss) 9,118 0.08 (5,721 ) (0.05 ) 3,397 0.03 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) 3,881 (8,722 ) (4,841 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (3,109 ) - (3,109 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders 772 0.01 (8,722 ) (0.08 ) (7,950 ) (0.07 ) Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 31,468 31,468 Start-up costs(b) 6,028 - 6,028 Sale of frozen fruit processing facility(l) - (2,544 ) (2,544 ) Business development costs(f) 1,170 - 1,170 Exit from fruit ingredient processing facility(m) 577 - 577 Other(i) 1,074 (202 ) 872 Net income tax on adjusting items(j) (2,326 ) (18,303 ) (20,629 ) Adjusted earnings 7,295 0.07 1,697 0.02 8,992 0.08 Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated For the years ended $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (21,910 ) (153,108 ) (175,018 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 3,269 (167 ) 3,102 Interest expense, net 26,909 554 27,463 Depreciation and amortization 31,039 8,886 39,925 Stock-based compensation 11,778 - 11,778 Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 119,821 119,821 Start-up costs(b) 20,249 - 20,249 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(c) - 12,900 12,900 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(d) - 10,014 10,014 Product withdrawal and recall costs(e) 3,440 2,500 5,940 Business development costs(f) 2,390 - 2,390 Severance costs(h) 897 1,016 1,913 Other(i) 471 1,136 1,607 Adjusted EBITDA 78,532 3,552 82,084 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) 3,881 (8,722 ) (4,841 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 896 (16,154 ) (15,258 ) Interest expense, net 13,156 1,578 14,734 Depreciation and amortization 23,047 14,626 37,673 Stock-based compensation 13,830 - 13,830 Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 31,468 31,468 Start-up costs(b) 6,028 - 6,028 Sale of frozen fruit processing facility(l) - (2,544 ) (2,544 ) Business development costs(f) 1,170 - 1,170 Exit from fruit ingredient processing facility(m) 577 - 577 Other(i) 1,074 (202 ) 872 Adjusted EBITDA 63,659 20,050 83,709 (a) For 2023, reflects the pre-tax loss on the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations. For 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 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 are recorded in cost of goods sold ($18.7 million) and SG&A expenses ($1.5 million). For 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 are recorded in cost of goods sold ($5.7 million) and SG&A expenses ($0.3 million). (c) For 2023, reflects inventory reserves recognized in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (d) For 2023, reflects asset impairment charges and contract cancellation costs related to the exit from our Oxnard, California, frozen fruit processing facility in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (e) For 2023, reflects costs, net of expected recoveries, of $3.4 million related to the withdrawal of specific batches of aseptically-packaged product due to a faulty seal caused by an equipment misconfiguration by a third-party service provider, which are recorded in cost of goods sold, as well as the self-insured retention amount of $2.5 million 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. (f) 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 2023, business development costs related to the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, and, for 2022, these costs related to the divestitures of Frozen Fruit and Sunflower, together with our inaugural Investor Day held in June 2022. These costs are recorded in SG&A expenses. (g) For 2023, we recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt in connection with the refinancing of our credit agreement in December 2023, which is recorded in interest expense, net. (h) For 2023, reflects employee severance costs of $0.9 million recognized in connection with the consolidation of our continuing operations following the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in SG&A expenses, as well as severance costs of $1.0 million for employees of Frozen Fruit that did not transfer as part of the divestiture, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (i) For 2023, other includes a $0.4 million loss on a foreign exchange hedge in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in other expense. For 2023 and 2022, other also reflects reserves for legal settlements and gains and losses on the disposal of assets, which are recorded in other expense/income and loss from discontinued operations. (j) Reflects the tax effect of the 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 2022, includes $12.9 million of tax benefits resulting from the settlement of the purchase price allocation related to the divestiture of Tradin Organic. (k) For 2023, 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. (l) For 2022, reflects the gain on sale of a previously owned frozen fruit processing facility, net of exit costs, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (m) For 2022, reflects exit costs related to a former fruit ingredient processing facility, which are recorded in other expense. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240228507642/en/Contacts Investor Relations: Reed Anderson ICR 646-277-1260 reed.anderson@icrinc.com
Revenue from continuing operations increased 13.7% to $181.6 million, driven by volume growth Loss from continuing operations of $1.8 million, compared to $0.4 million in the prior year Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $22.3 million, an increase of 17.5% Re-affirming 2024 outlook
SunOpta Inc. (“SunOpta” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY), a U.S.-based global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based foods and beverages, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars and results are reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, except where specifically noted. Fourth Quarter 2023 highlights: Revenues of $181.6 million increased 13.7% compared to $159.8 million in the prior year period, driven by volume growth Gross profit margin was 14.1% on a reported basis. Adjusted gross margin1 was 17.3%, down 50-basis points from the prior year period, mainly due to the 80-basis point increase in depreciation related to new production equipment. Operating income of $5.1 million increased 47.8% compared to $3.4 million in the prior year period. Loss from continuing operations was $1.8 million compared to $0.4 million in the prior year period mainly due to an increase in interest expense partially offset by increased gross profit. Adjusted earnings1 from continuing operations of $5.7 million increased 120% compared to $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 mainly due to improved operating performance, partially offset by increases in interest expense and depreciation. Adjusted EBITDA1 from continuing operations increased by 17.5% to $22.3 million, or 12.3% of revenues, compared to $19.0 million and 11.9% of revenues in the prior year period. “Our latest results provide validation of the powerful potential of our platform. We are a growth company in growing categories and are armed with an optimized product portfolio and high-quality base of leverageable assets that provide significant runway for continued growth,” said Brian Kocher, Chief Executive Officer of SunOpta. “Fourth quarter revenues and Adjusted EBITDA exceeded expectations reflecting solid execution against our strategic priorities focused on operational excellence and growth. Volume was up double-digits and accelerated sharply from the third quarter, underscoring the strength of our competitive position and the broad-based demand we are seeing across our portfolio. Plant-based milks and fruit snacks continue to drive growth. We are gaining share with existing customers as well as adding new customers in both categories. In addition, our 330-milliliter protein shake business continues to ramp up aggressively, advancing our total addressable market expansion efforts. We are re-affirming our outlook for 2024 reflecting a high degree of confidence in the direction and trajectory of our business.” Fourth Quarter 2023 Results Revenues increased 13.7% to $181.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was driven by favorable volume/mix which was up 14.7% partially offset by a price reduction of 1.0% due to pass through of commodity prices. Volume/mix reflected broad based volume growth from oat milks and creamers, 330-milliliter protein shakes and teas, as well as increased sales volumes for fruit snacks, partially offset as expected, by lower external sales of plant-based ingredients, due to increased internal demand for oat base, as well as lower broth volumes. Gross profit was $25.6 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $23.8 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of revenues, gross profit margin was 14.1% compared to 14.9% in the fourth quarter of 2022, a decrease of 80 basis points, as reported. Adjusted gross margin1 was 17.3% for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to 17.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The 50-basis point decrease in adjusted gross margin reflected the impact of incremental depreciation of new production equipment for capital expansion projects partially offset by a positive mix shift in plant-based ingredients with increased internal use. Operating income was $5.1 million, or 2.8% of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to operating income of $3.4 million, or 2.1% of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by higher gross profit. Loss from continuing operations was $1.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $0.4 million in the prior year period. Diluted loss per share from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders (after dividends and accretion on preferred stock) was $0.02 for the fourth quarter compared with diluted loss per share of $0.01 in the prior year period. Loss from discontinued operations was $10.0 million or $0.09 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus earnings of $1.5 million or $0.01 per diluted share in the year earlier period. Adjusted earnings1 from continuing operations was $5.7 million or $0.05 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to adjusted earnings from continuing operations of $2.6 million or $0.02 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2022 mainly due to improved operating performance, partially offset by increases in interest expense and depreciation. Adjusted EBITDA1 from continuing operations was $22.3 million or 12.3% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to $19.0 million or 11.9% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2022. Please refer to the discussion and table below under “Non-GAAP Measures”. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of December 30, 2023, SunOpta had total assets of $669.4 million and total debt of $263.2 million compared to total assets of $855.9 million and total debt of $308.5 million at fiscal 2022 year end. During the fourth quarter of 2023, cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $12.0 million compared to $7.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2022. The increase in cash provided mainly reflected improved operating performance, partially offset by increased working capital and the impact of higher start-up costs and cash interest expense. Investing activities of continuing operations consumed $9.2 million of cash during the fourth quarter of 2023 down from $26.4 million in the prior year, reflecting the completion of certain major capital projects, including the construction of our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas. 2024 Outlook2 For fiscal 2024, the Company is re-affirming its outlook and continues to expect strong growth in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA: ($ millions) 2024 Outlook Growth Revenue $ 670 – 700 6% - 11% Adj. EBITDA $ 87 - 92 11% - 17% Conference Call SunOpta plans to host a conference call at 5:30 P.M. Eastern time on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, to discuss the fourth quarter financial results. After opening remarks, there will be a question and answer period. Investors interested in listening to the live webcast can access a link on SunOpta's website at www.sunopta.com under the "Investor Relations" section or directly here. A replay of the webcast will be archived and can be accessed for approximately 90 days on the Company's website. This call may be accessed with the toll free dial-in number dial (888) 440-4182 or International dial-in number (646) 960-0653 using Conference ID: 8338433. 1 See discussion of non-GAAP measures 2 The Company has included certain forward-looking statements about the future financial performance that include non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA. These non–GAAP financial measures are derived by excluding certain amounts, expenses or income, from the corresponding financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The determination of the amounts that are excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures is a matter of management judgment and depends upon, among other factors, the nature of the underlying expense or income amounts recognized in a given period. We are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of the aforementioned forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures because management cannot reliably predict all of the necessary components of such GAAP measures. Historically, management has excluded the following items from certain of these non-GAAP measures, and such items may also be excluded in future periods and could be significant amounts. Expenses related to the acquisition or divestiture of businesses or assets, including business development costs, integration costs, severance, retention costs and transaction costs; Start-up costs of new facilities and equipment; Charges associated with restructuring and cost saving initiatives, including but not limited to asset impairments, accelerated depreciation, severance costs and lease abandonment charges; Asset impairment charges and facility closure costs; Legal settlements or awards; and The tax effect of the above items. About SunOpta Inc. SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is a U.S.-based, global pioneer fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based food and beverages. Founded 50 years ago, SunOpta manufactures organic and specialty products sold through retail and foodservice channels. SunOpta operates as a manufacturer for leading natural and private label brands, and also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN ®, Dream®, West LifeTM. For more information, visit www.sunopta.com, and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our belief that our protein shake business will ramp aggressively, our expectation for strong growth in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA and our anticipated Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, Revenue growth and Adjusted EBITDA growth for fiscal 2024. Generally, forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and are typically accompanied by words such as “continues”, “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimates”, “can”, “will”, “target”, "should", "would", "plans", "becoming", "intend", "confident", "may", "project", "intention", "might", "predict", “budget”, “forecast” or other similar terms and phrases intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on information available to the Company on the date of this release and are based on estimates and assumptions made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments including, but not limited to, the Company’s actual financial results; our exit from, and use of proceeds from the divestiture of the assets and liabilities of, Frozen Fruit, uninterrupted operations and service levels to our customers; current customer demand for the Company’s products; general economic conditions; continued consumer interest in health and wellness; the Company’s ability to maintain product pricing levels; planned facility and operational expansions, closures and divestitures; cost rationalization and product development initiatives; alternative potential uses for the Company’s capital resources; portfolio optimization and productivity efforts; the sustainability of the Company’s sales pipeline; the Company’s expectations regarding commodity pricing, margins and hedging results; procurement and logistics savings; freight lane cost reductions; yield and throughput enhancements; the cost of the frozen fruit recall; labor cost reductions; and the terms of our insurance policies. Whether actual timing and results will agree with expectations and predictions of the Company is subject to many risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, potential loss of suppliers and customers as well as the possibility of supply chain, logistics and other disruptions; unexpected issues or delays with the Company’s structural improvements and automation investments; failure or inability to implement portfolio changes, process improvements, go-to-market improvements and process sustainability strategies in a timely manner; changes in the level of capital investment; local and global political and economic conditions; consumer spending patterns and changes in market trends; decreases in customer demand; delayed or unsuccessful product development efforts; potential product recalls; potential additional costs associated with the frozen fruit recall; working capital management; availability and pricing of raw materials and supplies; potential covenant breaches under the Company’s credit facilities; and other risks described from time to time under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q (available at www.sec.gov). Consequently, all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update the forward-looking statements in this document, in other documents, or on its website to reflect future events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. SunOpta Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations For the quarters and years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) (All dollar amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) Quarter ended Year ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ $ $ $ Revenues 181,624 159,790 630,297 591,395 Cost of goods sold 155,983 135,974 541,680 491,665 Gross profit 25,641 23,816 88,617 99,730 Selling, general and administrative expenses 19,597 19,605 78,000 78,469 Intangible asset amortization 446 446 1,784 1,784 Other expense, net 475 243 455 1,651 Foreign exchange loss (gain) 66 101 110 (107 ) Operating income 5,057 3,421 8,268 17,933 Interest expense, net 7,518 4,312 26,909 13,156 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (2,461 ) (891 ) (18,641 ) 4,777 Income tax expense (benefit) (709 ) (464 ) 3,269 896 Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1,752 ) (427 ) (21,910 ) 3,881 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (9,982 ) 1,481 (153,108 ) (8,722 ) Net earnings (loss) (11,734 ) 1,054 (175,018 ) (4,841 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (429 ) (830 ) (1,981 ) (3,109 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (12,163 ) 224 (176,999 ) (7,950 ) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (0.02 ) (0.01 ) (0.21 ) 0.01 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (0.09 ) 0.01 (1.34 ) (0.08 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (0.11 ) 0.00 (1.55 ) (0.07 ) Weighted-average common shares outstanding (000s) Basic 115,793 107,861 114,226 107,659 Diluted 115,793 107,861 114,226 110,247 SunOpta Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets As at December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) (All dollar amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ $ ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 306 679 Accounts receivable 64,862 59,545 Inventories 83,215 74,439 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 25,235 15,535 Income taxes recoverable 4,717 4,040 Current assets held for sale 5,910 148,119 Total current assets 184,245 302,357 Restricted cash 8,448 - Property, plant and equipment, net 319,898 292,306 Operating lease right-of-use assets 105,919 78,761 Intangible assets, net 21,861 23,646 Goodwill 3,998 3,998 Deferred income taxes - 3,712 Other long-term assets 25,055 5,184 Non-current assets held for sale - 145,888 Total assets 669,424 855,852 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 96,650 95,879 Notes payable 17,596 - Income taxes payable - 957 Current portion of long-term debt 24,346 38,491 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 15,808 12,499 Current liabilities held for sale - 13,207 Total current liabilities 154,400 161,033 Long-term debt 238,883 269,993 Operating lease liabilities 100,102 74,329 Deferred income taxes 505 - Non-current liabilities held for sale - 3,228 Total liabilities 493,890 508,583 Series B-1 preferred stock 14,509 28,062 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common shares 464,169 440,348 Additional paid-in capital 27,534 33,184 Accumulated deficit (332,687 ) (155,688 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income 2,009 1,363 Total shareholders' equity 161,025 319,207 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 669,424 855,852 SunOpta Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the quarters and years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars) Quarter ended Year ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ $ $ $ CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) Operating activities Net earnings (loss) (11,734 ) 1,054 (175,018 ) (4,841 ) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (9,982 ) 1,481 (153,108 ) (8,722 ) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1,752 ) (427 ) (21,910 ) 3,881 Items not affecting cash: Depreciation and amortization 8,166 6,219 31,039 23,047 Amortization of debt issuance costs 305 417 1,398 1,601 Deferred income taxes (282 ) (11,533 ) 3,978 (296 ) Stock-based compensation 2,789 4,139 11,778 13,830 Loss on extinguishment of debt 1,584 - 1,584 - Other 297 2,003 707 3,825 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of divestitures 853 6,509 (24,999 ) (15,142 ) Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations 11,960 7,327 3,575 30,746 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations (7,529 ) 20,186 11,269 29,829 Net cash provided by operating activities 4,431 27,513 14,844 60,575 Investing activities Additions to property, plant and equipment (8,853 ) (26,397 ) (46,125 ) (125,139 ) Cash settlement of foreign currency forward contract (394 ) - (394 ) - Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment - - - 4,182 Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations (9,247 ) (26,397 ) (46,519 ) (120,957 ) Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations 91,636 6,383 90,551 14,133 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 82,389 (20,014 ) 44,032 (106,824 ) Financing activities Increase (decrease) in borrowings under revolving credit facilities (38,581 ) 9,916 (15,863 ) 29,640 Borrowings of long-term debt 180,015 16,710 199,855 90,907 Repayment of long-term debt (63,868 ) (6,528 ) (95,303 ) (20,085 ) Repayment of asset-based credit facilities (141,880 ) - (141,880 ) - Payment of debt issuance costs (3,297 ) (63 ) (3,297 ) (735 ) Proceeds from notes payable 24,441 - 102,043 - Repayment of notes payable (51,291 ) - (84,447 ) - Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and employee share purchases 1,051 425 1,882 1,628 Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based awards (283 ) (27 ) (9,404 ) (1,629 ) Payment of cash dividends on preferred stock (305 ) (609 ) (1,732 ) (2,436 ) Payment of common share issuance costs - - (191 ) - Payment of preferred stock issuance costs - (756 ) - (756 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations (93,998 ) 19,068 (48,337 ) 96,534 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations 12,388 (26,347 ) (2,464 ) (49,833 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (81,610 ) (7,279 ) (50,801 ) 46,701 Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the period 5,210 220 8,075 452 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of the period 3,544 459 679 227 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of the period 8,754 679 8,754 679 Non-GAAP Measures Adjusted Gross Margin The Company uses a measure of adjusted gross margin to evaluate the underlying profitability of its revenue-generating activities within each reporting period. This non-GAAP measure excludes non-capitalizable start-up costs included in cost of goods sold that are incurred in connection with capital expansion projects. Additionally, the Company’s measure of adjusted gross margin may exclude other unusual items that are identified and evaluated on an individual basis, which due to their nature or size, the Company would not expect to occur as part of its normal business on a regular basis. The Company believes that disclosing this non-GAAP measure provides investors with a meaningful, consistent comparison of its profitability measure for the periods presented. However, the non-GAAP measure of adjusted gross margin should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for gross margin calculated based on gross profit determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted gross margin from reported gross margin calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Quarter ended Year ended December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Reported gross margin 14.1 % 14.9 % 14.1 % 16.9 % Start-up costs(a) 1.3 % 2.9 % 3.0 % 1.0 % Product withdrawal costs(b) 1.9 % - 0.5 % - Adjusted gross margin 17.3 % 17.8 % 17.6 % 17.8 % Note: percentages may not add due to rounding. (a) Represents incremental direct costs incurred in connection with plant expansion projects and new product introductions before the project or product reaches normal production levels, including costs for the hiring and training of additional personnel, fees for outside services, travel costs, and plant- and production-related expenses. For 2023, start-up costs included in cost of goods sold related to the ramp-up of production at our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas, and the start-up of a new extrusion and high-speed packaging lines at our fruit snacks facility in Omak, Washington. For 2022, start-up costs included in cost of goods sold related to the hiring and training of new employees for the Midlothian facility together with costs related to the integration of the acquired Dream and West Life brands. (b) Reflects costs, net of expected recoveries, related to the withdrawal of specific batches of aseptically-packaged product due to a faulty seal caused by an equipment misconfiguration by a third-party service provider. The equipment issue was identified and resolved in the third quarter of 2023, and none of the withdrawn product made it into the consumer marketplace. Adjusted Earnings/Loss and Adjusted EBITDA In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company provides additional information about its operating results regarding adjusted earnings/loss and adjusted earnings/loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), which are not measures in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company believes that adjusted earnings/loss and adjusted EBITDA assist investors in comparing performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that management believes are not indicative of its operating performance. These non-GAAP measures are presented solely to allow investors to more fully assess the Company’s results of operations and should not be considered in isolation of, or as substitutes for, an analysis of the Company’s results as reported under U.S. GAAP. The following are tabular presentations of adjusted earnings/loss and adjusted EBITDA, including a reconciliation from net earnings/loss, which the Company believes to be the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated Per Share Per Share Per Share For the quarters ended $ $ $ $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (1,752 ) (9,982 ) (11,734 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (429 ) - (429 ) Loss attributable to common shareholders (2,181 ) (0.02 ) (9,982 ) (0.09 ) (12,163 ) (0.11 ) Adjusted for: Product withdrawal costs(a) 3,440 - 3,440 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(b) - 3,150 3,150 Start-up costs(c) 2,394 - 2,394 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(d) - 1,900 1,900 Loss on extinguishment of debt(e) 1,584 - 1,584 Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(f) - 1,026 1,026 Severance costs(g) - 1,016 1,016 Other(h) 491 617 1,108 Net income tax on adjusting items(i) - - - Adjusted earnings (loss) 5,728 0.05 (2,273 ) (0.02 ) 3,455 0.03 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) (427 ) 1,481 1,054 Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (830 ) - (830 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (1,257 ) (0.01 ) 1,481 0.01 224 0.00 Adjusted for: Start-up costs(c) 4,699 - 4,699 Business development costs(j) 296 - 296 Other(h) 243 (138 ) 105 Net income tax on adjusting items(i) (1,377 ) (1,889 ) (3,266 ) Adjusted earnings (loss) 2,604 0.02 (546 ) (0.00 ) 2,058 0.02 Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated For the quarters ended $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (1,752 ) (9,982 ) (11,734 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (709 ) 469 (240 ) Interest expense (income), net 7,518 (838 ) 6,680 Depreciation and amortization 8,166 25 8,191 Stock-based compensation 2,789 - 2,789 Adjusted for: Product withdrawal and recall costs(a) 3,440 - 3,440 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(b) - 3,150 3,150 Start-up costs(c) 2,394 - 2,394 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(d) - 1,900 1,900 Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(f) - 1,026 1,026 Severance costs(g) - 1,016 1,016 Other(h) 491 617 1,108 Adjusted EBITDA 22,337 (2,617 ) 19,720 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) (427 ) 1,481 1,054 Income tax benefit (464 ) (176 ) (640 ) Interest expense, net 4,312 418 4,730 Depreciation and amortization 6,219 2,939 9,158 Stock-based compensation 4,139 - 4,139 Adjusted for: Start-up costs(c) 4,699 - 4,699 Business development costs(j) 296 - 296 Other(h) 243 (138 ) 105 Adjusted EBITDA 19,017 4,524 23,541 (a) Reflects costs, net of expected recoveries, of $3.4 million related to the withdrawal of specific batches of aseptically-packaged product due to a faulty seal caused by an equipment misconfiguration by a third-party service provider, which are recorded in cost of goods sold. (b) Reflects asset impairment charges and contract cancellation costs related to the exit from our Oxnard, California, frozen fruit processing facility in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (c) For the fourth quarter of 2023, start-up costs included the ramp-up of production at our new plant-based beverage facility in Midlothian, Texas, and the start-up of a new extrusion line at our fruit snacks facility in Omak, Washington, which are recorded in cost of goods sold. For the fourth quarter of 2022, start-up costs mainly related to the hiring and training of new employees for the Midlothian facility, which are recorded in cost of goods sold ($4.6 million) and SG&A expenses ($0.1 million). (d) Reflects inventory reserves recognized in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (e) For the fourth quarter of 2023, we recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt in connection with the refinancing of our credit agreement in December 2023, which is recorded in interest expense, net. (f) Reflects the pre-tax loss on the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (g) Reflects severance costs of $1.0 million for employees of Frozen Fruit that did not transfer as part of the divestiture, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (h) For the fourth quarter of 2023, other includes a $0.4 million loss on a foreign exchange hedge in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in other expense. For the fourth quarters of 2022 and 2023, other also reflects gains and losses on the disposal of assets, which are recorded in other expense and loss from discontinued operations. (i) Reflects the tax effect of the 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 fourth quarter of 2022, includes $1.9 million of tax benefits resulting from the settlement of the purchase price allocation related to the divestiture of Tradin Organic. (j) 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 fourth quarter of 2022, these costs related to the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in SG&A expenses. Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated Per Share Per Share Per Share For the years ended $ $ $ $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (21,910 ) (153,108 ) (175,018 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (1,981 ) - (1,981 ) Loss attributable to common shareholders (23,891 ) (0.21 ) (153,108 ) (1.34 ) (176,999 ) (1.55 ) Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 119,821 119,821 Start-up costs(b) 20,249 - 20,249 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(c) - 12,900 12,900 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(d) - 10,014 10,014 Product withdrawal and recall costs(e) 3,440 2,500 5,940 Business development costs(f) 2,390 - 2,390 Loss on extinguishment of debt(g) 1,584 - 1,584 Severance costs(h) 897 1,016 1,913 Other(i) 471 1,136 1,607 Net income tax on adjusting items(j) - - - Change in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets(k) 3,978 - 3,978 Adjusted earnings (loss) 9,118 0.08 (5,721 ) (0.05 ) 3,397 0.03 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) 3,881 (8,722 ) (4,841 ) Dividends and accretion on preferred stock (3,109 ) - (3,109 ) Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders 772 0.01 (8,722 ) (0.08 ) (7,950 ) (0.07 ) Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 31,468 31,468 Start-up costs(b) 6,028 - 6,028 Sale of frozen fruit processing facility(l) - (2,544 ) (2,544 ) Business development costs(f) 1,170 - 1,170 Exit from fruit ingredient processing facility(m) 577 - 577 Other(i) 1,074 (202 ) 872 Net income tax on adjusting items(j) (2,326 ) (18,303 ) (20,629 ) Adjusted earnings 7,295 0.07 1,697 0.02 8,992 0.08 Continuing Discontinued Operations Operations Consolidated For the years ended $ $ $ December 30, 2023 Net loss (21,910 ) (153,108 ) (175,018 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 3,269 (167 ) 3,102 Interest expense, net 26,909 554 27,463 Depreciation and amortization 31,039 8,886 39,925 Stock-based compensation 11,778 - 11,778 Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 119,821 119,821 Start-up costs(b) 20,249 - 20,249 Frozen fruit inventory reserves(c) - 12,900 12,900 Exit from frozen fruit processing facility(d) - 10,014 10,014 Product withdrawal and recall costs(e) 3,440 2,500 5,940 Business development costs(f) 2,390 - 2,390 Severance costs(h) 897 1,016 1,913 Other(i) 471 1,136 1,607 Adjusted EBITDA 78,532 3,552 82,084 December 31, 2022 Net earnings (loss) 3,881 (8,722 ) (4,841 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 896 (16,154 ) (15,258 ) Interest expense, net 13,156 1,578 14,734 Depreciation and amortization 23,047 14,626 37,673 Stock-based compensation 13,830 - 13,830 Adjusted for: Loss on divestiture of discontinued operations(a) - 31,468 31,468 Start-up costs(b) 6,028 - 6,028 Sale of frozen fruit processing facility(l) - (2,544 ) (2,544 ) Business development costs(f) 1,170 - 1,170 Exit from fruit ingredient processing facility(m) 577 - 577 Other(i) 1,074 (202 ) 872 Adjusted EBITDA 63,659 20,050 83,709 (a) For 2023, reflects the pre-tax loss on the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations. For 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 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 are recorded in cost of goods sold ($18.7 million) and SG&A expenses ($1.5 million). For 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 are recorded in cost of goods sold ($5.7 million) and SG&A expenses ($0.3 million). (c) For 2023, reflects inventory reserves recognized in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (d) For 2023, reflects asset impairment charges and contract cancellation costs related to the exit from our Oxnard, California, frozen fruit processing facility in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (e) For 2023, reflects costs, net of expected recoveries, of $3.4 million related to the withdrawal of specific batches of aseptically-packaged product due to a faulty seal caused by an equipment misconfiguration by a third-party service provider, which are recorded in cost of goods sold, as well as the self-insured retention amount of $2.5 million 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. (f) 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 2023, business development costs related to the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, and, for 2022, these costs related to the divestitures of Frozen Fruit and Sunflower, together with our inaugural Investor Day held in June 2022. These costs are recorded in SG&A expenses. (g) For 2023, we recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt in connection with the refinancing of our credit agreement in December 2023, which is recorded in interest expense, net. (h) For 2023, reflects employee severance costs of $0.9 million recognized in connection with the consolidation of our continuing operations following the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which are recorded in SG&A expenses, as well as severance costs of $1.0 million for employees of Frozen Fruit that did not transfer as part of the divestiture, which are recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (i) For 2023, other includes a $0.4 million loss on a foreign exchange hedge in connection with the divestiture of Frozen Fruit, which is recorded in other expense. For 2023 and 2022, other also reflects reserves for legal settlements and gains and losses on the disposal of assets, which are recorded in other expense/income and loss from discontinued operations. (j) Reflects the tax effect of the 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 2022, includes $12.9 million of tax benefits resulting from the settlement of the purchase price allocation related to the divestiture of Tradin Organic. (k) For 2023, 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. (l) For 2022, reflects the gain on sale of a previously owned frozen fruit processing facility, net of exit costs, which is recorded in loss from discontinued operations. (m) For 2022, reflects exit costs related to a former fruit ingredient processing facility, which are recorded in other expense. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240228507642/en/
