UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
SCHEDULE
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Filed by a party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[x] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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SUNOPTA INC.
7078 Shady Oak Road
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
952-820-2518
April 11, 2025
| Dear Fellow Shareholder: | |
 |
It is our pleasure to cordially invite you to virtually attend the Annual and Special Meeting of the Shareholders of SunOpta Inc., which will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time. At our Annual and Special Meeting, shareholders will vote on: the election of our directors; the appointment of our independent public registered accounting firm and auditor and authorization to fix their remuneration; the compensation of our named executive officers; a resolution to reconfirm the Company's Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan; and approval of the amendment to the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan to eliminate the plan termination date; all as described in more detail in the accompanying proxy statement. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and express your views to the senior management of SunOpta Inc. and members of the Board of Directors who will be in attendance. We are holding the Annual and Special Meeting as a completely virtual online meeting, which will be conducted via live webcast, where all shareholders regardless of geographic location and equity ownership will have an equal opportunity to participate in the meeting and engage with directors and management as well as other shareholders. Shareholders will not be able to attend the Annual and Special Meeting in person. Your vote is important to us. Whether or not you intend to attend the meeting virtually, please read the enclosed proxy statement and submit your vote by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card, or if you are a beneficial owner of shares held in "street name," you may vote by telephone or via the Internet. Sincerely, |
  Leslie Starr Brian Kocher Chair Chief Executive Officer |
SunOpta Inc.
7078 Shady Oak Road
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
952-820-2518
|
NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY ON MAY 22, 2025 |
To the holders of the common shares ("Common Shares") and holders of special shares, series 2 ("Special Voting Shares") of SunOpta Inc. (the "Company"):
Notice is hereby given that an Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of SunOpta Inc. (the "Meeting") will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, for the following purposes, all as described in more detail in the accompanying proxy statement:
1. to elect the directors of the Company;
2. to appoint the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and auditor and to authorize the Audit Committee to fix their remuneration;
3. to consider and, if deemed advisable, approve a non-binding, advisory resolution to approve the compensation of the Company's named executive officers;
4. to consider and, if deemed advisable, to pass an ordinary resolution to reconfirm the Company's Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan;
5. to consider and, if deemed advisable, approve the amendment of the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan to eliminate the plan termination date; and
6. to consider and take action upon such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
This Notice is accompanied by a Proxy Statement, a proxy card, the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, which includes the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 and related Management's Discussion and Analysis, and an envelope to return the proxy card.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 27, 2025 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders of the Company entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting. All such shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Meeting.
The Company is holding the Meeting as a completely virtual online meeting, which will be conducted via live webcast, where all shareholders regardless of geographic location and equity ownership will have an equal opportunity to participate in the Meeting and engage with directors of the Company and management as well as other shareholders. Shareholders will not be able to attend the Meeting in person. Registered shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders will be able to attend, participate, submit questions and vote at the Meeting online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/STKL2025. Non-registered shareholders (being shareholders who hold their shares through a broker, investment dealer, bank, trust company, custodian, nominee or other intermediary) who have not duly appointed themselves as proxyholder may also virtually attend as guests. Guests will be able to virtually attend and listen to the Meeting but will not be able to vote or ask questions at the Meeting.
Your vote is important. Whether or not you intend to attend the Meeting, please read the enclosed Proxy Statement and submit your vote by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card or if you are a beneficial owner of shares held in "street name," you may vote by telephone or via the Internet.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 22, 2025.
This Proxy Statement, the accompanying proxy card and our Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 are first being made available on or about April 11, 2025 to shareholders of the Company entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Meeting as of the record date, and such materials are also available on our website at www.sunopta.com, under the "Investor Relations" link.
| In order to be represented by proxy at the Meeting, you must complete and submit the enclosed Form of Proxy or another appropriate form of proxy. |
SUNOPTA INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
In this document, all currency amounts are expressed in United States ("U.S.") dollars ("$") unless otherwise stated.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
What is the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials that I received instead of complete proxy materials?
The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") rules allow companies to furnish proxy materials, including this proxy statement (this "Proxy Statement") and our Annual Report to Shareholders, by providing access to these documents on the Internet instead of mailing printed copies of our proxy materials to shareholders. Most shareholders who reside in the United States have received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice"), which provides instructions for accessing proxy materials on a website or for requesting electronic or printed copies of the proxy materials.
If you would like to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials for the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") of SunOpta Inc. (sometimes referred to as "we", "us", "our", "the Company" or "SunOpta") and for all future meetings, please follow the Notice instructions for requesting such materials. The chosen electronic delivery option lowers costs and reduces environmental impacts of printing and distributing the materials.
What is the date, time and place of the Meeting?
The Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time. The Meeting will be held as a completely virtual online meeting, which will be conducted via live webcast. Shareholders will not be able to attend the Meeting in person. A summary of the information shareholders will need to attend the Meeting online is provided below.
To be admitted to the Meeting, please access the virtual meeting platform on the Internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/STKL2025. Shareholders or their legal proxies must log on to the platform by entering the 16-digit control number included on the proxy card, Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or voting instruction form. Online access to the Meeting will open approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the virtual meeting. In order to attend the virtual Meeting, it is very important that you retain your proxy card, Notice of Availability, or voting instruction form, and all related materials, including your assigned 16-digit control number, through the date of the Meeting. A shareholder also has the option of attending the virtual Meeting as a guest by using the same platform. If you do not have access to a computer you may listen to the meeting by using the following numbers: (USA) 1-800-590-8290 or (International) 1-240-690-8800. If you are dialing in, please ask the operator to join the SunOpta call.
Why am I receiving proxy materials?
We sent you the Notice or this Proxy Statement relating to the Meeting and the accompanying proxy card because our Board of Directors (sometimes referred to as the "Board") is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. You are invited to attend the Meeting and we request that you vote on the proposals described in this Proxy Statement. However, you do not need to attend the Meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card, or vote by telephone or Internet as described below under "How can I vote?"
What are the items of business scheduled for the Meeting?
There are five matters scheduled for a vote:
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the election of the director nominees specified in this Proxy Statement;
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the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and auditor and authorization for the Audit Committee to fix their remuneration;
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a non-binding, advisory resolution to approve the compensation of the Company's named executive officers ("NEOs");
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a proposal to reconfirm the Company's Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan; and
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a proposal to approve the amendment of the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan to eliminate the plan termination date, a copy of which, including the proposed amendment, is attached as Exhibit A.
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Shareholders will also consider and take action upon such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. The Board is not currently aware of any other matters to be presented at the Meeting.
What is included in the proxy materials?
The proxy materials include:
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this Proxy Statement for the Meeting;
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the accompanying proxy card; and
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our Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, which includes the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 28, 2024 and the related Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The Annual Report is not incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement and is not deemed to be a part hereof.
What is a proxy?
It is your legal designation of another person to vote the shares you own. The other person is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document is also called a proxy or a proxy card.
The enclosed proxy card contemplates that Greg Gaba, Chief Financial Officer, and Chris McCullough, General Counsel and Secretary, each be appointed to act as your proxy. However, you may choose another person to act as your proxy. If you wish to appoint as your proxy a person other than the individuals named on the proxy card to attend the Meeting and vote for you, you may do so by striking out the names on the proxy card and inserting the name of your proxy in the blank space provided in the proxy card, or you may complete another proper proxy card. Your appointed proxy need not be a shareholder of the Company. If you appoint a non-management proxyholder, please make them aware and ensure they will attend the meeting for the vote to count.
Who is soliciting my proxy?
The proxy accompanying this Proxy Statement is solicited by management and the Board of Directors of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by officers, directors and regular employees of the Company. None of the officers, directors or employees will be directly compensated for such services.
How many classes of shares are outstanding?
The Company currently has two classes of shares issued and outstanding, namely the Common Shares and the Special Voting Shares. The Common Shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NASDAQ") under the stock symbol "STKL" and are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the stock symbol "SOY". The Company created and issued the Special Voting Shares in connection with the Series B-1 Preferred Stock financing, completed by our subsidiary, SunOpta Foods Inc. in April 2020. The Special Voting Shares are not quoted or listed for trading on any exchange.
Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference in this Proxy Statement to "shares" of the Company refers to both the Common Shares and Special Voting Shares, and any reference to "shareholders" of the Company is intended to refer to holders of either Common Shares or Special Voting Shares.
Who can vote at the Meeting?
Subject to the restriction noted below under "How many votes are needed to approve each proposal," each holder of Common Shares and each holder of Special Voting Shares is entitled to one vote for every share owned. The holders of Common Shares and Special Voting Shares vote together as a single class.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 27, 2025, or the record date, will be entitled to vote at the Meeting. On the record date, there were 117,242,316 Common Shares and 2,932,453 Special Voting Shares issued and outstanding (120,174,769 shares in aggregate), representing 97.56% and 2.44%, respectively, of the aggregate voting rights attaching to all of the Company's outstanding shares. Except as otherwise stated, all information relating to the number of outstanding shares or other securities of the Company in this Proxy Statement is as of March 27, 2025.
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In the event a shareholder of record transfers their Common Shares or Special Voting Shares after the close of business on the record date, the transferee of those shares will be entitled to vote the transferred shares at the Meeting provided that they produce properly endorsed share certificates representing the transferred shares to the Company's Secretary or transfer agent or otherwise establishes ownership of the transferred shares at least ten days prior to the Meeting.
What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a shareholder who holds shares in street name?
Most shareholders hold their shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are important distinctions between shares held of record and those owned in street name.
Shareholder of Record - Shares Registered in Your Name
If, as of the close of business on March 27, 2025, your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of record. As the shareholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to the individuals named on the proxy card, or to vote in person at the Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting, we urge you to fill out and return the enclosed proxy card to ensure your vote is counted.
Beneficial Owner - Shares Registered in the Name of Broker, Bank or Nominee
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in "street name," and the proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee, which is considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker how to vote and are also invited to attend the Meeting. However, since you are not the shareholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Meeting unless you obtain a signed proxy from the shareholder of record giving you the right to vote the shares. Your broker or nominee has provided voting instructions for you to use in directing the broker or nominee how to vote your shares. If you fail to provide sufficient instructions to your broker or nominee, that shareholder of record may be prohibited from voting your shares. See "What if I do not specify how my shares are to be voted?" and "What are 'broker non-votes'?" below.
How can I vote?
You may vote your shares by one of the following methods:
Vote by Internet. To vote via the Internet before the meeting, go to www.proxyvote.com and follow the simple instructions. You will be required to provide your 16-digit control number located on the Notice or your form of proxy. You may attend the Meeting via the Internet and vote during the Meeting by going to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/STKL2025. Be sure you have your control number information located on the Notice or your form of proxy available and follow the instructions.
Vote by Telephone. To vote by telephone, call toll free 1-800-690-6903. You will be prompted to provide your 16-digit control located on the Notice or your proxy card.
Vote by Mail. If you received a printed set of proxy materials, you may complete, sign, date and mail the separate proxy card or other proper form of proxy in the envelope provided with this Proxy Statement. If you vote by telephone or Internet, please do not mail your proxy card.
If you vote by telephone or Internet before the Meeting, your vote must be cast no later than the proxy cut-off of 3:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 (or 3:00 P.M. on the day before, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting). If you vote by proxy, your completed proxy card must be received by Broadridge at 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York USA 11717, prior to 3:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 (or 3:00 P.M. on the day before, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting at which the proxy is to be used). The Chair of the Meeting may waive or extend the proxy cut-off without notice at her own discretion.
If your shares are held in street name by a broker, bank or other nominee, please refer to the instructions provided by that broker, bank or nominee regarding how to vote or how to revoke your voting instructions.
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If you return a signed proxy card or use the telephone or Internet to vote before the Meeting, the persons named as proxies in the proxy card will vote your Common Shares as you direct.
Even if you currently plan to attend the Meeting virtually, we recommend that you also submit your proxy as described above so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Meeting. Submitting your proxy via Internet, telephone or mail does not affect your right to vote during the Meeting.
How many votes are needed to approve each proposal?
The number of votes required to approve each of the proposals scheduled to be presented at the Meeting is as follows:
Proposal One: Election of Directors. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast, meaning the nominees who receive the largest number of votes will be elected as directors, up to the maximum number of directors to be elected. However, in accordance with the Canada Business Corporations Act (the "CBCA"), nominees will only be elected if the number of votes cast in their favor represents a majority of the votes cast for and against them by the shareholders who are present in person or represented by proxy. See "Proposal One - Election of Directors" below.
Proposal Two: Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and auditors and authorization of the Audit Committee to fix their remuneration. This proposal will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the proposal constitute a majority of the total votes cast on the proposal.
Proposal Three: Advisory vote regarding the compensation of the Company's NEOs. This proposal will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the proposal constitute a majority of the total votes cast on the proposal. Although the outcome of this vote is not binding on us, we will consider the outcome of this vote when developing our compensation policies and practices, and when making compensation decisions in the future.
Proposal Four: Reconfirmation of the Company's Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan. This proposal will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the proposal constitute a majority of the total votes cast on the proposal. Holders of Special Voting Shares or Common Shares beneficially owned by Oaktree Capital Group, LLC ("Oaktree") and its affiliates (as described below in "Proposal Four - Reconfirmation of the Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan") are not entitled to vote on this proposal.
Proposal Five: Approval of the amendment of the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan to eliminate the plan termination date. This proposal will be approved if the votes cast in favor of the proposal constitute a majority of the total votes cast on the proposal.
What if I do not specify how my shares are to be voted?
Shareholders of Record. If you are a shareholder of record and you submit a proxy card, but you do not provide voting instructions, your shares will be voted as follows:
FOR each of the eight nominees named in this Proxy Statement for election to the Company's Board of Directors;
FOR the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and auditor and authorization of the Audit Committee to fix their remuneration;
FOR the approval of the non-binding advisory resolution regarding the compensation of the Company's NEOs;
FOR the proposal to reconfirm the Company's Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan; and
FOR the proposal to approve the amendment of the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan to eliminate the plan termination date.
The Board does not expect that any additional matters will be brought before the Meeting. The persons appointed as proxies will vote in their discretion on any other matters that may properly come before the Meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof, including any vote to postpone or adjourn the Meeting. Moreover, if for any reason any of our nominees are not available as a candidate for director, the persons named as proxies will vote for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board.
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Beneficial Owners. If you are a beneficial owner and you do not provide the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares with voting instructions, the broker or other nominee will determine if it has the discretionary authority to vote on the particular matter. Therefore, if you do not provide voting instructions to your broker, your broker may only vote your shares on Proposal Two. See "What are 'broker non-votes'?" below.
What are "broker non-votes"?
A broker non-vote occurs when a broker, bank or other nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have authority to vote on that particular proposal without receiving voting instructions from the beneficial owner. Under NASDAQ rules, brokers that do not receive voting instructions from the beneficial owner have the discretion to vote on certain routine matters, but do not have the discretion to vote on the election of directors to the Board, executive compensation matters or any other significant matter as determined by the SEC. We believe that Proposal Two relating to the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm is considered a matter on which brokers may vote in their discretion on behalf of clients who have not furnished voting instructions. However, under current NASDAQ rules, we believe that brokers who have not received voting instructions from their clients will not be authorized to vote in their discretion on Proposals One, Three, Four and Five. Accordingly, for beneficial owners of shares, if you do not give your broker specific instructions, your shares may not be voted on such proposals.
How are abstentions and broker non-votes counted?
Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists at the Meeting. The shares represented by proxies marked "abstain" will not be treated as affirmative or opposing votes. Broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the vote on any of the proposals to be voted upon at the Meeting because the outcome of each vote depends on the number of votes cast rather than the number of shares entitled to vote.
How many votes do I have?
On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each Common Share and one vote for each Special Voting Share you owned as of March 27, 2025.
Who counts the votes?
The Company has nominated Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. to count and tabulate the votes. This is done independently of the Company to preserve the confidentiality of individual shareholder votes. Proxies are referred to the Company only in cases where a shareholder clearly intends to communicate with management, the validity of the proxy is in question or where it is necessary to do so to meet the requirements of applicable law.
Is my vote confidential?
The Company's transfer agents (identified below) preserve the confidentiality of individual shareholder votes, except where a shareholder clearly intends to communicate their individual position to the management of the Company or as necessary in order to comply with legal requirements.
If I need to contact the Company's transfer agents, how do I reach them?
You can contact the transfer agent in Canada by mail at: TSX Trust Company, 100 Adelaide Street West, Suite 301, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 4H1, or via telephone at 1-866-600-5869. You can contact the transfer agent in the United States by mail at: Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, 48 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, or via telephone at 1-800-937-5449.
What does it mean if multiple members of my household are shareholders, but we only received one copy of the Notice or a full set of proxy materials in the mail?
We have adopted a procedure called "householding." Under this procedure, we deliver a single copy of the Notice and, if applicable, the proxy materials to multiple shareholders who share the same address unless we received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders. This procedure reduces our printing and mailing costs. Shareholders who participate in householding will continue to be able to access and receive separate proxy cards. Upon written request, we will deliver promptly a separate copy of the Notice and, if applicable, the proxy materials to any shareholder at a shared address to which we delivered a single copy of any of these documents. To receive a separate copy of the Notice and, if applicable, the proxy materials, shareholders should send their requests to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. by calling 1-866-540-7095 or in writing at Broadridge, Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. Shareholders who hold shares in street name may contact their broker, bank or other nominee to request information about householding.
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What does it mean if I receive more than one copy of the Notice or proxy card?
If you receive more than one copy of the Notice or more than one proxy card, your shares are registered in more than one name or are registered in different accounts. Please complete, sign and return each proxy card or follow the instructions on each copy of the Notice to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
How do I revoke or change my vote?
If you are a shareholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by one of the following methods:
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Voting again by telephone or by Internet prior to 3:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time on May 20, 2025, as set forth above under "How can I vote?";
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Requesting, completing and mailing or delivering by facsimile a proper proxy card, as set forth above under "How can I vote?"; or
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Sending written notice of revocation, signed by you (or your duly authorized attorney), to the Secretary of the Company, at the Company's corporate offices at 7078 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344, at any time prior to the last business day preceding the date of the Meeting.
Attendance at the virtual meeting is not, by itself, sufficient to revoke a Proxy unless written notice of the revocation or a subsequent Proxy is delivered to the Secretary of the Company before the revoked or superseded Proxy is used at the virtual Meeting. Proxies not revoked will be voted in accordance with the choices specified by shareholders by means of the ballot provided on the Proxy for that purpose.
If you hold your shares in street name, you may revoke your proxy by following the instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee.
What is the quorum requirement?
Under NASDAQ listing rules and the Company's by-laws, as amended, the presence at the Meeting, in person or represented by proxy, of at least two shareholders holding not less than one-third (33 1/3%) of all the Company's outstanding shares shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business at the Meeting. As of the record date, there were 117,242,316 Common Shares and 2,932,453 Special Voting Shares outstanding (120,174,769 shares in the aggregate). Therefore, holders of at least 40,058,256 of the Company's outstanding shares must be present, in person or represented by proxy, at the Meeting in order to establish a quorum. The Company encourages all of its shareholders to participate in the Meeting.
How can I find out the results of the voting at the Meeting?
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Meeting. We will publish final results in a Current Report on Form 8-K that we expect to file with the SEC and with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities within four business days of the Meeting. After the Form 8-K is filed, you may obtain a copy by visiting our website, by viewing our public filings in the U.S. at www.sec.gov or in Canada at www.sedar.com, by calling (952) 820-2518, by writing to Investor Relations, SunOpta Inc., 7078 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 or by sending an email to legal@sunopta.com.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following presents information regarding beneficial ownership of our shares as of March 27, 2025 by:
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each person who we know that beneficially owns more than 5% of our Common Shares; |
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each of our directors and nominees; |
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each of our NEOs; and |
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all of our directors and executive officers as a group. |
Under the regulations of the SEC, shares are generally deemed to be "beneficially owned" by a person if the person directly or indirectly has or shares voting power or investment power (including the power to dispose) over the shares, whether or not the person has any pecuniary interest in the shares, or if the person has the right to acquire voting power or investment power of the shares within 60 days, including through the exercise of any option, warrant or right. In accordance with the regulations of the SEC, in computing the number of Common Shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of such person, we deemed to be outstanding all Common Shares subject to options or other rights held by the person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 27, 2025. We did not deem such shares outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
Based solely on our review of statements filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(d) and 13(g) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") the Company is not aware of any other person or group that beneficially owns more than 5% of any class of voting shares of the Company, except as noted below.
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Title of Class | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percentage of Class(1) |
Percentage of all Shares(1) |
| Oaktree Capital Group, LLC 333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 |
Common Special Voting |
23,658,579(2)(3) 2,932,453(4) |
19.69% 100% |
19.69% 2.44% |
| BlackRock, Inc. 50 Hudson Yards New York, NY 10001 |
Common | 9,984,820(5) | 8.52% | 8.31% |
(1) Percentage of Class and Percentage of all Shares are calculated based on a total of 117,242,316 Common Shares and 2,932,453 Special Voting Shares outstanding as at March 27, 2025.
(2) Includes 20,726,126 Common Shares and 2,932,453 Common Shares currently issuable on the exchange of Series B-1 Preferred Stock beneficially owned by the Oaktree Funds (as defined below).
(3) According to a Schedule 13D/A filed on May 18, 2023 by Oaktree Fund GP, LLC ("Fund GP"), Oaktree Organics, L.P. ("Organics") and Oaktree Huntington Investment Fund II, L.P. ("OHIF II LP" and together with Organics, the "Oaktree Funds") beneficially own 19,767,135 and 3,891,444 Common Shares, respectively, including 2,451,242 and 481,211 Common Shares, respectively, currently issuable on the exchange of Series B-1 Preferred Stock, and have the sole power to vote and dispose of their respectively shares. In addition, Oaktree Huntington Investment Fund II GP, L.P. ("OHIF II GP"), the general partner of OHIF II LP, may be deemed to beneficially own the 3,891,444 Common Shares owned by OHIF II LP. Additionally, Fund GP, the general partner of OHIF II GP and Organics, Oaktree Fund GP I, L.P. ("GP I"), managing member of Fund GP, Oaktree Capital I, L.P. ("Capital I"), the general partner of GP I, OCM Holdings I, LLC ("Holdings I"), the general partner of Capital I, Oaktree Holdings, LLC ("Holdings"), the managing member of Holdings I, Oaktree Capital Group, LLC ("OCG"), the managing member of Holdings, Oaktree Capital Group Holdings GP, LLC, the indirect owner of the common shares of OCG, Brookfield Corporation ("Brookfield"), the indirect owner of the class A units of OSC, and BAM Partners Trust, as the sole owner of Class B Limited Voting Shares of Brookfield, may be deemed to beneficially own the 23,658,579 shares owned in the aggregate by the Oaktree Funds.
(4) On May 19, 2023, the Company issued 2,932,453 Special Voting Shares to the Oaktree Funds. The Special Voting Shares serve as a mechanism for attaching exchanged voting rights to the Series B-1 Preferred Stock owned by the Oaktree Funds and entitle the Oaktree Funds to one vote per Special Voting Share on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of the Common Shares, voting together as a single class, subject to certain exceptions. As a result of a permanent voting cap, the number of Special Voting Shares issued to the Oaktree Funds at any time, when taken together with any other voting securities the Oaktree Funds then control, cannot exceed 19.99% of the votes eligible to be cast by all security holders of the Company.
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(5) According to a Schedule 13G/A filed by BlackRock, Inc. ("BlackRock") on January 25, 2024, BlackRock beneficially owns 9,984,820 Common Shares and has sole voting power over 9,608,187 Common Shares and sole dispositive power over 9,984,820 Common Shares.
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(2) | Total Number of Common Shares, Vested Options and Vested RSUs |
Percentage of Shares(5) |
||
| Common Shares |
Vested Options(3) |
Vested RSUs/PSUs(4) |
|||
| Dr. Albert Bolles Director |
204,110 | 5,322 | 0 | 209,432 | * |
| Rebecca Fisher Director |
111,380 | 5,830 | 0 | 117,210 | * |
| Dean Hollis(6) Director |
552,011 | 15,967 | 0 | 567,978 | * |
| David J. Lemmon(7) Director |
1,129 | 0 | 0 | 1,129 | * |
| Diego Reynoso Director |
23,656 | 0 | 0 | 23,656 | * |
| Leslie Starr Director (Chair) |
102,652 | 5,830 | 19,547 | 128,029 | * |
| Mahes S. Wickramasinghe Director |
23,291 | 0 | 15,283 | 38,574 | * |
| Brian Kocher(8) Chief Executive Officer and Director |
123,345 | 0 | 69,809 | 193,154 | * |
| Greg Gaba(9) Chief Financial Officer |
58,649 | 29,167 | 30,296 | 118,112 | * |
| Jill Barnett(10) Chief Administrative Officer |
180,898 | 212,883 | 61,206 | 454,987 | * |
| Justin Kobler Senior Vice President, Supply Chain |
11,350 | 6,529 | 17,305 | 35,184 | * |
| Bryan Clark Senior Vice President, R&D and FSQ |
28,150 | 47,920 | 31,652 | 107,722 | * |
| Chad Hagen(11) Chief Customer Officer |
1,156 | 0 | 0 | 1,156 | * |
| All directors and executive officers as a group (15 total) | 1,556,264 | 361,766 | 326,766 | 2,244,796 | 1.9% |
(1) The address of each director and executive officer is 7078 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.
(2) Unless otherwise indicated, the persons in this table have sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the Common Shares shown as beneficially owned by them. The information as to shares beneficially owned or over which control or direction is exercised, directly or indirectly, not being within the knowledge of the Company, has been furnished by the respective directors and executive officers individually.
(3) The number of vested options includes options that will become exercisable within 60 days of March 27, 2025. The exercise price of vested options ranges from $3.25 to $14.77 per share.
(4) The number of vested Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") includes RSUs or Performance Stock Units ("PSUs") that will vest within 60 days of March 27, 2025 as well as any RSUs that a director has deferred until their departure from the Board. These amounts represent gross vesting amounts, without estimated shares withheld for tax.
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(5) Percentage of Shares is calculated based on a total of 117,242,316 Common Shares and 2,932,453 Special Voting Shares issued and outstanding as at March 27, 2025 (*indicates less than 1% of the outstanding Common Shares).
(6) Mr. Hollis also owns 500 limited partnership units of Organics, which owns 17,315,893 Common Shares and 2,451,242 Special Voting Shares. See Note (2) under "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management." However, Mr. Hollis does not directly or indirectly exercise control or direction over the securities of the Company held by Organics.
(7) Mr. Lemmon was appointed to the Board of Directors on September 16, 2024.
(8) Includes 74,000 Common Shares in a trust, which Mr. Kocher is the co-trustee of, along with his spouse.
(9) Mr. Gaba's spouse owns 9,826 of the 44,575 Common Shares reflected for Mr. Gaba.
(10) Ms. Barnett resigned from her position with the Company effective March 28, 2025.
(11) Mr. Hagen departed the Company on December 12, 2024.
Effective February 2018, the Company adopted a formal policy to prohibit officers and directors from hedging against declines in the market value of their equity-based compensation or equity securities through the use of financial instruments. The Company is not aware of any officers or directors engaging in any hedging transactions prior to or after this policy becoming effective.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers, among others, to file with the SEC an initial report of ownership of our Common Shares on Form 3 and reports of changes in ownership on Form 4 or Form 5. Persons subject to Section 16 are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16 forms that they file related to SunOpta stock transactions. Under SEC rules, certain forms of indirect ownership and ownership of our Common Shares by certain family members are covered by these reporting requirements. As a matter of practice, our administrative staff assists our directors and executive officers in preparing initial ownership reports and reporting ownership changes and typically files these reports on their behalf.
Based solely on a review of the copies of Forms 4 and 5 furnished to us, or written representations from reporting persons that all reportable transactions were reported, we believe that during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, all of our executive officers, directors and greater than 10% holders filed the reports required to be filed under Section 16(a) on a timely basis.
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PROPOSAL ONE - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees
The term of office of each director expires at the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders unless they resign or their office becomes vacant as a result of death, removal or other cause.
It is proposed that the following eight individuals be elected as directors of the Company at the Meeting. Each of the nominees named below has consented to be named herein and to serve as a director if elected. Management has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will not be a candidate or, if elected, will be unable to serve as a director. There are no family relationships among the Company's directors, executive officers or persons nominated or chosen to become directors.
Board of Director Nominees in Alphabetical Order:
Dr. Albert Bolles
Rebecca Fisher
Dean Hollis
Brian Kocher
David J. Lemmon
Diego Reynoso
Leslie Starr
Mahes S. Wickramasinghe
Recommendation of the Board of Directors; Vote Required
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of each of the eight director nominees named above. Subject to the majority voting requirement described below, the eight nominees who receive the greatest number of votes cast at the Meeting will be elected as directors.
Amendments to the CBCA, which came into force on August 31, 2022, establish a majority voting requirement for directors. Specifically, the CBCA requires that, for elections at which there is only one candidate nominated for each position available on the Board of Directors, shareholders vote "for" or "against" individual directors (rather than "for" or "withhold") and each candidate is elected only if they receive a majority of votes cast in their favor. The CBCA provides that if an incumbent director is not elected in those circumstances, the director may continue in office until the earlier of (i) the 90th day after the day of the election, and (ii) the day on which their successor is appointed or elected.
Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted only for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists at the Meeting, but will have no effect on the results of the vote. Brokers and other nominees will not have discretionary authority to vote your shares if you hold your shares in street name and do not provide instructions as to how your shares should be voted on this proposal. If any of the nominees for director at the Meeting becomes unavailable for election for any reason, the proxies on this proposal will have discretionary authority to vote pursuant to the proxy for a substitute or substitutes.
Information about the Board Nominees
The biographies that follow provide certain information as of March 27, 2025, with respect to each director nominee. The information presented below for each director includes the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led us to the conclusion that such director should be nominated to serve on the Board in light of our business.
In addition to the factual information provided for each of the nominees, the Board and the Corporate Governance Committee (as Nominating Committee) also believe that each of the nominees has attributes that are important to an effective board, including: sound judgment and analytical skills; integrity and demonstrated high ethical standards; the ability to engage management and one another in a constructive and collaborative manner; diversity of background and experience; and the continued commitment to devote their time, energy and skills to ensure the growth and prosperity of the Company.
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Advance Notice By-Law
Effective November 10, 2015, the Board approved and adopted by-law number 15 (the "Advance Notice By-Law") providing for advance notice requirements for the nomination of directors. The Company's shareholders subsequently approved the Advance Notice By-law at the annual and special meeting of shareholders held on May 10, 2016. A copy of the Advance Notice By-law can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com or attached as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 13, 2015.
The Advance Notice By-Law establishes the conditions and framework under which holders of record of Common Shares may exercise their right to submit director nominations and is designed to ensure that shareholders receive adequate notice of all director nominations to be considered at a shareholders' meeting and sufficient information so that shareholders can cast an informed vote.
The Advance Notice By-Law provides that for an annual meeting of shareholders (including an annual and special meeting), advance notice of director nominations to the Company must be given not less than 30 days prior to the date of the meeting. If the annual meeting is to be held on a date that is less than 50 days following the date of public announcement of the date of the annual meeting, notice must be given by the nominating shareholder not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the notice date. In the case of a special meeting of shareholders (which is not also an annual and special meeting), called for the purpose of electing directors (whether or not called for other purposes as well), notice to the Company must be given no later than the close of business on the 15th day following the day on which the first public announcement of the date of the special meeting was made. The Advance Notice By-Law requires the nominating shareholder to include in its notice to the Company certain information regarding the nominating shareholder and the director nominees.
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Dr. Albert Bolles Independent Age 67 Director Since 2016
Committees ▪ Corporate Governance (Chair) ▪ Compensation Location ▪ Michigan, USA |
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS ▪As Chief Executive Officer of Landec Corporation, Dr. Bolles successfully led profitability, operating, innovation and quality improvements, enabling divestiture of the Curation Foods businesses and transitioning the Lifecore Biomedical business from Landec to a stand-alone corporation. ▪As Executive Vice President, Research, Quality and Innovation for ConAgra, Dr. Bolles championed the development and execution of multiple new and improved products, realizing incremental growth for ConAgra Foods and a multi-year pipeline to sustain and advance growth further. ▪As Vice President, Worldwide R&D for PepsiCo Beverages and Foods, Dr. Bolles led global R&D for beverages (Pepsi, Gatorade, and Tropicana) and Quaker Foods, including product, process, package and sensory R&D, Nutrition, Quality, and Scientific & Regulatory Affairs. ▪Dr. Bolles' experience includes partnering with the FDA and USDA to influence and craft public policy benefiting consumers and passing the Food Safety Modernization Act in 2010.
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RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Chief Executive Officer • Member of Compensation Committee, Food Innovation Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee ConAgra Foods, Inc. (2006 - 2014) • Executive Vice President, Chief Technology & Operations Officer • Executive Vice President, Research, Quality and Innovation PepsiCo, Inc. • Vice President, Worldwide Research & Development, Beverages and Foods |
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EDUCATION |
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OTHER PUBLIC OR CANADIAN LISTED COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS Arcadia Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: RKDA) 5/2018 - Present Landec Corporation (NASDAQ: LNDC) 5/2014 - 6/2019 |
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Rebecca Fisher Independent Age 61
Committees ▪ Compensation (Chair) ▪ Corporate Governance Location ▪ Texas, USA |
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS ▪ As Chief Human Resources Officer of Leeward Renewable Energy, a growth-oriented renewable energy company, Ms. Fisher leads the company's human resources strategy and systems, talent acquisition, talent management, total rewards, diversity and inclusion, and cultural development. ▪Ms. Fisher has over 25 years of strategic leadership in human resources, with progressive experience directing all aspects of human resources for small-, mid- and large-cap organizations. ▪Ms. Fisher has extensive experience in human capital strategy, business and culture transformation, talent management and succession planning and has been successful in transforming organizations and aligning cultures with business strategies to build and empower workforces to succeed.
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RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Chief Human Resources Officer Fisher Consulting Partners LLC (2019 - 2021) • Principal and Owner PepsiCo, Inc. (2005 - 2018) • Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Talent Management • Various senior leadership positions across North America and globally |
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EDUCATION Certified Executive Coach; Certified Six Sigma |
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Previous Non-Profit Board of Director roles including serving as Compensation Chair and Governance Committee member (Media and Animal Rights) |
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OTHER PUBLIC OR CANADIAN LISTED COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS None |
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Dean Hollis Independent Age 64 Director Since 2016
Committees ▪ Audit ▪ Compensation Location ▪ Nebraska, USA |
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS ▪As President and Chief Operating Officer of ConAgra Foods, Consumer Foods, Mr. Hollis developed and executed a worldwide business transformation strategy while overseeing the largest part of the company's portfolio, including its $12 billion consumer and customer branded businesses, consisting of over 40 global brands in 110 countries. ▪Mr. Hollis has extensive experience in the food industry and has served as a director on the boards of several public and private companies and non-profits, including Hain Celestial Group, Inc., HumanCo Acquisition Corp., Boardriders, Inc., AdvancePierre Foods, Inc., Boulder Brands, Inc., Diamond Food, Inc., Landec Corporation; and Stetson University, The Nature Conservancy Caribbean Chapter, and Project Harmony. ▪Mr. Hollis has several wide-ranging privately held businesses and investments, including in franchising, transportation services, and early-stage food and technology. In 2008, he founded Diventures, a company in the scuba, swim, and travel industry. |
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RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Senior Advisor ConAgra Foods (1987 - 2008) • President and Chief Operating Officer, Consumer Foods • Executive Vice President, Retail Products • Various President Positions |
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EDUCATION |
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OTHER PUBLIC OR CANADIAN LISTED COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAIN) 2017 - 2023 HumanCo Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: HMCOU) 2020 - 2022 AdvancePierre Foods, Inc. (formerly NYSE: APFH) 2008 - 2017 Boulder Brands (BDBD) 2011-2016 Diamond Brands (DMND) 2012-2016 |
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Brian Kocher Non-Independent Age 55 Director Since 2024
Location ▪ Minnesota, USA
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PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS ▪With almost 20 years of C-suite food experience, Mr. Kocher led transformations of global businesses to drive profit improvements through distribution expansion, pricing strategies, and operational efficiencies. ▪Mr. Kocher's supply chain experience includes multi-site manufacturing networks ready-to-eat, highly perishable products, aseptic fruit puree and juice processing and high-pressure pasteurization food processes. ▪During his tenures at Chiquita Brands International, Inc. and the Castellini Group of Companies, Mr. Kocher led strategic portfolio transformations to drive profit improvements. ▪Mr. Kocher has significant financial expertise and has operated financial and treasury operations in over 30 countries including previous roles as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer at two separate SEC registrants. |
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RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors Calavo Growers Inc. (2022 - 2023) • President, Chief Executive Officer, and member of the Board of Directors Castellini Group of Companies (2015 - 2022) • President and Chief Executive Officer Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (2005 - 2015) • Interim Chief Executive Officer • Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer • Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer • President of Europe • President of North America • Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer |
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EDUCATION Certified Public Accountant, Ohio (inactive) |
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OTHER PUBLIC OR CANADIAN LISTED COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS None |
17
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David J. Lemmon Independent Age 57 Director Since 2024
Committees ▪ Corporate Governance ▪ Compensation Location ▪ Ontario, Canada |
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS ▪Mr. Lemmon is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in business expansion and revenue growth. ▪Mr. Lemmon currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Hunter Amenities International Ltd., a top manufacturer and distributor of hotel amenities and accessories. ▪During his over 24-year tenure at J.M. Smucker Company, Mr. Lemmon drove transformational change and accelerated innovation and growth for the J.M. Smucker Company's pet business in Canada, the United States and International markets |
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RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Chief Executive Officer Enterra Feed Corporation (2021 - 2022) • President and Chief Executive Officer JM Smucker Company (1994 - 2019) • President of Pet Food and Pet Snacks • President of US Away-From-Home • International and Canada • General Manager of Canada |
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EDUCATION |
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OTHER PUBLIC OR CANADIAN LISTED COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS None |
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Diego Independent Age 49 Director Since 2023
Committees ▪ Audit ▪ Corporate Governance Location ▪ Massachusetts, USA |
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS ▪Mr. Reynoso presently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Boston Beer Company. ▪Mr. Reynoso has served as Chief Financial Officer for several multi-billion-dollar brands, leading large, international teams in the foods and spirits industry who are responsible for finance, tax, treasury, M&A, marketing, sales, insights, controls, strategy, and commercial operations. ▪As the Chief Financial Officer of the Constellation Brands Beer Division, he played a critical role in guiding the company through the COVID-19 pandemic. He ensured business continuity both in Mexico operations and the United States distribution areas. ▪Mr. Reynoso leverages his deep passion for sustainability and innovation to help the company execute on its key growth and innovation initiatives. |
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RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Tyson Foods, Inc. (2021 - 2023) • Chief Financial Officer, Prepared Foods Constellation Brands (2017 - 2021) • Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Beer Division Beam Suntory, Inc. (2005 - 2017) • Chief Financial Officer, Global Operations and Vice President, Finance, Tax and Treasury • Chief Financial Officer, Americas and General Manager of International Markets • Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, North America |
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EDUCATION Institituto Panamericano de Alta Dirección (MBA) |
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OTHER PUBLIC OR CANADIAN LISTED COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS None |
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Leslie Starr Independent (Chair) Age 64 Director Since 2019
Committees ▪ Audit ▪ Corporate Governance Location ▪ Texas, USA |
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS ▪As Executive Vice President Supply Chain Strategy and Transformation for Advance Auto Parts, Ms. Starr led the development and execution of the re-architecture of the business model to deliver transformative financial value. ▪Ms. Starr acquired extensive experience in supply chain, manufacturing, warehousing and transportation during her 31-year career holding numerous executive roles with PepsiCo. As SVP of Supply Chain for Frito-Lay North America, she led the company through doubling productivity over historical levels, while executing the go-to-market transformation strategy. ▪Ms. Starr in-depth knowledge of manufacturer and consumer products within the food and beverage industry, as well as her deep understanding of innovation commercialization contributes significantly to SunOpta's Board. |
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RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Operating Advisor Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (2017 - 2018) • Executive Vice President, Supply Chain Strategy and Transformation PepsiCo, Frito-Lay North America (1985 - 2017) • Senior Vice President, Supply Chain • Vice President, Commercialization and Supply Chain • Vice President, Logistics and Warehousing • Vice President, Operations for North Division |
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EDUCATION Georgia State University (M.B.A.) |
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OTHER PUBLIC OR CANADIAN LISTED COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS Westrock Coffee Company (NASDAQ: WEST) 8/2022 - Present Riverview Acquisition Corp (formerly NASDAQ: RVACU) 8/2021- 8/2022 Chesapeake Energy Corp (NYSE: CHK) 9/2017 - 2/2021 |
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Mahes S. Wickramasinghe Independent Age 67 Director Since 2021
Committees ▪ Audit (Chair) ▪ Compensation Location ▪ Ontario, Canada |
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND QUALIFICATIONS ▪As President, Group Operations for Rogers Communications, Mr. Wickramasinghe is responsible for customer operations, customer experience, key initiatives for strategic growth, strategy, corporate development, supply chain and procurement, performance management, corporate security, and overseeing sustainability initiatives. ▪Mr. Wickramasinghe has extensive, international expertise across a variety of industries having served in a range of senior executive roles across some of the largest companies in Canada, managing complex acquisitions and restructurings and leading functions in operations, technology, finance, and data. ▪Mr. Wickramasinghe has gained deep risk management and governance experience having led Enterprise Risk at Canadian Tire Corporation and Audit and Risk Management at Bell Canada Enterprises, and serving as Vice President Internal Audit and Chief Security Officer at CIBC. |
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RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • President, Group Operations Canadian Tire Corporation (2014 - 2021) • Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Tire Bank • Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Officer • Chief Strategy Officer CIBC • Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of CIBC Electronic Bank • Chief Administrative Officer of CIBC Retail Bank |
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EDUCATION Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Fellow (UK) Institute of Chartered Accountants, Member (Sri Lanka) |
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OTHER PUBLIC OR CANADIAN LISTED COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS None |
19
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Introduction
The Board believes that effective corporate governance contributes to improved corporate performance and enhanced shareholder value. Consequently, the Board is committed to ensuring that the Company follows best practices and continually seeks to enhance and improve its corporate governance practices.
Board Mandate
The Board is responsible for the stewardship of the Company and supervising the management of the business and affairs of the Company in accordance with the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Board establishes overall policies and standards for the Company. Where appropriate, the directors rely upon management and the advice of the Company's outside advisors and auditors. The Board also delegates certain responsibilities to its standing committees, based upon the approved charters of each such committee.
In accordance with its mandate, the Board oversees and reviews the development and implementation of the following significant corporate plans and initiatives, among others:
- the Company's strategic planning process;
- the identification of the principal risks to the Company's business and the implementation of systems to manage these risks, whether financial, operational, environmental, cyber- or safety-related or otherwise;
- succession planning and evaluation of relative strengths of existing management including the needs to ensure sufficient depth of management;
- oversight of communications and public disclosure including the Company's disclosure policy and receiving feedback from stakeholders;
- analysis and approval of significant transactions including material acquisitions and dispositions of businesses or other Company assets; and
- the Company's internal controls and management information systems.
Board Composition, Size and Leadership
The articles of incorporation of the Company provide that its Board shall consist of a minimum of five and a maximum of fifteen directors. The Board of Directors has fixed the number of directors at eight.
Brian Kocher, our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), currently serves on the Board, and Leslie Starr is the Chair of the Board. The Board does not have a formal policy concerning the separation of the roles of CEO and Chair, as the Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company to make that determination based on the position and direction of the Company and the composition of the Board from time to time. As indicated above, these roles are currently separate.
The Chair of the Board sets the agenda for meetings of the Board with input and feedback from the directors. Additionally, the Chair's duties entail: conducting and presiding at executive sessions of the Board, serving as a liaison to and acting as a regular communication channel between the members of the Board and the CEO of the Company, and consulting with the CEO about the concerns of the Board.
All committees of the Board are chaired by independent directors. The Board and the Corporate Governance Committee believe that the current Board leadership structure is an appropriate structure for the Company and will continue to periodically evaluate whether the structure is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
Board Skills and Experience
In accordance with its mandate, the Corporate Governance Committee regularly considers the appropriate skills and characteristics required of Board members, taking into consideration the Board's short-term needs and long-term succession plans. The Corporate Governance Committee believes that the Board should be comprised of directors with a broad range of experience and expertise. Additionally, the Corporate Governance Committee develops and periodically updates a long-term plan for the Board's composition taking into consideration the independence, age, skills, experience and availability of service to the Company of its members, as well as the opportunities, risks, and strategic direction of the Company. Having regard for the results of the foregoing, the Corporate Governance Committee makes recommendations to the full Board regarding the size and composition of the Board and seeks to identify qualified individuals to become Board members as deemed appropriate.
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While the specific mix may vary from time to time and alternative categories may be considered in addition to or instead of those below, the following skills and types of experience are generally sought by the Corporate Governance Committee, and have been utilized in seeking additions to the Board:
• Accounting, Finance or Financial Reporting: Accounting and audit expertise are valued in order to enable the Board to oversee management's handling of financial and financial reporting matters, including by: critically assessing the Company's financial performance and projections; understanding the Company's critical accounting policies, as well as technical issues relevant to internal and external audit; and evaluating the robustness of the Company's internal controls. The Corporate Governance Committee values candidates who have experience in senior financial roles and/or in financial advisory roles. Such experience enhances the Board's oversight of financial performance, assists it in its assessment of strategic opportunities and risks and allows it to more effectively address issues relevant to capital and capital structure.
• Corporate Governance/Other Public Boards: In light of the competing demands of stakeholders and the increasingly complex governance environment in which public companies operate, the Corporate Governance Committee values candidates who possess a sophisticated understanding of corporate governance practices and norms, and/or board expertise.
• Cybersecurity: The Corporate Governance Committee seeks candidates with practical expertise in strategy, implementation, and controls related to information security, cybersecurity, and data privacy programs and systems to assist the Board in understanding and assessing the threats faced by the Company and preventing and protecting the Company from these threats.
• Sustainability: As the Company is committed to incorporating sustainability principles into its business strategies and organizational culture and working to meet its sustainability-related commitments and goals, the Corporate Governance Committee seeks candidates who possess a working understanding of various topics and issues relevant to our commitments, progress, and reporting. The Corporate Governance Committee values candidates who have knowledge and experience related to the physical impacts of climate change; waste and hazardous materials management; sustainable product design and lifecycle management; sustainable sourcing practices; water and wastewater management; energy efficiency management; human rights; inclusion and belonging; government affairs; workplace health and safety; product quality and safety; public company board governance; compliance and business ethics; and sustainability reporting principles and frameworks.
• Food and Beverage: As the Company's business is derived from sales within the food and beverage industry, the Corporate Governance Committee seeks candidates who possess a solid understanding, preferably gained through management or board service, of industry dynamics on a global and regional basis; contract manufacturing; private label, retail, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPGs) and food service businesses; R&D and product innovation; food safety and quality.
• Food Safety and Quality: The Company is subject to a range of governmental regulations and policies regarding food safety and quality. For example, we are affected by laws and regulations related to seed, fertilizer, and pesticides; the purchasing, harvesting, transportation and warehousing of agricultural products; the processing, packaging, and sale of food and beverages, including wholesale operations; product labeling and marketing; food safety and food defense. Candidates who possess an understanding of these requirements as well as food safety and food product certifications are valued by the Corporate Governance Committee since such experience assists the Board in more effectively carrying out its compliance oversight responsibilities and understanding how any new laws or regulatory trends within the food industry may impact strategic decisions.
• Investor/Public Relations: Recognizing that investors play a major role in the success and growth of the Company, the Corporate Governance Committee values candidates who understand how to effectively communicate company information to investors, and other stakeholders, and the importance of maintaining strong, transparent relationships with our shareholders and building long-term credibility with the investment community.
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• Risk Management: The Corporate Governance Committee seeks candidates with practical expertise in enterprise risk management frameworks, systems, processes, tools, and techniques, to assist the Board in understanding and assessing the risks and opportunities faced by the Company generally, including those inherent in its strategic initiatives.
• Senior/Executive Leadership: The Corporate Governance Committee seeks business and other leaders who have demonstrated leadership, mature judgment, operating success, and an understanding of complex organizations in progressively challenging roles. Such individuals are believed to provide the most effective counsel to management, as well as critical oversight on behalf of stakeholders. Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Board/Committee Chair level experience is valued.
• Strategy Planning/Business Operations: Recognizing the importance of the Board's oversight role with respect to corporate strategy, the Corporate Governance Committee seeks candidates who possess board, senior management and/or other experience in strategy development or analysis, as well as general business operations, including sales, marketing, manufacturing operations, supply chain and R&D.
• Talent Management/Compensation: The Corporate Governance Committee values candidates with hands-on roles in developing, managing, compensating, and motivating people. Such skills and experience assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to ensure that the Company maintains effective incentive programs which attract, motivate, and retain top talent, while at the same time reinforcing the Company's strategic priorities. Talent management and compensation expertise also serve to align the Board with leadership development and succession planning.
A skills matrix showing the skills and expertise of each of the nominees is set forth below:
| Skills/Experience | Director Nominees | |||||||
| Bolles | Fisher | Hollis | Kocher | Lemmon | Reynoso | Starr | Wickramasinghe | |
| Accounting, Finance or Financial Reporting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Corporate Governance/Other Public Board | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Environmental, Social, Governance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Food and Beverage Industry | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Food Safety and Quality | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
| Investor and Public Relations | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Risk Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Senior Leadership | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Strategic Planning/ Business Operations | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Talent Management/ Compensation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
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Director Independence
Under NASDAQ listing rules, a majority of the members of the Board must be "independent directors". An independent director under NASDAQ listing rules is a person other than an executive officer or employee or any other individual having a relationship which, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.
National Policy 58-201 - Corporate Governance Guidelines of the Canadian Securities Administrators (the "CSA") recommends that boards of directors of reporting issuers be composed of a majority of independent directors. A director is considered independent only where the board determines that the director has no "material relationship" with the Company. Director independence of each of the current directors is determined by the Board with reference to the requirements set forth by the CSA in National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees, as well as the rules and regulations of the TSX, NASDAQ and SEC.
The Board has determined that each of the following seven directors nominated for election are independent: Dr. Albert Bolles, Rebecca Fisher, Dean Hollis, David J. Lemmon, Diego Reynoso, Leslie Starr and Mahes S. Wickramasinghe. Brian Kocher, CEO, is currently an officer of the Company, and is therefore not considered independent. As a result, if all of the director nominees are elected at the Meeting, seven of the eight directors will be independent. These independent directors currently comprise in full the membership of each standing Board committee described in this Proxy Statement.
Annual Evaluation
The Board, each committee and each of the individual directors are assessed annually at the end of the year as part of the Company's evaluation process to determine whether the Board and its committees are functioning effectively. Directors provide feedback evaluating Board and committee effectiveness on multiple criteria. The evaluation asks questions about what was done well and what could be done better and covers a broad range of matters, including Board and committee structure and composition, Board and committee leadership, strategic planning, risk management, operational performance, Board education and Board processes and effectiveness. During this annual assessment process, each director is required to complete an individual assessment of fellow directors, which is prepared and reviewed by someone other than the directors. The results of the Board and committee assessments are reported to, and discussed in detail at, a meeting of the full Board. Each individual director meets with the Board Chair or Corporate Governance Committee Chair to discuss any concerns or issues regarding board effectiveness. The most recent evaluation was conducted in the fall of 2024.
Executive Sessions
The independent directors meet without management and non-independent directors at regularly scheduled in-person Board meetings, generally following meetings of the full Board. As previously noted, the Chair of the Board presides over these meetings.
Meeting Attendance
The Board held nine duly called meetings during fiscal year 2024 and standing committees of the Board held a total of 16 meetings. Each incumbent board member attended 78% or more of the Board meetings during their service period in 2024. Each member of the Audit Committee attended 71% or more of the committee meetings. Each member of the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance Committee attended 100% of the committee meetings during their service period. No board member attended fewer than 75%, in the aggregate, of the total number of meetings of the Board and the total number of committee meetings of which he or she was a member during fiscal year 2024. It is our policy to invite and encourage our directors to attend our annual meetings of shareholders. All directors were in attendance virtually at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders held on May 23, 2024.
Term and Age Limits
A director's term of office is from the date on which they are elected or appointed until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders. The Board believes that individual directors should be rigorously evaluated on the basis of their skills, knowledge, experience, character, attendance and contributions to the Board and the business of the Company and the specific needs and requirements of the Board without regard to their term of service or age. At this time, the Board has, therefore, not adopted term or age limits for directors as it believes it is important to find a balance between ensuring a mechanism for fresh ideas and viewpoints while not losing the insight, experience and other benefits of continuity contributed by longer serving directors. However, as the Board recognizes that diversity of views from longer-term and newly-appointed directors can contribute to effective decision making, the Board considers the term of service of individual directors, the average term of the Board as a whole and turnover of directors in recent years when proposing a slate of nominees.
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Diversity
The Board believes that directors and executive officers with diverse backgrounds, experiences and expertise benefit the Company by enabling the Board to consider issues from a variety of perspectives. In 2015, the Board approved a separate written diversity policy, most recently revised in March 2025, which is available at our website at www.sunopta.com, under the "Investor Relations" link. Among other matters, the diversity policy outlines our approach in respect of the identification and nomination of women as well as indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities or members and visible minorities (together with women, "designated groups") as directors of the Company.
In support of the Company's commitment to diversity, when selecting qualified candidates to serve on the Board, the Company considers a wide range of diversity criteria including gender, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, geographic location and other factors. The Board seeks to include members not only with diverse backgrounds, but also with a diverse set of skills and experience, including appropriate financial and other expertise relevant to the business of the Company, in order to find the best qualified candidates given the needs and circumstances of the Company. The Board has not established specific targets relating to the identification, nomination or representation on either the Board or among executive officers based on gender. Nevertheless, the Company aspires to have women comprise 30% of our Board and our executive team.
Presently, the Board is comprised of two female directors (25%) and six male directors (75%). Assuming all of the Company's nominees are elected, the Board will continue to be comprised of two female directors (25%) and six male directors (75%) who collectively represent a wide range of industries, cultural, geographic, functional and other perspectives. In addition, two of the nominees (25%) for election to the Board are a member of a designated group (other than women). The Company will continue to monitor annually the effectiveness of the Company's diversity policy. In addition, the Board hopes to further expand diversity on the Board as turnover occurs while taking into account the skills, experience and knowledge desired at that particular time by the Board.
With respect to executive officer positions, as of March 27, 2025, there are two females (28.5%) and five males (71.5%) at this level within the Company. At the Vice-President level and higher, women presently comprise six out of nineteen positions or 31.5%. The Company has a Women's Leadership Program in order to assist with the growth and development of future women leaders in the Company. Through external speakers, trainings, mentor relationships, connection circles and other programs, the Women's Leadership Program provides additional training and opportunities to further assist employees in their growth and development. While the Company monitors and considers the level of representation of designated groups when appointing members of senior management, other than as noted above, it has not established any specific targets or percentage representation at this time for the executive team.
Code of Conduct
Each of the directors and executive officers of the Company is required to certify on an annual basis that they have reviewed and is knowledgeable as to the contents of the Company's Business Ethics and Code of Conduct (the "Code of Conduct") and is not aware of any violations of the Code of Conduct. All new employees of the Company are required to certify at the time of hiring that they have reviewed and are knowledgeable as to the contents of the Code of Conduct. The Company monitors compliance with the Code of Conduct through management oversight and regular communications with employees. In addition, the Company has established and maintains, through an independent third-party service provider, a confidential toll-free ethics reporting hotline which all directors, officers and employees are advised of and encouraged to use to report matters which may constitute violations of the Code of Conduct.
A copy of the current Code of Conduct is available, without charge, at www.sunopta.com or upon written request to the Company at SunOpta Inc., 7078 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344. Any amendments to, or waivers of, the Code of Conduct which specifically relate to any financial professional will be disclosed promptly following the date of such amendment or waiver at www.sunopta.com.
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Director Orientation and Continuing Education
The Company has a formal director orientation policy to ensure that all new directors receive proper orientation to facilitate the level of familiarity with the Company's practices, policies and operations required to meet Board responsibilities.
The current process to orient new directors is as follows:
1) The new director meets with the Chair of the Board and the Company's CEO to discuss various information about the Company, including history, vision, mission and values, organization structure, shareholdings, strategic plan, fiscal business plan and budget, historical and current year to date fiscal results.
2) The new director meets with the Chair to discuss the aspects of the Board such as organizational documents and Board and committee minutes for the past year, Board administration matters, expense reimbursement practices, and Company policies.
3) The new director meets with other directors of the Company and certain members of management which allows new directors an opportunity to ask questions about the role of the Board, its committees and directors and the nature and operation of the Company. Following nomination, new directors are encouraged to meet other members of management and to visit the Company's premises and view its operations.
4) New directors are provided access to the Company's continuous disclosure documents as filed with the SEC and on SEDAR, investor presentation material, the Board mandate and the Code of Conduct. New directors are required to affirm that they have read and understand the Code of Conduct.
The Company also encourages directors to attend other appropriate continuing education programs. Furthermore, the Board and its committees received a number of presentations in 2024 to expand the Board's knowledge of the Company's business, industry and principal risks and opportunities. Presentation topics included cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, supply chain issues, sustainability performance, consumer and retail trends, labor trends, employee health and safety initiatives, product development and innovation, tariffs, inventory counts, risk management and insurance, aseptic plant manufacturing operations, and regulatory updates. In addition to these presentations, written materials likely to be of interest to directors that have been published in periodicals, newspapers or by legal or accounting firms are routinely forwarded to directors or included with Board and committee meeting materials.
Risk Oversight
The Board and its Committees
The Board has risk oversight responsibility and sets the tone for the appropriate management of risk tolerance while achieving strategic objectives of the Company. The Board strives to effectively oversee the Company's enterprise-wide risk management in a way that balances risk while enhancing the long-term value of the Company for the benefit of the shareholders. The Board understands that its focus on effective risk oversight is critical to setting the tone for effective risk management within the Company culture. The Board maintains an active dialogue with management to oversee existing risk management processes, and the identification, assessment, and management of the Company's most significant risk exposures. The Board receives regular updates from management about the Company's most significant risks to help it evaluate whether management is responding appropriately. During each regularly scheduled Board meeting, the Board reviews components of the Company's long-term strategic plans and associated principal issues, which includes foreseeable risks that the Company expects to face in the future.
The Board oversees risk management directly, as well as through its committees as follows:
| Board Committee | Risk Mitigation Role |
| Audit | Reviews the Company's policies and practices with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including discussing with senior management major financial risks and the steps taken to monitor and control exposure to such risk. Reviews quarterly updates regarding the Company's Enterprise Risk Management ("ERM") program and status of top risks through quarterly scorecards including key risk metrics versus targets and progress against action plans. As an example, the Audit Committee receives updates on initiatives and progress related to cybersecurity matters from the Chief Information Officer ("CIO") each quarter. |
| Corporate Governance | Considers risks related to succession planning and internal governance policies and practices. |
| Compensation | Considers risks related to the attraction and retention of talent and risks relating to the design of executive compensation programs and arrangements. |
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The Company's ERM Steering Committee, comprised of the CEO, CFO, Chief Administrative Officer and other members of senior leadership, provides regular reports and recommendations to the Board to assist the Board with its overall risk oversight function.
Management
Management executes the day-to-day risk management operations of the Company. Management is responsible for the identification, assessment, and management of risk, the implementation of approved strategic business plans and initiatives, and the operation and execution of risk management activities within authorized budgets and in accordance with corporate policies and procedures. As part of the Company's ERM program, the ERM Steering Committee meets quarterly to ensure alignment on risk management priorities, proactively identify, prioritize, and assess key risks, review the effectiveness of the Company's risk management strategies, assess progress against the risk management action plans presented by risk owners, and increase the likelihood of achieving overall Company strategy and objectives.
Cybersecurity
In 2024, the Board reviewed and discussed cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and information security measures with the Chief Information Officer ("CIO") and an external advisor. The Company's cybersecurity program is reviewed by the ERM Steering Committee on a quarterly basis. The Company did not have a material cybersecurity breach during 2024.
Our cybersecurity program is strategically crafted to achieve the paramount goals of identifying, protecting, detecting, and responding to all potential risks and threats. Employing a defense-in-depth strategy, we proactively identify, investigate, and resolve vulnerabilities and security incidents in a timely manner. Continuous improvement is integral to our cybersecurity approach. Regular assessments, conducted with the expertise of external security firms against international standards, allow us to quantify our program's effectiveness. The insights gained from these assessments serve as a foundation for continuous improvement efforts. Outcomes are reported to our Audit Committee for transparency and accountability. We rely on services from a variety of third-party providers to supply things such as cloud storage and networks. On an annual basis, we review these providers to assess their risk profiles. We rely on these third parties to have their own cybersecurity programs commensurate with their risk, and we cannot ensure in all circumstances that their efforts will be successful.
Despite facing directed attacks, our systems have withstood such challenges without material interruptions to our business operations. Recognizing the potential impact of significant disruptions, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fortify our systems against evolving threats. Any significant disruption to our ability to transact business could adversely affect our business performance as well as our reputation.
Heading our cybersecurity program is our CIO. Our CIO has over 30 years of experience in Software Engineering and Information Technology/Cybersecurity and is supported by skilled professionals from our Information Technology team. This seasoned team provides regular updates to our ERM Steering Committee. Our Audit Committee and Board of Directors receive regular reports from the ERM, as well as directly from our CIO on a quarterly basis. These reports cover various cybersecurity matters, including risk assessments, mitigation strategies, areas of emerging risks, incidents and industry trends, and other areas of importance.
Furthermore, our Board of Directors takes a proactive stance in overseeing our annual enterprise risk assessment. This comprehensive evaluation encompasses key risks, including those associated with security, technology, and cybersecurity threats, demonstrating our commitment to robust governance and risk management.
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Succession Planning
The Board, the Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee have been successful in developing and retaining a team of directors and executives that has completed the turnaround of the Company and is now focused on driving growth. The Corporate Governance Committee works jointly with the Compensation Committee and is responsible for the normal succession planning that occurs over time, such as recruiting and evaluating new executive and director talent, as well as developing internal candidates. This process includes an ongoing evaluation, with the involvement of management, of the Company's leadership development strategies and a consideration of potential candidates, including existing Company employees. The Board and management discuss the strengths and gaps of key succession candidates, development progress over the prior year and future development plans, that include long range planning for executive development, to ensure leadership sustainability and continuity. Formal succession planning has been implemented at key positions in the Company in furtherance of this goal.
Board Committees
The Board presently has three committees, with the principal functions and membership described below. Each committee has a charter, which is available at our website at www.sunopta.com, under the "Investor Relations" link. The following table summarizes the current membership of each of our three Board committees. Each of the three committees is composed entirely of independent directors.
| Director | Audit Committee | Corporate Governance Committee |
Compensation Committee |
| Dr. Albert Bolles | Chair | ✓ | |
| Rebecca Fisher | ✓ | Chair | |
| Dean Hollis | ✓ | ✓ | |
| David J. Lemmon | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Diego Reynoso | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Leslie Starr | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Mahes S. Wickramasinghe | Chair | ✓ |
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee's duties and responsibilities are documented in a formal Audit Committee Charter, which is reviewed annually. These duties and responsibilities include (a) providing oversight of the financial reporting process and management's responsibility for the integrity, accuracy and objectivity of financial reports and related financial reporting practices; (b) recommending to the Board the appointment and authorizing remuneration of the Company's auditors; (c) providing oversight of the adequacy of the Company's system of internal and related disclosure controls; and (d) providing oversight of management practices relating to ethical considerations and business conduct, including compliance with laws and regulations. The Audit Committee meets a minimum of four times a year to review the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are filed with the SEC in the U.S. and with applicable securities regulators in Canada. Other meetings may be held at the discretion of the Chair of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has free and unfettered access to Ernst & Young LLP, the Company's independent registered accounting firm and auditors, the Company's risk management and internal audit team and the Company's internal and external legal advisors.
The Audit Committee maintains a company-wide whistle-blower policy related to the reporting of concerns in accounting or internal controls. This policy gives all employees of the Company the option of using a hotline administered by a third party for communication of concerns dealing with a wide range of matters including accounting practices, internal controls or other matters affecting the Company's or the employees' well-being.
Our Audit Committee is currently comprised of Mahes S. Wickramasinghe (Chair), Dean Hollis, Diego Reynoso and Leslie Starr. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee (1) is "independent" as defined by applicable SEC and CSA rules and NASDAQ and TSX listing rules; (2) has not participated in the preparation of the financial statements of the Company or any current subsidiary of the Company at any time during the past three years; and (3) is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. In addition, the Board has determined that Dean Hollis, Diego Reynoso and Mahes S. Wickramasinghe each meet the definition of "audit committee financial expert," as defined in SEC and CSA rules, and has appointed Mr. Wickramasinghe as Chair of the Audit Committee.
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The report of the Audit Committee appears under the heading "Report of the Audit Committee" below.
The Audit Committee met formally seven times during fiscal 2024.
Corporate Governance Committee (Nominating Committee)
The Corporate Governance Committee's duties and responsibilities are documented in a formal Corporate Governance Committee Charter, which is reviewed annually. These duties and responsibilities include: (a) identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board, and selecting or recommending director nominees; (b) developing and recommending to the Board corporate governance principles applicable to the Company; (c) leading the Board in its annual review of the performance of the Board; (d) recommending to the Board director nominees for each committee; (e) discharging the responsibilities of the Board relating to compensation of the Company's directors; (f) leading the Board in its annual review of the performance of the CEO; and (g) regularly assessing the effectiveness of the Company's governance policies and practices.
The Corporate Governance Committee, in its capacity as the Nominating Committee, concerns itself with the composition of the Board with respect to depth of experience, balance of professional interests, required expertise and other factors. The Nominating Committee evaluates prospective nominees identified on its own initiative or referred to it by other Board members, management, shareholders or external sources and all self-nominated candidates. The Nominating Committee uses the same criteria for evaluating candidates nominated by shareholders and self-nominated candidates as it does for those proposed by other Board members, management and search companies. To be considered for membership on the Board, the Nominating Committee will consider certain necessary criteria that a candidate should meet, which would include the following: (a) be of proven integrity with a record of substantial achievement; (b) have demonstrated ability and sound judgment that usually will be based on broad experience but, particularly, industry experience; (c) be able and willing to devote the required amount of time to the Company's affairs, including attendance at Board and committee meetings; (d) possess a judicious and critical temperament that will enable objective appraisal of management's plans and programs; and (e) be committed to building sound, long-term Company growth. The Nominating Committee also takes into consideration the range of skills and expertise that should be represented on the Board, geographic experience with businesses and organizations, and potential conflicts of interest that could arise with director candidates. Evaluation of candidates occurs on the basis of materials submitted by or on behalf of the candidate. If a candidate continues to be of interest, additional information about them is obtained through inquiries to various sources and, if warranted, interviews. The Company adheres to its diversity policy and seeks to include members with diverse backgrounds, skills and experience, including appropriate financial and other expertise relevant to the business of the Company.
A shareholder may recommend a person as a nominee for election as a director at the Company's next annual meeting of shareholders by writing to the Secretary of the Company. In order for a shareholder to formally nominate a person for election as a director, including by submitting a shareholder proposal in accordance with the CBCA, the shareholder must comply with the Company's Advance Notice By-Law. See "Proposal One - Election of Directors - Advance Notice By-Law" and "Shareholder Proposals for 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders; Shareholder Communications."
Our Corporate Governance Committee is currently comprised of Dr. Albert Bolles (Chair), Rebecca Fisher, David J. Lemmon, Diego Reynoso and Leslie Starr, each of whom has been determined by the Board to be independent.
The Corporate Governance Committee met formally four times during fiscal 2024.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee's duties and responsibilities are documented in a formal Compensation Committee Charter, which is reviewed annually. These duties and responsibilities include to (a) reward executives for long-term strategic management and enhancement of shareholder value; (b) support a performance-oriented environment that rewards achievement of internal Company goals and recognizes the Company's performance compared to the performance of similarly situated companies; (c) attract and retain executives whose abilities are considered essential to the long-term success and competitiveness of the Company through the Company's salary administration program; (d) align the financial interests of the Company's executives with those of the shareholders; and (e) ensure fair and equitable treatment for all employees.
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The function of the Compensation Committee is to determine the compensation of the CEO as well as to review and approve the compensation recommended by the CEO for certain officers of the Company and to review overall general compensation policies and practices for all employees of the Company. In addition, this committee oversees the administration of the Company's Amended 2013 Stock Incentive Plan and the Company's Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Option Plan (collectively, the "Stock Incentive Plans"), the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan and any other incentive plans that may be established for the benefit of employees of the Company.
The Board's Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Rebecca Fisher (Chair), Dr. Albert Bolles, Dean Hollis, David J. Lemmon and Mahes S. Wickramasinghe. The Board has determined that the Compensation Committee consists entirely of "non-employee directors," within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, "outside directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and "independent directors" within the meaning of NASDAQ listing rules and National Policy 58-201 - Corporate Governance Guidelines of the CSA.
Our Compensation Committee has deep experience with compensation matters. Specifically:
- Ms. Fisher, with her tenure as Chair of the Compensation Committee for five years, a Chief Human Resource Officer, an HR and Business Consultant, and a Senior Human Resource Executive, brings over 30 years of significant experience in executive compensation, aligning performance goals and incentives through performance management, developing succession plans through talent management, and building strong purpose-driven and values-based cultures. Her previous roles as Chair and member of the compensation committee on other boards and as a board advisor further underscore her depth of knowledge.
- Mr. Hollis, as the former President and Chief Operating Officer of the Consumer Foods Division of ConAgra Foods, was responsible for employee annual performance and salary reviews and has extensive compensation related experience as a Chair and member of compensation committees of other publicly traded organizations.
- Mr. Lemmon, as the current Chief Executive Officer of Hunter Amenities and former President and Chief Executive Officer of Enterra Feed Corporation, has extensive experience building high performance teams, identifying and applying the strengths of each individual for the team, and creating a culture of collaboration where everyone can thrive.
The report of the Compensation Committee appears under the heading "Executive Compensation―Compensation Committee Report" below.
The Compensation Committee met formally five times during fiscal 2024.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No member of our current Compensation Committee has served as one of our officers or employees at any time over the past year. None of our executive officers serves as a member of the compensation committee of any other entity that has an executive officer serving as a member of our Board or Compensation Committee. None of our executive officers serve as a member of the board of directors of any other company that has an executive officer serving as a member of our Compensation Committee.
Insider Ownership Guidelines for Directors, Officers and Executives
In March, 2021, the Board reviewed the current insider ownership guidelines and approved certain revisions to the policy regarding how compliance with the policy is determined. These guidelines are reviewed on an annual basis and are intended to align the interests of directors and management with those of our shareholders.
The insider ownership guidelines encompass the following parameters:
1. Insider ownership guidelines are mandatory for all non-employee members of the Board and members of the Senior Leadership Team. All persons covered by these guidelines will have the option to request an exemption from these requirements based on consideration of their personal circumstances by the Compensation Committee.
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2. Stock ownership targets established as follows:
a. Chief Executive Officer - five times base salary
b. Directors - five times annual cash retainers
c. Other NEOs (includes Chief Financial Officer and three most highly compensated officers) - two times base salary
d. All other Senior Leadership Team members - one times base salary
3. Participants may satisfy their ownership guidelines with Common Shares in these categories: shares owned directly, shares owned indirectly (e.g., by a spouse or a trust), shares represented by amounts invested in a 401(k) plan or deferred compensation plan maintained by SunOpta or an affiliate, unvested, time-based RSUs, and value of "in the money", unexercised options.
4. Participants will be deemed to have satisfied the applicable insider ownership guidelines if the value of such Common Shares equals or exceeds such amount, as calculated using the average trading price of the stock over the previous 90 calendar day period.
5. All participants are provided a five-year transition period to be in compliance with the ownership target. At the end of that period, the CEO, other NEOs and the Senior Leadership Team not in compliance will receive 50% of all subsequent short-term incentive payments in the form of equity until such time as the minimum holding is established.
As of March 27, 2025, four of the seven independent directors were in compliance with the mandatory guidelines. All but two of the executive officers of the Company were in compliance with the guidelines. The three directors and two executive officers who currently do not meet the insider ownership guidelines are still within their respective transition period.
Compensation of Directors
Annual compensation for non-employee directors is comprised of cash and equity-based compensation. Cash compensation consists of an annual retainer and supplemental retainers for the chairs and members of Board committees. Equity compensation is comprised of an annual grant of RSUs.
Non-employee directors may elect to receive stock in lieu of cash compensation, including from 50% to 100% of the cash amount. Also, non-employee directors have the option to defer receipt of annual equity compensation that would otherwise be payable to them, subject to compliance with the Company's Non-Employee Director Stock Deferral Plan and Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.
Effective May 2024, the Board established the following schedule for non-employee director compensation:
i. Annual cash retainer of:
-
$70,000 for serving as a director;
-
$90,000 for serving as the Chair of the Board;
-
$20,000 for serving as the Chair of the Audit Committee;
-
$15,000 for serving as the Chair of the Compensation Committee;
-
$10,000 for serving as the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee;
-
$8,000 for serving on the Audit Committee; and
-
$5,000 for serving on other committees.
ii. Annual equity compensation:
- RSUs valued at $110,000 with a 12-month vesting period
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The following table summarizes total compensation paid to our non-employee directors for fiscal year 2024.
Non-Employee Director Compensation Table
| Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
Stock Awards ($)(1) |
Total ($)(2) |
| Dr. Albert Bolles | 78,650 | 110,000 | 188,650 |
| Rebecca Fisher | 88,200 | 110,000 | 198,200 |
| Dean Hollis | 125,400 | 110,000 | 235,400 |
| Katrina Houde (3) | 74,263 | 110,000 | 184,263 |
| David J. Lemmon(4) | 2,857 | 76,849 | 79,706 |
| Diego Reynoso | 79,900 | 110,000 | 189,900 |
| Leslie Starr | 115,950 | 110,000 | 225,950 |
| Mahes S. Wickramasinghe | 93,200 | 110,000 | 203,200 |
(1) The fair value, as shown in this table, is determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 based on the number of RSUs granted and SunOpta's closing stock price on the date of grant. The number of RSUs granted in May 2024 was determined by dividing the scheduled Annual Equity Compensation by SunOpta's closing stock price on the grant date. RSUs vest on the first anniversary of the grant date.
(2) Includes the fair market value of Common Shares issued in lieu of cash retainers, including elections of $39,325 for Dr. Bolles, $88,200 for Ms. Fisher, $125,400 for Mr. Hollis, $1,429 for Mr. Lemmon, and $46,375 for Mr. Wickramasinghe.
(3) Ms. Houde resigned from the Board effective September 16, 2024.
(4) Mr. Lemmon was appointed to the Board effective September 16, 2024.
The Board believes that compensation for non-employee directors should be competitive and should fairly compensate directors for the time and skills devoted to serving our Company but, for independent directors, should not be so significant as to compromise independence.
All our directors are reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred for attending meetings of our Board or its committees and for other reasonable expenses related to the performance of their duties as directors. The Board believes that our non-employee director compensation package is competitive with the compensation offered by other companies and is fair and appropriate considering the responsibilities and obligations of our directors.
Penalties and Sanctions and Personal Bankruptcies
Except as disclosed below, none of the proposed nominees for election to the Board:
1) is, as at the date of this Proxy Statement, or was within ten years before the date of the Proxy Statement, a director or chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including the Company) that:
(i) was the subject of an order (as defined in Form 51-102F5 made under National Instrument 51-102 of the CSA) that was issued while the director or executive officer was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or
(ii) was subject to an order that was issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer, or chief financial officer, and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as a director, chief executive officer, or chief financial officer; or
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2) is at the date hereof, or has been within ten years before the date of this Proxy Statement, a director or executive officer of any company (including the Company) that while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets; or
3) has, within the ten years before the date of this Proxy Statement, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director, executive officer or shareholder.
Ms. Starr was appointed as a director of Chesapeake Energy Corporation ("Chesapeake") on September 11, 2017. Similar to many other oil and gas companies, Chesapeake found itself in the midst of a "double black swan event" in the spring of 2020: an emerging global pandemic that sapped demand, and an oil price war that flooded the market with supply. After exploring all available alternatives and on the advice of its legal and financial advisors, the board of directors authorized Chesapeake to file for restructuring proceedings under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, which proceedings commenced in June 2020. On February 9, 2021, following the approval and effectiveness of a confirmed plan of reorganization, Chesapeake emerged from bankruptcy protection with its creditors assuming ownership of the company and the board of directors was discharged of its duties.
Mr. Lemmon was formerly the President and Chief Executive Officer of Enterra Feed Corporation ("Enterra Feed") (an insect protein company whose customers were primarily in the livestock, fish, pet food, and organic fruits and vegetables industries). Mr. Lemmon ceased to be an executive officer of Enterra Feed in October 2022. The senior lender of Enterra Feed applied for and was granted a receivership order in respect of Enterra Feed on November 8, 2022, under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).
The foregoing information, not being within the knowledge of the Company, has been furnished by the directors.
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PROPOSAL TWO - APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM AND AUDITOR
Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Auditor
The Audit Committee of the Board has selected Ernst & Young LLP ("EY") as the Company's independent auditor for the 2025 fiscal year. EY has served as our auditors since 2021. We are requesting our shareholders to vote at the Meeting to appoint EY as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and auditor and to authorize the Audit Committee to fix their remuneration. One or more representatives of EY will attend the Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders in attendance.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors; Vote Required
The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the appointment of EY as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and auditor and FOR authorizing the Audit Committee to fix their remuneration. In the event that shareholders do not appoint EY as the Company's auditors at the Meeting and another accounting firm is not appointed, the Audit Committee will reconsider its recommendation and the Board will select another accounting firm to serve as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and auditor.
This proposal will be approved if a quorum is present at the Meeting and the votes cast in favor of the proposal constitute a majority of the total votes cast on the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists at the Meeting but will have no effect on the results of the vote. Brokers and other nominees will have discretionary authority to vote your shares if you hold your shares in street name and do not provide instructions as to how your shares should be voted on this proposal.
Auditor Fees
The following table sets forth fees for professional services provided by EY for each of the last two fiscal years (including out-of-pocket expenses):
| Fiscal 2024 | Fiscal 2023 | |
| Fee Category | ($) | ($) |
| Audit Fees(1) | 1,660,414 | 1,740,055 |
| Audit-Related Fees(2) | - | 173,600 |
| Tax Fees(3) |
59,882 |
166,100 |
| All Other Fees | - | - |
| Total |
1,720,296 |
2,079,755 |
(1) Audit fees include fees related to the integrated audit of the Company's annual consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting and reviews of financial statements included in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
(2) Audit-related fees relate to financial due diligence services in connection with the divestiture of the Company's frozen fruit business in October 2023.
(3) Tax fees relate to tax advice and tax planning.
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Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services
The Audit Committee has a policy for the pre-approval of audit and non-audit services that may be provided by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee's policy is to require pre-approval for all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the Company's external auditor prior to their engagement with the exception that management is authorized to engage the external auditor in respect of services to the extent that (a) such required services could not reasonably be completed by another firm (e.g. assistance with responses to continuous disclosure review comment letters from regulatory authorities, comfort letters, consent letters, statutory audits), (b) each individual engagement is not more than $50,000, and (c) the aggregate for all engagements does not exceed $100,000. Any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The Audit Committee has delegated to its Chair authority to pre-approve proposed audit and non-audit services that arise between Audit Committee meetings, provided that the decision to approve the service is presented to the full Audit Committee for consideration at the next scheduled Audit Committee meeting. All audit and non-audit services performed by EY during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 were approved in accordance with this policy.
Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation Fees
No fees were billed to the Company by EY during any of the last two fiscal years for professional services described in Paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (financial information systems design and implementation services).
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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee of the Board of the Company assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the external reporting process and the adequacy of the Company's internal controls. Specific responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in the Audit Committee Charter, a copy of which can be found on SunOpta's website at www.sunopta.com. For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, the members of the Audit Committee were Dean Hollis, Diego Reynoso, Leslie Starr and Mahes S. Wickramasinghe, each of whom meets the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable independence requirements of the NASDAQ listing rules and National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees of the CSA.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 with the Company's management. The Audit Committee has discussed with EY, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and auditor, the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from EY required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding EY communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with EY its independence.
In reliance on the review and the discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 (the "Form 10-K"), for filing with the SEC and applicable Canadian securities regulators.
This report has been submitted by Dean Hollis, Diego Reynoso, Leslie Starr and Mahes S. Wickramasinghe, all members of the Audit Committee at the time the foregoing financial statements were recommended for inclusion in the Form 10-K.
The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference in such filing.
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PROPOSAL THREE - ADVISORY VOTE REGARDING THE COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Background
The Board understands that our shareholders have a meaningful interest in our executive compensation policies and believes that shareholders should have the opportunity to fully understand the objectives, philosophy and principles the Board has used to make executive compensation decisions. In order to ensure an appropriate level of director accountability to the Company's shareholders and that shareholders have an opportunity to engage with the Board about executive compensation matters, the Company seeks an advisory, non-binding vote on an annual basis from shareholders on the Company's executive compensation practices in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or the Dodd-Frank Act. The next such advisory vote regarding compensation of NEOs will occur in connection with the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Resolution
In accordance with Company policy and Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are asking shareholders to indicate their support for the compensation of the NEOs. This proposal, commonly known as a "say-on-pay" proposal, gives shareholders the opportunity to express their views on the NEOs' compensation. Accordingly, we will ask shareholders to vote "FOR" the following resolution at the Meeting.
"RESOLVED, that the Company's shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the NEOs, as disclosed in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and other related tables and narrative discussion under the Executive Compensation caption."
The "say-on-pay" vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or the Board. The Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of our shareholders and to the extent there is any significant vote against the NEO compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, we will consider our shareholders' concerns and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors; Vote Required
The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the advisory resolution regarding the compensation of the Company's NEOs.
This proposal will be approved if a quorum is present at the Meeting and the votes cast in favor of this proposal constitute a majority of the total votes cast on this proposal. While this vote is required by law, it will neither be binding on the Company or the Board, nor will it create or imply any change in the fiduciary duties of, or impose any additional fiduciary duty on, the Company or the Board. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists at the Meeting but will have no effect on the results of the vote. Brokers and other nominees will not have discretionary authority to vote your shares if you hold your shares in street name and do not provide instructions as to how your shares should be voted on this proposal.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Dear Fellow Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide you with SunOpta's Compensation Discussion and Analysis ("CD&A") which is designed to help you understand SunOpta's approach to executive compensation.
Compensation Decision Highlights
SunOpta is an innovation partner, solutions provider, and value-added manufacturer for leading brands, and we produce our own propriety brands, including SOWN®, Dream® and West Life™. The core of our product portfolio is a range of plant-based beverages, including oat, almond, soy, coconut and rice milks and creamers, which have a favorable climate profile relative to traditional dairy milks in terms of lower carbon emissions and water usage. Our plant-based offerings include non-genetically modified, organic, and gluten-free products. Additionally, our consumer products portfolio includes fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths, and teas. We also produce liquid and dry ingredients for internal use and for sale to other food and beverage manufacturers.
As of December 31, 2024, we employed 1,248 full-time employees in North America. Our average employee has nearly five years of service. In 2024, our voluntary turnover was 16.3% (down from 20.2% in 2023) across the Company. We continue to focus on increasing employee retention by implementing retention programs and initiatives to increase employee engagement. Employee health and safety is paramount to our success. In addition to our safety training and initiatives at our manufacturing facilities, we track our Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) which ended the year at 2.25.
We want to inspire our employees through our culture. We expect our executives and employees to exhibit behaviors of speed, entrepreneurship, customer-centricity, passion, dedication, and problem solving, while creating shareholder value and growing the business.
To align the executives with the objectives, values and business results of the Company, the Compensation Committee continues to emphasize the following principles for compensating executives:
- To focus on adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") as the key financial measure for short-term incentives; and
- Provide long-term incentives that are significantly performance-based, emphasizing revenue growth and return on invested capital in addition to sustained long-term stock price increases.
The Compensation Committee believes that this strategy positions the Company to create shareholder value and align the interests of shareholders and management. As a result of the financial performance delivered in fiscal year 2024:
- Partial target payout was made under the 2024 Short-Term Incentive Plan ("STIP"), as the adjusted EBITDA was between the minimum threshold and the target for payout. The PSUs associated with the 2024 STIP vested on April 4, 2025.
- Performance for the relative TSR metric was calculated at the end of December 2024 for the 2022 Annual Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") PSUs. An above target level of performance was met and therefore 117% of the target for the 2022 LTIP PSUs will vest as scheduled on May 5, 2025.
Conclusion
The executive compensation programs are intended to drive shareholder value creation, emphasize pay for performance and provide a framework to effectively attract and retain talent. As we implement these philosophies, we take the preferences and perspectives of our shareholders seriously. We welcome constructive dialogue regarding the opportunities available to the Company and the executive compensation arrangements we institute to align with these opportunities.
More complete details of our compensation program and actions are provided in the remainder of this CD&A, specifically:
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Compensation Philosophy
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Elements of Compensation
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▪
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Other Aspects of the Compensation Program
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▪
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Compensation Tables
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▪
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Potential Payments on Termination or Change of Control and Tables
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▪
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CEO Pay Ratio
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▪
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Pay Versus Performance
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The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the CD&A with the Company's management. Based on that review and discussion, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the CD&A be included in this Proxy Statement.
The Compensation Committee of SunOpta Inc.:
Rebecca Fisher - Chair
Dr. Albert Bolles
Dean Hollis
David J. Lemmon
Mahes S. Wickramasinghe
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Say on Pay Vote Recommendation |
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We believe that shareholder support for our compensation programs is warranted, for all the reasons described herein, and we ask for your vote in support. |
Previous Say on Pay and Shareholder Engagement
The Board and Compensation Committee are committed to the concept of pay-for-performance. Consequently, our executive compensation programs are designed to reward achievement and over-achievement of goals, and to penalize performance shortfalls. We have historically received positive support from our shareholders on our executive compensation programs and at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders, approximately 94% of the shares voted were in favor of the advisory resolution to support executive compensation.
Compensation Practices
The Compensation Committee utilizes best practices in governing our executive compensation programs. Therefore, there are certain things that we do and do not do, as a matter of practice:
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What we DO |
What we DO NOT do |
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☑ Tie executive pay to results achieved by weighting variable pay heavily in our pay mix ☑ Use equity to drive a long-term perspective aligned with shareholders ☑ Promote stock ownership with competitive stock ownership guidelines ☑ Consider shareholder perspectives in our program designs ☑ Maintain a clawback policy which meets or exceeds regulatory requirements ☑ Use double-trigger change in control provisions for all non-pro rata payouts under cash and equity incentive plans ☑ Maintain a cap on our short-term and long-term incentive payouts ☑ Assess our pay-for-performance relationship and conduct a compensation risk assessment annually ☑ Use a size- and industry-appropriate peer group to benchmark and assess pay competitiveness annually |
☒ Provide change-in-control severance payments exceeding market norms ☒ Allow stock option repricing or discounted stock option granting ☒ Offer change-in-control tax gross-ups under any circumstances ☒ Pay dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned or unvested performance shares ☒ Allow our executives or directors to hedge or pledge Company stock ☒ Provide excessive perquisites |
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Compensation Philosophy
Our executive compensation philosophy and the policies that support it are intended to reward our executives for the achievement of long-term strategic goals and their efforts to enhance shareholder value. The philosophy fosters a performance-oriented environment that rewards achievement of internal Company goals and shareholder value creation. Our pay-for-performance philosophy is based on these objectives.
Compensation opportunities provided to executives are intended to approximate market median pay levels, assuming the targeted level of performance is delivered. Performance targets are generally set in relation to the Company's internal budget goals. Then, using the target as the starting point, upside and downside payout ranges around the target are developed. These ranges provide additional compensation opportunity to executives if results exceed targets, while penalizing under-performance. Through this design, our executive compensation program motivates our team, while delivering true 'pay-for-performance' from a shareholder perspective.
Peer Group
In order to help ensure the competitiveness of our executive compensation, the Compensation Committee considers competitive compensation practices from relevant sources. To do this, we review general market survey data as well as comparisons from our executive compensation peer group. Our peer group is reviewed by the Compensation Committee on an annual basis.
For 2024, the peer group consisted of the following 16 companies:
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2024 Peer Group - 16 Companies |
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▪ BellRing Brands, Inc. ▪ Beyond Meat, Inc. ▪ BRC Inc. ▪ Calavo Growers, Inc. ▪ Hain Celestial Group, Inc. ▪ J&J Snack Foods Corp.
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▪ John B. Sanfilippo & Son ▪ Lancaster Colony Corp ▪ Seneca Foods Corporation ▪ The Real Good Food Company, Inc. ▪ The Simply Good Foods Co |
▪ The Vita Coco Company, Inc. ▪ Treehouse Foods, Inc. ▪ Utz Brands, Inc. ▪ Vital Farms, Inc. ▪ Whole Earth Brands, Inc. |
In addition to market comparisons, compensation decisions are informed by other external and internal factors:
- Overall Company Performance: Financial and operational performance informs compensation affordability.
- Individual Contributions: Efforts by individuals that position the Company for long-term success.
- Responsibilities: Any changes in an executive's job responsibilities.
- Internal Equity: Each role's relative importance in delivering shareholder value.
To support the Compensation Committee in making its determinations, the Compensation Committee has retained the services of Pearl Meyer as its independent executive compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee has reviewed and confirmed the independence of Pearl Meyer. Pearl Meyer provides services at the direction of the Compensation Committee, and the Compensation Committee has specific authority in managing all work by Pearl Meyer.
Elements of SunOpta's Compensation Program
To meet our compensation philosophy, we provided the following compensation components in 2024:
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Type of Compensation |
Element |
Purpose |
Key Features |
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FIXED |
Base Salary |
▪ |
Fixed pay |
▪ |
Amounts reflect individual responsibility, performance, experience, and other internal and external factors |
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▪ |
Reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee |
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| VARIABLE |
STIP |
▪ Cash/Equity incentive to reach or surpass annual goals |
▪ Specific metrics are determined annually by the Compensation Committee |
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▪ Ties pay to performance |
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▪ STIP is denominated in cash or PSUs based on employee grade level |
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| LTIP |
▪Multi-year incentives to reach or surpass longer-term goals ▪Aligns with shareholder interests ▪Promotes ownership mentality |
▪ PSUs only vest if the Company achieves predefined performance hurdles for the three-year performance period, subject to continued employment through the vesting date ▪ Stock options only provide value on the stock price growth over the option's term and vest ratably over three years (equal annual installments) ▪ RSUs vest ratably over three years (equal annual installments) |
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| OTHER | Benefits and Perquisites |
▪ Elements and levels necessary to be competitive |
▪ Generally, part of a broad-based set of employee benefit plans, with the exception of the executive physical program ▪ Very limited use of additional perquisites |
| Post-Employment Compensation (Severance and Change-in-Control) |
▪ Continuity of leadership, bridge for individual in the event of involuntary termination ▪ Encourages assessment of potential transactions with focus on shareholder interests |
▪ Double-trigger provisions for cash change-in-control severance in all agreements ▪ Double-trigger equity vesting in all agreements ▪ Non-compete (if not prohibited by law) and non-solicitation restrictions required in new agreements |
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In 2024, target compensation was delivered primarily through variable pay (STIP and LTIP) for the CEO and the other NEOs. As these charts illustrate, our compensation design is intended to deliver a significant portion of our senior executives' total target compensation in the form of pay-at-risk. The percentages represent the average annual compensation program.
For 2024, the following individuals were the Company's Named Executive Officers ("NEOs"):
| Executive | Role |
| Brian Kocher | Chief Executive Officer |
| Greg Gaba | Chief Financial Officer |
| Jill Barnett | Chief Administrative Officer |
| Justin Kobler | Senior Vice President, Supply Chain |
| Bryan Clark | Senior Vice President, R&D and FSQ |
| Chad Hagen | Former Chief Customer Officer |
Effective, January 2, 2024, Brian Kocher was appointed by the Board to the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company. On February 26, 2024, Justin Kobler was appointed Senior Vice-President, Supply Chain, replacing Chris Whitehair as part of a planned retirement. Effective December 12, 2024, Chad Hagen, Chief Customer Officer, left the Company.
Base Salary
For fiscal year 2024, consistent with the compensation philosophy noted above, base salary levels for executive officers were set based on assessments of the Company's performance, each individual's performance, external market comparisons and other external and internal factors.
The amounts below are the base salary rates of the NEOs as of December 28, 2024.
| Executive | Base Salary | Prior Base Salary |
| Brian Kocher | $800,000 | NA |
| Greg Gaba | $450,000 | $420,000 |
| Jill Barnett | $450,000 | $436,000 |
| Justin Kobler | $385,000 | NA |
| Bryan Clark | $360,000 | $325,000 |
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Short-Term Incentive Plan
The purpose of the STIP is to establish alignment across the organization and recognize individuals' impact on organizational performance, focusing employees on desired behaviors which link to demonstrated results.
For fiscal 2024, the STIP aligned with the goal of accelerating EBITDA performance relative to fiscal 2023, while maintaining rigorous expectations for quality and safety. To focus on the achievement of these improvements, as well as measure individual performance, adjusted EBITDA and an individual component were the factors that determined an individual's bonus payout. The Compensation Committee believes that the use of adjusted EBITDA in the STIP heightens management's focus on implementing and delivering the operational improvements.
In 2024, there was one STIP covering all STIP eligible employees, which contained two components worth 50% each. The company component was dependent on the achievement of 2024 adjusted EBITDA and could range between 0-200%. The individual component was based on an employee achieving their individual goals for 2024 and could range between 0-200% as determined by the employee's annual review rating. No payout occurs on the individual component unless the company component is met.
Employees eligible for the STIP were divided into two groups: a cash payout group and an equity hybrid payout group. The cash payout group included employees below the manager level, while the equity hybrid group included managers and above. Participants in the equity hybrid group received a PSU grant valued at 50% of their STIP target, with the remaining 50% paid in cash. Payouts for both the shares and cash portions are determined equally by adjusted EBITDA results and individual performance. The cash payout group received their STIP entirely in cash, also based on these criteria. If an employee's bonus payout exceeded 100% of the target, an additional cash bonus would be paid to the employee in either group, but no extra performance shares would be granted. This structure is consistent with the desire to maintain pay and performance alignment.
The parameters established for the Company component of the STIP were as follows:
| Measure | Threshold (50% payout) |
Target 100% Payout |
Maximum (200% Payout) |
| SunOpta Adjusted EBITDA(1) | $80.55 million | $89.5 million | $107.5 million |
(1) SunOpta Adjusted EBITDA is measured as operating income plus depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation and certain other adjustments that are considered one-time or unusual in nature, as calculated by the Company based on the Company's audited financials and consistent with the Company's calculation of adjusted EBITDA as a non-GAAP financial measure reported to its shareholders.
Each NEO had the following range of short-term incentive opportunities in 2024.
| Executive | Threshold Payout % of Salary |
Target Payout % of Salary |
Maximum Payout % of Salary |
| Brian Kocher | 62.5% | 125% | 250% |
| Greg Gaba | 37.5% | 75% | 150% |
| Jill Barnett | 37.5% | 75% | 150% |
| Justin Kobler | 30% | 60% | 120% |
| Bryan Clark | 30% | 60% | 120% |
| Chad Hagen | 37.5% | 75% | 150% |
If adjusted EBITDA performance was below threshold, there would be no payout. If performance was above maximum, the payout would be capped at the levels noted above. In 2024, adjusted EBITDA performance resulted in a company component payout of 95.5%.
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The below table represents the 2024 STIP payout determination for each NEO as the result of the company and individual components:
| Executive | Company Component Percentage |
Individual Component Percentage |
Total Payout of Target STIP Percentage |
Final Result (No. of STIP PSUs vesting and cash payment portion)(1) |
| Brian Kocher | 95.5% | 95.5% | 95.5% | 95.5% STIP PSUs vest + $477,500 |
| Greg Gaba | 95.5% | 95.5% | 95.5% | 95.5% STIP PSUs vest + $161,156 |
| Jill Barnett | 95.5% | 87.5% | 91.5% | 91.5% STIP PSUs vest + $154,406 |
| Justin Kobler | 95.5% | 87.5% | 91.5% | 91.5% STIP PSUs vest + $89,581 |
| Bryan Clark | 95.5% | 87.5% | 91.5% | 91.5% STIP PSUs vest + $98,820 |
| Chad Hagen | - | - | - | - |
(1) 2024 STIP PSUs were granted to each NEO on April 4, 2024 and vested on April 4, 2025.
(2) Mr. Hagen departed the Company on December 12, 2024. All of his STIP PSUs were forfeited after his departure in accordance with the terms of the Company's 2024 STIP.
Long-Term Incentives
In fiscal year 2024, the LTIP is a one-year plan with a three-year performance period. Specific details and design attributes of the 2024 plan are summarized below:
PSUs:
- For all NEOs except Mr. Kocher, the number of shares earned is based on the Company's Revenue Compound Annual Growth Rate ("CAGR") (50% of granted shares) and Return on Invested Capital ("ROIC") (50% of granted shares) performance as calculated below and the participant's continued employment through the vesting date, which is April 30, 2027.
| Revenue CAGR Hurdle | Percentage of Revenue CAGR PSUs to Vest |
ROIC Hurdle | Percentage of ROIC PSUs to Vest |
| 8% | 25% | 12.5% | 25% |
| 10% | 50% | 14% | 50% |
| 14% or above | 100% | 18% or above | 100% |
- For Mr. Kocher, the number of shares earned is determined based on the Company's Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") performance relative to the identified Russell 3000 Food and Beverage companies as calculated below and the participant's continued employment through the vesting date, which is April 15, 2027.
| Relative TSR vs. Russell Food and Beverage |
|
| Performance Hurdle | Portion of PSUs that will vest |
| ≥ 90th Percentile | 200% |
| 75th Percentile | 125% |
| 50th Percentile | 100% |
| 25th Percentile | 25% |
| < 25th Percentile | 0% |
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- Achievement of the performance hurdle is determined by calculating the TSR for the Company and each of the companies in the Russell 3000 Food and Beverage designated index using a 20-trading day average closing price as of December 31, 2026. The following parameters apply to the calculation: dividends and cash equivalent distributions for a company is considered reinvested; any company that ceases trading prior to the calculation timeframe is excluded from the beginning and ending calculation (e.g., acquired companies and financial distressed companies); and performance is interpolated between scale points (between threshold and target, target and 75th, and 75th and maximum).
- Vesting of any achieved performance hurdle will occur on April 15, 2027.
Stock Options:
- Vesting provisions are ratable over three years (in equal annual installments) with a term of ten years.
RSUs:
- Vesting provisions are ratable over three years (in equal annual installments).
The Compensation Committee believes the performance-based awards described above provide significant alignment between the interests of the Company's shareholders and the executives because the PSUs will not vest without the achievement of the relative TSR performance hurdles, and stock options only provide value in the event of a stock price increase. Additionally, the vesting provisions in all awards provide additional retention incentive to each of the executives.
Excluding Mr. Kocher who is covered in the inducement grants described below, the 2024 LTIP grants to NEOs were divided between PSUs (50%), RSUs (25%) and stock options (25%), based on the 30-day average stock price as of April 30, 2024. Executives were given the choice to exchange their RSUs for stock options at a 3:1 ratio of options to RSUs. None of the executives elected to exchange their RSUs for options.
| Executive | Annual Target LTIP (% of Salary) |
LTIP Options (# of Options) |
LTIP PSUs (Target # of Units) |
LTIP RSUs (# of units) |
| Greg Gaba | 100% | 26,933 | 34,723 | 17,362 |
| Jill Barnett | 100% | 26,933 | 34,723 | 17,362 |
| Justin Kobler | 85% | 19,587 | 25,251 | 12,626 |
| Bryan Clark | 85% | 18,315 | 23,612 | 11,806 |
| Chad Hagen | 85% | 20,350 | 26,235 | 13,118 |
Mr. Kobler was granted a special one-time award of 30,000 restricted stock units (the "Kobler Special RSUs") as part of his appointment to his role and joining the Company. The Kobler Special RSUs were granted effective on the date of grant and are initially 100% unvested and subject to forfeiture. One-third of the Kobler Special RSUs vest on each of the first three (3) anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to Mr. Kobler's continued employment with the Company.
Mr. Hagen departed the Company on December 12, 2024. As such, any unvested equity other than noted in his severance agreement was forfeited after his departure in accordance with the terms of the Company's stock incentive plan.
Based on the Company's TSR for the performance cycle between January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024, the 2022 LTIP PSU metric was at the 67th percentile of the peer group, which translates to a payout factor of 1.17x target. As such, the 2022 LTIP PSUs scheduled to vest on May 5, 2025 will vest at 117% of target.
CEO Succession and Equity Grants
On December 6, 2023, the Company announced the hiring of Brian Kocher as CEO, effective January 2, 2024, due to the planned retirement of Joseph Ennen. In connection with Mr. Kocher's hiring, the Board of Directors approved an inducement equity award to Mr. Kocher, which included 144,404 RSUs ("CEO Special RSUs"), 74,000 RSUs reflecting the number of
Common Shares purchased by Mr. Kocher in the open market during the 75 calendar days following commencement of Mr.
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Kocher's employment ("CEO Matching RSUs"), 230,804 stock options ("CEO Special Stock Options") and 288,808 PSUs at target ("CEO Special PSUs"). The CEO Special RSUs, CEO Matching RSUs, and CEO Special Stock Options vest in three equal annual installments beginning January 2, 2025, subject to Mr. Kocher's continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date. The vesting of the CEO Special PSUs is based on the Company's TSR performance relative to the identified Russell 3000 Food and Beverage companies as calculated in the Long-Term Incentives section above and Mr. Kocher's continued employment through the vesting date, which is April 15, 2027.
| Executive | Inducement Options (# of Options) | Inducement PSUs (Target # of Units) | Inducement RSUs (# of Units) |
| Brian Kocher | 230,804 | 288,808 | 144,404 |
Other Compensation
Our executive officers are eligible to receive the same types of benefits that we make available to other employees, including:
- Group health benefits, which includes medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage, group life insurance and short-term and long-term disability plans; and
- Retirement benefits in the form of a 401(k) plan for U.S. employees and a Registered Retirement Savings Plan match for Canadian employees.
In recent years, we have substantially reduced the scope of perquisites for executives, such as the phasing out of automobile allowances at the executive levels. Only one individual, Mr. Hagen, had an automobile allowance in 2024. In 2021, the Company enrolled in the Executive Health Program at Mayo Clinic for use by its executive officers. The Company agreed to pay up to $5,000 for out-of-pockets costs incurred for any executive participating in this program. For additional information regarding other compensation during 2024, see the "All Other Compensation" column in the Summary Compensation Table which follows.
We have entered into employment or other agreements with our NEOs, most of which provide for certain benefits upon a change of control of the Company or upon a termination of employment by the Company without cause. These arrangements are intended to meet both business and human resources needs, encouraging the executives to weigh potential transitions based on shareholder interests, rather than personal ones, and to provide a measure of security to executives in the event of actual or potential change in corporate ownership/control. The potential benefits received by the NEOs in connection with a change-in-control or termination of employment under certain circumstances below under "Estimated Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment".
Other Aspects of the Compensation Program
Stock Ownership Guidelines
We expect our senior executives to maintain substantial ownership of SunOpta stock :
| Category | Ownership Guideline |
| CEO | 5x base salary |
| Other NEOs | 2x base salary |
| Other Senior Leadership Team Members | 1x base salary |
| Independent Directors | 5x annual cash retainer |
Senior executives may satisfy these ownership guidelines with Common Shares in these categories: shares owned directly, shares owned indirectly (e.g., by a spouse or a trust), shares represented by amounts invested in a 401(k) plan or deferred compensation plan maintained by the Company or an affiliate, unvested, time-based RSUs, and value of "in the money", unexercised options.
We believe this creates important alignment with shareholders. Executive participants have five years to comply with these guidelines. If, at the end of five years, the CEO or other NEOs and members of the Senior Leadership Team are not in compliance, 50% of all short-term incentive payouts are provided in equity rather than cash until the guideline is achieved.
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Assessment of Risk
The Compensation Committee conducts an annual review of risk associated with the compensation programs. The 2024 review found the programs to be within acceptable parameters.
Clawback Policy
If material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement leads to an accounting restatement, the Company has authority, in accordance with the Company's standalone Clawback Policy, to recover from current and former executives any incentive-based pay, including cash or equity awards, which would not have been awarded based on the restated financials. This authority extends to the three years preceding the restatement.
Insider Trading Policy
The Company has adopted an insider trading policy governing the purchase, sale and/or other dispositions of its securities by employees, officers and directors. This policy is reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations and any applicable listing standards. It is also the policy of the Company to comply with all applicable securities laws when transacting in its own securities. A copy of the Company's insider trading policy was filed as Exhibit 19 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024.
Equity Award Timing Practices
The Compensation Committee does not take material nonpublic information into account when determining the grant date, vesting date or other terms and conditions of equity awards, and does not time the disclosure of material nonpublic information for the purpose of affecting the value of executive compensation. The Compensation Committee typically makes annual equity awards in April preceding the Company's quarterly earnings release and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filing for the first fiscal quarter. Throughout the year, the Compensation Committee may grant equity awards for a new hire, a significant promotion, or other special circumstances.
Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements
In connection with the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2024, management identified errors arising from the underpayment of duties on certain of the Company's products imported to the U.S. from Canada in fiscal years 2023 and 2022. Management determined that the impacts of these errors were not material to the Company's previously issued consolidated financial statements for any of the prior quarters or annual periods in which they occurred. As a result, the Company corrected these errors, together with other unrelated immaterial errors, by revising its financial statements for the prior fiscal periods. In the aggregate, the correction of these errors had the effect of increasing the net losses previously reported for 2023 and 2022 by $3.8 million ($0.03 per share) and $1.6 million ($0.01 per share), respectively, and reducing the previous determination of adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations by $2.6 million and $1.6 million for 2023 and 2022, respectively.
As a result of the reduction in adjusted EBITDA described above for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, short-term incentive payouts were recalculated to reflect the revised achievements for the corporate component of the 2022 STIP and 2023 STIP. The corporate component for the 2022 STIP was previously 102% and was revised to 96.5% due to the decreased adjusted EBITDA. Consequently, the total clawback amount for the 2022 executive officers was $88,797. Similarly, the corporate component for the 2023 STIP was revised from 81.6% to 72%, resulting in a total clawback amount of $95,977 for the 2023 executive officers. We assessed the impact of our restatement on our short-term and long-term incentive plans and determined that only the 2022 STIP and 2023 STIP were affected and require clawback based on the revised achievement levels.
On March 27, 2025, written notifications were provided to the executive officers for the respective years, stating the specific amounts to be reimbursed to the Company. For current executive officers, the Company intends to offset the reimbursement amount from the 2022 LTIP PSU vesting on May 5, 2025. For former executive officers, the Company will offset the reimbursement amount from any outstanding equity award or, if there is no outstanding equity award, the Company has requested cash payments. Among our current NEOs, the clawback amounts are as follows: Mr. Gaba owes $4,828 for 2023; Ms. Barnett owes $7,463 for 2022 and $10,104 for 2023; Mr. Clark owes $3,906 for 2022 and $6,111 for 2023; and Mr. Hagen owes $5,167 for 2022 and $7,014 for 2023. The Summary Compensation Table below has been adjusted for these amounts where appropriate.
46
Compensation of Named Executive Officers
Summary Compensation Table
| Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($)(1) |
Bonus ($)(2) |
Stock Awards ($)(3) |
Option Awards ($)(4) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(5) |
All Other Compensation ($)(6) |
Total ($) |
| Brian Kocher, Chief Executive Officer | 2024 | 802,524 | 10,000 | 4,023,480 | 801,307 | 477,500 | 22,666 | 6,137,477 |
| Greg Gaba, Chief Financial Officer | 2024 2023 |
432,849 293,310 |
100,000 100,022 |
499,545 608,600 |
112,335 92,700 |
161,156 0 |
116,275 13,731 |
1,422,160 1,108,363 |
| Jill Barnett, Chief Administrative Officer | 2024 2023 2022 |
446,769 432,308 414,615 |
500,000 750,000 1,250 |
499,545 434,705 518,616 |
112,183 72,825 372,108 |
154,406 0 19,902 |
19,294 14,038 14,188 |
1,732,197 1,703,876 1,340,679 |
| Justin Kobler, SVP Supply Chain | 2024 | 325,769 | 250,000 | 543,683 | 81,937 | 89,581 | 12,599 | 1,303,569 |
| Bryan Clark, SVP of R&D and FSQ | 2024 | 352,225 | 0 | 333,353 | 76,616 | 98,820 | 9,051 | 870,065 |
| Chad Hagen, Chief Customer Officer | 2024 2023 |
376,539 361,538 |
0 0 |
696,546 272,471 |
84,763 89,885 |
0 0 |
63,343 27,199 |
1,221,191 751,093 |
(1) A portion of Mr. Gaba's salary is converted from CAD to USD using the six-month average exchange rate for January-June 2024 of $0.7375 CAD to $1 USD.
(2) Consists of a $1,250 special bonus paid to all SunOpta employees in May 2022. Ms. Barnett and Mr. Gaba received a one-time special cash incentive bonus in the amounts of $750,000 and $100,000, respectively, for successful completion of the Frozen Fruit divestiture in October 2023. In 2024, Mr. Kocher received a $10,000 bonus to cover certain out-of-pocket expenses noted in his Employment Agreement. Mr. Gaba received a $100,000 relocation bonus to relocate to Eden Prairie, Minnesota as part of his promotion to CFO. Mr. Kobler received a $150,000 sign-on bonus and a $100,000 relocation bonus as noted in the terms of his Employment Agreement. Ms. Barnett received a $500,000 retention bonus in July 2024.
(3) Consists of the grant-date fair value of RSUs and PSUs granted to NEOs. Please see Note 15, "Stock-Based Compensation," to the Company's consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed description of the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of PSUs. For additional information on our long-term equity incentive awards, see "―Compensation Discussion and Analysis―Long Term Incentives." From 2022 through 2024, all NEOs were granted PSUs for all or a portion of their STIP award. In 2024, Mr. Hagen received a special retention RSU award.
(4) Consists of the aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options granted to NEOs, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Please see Note 15, "Stock-Based Compensation," to the Company's consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed description of the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options. For additional information on our long-term equity incentive awards, see "―Compensation Discussion and Analysis―Long Term Incentives."
(5) Represents the cash portion of bonuses paid for 2022 STIP and 2024 STIP. Ms. Barnett's previously reported 2022 STIP amount was reduced by $7,463 due to the 2022 STIP clawback amount. See "Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements" above.
(6) Represents retirement savings contributions, life and long-term disability insurance benefits, auto allowance, and separation related payments and other benefits. See "All Other Compensation" table below.
47
The following table details the various components included in the "All Other Compensation" column for 2024.
All Other Compensation
| Name | Retirement Plan/401k Contributions ($) |
Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance ($) |
Auto Allowance ($) |
Separation Related Payments and Benefits ($) (1) |
Other ($)(2) |
Total ($) |
| Brian Kocher | 15,525 | 1,540 | - | - | 5,601 | 22,666 |
| Greg Gaba | 16,238 | 703 | - | - | 99,334 | 116,275 |
| Jill Barnett | 15,525 | 1,314 | - | - | 2,455 | 19,294 |
| Justin Kobler | 11,772 | 827 | - | - | - | 12,599 |
| Bryan Clark | 7,737 | 1,314 | - | - | - | 9,051 |
| Chad Hagen | 15,525 | 1,279 | 8,077 | 38,462 | - | 63,343 |
(1) In connection with his departure from the Company, during fiscal year 2024 Mr. Hagen received a payment of $38,462 for unused vacation in accordance with Company policy upon an employee's departure from the Company.
(2) The total includes tax gross-up amounts associated with Mr. Kocher's sign-on bonus and Mr. Gaba's relocation bonus.
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48
The following table summarizes grants of long-term equity incentive awards to our NEOs in fiscal 2024, and the estimated possible payouts under our STIP for fiscal 2024. 2024 STIP PSUs vested on April 4, 2025.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
| Name | Grant Date |
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1) |
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards (2) |
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) (3) |
All Other Option Awards Number of Securities Under- lying Options (#)(4) |
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Share) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($)(5) |
||||
| Threshold ($) |
Target ($) |
Maximum ($) |
Threshold (#) |
Target (#) |
Maximum (#) |
||||||
| Brian Kocher | 04/04/2024 03/13/2024 01/02/2024 01/02/2024 01/02/2024 |
250,000 - - - - |
500,000 - - - - |
1,000,000 - - - - |
36,549 - - - 72,202 |
73,099 - - - 288,808 |
73,099 - - - 577,616 |
- 74,000 - 144,404 - |
- - 230,804 - - |
- - 5.54 - - |
469,296 521,700 801,307 799,998 2,232,486 |
| Greg Gaba | 04/30/2024 04/30/2024 04/30/2024 04/04/2024 |
- - - 84,375 |
- - - 168,750 |
- - - 337,500 |
- - 8,680 12,335 |
- - 34,723 24,671 |
- - 69,446 24,671 |
17,362 - - - |
- 26,933 - - |
- 6.55 - - |
113,721 112,335 227,436 158,388 |
| Jill Barnett |
04/30/2024 04/30/2024 04/30/2024 04/04/2024 |
- - - 84,375 |
- - - 168,750 |
- - - 337,500 |
- - 8,680 12,335 |
- - 34,723 24,671 |
- - 69,446 24,671 |
17,362 - - - |
- 26,933 - - |
- 6.55 - - |
113,721 112,183 227,436 158,388 |
| Justin Kobler | 04/30/2024 04/30/2024 04/30/2024 04/04/2024 03/12/2024 |
- - - 48,866 - |
- - - 97,731 - |
- - - 195,462 - |
- - 6,312 7,156 - |
- - 25,251 14,313 - |
- - 50,502 14,313 - |
12,626 - - - 30,000 |
- 19,587 - - - |
- 6.55 - - - |
82,700 81,937 165,394 91,889 203,700 |
| Bryan Clark | 04/30/2024 04/30/2024 04/30/2024 04/04/2024 |
- - - 54,000 |
- - - 108,000 |
- - - 216,000 |
- - 5,903 7,894 |
- - 23,612 15,789 |
- - 47,224 15,789 |
11,806 - - - |
- 18,315 - - |
- 6.55 - - |
77,329 76,616 154,659 101,365 |
| Chad Hagen | 04/30/2024 04/30/2024 04/30/2024 04/04/2024 01/23/2024 |
- - - - - |
- - - - - |
- - - - - |
- - 6,558 10,964 - |
- - 26,235 21,929 - |
- - 52,470 21,929 - |
13,118 - - - 50,000 |
- 20,350 - - - |
- 6.55 - - - |
85,923 84,763 171,839 140,784 298,000 |
(1) Amounts shown indicate each NEO's potential bonus assuming successful achievement of the NEO's performance objectives. For additional information on our STIP, see "―Compensation Discussion and Analysis―Short-Term Incentive Plan."
(2) For grants dated April 4, 2024, this represents PSU awards from the 2024 STIP. For more information on these grants, see "- 2024 STIP." For each NEO under our STIP for fiscal 2024 the target and maximum vesting amounts are the same as the target is the maximum amount that will vest upon achievement of the entire performance measure. For grants dated April 30, 2024, this represents 2024 LTIP grants. For additional information on our long-term equity incentive awards, see "―Compensation Discussion and Analysis―Long Term Incentives".
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(3) Represents RSU grants from the 2024 LTIP and one-time special RSU grants on January 23, 2024, for Mr. Hagen for retention purposes, and on March 12, 2024, for Mr. Kobler as part of his appointment to SVP of Supply Chain in February 2024. For additional information on the 2024 LTIP, see "―Compensation Discussion and Analysis―Long Term Incentives".
(4) Represents option grants from the 2024 LTIP and CEO Special Options. For additional information on the 2024 LTIP, see "―Compensation Discussion and Analysis―Long Term Incentives".
(5) Consists of the aggregate grant-date fair value of equity incentive awards granted to our NEOs, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Please see Note 15, "Stock-Based Compensation," to the Company's consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed description of the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock-based awards.
The following table summarizes the outstanding equity award holdings of our NEOs as of December 28, 2024. This table includes unexercised and unvested option awards and unvested PSUs and RSUs.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
| Name | Option Awards | Stock Awards | ||||||||
| Date of Grant |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Non- exercisable (1) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Securities Underlying Unexercised, Unearned Options |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
Number of Shares or Units That Have Not Vested (#)(2) |
Market Value of Shares or Units That Have Not Vested ($)(2) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (3) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) (3) | |
| Brian Kocher | ||||||||||
| 04/04/2024 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 73,099 | 570,903 | |
| 03/13/2024 | - | - | - | - | - | 74,000 | 577,940 | - | - | |
| 01/02/2024 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 288,808 | 2,255,590 | |
| 01/02/2024 | - | - | - | - | - | 144,404 | 1,127,795 | - | - | |
| 01/02/2024 | - | 230,804 | - | 5.54 | 01/02/2034 | - | - | - | - | |
| Greg Gaba | 04/30/2024 | - | 26,933 | - | 6.55 | 04/30/2034 | 17,362 | 135,597 | 34,723 | 271,187 |
| 04/04/2024 10/23/2023 |
- - |
- - |
- |
- - |
- - |
- 56,338 |
- 440,000 |
24,671 - |
192,681 - |
|
| 07/10/2023 | 7,161 | 18,933 | - | 6.35 | 7/10/2033 | 10,841 | 84,668 | 14,988 | 117,056 | |
| 05/05/2022 | 4,803 | 2,401 | - | 5.91 | 5/5/2032 | 1,494 | 11,668 | 4,481 | 34,997 | |
| 04/15/2021 | 2,934 | - | - | 14.77 | 4/15/2031 | - | - | - | - | |
| 07/10/2020 | 2,891 | - | - | 4.73 | 7/10/2030 | - | - | - | - | |
| Jill Barnett | 04/30/2024 | - | 26,933 | - | 6.55 | 04/30/2034 | 17,362 | 135,597 | 34,723 | 271,187 |
| 04/04/2024 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 24,671 | 192,681 | |
| 07/10/2023 | 6,218 | 12,436 | - | 6.35 | 07/10/2033 | 7,143 | 55,787 | 21,429 | 167,360 | |
| 05/05/2022 | 71,191 | 35,595 | - | 5.91 | 05/05/2032 | - | - | 28,074 | 219,258 | |
| 04/15/2021 | 16,304 | - | - | 14.77 | 04/15/2031 | - | - | - | - | |
| 07/10/2020 | 40,989 | - | - | 4.73 | 07/10/2030 | - | - | - | - | |
| 05/24/2017 | 28,210 | - | - | 9.50 | 05/24/2027 | - | - | - | - | |
| 05/12/2015 | 5,398 | - | - | 10.08 | 05/12/2025 | - | - | - | - | |
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| Justin Kobler | 04/30/2024 | - | 19,587 | - | 6.55 | 04/29/2034 | 12,626 | 98,609 | 25,251 | 197,210 |
| 04/04/2024 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 14,313 | 111,785 | |
| 03/12/2024 | - | - | - | - | - | 30,000 | 234,300 | - | - | |
| Bryan Clark | 04/30/2024 04/04/2024 07/10/2023 12/16/2022 05/05/2022 04/15/2021 07/10/2020 05/17/2018 05/22/2017 |
- - 4,501 - 9,459 3,884 9,241 5,000 5,000 |
18,315 - 9,002 - 4,730 - - - - |
- - - - - - - - - |
6.55 - 6.35 - 5.91 14.77 4.73 7.10 9.45 |
04/30/2034 - 07/10/2033 - 05/05/2032 04/15/2031 07/10/2030 05/17/2028 05/22/2027 |
11,806 - 5,171 10,000 2,943 - - - - |
92,205 - 40,386 78,100 22,985 - - - - |
23,612 15,789 15,511 - 8,828 - - - - |
184,410 123,312 121,141 - 68,947 - - - - |
| Chad Hagen(4) | 01/23/2024 | - | - | - | - | - | 16,667 | 130,169 | - | - |
| 12/16/2022 | - | - | - | - | - | 20,000 | 156,200 | - | - | |
| 04/15/2021 | 13,143 | - | - | 14.77 | 01/11/2025 | - | - | - | - | |
| 05/24/2017 | 16,620 | - | - | 9.50 | 01/11/2025 | - | - | - | - | |
| 05/12/2015 | 11,000 | - | - | 10.08 | 01/11/2025 | - | - | - | - |
(1) Stock options granted in 2022 through 2024 are part of the annual LTIP and vest one-third per year over three years.
(2) Represents grants of RSU awards. RSUs vest one-third per year over three years. The market value of the RSUs is based on the $7.81 closing market price of the Common Shares on the last trading day of fiscal 2024.
(3) Awards made in 2022 were for the 2022 LTIP, in 2023 for the 2023 LTIP, and in 2024 for both the 2024 STIP and 2024 LTIP. For the 2022 and 2023 LTIP PSUs, and CEO Special PSUs, vesting is determined by the Company's TSR performance and continued employment through the applicable vesting date (May 5, 2025, April 15, 2026, and April 15, 2027). For all NEOs except for Mr. Kocher, the 2024 LTIP PSUs vesting is based on revenue and return on invested capital performance metrics and continued employment through the applicable vesting date (April 30, 2027). The number of shares shown in the above table related to these PSUs is based on the number of Common Shares that would be issued at the end of the performance period at the target level of performance, subject to the NEO's continued employment. For additional information on the performance hurdles for LTIP, see "―Compensation Discussion and Analysis―Long Term Incentives" and "CEO Succession and Equity Grants." The 2024 STIP PSUs were granted to all NEOs on April 4, 2024. The market value of the PSUs is based on the $7.81 closing market price of the Common Shares on the last trading day of fiscal 2024.
(4) Mr. Hagen departed the Company on December 12, 2024, and therefore any unvested equity other than noted in his severance agreement was forfeited after his departure in accordance with the terms of the Company's stock incentive plan.
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51
Option Exercises and Stock Vested During Fiscal 2024
The following table details certain information concerning stock options exercised by the NEOs and stock awards that vested during the fiscal year 2024.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
| Name |
Option Awards(1) | Stock Awards(2) | ||
| Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($) |
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) |
Value Realized on Vesting ($) |
|
| Brian Kocher | - | - | - | - |
| Greg Gaba | - | - | 46,445 | 277,265 |
| Jill Barnett | - | - | 35,927 | 236,369 |
| Justin Kobler | - | - | - | - |
| Bryan Clark | - | - | 30,954 | 212,117 |
| Chad Hagen | 102,693 | 303,349 | 18,748 | 125,665 |
(1) The number of shares acquired upon exercise reflects the gross number of shares acquired absent any netting for shares surrendered to pay the option exercise price and/or satisfy tax withholding requirements. The value realized on exercise represents the gross number of shares acquired on exercise multiplied by the market price of our Common Shares on the exercise date, less the per share exercise price.
(2) The number of shares acquired upon vesting reflects the gross number of shares acquired absent any netting of shares surrendered to satisfy tax withholding requirements. The value realized is based on the market value of the underlying Common Shares on the vesting date and reflects the gross value realized prior to taxes and withholding.
Potential Payments on Termination or Change of Control
The Company's Amended 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") provides that, in the event of a merger, consolidation or plan of exchange involving the Company pursuant to which outstanding shares are converted into cash or other stock, securities or property, or a sale, lease or exchange or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the Company's Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, provide that outstanding awards under the Plan shall be treated in accordance with any of the following alternatives: (i) the outstanding award may be converted into a similar award based on the stock of the surviving or acquiring company, taking into account the relative values of the companies involved in the transaction; (ii) the outstanding award may be cancelled by the Company and the holder would receive cash in an amount equal to the value of the award, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors; or (iii) the outstanding award may become fully exercisable and the Company's Board of Directors would provide an arrangement pursuant to which the holder would have a reasonable opportunity to exercise any award or otherwise realize the value of the award.
We have entered into employment or other agreements with our current NEOs and we have a SunOpta Foods Inc. Severance Pay Plan (effective October 1, 2016, amended January 1, 2020 and further amended August 1, 2021), which provide for certain benefits upon a change of control of the Company or upon a termination of employment by the Company without cause or by the NEO with good reason, all as provided in the applicable agreement. Employment agreements entered into with NEOs and other executive officers of the Company generally provide for accelerated vesting of awards only if the executive's employment is terminated under specified circumstances within a specified period before or following a change of control (so-called "double-trigger" provisions). The definition of "change of control" varies among the agreements and generally includes (i) the acquisition of stock representing a majority of the voting power of the Company's stock; (ii) at any time during a period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board ("Incumbent Directors") shall cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof; provided, however, that the term "Incumbent Director" shall also include each new director elected during such two-year period whose nomination or election was approved by two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then in office; (iii) any consolidation, merger or plan of exchange involving the Company as a result of which the holders of outstanding stock of the Company immediately prior to the transaction do not continue to hold at least 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving corporation or a parent corporation of the surviving corporation immediately after the transaction; and (iv) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. The definition of "cause" varies among the agreements.
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The benefits to be received by the NEOs employed at the end of the fiscal year under the terms of their applicable employment or other agreements in connection with a change of control or upon termination of employment under certain circumstances are summarized as follows:
Brian Kocher
Termination for Cause or without Good Reason: Mr. Kocher's employment agreement (the "Employment Agreement") provides that if Mr. Kocher is terminated for Cause or without Good Reason (each as defined in the Employment Agreement), he is entitled to receive (i) any accrued but unpaid base salary and accrued but unused paid time-off; (ii) reimbursement for unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Mr. Kocher; and (iii) any Special RSUs, Matching RSUs and Special PSUs (each as defined in the Employment Agreement) that are vested as of the date of Mr. Kocher's termination (such amounts, the "Accrued Amounts").
Termination without cause or by executive for Good Reason: In addition, the Employment Agreement provides that if Mr. Kocher is terminated without Cause or by Mr. Kocher for Good Reason, he is entitled to receive severance equal to the Accrued Amounts plus (i) a lump sum payment of up to two times his then-current base salary, plus, his target bonus for the current year; and (ii) any unpaid annual bonus earned in the prior fiscal year. In addition, all unvested Special RSUs and Matching RSUs (and, only in the event Mr. Kocher terminates for Good Reason, all Special Options) shall vest.
Termination of employment following a Change of Control: In the event Mr. Kocher's employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by Mr. Kocher for Good Reason within 12 months following a change of control of the Company or, under certain circumstances, within a two-month period prior to such transaction, Mr. Kocher shall be entitled to the same benefits as in the event of termination without cause or by executive for good cause. In addition, (i) all unvested Special Options, and any other outstanding equity-based incentive award subject to time-based, shall vest; (ii) any unvested Special PSUs shall vest based on the Company's actual performance through the date of such change of control on a prorated basis reflecting the number of days Mr. Kocher is employed during the performance period; and (iii) any other unvested equity-based incentive award subject to performance-based vesting criteria vesting to which the applicable performance hurdle has been satisfied as of the date of change in control shall immediately vest as of the date of employment termination.
If any of the payments or benefits received by Mr. Kocher in connection with a change of control result in a 280G excise tax, within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, then the Company's payments to Mr. Kocher will potentially be reduced if such reduction will result in a greater net benefit to Mr. Kocher.
Greg Gaba
Termination without Cause: In the event Mr. Gaba's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in Mr. Gaba's employment agreement), he will be entitled to receive (i) any accrued but unpaid base salary and unpaid annual bonuses from prior years; (ii) a lump sum payment of up to one times his then-current base salary, plus, his target bonus for the current year; and (iii) the immediate vesting of any granted and unvested CFO Special RSUs.
Termination of employment following a Change of Control: In the event Mr. Gaba's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause within 12 months following a change of control of the Company or, under certain circumstances, within a two month period prior to such transaction, Mr. Gaba shall be entitled to the same benefits as in the event of termination without Cause except that the lump sum payment will be one and a half times (instead of one times). In addition, all of Mr. Gaba's unvested options and RSUs shall immediately vest, and any unvested PSUs as to which the applicable performance hurdle has been satisfied as of the date of change in control shall immediately vest as of the date of employment termination. If any of the payments or benefits received by Mr. Gaba in connection with a change of control result in a 280G excise tax, within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, then the Company's payments to Mr. Gaba will potentially be reduced if such reduction will result in a greater net benefit to Mr. Gaba.
Termination of employment in the event of death or disability: Upon a termination of Mr. Gaba's employment due to death or disability, all of Mr. Gaba's unvested CFO Special RSUs will immediately vest.
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Other NEOs
Change of Control and Termination Following a Change of Control: Upon a change of control, all of the NEO's unvested options and RSUs shall immediately vest, and any unvested PSUs as to which the applicable performance hurdle has been satisfied as of the date of change in control shall immediately vest as of the date of employment termination, if a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan) occurs and at any time within 12 months after the change in control, and (a) their employment is terminated by the Company (or its successor) without Cause (as defined in the Plan), or (b) their employment is terminated by them for Good Reason (as defined in the Plan), provided that they execute and deliver a release of claims. In addition, upon a termination of the NEO's employment within 12 months following a Change of Control without cause or for good reason, the NEO will receive severance as described under "Termination by the Company without Cause" below except that the severance payment shall be a lump sum payment of up to one and a half times their then-current base salary, plus, their target bonus for the current year.
Termination by the Company without Cause: Upon a termination of the NEO's employment without Cause, the NEO is entitled to benefits under the SunOpta Foods, Inc. Severance Pay Plan and will receive a severance payment equal to a multiple of the NEO's weekly base pay, where such multiple is determined as two weeks per year with a minimum and maximum of 39 and 52 weeks, respectively. In addition, the Company will pay, for a period of up to 12 months, the cost of medical insurance coverage for the NEO and their dependents.
Estimated Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment
Based on the applicable agreements with the NEOs described above, the following table sets forth the estimated benefits that would have been payable to the NEOs if a change of control had occurred and each NEO's employment was terminated on the last day of the Company's 2024 fiscal year under circumstances specified in the applicable agreements:
|
Potential Payments Upon Termination - Change of Control |
|||||||
|
Name |
Lump Sum |
Continuation |
Accelerated |
Accelerated |
Accelerated |
Cash Bonus |
Total |
|
Brian Kocher |
3,600,000 |
20,181 |
1,705,735 |
0 |
1,906,080 |
477,500 |
7,709,496 |
|
Greg Gaba |
1,181,250 |
19,942 |
671,933 |
0 |
714,021 |
161,156 |
2,748,302 |
|
Jill Barnett |
1,181,250 |
20,181 |
191,384 |
0 |
974,883 |
161,156 |
2,528,854 |
|
Justin Kobler |
924,000 |
20,181 |
332,909 |
0 |
385,798 |
93,495 |
1,756,383 |
|
Bryan Clark |
864,000 |
5,949 |
233,676 |
0 |
568,373 |
103,137 |
1,775,135 |
(1) These amounts represent the value of unvested RSUs that would vest in the event of a termination of employment following a change of control, assuming a stock price of $7.81 per share, which was the closing price on December 27, 2024, the last trading day of the fiscal year.
(2) These amounts represent the value of unvested stock options that would vest in the event of a termination of employment following a change of control. The closing stock price on December 27, 2024, the last trading date of the fiscal year, was $7.81. Value is calculated by taking the difference between the share price at the end of the year, less the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares being exercised.
(3) These amounts represent the value of unvested PSUs that would vest in the event of a termination of employment following a change of control, due to the applicable performance hurdle having been satisfied as of the date of the change of control, assuming a stock price of $7.81 per share, which was the closing price on the last trading day of the fiscal year. This value includes 95.5% vesting of the 2024 STIP PSUs at target for all NEOs due to the 2024 fiscal year performance results. Additionally, this amount includes a payout of: (a) 117% of the 2022 LTIP PSUs at target for Mr. Gaba, Ms. Barnett and Mr. Clark based upon a measurement of the relative TSR performance hurdle achievement, (b) 90% of the 2023 LTIP PSUs at target for Mr. Gaba, Ms. Barnett and Mr. Clark based upon a measurement of the relative TSR performance hurdle achievement, (c) 141.5% of the 2024 LTIP PSUs at target for all NEOs (excluding Mr. Kocher) based upon a measurement of the revenue and ROIC performance hurdles achievement, and (d) 181% of the CEO Special PSUs at target for Mr. Kocher based upon a measurement of the relative TSR performance hurdle achievement prorated for the performance period.
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(4) These amounts represent the cash portion of the 2024 STIP at 95.5% of target payout.
Based on the applicable agreements with the NEOs described above, the following table sets forth the estimated benefits that would have been payable to the NEOs if each officer's employment was terminated by the Company without cause in the absence of a change of control on the last day of the Company's 2024 fiscal year:
| Potential Payments Upon Termination - Involuntary Termination Without Cause | |||||||
| Name | Lump Sum Severance Payment ($) |
Continuation of Benefits ($) |
Accelerated Vesting of RSUs ($)(2) |
Accelerated Vesting of Stock Options ($) |
Accelerated Vesting of PSUs ($)(3) |
Cash Bonus Payment ($)(4) |
Total ($) |
| Brian Kocher (1) | 3,600,000 | 20,181 | 1,705,735 | 0 | 545,208 | 477,500 | 6,348,624 |
| Greg Gaba | 787,500 | 19,942 | 440,000 | 0 | 184,004 | 161,156 | 1,592,602 |
| Jill Barnett | 450,000 | 20,181 | 0 | 0 | 184,004 | 161,156 | 815,341 |
| Justin Kobler | 385,000 | 20,181 | 0 | 0 | 106,747 | 93,495 | 605,423 |
| Bryan Clark | 360,000 | 5,949 | 0 | 0 | 117,759 | 103,137 | 586,845 |
(1) These potential payments to Mr. Kocher are also applicable in the event of a termination initiated by him for good reason, as defined in his employment agreement.
(2) This amount represents the value of Mr. Gaba's unvested CFO Special RSUs, that would vest in the event of a termination of employment, assuming a stock price of $7.81 per share, which was the closing price on the last trading day of fiscal year 2024. Also, the CFO Special RSUs will vest for Mr. Gaba in the event of termination as a result of death or disability.
(3) This amount represents the value of unvested PSUs that would vest in the event of a termination of employment. This includes 95.5% of the 2024 STIP payout (comprised of 50% PSUs) for all NEOs, assuming a stock price of $7.81 per share, which was the closing price on the last trading day of the fiscal year.
(4) This amount represents the cash payment portion of the 2024 STIP payout at 95.5% achievement.
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55
CEO Pay Ratio
Set below is information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of Brian Kocher, our CEO, and the annual total compensation of the median of our employees other than Mr. Kocher.
For 2024:
- The annual total compensation of Mr. Kocher, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table presented elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, was $6,137,477. Mr. Kocher's compensation includes annualized base salary, bonuses, stock awards and other ancillary benefits.
- The annual total compensation of our median employee (other than Mr. Kocher) was $64,966. This calculation is based on 2024 data utilizing the methodology below.
- The ratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Kocher to the annual total compensation of the median of our employees was 94 to 1.
As of December 28, 2024, we had 1,248 full-time employees in U.S. and Canada. This population was used to determine the identity of our median employee. To identify the median employee from this employee population, we first calculated each U.S. employee's W-2 (and equivalent income for each Canadian employee) to identify the median employee. We then calculated the median employee's compensation on the same basis as that of our CEO.
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56
Pay Versus Performance
As required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd‐Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(v) of Regulation S‐K, we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive compensation actually paid and certain financial performance of the Company.
Pay Versus Performance Table
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|
|
Year-end value of $100 invested on |
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|
|
|
Year |
Summary $ |
Compensation $ |
Average Summary $ |
Average (2)(3)(4) $ |
STKL $ |
Compensation $ |
Net Income (Loss) (6) (in millions) $ |
(in millions) $ |
|
2024 |
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|
|
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( |
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2023 |
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( |
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( |
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2022 |
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|
( |
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2021 |
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( |
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( |
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2020 |
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|
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(1) Our CEO was Brian Kocher for 2024 and Joseph Ennen for all other years in the table above.
(2) Deductions from, and additions to, total compensation in the Summary Compensation Table by year to calculate Compensation Actually Paid include:
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| CEO | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
| Total Compensation from Summary Compensation Table | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments for Equity Awards | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment for grant date values in the Summary Compensation Table | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Year-end fair value of unvested awards granted in the current year | ||||||||||||||||
| Year-over-year difference of year-end fair values for unvested awards granted in prior years | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Fair values at vest date for awards granted and vested in current year | ||||||||||||||||
| Difference in fair values between prior year-end fair values and vest date fair values for awards granted in prior years | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Forfeitures during current year equal to prior year-end fair value | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Dividends or dividend equivalents not otherwise included in total compensation | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Adjustments for Equity Awards | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Adjustments for clawback values* | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Compensation Actually Paid (as calculated) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Average Non-CEO NEOs | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
| Total Compensation from Summary Compensation Table | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments for Equity Awards | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment for grant date values in the Summary Compensation Table | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Year-end fair value of unvested awards granted in the current year | ||||||||||||||||
| Year-over-year difference of year-end fair values for unvested awards granted in prior years | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Fair values at vest date for awards granted and vested in current year | ||||||||||||||||
| Difference in fair values between prior year-end fair values and vest date fair values for awards granted in prior years | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||
| Forfeitures during current year equal to prior year-end fair value | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Dividends or dividend equivalents not otherwise included in total compensation | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Adjustments for Equity Awards | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Adjustments for clawback values* | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| Compensation Actually Paid (as calculated) | ||||||||||||||||
*For 2023 and 2022, Compensation Actually Paid was calculated to include the impact of the clawback value attributable to 2023 STIP and 2022 STIP to the extent this value has not already been adjusted in the Summary Compensation Table. The clawback values impacting this disclosure include:
57
|
Named Executive Officer |
2023 Clawback Value |
2022 Clawback Value |
|
Joseph Ennen |
$39,083 |
$28,904** |
|
Scott Huckins |
n/a |
$13,072** |
|
Greg Gaba |
$4,828 |
n/a |
|
Jill Barnett |
$10,104 |
$7,463** |
|
Chad Hagen |
$7,014 |
n/a |
|
Michael Buick |
n/a |
$10,896 |
|
Chris Whitehair |
$8,420 |
$6,252** |
**For those that earned above target on the 2022 STIP and received a portion of the award in cash, these recoupment values have already been reduced from the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of our Summary Compensation Table and as such are not included in the table above detailing deductions from and additions to the Summary Compensation Table for purposes of calculating Compensation Actually Paid. See footnote 5 to our Summary Compensation Table and "Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements" above.
(3)
- Expected life of each stock option is based on the "simplified method" using an average of the remaining vest and remaining term, as of the vest/FYE date
- Strike price is based on each grant date closing price and asset price is based on each vest/FYE closing price
- Risk free rate is based on the Treasury Constant Maturity rate closest to the remaining expected life as of the vest/FYE date
- Historical volatility is based on daily price history for each expected life (years) prior to each vest/FYE date. Closing prices provided by S&P Capital IQ
(4)
-2024: Greg Gaba, Jill Barnett, Chad Hagen, Justin Kobler, and Bryan Clark
-2023: Greg Gaba, Jill Barnett, Chris Whitehair, Chad Hagen, Michael Buick, and Scott Huckins
-2022, 2021, and 2020: Scott Huckins, Jill Barnett, Michael Buick, and Chris Whitehair
(5)
(6)
58
Financial Performance Measures
The most important financial performance measures used by the Company to link compensation actually paid to the Company's NEOs for the most recently completed fiscal year to the Company's performance are as follows:
In accordance with SEC rules, the Company is providing the following illustrations of the relationships between information presented in the Pay Versus Performance table above. Further information regarding our executive compensation program is provided above under the heading "Compensation Discussion and Analysis".
Relationship Between Pay and Performance
The charts shown below present a graphical comparison of compensation actually paid to our CEO and the average compensation actually paid ("CAP") to our other NEOs set forth in the Pay Versus Performance Table above, as compared against the following performance measures: our (1) TSR, (2) peer group TSR, (3) net income, and (4) Adjusted EBITDA.
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60
Amended 2013 Stock Incentive Plan
Overview
The Company's 2013 Stock Incentive Plan was originally adopted and approved by shareholders in May 2013 to attract and retain the services of selected employees, officers and directors of the Company. The 2013 Incentive Plan was subsequently amended on several occasions. Most recently, in May 2023, shareholders approved an amendment to the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (as so amended, the "Amended 2013 Plan") which increased the maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued under the Amended 2103 Plan to 15,800,000 Common Shares. However, if the outstanding Common Shares are increased or decreased or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company by reason of any stock split or certain other events, appropriate adjustment will be made in the number and kind of shares available for grants under the Amended 2013 Plan.
The Amended 2013 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Committee"). The Committee may promulgate rules and regulations for the operation of the Amended 2013 Plan and related agreements and generally supervises the administration of the Amended 2013 Plan. The Committee determines the individuals to whom awards are made under the Amended 2013 Plan, the type of awards, the amount of the awards and the other terms and conditions of the awards. The Committee may also accelerate any exercise date, waive or modify any restriction with respect to an award or extend any exercise period, subject to the terms of the Amended 2013 Plan.
The Amended 2013 Plan permits the Committee to grant a variety of awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance-based awards ("PSUs"). All natural persons who are employees, officers, directors, or consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible for participation in the Amended 2013 Plan. Of the 15,800,000 Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Amended 2013 Plan, only 13,550,000 Common Shares may be awarded as Full Value Awards. "Full Value Awards" are stock awards for which the recipient pays no cash consideration or cash consideration of less than the fair market value of the underlying shares as of the grant date (as determined in accordance with the Amended 2013 Plan), except that shares issued in lieu of cash compensation otherwise payable to a participant are not Full Value Awards.
For purposes of determining the exercise price of options or the value of SARs granted under the Amended 2013 Plan, the fair market value of the Common Shares is deemed to be the closing price of the Common Shares as reported by NASDAQ, or such other reported value of the Common Shares as specified by the Committee, on the date of grant in the case of options or the exercise date in the case of SARs.
Subject to certain exceptions, no award granted under the Amended 2013 Plan shall become vested if the recipient does not remain in the service of the Company until the first anniversary of the date of grant. Furthermore, no award granted under the Amended 2013 Plan after March 1, 2017 shall provide for any excuse from satisfaction of the continued service conditions of the award as a result of a Change in Control of the Company, except that an award agreement may excuse the recipient from the continued service obligation if:
i. the recipient's employment or service relationship is terminated by the employer or the Company without cause or by the recipient for good reason in connection with the Change in Control under terms specified in the award agreement; or
ii. the award is not converted into an award for stock of the surviving or acquiring corporation in the Change in Control transaction under terms specified in the award agreement or pursuant to the Amended 2013 Plan, unless in the case of performance-based awards, they are settled or accelerated in accordance with specified requirements.
A Change in Control is generally defined in the Amended 2013 Plan to include (i) any merger in which the holders of Common Shares immediately prior to the merger do not continue to hold at least 50% of the voting power of outstanding securities of the surviving corporation or its parent corporation immediately after the merger, (ii) any sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, (iii) at any time during a period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof; or (iv) any person (other than the Company or any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Company), as a result of a tender or exchange offer, open market purchases or privately negotiated purchases from anyone other than the Company, has become the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Shares.
61
The Committee may make awards under the Amended 2013 Plan that have terms and conditions that vary from those specified in the Amended 2013 Plan when such awards are granted in substitution for, or in connection with the assumption of, existing awards made by another corporation and assumed or otherwise agreed to be provided for by the Company in connection with a corporate merger or other similar transaction to which the Company or an affiliated Company is a party.
In the event of a merger, consolidation or plan of exchange involving the Company pursuant to which outstanding shares are converted into cash or other stock, securities or property, or a sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all, or substantially all, the assets of the Company, the Board, may, in its sole discretion, provide that outstanding awards under the Plan shall be treated in accordance with any of the alternatives set forth in the Amended 2013 Plan.
The total compensation paid or granted by the Company in any form (including cash and awards under the Amended 2013 Plan) to any non-employee director for service as a director for any fiscal year shall not exceed $500,000. For this purpose, awards under the Amended 2013 Plan will be valued at the time of grant based on the grant date fair value as determined by the Company for financial accounting purposes.
The Amended 2013 Plan will continue until all Common Shares available for issuance under the Amended 2013 Plan have been issued and all restrictions on such shares have lapsed. However, the Board has the power to suspend, terminate, modify or amend the Amended 2013 Plan at any time, except that shareholder approval is required to add additional shares to the Amended 2013 Plan, increase the number of shares that can be issued as Full Value Awards or amend the provision prohibiting option re-pricing.
Types of Awards
Stock Options. The Committee may grant stock options to eligible individuals under the Amended 2013 Plan for varying periods established at the time of grant. No employee or consultant may be granted options or stock appreciation rights for more than an aggregate of 1,500,000 Common Shares in any fiscal year. The exercise price of each option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant, except that if the stock option is intended to meet all of the requirements of an "Incentive Stock Option" as defined in Section 422 of the U.S. Code and the grantee owns stock possessing more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, the exercise price may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant. No monetary consideration is paid to the Company upon the granting of options.
Incentive Stock Options are non-transferable except in the event of the death of the holder. The Committee has discretion to allow non-statutory stock options to be transferred to immediate family members of the optionee, subject to certain limitations. Options are evidenced by and are exercisable in accordance with the terms of an option agreement entered into at the time of the grant. In the event of the death or other termination of an optionee's employment with the Company, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the optionee's options may be exercised for specified periods thereafter (12 months in the case of termination by reason of death or disability and 30 days in the case of termination for any other reason). Upon any termination of employment, the Committee may extend the exercise period for any period up to the expiration date of the option and may increase the portion of the option that is exercisable.
With the consent of the Committee, an optionee may request the Company to withhold shares from the exercise to cover required tax withholding or to satisfy the exercise price. Upon the exercise of an option, the number of shares available for issuance under the Amended 2013 Plan will be reduced by the number of shares issued upon exercise of the option plus the number of shares, if any, withheld upon exercise to satisfy the exercise price or required tax withholding. Option shares that are not purchased prior to the expiration, termination or cancellation of the related option will become available for future awards under the Amended 2013 Plan.
Unless shareholder approval is obtained, no stock option may be (i) amended to reduce the exercise price, or (ii) canceled in exchange for cash, another award or any other consideration at a time when the exercise price of the option exceeds the fair market value of the Common Shares.
Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee may grant SARs to eligible individuals under the Amended 2013 Plan. A SAR gives the holder the right to payment from the Company of an amount equal in value to the excess of the fair market value on the date of exercise of one common share over its fair market value on the date of grant (or, if granted in connection with an option, the exercise price per share under the option to which the SAR relates), multiplied by the number of shares covered by the portion of the SAR or option that is surrendered. A SAR holder will not pay the Company any cash consideration upon either the grant or exercise of a SAR, except for tax withholding amounts upon exercise.
62
A SAR is exercisable only at the time or times established by the Committee. If a SAR is granted in connection with an option, it is exercisable only to the extent and on the same conditions that the related option is exercisable. Payment by the Company upon exercise of a SAR may be made in Common Shares valued at fair market value, or in cash, or partly in stock and partly in cash, as determined by the Committee. Upon the exercise of a SAR for shares, the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan will be reduced by the number of shares covered by the SAR. Cash payments for SARs will not reduce the number of shares available for awards under the Amended 2013 Plan. If a SAR is not exercised prior to the expiration, termination or cancellation of the SAR, the unissued shares subject to the SAR will become available for future awards under the Amended 2013 Plan.
Stock Awards, including Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The Committee may grant Common Shares to eligible individuals as stock awards (including restricted stock and RSUs) under the Amended 2013 Plan. Generally, no cash consideration (other than required tax withholding) will be paid by award recipients to the Company in connection with stock awards. Stock awards shall be subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions determined by the Committee including with respect to transferability and forfeiture of the shares issued. Stock awards subject to restrictions may be either restricted stock awards under which shares are issued immediately upon grant subject to forfeiture if vesting conditions are not satisfied, or RSUs under which shares are not issued until after vesting conditions are satisfied. Upon the issuance of shares under a stock award after March 1, 2017, the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan will be reduced by the number of shares issued plus any shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations.
Performance-Based Awards. The Committee may grant PSUs, payable in stock or cash as determined by the Committee. All or part of the Common Shares subject to the awards will be earned (or cash will be paid) if performance targets established by the Committee for the period covered by the award are met and the recipient satisfies any other requirements established by the Committee. The performance targets may be expressed as one or more targeted levels of performance with respect to one or more of the following objective measures with respect to the Company or any subsidiary, division or other unit of the Company: earnings, earnings per share, stock price increase, total shareholder return (stock price increase plus dividends), return on equity, return on assets, return on capital, economic value added, revenues, operating income, inventories, inventory turns, cash flows, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) or any of the foregoing before the effect of acquisitions, divestitures, accounting changes, restructuring or other special charges. PSUs may be made as awards of restricted shares subject to forfeiture if performance goals are not satisfied, awards under which shares are not issued until the performance conditions are satisfied or as cash-based awards. No recipient may be granted in any fiscal year PSUs under which the maximum number of shares that may be issued exceeds 500,000 shares or the maximum dollar amount that may be paid exceeds $5,000,000. Upon the issuance of shares under a PSU after March 1, 2017, the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Amended 2013 Plan will be reduced by the number of shares issued plus any shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations. The payment of PSUs in cash will not reduce the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Amended 2013 Plan. The number of shares issued pursuant to stock awards and performance-based awards that are forfeited to the Company will become available for future grants under the Amended 2013 Plan.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Pursuant to the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"), a total of 3,000,000 Common Shares have been reserved for the grant of options under the ESPP, subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company. The purpose of the ESPP is to provide employees of the Company and its designated subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common Shares. It is the intention of the Company to have the ESPP qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase Plan" under Section 423 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). See "Proposal Five - Approval of the amendment of the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan to eliminate the plan termination date" for additional information regarding the ESPP.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth the securities authorized for issuance under the Amended 2013 Plan and the ESPP as of December 28, 2024.
63
| Plan Category | Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights |
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights |
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) |
|||||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by | ||||||||
| securities holders: | ||||||||
| Amended 2023 Plan | 3,991,475 (1) | $6.55 (3) | 2,575,812 | |||||
| ESPP | - | 341,372 | ||||||
| Equity compensation plans not approved by | ||||||||
| securities holders | 1,698,077 (2) | $3.78 (3) | - | |||||
| Total | 5,689,552 | $5.63 (3) | 2,917,184 | |||||
(1) Represents Common Shares issuable in respect of 2,130,913 stock options, 604,490 RSUs and 1,256,072 PSUs granted under the Amended 2013 Plan.
(2) Represents Common Shares issuable in respect of a special grants of 1,190,865 stock options, 218,404 RSUs and 288,808 PSUs.
(3) Vested RSUs and PSUs entitle the holder to receive one Common Share per unit without payment of additional consideration. Accordingly, these units are disregarded for purposes of computing the weighted-average exercise price.
Annual Burn Rate
In accordance with the policies of the TSX, the following table sets out the burn rate of the awards granted under the Company's security-based compensation arrangements, namely the Amended 2013 Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as of the end of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, and for the two preceding fiscal years. The burn rate is calculated by dividing the number of securities granted under each security-based compensation agreement during the relevant fiscal year by the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding for the applicable fiscal year.
| Compensation Plan | Fiscal 2024 | Fiscal 2023 | Fiscal 2022 |
| Amended 2013 Plan | 2.51% | 2.56% | 4.84% |
| Employee Stock Purchase Plan | * | * | * |
*indicates less than 1% of the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding
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PROPOSAL FOUR - RECONFIRMATION OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
Overview
The Company has in place a shareholder rights plan pursuant to the Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan Agreement, dated November 10, 2015, amended and restated as of April 18, 2016 (the "Rights Plan"), between the Company and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (formerly, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC). Holders of rights under the Rights Plan ("Rights"), other than the triggering holder, would be entitled to, in effect, purchase Common Shares at a significant discount to the then-current market price, upon the occurrence of a Flip-in Event (as defined below). A Flip-in Event occurs if a holder beneficially owns 20% or more of the outstanding Common Shares and other shares of the Company entitled to vote ("Voting Shares").
The Rights Plan will expire as of the close of the Meeting unless reconfirmed. The full text of the resolution to reconfirm the Rights Plan is below under the heading "Shareholder Approval". Reconfirmation requires the approval of the majority of votes cast by the shareholders at the Meeting, other than the votes attached to any Special Voting Shares or Common Shares beneficially owned by Oaktree and its affiliates pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement and the Voting Trust Agreement entered into in connection with their subscription for Series B-1 Preferred Stock. Oaktree and its affiliates currently own 19.69% of the outstanding Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis assuming the exchange of all Series B-1 Preferred Stock.
Purpose of the Rights Plan
The key objective of the Rights Plan is ensuring that shareholders have an equal opportunity to participate in a change of control transaction. It does this by restricting "creeping bids"; which are acquisitions of shares with the intention of acquiring effective control of the Company through market purchases and private agreements that are exempt from the take-over bid rules. The Rights Plan is not intended to, and will not, entrench directors or management or prevent a change of control.
Specifically, the Board believes that a rights plan is necessary to protect shareholders from certain actions that could result in unequal treatment of shareholders, including the following:
(i) a person could acquire effective control of the Company under one or more private agreements at a premium to the market price, resulting in a change of control transaction without the sharing of the premium with all shareholders,
(ii) a person could slowly accumulate shares of the Company through stock exchange acquisitions over time, resulting in an acquisition of effective control without payment of fair value for control,
(iii) a person seeking to acquire control of the Company could enter into agreements with shareholders who, together with the acquiror, hold more than 20% of the outstanding shares of the Company irrevocably committing such holders to tender their shares of the Company to a take-over bid, the effect of which would be to significantly hamper, if not terminate, any reasonable prospect for the Board to run a value enhancing auction process, and
(iv) it may be possible for a person to engage in transactions outside of Canada without regard to the take-over bid protections of Canadian securities laws.
The purpose of the Rights Plan is to address these concerns and ensure that shareholders have an equal opportunity to participate in a change of control transaction.
Prior Shareholder Approval and Requirement for Proposal Four
The Board adopted the Rights Plan effective November 10, 2015. On April 18, 2016, the Company amended the Rights Plan in response to comments from ISS Proxy Advisory Services, a proxy voting advisory and corporate governance services firm. On May 10, 2016, May 30, 2019, and May 26, 2022, shareholders ratified the Rights Plan. On May 24, 2017, the shareholders waived the application of the Rights Plan in respect of in-kind payments made by the Company to holders of Series A Preferred Stock of our subsidiary, SunOpta Foods Inc.
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The Rights Plan requires the Board to submit the Rights Plan to shareholders for reconfirmation at every third annual meeting of shareholders following the Rights Plan's original ratification on May 10, 2016. The Meeting will be the third annual meeting following the most recent ratification of the Rights Plan. If a majority of the shareholders voting on reconfirmation do not vote in favor of this proposal, the Rights Plan will expire. Accordingly, in order for the Rights Plan to remain effective, shareholders must reconfirm the Rights Plan by way of an ordinary resolution, the full text of which is below under the heading "Shareholder Approval".
Mechanics of the Rights Plan
The following description of the principal terms and conditions of the Rights Plan is a summary only, is not comprehensive and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Rights Plan. A copy of the Rights Plan is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and was filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 20, 2016.
Term
The Rights Plan is in effect from and after November 10, 2015 with a record date for the issuance of the Rights of November 23, 2015. If the Rights Plan is reconfirmed by shareholders at the Meeting, then the Rights Plan and any outstanding Rights will continue in effect until the third annual meeting of shareholders of the Company following the Meeting. If the Rights Plan is not reconfirmed by shareholders at the Meeting, then the Rights Plan will be of no further force or effect and all Rights issued thereunder will be void from the termination of such meeting.
Issue of Rights
The Company has issued one Right in respect of each Common Share to holders of record as at the Record Time (as defined in the Rights Plan). One Right will be issued in respect of each Common Share issued after the Record Time and prior to the earlier of the Separation Time (as defined below) and the Expiration Time (as defined in the Rights Plan).
Exercise of Rights
The Rights are not exercisable initially. The Rights will separate from the Common Shares and become exercisable at the close of business on the tenth business day after the earliest of (i) the first public announcement of facts indicating that any person has acquired Beneficial Ownership (as defined in the Rights Plan) of 20% or more of the Voting Shares; (ii) the date of commencement of, or first public announcement of the intent of any person to make, a take-over bid that would result in such person Beneficially Owning 20% or more of the Voting Shares (other than a Permitted Bid or a Competing Permitted Bid (each as defined in the Rights Plan); and (iii) the date upon which a Permitted Bid or Competing Permitted Bid ceases to be such, or such later date as the Board may determine (in any such case, the "Separation Time"). After the Separation Time, but prior to the occurrence of a Flip-in Event (as defined below), each Right may be exercised to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price per Right (the "Exercise Price") equal to five times the market price of the Common Shares as at the Separation Time. The exercise price payable and the number of securities issuable upon the exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment from time to time upon the occurrence of certain corporate events affecting the Common Shares.
Flip-in Event
Subject to certain exceptions (as discussed below), upon the acquisition by any person (an "Acquiring Person") of Beneficial Ownership of 20% or more of the Voting Shares (a "Flip-in Event") and following the Separation Time, each Right, other than Rights Beneficially Owned by an Acquiring Person, its affiliates and associates, their respective joint actors and certain transferees, may be exercised to purchase that number of Common Shares which have an aggregate market value equal to two times the Exercise Price of the Rights for an amount in cash equal to the Exercise Price. Rights beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person, its affiliates and associates, their respective joint actors and certain transferees will be void.
Certificates and Transferability
Prior to the Separation Time, certificates for Common Shares will also evidence one Right for each Common Share represented by the certificate. Certificates issued after the Record Time, but prior to the earlier of the Separation Time and the Expiration Time, will bear a legend to this effect. Prior to the Separation Time, Rights will not be transferable separately from the associated Common Shares. From and after the Separation Time, the Rights will be evidenced by Rights certificates which will be transferable and trade separately from the Common Shares.
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Permitted Bids
The Rights Plan will not be triggered by a Permitted Bid or Competing Permitted Bid. A Permitted Bid is one that: (i) is made by means of a take-over bid circular; (ii) is made to all holders of Voting Shares; (iii) is open for at least 60 days or such longer period as may be prescribed as the minimum deposit period under applicable Canadian law; (iv) contains an irrevocable condition that no Voting Shares will be taken up and paid for until more than 50% of the Voting Shares held by the independent shareholders of the Company have been tendered and not withdrawn; (v) contains an irrevocable condition that Voting Shares may be deposited at any time during the period of time between the date of the take-over bid and the date on which the shares subject to the take-over bid are taken up and paid for, and withdrawn until they are taken up and paid for; and (vi) contains an irrevocable provision that, if 50% of the Voting Shares held by the independent shareholders of the Company are tendered, the bidder will make an announcement to that effect and keep the bid open for at least 10 more business days.
Acquiring Person
In general, an Acquiring Person is a person who Beneficially Owns 20% or more of the outstanding Voting Shares. Excluded from the definition of "Acquiring Person" are (i) the Company and its subsidiaries; (ii) an underwriter or member of a banking or selling group that acquires Voting Shares in connection with a distribution by the Company of securities pursuant to a prospectus or by way of a private placement; and (iii) any person who becomes the Beneficial Owner of 20% or more of the outstanding Voting Shares as a result of one or more or any combination of a Permitted Bid Acquisition, an Exempt Acquisition, a Pro-Rata Acquisition, a Convertible Security Acquisition or an acquisition, redemption or cancellation by the Company of Voting Shares. The definitions of a "Permitted Bid Acquisition", "Exempt Acquisition", "Pro-Rata Acquisition" and "Convertible Security Acquisition" are set out in the Rights Plan. However, in general:
a. a "Permitted Bid Acquisition" means an acquisition of Voting Shares made pursuant to a Permitted Bid or a Competing Permitted Bid;
b. an "Exempt Acquisition" means an acquisition of Voting Shares or convertible securities: (i) in respect of which the Board has waived the application of the Rights Plan; or (ii) made as an intermediate step in a series of related transactions in connection with an acquisition by the Company or its subsidiaries of a person or assets, provided that the person who acquires such Voting Shares distributes or is deemed to distribute such Voting Shares to its securityholders within 10 business days of the completion of such acquisition, and following such distribution no Person has become the Beneficial Owner of 20% or more of the Company's then outstanding Voting Shares;
c. a "Convertible Security Acquisition" means an acquisition of Voting Shares upon the exercise of convertible securities received by a Person pursuant to a Permitted Bid Acquisition, an Exempt Acquisition or a Pro-Rata Acquisition; and
d. a "Pro-Rata Acquisition" means an acquisition by a person of Voting Shares or convertible securities: (i) as a result of a stock dividend, a stock split or other event pursuant to which such person receives or acquires Voting Shares or convertible securities on the same pro-rata basis as all other holders of securities of the particular class, classes or series; (ii) pursuant to a regular dividend reinvestment plan or other plan made available by the Company to holders of all of its Voting Shares where such plan permits the holder to direct that the dividends paid in respect of such Voting Shares be applied to the purchase from the Company of further securities of the Company; (iii) pursuant to the receipt and/or exercise by the person of rights (other than the Rights) issued by the Company on a pro-rata basis to all of the holders of a class or series of Voting Shares to subscribe for or purchase Voting Shares or convertible securities, provided that such rights are acquired directly from the Company and not from any other person, and provided that the person does not thereby Beneficially Own a greater percentage of the Voting Shares than the percentage of Voting Shares Beneficially Owned by such person immediately prior to such acquisition; or (iv) pursuant to a distribution by the Company of Voting Shares, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Voting Shares (and the conversion or exchange of such convertible or exchangeable securities) made pursuant to a prospectus or by way of private placement by the Company provided that such person does not thereby Beneficially Own a greater percentage of Voting Shares so offered than the percentage of Voting Shares Beneficially Owned by such person immediately prior to such acquisition.
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Additionally, the Rights Plan provides that a person (a "Grandfathered Person") who is the Beneficial Owner of 20% or more of the outstanding Voting Shares as at November 10, 2015 shall not be an Acquiring Person. This exception shall not, and shall cease to, apply if after the November 10, 2015 the Grandfathered Person: (i) ceases to own 20% or more of the outstanding Voting Shares; or (ii) becomes the Beneficial Owner of more than 1% of the number of outstanding Voting Shares then outstanding in addition to those Voting Shares such Person already holds (other than pursuant to one or more or any combination of a Permitted Bid Acquisition, an Exempt Acquisition, a Pro-Rata Acquisition, a Convertible Security Acquisition or an acquisition, redemption or cancellation by the Company of Voting Shares). The Company is not aware of any person who owned 20% or more of the Voting Shares as at November 10, 2015.
Redemption and Waiver
At any time prior to the occurrence of a Flip-in Event, the Board may redeem the Rights at a redemption price of $0.00001 per Right with the prior approval of the holders of Voting Shares or Rights. The Board will be deemed to have elected to redeem the Rights if a person, who has made a Permitted Bid, a Competing Permitted Bid or a take-over bid in respect of which the Separation Time has occurred and in respect of which the Board has waived the application of the Rights Plan, takes up and pays for Voting Shares pursuant to the terms and conditions of such Permitted Bid, Competing Permitted Bid or take-over bid.
At any time prior to the occurrence of a Flip-in Event and with the prior approval of the holders of Voting Shares or Rights, the Board may waive the flip-in provisions where a Flip-in Event would occur by reason of an acquisition of Voting Shares otherwise than pursuant to a take-over bid made by means of a take-over bid circular to all holders of record of Voting Shares.
If the provisions of the Rights Plan that apply upon the occurrence of a Flip-in Event are waived in respect of a take- over bid made by means of a take-over bid circular to all holders of record of Voting Shares, then the provisions of the Rights Plan that apply upon the occurrence of a Flip-in Event will also be deemed to be waived in respect of any other Flip-in Event occurring by reason of any take-over bid made by any other offeror by means of a take-over bid circular to all holders of record of Voting Shares prior to the expiry of any take-over bid in respect of which a waiver is, or is deemed to have been, granted.
In addition, the operation of the Rights Plan may be waived where a person has inadvertently become an Acquiring Person and has reduced its Beneficial Ownership of Voting Shares such that it is no longer an Acquiring Person.
Amendment of the Rights Plan
Shareholder approval is required for amendments to the Rights Plan other than those required to correct clerical or typographical errors or to maintain the validity of the Rights Plan as a result of a change of law.
Shareholder Approval
At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to consider and, if deemed advisable, approve the following ordinary resolution to approve the Rights Plan:
"BE IT RESOLVED AS AN ORDINARY RESOLUTION OF THE SHAREHOLDERS OF SUNOPTA INC. (the "Company") THAT:
1. the amended and restated shareholder rights agreement dated April 18, 2016 between the Company and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (formerly, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC), as rights agent is hereby reconfirmed; and
2. any director or officer of the Company is hereby authorized to take all such steps, actions and proceedings and to sign, execute and deliver all such documents that such director or officer may, in his or her discretion, determine to be necessary or desirable in order to give full force and effect to the intent and purpose of this resolution."
Recommendation of the Board of Directors; Vote Required
The Board of Directors of the Company believes that the reconfirmation of the Rights Plan is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and, accordingly, recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the reconfirmation of the Rights Plan.
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The Board believes that a rights plan is necessary to protect shareholders from creeping bids that could result in unequal treatment of shareholders under Canadian securities laws as described above under the heading "Purpose of the Rights Plan".
This proposal will be approved if a quorum is present at the Meeting and the votes cast in favor of this resolution constitute a majority of total number of votes cast on this resolution, without giving effect to votes cast: (i) by Oaktree and its affiliates; (ii) by any shareholder that, directly or indirectly, on its own or in concert with others, holds or exercises control over more than twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Voting Shares, if any; and (iii) by the associates, affiliates and insiders of shareholders referred to in (ii) above. Brokers and other nominees will not have discretionary authority to vote your shares if you hold your shares in street name and do not provide instructions as to how your shares should be voted on this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists at the Meeting, but will have no effect on the results of the vote. The votes of Oaktree and its affiliates are excluded as indicated in (i) and (ii) above pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement and the Voting Trust Agreement entered into in connection with their subscription for Series B-1 Preferred Stock.
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PROPOSAL FIVE - APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN TO ELIMINATE THE PLAN TERMINATION DATE
We are asking shareholders to approve the amendment and restatement (together, the "Amendment") of the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"). On March 28, 2025, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board approved the Amendment of the ESPP in order to eliminate the ESPP's termination date, subject to shareholder approval at the Meeting. The Board has assessed the ESPP and has concluded that it is an effective tool to encourage eligible employees to invest in ownership in the Company and thus recommends its continuance.
If this proposal is approved by our shareholders, then the Amendment to the ESPP will become effective upon its approval by the Company's shareholders, and the ESPP thereafter will continue indefinitely for as long as there are shares available, unless terminated earlier by the Board. The ESPP's share reserve is already sufficient for current expected usage and there is no request to increase the ESPP's share reserve at this time. If the Amendment is not approved by our shareholders, then the ESPP will terminate in accordance with its terms on June 30, 2025.
In connection with the Amendment, the Company is relying on an exemption from certain requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange relating to security-based compensation arrangements as it qualifies as an “Eligible Interlisted Issuer” as defined in Section 602.1 of the TSX Company Manual.
Material Terms of the ESPP
The principal features of the ESPP, as reflected in the Amendment, are summarized below. The following summary does not purport to be a complete description of all of the provisions of the ESPP and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the ESPP, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit A.
Purpose
The purpose of the ESPP is to provide employees of the Company and its designated subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common Shares.
Effective Date; Duration of the Plan
The ESPP was originally adopted by the Board effective May 7, 2003. The Amendment of the ESPP, as adopted by the Board on March 28, 2025, will become effective upon its approval by the Company's shareholders, and thereafter will continue indefinitely for as long as there are shares available, unless terminated earlier by the Board.
Plan Administration
The ESPP is administered by the Board. The Board has the authority to, among other things, adopt, amend and rescind any rules deemed desirable and appropriate for the administration of the ESPP and not inconsistent with the ESPP, to construe and interpret the ESPP, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the ESPP.
Eligibility
Any person who has been continuously employed as an employee for 30 days and works at least 20 hours per week (each an "Employee") is eligible to participate, subject to the requirements and limitations of the ESPP. No Employee may be granted an option under the ESPP (i) if, immediately after the grant, such Employee (or any other person whose Common Shares would be attributed to such Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) would own Common Shares and/or hold outstanding options to purchase Common Shares possessing five percent or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of shares of the Company or of any subsidiary of the Company, or (ii) which permits his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans (described in Section 423 of the Code) of the Company and its subsidiaries to accrue at a rate which exceeds USD $25,000 or the Canadian equivalent based on the exchange rate on the previous December 31 (determined at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time. As of March 27, 2025, approximately 1,200 Employees were eligible to participate in the ESPP.
Shares Reserved for Issuance
A total of 3,000,000 Common Shares have been reserved for the grant of options under the ESPP, subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company. As of December 28, 2024, 2,658,628 shares have been sold under the ESPP since its inception and 341,372 shares remain available for future issuance. This proposal does not increase the number of shares that may be delivered under the ESPP.
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Offering Periods
The ESPP is implemented by a series of "Offering Periods", namely the period of either 12 or 14 weeks commencing on March 1st, June 1st, September 1st and December 1st of each year (or at such other time or times as may be determined by the Board). Each participant may elect to have payroll deductions made on each payroll during the Offering Period in an amount not less than 1% and not more than 10% of such participant's compensation on each such payroll.
Shares Purchased; Exercise Price
On the last business day of each Offering Period (the "Exercise Date"), each eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period is granted the option to purchase a number of shares of the Common Shares determined by dividing such Employee's contributions accumulated prior to the Exercise Date by the applicable Exercise Price. "Exercise Price" means, with respect to an Offering Period, an amount equal to the average of the closing price of the Common Shares for the period of five consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of such Offering Period multiplied by 100%, minus 15%. Unless a participant withdraws from the ESPP, his or her option for the purchase of Common Shares will be exercised automatically on the last business day of the Offering Period, and the maximum number of full Common Shares subject to the option will be purchased for him or her at the applicable Exercise Price with the accumulated contributions in his or her account.
Withdrawals
A participant may withdraw all but not less than all the contributions credited to his or her account under the ESPP at any time prior to the Exercise Date of the Offering Period by giving written notice to the Company or its designee. All of the participant's contributions credited to his or her account will be paid to him or her promptly after receipt of his or her notice of withdrawal and his or her option for the current period will be automatically terminated, and no further contributions for the purchase of Common Shares will be made during the Offering Period. A participant's withdrawal from an Offering Period will not have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in a succeeding Offering Period or in any similar plan which may be adopted by the Company.
Termination of Employment
Upon termination of the participant's employment for any reason, including retirement or death, the contributions credited to his or her account will be returned to him or her or, in the case of his or her death, to the person or persons entitled thereto and his or her option will be automatically terminated.
Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization
Subject to any required action by the shareholders of the Company, the number of Common Shares covered by unexercised options under the Plan and the number of Common Shares which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but are not yet subject to options (collectively, the "Reserves"), as well as the price per share of Common Shares covered by each unexercised option under the Plan, will be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued Common Shares resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Shares, or any other increase or decrease in the number of Common Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Company. Such adjustment will be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. The Board may, if it so determines in the exercise of its sole discretion, also make provision for adjusting the Reserves, as well as the price per Common Share covered by each outstanding option, in the event that the Company effects one or more reorganizations, recapitalizations, rights offerings or other increases or reductions of shares of its outstanding Common Shares, and in the event of the Company being consolidated with or merged into any other company.
Transferability
During a participant's lifetime, a participant's option to purchase Common Shares is exercisable only by him or her. Neither contributions credited to a participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive Common Shares under the ESPP may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or as a designated beneficiary provided herein) by the participant.
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Amendment or Termination of the Plan
The Board may at any time terminate or amend the ESPP. However, subject to certain specified exceptions, no such termination or amendment may adversely affect the rights of any participant. In addition, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 423 of the Code (or any successor rule or provision or any applicable law or regulation), the Company will obtain shareholder approval in such a manner and to such a degree as so required. Without shareholder consent and without regard to whether any participant rights may be considered to have been adversely affected, the Board is entitled to change the Offering Periods, change the discount factor between 0% and 15%, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than Canadian or United States dollars, permit payroll withholding in excess of the amount designated by a participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company's processing of properly completed withholding elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Shares for each participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the participant's compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Board determines in its sole discretion advisable that are consistent with the ESPP.
Certain Tax Consequences
United States Income Tax Consequences
The Purchase Plan is intended to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code and, as a result, participants will be afforded favorable tax treatment under Sections 421 and 423 of the Code. A participant in an offering under the ESPP will not recognize income subject to federal income tax at the commencement of an offering period or at the time shares are purchased. No federal income tax consequences result to the Company at the commencement of an offering period under the ESPP, upon the subsequent purchases of Common Shares by participants, or upon the disposition of shares acquired under the ESPP other than with respect to a disqualifying disposition (as described below). If no disposition of the Common Shares purchased in an offering period is made within two years from the grant date (as determined under ESPP tax rules) or within one year from the date the Common Shares are transferred to the employee, then upon subsequent disposition of the shares, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the lesser of (i) the gain recognized or (ii) 15% of the fair market value of the Common Shares on such commencement date (assuming the discount factor in effect for the offering was 15%, as under current Company policy). Any additional gain will be capital gain, and any loss recognized will be capital loss.
If the Common Shares are disposed of either within two years after the option is granted or within one year after the participant receives the shares (a "disqualifying disposition"), the participant will recognize ordinary income at the time of such disposition in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the common stock at the time such shares were purchased and the purchase price of the Common Shares, and the Company will generally be entitled to a corresponding income tax deduction. Any difference between such fair market value and the disposition price will be treated as capital gain or loss to the participant and will not be deductible by the Company.
Canadian Tax Consequences
Section 7 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Act") governs the tax consequences of the issuance of securities to employees such as a grant under the ESPP. In general, the granting of an option by the Company to a participant to purchase Common Shares is not a taxable event. Upon subsequent exercise of that option by the participant, the participant will be deemed at that time to have received a taxable benefit equal to the amount by which the fair market value of the Common Shares at the time of their issue exceeds the amount paid by the participant to exercise the option.
Statutory source withholdings will apply to the quantum of the benefit and the Company may be required to reduce the number of Common Shares issued or withhold from other cash remuneration in order to meet the Company's statutory withholding obligations under the Act. In certain circumstances, the participant may be entitled to deduct 50% of the taxable benefit arising on the acquisition of Common Shares under the ESPP in computing the participant's Canadian income tax obligations for the year of exercise.
A subsequent disposition of Common Shares, in general, would be expected to result in a capital gain (loss) to the extent that the sale price exceeds (is less than) the participant's "adjusted cost base" of the Common Shares for purposes of the Act. Generally, the participant's adjusted cost base of any Common Shares would be equal to the fair market value of such Common Shares when issued under the ESPP.
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Plan Benefits
It is not possible to determine the benefits that U.S. and Canadian employees will receive under the ESPP because the number of shares and exercise prices for the options granted under the ESPP depend on employees' elections to participate as well as fluctuating market prices and cannot be determined until the end of each Offering Period.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors; Vote Required
The Board of Directors of the Company recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the approval of the amendment to the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan to eliminate the plan termination date.
This proposal will be approved if a quorum is present at the Meeting and the votes cast in favor of this proposal constitute a majority of the total votes cast on this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists at the Meeting but will have no effect on the results of the vote. Brokers and other nominees will not have discretionary authority to vote your shares if you hold your shares in street name and do not provide instructions as to how your shares should be voted on this proposal.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH INSIDERS AND RELATED PERSONS
The Audit Committee reviews any material transactions in which we are or will be a participant and in which any of our 5% shareholders, directors or executive officers, or any of their immediate family members, has a direct or an indirect material interest. After its review, the Audit Committee will only approve or ratify those transactions that the Audit Committee determines are in, or are not inconsistent with, our best interests and the Audit Committee, in its sole discretion, may impose such conditions as it deems appropriate on us or the related person in connection with approval of the transaction.
No informed person (as such term is defined in National Instrument 51-102 of the CSA), any proposed director of the Company or any associate or affiliate of the foregoing or any related person (as such term is defined in Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K) has or will have any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed fiscal year or in any currently proposed transaction in which the Company was or is to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000 or which otherwise has materially affected or would materially affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following information describes the background and business experience of our executive officers as of March 27, 2025:
Brian Kocher (Age 55) serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Prior to his appointment on January 2, 2024 as the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kocher served as President, Chief Executive Officer of Calavo Growers Inc., a global avocado-industry leader and provider of convenient, ready-to-eat fresh food, from January 2022 to February 2023. Before joining Calavo, Mr. Kocher was President and Chief Executive Officer of Castellini Group of Companies, a nationwide produce distribution and supply chain services organization, from May 2015 to January 2022. Prior to Castellini, Mr. Kocher spent ten years at Chiquita Brands International, Inc., in various senior management roles, including as Interim Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, President of Europe, President of North America, and Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. In the past five years, Mr. Kocher has served on the following reporting issuer's Board of Directors: Calavo Growers Inc.
Greg Gaba (Age 43) serves as Chief Financial Officer overseeing all aspects of the Company's finance function including financial planning and analysis, accounting, financial reporting, tax and treasury. Prior to his appointment as Chief Financial Officer of the Company in October 2023, Mr. Gaba held the positions of Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Corporate Finance since joining the Company in April 2017. Prior to working at the Company, Mr. Gaba worked for seven years in various finance roles at SMTC Corporation, a mid-size provider of end-to-end electronic manufacturing services, and for six years as an external auditor at Ernst & Young LLP. In the past five years, Mr. Gaba has not served on any reporting issuer's Board of Directors.
Jill Barnett (Age 51) serves as Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and is responsible for the legal affairs of the Company as well as human resources, sustainability, and communications. Prior to her appointment as Chief Administrative Officer in September 2019, Ms. Barnett's position was General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since joining the Company in July 2014. Before joining the Company, Ms. Barnett spent 12 years as in-house counsel for Best Buy Co., Inc. holding various positions and providing legal support to numerous areas of the business, including Best Buy's global sourcing and exclusive brands business. In the past five years, Ms. Barnett has not served on any reporting issuer's Board of Directors.
Bryan Clark (Age 52) has served as Senior Vice President, Research & Development and Quality Assurance overseeing innovation, product development, food safety and quality since June 2022. Previously, he served as Vice President, R&D for Plant-Based Foods and Beverages. Before joining the Company in 2017, Mr. Clark spent more than 17 years working with General Mills, holding various positions within the Innovation, Technology and Quality organizations. In the past five years, Mr. Clark has not served on any reporting issuer's Board of Directors.
Rob Duchscher (Age 64) serves as Chief Information Officer and also oversees the Company's customer service and payroll functions. Prior to starting with the Company in March 2017, Mr. Duchscher served as Chief Information Officer at Starkey Hearing Technologies from January 2010 through February 2017, where he led the transformation of both the information technology and software engineering departments. Mr. Duchscher initially started at Starkey Hearing Technologies in April 2002 as Vice-President of Software Engineering and R&D PMO. In the past five years, Mr. Duchscher has not served on any reporting issuer's Board of Directors.
Justin Kobler (Age 44) serves as Senior Vice President of Supply Chain overseeing the Company's supply chain, operations, procurement and project management functions. Prior to joining the Company in February 2024, Mr. Kobler was Senior Vice President of Operations for Cacique Foods, LLC from February 2019 through February 2024 and Vice President of Operations at Land O' Frost from June 2016 to February 2019. Prior to June 2016, Mr. Kobler held various plant management roles with Hillshire Brands and Kraft Foods Group. In the past five years, Mr. Kobler has not served on any reporting issuer's Board of Directors.
Lauren McNamara (Age 42) has served as Senior Vice President of Business Management since her appointment in December 2023. Previously, Ms. McNamara was Vice President and Assistant General Manager for Plant-Based Foods and Beverages since March 2020. Ms. McNamara initially started with the Company as a director of Brand Marketing in March 2017. Prior to joining the Company, she worked at Flagstone Foods and General Mills as a brand marketer. In the past five years, Ms. McNamara has not served on any reporting issuer's Board of Directors.
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INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
Except insofar as they may be shareholders of the Company or as otherwise disclosed in this Proxy Statement, no person who has been a director or executive officer of the Company at any time since the beginning of its last completed fiscal year, any proposed nominee for election as a director of the Company or any associate or affiliate of such persons has any substantial interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Meeting.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2026 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS;
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
The Company's shareholders may submit proposals on matters appropriate for shareholder action at meetings of shareholders in accordance with Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act and Section 137 of the CBCA. For such proposals to be included in the Company's proxy materials relating to its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, all applicable requirements of Rule 14a-8 and the CBCA must be satisfied. Under the CBCA, such proposals must be submitted to the Company no earlier than December 23, 2025 and no later than February 21, 2026. Such proposals should be delivered to SunOpta Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 7078 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344.
Shareholders may recommend a person as a nominee for director by writing to the Secretary of the Company and providing the information required pursuant to the Advance Notice By-Law. In addition, the notice of nomination must contain the information required by, and otherwise comply with, Rule 14a-19(b) of the Exchange Act, if applicable. Under SEC rules, notice of a nomination for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders submitted outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 and Section 137 of the CBCA must be received by the Corporate Secretary of the Company at our principal executive offices at least 30 days prior to the date fixed by the Company for its next Annual Meeting of shareholders as required by the Advance Notice By-Law (unless such meeting is convened on less than 50 days' notice, in which case notice of any such nomination must be provided not later than the 10th day following public notice of the meeting date). The proxy solicited by the Board for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will confer discretionary authority to vote on any proposal or nomination submitted by a shareholder at that meeting with respect to which the Company has received notice after such date.
Shareholders may communicate with the Board. Communications should be in writing and marked to the attention of the Board of Directors or any of its individual committees, or the Chair of the Board. Any such communications should be delivered to the Company at its U.S. executive offices located at 7078 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
Proxies solicited in connection with this Proxy Statement are being solicited by the Board. Proxies may be solicited by officers, directors and regular employees of the Company. None of the officers, directors or employees will be directly compensated for such services. Solicitations of proxies may be made personally or by mail, facsimile, telephone, messenger, or e-mail. The Company will bear all proxy solicitation costs, including the costs of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement, the accompanying proxy card, the Notice and any additional solicitation material that the Company may provide to shareholders.
We will request fiduciaries, custodians, brokerage houses and similar parties to forward copies of proxy materials to beneficial owners of the Common Shares, and we will reimburse these parties for their reasonable and customary charges for expenses of distribution.
FORM 10-K AND OTHER INFORMATION
The Company will mail without charge, upon written request, a copy of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, including the consolidated financial statements, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A"), schedules and list of exhibits, and any particular exhibit specifically requested. Requests should be sent to: SunOpta Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 7078 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344. The Annual Report on Form 10-K and additional information relating to the Company is also available at www.sunopta.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Financial information is provided in the Company's comparative financial statements and MD&A for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.
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OTHER MATTERS
The Board knows of no other matters to be presented for shareholder action at the Meeting. However, if other matters do properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof, the Board intends that the persons named in the proxies will vote upon such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
This Proxy Statement may include "forward-looking statements" (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements are based on our current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. The forward-looking statements may include statements regarding actions to be taken by us. We do not undertake any obligation to update our forward-looking statements after the date of this report for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect our business, particularly those mentioned in the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 and in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.
Dated this 11th of April 2025.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Brian Kocher
Brian Kocher
Chief Executive Officer
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EXHIBIT A
SUNOPTA INC.
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Revised July 2017
(as further revised March 28, 2025, subject to shareholder approval
at the 2025 Annual and Special Meeting)
The Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") was approved by the Board of Directors (the "Board") of SunOpta Inc. (the "Company") on May 7, 2003 and by shareholders on June 18, 2003, at which time 1,000,000 common shares, without par value, in the capital of the Company ("Common Stock") were reserved for the grant of options under the Plan. The addition of 2,000,000 common shares was approved by the Board of Directors on March 5, 2009 revising the plan to 3,000,000 common shares and by shareholders on May 14, 2009. The Plan was subsequently amended on March 5, 2013 in order to better align the Plan with actual or proposed practices and to streamline and simplify the administration of the Plan. The Plan was subsequently amended November 10, 2015 to change the eligibility period from six to three months and again on July 25, 2017 to reduce the eligibility period to thirty days.
1. Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to provide Employees of the Company and its Designated Subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock of the Company. It is the intention of the Company to have the Plan qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase Plan" under Section 423 of the Code. The provisions of the Plan shall, accordingly, be construed so as to extend and limit participation in a manner consistent with the requirements of that section of the Code.
2. Definitions.
(a) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company, or a committee of the Board of Directors designated by the Board to administer the Plan.
(b) "Code" shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(c) "Common Stock" shall mean common shares without par value of the Company.
(d) "Company" shall mean SunOpta Inc.
(e) "Compensation" shall mean all base compensation that is taxable income for federal income tax purposes, including payments for overtime, shift premium, commissions and other compensation received from the Company or a Designated Subsidiary, but specifically excluding short term incentive payments or bonuses, relocation expense reimbursements, tuition or other reimbursements and income realized as a result of participation in any stock option, stock purchase or similar plan of the Company or a Designated Subsidiary.
(f) "Continuous Status as an Employee" shall mean the absence of any interruption or termination of service as an Employee. Continuous Status as an Employee shall not be considered interrupted in the case of a leave of absence agreed to in writing by the Company, provided that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days or reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute.
(g) "Contributions" shall mean all amounts credited to the account of a participant pursuant to the Plan.
(h) "Discount Factor" shall mean between 0% to 15% as determined by the Board (as defined in paragraph 18(b)) provided that such change is announced at least 15 days prior to the scheduled beginning of an Offering Period.
(i) "Designated Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries which have been designated by the Board from time to time in its sole discretion as eligible to participate in the Plan.
(j) "Employee" shall mean any person who is customarily employed with the Company, or one of its Designated Subsidiaries for thirty days and work at least 20 hours per week.
(k) "Exercise Date" shall mean the last business day of each Offering Period of the Plan.
(l) "Exercise Price" shall mean with respect to an Offering Period, an amount equal to the average of the closing price of the Common Stock (determined in accordance with paragraph 7(b)) for the period of five consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of such Offering Period multiplied by 100% minus the Discount Factor.
(m) "National Securities Exchange" shall mean the NASDAQ National Market for all participants, unless changed by the Board.
(n) "Offering Period" shall mean a period of either twelve or fourteen weeks commencing on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year (or at such other time or times as may be determined by the Board of Directors).
(o) "Plan" shall mean this Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
(p) "Subsidiary" shall mean an entity, domestic or foreign, of which not less than 50% of the voting shares are held by the Company or a Subsidiary, whether or not such entity now exists or is hereafter organized or acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary.
3. Eligibility.
(a) Any person who has been continuously employed as an Employee for thirty days shall be eligible to participate in the current Offering Period under the Plan, subject to the requirements of paragraph 5(a) and the limitations imposed by Section 423(b) of the Code.
(b) Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, no Employee shall be granted an option under the Plan (i) if, immediately after the grant, such Employee (or any other person whose Common Stock would be attributed to such Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) would own Common Stock and/or hold outstanding options to purchase Common Stock possessing five percent or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company, or (ii) which permits his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans (described in Section 423 of the Code) of the Company and its Subsidiaries to accrue at a rate which exceeds USD $25,000 or the Canadian equivalent based on the exchange rate on the previous December 31 (determined at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time. Any option granted under the Plan shall be deemed to be modified to the extent necessary to satisfy this paragraph 3(b).
4. Offering Periods. The Plan shall be implemented by a series of Offering Periods, with a new Offering Period commencing on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year (or at such other time or times as may be determined by the Board of Directors). The Plan shall continue until terminated in accordance with paragraph 19 hereof. The Board of Directors shall have the power to change the duration and/or the frequency of Offering Periods with respect to future offerings without stockholder approval if such change is announced at least 15 days prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be affected.
5. Participation.
(a) An eligible Employee may become a participant in the Plan by completing an Enrollment Form provided by the Company and filing it with the Company or its designee. The enrollment form and its submission may be electronic as directed by the Company. The enrollment form shall set forth the percentage of the participant's Compensation (which shall be not less than 1% and not more than 10%) to be paid as Contributions pursuant to the Plan.
(b) Payroll deductions shall commence with the next payroll period following the date of submission of a completed Enrollment Form, if the Enrollment Form is completed at least ten days prior to such date, and, if not, as of the beginning of the next succeeding payroll period, and shall end on the last payroll paid on or prior to the Exercise Date of the Offering Period to which the Enrollment Form is applicable, unless sooner terminated as provided in paragraph 10.
6. Method of Payment of Contributions.
(a) Each participant shall elect to have payroll deductions made on each payroll during the Offering Period in an amount not less than 1% and not more than 10% of such participant's Compensation on each such payroll. All payroll deductions made by a participant shall be credited to his or her account under the Plan. A participant may not make any additional payments into such account.
(b) A participant may discontinue his or her participation in the Plan as provided in paragraph 10, or, on one occasion only during the Offering Period, may decrease, but may not increase, the rate of his or her Contributions during the Offering Period by completing and filing with the Company a new Enrollment Form authorizing a change in the deduction rate. The change in rate shall be effective as of the beginning of the next payroll period following the date of filing of the new Enrollment Form, if the Enrollment Form is completed at least ten days prior to such date, and, if not, as of the beginning of the next succeeding payroll period.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and paragraph 3(b), a participant's payroll deductions may be decreased to zero at such time and for so long as the aggregate of all payroll deductions accumulated with respect to the current Offering Period and any other Offering Period ending within the current calendar year equals USD $25,000 or the Canadian equivalent based on the exchange rate on the previous December 31.
7. Grant of Option.
(a) On the Exercise Date of each Offering Period, each eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period shall be granted the option to purchase on the Exercise Date of such Offering Period a number of shares of the Common Stock determined by dividing such Employee's Contributions accumulated prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the participant's account as of the Exercise Date by the applicable Exercise Price; provided however, that such Exercise Price shall be subject to the limitations set forth in paragraphs 3(b) and 12. The fair market value of a share of the Common Stock shall be determined as provided in paragraph 7(b).
(b) The Exercise Price shall be determined by the Board based on (i) if the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on a National Securities Exchange, the closing or last sale price of the Common Stock for such date (or, in the event that the Common Stock is not traded on such date, on the immediately preceding trading date) on the composite tape or other comparable reporting system for such National Securities Exchange; (ii) if the Common Stock is not listed on or quoted for trading on a National Securities Exchange but is listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the closing or last sale price of the Common Stock for such date (or, in the event that the Common Stock is not traded on such date, on the immediately preceding trading date) on the composite tape or other comparable reporting system for such exchange or market; or (iii) if the Common Stock is not listed on a National Securities Exchange or the Toronto Stock Exchange but trades in the over-the-counter market, the mean between the bid and asked prices per share of the Common Stock at the close of trading in the over-the-counter market.
8. Exercise of Option. Unless a participant withdraws from the Plan as provided in paragraph 10, his or her option for the purchase of Common Stock will be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date of the Offering Period, and the maximum number of full shares of Common Stock subject to the option will be purchased for him or her at the applicable Exercise Price with the accumulated Contributions in his or her account. If a fractional number of shares results, then such number shall be rounded down to the next whole number and any unapplied cash shall be carried forward to the next Exercise Date, unless the participant requests a cash payment. The Common Stock purchased upon exercise of an option hereunder shall be deemed to be transferred to the participant on the Exercise Date. During a participant's lifetime, a participant's option to purchase Common Stock hereunder is exercisable only by him or her.
9. Delivery. Upon the written request of a participant, certificates representing the Common Stock purchased upon exercise of an option will be issued as promptly as practicable after the Exercise Date of each Offering Period to participants who wish to hold their shares in certificate form. Any cash remaining in a participant's account under the Plan after a purchase by him or her of Common Stock at the termination of each Offering Period shall be carried forward to the next Exercise Date unless the participant requests a cash payment.
10. Withdrawal from Plan; Termination of Employment.
(a) A participant may withdraw all but not less than all the Contributions credited to his or her account under the Plan by giving written notice to the Company or its designee at least ten days prior to the Exercise Date of the Offering Period. All of the participant's Contributions credited to his or her account will be paid to him or her promptly after receipt of his or her notice of withdrawal and his or her option for the current period will be automatically terminated, and no further Contributions for the purchase of Common Stock will be made during the Offering Period. A participant's withdrawal from an Offering Period will not have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in a succeeding Offering Period or in any similar plan which may hereafter be adopted by the Company.
(b) Upon termination of the participant's Continuous Status as an Employee prior to the Exercise Date of the Offering Period for any reason, including retirement or death, the Contributions credited to his or her account will be returned to him or her or, in the case of his or her death, to the person or persons entitled thereto under paragraph 14, and his or her option will be automatically terminated.
(c) In the event an Employee fails to remain in Continuous Status as an Employee for at least 20 hours per week during the Offering Period in which the Employee is a participant, he or she will be deemed to have elected to withdraw from the Plan and the Contributions credited to his or her account will be returned to him or her and his or her option terminated.
11. Interest. No interest shall accrue on the Contributions of a participant in the Plan.
12. Stock.
(a) The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which shall be made available for sale under the Plan shall be 3,000,000 shares, subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in paragraph 18. If the total amount of Common Stock which would otherwise be subject to options granted pursuant to paragraph 7(a) on the Exercise Date of an Offering Period exceeds the amount of Common Stock then available under the Plan (after deduction of all shares for which options have been exercised or are then outstanding), the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the Common Stock remaining available for option grants in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine to be equitable. Any amounts remaining in an Employee's account not applied to the purchase of Common Stock pursuant to this paragraph 12 shall be refunded on or promptly after the Exercise Date. In such event, the Company shall give written notice of such reduction of the amount of Common Stock subject to the option to each Employee affected thereby and shall similarly reduce the rate of Contributions, if necessary.
(b) The participant will have no interest or voting right in Common Stock covered by his or her option until such option has been exercised.
13. Administration. The Board shall supervise and administer the Plan and shall have full power to adopt, amend and rescind any rules deemed desirable and appropriate for the administration of the Plan and not inconsistent with the Plan, to construe and interpret the Plan, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
14. Designation of Beneficiary.
(a) A participant may designate a beneficiary who is to receive any Common Stock and cash, if any, from the participant's account under the Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to the end of the Offering Period but prior to delivery to him or her of such Common Stock and cash. In addition, a participant may designate a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the participant's account under the Plan in the event of such participant's death prior to the Exercise Date of the Offering Period. If a participant is married and the designated beneficiary is not the spouse, spousal consent shall be required for such designation to be effective. Beneficiary designations shall be made either in writing or by electronic delivery as directed by the Company.
(b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the participant (and his or her spouse, if any) at any time by submission of the required notice, which may be electronic. In the event of the death of a participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the Plan who is living at the time of such participant's death, the Company shall deliver such Common Stock and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the participant, or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such Common Stock and/or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate.
15. Transferability. Neither Contributions credited to a participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive Common Stock under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or as provided in paragraph 14) by the participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw funds in accordance with paragraph 10.
16. Reports. Individual accounts will be maintained for each participant in the Plan. Statements of account will be given to participating Employees promptly following the Exercise Date, which statements will set forth the amounts of Contributions, the per share purchase price, the number of shares purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.
17. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by unexercised options under the Plan and the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but are not yet subject to options (collectively, the "Reserves"), as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each unexercised option under the Plan, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issue by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an option.
In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, an Offering Period then in progress will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action, unless otherwise provided by the Board. In the event of a proposed sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the merger, consolidation or other capital reorganization of the Company with or into another the Company, each option outstanding under the Plan shall be assumed or an equivalent option shall be substituted by such successor company or a parent or subsidiary of such successor company, unless the Board determines, in the exercise of its sole discretion and in lieu of such assumption or substitution, to shorten the Offering Period then in progress by setting a new Exercise Date (the "New Exercise Date"). If the Board shortens the Offering Period then in progress in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Board shall notify each participant in writing, at least ten days prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for his or her option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that his or her option will be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date he or she has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in paragraph 10. For purposes of this paragraph, an option granted under the Plan shall be deemed to be assumed if, following the sale of assets, merger or other reorganization, the option confers the right to purchase, for each share of Common Stock subject to the option immediately prior to the sale of assets, merger or other reorganization, the consideration (whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the sale of assets, merger or other reorganization by holders of Common Stock for each share of Common Stock held on the effective date of such transaction (and if such holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock); provided, however, that if such consideration received in such transaction was not solely common stock of the successor the Company or its parent (as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code), the Board may, with the consent of the successor the Company, provide for the consideration to be received upon exercise of the option to be solely common stock of the successor the Company or its parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the sale of assets, merger or other reorganization.
The Board may, if it so determines in the exercise of its sole discretion, also make provision for adjusting the reserves, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each outstanding option, in the event that the Company effects one or more reorganizations, recapitalizations, rights offerings or other increases or reductions of shares of its outstanding Common Stock, and in the event of the Company being consolidated with or merged into any other the Company.
18. Amendment or Termination.
(a) The Board may at any time terminate or amend the Plan. Except as provided in paragraph 18, no such termination may affect options previously granted, nor may an amendment make any change in any option theretofore granted which adversely affects the rights of any participant provided that an Offering Period may be terminated by the Board on an Exercise Date or by the Board's setting a new Exercise Date with respect to an Offering Period then in progress if the Board determines that termination of the Offering Period is in the best interests of the Company and the stockholders or if continuation of the Offering Period would cause the Company to incur adverse accounting charges in the generally-accepted accounting rules applicable to the Plan. In addition, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 423 of the Code (or any successor rule or provision or any applicable law or regulation), the Company shall obtain stockholder approval in such a manner and to such a degree as so required.
(b) Without stockholder consent and without regard to whether any participant rights may be considered to have been adversely affected, the Board shall be entitled to change the Offering Periods, change the Discount Factor between 0 and 15%, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than Canadian or United States dollars, permit payroll withholding in excess of the amount designated by a participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company's processing of properly completed withholding elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the participant's Compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Board determines in its sole discretion advisable that are consistent with the Plan.
19. Notices. All notices or other communications by a participant to the Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.
20. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares of Common Stock shall not be issued with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of such shares of Common Stock pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the shares of Common Stock may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may require the person exercising such option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the shares of Common Stock are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the aforementioned applicable provisions of law.
21. Right to Terminate Employment. Nothing in the Plan or in any agreement entered into pursuant to the Plan shall confer upon any Employee or other optionee the right to continue in the employment of the Company or any Subsidiary, or affect any right which the Company or any Subsidiary may have to terminate the employment of such Employee or other optionee.
22. Rights as a Stockholder. Neither the granting of an option nor a deduction from payroll shall constitute an Employee the owner of shares covered by an option. No optionee shall have any right as a stockholder unless and until an option has been exercised, and the shares of Common Stock underlying the option have been registered in the Company's share register.
23. Term of Plan. The Plan became effective upon its adoption by the Board in May 2003 as revised on various dates as stated hereinMarch 5, 2009 and on March 5, 2013 and shall continue in effect until June 30, 2025 unless sooner terminated under paragraph 1918.
24. Applicable Law. This Plan shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario, applied without giving effect to any conflict-of-law.
