Form 4: SunOpta CEO Kocher Reports RSU Vesting, Share Transactions

SunOpta Inc. CEO Brian W. Kocher reported the vesting of Restricted Stock Units and subsequent share transactions, including tax-related dispositions, on January 2, 2026.

Summary

• Brian W. Kocher, CEO and Director of SunOpta Inc., reported transactions on January 2, 2026, related to his beneficial ownership of common shares.
• Acquired 48,134 common shares upon the vesting of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
• Disposed of 17,281 common shares at a price of $3.71 per share to satisfy income tax withholding requirements in connection with the RSU vesting.
• Acquired an additional 24,666 common shares from a separate RSU vesting event.
• Disposed of 7,595 common shares at a price of $3.71 per share for tax withholding related to the second RSU vesting.
• Following these reported transactions, Kocher directly beneficially owns 145,716 common shares.
• Kocher also indirectly beneficially owns 84,000 common shares through The Brian W Kocher Revocable Trust UAD December 23, 2014, for which he is a co-trustee.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing reports routine executive compensation events (RSU vesting and tax-related share dispositions) and does not contain information that would significantly alter the company's financial outlook or operational status.

Positives

• CEO Brian W. Kocher received a total of 72,800 common shares (48,134 + 24,666) from the vesting of Restricted Stock Units, indicating continued compensation and alignment with shareholder interests.
• The vesting of RSUs is a pre-scheduled event, reflecting the company's executive compensation plan and the executive's continued employment.

Negatives

• A total of 24,876 common shares (17,281 + 7,595) were disposed of at $3.71 per share to cover income tax withholding obligations, which reduces the direct beneficial ownership of the reporting person.

Future Outlook

The Restricted Stock Units granted to Brian W. Kocher are scheduled to vest in three equal annual installments, with the first installment beginning on January 2, 2025, contingent on his continued employment through each vesting date.

Industry Context

NA

Related Party Transactions

• Brian W. Kocher indirectly owns 84,000 common shares through The Brian W Kocher Revocable Trust UAD December 23, 2014, for which he is a co-trustee with his spouse.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The report details changes in a key executive's direct and indirect shareholdings, providing transparency on insider activity and executive compensation.
• Employees: The RSU vesting demonstrates the company's executive compensation structure, which can influence employee morale and retention.

Next Steps

• Remaining Restricted Stock Units will vest in two additional equal annual installments after January 2, 2025, subject to continued employment of the reporting person.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details routine executive compensation events, specifically the vesting of Restricted Stock Units and subsequent tax-related share dispositions. Such transactions are generally pre-scheduled and do not typically indicate a change in the company's fundamental performance or strategic direction. Therefore, it does not provide new information that would warrant a change in investment recommendation based solely on this filing.

Keywords

SunOpta, STKL, Form 4, Insider Trading, RSU, Restricted Stock Units, CEO, Director, Share Transactions, Beneficial Ownership, Executive Compensation