Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

x      Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

 

OR

 

o         Transition report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

for the transition period from                  to                .

 

Commission file number  0-8707

 

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Utah

 

87-0327982

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(IRS Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

75 East 1700 South

Provo, Utah 84606

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

(801) 342-4300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, no par value.

 


 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes o No x.

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.   Yes o No x.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes x No o.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes o No x.

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2009 was approximately $36,116,631 based on the closing price of $5.25 as quoted by Nasdaq Capital Market on June 30, 2009.

 

The number of shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding on March 5, 2010 is 15,510,159 shares.

 

EXPLANATORY NOTES

 

Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.

FORM 10-K

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009

 

Table of Contents

 

Part I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Business

 

3

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

9

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

13

 

Item 2.

Properties

 

13

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

 

14

 

Item 4.

Reserved

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

Part II.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

17

 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

 

21

 

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

22

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

36

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

41

 

Item 9.

Change in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

71

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

 

71

 

Item 9B.

Other Information

 

77

 

 

 

 

 

Part III.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

77

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

 

77

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

 

77

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

77

 

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

77

 

 

 

 

 

Part IV.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

77

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

78

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain information included or incorporated herein by reference in this report may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our objectives, plans and strategies. All statements (other than statements of historical fact) that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are often characterized by terminology such as “believe,” “hope,” “may,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “positioned,” “strategy” and similar expressions, and are based on assumptions and assessments made by management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from forward-looking statements are described in this report, including the risks set forth under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A.

 

Throughout this report, we refer to Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, as “we,” “us,” “our Company” or “the Company.”

 

PART 1

 

Item 1. Business

 

The Company

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc., founded in 1972 and incorporated in Utah in 1976, together with our subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of nutritional and personal care products. We sell our products worldwide to a sales force of independent Distributors (as defined below) who use the products themselves or resell them to other Distributors or consumers.

 

Our operations are conducted in the United States as well as in various other countries. Our subsidiaries are located in Mexico, Central America, Canada, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Peru, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Belarus, China, Poland and Brazil. We export our products to several other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand and Norway.

 

We also sell our products through a separate division, Synergy Worldwide. Synergy Worldwide sells products in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the Czech Republic.

 

Business Segments

 

We are principally engaged in one line of business: the manufacturing and marketing of nutritional and personal care products. We conduct our business through three reportable business segments. Two of the reportable business segments operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products name and are divided based on geographic operations: a United States segment (“NSP United States”) and an international segment (“NSP International”). Our third reportable business segment operates under the Synergy Worldwide name, a division that was acquired by us in 2000. Synergy Worldwide offers products with formulations that are sufficiently different from those of the Nature’s Sunshine Products offerings to warrant its treatment as a separate reportable segment . In addition, Synergy Worldwide’s marketing and Distributor compensation plans are sufficiently different from those of Nature’s Sunshine Products. Information by business segment for each of our last three fiscal years regarding net sales revenue and operating income, and information by business segment as of the end of our last two fiscal years regarding identifiable assets, are set forth in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this report.

 

Products and Manufacturing

 

Our line of over 700 products includes herbal products, vitamins and mineral supplements, personal care products, nutritional drinks, and miscellaneous other products. We purchase herbs and other raw materials in bulk and, after quality control testing, we formulate, encapsulate, tablate or concentrate them, and package them for shipment. Most of our products are manufactured at our facility in Spanish Fork, Utah. Contract manufacturers produce some of our personal care and other miscellaneous products for us in accordance with our specifications and standards. We have implemented stringent quality control procedures to verify that our contract manufacturers have complied with our specifications and standards. Our product lines are described below.

 

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Herbal Products

 

We manufacture a wide selection of herbal products, which are sold in the form of capsules or tablets. These capsules or tablets contain herb powder or a combination of two or more herb powders. We also produce both single herbs and herb combinations in the form of liquid herbs and extracts. Liquid herbs are manufactured by concentrating herb constituents in a vegetable glycerin base. Extracts are created by dissolving powdered herbs into liquid solvents that separate the key elements of the herbs from the fibrous plant material. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, herbal products accounted for approximately 48.5, 49.6 and 52.9 percent of net sales revenue for NSP United States, respectively.  We believe these percentages reasonably reflect the proportions experienced by the Company on a consolidated basis.

 

Vitamins and Mineral Supplements

 

We manufacture a wide variety of single vitamins, which are sold in the form of chewable or non-chewable tablets. We also manufacture several multiple vitamins and mineral supplements, including a line containing natural antioxidants. Generally, mineral supplements are sold in the form of tablets; however, certain minerals are offered only in liquid form. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, vitamins and mineral supplements accounted for approximately 44.1, 44.4, and 41.6 percent of  net sales revenue for NSP United States, respectively. We believe these percentages reasonably reflect the proportions experienced by the Company on a consolidated basis.

 

Personal Care Products

 

We manufacture or contract with independent manufacturers to supply a variety of personal care products for external use, including oils and lotions, aloe vera gel, herbal shampoo, herbal skin treatment, toothpaste, and skin cleanser. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, personal care products accounted for approximately 3.1, 2.8, and 2.3 percent of net sales revenue for NSP United States, respectively. We believe these percentages reasonably reflect the proportions experienced by the Company on a consolidated basis.

 

Other Products

 

We manufacture or contract with independent manufacturers to supply a variety of other products, including a variety of nutritional drinks, homeopathic products, and powders. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, other products accounted for approximately 4.3, 3.2, and 3.2 percent of net sales revenue for NSP United States, respectively. We believe these percentages reasonably reflect the proportions experienced by the Company on a consolidated basis.

 

Distribution and Marketing

 

Our independent Distributors market our products to consumers through direct-selling techniques, as well as sponsoring other Distributors. We seek to motivate and provide incentives to our independent Distributors by offering high quality products and providing our Distributors with product support, training seminars, sales conventions, travel programs, and financial benefits.

 

Our products sold in the United States are shipped directly from our manufacturing and warehouse facilities located in Spanish Fork, Utah, as well as from our regional warehouses located in Columbus, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia. Most of our international operations maintain warehouse facilities with inventory to supply their customers.

 

Demand for our products is created primarily from our independent Distributors. As of December 31, 2009, we had approximately 697,200 active Distributors worldwide, which included approximately 253,400 Distributors in the United States. A person who joins our independent sales force begins as a “Distributor.” An individual can become a Distributor by signing up under the sponsorship of someone who is already a Distributor or by signing up through the Company, where they will then be assigned a sponsor. Each Distributor is required to renew his or her distributorship on a yearly basis; our experience indicates that, on average, approximately 45 percent of our Distributors renew annually. Many Distributors sell our products on a part-time basis to friends or associates or use the products themselves. An independent Distributor interested in earning additional income by committing more time and effort to selling our products may earn “Manager” status. Manager status is contingent upon attaining certain purchase volume levels, recruiting additional Distributors, and demonstrating leadership abilities. As of December 31, 2009, we had approximately 28,700 independent Managers worldwide, including approximately 6,900 independent Managers in the United States. Managers resell our products to Distributors within their sales group, sell our products directly to consumers, or use the products themselves. Historically, on average, approximately 63 percent of Distributors appointed as Managers have continued to maintain that status annually.

 

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In the United States, we generally sell our products on a cash or credit card basis. From time to time, our United States operation extends short-term credit associated with product promotions. For certain of our international operations, we use independent distribution centers and offer credit terms that are generally consistent with industry standards within each respective country.

 

We pay sales commissions (“Volume Incentives”) to our independent Managers and Distributors based upon the amount of sales group product purchases. Generally, a portion of these Volume Incentives are paid to the applicable Manager as a rebate for product purchases made by the Manager and the Manager’s down-line Distributors. Volume Incentives are recorded as an expense in the year earned. The remaining portion of these Volume Incentives is paid in the form of commissions for purchases made by the Manager’s down-line Distributors. The amounts of Volume Incentives that we paid during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 are set forth in our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report. In addition to the opportunity to receive Volume Incentives, Managers who qualify by attaining certain levels of monthly product purchases are eligible for additional incentive programs including automobile allowances, sales convention privileges, and travel awards.

 

Source and Availability of Raw Materials

 

Raw materials used in the manufacture of our products are generally available from a number of suppliers. To date, we have not experienced any major difficulty in obtaining adequate sources of supply. We attempt to ensure the availability of many of our raw materials by contracting, in advance, for our annual requirements. In the past, we have found alternative sources of raw materials when needed. Although there can be no assurance we will be successful in locating such sources in the future, we believe we will be able to do so.

 

Trademarks and Trade Names

 

We have obtained trademark registrations of our basic trademark, Nature’s Sunshine®, and the landscape logo for all of our Nature’s Sunshine Products product lines. We have also obtained trademark registrations for Synergy® for all of our Synergy Worldwide product lines. We hold trademark registrations in the United States and in many other countries. Our customers’ recognition and association of our brands and trademarks with quality is an important element of our operating strategy.

 

Seasonality

 

Our business does not reflect significant seasonality.

 

Inventories

 

In order to provide a high level of product availability to our independent Distributors and Managers, we maintain a considerable inventory of raw materials in the United States and of finished goods in most countries in which we sell our products. Due to different regulatory requirements across the countries in which we sell our products, our finished goods inventories reflect product labels and sometimes product formulations specific for each country. Our inventories are subject to obsolescence due to finite shelf lives.

 

Dependence upon Customers

 

We are not dependent upon a single customer or a few customers, the loss of which we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Backlog

 

We typically ship orders for our products within 24 hours after receipt. As a result, we have not historically experienced significant backlogs.

 

Competition

 

Our products are sold in competition with other companies, some of which have greater sales volumes and financial resources than we do, and sell brands that are, through advertising and promotions, better known to consumers. We compete in the nutritional and personal care industry against companies that sell through retail stores as well as against other direct selling companies. For example, we compete against manufacturers and retailers of nutritional and personal care products, which are distributed through supermarkets, drug stores, health food stores, discount stores, etc. In addition to competition with these manufacturers and retailers, we compete for product sales and independent distributors with many other direct sales companies, including Herbalife, Pharmanex

 

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(NuSkin), USANA, Shaklee, Mannatech and Amway, among others. The principal competitors in the retail encapsulated and tableted herbal products market include Nature’s Way, NOW, Rexall Sundown, and Nutraceuticals. We believe that the principal components of competition in the direct sales marketing of nutritional and personal care products are quality, price, and brand recognition. In addition, the recruitment, training, travel, and financial incentives for the independent sales force are important factors.

 

Research and Development

 

We conduct research and development activities at our manufacturing facility located in Spanish Fork, Utah. Our principal emphasis in our research and development activities is the development of new products and the enhancement of existing products. The amount, excluding capital expenditures, spent on research and development activities was approximately $2.0 million in 2009, $2.0 million in 2008, and $1.9 million in 2007. During the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, we did not contract for any third-party research and development.

 

Compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations

 

The nature of our business has not required any material capital expenditures to comply with federal, state, or local provisions enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment. No material expenditures to meet such provisions are anticipated. Such regulatory provisions have not had any material effect upon our results of operations or competitive position.

 

Regulation

 

The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising, distribution and sale of each of our major product groups are subject to regulation by one or more governmental agencies. The most active of these is the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), which regulates our products under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) and regulations promulgated there under. The FDCA defines the terms “food” and “dietary supplement” and sets forth various conditions that, unless complied with, may constitute adulteration or misbranding of such products. The FDCA has been amended several times with respect to dietary supplements, most recently by the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (the “NLEA”) and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (the “DSHEA”).

 

FDA regulations relating specifically to foods and dietary supplements for human use are set forth in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These regulations include basic labeling requirements for both foods and dietary supplements. Additionally, FDA regulations require us to meet relevant good manufacturing practice regulations for the preparation, packaging and storage of our food and dietary supplements.

 

Our products are also regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”). Our activities, including our multi-level distribution activities, are also regulated by various agencies of the states, localities, and foreign countries in which our products are sold.

 

In foreign markets, prior to commencing operations and prior to making or permitting sales of our products in the market, we may be required to obtain an approval, license or certification from the country’s ministry of health or comparable agency.  Prior to entering a new market in which a formal approval, license or certificate is required, we work extensively with local authorities in order to obtain the requisite approvals.  We must also comply with product labeling and packaging regulations that vary from country to country.  Our failure to comply with these regulations can result in a product being removed from sale in a particular market, either temporarily or permanently.

 

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International Operations

 

A significant portion of our net sales are concentrated within the United States, which represented 45.0 percent of net sales in 2009. Outside of the United States, Russia is our largest market, representing 8.8 percent of net sales during 2009, while Japan follows close behind, representing 8.2 percent of net sales during 2009. As we continue to expand internationally, our operating results will likely become more sensitive to economic and political conditions in foreign markets, as well as to foreign currency fluctuations.  A breakdown of net sales revenue by region in 2009, 2008, and 2007 is set forth below.

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net Sales Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

154,217

 

45.0

%

$

151,332

 

40.6

%

$

152,943

 

42.4

%

Foreign

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Russia

 

30,097

 

8.8

 

40,419

 

10.8

 

31,023

 

8.6

 

Japan

 

28,125

 

8.2

 

38,972

 

10.4

 

45,554

 

12.6

 

Other

 

130,584

 

38.0

 

142,511

 

38.2

 

131,354

 

36.4

 

Total Foreign

 

188,806

 

55.0

 

221,902

 

59.4

 

207,931

 

57.6

 

 

 

$

343,023

 

100.0

%

$

373,234

 

100.0

%

$

360,874

 

100.0

%

 

Our sales of nutritional and personal care products are established internationally in Mexico, Central America, Canada, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Peru, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Belarus, China, Poland, Brazil, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. We also export our products to several other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and Norway.

 

Our international operations are conducted in a manner we believe is comparable with those conducted in the United States; however, in order to conform to local variations, economic realities, market customs, consumer habits, and regulatory environments, differences often exist in the products and in the distribution and marketing programs.

 

Our international operations are subject to many of the same risks faced by our United States operations, including competition and the strength of the local economy. In addition, our international operations are subject to certain risks inherent in carrying on business abroad, including foreign regulatory restrictions, fluctuations in monetary exchange rates, import-export controls and the economic and political policies of foreign governments. The significance of these risks increases as our international operations continue to expand. A significant portion of our long-lived assets are located in the United States and Venezuela.  Information by region for each of our last two fiscal years regarding our long-lived assets is set forth in Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this report.

 

Executive Officers

 

The Company’s executive officers, as of the date of this report, are as follows:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position

 

Served in
Position
Since

 

Douglas Faggioli

 

55

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

2003

 

Stephen M. Bunker

 

51

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

2006

 

Jamon Jarvis

 

43

 

Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary

 

2007

 

Greg Halliday

 

45

 

President—U.S. Sales, Nature’s Sunshine Products

 

2006

 

Bryant J. Yates

 

36

 

President—International, Nature’s Sunshine Products

 

2007

 

John R. DeWyze

 

53

 

Executive Vice President—Operations, Nature’s Sunshine Products

 

2002

 

William J. Keller

 

67

 

Vice President—Health Sciences and Educational Services

 

2001

 

Lynda Marie Hammons

 

55

 

Vice President—Quality and Regulatory Affairs

 

2001

 

 

Douglas Faggioli.  Mr. Faggioli is the President and Chief Executive Officer of our Company. Prior to his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer in November 2003, Mr. Faggioli served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating

 

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Officer of our Company. He began his employment with us in 1983 and has served as one of our officers since 1989 and currently serves as a director of our Company. He is a Certified Public Accountant. On March 12, 2010, Mr. Faggioli informed the Board of Directors of his intent to step down as President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as a Member of the Company’s Board of Directors effective June 30, 2010.

 

Stephen M. Bunker.  Mr. Bunker has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since March 27, 2006. Mr. Bunker served as Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of Geneva Steel Holdings Corporation from July 2001 until March 2006. Prior to July 2001 Mr. Bunker served as Corporate Controller for Geneva Steel Corporation. Mr. Bunker is a Certified Public Accountant, and worked for Arthur Andersen for six years.

 

Jamon Jarvis.  Mr. Jarvis is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary of our Company. He has served in this position since March 2007. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Jarvis served as General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer of InterNetwork, Inc., in San Francisco, California, from January 2004 to November 2006, and as Executive Vice President Finance, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Spontaneous Technology, Inc., in Salt Lake City, Utah, from September 2001 to October 2003. Mr. Jarvis received his B.A. in History in 1990 from Brigham Young University and his J.D. in 1993 from Cornell Law School.

 

Greg Halliday.  Mr. Halliday is the President—U.S. Sales for Nature’s Sunshine Products. He has served in this position since April 2006 and previously served as Vice President—Nature’s Sunshine Products U.S. Sales from May 2001 to March 2006. Mr. Halliday received his B.S. in 1989 and M.B.A. with an emphasis in Marketing in 1991 from the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University.

 

Bryant J. Yates.  Mr. Yates is the President—International of our Company. Mr. Yates, has served as Executive Director—International of the Company, Director—International—Europe/Middle East and General Manager of Nature’s Sunshine Products of Russia, an affiliate of the Company. Mr. Yates has been employed by the Company since 1999.

 

John R. DeWyze.  Mr. DeWyze is the Executive Vice President—Operations for Nature’s Sunshine Products and has served in this position since 2002. Mr. DeWyze received his B.S. in Chemistry in 1981 from Grand Valley State University and his M.B.A. in 1994 from the University of Southern Indiana.

 

William J. Keller.  Dr. Keller is the Vice President—Health Sciences and Educational Services for Nature’s Sunshine Products. He was appointed to serve in this capacity in April 2001. Prior to joining our Company, Dr. Keller was the Department Chair/Professor in the School of Pharmacy at Samford University and Northeast Louisiana University. Dr. Keller received his B.S. in Pharmacy and M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Idaho State University. In 1972, the University of Washington awarded him a Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy.

 

Lynda Marie Hammons.  Ms. Hammons is the Vice President—Quality and Regulatory Affairs for Nature’s Sunshine Products. She has served in this capacity since June 2001. Ms. Hammons received her B.S. in Chemistry and Microbiology from Bowling Green State University and her M.B.A. with an emphasis on Quality Management from the University of Cincinnati. Ms. Hammons is also a Certified Quality Engineer, a Certified Quality Technician and a Certified Quality Auditor—American Society for Quality.

 

Employees

 

The number of individuals we employed as of December 31, 2009 was 1,191. We believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory.

 

Available Information

 

Our principal executive office is located at 75 East 1700 South, Provo, Utah 84606. Our telephone number is (801) 342-4300 and our Internet website address is http://www.natr.com. We make available free of charge on our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as soon as practicable after we electronically file these documents with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. We also make available free of charge on our website our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and the Charters of our Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and Compensation Committee.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

You should carefully consider the following risks in evaluating our Company and our business. The risks described below are the risks that we currently believe are material to our business. However, additional risks not presently known to us, or risks that we currently believe are not material, may also impair our business operations. You should also refer to the other information set forth in this report, including the information set forth in “Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” as well as our consolidated financial statements and the related notes. Our business prospects, financial condition, or results of operations could be adversely affected by any of the following risks. If we are adversely affected by such risks, then the trading price of our common stock could decline.

 

Changes in laws and regulations regarding network marketing may prohibit or restrict our ability to sell our products in some markets.

 

Network marketing systems are frequently subject to laws and regulations by various government agencies throughout the world. These laws and regulations are generally intended to prevent fraudulent or deceptive practices and ensure that sales are made to consumers of the products and that compensation, recognition, and advancement within the marketing organization are based upon sales of the product. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in significant penalties. Violations could result from misconduct by an associate, ambiguity in statutes, changes or new laws and regulations affecting our business, and court related decisions. Furthermore, we may be restricted or prohibited from using network marketing plans in some foreign countries.

 

Our products and manufacturing activities are subject to extensive government regulations and could be subject to additional laws and regulations.

 

The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising, distribution and sales of each of our major product groups are subject to regulation by numerous domestic and foreign governmental agencies and authorities. These include the FDA, the FTC, the CPSC, the USDA, and state regulatory agencies as well as regulatory agencies in the foreign markets in which we operate. The markets in which we operate have varied regulations which often require us to reformulate products for specific markets, conform product labeling to market regulations, and register or qualify products or obtain necessary approvals with the applicable governmental authorities in order to market our products in these markets. Failure to comply with the regulatory requirements of these various governmental agencies and authorities could result in enforcement actions including: cease and desist orders, injunctions, limits on advertising, consumer redress, divestitures of assets, rescission of contracts, or such other relief as may be deemed necessary. Violation of these orders could result in substantial financial or other penalties. Any action against us could materially affect our ability to successfully market our products.

 

In the future, we may be subject to additional laws or regulations administered by the FDA or other federal, state, local, or foreign regulatory authorities, the repeal or amendment of laws or regulations which we consider favorable and/or more stringent interpretations of current laws or regulations. We can neither predict the nature of such future laws, regulations, interpretations, or applications, nor what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative orders, when and if promulgated, would have on our business. They could, however, require reformulation of certain products to meet new standards, recall or discontinuance of certain products not able to be reformulated, imposition of additional record-keeping requirements, expanded documentation of the properties of certain products, expanded or altered labeling and/or scientific substantiation. Any or all such requirements could have a material negative impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

If we are unable to attract and retain independent Distributors, our business could suffer.

 

We rely on our independent Distributors to market and sell our products through direct marketing techniques, as well as sponsoring other Distributors. Many Distributors sell our products on a part-time basis to friends or associates or use the products for themselves. Our Distributors may terminate their service at any time, and, like most direct selling companies, we experience high turnover among Distributors from year to year. Each Distributor is required to renew his or her distributorship on a yearly basis; our experience indicates that, on average, approximately 45 percent of our Distributors renew annually. As a result, we need to continue to retain existing Distributors and recruit additional Distributors in order to maintain and/or increase sales in the future.

 

Several factors affect our ability to attract and retain independent Distributors, including:

 

·                  any adverse publicity regarding us, our products, our distribution channels or our competitors;

 

·                  on-going motivation of our independent Distributors;

 

·                  public’s perceptions about the value and efficacy of our products;

 

·                  public’s perceptions and acceptance of network-marketing;

 

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·                  general and economic business conditions;

 

·                  changes to our compensation arrangements with our independent Distributors; and

 

·                  competition in recruiting and retaining independent Distributors and or market saturation.

 

We cannot provide any assurance that our independent Distributors will continue to maintain their current levels of productivity or that we will be able to continue to attract and retain Distributors in sufficient numbers to sustain future growth or to maintain present growth levels.

 

The economic slowdown in the markets in which we do business has reduced consumer demand for our products.

 

Consumer spending habits, including spending for our products, are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, fuel prices, salaries and wages, the availability of consumer credit, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. For instance, in the last fiscal quarter of 2008, we began to see changes in our consumer spending habits in the United States, Russia, Asian and Latin American markets due to the current general economic slowdown, which has resulted in lower net sales of our products. The current general economic slowdown in the markets in which we do business and an uncertain economic outlook may continue to adversely affect consumer spending habits and customer traffic, which may result in lower net sales of our products.  A prolonged global economic downturn could have a material negative impact on our financial position, results of operation, or cash flows.

 

Currency exchange rate fluctuations have lowered our revenue and net income.

 

In 2009, we recognized approximately 55.0 percent of our revenue in markets outside the United States, of which 36.2 percent was recognized in each market’s respective local currency (other than the U.S. dollar). We purchase inventory primarily in the United States in U.S. dollars. In preparing our financial statements, we translate revenues and expenses in foreign countries from their local currencies into U.S. dollars using weighted-average exchange rates. Because a significant portion of our sales is in foreign countries, exchange rate fluctuations may have a significant effect on our sales and earnings. Our reported net earnings have in the past and are likely to continue to be significantly affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, with earnings generally increasing with a weaker U.S. dollar and decreasing with a strengthening U.S. dollar. These fluctuations had a generally negative effect on our revenue in 2009 as compared to 2008 beginning in the fourth quarter 2008.  During the fourth quarter for the year ended December 31, 2008, we began to see a decline in our global net sales of our products of approximately 4.7 percent as a result of changes in global economic conditions in the markets in which our business segments operate.  The decline was primarily driven by strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies of the markets in which we operate. During 2009, we have experienced a continuing decline in our global net sales as a result of the U.S. dollar strengthening against most major currencies, which is a reversal of the trend for prior years.  For instance, the U.S. dollar increased approximately 26.2 percent from the end of the third quarter of 2008 to the end of the fourth quarter 2008 against the Mexican peso and the weighted average exchange rate used to translate revenues and expenses from Mexico has also weakened 22.7 percent for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 2008 as a result of the U.S. dollar strengthening against the Mexican peso.  However, during 2009, we began to see some stabilization in the average exchange rates used to translate revenues and expenses over the course of the year for most of the markets in which we operate. If exchange rates were to change in future periods relative to those experienced during the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009, it could have a significant impact on our revenue in future periods. As operations expand in countries where foreign currency transactions may be made, our operating results will increasingly be subject to the risks of exchange rate fluctuations and we may not be able to accurately estimate the impact that these changes may have on our future results of operations or financial condition.

 

Some of the markets in which we operate may become highly inflationary.

 

Inflation is another risk associated with our international operations. For example, as of January 1, 2010, Venezuela has been designated as a highly inflationary economy under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). As a result, beginning January 1, 2010, the U.S. dollar will be the functional currency for our subsidiaries in Venezuela. Going forward, currency remeasurement adjustments for this subsidiary’s financial statements and other transactional foreign exchange gains and losses will be reflected in earnings, which could result in volatility within our earnings, rather than as a component of comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity.

 

Some of the markets in which we operate have currency controls in place which may restrict the repatriation of cash.

 

The possibility that foreign governments may impose currency remittance restrictions is another risk faced by our international operations. Due to the possibility of government restrictions on transfers of cash out of the country and control of exchange rates, we

 

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may not be able to repatriate cash at exchange rates beneficial to the Company, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

For example, as of December 31, 2009, we had approximately $2.0 million in cash denominated in Venezuelan bolivar fuertes. Currency restrictions enacted by the government of Venezuela require approval from the government’s currency control organization for our subsidiary in Venezuela to obtain U.S. dollars at an official exchange rate to pay for imported products or to repatriate dividends back to the Company. While to date we have been able to receive approval from the government of Venezuela to obtain U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate, no assurances can be given that we will continue to receive such approval, or that other markets in which we operate will enact similar restrictions.

 

Availability and integrity of raw materials could become compromised.

 

We depend on outside suppliers for raw materials. We acquire all of our raw materials for the manufacture of our products from third-party suppliers. We have many agreements for the supply of materials used in the manufacture of our products in order to hedge against shortages or potential spikes in material costs. We also contract with third-party manufacturers and suppliers for the production of some of our products. In the event we were to lose any significant suppliers and experience any difficulties in finding or transitioning to alternative suppliers, it could result in product shortages or product back orders, which could harm our business. There can be no assurance that suppliers will be able to provide us the raw materials in the quantities and at the appropriate level of quality we request or at a price we are willing to pay. We are also subject to the delays caused by any interruption in the production of these materials including weather, crop conditions, climate change, transportation interruptions, and natural disasters or other catastrophic events.

 

Occasionally, our suppliers have experienced production difficulties with respect to our products, including the delivery of materials or products that do not meet our quality control standards. These quality problems have in the past resulted in, and in the future could result in, stock outages or shortages of our products, and could harm our sales and create inventory write-offs for unusable product.

 

Geopolitical issues and conflicts could adversely affect our business.

 

Because a substantial portion of our business is conducted outside of the United States, our business is subject to global political issues and conflicts. If these conflicts or issues escalate, it could harm our foreign operations. In addition, changes and actions by governments in foreign markets could harm our business.

 

Our business is subject to the effects of adverse publicity and negative public perception.

 

Our ability to attract and retain Distributors, as well as their ability to maintain or grow sales in the future, can be affected by either adverse publicity or negative public perception in regards to our industry, our competition, our direct marketing model, the quality or efficacy of nutritional product supplements and ingredients, and our business generally. There can be no assurance we will not be subject to adverse publicity or negative public perception in the future or that it would not have an adverse or material negative impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Taxation and transfer pricing affect our operations.

 

As a U.S. company doing business in many international markets, we are subject to foreign tax and intercompany pricing laws, including those relating to the flow of funds between our parent Company and our subsidiaries. These pricing laws are designed to ensure that appropriate levels of income and deductions are reported by our U.S. and foreign entities and that they are taxed appropriately. Regulators in the United States and in foreign markets closely monitor our corporate structures, intercompany transactions, and how we effectuate intercompany fund transfers. If regulators challenge our corporate structures, transfer pricing methodologies or intercompany transfers, our operations may be harmed, and our effective tax rate may increase. We are eligible to receive foreign tax credits in the United States for certain foreign taxes actually paid abroad. In the event any audits or assessments are concluded adversely to us, we may not be able to offset the consolidated effect of foreign income tax assessments through the use of U.S. foreign tax credits. Because the laws and regulations governing U.S. foreign tax credits are complex and subject to periodic legislative amendment, we cannot be sure that we would in fact be able to take advantage of any foreign tax credits in the future. The various customs, exchange control and transfer pricing laws are continually changing and are subject to the interpretation of governmental agencies.

 

In early 2006, the Internal Revenue Service began an audit of the Company’s income tax returns. This audit is ongoing and covers income tax returns for the years 2003 through 2008. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings — Audit of U.S. Federal Tax Return 2003-2008”. We cannot predict what impact, if any, and the materiality of such impact, if any, the conclusion of these matters may have on our financial statements.

 

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We collect and remit sales tax in states in which we have determined that nexus exists.  Other states may, from time to time, claim we have state-related activities constituting a sufficient nexus to require such collection.

 

Despite our best efforts to be aware of and comply with such laws and changes to the interpretations thereof, there is a risk that we may not continue to operate in compliance with such laws. We may need to adjust our operating procedures in response to these changes, and such changes could have a material negative impact on our financial position, results of operation, or cash flows.

 

Our business is subject to intellectual property risks.

 

Most of our products are not protected by patents. Restrictive regulations governing the precise labeling of ingredients and percentages for nutritional supplements, the large number of manufacturers who produce products with many active ingredients in common, and the rapid change and frequent reformulation of products make patent protection impractical. As a result, we enter into confidentiality agreements with certain of our employees in our research and development activities, our independent associates, suppliers, directors, officers, and consultants to help protect our intellectual property, investment in research and development activities and trade secrets. We have also obtained trademarks for the Nature’s Sunshine Products name and logo as well as the Synergy Worldwide name. There can be no assurance that our efforts to protect our intellectual property and trademarks will be successful. Nor can there be any assurance that third parties will not assert claims against us for infringement of intellectual property rights, which could result in our business being required to obtain licenses for such rights, payment of royalties, or the termination of our manufacturing of infringing products, all of which could have a material negative impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Product liability claims could harm our business.

 

As a manufacturer and distributor of products that are ingested, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that, among other things, the use of our products results in alleged injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination and/or other causes. We have historically had a very limited number of product claims or reports from individuals who have asserted that they have suffered adverse consequences as a result of using our products. We have established a wholly-owned captive insurance company to provide us with product liability insurance coverage and have accrued an amount that we believe is sufficient to cover probable and reasonably estimable liabilities related to product liability claims based upon our history. There can be no assurance that these estimates will prove to be sufficient nor can there be any assurance that the ultimate outcome of any litigation for product liability will not have a material negative impact on our business prospects, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Inventory obsolescence due to finite shelf lives could adversely affect our business.

 

In order to provide a high level of product availability to our independent Distributors and Managers, we maintain a considerable inventory of raw materials in the United States and of finished goods in most countries in which we sell our products. Our inventories of both raw materials and finished goods have finite shelf lives. If we overestimate the demand for our products, we could experience significant write-downs on our inventory due to obsolescence. Such write-downs could have a material negative impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

System failures could harm our business.

 

Like many companies, our business is highly dependent upon our information technology infrastructure to effectively and efficiently manage our operations, including order entry, customer billing, accurately tracking purchases and volume incentives, and managing accounting, finance, and manufacturing operations. The occurrences of natural disasters or other unanticipated problems could result in interruptions in our day-to-day business that could adversely affect our business. We have a disaster recovery plan in place to mitigate the risk. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that a long-term failure or impairment of any of our information systems would not adversely affect our ability to conduct our day-to-day business.

 

The Company could incur obligations relating to the activities of our Distributors.

 

We sell our products worldwide to a sales force of independent Distributors who use the products themselves or resell them to other independent Distributors or consumers. In the event that local laws and regulations or the interpretation of locals laws and regulations change and require us to treat our independent Distributors as employees, or if our Distributors are deemed by local regulatory authorities in one or more of the jurisdictions in which we operate to be our employees rather than independent contractors, under existing laws and interpretations, we may be held responsible for a variety of obligations that are imposed upon employers relating to their employees, including employment related taxes and penalties. Our Distributors also operate in jurisdictions where

 

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local legislation and governmental agencies require us to collect and remit taxes such as sales tax or value-added taxes. In addition, there is the possibility that some jurisdictions could seek to hold the Company responsible for false product claims or the negligent actions of an independent Distributor. However, to date the Company has had no such occurrences.  In addition, we believe we have strong legal defenses if such a claim were to arise. If the Company were found to be responsible for any of these issues related to our Distributors, it could have a material negative impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Changes in key management could materially adversely affect the Company.

 

We believe our success depends in part on our ability to retain our executive officers, and to continue to attract additional qualified individuals to our team. We have entered into employment agreements with each of our named executive officers, which we believe achieves two important goals crucial to our long-term financial success: the long-term retention of our senior executives and their commitment to the attainment of our strategic objectives. However, we cannot guarantee the continued service by our key officers. The loss or limitation of any of our executive officers or the inability to attract additional qualified management personnel could have a material negative impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. We do not carry key man insurance on the lives of any of our executive officers.

 

Our business is involved in an industry with intense competition.

 

Our business operates in an industry with numerous manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of nutritional products. The market for our products is intensely competitive. Many of our competitors are significantly larger, have greater financial resources and have better name recognition than we do. We also rely on our independent Distributors to market and sell our products through direct marketing techniques, as well as sponsoring other Distributors. Our ability to compete with other direct marketing companies depends greatly on our ability in attracting and retaining our Distributors. In addition, we currently do not have significant patent or other proprietary protection, and our competitors may introduce products with the same or similar ingredients that we use in our products. As a result, we may have difficulty differentiating our products from our competitors’ products, and competing products entering the nutritional market. There can be no assurance that our future operations would not be harmed as a result of changing market conditions and future competition.

 

We have had material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

As discussed in Item 9A of this report, “Controls and Procedures,” our management team for financial reporting, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our internal controls. Management concluded that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, because of the continued existence of material weakness related to accounting for taxes.  A “material weakness” is defined under auditing rules as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by the company’s internal controls.

 

The Company has taken various steps to remediate this remaining material weakness. With respect to our accounting for taxes, we hired a new Tax Director during 2008 and have utilized various outsourced service providers for tax consulting services to assist in our accounting for income taxes.  Although we have made and are continuing to make improvements in our internal controls, if we are unsuccessful in our focused effort to effectively remediate the weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting over time, it may adversely impact our ability to report our financial condition and results of operations in the future accurately and in a timely manner, and may adversely impact our reputation with stakeholders.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

Our corporate offices are located in two adjacent office buildings in Provo, Utah. The facilities consist of approximately 63,000 square feet and are leased from an unaffiliated third party through lease agreements which expire in as early as three years but are renewable upon expiration at our option.

 

Our principal warehousing and manufacturing facilities are housed in a building consisting of approximately 270,000 square feet owned by us and located on approximately ten acres in Spanish Fork, Utah. These facilities support all of our business segments.

 

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We own approximately 60,000 square feet of office and warehouse space in Mexico and approximately 13,000 square feet of office and warehouse space in Venezuela. These facilities support NSP International.

 

We also own approximately 53 acres of undeveloped land in Springville, Utah and approximately 8 acres of undeveloped land in Provo, Utah.

 

We lease properties used primarily as distribution warehouses located in Columbus, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; and Spanish Fork, Utah; as well as offices and distribution warehouses in Pleasant Grove, Utah; Japan; Mexico; Central America; Canada; Venezuela; South Korea; the Dominican Republic; Ecuador; the United Kingdom; Colombia; Thailand; Peru; Singapore; Israel; Brazil; Taiwan; Indonesia; Malaysia; the Philippines; Poland; China; and Australia. We believe these facilities are suitable for their respective uses and are, in general, adequate for our present and near-term future needs. During our fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, we spent approximately $5.7 million, $5.9 million, and $5.2 million, respectively, for all of our leased facilities.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various legal proceedings, including those noted below. Management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, or their resulting effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows as litigation and related matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings could occur. Were an unfavorable outcome to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows for the period in which the ruling occurs and/or future periods. The Company maintains directors’ and officers’ liability, product liability, general liability and excess liability insurance coverage. However, no assurances can be given that such insurance will continue to be available at an acceptable cost to the Company, that such coverage will be sufficient to cover one or more large claims, or that the insurers will not successfully disclaim coverage as to a pending or future claim.

 

Class-Action Litigation

 

Between April 3, 2006 and June 2, 2006, five separate shareholder class-action lawsuits were filed against the Company and certain of its present and former officers and directors in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. These matters were consolidated and on November 3, 2006, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”) against the Company, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and a director, Douglas Faggioli, the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer, Craig D. Huff, and a former director and former Chair of the Company’s Audit Committee, Franz L. Cristiani. The Consolidated Complaint asserts three separate claims on behalf of purchasers of the Company’s common stock: (1) a claim against Mr. Faggioli and the Company for violation of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, alleging that Mr. Faggioli made a series of alleged material misrepresentations to the investing public; (2) a claim against Mr. Faggioli and the Company for violation of Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5, alleging that Mr. Faggioli made a series of misrepresentations to the Company’s then independent auditor, KPMG, LLP (“KPMG”), for the purpose of obtaining unqualified or “clean” audit opinions and review opinions from KPMG concerning certain of the Company’s annual and quarterly financial statements; and (3) a claim against Messrs. Faggioli, Huff and Cristiani for violation of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, alleging that the individual defendants have “control person” liability for the previously-alleged violations by the Company. The Consolidated Complaint seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory damages, together with interest thereon, litigation costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees, and any such other and further relief as may be allowed by law.

 

On January 5, 2007, the Company and Messrs. Faggioli, Huff and Cristiani moved to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint in its entirety. On May 21, 2007, the Court issued its decision denying the motion in large part, but shortening the proposed class period on one of the plaintiffs’ claims. On June 6, 2007, the Company and the other defendants answered the Consolidated Complaint, wherein they denied all allegations of wrongdoing and raised a number of affirmative defenses. On November 1, 2007, the plaintiffs filed their motion for class certification, which the Company opposed. On September 25, 2008, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification in part, establishing the class as all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s common stock, and were damaged thereby, from March 16, 2005 to March 20, 2006. On May 9, 2008, at the invitation of the Court based upon recent case law developments, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ second cause of action (a Rule 10b-5 claim based on non-public representations to KPMG).  The plaintiffs opposed this motion.  On September 23, 2008, the Court granted the Company’s motion and dismissed the plaintiffs’ second cause of action.

 

On September 14, 2009, the parties and the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurer signed a Stipulation of Settlement (“Stipulation”), which was filed with the Court on September 14, 2009.  The Stipulation set forth the complete terms of the parties’ proposed settlement.  The basic terms of the settlement were that the Company’s insurer would pay the settlement class, which is defined as all persons (except for defendants and specified related persons and entities) who purchased the Company’s common stock during the period from April 23, 2002 through April 5, 2006, $6 million in exchange for a dismissal with prejudice of the lawsuit and a release of all claims held by members of the settlement class.  As set forth in the Stipulation, the proposed settlement would not

 

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become final until a number of conditions were satisfied, including the Stipulation receiving both preliminary and final approval from the Court.  On October 8, 2009, the Court entered an order (i) granting preliminary approval of the Stipulation, (ii) requiring that notice of the proposed settlement and the proposed plan of allocation of the settlement proceeds be mailed to members of the settlement class by October 26, 2009, and (iii) setting a February 9, 2010 hearing.  At this hearing the Court considered, among other issues, (i) whether the Stipulation should receive final approval, (ii) whether the proposed plan of allocation for the settlement proceeds should be approved, (iii) whether the settlement class counsel’s application for an award of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of costs and expenses should be approved, and (iv) whether the settlement class counsel’s application for incentive awards to the settlement class representatives should be approved.  The Court’s October 8, 2009 order also set January 19, 2010 as the deadline by which settlement class members must submit a valid proof of claim, if they wanted to share in the settlement proceeds, or a proper opt-out request, if they wanted to be excluded from the settlement class and thereby not be bound by the terms of the Stipulation.

 

On February 10, 2010, the day after it held the final approval hearing, the Court formally entered an Order and Final Judgment dated February 9, 2010 (“Final Judgment”), which gave final approval to the Stipulation and approved the proposed plan of allocation of the settlement proceeds, the application for an award of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of costs and expenses by the settlement class counsel, and the application for incentive awards to the settlement class representatives.  Among other things, the Final Judgment also included findings by the Court that notice of the action and of the proposed settlement had been properly given to the class members and that no one had opted out of the class or objected to any of the terms of the Stipulation.  Furthermore, the Final Judgment provides that the Company and the individual defendants are released from all of the Released Claims, as defined by the Stipulation, and that the Consolidated Complaint is dismissed with prejudice.

 

Unless a party appeals the Final Judgment within 30 days following the entry of the Final Judgment, which the Company does not anticipate happening given the lack of any objection being filed to the Stipulation, the case will then be formally concluded and the Claims Administrator will proceed to distribute the settlement proceeds in accordance with the Stipulation.

 

Threatened Derivative Lawsuits

 

By letter dated October 4, 2007, a shareholder of the Company alleged that a number of the current and former officers and directors of the Company breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by supposedly engaging in the same alleged wrongdoing that is the subject of the class-action lawsuit. The shareholder demanded that the Company take action to recover from the specified officers and directors all damages sustained by the Company as a result of the alleged misconduct, and threatened to commence a derivative action if the Company failed to act on the shareholder’s demand within a reasonable period of time.

 

On December 26, 2007, before the expiration of the Company’s allotted 90-day period for responding to the demand, the shareholder presented a second but substantively identical demand on the Company, thereby triggering a new 90-day response period. The Company’s Board of Directors responded to this demand on March 20, 2008, rejecting the shareholder’s demands.

 

On May 21, 2008, the same shareholder filed a summons and complaint in the Fourth Judicial District Court for the State of Utah seeking an order compelling the Company to produce certain books and records to the shareholder. The Company filed its answer to the complaint on June 12, 2008, and the shareholder has taken no action since then to prosecute the case or otherwise pursue any derivative claim.

 

Although the Company and the other defendants are vigorously defending against the allegations in the threatened derivative lawsuit above, management believes that it is not possible at this time to predict the outcome of this litigation or whether the Company will incur any liability associated with the litigation, or to estimate the effect such outcome would have on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.

 

SEC and DOJ Investigations

 

On July 31, 2009, the SEC filed a settled enforcement action against the Company, Douglas Faggioli, and Craig Huff, the Company’s former chief financial officer, relating to alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) by one of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries in 2000 and 2001. This settlement resolved an SEC investigation previously disclosed by the Company related to an independent investigation conducted by the Company’s Audit Committee.

 

Under the terms of the settlement with the SEC, without admitting or denying the allegations in the Commission’s complaint, the Company agreed to pay a civil penalty of $600,000 and to consent to the entry of an injunction against future violations of the FCPA as well as the antifraud, issuer reporting, books and records, and internal controls provisions of the federal securities laws. No additional undertakings are required of the Company under the terms of the settlement.

 

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In addition, Messrs. Faggioli and Huff, without admitting or denying the allegations in the Commission’s complaint, each agreed to pay a civil penalty of $25,000 and to consent to the entry of injunctions against future violations relating only to the books and records and internal control provisions of the federal securities laws.

 

The SEC’s complaint alleged that, in 2000 and 2001, former employees in the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary made undocumented cash payments to customs brokers, some of which were later paid to Brazilian customs officials in order to allow unregistered products to be imported and sold in Brazil.  The complaint further alleged that, in doing so, NSP’s subsidiary falsified its books, records and accounts to hide the nature of the payments and failed to disclose those payments to Brazilian customs agents in its filings with the Commission.  The complaint also alleged that the Company, during the time period in question, failed to implement an adequate system of internal controls to ensure proper reporting of the alleged payments.  No current officers, directors, or employees of the Company are alleged to have participated in or had knowledge of these actions.

 

The complaint further alleged that, in 2000 and 2001, Mr. Faggioli, the Company’s then chief operating officer (and current chief executive officer), and Mr. Huff, the Company’s then chief financial officer, as control persons, failed to adequately supervise the Company’s management and other personnel who were directly responsible for the Company’s books and records and internal controls related to the registration of product in one foreign subsidiary. As part of the settlement, the Company and the individual parties agreed to neither admit nor deny the allegations in the complaint.

 

The Company believes that all government investigations relating to potential FCPA violations by the Company or related persons have been resolved. The Company anticipates no additional action by the Department of Justice in relation to these events.

 

SEC Section 12(j) Proceeding

 

On July 12, 2007, the Company announced that the SEC had instituted administrative proceedings pursuant to Section 12 (j) of the Exchange Act to suspend or revoke the registration of its common stock under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. On November 8, 2007, an Administrative Law Judge in the administrative proceeding issued an Initial Decision to revoke the registration of the Company’s common stock because of its failure to file required periodic reports. Shortly thereafter, the Company filed a petition for review with the SEC. On December 5, 2007, the SEC granted the Company’s petition for review. The SEC heard oral argument from both the Company and the SEC staff on January 7, 2009. On January 21, 2009, the SEC issued a final order revoking the registration of the Company’s common stock. On February 12, 2009, the Company filed a registration statement on Form 10 to reregister its common stock under the Exchange Act. The Company’s registration statement became effective as a result of the passage of time on April 13, 2009. On May 26, 2009, the Company cleared all comments from the SEC related to its registration statement on Form 10. On October 12, 2009, the Company began trading its common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “NATR.”

 

Prescott Matter

 

In April 2009, Prescott Group Aggressive Small Cap Master Fund, G.P. (“Prescott”) filed, but did not serve, a complaint in the Fourth Judicial District Court for Utah County, Utah, (Prescott Group Aggressive Small Cap Master Fund, G.P. v. Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc, Civil No. 090401518).  Prescott’s filed complaint requested that the court compel the Company to hold an annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders.  The complaint did not request that the court award monetary damages other than the payment of attorneys’ fees.  On May 22, 2009, the Company and Kristine F. Hughes, Eugene L. Hughes and Pauline Hughes Francis in their capacity as shareholders of the Company (collectively, the “Hughes Parties”) entered into a settlement and voting agreement (the “Prescott Agreement”) with Prescott.  Contemporaneously with the Prescott Agreement, the Company and the Hughes Parties entered into voting agreements (collectively with the Prescott Agreement, the “Voting Agreements”) with each of the following shareholders of the Company:  Red Mountain Capital Partners II, L.P., Red Mountain Capital Partners III, L.P. and Paradigm Capital Management, Inc. (collectively with Prescott, the “Shareholder Parties”). As a result of the Prescott Agreement, the filed complaint was withdrawn.

 

Pursuant to the Voting Agreements, effective as of June 7, 2009, (i) the authorized number of directors of the Board was increased from six to eight directors in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Bylaws of the Company, creating two additional vacancies in addition to one previously unfilled vacancy on the Board, (ii) with the exception of Kristine F. Hughes, all of the current members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) resigned as members of the Board, resulting in a total of seven vacancies on the Board and (iii) Michael D. Dean, Albert R. Dowden, Douglas Faggioli, Pauline Hughes Francis, Willem Mesdag, Jeffrey D. Watkins and Candace K. Weir were appointed, without any specific Board class designation, to fill such vacancies on the Board to serve as directors until the next annual meeting of shareholders at which directors are elected and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, unless they resign, are removed or are otherwise disqualified from serving as a director of the Company.

 

The Voting Agreements also provide that, at the next annual meeting of shareholders, which was held on November 6, 2009, the Company would nominate, and the Shareholder Parties and the Hughes Parties will vote all of the shares of Common Stock

 

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beneficially owned by them in favor of, each of the following individuals, with such nominees serving in the Board class set forth opposite his or her name:

 

Name

 

Class

Jeffrey D. Watkins

 

Class I

Willem Mesdag

 

Class I

Michael D. Dean

 

Class II

Douglas Faggioli

 

Class II

Candace K. Weir

 

Class II

Kristine F. Hughes

 

Class III

Pauline Hughes Francis

 

Class III

Albert R. Dowden

 

Class III

 

The voting arrangement set forth in the Voting Agreements terminated on November 6, 2009, immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, and the election of the new Board of Directors as slated above.

 

Audit of U.S. Federal Tax Returns, 2003 – 2008

 

The IRS is currently conducting a civil examination with respect to the 2006 through 2008 taxable years.  The examination is in process.

 

In October 2009, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued an examination report formally proposing adjustments with respect to the 2003 through 2005 taxable years, which primarily relate to the prices that were charged in intragroup transfers of property and the disallowance of related deductions. The Company has challenged the IRS proposals and the matter is currently before the Office of Appeals of the Internal Revenue Service.  Management believes that the Company has appropriately reserved for these matters at an amount which it believes will ultimately be due upon resolution of the administrative proceedings. The Company is currently unable to determine the outcome of these discussions and their related impact, if any, on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Other Litigation

 

The Company is party to various other legal proceedings in several foreign jurisdictions related to VAT assessments and other civil litigation.  While there is a reasonable possibility that a material loss may be incurred, the Company cannot at this time estimate the loss, if any, therefore, no provision for losses has been provided.  The Company believes future payments related to these matters could range from $0 to approximately $1.4 million.

 

One of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is a defendant in litigation regarding primarily employee-related matters. The Company has recorded accruals of approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million related to this litigation at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which is included in accrued liabilities.

 

Item 4. Reserved

 

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Market and Share Prices

 

Our common stock was traded on the Nasdaq National Market System (symbol “NATR”) until April 5, 2006, the date that the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Panel determined to delist our common stock from The Nasdaq National Market. Following the delisting of our stock from Nasdaq National Market, our stock was traded on the Pink Sheets (symbol NATR.PK) until the revocation of  the Exchange Act registration of our common stock on January 21, 2009. On February 12, 2009, the Company filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form 10 to re-register its common stock under the Exchange Act. The Company’s registration statement became effective as a result of the passage of time on April 13, 2009. On May 26, 2009, the Company cleared all comments from the SEC related to its registration statement on Form 10. Our stock then began trading on the OTC Market (symbol NATR.OTC) on June 25, 2009. On October 12, 2009, trading of the Company’s common stock recommenced on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “NATR.”

 

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The following table summarizes the high and low market prices of our common stock from the time it resumed trading on the Nasdaq National Market on October 12, 2009 through the year ended December 31, 2009:

 

 

 

Market Prices

 

2009

 

High

 

Low

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

9.60

 

$

5.40

 

 

The following table summarizes the best ask and bid market prices of our common stock while it traded on the Pink Sheets and OTC Markets:

 

 

 

Market Prices

 

2009

 

Best Ask(1)

 

Best Bid(2)

 

First Quarter (3)

 

$

5.50

 

$

4.75

 

Second Quarter (4)

 

5.50

 

3.25

 

Third Quarter

 

5.90

 

4.75

 

Fourth Quarter (5)

 

5.98

 

4.90

 

 

 

 

Market Prices

 

2008

 

Best Ask(1)

 

Best Bid(2)

 

First Quarter

 

$

11.00

 

$

7.01

 

Second Quarter

 

12.35

 

9.25

 

Third Quarter

 

14.45

 

9.00

 

Fourth Quarter

 

12.50

 

8.40

 

 


(1)          The “Best Ask” represents the highest ask during the quarter at which a trade of our common stock was transacted on either the Pink Sheets or OTC Market.

(2)          The “Best Bid” represents the lowest bid during the quarter at which a trade of our common stock was transacted on either the Pink Sheets or OTC Market.

(3)          Includes activity from January 1, 2009 through January 21, 2009, the date our registration under the Exchange Act was revoked.

(4)          Includes activity from June 25, 2009, the date our shares began trading on the OTC Market, through June 30, 2009.

(5)          Includes activity from October 1, 2009, through October 9, 2009, the last date our common stock traded on the OTC Market.

 

The market price of our common shares is subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in our quarterly operating results, general trends in the markets for our products, economic and currency exchange issues in the foreign markets in which we operate and other factors, many of which are not within our control. In addition, broad market fluctuations, as well as general economic, business and political conditions may adversely affect the market for our common shares, regardless of our actual or projected performance.

 

The Pink Sheets and OTC Market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

The closing price of our common shares on March 5, 2010, was $8.38.  The approximate number of holders of record of our common shares as of March 5, 2010 was 1,040. This number of holders of record does not represent the actual number of beneficial owners of our common shares because shares are frequently held in “street name” by securities dealers and others for the benefit of individual owners who have the right to vote their shares.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

Since January 1, 2007, we have issued and sold the following unregistered securities:

 

On February 1, 2007, we issued and sold 95,690 shares of common stock to Douglas Faggioli, our Chief Executive Officer, for cash consideration in an aggregate amount of $735,665 upon the exercise of stock options granted under our 1995 Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Stock Plan”). This sale is exempt from the registration requirement of Section 5 of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On February 2, 2007, we issued and sold 61,330 shares of common stock to Eugene L. Hughes, our founder and Director, for cash consideration in an aggregate amount of $471,505 upon the exercise of stock options granted under our 1995 Stock Plan. This sale is exempt from the registration requirement of Section 5 of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On February 6, 2007, we issued and sold 5,340 shares of common stock to Kent Hastings, our Director of Export Markets, for cash consideration in an aggregate amount of $41,054 upon the exercise of stock options granted under our 1995 Stock Plan. This sale is exempt from the registration requirement of Section 5 of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

 

On July 27, 2007, we issued and sold 500 shares of common stock to the estate of Robert Schaffer for cash consideration in an aggregate amount of $4,157 upon the exercise of stock options granted under our 1995 Stock Plan. This sale is exempt from the registration requirement of Section 5 of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

 

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Dividends

 

There were 1,042 shareholders of record as of December 31, 2009. During the fiscal years 2009 and 2008, the Company paid cash dividends of $0.05 and $0.20 per common share, respectively. The Company suspended payment of its quarterly cash dividends, effective the second quarter of 2009, in an effort to conserve cash in the United States.  The suspension of cash dividends is expected to preserve approximately $3.1 million of cash flow on an annual basis.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table contains information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2009:

 

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
issuance under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))

 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

 

321,083

 

$

6.74

 

500,350

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2)

 

133,800

 

11.85

 

 

Total

 

454,833

 

$

8.25

 

500,350

 

 


(1)          Consists of two plans:  The Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2009 Incentive Plan”) and the Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Option Plan”). The 2009 Incentive Plan was approved by shareholders on November 6, 2009. The terms of these plans are summarized in Note 9, “Capital Transactions”, to the Notes of our Consolidated Financial Statements, of Item 8, Part 2 of this report.

 

(2)          During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company issued nonqualified options to purchase shares of common stock outside of any shareholder approved stock incentive plan. The terms of these nonqualified options to purchase shares of common stock are summarized in Note 9, “Capital Transactions”, to the Notes of our Consolidated Financial Statements, of Item 8, Part 2 of this report.

 

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Performance Graph

 

The graph below depicts our common stock as an index, assuming $100.00 was invested on December 31, 2004 along with the composite prices of companies listed in the Nasdaq and our peer group. Standard & Poor’s Investment Services has provided us with this information. The comparisons in the graph are required by regulations of the SEC and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of the possible future performance of our common stock. The publicly-traded companies in our peer group are USANA Health Sciences, Inc., Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Herbalife International, Inc., and Mannatech Incorporated.

 

 

 

 

12/31/05

 

12/31/06

 

12/31/07

 

12/31/08

 

12/31/09

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.

 

$

89.78

 

$

58.38

 

$

48.86

 

$

32.22

 

$

45.11

 

Nasdaq Index

 

101.33

 

114.01

 

123.71

 

73.11

 

105.61

 

Peer Group

 

80.73

 

95.92

 

86.72

 

53.68

 

102.07

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

The selected financial data presented below is summarized from our results of consolidated operations for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2009, as well as selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005.

 

(Dollar and Share Amounts in Thousands, Except for Per Share Information)

 

Income Statement Data

 

 

 

Net Sales
Revenue

 

Cost of
Goods Sold

 

Volume
Incentives

 

Selling, General
and Administrative

 

Operating
Income

 

Income Before
Income Taxes

 

Net Income
(Loss)

 

2009

 

$

343,023

 

$

68,803

 

$

126,165

 

$

137,288

 

$

10,767

 

$

14,325

 

$

6,115

 

2008

 

373,234

 

71,874

 

140,074

 

155,688

 

5,598

 

6,468

 

(1,838

)

2007

 

360,874

 

70,996

 

138,111

 

148,706

 

3,061

 

4,465

 

(8,237

)

2006

 

357,979

 

68,745

 

141,584

 

139,645

 

8,005

 

8,629

 

(3,565

)

2005

 

348,544

 

67,593

 

140,985

 

128,381

 

11,585

 

11,423

 

3,504

 

 

Balance Sheet Data

 

 

 

Working
Capital

 

Current
Ratio

 

Inventories

 

Property, Plant and
Equipment, Net

 

Total
Assets

 

Long-Term
Liabilities

 

Shareholders’
Equity

 

2009

 

$

33,523

 

1.49

 

$

40,623

 

$

28,757

 

$

164,856

 

$

39,892

 

$

57,095

 

2008

 

30,200

 

1.39

 

39,558

 

30,224

 

164,276

 

32,679

 

53,677

 

2007

 

32,017

 

1.42

 

35,249

 

28,282

 

165,338

 

27,986

 

60,392

 

2006

 

23,968

 

1.31

 

38,639

 

30,581

 

148,347

 

2,190

 

68,186

 

2005

 

27,928

 

1.40

 

34,988

 

34,075

 

147,286

 

2,284

 

75,407

 

 

Common Share Summary

 

 

 

Cash Dividend
Per Share

 

Basic Net Income
(Loss) Per Share

 

Diluted Net Income
(Loss) Per Share

 

Basic Weighted
Average Number
of Shares

 

Diluted Weighted
Average Number
of Shares

 

2009

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.39

 

$

0.39

 

15,510

 

15,512

 

2008

 

0.20

 

(0.12

)

(0.12

)

15,510

 

15,510

 

2007

 

0.20

 

(0.53

)

(0.53

)

15,495

 

15,495

 

2006

 

0.20

 

(0.23

)

(0.23

)

15,344

 

15,344

 

2005

 

0.20

 

0.23

 

0.23

 

15,211

 

15,515

 

 

Other Information

 

 

 

Number of
Independent Managers

 

Number of

Independent Distributors

 

Square Footage of
Property in Use

 

Number of Employees

 

2009

 

28,726

 

 697,150

 

750,610

 

1,191

 

2008

 

26,002

 

729,627

 

731,277

 

1,183

 

2007

 

24,115

 

698,685

 

706,519

 

1,170

 

2006

 

24,292

 

668,565

 

852,235

 

1,181

 

2005

 

21,309

 

588,060

 

816,296

 

1,100

 

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion highlights the principal factors that have affected our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources for the periods described. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes in Item 8 of this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements. Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for the risks, uncertainties and assumptions associated with these forward-looking statements.

 

OVERVIEW

 

Our Business, Industry and Target Market

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of herbal products, vitamin and mineral supplements, personal care, and miscellaneous products. Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. is a Utah corporation with its principal place of business in Provo, Utah. We sell our products to a sales force of independent Distributors and Managers who use the products themselves or resell them to other Distributors or consumers. The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising, distribution and sale of each of our major product groups are subject to regulation by one or more governmental agencies.

 

We market our products in the United States, Mexico, Central America, Canada, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Peru, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Belarus, China, Poland, and Brazil. We also export our products to several other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and Norway.

 

We also sell our products through a separate division and operating business segment, Synergy Worldwide, which was acquired by us in 2000. Synergy Worldwide offers products with formulations different from those of the Nature’s Sunshine Products offerings. In addition, Synergy Worldwide’s marketing and Distributor compensation plans are sufficiently different from those of Nature’s Sunshine Products to warrant accounting for these operations as a separate business segment. Synergy Worldwide sells products in Japan, the United States, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Australia, and the Czech Republic.

 

In 2009, we experienced a decline in net sales revenue of approximately 8.1 percent. This decline was primarily related to decreased sales overseas in our NSP International business segment of approximately 18.4 percent and a decrease of approximately 2.1 percent in our Synergy Worldwide segment, which were offset in part by an increase in net sales revenue of 1.1 percent for our NSP United States segment.  The decreases in net sales revenue for NSP International and Synergy Worldwide were primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most foreign currencies in which our subsidiaries operate and its impact on consumer demand in these markets, as well as weakening demand in certain foreign markets as a result of current economic conditions. The most significant impact of these events was in our Russian, Ukrainian, and Mexican markets,  principally during the first half of the year. The Japanese market was also impacted by weak economic conditions during the first half of 2009. Over the same period, our cost of goods sold increased as a percentage of net sales revenue as a result of additional promotions offered in our foreign markets during the earlier part of the year, as well as increases in raw material costs for some of our products, and reduced production volumes due to the decline in global sales.

 

We distribute our products to consumers through an independent sales force comprised of Managers and Distributors. Active Managers totaled approximately 28,700 and 26,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Active Distributors totaled approximately 697,200 and 729,600 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We anticipate the number of active Distributors to increase as we expand our existing operations, enter new international markets, and as current Distributors grow their businesses.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting U.S. GAAP and form the basis for the following discussion and analysis on critical accounting policies and estimates. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On a regular basis we evaluate our estimates and assumptions. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates and those differences could have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. Management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Board of Directors and its Audit Committee.

 

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A summary of our significant accounting policies is provided in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report. We believe the critical accounting policies and estimates described below, reflect our more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The impact and any associated risks on our business that are related to these policies are also discussed throughout this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” where such policies affect reported and expected financial results.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Net sales revenue and related volume incentive expenses are recorded when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, collectability is reasonably assured, the amount is fixed and determinable, and title and risk of loss have passed, generally when the merchandise has been delivered. The amount of the volume incentive is determined based upon the amount of qualifying purchases in a given month. It is necessary for the Company to make estimates about the timing of when merchandise has been delivered.  These estimates are based upon the Company’s historical experience related to time in transit, timing of when shipments occurred, and shipping volumes. Amounts received for undelivered merchandise are recorded as deferred revenue. From time to time, the Company’s United States operation extends short-term credit associated with product promotions. In addition, for certain of the Company’s international operations, the Company offers credit terms consistent with industry standards within the country of operation. Payments to Distributors and Managers for sales incentives or rebates are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Payments for sales incentives and rebates are calculated monthly based upon qualifying sales. Membership fees are recorded as revenue over the life of the membership, primarily one year. Prepaid event registration fees are deferred and recognized as revenues when the related event is held.

 

A reserve for product returns is recorded based upon historical experience.  The Company allows Distributors or Managers to return the unused portion of products within ninety days of purchase if they are not satisfied with the product.  In some of our markets, the requirements to return product are more restrictive.   Sales returns for each of the years 2009, 2008, and 2007, were approximately $0.1 million.

 

Accounts Receivable Allowances

 

Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future. This estimated allowance is based primarily on the aging category, historical trends and management’s evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. This reserve is adjusted periodically as information about specific accounts becomes available.

 

Investments

 

The Company’s available-for-sale investment portfolio is recorded at fair value and consists of various fixed income securities such as U.S. government and state and municipal bonds, mutual funds, and equity securities. These investments are valued using (a) quoted prices for identical assets in active markets or (b) from significant inputs that are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset. The Company’s trading portfolio is recorded at fair value and consists of various mutual funds that are valued using quoted prices in active markets.

 

For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, the Company performs an analysis to assess whether it intends to sell or whether it would more likely than not be required to sell the security before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. Where the Company intends to sell a security, or may be required to do so, the security’s decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and the full amount of the unrealized loss is recorded within earnings as an impairment loss.

 

For all other debt securities that experience a decline in fair value that is determined to be other-than-temporary and not related to credit loss, the Company records a loss, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The credit loss is recorded within earnings as an impairment loss. Management judgment is involved in evaluating whether a decline in an investment’s fair value is other-than-temporary.

 

Regardless of the Company’s intent to sell a security, the Company performs additional analysis on all securities with unrealized losses to evaluate losses associated with the creditworthiness of the security.  Credit losses are identified where we do not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of a security.

 

For equity securities, when assessing whether a decline in fair value below our cost basis is other-than-temporary, the Company considers the fair market value of the security, the length of time and extent to which market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer as well as specific events or circumstances that may influence the operations of the issuer, and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a sufficient time in order to enable recovery of our cost. New

 

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information and the passage of time can change these judgments.  Where the Company has determined that the Company lacks the intent and ability to hold an equity security to its expected recovery, the security’s decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and is recorded within earnings as an impairment loss.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower-of-cost-or-market, using the first-in, first-out method. The components of inventory cost include raw materials, labor, and overhead. To estimate any necessary lower-of-cost-or-market adjustments, various assumptions are made in regard to excess or slow-moving inventories, non-conforming inventories, expiration dates, current and future product demand, production planning, and market conditions.

 

Self-insurance Liabilities

 

As a manufacturer and distributor of products that are ingested, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that, among other things, the use of our products results in injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. We have historically had a very limited number of product claims or reports from individuals who have asserted that they have suffered adverse consequences as a result of using our products. These matters have historically been settled to our satisfaction and have not resulted in material payments. We have established a wholly owned captive insurance company to provide us with product liability insurance coverage and have accrued an amount that we believe is sufficient to cover probable and reasonable estimable liabilities related to product liability claims based upon our history. However, there can be no assurance that these estimates will prove to be sufficient nor can there be any assurance that the ultimate outcome of any litigation for product liability will not have a material negative impact on our business prospects, financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

 

We self-insure for certain employee medical benefits. The recorded liabilities for self-insured risks are calculated using actuarial methods and are not discounted. The liabilities include amounts for actual claims and claims incurred but not reported. Actual experience, including claim frequency and severity as well as health care inflation, could result in actual liabilities being more or less than the amounts currently recorded.

 

Incentive Trip Accrual

 

We accrue for expenses for incentive trips associated with our direct sales marketing program, which rewards independent Distributors and Managers with paid attendance at our conventions and meetings. Expenses associated with incentive trips are accrued over qualification periods as they are earned. We specifically analyze incentive trip accruals based on historical and current sales trends as well as contractual obligations when evaluating the adequacy of the incentive trip accrual. Actual results could result in liabilities being more or less than the amounts recorded. We have accrued convention and meeting costs of approximately $2.9 million and $4.5 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company uses an estimate of future undiscounted net cash flows of the related assets or groups of assets over their remaining lives in measuring whether the assets are recoverable. An impairment loss is calculated by determining the difference between the carrying values and the fair values of these assets. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company did not consider any of its long-lived assets to be impaired.

 

Contingencies

 

We are involved in certain legal proceedings. When a loss is considered probable in connection with litigation or non-income tax contingencies and when a loss can be reasonably estimated with a range, we record our best estimate within the range related to the contingency. If there is no best estimate, we record the minimum of the range. As additional information becomes available, we assess the potential liability related to the contingency and revise the estimates. Revision in estimates of the potential liabilities could materially impact our results of operations in the period of adjustment. Our contingencies are discussed in further detail in Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies”, to the Notes of our Consolidated Financial Statements, of Item 8, Part 2 of this report.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and contingent reserves reflect management’s best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.

 

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Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In projecting future taxable income, we develop assumptions including the amount of future state, federal and foreign pretax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses. Valuation allowances are recorded as reserves against net deferred tax assets by the Company when it is determined that net deferred tax assets are not likely to be realized in the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had recorded valuation allowances of $18.7 million and $14.0 million, respectively, as offsets to our recorded net deferred tax assets.

 

As of December 31, 2009, we had foreign income tax net operating loss carryforwards of $9.8 million, which will expire at various dates from 2010 through 2012. The Company had approximately $4.4 million of foreign tax credits, which begin to expire at various times starting in 2012.

 

Changes in tax laws and rates could also affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future. Management is not aware of any such changes that would have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

 

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions across our global operations. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold to be recognized.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

The Company recognizes all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations based on their granted-dated fair values in accordance with authoritative U.S. GAAP. The Company records compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, over the vesting period of the stock options based on the fair value of the stock options on the date of grant. The Company estimated forfeiture rate is based upon historical experience.

 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table summarizes our consolidated operating results as a percentage of net sales revenue for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net sales revenue

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

20.1

 

19.3

 

19.7

 

Volume incentives

 

36.8

 

37.5

 

38.3

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

40.0

 

41.7

 

41.2

 

 

 

96.9

 

98.5

 

99.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

3.1

 

1.5

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income, net

 

0.4

 

0.5

 

0.4

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange losses, net

 

0.7

 

(0.3

)

 

 

 

1.1

 

0.2

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

 

4.2

 

1.7

 

1.2

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

2.4

 

2.2

 

3.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

1.8

%

(0.5

)%

(2.3

)%

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2009 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2008

 

Net Sales Revenue

 

Consolidated net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $343.0 million compared to $373.2 million in 2008, a decrease of approximately 8.1 percent. The decrease in net sales revenue for year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 is primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most foreign currencies in which our subsidiaries operate and its impact on consumer demand in these markets, as well as weakening demand in certain foreign markets as a result of current economic conditions. The most significant impact was in our Russian, Ukrainian, and Mexican markets, during the first half of 2009. The Japanese markets was also impacted by weak economic conditions during the first half of 2009.

 

NSP United States

 

Net sales revenue related to NSP United States for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $151.8 million compared to $150.1 million for the same period in 2008, or an increase of 1.1 percent in 2009 compared to 2008. During the first half of 2009, sales were down 2.7 percent compared to the same period in 2008, as a result of decreases in consumer demand and as a result of difficult economic conditions in the United States at that time.  However, during the last six months of 2009, we saw an increase in net sales revenue compared to the same time in the prior year due to the launch of several new products during the Company’s August 2009 convention, as well as the launch of a new Manager development program which has encouraged Managers to sign up new Distributors.

 

Active Distributors within NSP United States totaled approximately 248,100 and 225,000 at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  Active Managers within NSP United States totaled approximately 6,900 and 6,200 at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

 

NSP International

 

NSP International reported net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009 of $135.4 million compared to $166.0 million for the same period in 2008, a decrease of approximately 18.4 percent.  The decrease in sales is primarily due to weakness in the economies of many of the markets in which we operate due to global economic conditions during 2009 (primarily Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, and Japan) as well as negative foreign currency fluctuations of approximately $5.5 million, or 3.3 percent of the decrease in sales, as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the currencies in substantially all markets in which NSP International operates, and the effect of the strengthening U.S. dollar on customer purchasing power for our products in these markets.

 

We had the following significant changes within the markets in which NSP International operates:

 

In Russia, our net sales revenues decreased approximately $10.3 million or 25.5 percent to $30.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $40.4 million for the same period in 2008. In Russia, our products are priced using the U.S. dollar. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Russian ruble has increased the price of our products significantly during 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.  During 2008, the average exchange rate was approximately 24.9 rubles to one dollar compared to 31.8 rubles to one dollar in 2009, a decline of 27.7 percent. As a result of these conditions, there has been a corresponding decrease in Distributors in Russia.

 

In Ukraine, our net sales revenues decreased approximately $12.5 million or 38.0 percent to $20.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $32.9 million for the same period in 2008.  In Ukraine, our products are priced using the U.S. dollar. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Ukrainian hryvnia has increased the price of our products significantly during 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.  During 2008, the average exchange rate was approximately 5.4 hryvnia to one dollar compared to 8.1 hryvnia to one dollar in 2009, a decline of 55.6 percent. As a result of these conditions, there has been a corresponding decrease in Distributors in Ukraine.

 

In Canada, our net sales revenues increased approximately $0.5 million or 3.6 percent to $14.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $14.0 million for the same period in 2008.  Our net sales in Canada were negatively impacted approximately $1.1 million or 7.9 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar strengthening in relation to the Canadian dollar from 2008 to 2009. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales in Canada increased approximately $1.6 million or 11.4 percent for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.  The increase in net sales is primarily due to the launch of several new products during the second half of the year, as well as an increase in the number of active Distributors.

 

In Mexico, our net sales revenues decreased approximately $4.0 million or 22.3 percent to $13.9 million for the year ended

 

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December 31, 2009 from $17.9 million for the same period in 2008.  Our net sales in Mexico were negatively impacted by approximately $3.1 million or 17.3 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar strengthening in relation to the Mexican peso from 2008 to 2009. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales in Mexico decreased approximately $0.9 million or 5.0 percent for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.  The decrease in net sales is primarily due to weak economic conditions within Mexico during 2009, as well as a decrease in the number of active Distributors.

 

In the remaining markets in which NSP International operates, our net sales revenues decreased approximately $4.3 million or 7.1 percent to $56.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $60.8 million for the same period in 2008.  Our net sales were negatively impacted approximately $1.3 million or 2.1 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar strengthening in relation to the various currencies our markets operate in from 2008 to 2009. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales revenues in NSP International’s remaining markets decreased approximately $3.0 million or 4.9 percent for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, primarily due to weak economic conditions during the earlier part of the current year.

 

Active Distributors within NSP International totaled approximately 353,300 and 428,600 at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  Active Managers within NSP International totaled approximately 20,300 and 19,000 at December 31, 2009, and December 31, 2008, respectively. The decrease in Distributors is primarily related to the changes in the markets of Russia, Ukraine, and Mexico as noted above.

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

Synergy Worldwide net sales revenue decreased to $55.9 million in 2009 compared to $57.1 million in 2008, a decrease of approximately 2.1 percent. The decrease in net sales is primarily due to current economic conditions in Japan and the effect of foreign currency fluctuations in the markets in which Synergy Worldwide operates, which have been offset by growth in several of our markets as noted below.

 

In Japan, our net sales revenues decreased approximately $8.9 million or 30.4 percent to $20.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $29.3 million for the same period in 2008.  Our net sales in Japan were positively impacted by approximately $1.9 million or 6.5 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar weakening in relation to the Japanese yen from 2008 to 2009. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales in Japan decreased approximately $10.8 million or 36.9 percent for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.  The decrease in net sales is primarily due to continuing economic weakness in Japan, which has resulted in a decrease in the number of active Distributors as well.

 

In Indonesia, our net sales revenues increased approximately $2.1 million or 30.4 percent to $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $6.9 million for the same period in 2008.  Our net sales in Indonesia were negatively impacted by approximately $0.7 million or 10.1 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar strengthening in relation to the Indonesian rupiah from 2008 to 2009. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales in Indonesia increased approximately $2.8 million or 40.6 percent for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.  The increase in net sales is primarily due to the implementation of a new Distributor recruiting program, which has significantly increased the level of Active Distributors within Indonesia, as well as the launch of several new products earlier this year in Indonesia.

 

In Europe, our net sales revenues increased approximately $3.0 million or 76.9 percent to $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $3.9 million for the same period in 2008.  Our net sales in Europe were negatively impacted by approximately $0.4 million or 10.3 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar strengthening in relation to the euro from 2008 to 2009. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales in Europe increased approximately $3.4 million or 87.2 percent for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 due to the continued growth of our operations in the countries in which we have operated since the opening of Synergy Worldwide in Europe in late 2007, as well as expansion into several additional countries during 2009.

 

In the United States, our net sales revenues increased approximately $1.6 million or 27.1 percent to $7.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $5.9 million for the same period in 2008.  Our growth within the Unites States is primarily due to growth of our U.S. Distributor base, as well as expansion of our personal import market program.

 

In the remaining markets in which Synergy Worldwide operates, our net sales revenues increased approximately $1.0 million or 9.0 percent to $12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $11.1 million for the same period in 2008.  Our net sales were negatively impacted approximately $1.6 million or 14.4 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar strengthening in relation to the various currencies our markets operate in from 2008 to 2009. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales revenue in Synergy Worldwide’s remaining markets increased approximately $2.6 million or 23.4 percent for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, primarily due to growth of our Distributor base, which has been driven by

 

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changes in management within some of these markets.

 

Active Distributors within Synergy Worldwide totaled approximately 95,800 and 76,000 at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  Active Managers within Synergy Worldwide totaled approximately 1,500 and 800 at December 31, 2009, and December 31, 2008, respectively.

 

Further information related to the NSP United States, NSP International and Synergy Worldwide is set forth in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

Cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales revenue increased to 20.1 percent in 2009 compared to 19.3 percent in 2008.   This increase is primarily a result of additional promotions offered in our foreign markets during the earlier part of the year, as well as increases in raw material costs for some of our products, reduced production volumes, and product mix.

 

Volume Incentives

 

Volume Incentives are a significant part of our direct sales marketing program and represent commission payments made to our independent Distributors and Managers. These payments are designed to provide incentives for reaching higher sales levels and for recruiting additional Distributors.  Volume Incentives vary slightly, on a percentage basis, by product due to our pricing policies and commission plans in place in our international operations.  Volume Incentives as a percent of net sales revenue decreased to 36.8 percent in 2009 compared to 37.5 percent in 2008.  The decrease is partially due to fewer Distributors qualifying for payouts at higher rates due to lower sales volumes in Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, and Japan, as well as to reductions in the Volume Incentive programs for some products sold within the United States.

 

Selling, General and Administrative

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 40.0 percent of net sales revenue in 2009 compared to 41.7 percent in 2008, or by approximately $18.4 million in 2009 compared to 2008, from $155.7 million to $137.3 million. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses is the result of decreased spending of approximately $6.8 million in our Russian, Ukrainian, and other Eastern European markets due to the significant declines in our net sales revenues in these markets, decreases in non-income tax related contingencies of $3.8 million related to favorable settlements for NSP United States, $3.4 million of favorable settlements related to VAT contingencies within some of the markets in which Synergy operates, as well as decreased professional fees within the United States of $2.9 million related to our efforts to become current in our financial reporting.  In addition, foreign currency fluctuations positively impacted general and administrative expenses by approximately $3.0 million, of which $1.7 million was related to exchange changes in Mexico.  These decreases were offset by increases of approximately $2.6 million of VAT related contingencies within some of the foreign markets in NSP International operates, as well an increase of $0.6 million related to the settlement of the SEC investigation of the Company as described in Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements in Part II, of Item 8 of this report. Excluding the items noted above, we have seen selling, general, and administrative costs in our NSP International and Synergy Worldwide segments increase as a percentage of sales as a result of reduced sales in some the key markets in which we operate as noted in the net sales revenue discussion above.  We continue to evaluate and explore ways to reduce costs within all of our operating segments.

 

Operating Income

 

Operating income increased $5.2 million in 2009 compared to 2008, from $5.6 million to $10.8 million.  The operating income for NSP United States increased to $6.6 million in 2009 compared to an operating loss of $5.9 million in 2008, an increase of $12.5 million. This increase is the result of declines in volume incentives as a percentage of net sales revenues, the reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses primarily due to decreases in the reduction in non-income tax related accruals and professional fees, as noted above. Operating income for NSP International decreased $14.3 million from $16.9 million in 2008 to $2.6 million during 2009 as a result of decreased net sales in many of the markets in which NSP International operates due to general economic conditions within these markets, as well as the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, as noted above in the discussion of net sales revenue. The conditions had a more significant impact earlier in the year. The operating loss in Synergy Worldwide decreased $7.0 million to operating income of $1.6 million in 2009 compared to an operating loss of $5.4 million in 2008.  This is primarily due to a favorable settlement of VAT related contingencies in some of its foreign markets as noted above. Excluding this, its operating loss decreased to $1.8 million, an improvement of $3.6 million primarily due to the increases in net sales revenue for Synergy Worldwide’s European, Indonesian, and United States markets, as well as continued cost cutting efforts in each of its markets.  The net impact of foreign currency fluctuations on operating income included in the operating results of NSP International and Synergy Worldwide is $0.4 million.

 

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Other Income, net

 

Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased $2.7 million compared to the same period in 2008 primarily due to foreign exchange gains in certain markets based upon changes in exchange rates on intercompany related balances and U.S. dollar denominated cash accounts.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate was 57.3 percent for 2009, compared to 128.4 percent for 2008. The effective rate for 2009 differed from the federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent primarily due to:

 

(i)                                     The amortization of a prepaid tax resulting from a taxable gain on the sale of intercompany assets eliminated for reporting purposes, but recognized for the calculation of the consolidated income tax provision, increased the effective tax rate by approximately 9.8 percent in 2009. The prepaid tax is being amortized over the respective life of the asset, and it is anticipated to impact the effective rate through 2010.

 

(ii)                                  Adjustments relating to the U.S. tax impact of foreign operations decreased the effective tax rate by 13.7 percentage points in 2009.  Included were adjustments for dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, adjustments for foreign tax credits, and adjustments relating to outside basis calculations under applicable U.S. GAAP. Changes to the effective rate due to dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, adjustments for foreign tax credits, and outside basis are expected to be recurring.

 

(iii)                               Foreign tax rate differentials that incrementally impact the federal statutory rate increased the effective tax rate by approximately 14.0 percent. This is primarily due to the Company not recording a benefit for losses in most jurisdictions where tax losses exist, particularly with respect to the Company’s markets in the Asia-Pacific region of the world. Some of these losses may be recurring or may result in benefits in future periods if these markets return to profitability.

 

(iv)                              Nondeductible foreign expenses incrementally that impact the federal statutory rate increased the effective tax rate by approximately 6.4 percent. In the current year, the increase relates primarily to income tax adjustments in foreign markets that are non-deductible for tax purposes. Some of these items may be recurring.

 

(v)                                 Changes in the deferred tax asset valuations allowance increased the effective tax rate by approximately 8.8 percent in 2009.  The change in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance was primarily the result of reserves being established for certain foreign affiliate deferred tax assets that were not likely to be realized due to recurring losses within the respective tax jurisdictions

 

As a net result of these and other differences, the effective tax rate for 2009 was greater than the statutory rate of 35.0 percent for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2008 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

Net Sales Revenue

 

Consolidated net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $373.2 million compared to $360.9 million in 2007, an increase of approximately 3.4 percent. During 2008, the increase in net sales revenue was primarily due to continued growth in NSP International.

 

NSP United States

 

Net sales revenue related to the NSP United States business segment operations were $150.1 million and $148.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, or an increase of 1.2 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.  This growth is partially due to a reduction of some of the rebates provided to Distributors associated with some of our products, as well as increase in shipping charges to customers due to fuel surcharges related to increasing fuel costs.

 

Active Distributors within NSP United States totaled approximately 225,000 and 214,100 at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.  Active Managers within NSP United States totaled approximately 6,200 and 6,500 at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

 

NSP International

 

NSP International reported net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $166.0 million compared to $144.0

 

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million for the same period in 2007, an increase of approximately 15.3 percent. The increase in international net sales revenue in 2008 compared to 2007 was primarily the result of continued growth in our operations in Russia and Ukraine.  The increase in net sales revenue reflected the continued increase in Distributors and Managers in the Company’s international operations as well as foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations which positively impacted revenues by $1.8 million or 1.2 percent in 2008 compared to 2007.   Approximately $1.3 million of the benefit was the result of positive currency fluctuations in Japan, as the yen strengthened significantly in relation to the U.S. dollar in 2008. The effects of currency fluctuations on sales were immaterial in the aggregate for the remaining markets of NSP International.

 

We had the following significant changes within the markets in which NSP International operates:

 

In Russia, our net sales revenues increased approximately $9.4 million or 30.3 percent to $40.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $31.0 million for the same period in 2007. In Russia, the increase in sales was primarily due to a significant increase in the number of Distributors in this market due to active efforts to grow the market by local management.

 

In Ukraine, our net sales revenues increased approximately $11.0 million or 50.2 percent to $32.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $21.9 million for the same period in 2007. In Ukraine, the increase in sales was primarily due to a significant increase in the number of Distributors in this market due to active efforts to grow the market by local management.

 

In Mexico, our net sales revenues decreased approximately $1.4 million or 7.3 percent to $17.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $19.3 million for the same period in 2007.  Our net sales in Mexico were negatively impacted by approximately $0.2 million or 1.0 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar strengthening in relation to the Mexican peso from 2007 to 2008. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales in Mexico decreased approximately $1.2 million or 6.2 percent for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 2007.  The decrease in net sales was primarily due to increased competition within Mexico during 2008, which resulted in a decrease in the number of active Distributors.

 

In Japan, our net sales revenues decreased approximately $0.4 million or 4.0 percent to $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $10.1 million for the same period in 2007.  Our net sales in Japan were positively impacted by approximately $1.3 million or 12.9 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar weakening in relation to the Japanese yen from 2007 to 2008. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales in Japan decreased approximately $1.7 million or 16.8 percent for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 2007.  The decrease in net sales was primarily due to increased competition and economic conditions within Japan during 2008, which resulted in a decrease in the number of active Distributors.

 

In the remaining markets in which NSP International operates, our net sales revenues increased approximately $3.4 million or 5.5 percent to $65.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $61.7 million for the same period in 2008.  Our net sales were positively impacted by approximately $0.6 million or 1.0 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar weakening in relation to the various currencies our markets operate in from 2007 to 2008. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales revenues in NSP International’s remaining markets increased approximately $2.8 million or 4.5 percent for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007, primarily due to growth in our Distributor base.

 

Active Distributors within NSP International totaled approximately 428,600 and 403,500 at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.  Active Managers within NSP International totaled approximately 19,000 and 16,800 at December 31, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively. The increase in Distributors is primarily related to the changes in Russia and Ukraine as noted above.

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

Synergy Worldwide net sales revenue decreased to $57.1 million in 2008 compared to $68.6 million in 2007, a decrease of approximately 16.8 percent. The decrease in Synergy Worldwide net sales was primarily due to the loss of key Distributor networks as a result of increased competition in the United States and Japanese markets.  This decrease was partially offset by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations that positively impacted net sales revenue by $2.6 million for the year ended 2008 compared to 2007. The strengthening of the Japanese yen contributed to $3.7 million of this increase, which was offset by a $1.1 million decrease in sales as a result of the South Korean won weakening in relation to the U.S. dollar.    The effects of currency fluctuations on sales were immaterial in the aggregate for the remaining markets of Synergy Worldwide.

 

In Japan, our net sales revenues decreased approximately $6.2 million or 17.5 percent to $29.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $35.5 million for the same period in 2007.  Our net sales in Japan were positively impacted approximately $3.7 million or 10.4 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar weakening in relation to the Japanese yen from 2007 to 2008. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales in Japan decreased approximately $9.9 million or 27.9

 

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percent for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  The decrease in net sales is primarily due to the loss of a key Distributor network in Japan, which has resulted in a decrease in the number of active Distributors.

 

In South Korea, our net sales revenues decreased approximately $2.8 million or 30.1 percent to $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $9.3 million for the same period in 2007.  Our net sales in South Korea were negatively impacted approximately $1.1 million or 11.8 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar strengthening in relation to the South Korean won from 2007 to 2008. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales in South Korea decreased approximately $1.7 million or 18.3 percent for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  The decrease in net sales is primarily due to economic conditions within South Korea, which has resulted in a decrease in the number of active Distributors.

 

In Europe, our net sales revenues increased approximately $2.1 million or 116.7 percent to $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $1.8 million for the same period in 2007.  Our net sales in Europe were positively impacted approximately $0.3 million or 16.7 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar weakening in relation to the euro from 2007 to 2008. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales in Europe increased approximately $1.8 million or 100.0 percent for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 due to the continued growth of our operations in the countries in which we have operated since the opening of Synergy Worldwide in Europe in 2007.

 

In the United States, our net sales revenues decreased approximately $2.6 million or 30.6 percent to $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $8.5 million for the same period in 2007.  The decline in our net sales revenue within the United States is primarily due to the loss of a key Distributor network during the year.

 

In the remaining markets in which Synergy Worldwide operates, our net sales revenues decreased approximately $2.0 million or 14.8 percent to $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $13.5 million for the same period in 2007.  Our net sales were negatively impacted approximately $0.3 million or 2.2 percent by foreign currency fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar strengthening in relation to the various currencies our markets operate in from 2007 to 2008. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, net sales revenue in Synergy Worldwide’s remaining markets decreased approximately $1.7 million or 12.6 percent for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007, primarily due to economic conditions within the various markets.

 

Active Distributors within Synergy Worldwide totaled approximately 76,000 and 81,100 at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.  Active Managers within Synergy Worldwide totaled approximately 800 and 800 at December 31, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively. The change in Distributors is primarily related to Japan and the United States as noted above.

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

Cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales revenue decreased to 19.3 percent in 2008 compared to 19.7 percent in 2007.   This improvement was primarily a result of decreased importation and purchasing costs in some of our foreign markets, as a result of their currencies strengthening in relation to the U.S. dollar.  In particular, these markets include Japan and Mexico, which account for a significant portion of consolidated net sales.  In addition, we were able to raise prices, while maintaining level inventory costs in our Russian, Ukraine, and other eastern European markets.

 

Volume Incentives

 

Volume Incentives as a percent of net sales revenue decreased to 37.5 percent in 2008 compared to 38.3 percent in 2007.  The decrease was partially due to changes in Volume Incentive programs for some products sold within the United States as well as the result of fuel surcharges included in net sales revenue within the United States for which there is no Volume Incentive.

 

Selling, General and Administrative

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 41.7 percent of net sales revenue in 2008 compared to 41.2 percent in 2007.  In absolute terms, our selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $7.0 million in 2008 compared to 2007, from $148.7 million to $155.7 million.  The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily as a result of increased spending of approximately $7.6 million in our Russian and Eastern European markets for infrastructure to support our continued growth and costs of approximately $2.1 million for entering new markets in China and Europe (of which $1.1 million is related to Synergy Worldwide).  Foreign currency fluctuations negatively impacted general and administrative expenses by approximately $1.5 million, of which $0.7 million was related to Synergy Worldwide. These costs were offset by decreases of approximately $3.4 million in our Synergy Worldwide operations (excluding costs for entering new markets and the effect of foreign currency fluctuations) as a result of cost cutting initiatives to help bring operating costs more in line with the division’s reduced net sales revenue. These

 

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initiatives include reducing the division’s consulting fees, professional fees, travel, personnel, office and warehouse rent expense through the termination and renegotiation of leases, as well as other selling expenses.

 

Operating Income

 

Operating income increased $2.5 million in 2008 compared to 2007, from $3.1 million to $5.6 million.  The operating loss for NSP United States increased $0.6 million to $5.9 million in 2008 compared to $5.3 million in 2007.  This increase was primarily related to the Company’s interest in the losses of a variable interest entity of $0.9 million for which the Company was the primary beneficiary (see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 of this report).  This entity was involved in the development of nutritional supplements.  Operating income for NSP International increased $4.2 million from $12.7 million in 2007 to $16.9 million in 2008 as a result of continued growth in our Russian, Ukrainian, and Eastern European markets.  The operating loss in Synergy Worldwide increased $1.0 million to $5.4 million in 2008 compared to $4.4 million in 2007.  This was primarily due to the loss of key Distributor networks as a result of increasing competition within the United States and Japanese markets.  This loss resulted in a significant decrease in sales in relation to the operating costs in these markets.  The net impact of foreign currency fluctuations on operating income included in the operating results of NSP International and Synergy Worldwide was $0.2 million.

 

Other Income, net

 

Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $0.5 million compared to the same period in 2007 primarily due to a decrease in foreign exchange gains in certain markets based upon changes in exchange rates on intercompany related balances.

 

Income Taxes

 

The effective income tax rate was 128.4 percent for 2008, compared to 284.5 percent for 2007. The effective rate for 2008 differed from the federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent primarily due to:

 

(i)                                     Additional liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions increased the effective rate by 59.7 percent for 2008. These reserves related primarily to our exposure to transfer pricing on intercompany sales to foreign subsidiaries, to the withholding on sales commissions within certain foreign jurisdictions, and to the deductibility of volume incentive payments within certain foreign jurisdictions.  The increase recognized in 2008 was related to items that arose or increased during 2008.

 

(ii)                                  Changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance increased the effective rate by approximately 68.2 percent for 2008.  The decrease in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance was primarily the result of significant reserves being established for certain foreign subsidiary deferred tax assets that were not likely to be realized due to the recurring losses within the respective tax jurisdictions.

 

(iii)                               The amortization of a prepaid tax resulting from a taxable gain on the sale of intercompany assets eliminated for reporting purposes, but recognized for the calculation of the consolidated income tax provision, increased the effective rate by approximately 17.4 percent in 2008. The prepaid tax is being amortized over the respective life of the asset, and it is anticipated to impact the effective tax rate through 2010.

 

(iv)                              Adjustments relating to the U.S. tax impact of foreign operations decreased the effective tax rate by 33.6 percent in 2008.  Included were adjustments for dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, adjustments for foreign tax credits, and adjustments relating to outside basis calculations under applicable U.S. GAAP.

 

(v)                                 A foreign exchange tax loss on a U.S. dollar denominated intercompany payable decreased the effective tax rate by approximately 16.8 percent in 2008.  The related foreign book loss are eliminated in consolidation; however, it was still taxable in the respective foreign jurisdictions.

 

(vi)                              Foreign and state tax rate differentials that incrementally impact the federal statutory rate, as well as permanent nondeductible or deductible items account for the remaining change.

 

As a net result of these and other differences, tax expense for 2008 was greater than income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

The effective income tax rate was 284.5 percent for 2007. The effective rate for 2007 differed from the federal statutory rate of

 

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35 percent primarily due to:

 

(i)

Additional liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions increased the effective rate by approximately 104.4 percent and related primarily to our exposure to transfer pricing on intercompany sales to foreign subsidiaries, to the withholding on sales commissions within certain foreign jurisdictions, and to the deductibility of volume incentive payments within certain foreign jurisdictions.

 

 

(ii)

Additional tax contingencies which increased the effective rate by approximately 16.0 percent.  The increase in tax contingencies primarily relates to foreign non-income tax related expenses which reduced the pretax income but were non-deductible for income tax purposes consequently increased the effective rate. The items primarily related to tax contingencies for VAT transactions.

 

 

(iii)

Changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance increased the effective rate by approximately 61.1 percent. The increase in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance was primarily the result of establishing reserves against certain foreign subsidiary deferred tax assets that were not likely to be realized due to the recurring losses within the respective tax jurisdiction.

 

 

(iv)

The amortization of a prepaid tax resulting from a taxable gain on the sale of intercompany assets eliminated for reporting purposes, but recognized for the calculation of the consolidated income tax provision, increased the effective tax rate by approximately 25.2 percent. The prepaid tax is anticipated to impact the effective tax rate through 2010.

 

 

(v)

A foreign exchange tax gain on a U.S. dollar denominated intercompany payable increased the effective tax rate by approximately 17.4 percent.  The related foreign book gain was eliminated in consolidation; however, it was still taxable in the respective foreign jurisdictions.

 

 

(vi)

An approximately 10.6 percent increase for state income taxes represented the incremental impact on the statutory rate for state income taxes deducted according to the expected blended state income tax rate, net of the federal benefit.

 

 

(vii)

Adjustments relating to the U.S. tax impact of foreign operations increased the effective tax rate by approximately 17.1 percent.  Included were adjustments for dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, adjustments for deduction of foreign taxes, and adjustments relating to outside basis calculations under applicable U.S. GAAP.

 

 

(viii)

Foreign tax rate differentials, due to higher tax rates in some foreign jurisdictions, as well as permanent nondeductible or deductible items account for the remaining change.

 

As a net result of these and other differences, tax expense for 2007 was greater than income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our principal use of cash is to pay for operating expenses, including Volume Incentives, capital assets, inventory purchases, and funding of international expansion. As of December 31, 2009, working capital was $33.5 million, compared to $30.2 million as of December 31, 2008.  At December 31, 2009, we had $35.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, of which $33.7 is held in our foreign markets and may be subject to various withholding taxes and other restrictions related to repatriation, and $3.2 million in unrestricted short-term investments, which were available to be used along with our normal cash flows from operations to fund any unanticipated shortfalls in future cash flows.

 

Our net consolidated cash inflows (outflows) are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Operating activities

 

$

927

 

$

772

 

$

12,832

 

Investing activities

 

(297

)

(6,759

)

(5,701

)

Financing activities

 

(776

)

(3,102

)

(1,604

)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, we generated cash from operating activities of $0.9 million compared to $0.8 million in 2008. The increase in operating cash is primarily related to improvements in operating income from a net loss of $1.8 million in the prior year, to net income of $6.1 million, as well as the decrease in our accrued liabilities related to the reduction of certain non-income tax related contingencies, payments of professional fees, as well as the timing of receipts from accounts receivable, and other fluctuations in other operating assets and liabilities.

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2008, we generated cash from operating activities of $0.8 million compared to $12.8 million in 2007. The decrease in cash generated from operating activities was primarily due to the timing of payments on accounts receivable and increased use of funds to purchase inventory compared to decreases in our overall inventory balances in 2007.  Our supply of inventory on hand had increased to 201 days as of December 31, 2008 compared to 181 days as of December 31, 2007.  The increase in our inventory on hand is the result of building inventory for our new markets in Europe and China, as well as new product launches in South Eastern Asia. In addition, operating cash flow decreased significantly as a result of the timing of payments of accrued liabilities.

 

Capital expenditures related to the purchase of equipment, computer systems, and software for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $3.2 million, $3.5 million, and $4.5 million, respectively. Approximately $4.0 million of cash was used during 2008 to purchase a warehouse in Venezuela. During 2007, an additional $1.0 million was used for the acquisition of intangibles related to the purchase of product formulations.

 

We also had cash proceeds of $2.1 million and $0.1 million from the sale of restricted investments during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These investments were initially purchased during 2007. In addition, we had cash proceeds of $0.8 million, $0.6 million, and $1.4 million from the sale of available-for-sale investments for each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

 

During 2009, 2008, and 2007, we used cash to pay dividends of $0.8 million, $3.1 million, and $3.1 million, respectively.  The Company suspended the payment of its quarterly cash dividends, effective the second quarter of 2009, in an effort to conserve cash in the United States. The suspension of cash dividends is expected to preserve approximately $3.1 million of cash flow on an annual basis.

 

The uses of cash for financing activities above were partially offset by proceeds received from option holders exercising their options of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.  There were no proceeds related to the exercise of stock options for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009.

 

We believe that our working capital requirements can be met for the foreseeable future through our available cash and cash equivalents, and cash generated from operating activities; however, a prolonged economic downturn, a decrease in the demand for our products, the unfavorable settlement of our unrecognized tax positions and non-income tax contingencies could adversely affect our long-term liquidity. In the event of a significant decrease in cash provided by our operating activities, it might be necessary for us to obtain additional external sources of funding.

 

We do not currently maintain a long-term credit facility or any other external sources of long-term funding; however, we are exploring the possibility of establishing a long-term credit facility and believe that such funding can be established with competitive terms in the event additional sources of funds become necessary.

 

During 2009, we had short-term borrowings and repayments of $7.9 million from our investment brokerage secured by our available for sale investments in order to generate additional liquidity from month-to-month based upon our working capital needs. We have the ability to borrow up to approximately 80 percent of the fair value of our municipal obligations within our available for sale investments. These borrowings began in 2009 and were typically repaid in the month following the initial borrowing.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The following table summarizes information about contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Total

 

Less than 1 year

 

1-3 years

 

3-5 years

 

After 5 years

 

Operating lease obligations

 

$

11,747

 

$

4,756

 

$

5,336

 

$

1,374

 

$

281

 

Purchase obligations(1)

 

14,061

 

14,061

 

 

 

 

Capital purchase obligations(2)

 

216

 

216

 

 

 

 

Self-insurance reserves(3)

 

2,942

 

457

 

 

 

2,485

 

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the balance sheet(4)

 

1,752

 

 

 

 

1,752

 

Unrecognized tax benefits(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

30,718

 

$

19,490

 

$

5,336

 

$

1,374

 

$

4,518

 

 


(1)

 

Purchase obligations include non-cancelable purchase agreements for both botanical and non-botanical raw materials related to

 

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our forecasted 2009 production estimates, as well as related packaging materials.

 

 

 

(2)

 

Capital purchase obligations included non-cancelable purchase agreements for upgrades related to our information systems and manufacturing equipment.

 

 

 

(3)

 

The Company retains a significant portion of the risks associated with certain employee medical benefits and product liability insurance. Recorded liabilities for self-insured risks are calculated using actuarial methods and are not discounted. Amounts for self-insurance obligations are included in accrued liabilities and long-term other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

 

 

(4)

 

The Company provides a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for its officers and certain key employees. Under this plan, participants may defer up to 100 percent of their annual salary and bonus (less the participant’s share of employment taxes). The deferrals become an obligation owed to the participant by the Company under the plan. Upon separation of the participant from the service of the Company, the obligation owed to the participant under the plan will be paid as a lump sum or over a period of either three or five years. As we cannot easily determine when our officers and key employees will separate from the Company, we have classified the obligation greater than five years for payment.

 

 

 

(5)

 

At December 31, 2009, there was $35.0 million of liabilities, offset by $15.4 million of other assets related to unrecognized tax benefits. Because of the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with these liabilities, if any, the Company is unable to estimate the years in which cash settlement may occur with the respective tax authorities.

 

The Company has entered into long-term agreements with third-parties in the ordinary course of business, in which it has agreed to pay a percentage of net sales in certain regions in which it operates, or royalties on certain products. In 2009, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate amounts of these payments were $4.0 million, $7.7 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements other than operating leases. We do not believe that these operating leases are material to our current or future financial position, results of operations, revenues or expenses, cash flows, capital expenditures, or capital resources.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

 

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance on business combinations that changes how business combinations are accounted for and will impact financial statements both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods. In addition, the guidance expands required disclosures surrounding the nature and financial affects of business combinations. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2009, and will apply it to future business combinations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance on noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary that changes the accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary in consolidated financial statements. The guidance recharacterizes minority interest as noncontrolling interests and requires noncontrolling interests to be classified as a component of shareholders’ equity. The guidance requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interest. The Company’s adoption of this guidance, effective January 1, 2009, did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance related to the determination of the useful life of intangible assets. The guidance states that in developing assumptions about renewal or extension options used to determine the useful life of an intangible asset, an entity needs to consider its own historical experience adjusted for entity-specific factors. In the absence of that experience, an entity shall consider the assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension options. This guidance is to be applied to intangible assets acquired after January 1, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments of debt and equity securities in the financial statements. This guidance does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. The guidance is effective for interim and

 

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annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance providing additional information on factors to consider in estimating fair values when there has been a significant decrease in the market activity for a financial asset or liability. It also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In May 2009, the FASB issued new authoritative guidance on events that occur after the balance sheet date but prior to the issuance of the financial statements. The guidance distinguishes events requiring recognition in the financial statements and those that may require disclosure in the financial statements. Furthermore, it requires disclosure of the date through which subsequent events were evaluated. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods after June 15, 2009. In February 2010, FASB amended this guidance to clarify the date through which subsequent events are to be evaluated. The Company adopted this guidance during the quarter ended June 30, 2009 and the subsequent amendment as of the year ended December 31, 2009, and has evaluated subsequent events through the date the Company’s consolidated financial statements were issued.

 

In June 2009, the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,” (“Codification”) was issued. The Codification supersedes all existing accounting standard documents and is the single source of authoritative non-governmental U.S. GAAP. All other accounting literature not included in the Codification will be considered non-authoritative. The Codification was implemented on July 1, 2009 and is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Company’s Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report reflect the adoption of the Codification.

 

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The amendment requires an enterprise to determine whether its variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the enterprise that has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The amendment requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE as well as expanded disclosure requirements for enterprises with an interest in a VIE. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009, with early adoption prohibited. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued amendments to the accounting and disclosure for revenue recognition. These amendments, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 (early adoption is permitted), modify the criteria for recognizing revenue in multiple element arrangements and the scope of what constitutes a non-software deliverable. Although applicable to the Company, the Company does not expect the adoption of these amendments to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that requires new disclosures related to fair value measurements and clarifies existing disclosure requirements about the level of disaggregation, inputs and valuation techniques. Specifically, reporting entities now must disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. In addition, in the reconciliation for Level 3 fair value measurements, a reporting entity should present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements. The guidance clarifies that a reporting entity needs to use judgment in determining the appropriate classes of assets and liabilities for disclosure of fair value measurement, considering the level of disaggregated information required by other applicable U.S. GAAP guidance and should also provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for each class of assets and liabilities. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2010, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the reconciliation for Level 3 fair value measurements, which will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2011. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

We conduct business in several countries and intend to continue to expand our international operations. Net sales revenue, operating income, and net income are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and other uncertainties inherent in doing business and selling product in more than one currency. In addition, our operations are exposed to risks associated

 

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with changes in social, political, and economic conditions inherent in international operations, including changes in the laws and policies that govern international investment in countries where we have operations, as well as, to a lesser extent, changes in United States laws and regulations relating to international trade and investment.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, approximately 55.0 percent of our net sales revenue and approximately 54.7 percent of our operating expenses were realized outside of the United States. Inventory purchases are transacted primarily in U.S. dollars from vendors located in the United States. The local currency of each international subsidiary is generally the functional currency, while certain regions, including Russia and the Ukraine, are served by a U.S. subsidiary through third party entities, for which all business is conducted in U.S. dollars. We conduct business in twenty-three different currencies with exchange rates that are not on a one-to-one relationship with the U.S. dollar.  All revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the periods reported. Therefore, our operating results will be positively or negatively impacted by a weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to another fluctuating currency. Given the uncertainty and diversity of exchange rate fluctuations, we cannot estimate the effect of these fluctuations on our future business, product pricing, results of operations, or financial condition, but we have provided consolidated sensitivity analyses below of functional currency/reporting currency exchange rate risks. Changes in various currency exchange rates affect the relative prices at which we sell our products. We regularly monitor our foreign currency risks and periodically take measures to reduce the risk of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our operating results. We do not use derivative instruments for hedging, trading, or speculating on foreign exchange rate fluctuations.  Additional discussion of the impact on the effect of currency fluctuations has been included in our management’s discussion and analysis included in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

 

The following table sets forth a composite sensitivity analysis of our net sales revenue, costs and expenses, and operating income in connection with strengthening of the U.S. dollar (our reporting currency) by 10%, 15% and 25% against every other fluctuating functional currency in which we conduct business.  We note that while our individual net sales revenue and cost and expenses components were less sensitive to increases in the strength of the U.S. dollar, our operating income was sensitive to such increases on almost a three-to-one percentage point basis, assuming a strengthening of the U.S. dollar by 10%, 15% and 25% against every other fluctuating currency in which we conduct business.

 

Exchange Rate Sensitivity of Operating Income for the year ended December 31, 2009 (dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

With Strengthening of U.S. Dollar by:

 

Exchange Rate Sensitivity -

 

 

 

10%

 

15%

 

25%

 

Operating Income

 

 

 

Decrease ($)

 

Decrease (%)

 

Decrease ($)

 

Decrease (%)

 

Decrease ($)

 

Decrease (%)

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales Revenue

 

$

343,023

 

$

(11,284

)

(3.3

)%

$

(16,191

)

(4.7

)%

$

(24,826

)

(7.2

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost and Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

68,803

 

(2,016

)

(2.9

)%

(2,893

)

(4.2

)%

(4,436

)

(6.4

)%

Volume Incentives

 

126,165

 

(4,429

)

(3.5

)%

(6,355

)

(5.0

)%

(9,744

)

(7.7

)%

Selling, General and Administrative

 

137,288

 

(4,544

)

(3.3

)%

(6,520

)

(4.7

)%

(9,998

)

(7.3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

10,767

 

(295

)

(2.7

)%

(423

)

(3.9

)%

(648

)

(6.0

)%

 

As noted above, certain of our operations including Russia and the Ukraine are served by a U.S. subsidiary through third party entities, for which all business is conducted in U.S. dollars. Although changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Russian rubble or the Ukrainian hryvnia do not result in currency fluctuations within our financial statements, a weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to these other currencies can significantly impact the prices of our products and the purchasing power of our independent Managers and Distributors within these markets.

 

The following table sets forth a composite sensitivity analysis of our assets and liabilities by those balance sheet line items that are subject to exchange rate risk, together with the total gain or loss from the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to our various fluctuating functional currencies.  The sensitivity of our assets and liabilities, taken by balance sheet line items, was somewhat less than the sensitivity of our operating income to increases in the strength of the U.S. dollar in relation to other fluctuating currencies in which we conduct business.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Exchange Rate Sensitivity of Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2009 (dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

With Strengthening of U.S. Dollar by:

 

 

 

 

 

10%

 

15%

 

25%

 

 

 

 

 

Gain

 

Gain

 

Gain

 

Gain

 

Gain

 

Gain

 

Exchange Rate Sensitivity - Balance Sheet

 

 

 

(Loss) ($)

 

(Loss) (%)

 

(Loss) ($)

 

(Loss) (%)

 

(Loss) ($)

 

(Loss) (%)

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets subject to Exchange Rate Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

35,538

 

$

(2,888

)

(8.1

)%

$

(4,144

)

(11.7

)%

$

(6,355

)

(17.9

)%

Restricted cash

 

1,495

 

(136

)

(9.1

)%

(195

)

(13.0

)%

(299

)

(20.0

)%

Accounts receivable, net

 

8,294

 

(372

)

(4.5

)%

(533

)

(6.4

)%

(817

)

(9.9

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities subject to Exchange Rate Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

4,176

 

113

 

2.7

%

162

 

3.9

%

249

 

6.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loss from Strengthening of U.S. Dollar

 

 

 

(3,283

)

 

 

(4,710

)

 

 

(7,222

)

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the local currencies other than the U.S. dollar in which our assets that are subject to exchange rate risk were denominated as of December 31, 2009 and exceeded $1 million upon translation into U.S. dollars.  None of our liabilities that are denominated in a local currency other than the U.S. dollar and that are subject to exchange rate risk exceeded $1 million upon translation into U.S. dollars. We use the spot exchange rate for translating balance sheet items from local currencies into our reporting currency.  The respective spot exchange rate for each such local currency meeting the foregoing thresholds is provided in the table as well.

 

Translation of Balance Sheet Amounts Denominated in Local Currency (dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

At Spot Exchange Rate per

 

 

 

Translated into

 

One U.S. Dollar as of

 

 

 

U.S. Dollars

 

December 31, 2009

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

Canada (Dollar)

 

$

3,395

 

1.1

 

Colombia (Peso)

 

1,565

 

2,064.6

 

Indonesia (Rupiah)

 

1,256

 

9,416.2

 

Japan (Yen)

 

4,978

 

92.2

 

Mexico (Peso)

 

2,518

 

13.0

 

South Korea (Won)

 

2,774

 

1,165.8

 

European Markets (Euro)

 

1,409

 

0.7

 

United Kingdom (Pound)

 

1,131

 

0.6

 

Honduras (Lempira)

 

1,170

 

19.3

 

Other

 

4,324

 

Varies

 

Total

 

$

24,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Cash

 

 

 

 

 

Venezuela (Bolivar)

 

$

1,495

 

2.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Receivable

 

 

 

 

 

Japan (Yen)

 

$

1,362

 

92.2

 

Other

 

2,725

 

Varies

 

Total

 

$

4,087

 

 

 

 

38



Table of Contents

 

Finally, the following table sets forth the annual weighted average of fluctuating currency exchange rates of each of the local currencies per one U.S. dollar for each of the local currencies in which sales revenue exceeded $10.0 million during any of the three years presented.  We use the annual average exchange rate for translating items from the statement of operations from local currencies into our reporting currency.

 

Year ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Canada (Dollar)

 

1.1

 

1.1

 

1.1

 

Japan (Yen)

 

93.5

 

102.8

 

117.7

 

Mexico (Peso)

 

13.5

 

11.1

 

10.9

 

Venezuela (Bolivar)

 

2.1

(1)

2.1

(1)

2,145.9

 

 


(1)       Effective January 1, 2008, Venezuela changed its currency from the bolivar to the bolivar fuerte (the bolivar fuerte is equal to approximately 1,000 bolivars; both are referred to as “bolivars”).

 

The local currency of the foreign subsidiaries is used as the functional currency, except for subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies. The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at year end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during each year for the results of operations. Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in interest and other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The functional currency in highly inflationary economies is the U.S. dollar and transactions denominated in the local currency are remeasured as if the functional currency were the U.S. dollar. The remeasurement of local currencies into U.S. dollars creates translation adjustments, which are included in the consolidated statements of operations.  A country is considered to have a highly inflationary economy if it has a cumulative inflation rate of approximately 100 percent or more over a three year period as well as other qualitative factors including historical inflation rate trends (increasing and decreasing), the capital intensiveness of the operation, and other pertinent economic factors.  There were no countries considered to have a highly inflationary economy during 2009, 2008, or 2007.

 

As of January 1, 2010, Venezuela has been designated as a highly inflationary economy under U.S. GAAP. As a result, beginning January 1, 2010, the U.S. dollar will be the functional currency for our subsidiary in Venezuela. Going forward, currency remeasurement adjustments for this subsidiary’s financial statements and other transactional foreign exchange gains and losses will be reflected in earnings. Through December 31, 2009 (prior to being designated as highly inflationary), translation adjustments were reflected in shareholders’ equity as part of other comprehensive income (loss).

 

On January 8, 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of the bolivar fuerte relative to the U.S. dollar. The official exchange rate for imported goods classified as essential, such as food and medicine, will change from 2.15 to 2.60, while other payments for non-essential goods will move to an exchange rate of 4.30. We believe that the majority of our products are expected to fall into the essential classification and will qualify for the 2.60 rate.   However, our overall results in Venezuela will be remeasured to the U.S. dollar at approximately 4.30, the rate expected to be applicable to dividend repatriations.

 

We will need to remeasure our local balance sheet as of January 1, 2010 to reflect the impact of the devaluation. However, we expect this impact to be a gain of approximately $3.6 million to $4.7 million due to the negative position of our Venezuelan subsidiary’s net monetary assets. There will also be an ongoing impact related to measuring our income statement at the new exchange rates. Our earnings from Venezuela will be reflected in our consolidated financial statements at the 4.30 official rate, as this is the rate at which we expect to be able to repatriate dividends. Moving from the 2.15 rate to 4.30 will reduce future total company reported sales by less than 2 percent on an ongoing basis. The exchange rate change will also reduce our reported operating income by $0.8 million. Over time, we intend to restore the sales and profit levels achieved prior to the devaluation. However, our ability to do so will be impacted by several factors, including the Company’s ability to take actions to mitigate the effect of the devaluation, further actions of the Venezuelan government, economic conditions in Venezuela such as inflation and consumer spending.

 

As of December 31, 2009, the Company had approximately $2.0 million in cash, of which $1.5 million was restricted (or $1.0 million, of which $0.7 million is restricted, as of January 1, 2010 due to the devaluation of the bolivar fuerte as described above), denominated in Venezuelan bolivar fuertes. Currency restrictions enacted by the government of Venezuela require approval from the government’s currency control organization for our subsidiary in Venezuela to obtain U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate to pay for imported products or to repatriate dividends back to the Company. The market rate, which is substantially lower than the official rate, may be used to obtain U.S. dollars or other currencies without approval of the government’s currency control organization. Going forward, the devaluation of the official rate has reduced the differential between the official and parallel exchange rate and is therefore

 

39



Table of Contents

 

expected to reduce the incremental cost of exchanging currencies through securities transactions in the parallel market. However, at this time, we are not able to reasonably estimate the future state of exchange controls in Venezuela and the availability of official foreign exchange rate U.S. dollars. However, the application and approval process has been delayed in recent periods, and the timing and ability to obtain U.S. dollars in the future at the official exchange rate remains uncertain. Unless the official exchange rate is made more readily available, however, our subsidiary’s operations could be adversely affected as it may need to obtain U.S. dollars at less favorable exchange rates from non-government sources.

 

The restriction of $1.5 million in cash as of December 31, 2009 in Venezuela is the result of the local government seizing control of the bank in which this operating cash was deposited and temporarily freezing its deposits.  As a result, the Company has reclassified these deposits from cash and cash equivalents to restricted cash.  While we expect these funds to become unrestricted in the near future, at this time we cannot estimate when they will be released or if there will be any potential loss related to the release of these funds.

 

During 2009, our Venezuelan subsidiary’s net sales revenue represented approximately 3.6 percent of consolidated net sales revenue.  Our Venezuelan subsidiary held total assets of $11.2 million (which includes an intercompany receivable denominated in U.S. dollars of approximately $1.9 million) and net assets of $0.5 million at December 31, 2009, including $2.0 million of monetary assets noted above.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The primary objectives of our investment activities are to preserve principal while maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. These objectives are accomplished by purchasing investment grade securities. On December 31, 2009, we had investments of $3.2 million of which $2.1 million were municipal obligations, which carry an average fixed interest rate of 5.1percent and mature over a 5-year period. A hypothetical 1.0 percent change in interest rates would not have had a material effect on our liquidity, financial position, or results of operations.

 

40



Table of Contents

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

42

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009, AND 2008

 

43

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008, AND 2007

 

44

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008, AND 2007

 

45

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008, AND 2007

 

46

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

47

 

41



Table of Contents

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and comprehensive loss, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 16, 2010 expressed an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

 

 

Salt Lake City, Utah

 

March 16, 2010

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands)

 

As of December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

35,538

 

$

34,853

 

Restricted cash

 

1,495

 

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,840 and $1,472, respectively

 

8,294

 

10,786

 

Investments available for sale

 

3,167

 

3,858

 

Restricted investments

 

 

2,050

 

Inventories, net

 

40,623

 

39,558

 

Deferred income tax assets

 

6,646

 

9,080

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

5,629

 

7,935

 

Total current assets

 

101,392

 

108,120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

28,757

 

30,224

 

Investment securities

 

1,752

 

1,394

 

Intangible assets, net

 

1,421

 

1,538

 

Deferred income tax assets

 

12,228

 

6,412

 

Other assets

 

19,306

 

16,588

 

 

 

$

164,856

 

$

164,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

4,176

 

$

8,777

 

Accrued volume incentives

 

17,495

 

15,753

 

Accrued liabilities

 

34,143

 

45,475

 

Deferred revenue

 

4,513

 

5,167

 

Income taxes payable

 

7,542

 

2,748

 

Total current liabilities

 

67,869

 

77,920

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liability related to unrecognized tax benefits

 

35,028

 

30,952

 

Deferred compensation payable

 

1,752

 

1,394

 

Other liabilities

 

3,112

 

333

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

39,892

 

32,679

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 8 and 11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, no par value; 50,000 shares authorized, 15,510 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009 and 2008

 

67,183

 

66,705

 

Retained earnings

 

9,511

 

4,172

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(19,599

)

(17,200

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

57,095

 

53,677

 

 

 

$

164,856

 

$

164,276

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

43



Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share information)

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net Sales Revenue (net of the rebate portion of volume incentives of $47,505, $50,988, and $49,700, respectively)

 

$

343,023

 

$

373,234

 

$

360,874

 

Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

68,803

 

71,874

 

70,996

 

Volume incentives

 

126,165

 

140,074

 

138,111

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

137,288

 

155,688

 

148,706

 

 

 

332,256

 

367,636

 

357,813

 

Operating Income

 

10,767

 

5,598

 

3,061

 

Other Income (Expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income, net

 

1,409

 

1,830

 

1,409

 

Interest expense

 

(124

)

(52

)

(69

)

Foreign exchange gains (losses), net

 

2,273

 

(908

)

64

 

 

 

3,558

 

870

 

1,404

 

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

 

14,325

 

6,468

 

4,465

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

8,210

 

8,306

 

12,702

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

6,115

 

$

(1,838

)

$

(8,237

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

 

$

0.39

 

$

(0.12

)

$

(0.53

)

Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

 

$

0.39

 

$

(0.12

)

$

(0.53

)

Basic Common Shares Outstanding

 

15,510

 

15,510

 

15,495

 

Diluted Common Shares Outstanding

 

15,512

 

15,510

 

15,495

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Retained

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Earnings

 

Loss

 

Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2007

 

15,348

 

$

64,795

 

$

20,451

 

$

(17,060

)

$

68,186

 

Common stock issued under stock option plan

 

162

 

1,252

 

 

 

1,252

 

Tax benefit related to exercise of stock options

 

 

246

 

 

 

246

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

326

 

 

 

326

 

Cash dividends ($0.20 per share)

 

 

 

(3,102

)

 

(3,102

)

Components of comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

1,625

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains on investment securities (net of tax of $63)

 

 

 

 

96

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

(8,237

)

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

(6,516

)

Balance at December 31, 2007

 

15,510

 

66,619

 

9,112

 

(15,339

)

60,392

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

86

 

 

 

86

 

Cash dividends ($0.20 per share)

 

 

 

(3,102

)

 

(3,102

)

Components of comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

(1,757

)

 

 

Net unrealized losses on investment securities (net of tax of $66)

 

 

 

 

(104

)

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

(1,838

)

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,699

)

Balance at December 31, 2008

 

15,510

 

66,705

 

4,172

 

(17,200

)

53,677

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

478

 

 

 

478

 

Cash dividends ($0.05 per share)

 

 

 

(776

)

 

(776

)

Components of comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

(2,463

)

 

 

Net unrealized gains on investment securities (net of tax of $42)

 

 

 

 

64

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

6,115

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,716

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

 

15,510

 

$

67,183

 

$

9,511

 

$

(19,599

)

$

57,095

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

45



Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts In Thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

6,115

 

$

(1,838

)

$

(8,237

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

219

 

990

 

(208

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,501

 

5,437

 

6,409

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

478

 

86

 

326

 

Tax benefit from stock option exercise

 

 

 

(246

)

Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment

 

142

 

102

 

(18

)

Deferred income taxes

 

(3,968

)

(3,091

)

(1,450

)

Amortization of bond discount

 

28

 

38

 

48

 

Purchase of trading investment securities

 

(267

)

(1,769

)

(149

)

Proceeds from sale of trading investment securities

 

91

 

1,714

 

173

 

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments

 

(182

428

 

(171

)

Amortization of prepaid taxes related to gain on intercompany sales

 

1,127

 

1,215

 

1,471

 

Foreign exchange (gains) losses

 

(2,273

)

908

 

433

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash

 

(1,495

)

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

2,424

 

(4,168

)

(857

)

Inventories

 

(617

)

(4,825

)

3,780

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

2,407

 

(225

)

(1,826

)

Other assets

 

(3,756

(1,632

(323

)

Accounts payable

 

(4,339

1,840

 

358

 

Accrued volume incentives

 

1,429

 

114

 

383

 

Accrued current and other long-term liabilities

 

(10,110

2,268

 

15,480

 

Deferred revenue

 

(654

)

(40

)

393

 

Income taxes payable

 

5,193

 

(1,564

)

(3,017

)

Liability related to unrecognized tax positions

 

4,076

 

5,064

 

 

Deferred compensation payable

 

358

 

(280

)

80

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

927

 

772

 

12,832

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(3,211

)

(7,504

)

(4,456

)

Proceeds from sale of investments available for sale

 

794

 

640

 

1,432

 

Proceeds from sale of restricted investments

 

2,050

 

25

 

 

Purchase of restricted investments

 

 

 

(2,075

)

Purchase of intangible assets

 

 

 

(1,000

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

70

 

80

 

398

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(297

)

(6,759

)

(5,701

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments of cash dividends

 

(776

)

(3,102

)

(3,102

)

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

7,900

 

 

 

Payments on short-term borrowings

 

(7,900

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

1,252

 

Tax benefits from stock option exercises

 

 

 

246

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(776

)

(3,102

)

(1,604

)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

 

831

 

(1,357

)

711

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

685

 

(10,446

)

6,238

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

 

34,853

 

45,299

 

39,061

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

 

$

35,538

 

$

34,853

 

$

45,299

 

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

8,370

 

$

5,807

 

$

11,140

 

Cash paid for interest

 

124

 

60

 

85

 

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable

 

$

114

 

$

487

 

$

78

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Amounts in thousands, except per share information)

 

NOTE 1: NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Nature of Operations

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and its subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Company”) are primarily engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of herbal products, vitamin and mineral supplements, personal care, and miscellaneous products. Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. is a Utah corporation with its principal place of business in Provo, Utah. The Company sells its products to a sales force of independent Distributors and Managers who use the products themselves or resell them to other Distributors or consumers. The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising, distribution and sale of each of the Company’s major product groups are subject to regulation by one or more governmental agencies.

 

The Company markets its products in the United States, Mexico, Central America, Canada, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Peru, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Belarus, China, Poland, Brazil, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. The Company also exports its products to several other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and Norway.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and its subsidiaries. At December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, all of the Company’s subsidiaries were wholly owned.

 

During 2008, the Company determined that it had a variable interest and was the primary beneficiary in a development stage entity. As a result, the Company consolidated the entity in accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) related to the consolidation of variable interest entities. This variable interest is the result of loans provided by the Company to the entity during 2008 and early 2009, which were secured by the entity’s assets. The Company provided loans to the entity in order to provide them with some of the capital necessary to market its products, and to provide the Company with access to new product formulations. The Company provided no guarantees on behalf of the entity and had no future obligations to the entity. Its creditors did not have any recourse against the Company. The Company provided additional loans of $439 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2009. During December 2009, the entity ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy protection, and as a result, the Company deconsolidated the entity. The impact of the deconsolidation was immaterial to the results of the Company. The related loans of $772 have been fully reserved as of December 31, 2009.

 

Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates and those differences could have a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements include estimates associated with its evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets, the determination of liabilities related to Distributor and Manager incentives, the determination of income tax assets and liabilities, certain other non-income tax and value-added tax contingencies, legal contingencies, share-based compensation, and the valuation of investments. In addition, significant estimates form the basis for allowances with respect to the collection of accounts receivable, inventory valuations and self-insurance liabilities associated with product liability and medical claims. Various assumptions and other factors enter into the determination of these significant estimates. The process of determining significant estimates takes into account historical experience and current and expected economic conditions.

 

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Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Substantially all of the Company’s cash deposits either exceed the United States federally insured limit or are located in countries that do not have government insured accounts or are subject to tax withholdings when repatriating earnings.

 

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had approximately $2,005, of which $1,495 was restricted (or $1,000, of which $746 is restricted, as of January 1, 2010 due to the devaluation of the bolivar fuerte as described below in the discussion of foreign currency translation), and $3,415, respectively, in cash denominated in Venezuelan bolivar fuertes. Currency restrictions enacted by the government of Venezuela require approval from the government’s currency control organization for the Company’s subsidiary in Venezuela to obtain U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate to pay for imported products or to repatriate dividends back to the Company. The market rate, which is substantially lower than the official rate, may be used to obtain U.S. dollars or other currencies without approval of the government’s currency control organization. Going forward, the devaluation of the official rate in January 2010 has reduced the differential between the official and parallel exchange rate and is therefore expected to reduce the incremental cost of exchanging currencies through securities transactions in the parallel market. However, at this time, we are not able to reasonably estimate the future state of exchange controls in Venezuela and the availability of official foreign exchange rate U.S. dollars. However, the application and approval process has been delayed in recent periods, and the timing and ability to obtain U.S. dollars in the future at the official exchange rate remains uncertain. Unless the official exchange rate is made more readily available, however, its subsidiary’s operations could be adversely affected as it may need to obtain U.S. dollars at less favorable exchange rates from non-government sources.

 

The restriction of $1,495 in cash as of December 31, 2009 in Venezuela is the result of the local government seizing control of the bank in which this operating cash was deposited and temporarily freezing its deposits.  As a result, the Company has reclassified these deposits from cash and cash equivalents to restricted cash. While the Company expects these funds to become unrestricted in the near future, at this time it cannot estimate when they will be released or if there will be any potential loss related to the release of these funds.

 

During 2009 and 2008, the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary’s net sales revenue represented approximately 3.6 percent and 3.4 percent of consolidated net sales revenue, respectively.  Its Venezuelan subsidiary held total assets of $11,233 and $11,539 (which includes an intercompany receivable denominated in U.S. dollars of $1,850 and $1,737) and net assets of $524 and $1,561 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Accounts Receivable Allowances

 

Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future. This estimated allowance is based primarily on the aging category, historical trends and management’s evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. This reserve is adjusted periodically as information about specific accounts becomes available.

 

Investment Securities

 

The Company’s available-for-sale investment portfolio is recorded at fair value and consists of various fixed income securities such as U.S. government and state and municipal bonds, mutual funds, and equity securities. These investments are valued using (a) quoted prices for identical assets in active markets or (b) from significant inputs that are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset. The Company’s trading portfolio is recorded at fair value and consists of various mutual funds that are valued using quoted prices in active markets.

 

For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, the Company performs an analysis to assess whether it intends to sell or whether it would be more likely than not required to sell the security before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. Where the Company intends to sell a security, or may be required to do so, the security’s decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and the full amount of the unrealized loss is recorded within earnings as an impairment loss.

 

For all other debt securities that experience a decline in fair value that is determined to be other-than-temporary and not related to credit loss, the Company records a loss, net of a tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The credit loss is recorded within earnings as an impairment loss. Management judgment is involved in evaluating whether a decline in an investment’s fair value is other-than-temporary.

 

Regardless of the Company’s intent to sell a security, the Company performs additional analysis on all securities with unrealized losses to evaluate losses associated with the creditworthiness of the security. Credit losses are identified where we do not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of a security.

 

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For equity securities, when assessing whether a decline in fair value below our cost basis is other-than-temporary, the Company considers the fair market value of the security, the length of time and extent to which market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer as well as specific events or circumstances that may influence the operations of the issuer, and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a sufficient time in order to enable recovery of our cost. New information and the passage of time can change these judgments. Where the Company has determined that the Company lacks the intent and ability to hold an equity security to its expected recovery, the security’s decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and is recorded within earnings as an impairment loss.

 

The Company also has certain investment securities classified as trading securities. The Company maintains its trading securities portfolio to generate returns that are offset by corresponding changes in certain liabilities related to the Company’s deferred compensation plans (see Note 10). The trading securities portfolio consists of marketable securities, which are recorded at fair value and are included in long-term investment securities on the consolidated balance sheets because they remain assets of the Company until they are actually paid out to the participants. These investment securities are not available to the Company to fund its operations as they are restricted for the payment of the deferred compensation payable.  The Company has established a rabbi trust to finance obligations under the plan. Both realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in interest and other income.

 

Restricted Investments

 

The Company’s restricted investments include auction rate preferred investments totaling $2,050 with Merrill Lynch with investment grades of AAA (original date of purchase) as of December 31, 2008. Auction rate preferred investments are similar in nature to auction rate securities in that they are long-term bonds or preferred stocks that act like short-term debt; however unlike auction rate securities, these investments require at least 200% collateral by the issuer. Interest rates for these investments reset in Dutch auctions held weekly. These investments were carried at par, which approximates fair value. The auction process for action rate investments historically provided a liquid market for these investments. However, in the second half of 2007, this process began to deteriorate. While the Company’s portfolio was not affected by the auction rate process in 2007, the investments held by the Company experienced auction failures during 2008. An unsuccessful auction is an event when there are fewer securities bid for than are available for sale

 

In determining the fair value of the Company’s restricted investments at December 31, 2008, the Company took into consideration fair values determined by the financial institutions, current credit ratings of the underlying securities, insurance provisions, discounted cash flow analysis, as deemed appropriate, and its current liquidity position.  In January 2009, the Company redeemed these securities at par value.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments, and accounts payable. Other than investments, which are carried at fair value, the carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their fair values.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower-of-cost-or-market, using the first-in, first-out method. The components of inventory cost include raw materials, labor and overhead. To estimate any necessary lower-of-cost-or-market adjustments, various assumptions are made in regard to excess or slow-moving inventories, non-conforming inventories, expiration dates, current and future product demand, production planning, and market conditions.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Estimated useful lives for buildings range from 20 to 50 years, building improvements range from 7 to 10 years, machinery and equipment range from 2 to 10 years, and furniture and fixtures range from 2 to 5 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, and major improvements are capitalized.

 

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Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets consist of purchased product formulations. Such intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated economic lives of the assets of 15 years. Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $1,421 and $1,538 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company uses an estimate of future undiscounted net cash flows of the related assets or groups of assets over their remaining lives in measuring whether the assets are recoverable. An impairment loss is calculated by determining the difference between the carrying values and the fair values of these assets. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company did not consider any of its long-lived assets to be impaired.

 

Incentive Trip Accrual

 

The Company accrues for expenses for incentive trips associated with its direct sales marketing program, which rewards independent Distributors and Managers with paid attendance at its conventions and meetings. Expenses associated with incentive trips are accrued over qualification periods as they are earned. The Company specifically analyzes incentive trip accruals based on historical and current sales trends as well as contractual obligations when evaluating the adequacy of the incentive trip accrual. Actual results could result in liabilities being more or less than the amounts recorded. The Company has accrued convention and meeting costs of $2,903 and $4,499 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which are included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Short-term Borrowings

 

During 2009, the Company had short-term borrowings and repayments of $7,900  from its investment brokerage secured by its available for sale investments in order to generate additional liquidity from month-to-month based upon its working capital needs. The Company has the ability to borrow up to approximately 80 percent of the fair value of its municipal obligations within its available for sale investments. These borrowings began in 2009 and were typically repaid in the month following the initial borrowing.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The local currency of the foreign subsidiaries is used as the functional currency, except for subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies. The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at year end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during each year for the results of operations. Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The functional currency in highly inflationary economies is the U.S. dollar and transactions denominated in the local currency are remeasured as if the functional currency were the U.S. dollar. The remeasurement of local currencies into U.S. dollars creates translation adjustments, which are included in the consolidated statements of operations.  A country is considered to have a highly inflationary economy if it has a cumulative inflation rate of approximately 100 percent or more over a three year period as well as other qualitative factors including historical inflation rate trends (increasing and decreasing), the capital intensiveness of the operation, and other pertinent economic factors.  There were no countries considered to have a highly inflationary economy during 2009, 2008, or 2007.

 

As of January 1, 2010, Venezuela has been designated as a highly inflationary economy under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). As a result, beginning January 1, 2010, the U.S. dollar will be the functional currency for our subsidiary in Venezuela. Going forward, currency remeasurement adjustments for this subsidiary’s financial statements and other transactional foreign exchange gains and losses will be reflected in earnings. Through December 31, 2009 (prior to being designated as highly inflationary), translation adjustments were reflected in shareholders’ equity as part of other comprehensive income (loss).

 

On January 8, 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of the bolivar fuerte relative to the U.S. dollar. The official exchange rate for imported goods classified as essential, such as food and medicine, will change from 2.15 to 2.60, while other payments for non-essential goods will move to an exchange rate of 4.30. The Company believes that the majority of its products are expected to fall into the essential classification and will qualify for the 2.60 rate.   However, its overall results in Venezuela will be remeasured to the U.S. dollar at approximately 4.30, the rate expected to be applicable to dividend repatriations.

 

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The Company will need to remeasure its Venezuelan subsidiary’s local balance sheet as of January 1, 2010 to reflect the impact of the devaluation. However, it expects this impact to be a gain of approximately $3,600 to $4,700 due to the negative position of its Venezuelan subsidiary’s net monetary assets. There will also be an ongoing impact related to measuring our income statement at the new exchange rates. Its earnings from Venezuela will be remeasured to the U.S. dollar in its consolidated financial statements at the 4.30 official rate, as this is the rate at which it expects to be able to repatriate dividends. Moving from the 2.15 rate to 4.30 will reduce future total company reported sales by less than 2 percent on a going basis.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Net sales revenue and related volume incentive expenses are recorded when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, collectability is reasonably assured, the amount is fixed and determinable, and title and risk of loss have passed, generally when the merchandise has been delivered. The amount of the volume incentive is determined based upon the amount of qualifying purchases in a given month. It is necessary for the Company to make estimates about the timing of when merchandise has been delivered.  These estimates are based upon the Company’s historical experience related to time in transit, and timing of when shipments occurred, and shipping volumes. Amounts received for undelivered merchandise are recorded as deferred revenue. From time to time, the Company’s United States operation extends short-term credit associated with product promotions. In addition for certain of the Company’s international operations, the Company offers credit terms consistent with industry standards within the country of operation. Payments to Distributors and Managers for sales incentives or rebates are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Payments for sales incentives and rebates are calculated monthly based upon qualifying sales. Membership fees are deferred and amortized as revenue over the life of the membership, which is primarily one year. Prepaid event registration fees are deferred and recognized as revenues when the related event is held.

 

A reserve for product returns is recorded based upon historical experience.  The Company allows Distributors or Managers to return the unused portion of products within ninety days of purchase if they are not satisfied with the product.  In some of our markets, the requirements to return product are more restrictive.  Sales returns for the years 2009, 2008, and 2007, were $145, $113, and $93, respectively.

 

Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are reported as a component of net sales revenue. Shipping and handling revenues of approximately $11,167, $9,924, and $9,453 were reported as net sales revenue for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. The corresponding shipping and handling expenses are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses and approximated the amounts reported as net sales revenue.

 

Taxes that have been assessed by governmental authorities and that are directly imposed on revenue-producing transactions between the Company and its customers, including sales, use, value-added, and some excise taxes, are presented on a net basis (excluded from net sales) as permitted by authoritative U.S. GAAP.

 

Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense incurred for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 totaled approximately $2,397, $1,728, and $1,547 respectively.

 

Research and Development

 

All research and development costs are expensed as incurred and classified in selling, general and administrative expense. Total research and development expenses were approximately $2,041, $2,034, and $1,940 in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

 

Contingencies

 

We are involved in certain legal proceedings. When a loss is considered probable in connection with litigation or non-income tax contingencies and when the loss can be reasonably estimated with a range, we record our best estimate within the range related to the contingency. If there is no best estimate, we record the minimum of the range. As additional information becomes available, we assess the potential liability related to the contingency and revise the estimates. Revision in estimates of the potential liabilities could materially impact our results of operations in the period of adjustment. The Company’s contingencies are discussed in further detail in Note 11.

 

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Income Taxes

 

Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and contingent reserves reflect management’s best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in both the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.

 

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In projecting future taxable income, we develop assumptions including the amount of future state, federal and foreign pretax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses.

 

Changes in tax laws and rates could also affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future. Management is not aware of any such changes that would have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

 

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions across our global operations. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold to be recognized.

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

 

Basic net income (loss) per common share (“Basic EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income (loss) per common share (“Diluted EPS”) reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The computation of Diluted EPS does not assume exercise or conversion of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on net loss per common share.

 

Following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of Basic EPS to the numerator and denominator of Diluted EPS for all years:

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)
(Numerator)

 

Shares
(Denominator)

 

Net Income
(Loss) Per
Share Amount

 

Year Ended December 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS

 

$

6,115

 

15,510

 

$

0.39

 

Effect of options

 

 

2

 

 

Diluted EPS

 

$

6,115

 

15,512

 

$

0.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS

 

$

(1,838

)

15,510

 

$

(0.12

)

Effect of options

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS

 

$

(1,838

)

15,510

 

$

(0.12

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic EPS

 

$

(8,237

)

15,495

 

$

(0.53

)

Effect of options

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS

 

$

(8,237

)

15,495

 

$

(0.53

)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2009, options to purchase a total of 205 shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares and therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive. Because of net losses in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, outstanding options to purchase 263 and 307 shares of common stock, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted not loss per share because the effect on net loss per share would be anti-dilutive.

 

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Share-Based Compensation

 

The Company recognizes all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations based on their granted-dated fair values in accordance with authoritative U.S. GAAP. The Company records compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, over the vesting period of the stock options based on the fair value of the stock options on the date of grant. The Company estimated forfeiture rate is based upon historical experience.

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in shareholders’ equity except those resulting from investments by, and distributions to, shareholders. Accordingly, the Company’s comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss), net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities, reclassifications of realized gains, and foreign currency adjustments that arise from the translation of the financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance on business combinations that changes how business combinations are accounted for and will impact financial statements both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods. In addition, the guidance expands required disclosures surrounding the nature and financial affects of business combinations. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2009, and will apply it to future business combinations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance on noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary that changes the accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary in consolidated financial statements. The guidance recharacterizes minority interest as noncontrolling interests and requires noncontrolling interests to be classified as a component of shareholders’ equity. The guidance requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interest. The Company’s adoption of this guidance, effective January 1, 2009, did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance related to the determination of the useful life of intangible assets. The guidance states that in developing assumptions about renewal or extension options used to determine the useful life of an intangible asset, an entity needs to consider its own historical experience adjusted for entity-specific factors. In the absence of that experience, an entity shall consider the assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension options. This guidance is to be applied to intangible assets acquired after January 1, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments of debt and equity securities in the financial statements. This guidance does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance providing additional information on factors to consider in estimating fair values when there has been a significant decrease in the market activity for a financial asset or liability. It also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In May 2009, the FASB issued new authoritative guidance on events that occur after the balance sheet date but prior to the issuance of the financial statements. The guidance distinguishes events requiring recognition in the financial statements and those that may require disclosure in the financial statements. Furthermore, it requires disclosure of the date through which subsequent events were evaluated. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods after June 15, 2009. In February 2010, FASB amended this guidance to clarify the date through which subsequent events are to be evaluated. The Company adopted this guidance during the quarter ended June 30, 2009 and the subsequent amendment during the year ended December 31, 2009, and has evaluated subsequent events through the date the Company’s consolidated financial statements were issued.

 

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In June 2009, the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,” (“Codification”) was issued. The Codification supersedes all existing accounting standard documents and is the single source of authoritative non-governmental U.S. GAAP. All other accounting literature not included in the Codification will be considered non-authoritative. The Codification was implemented on July 1, 2009 and is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Company’s Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the adoption of the Codification.

 

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The amendment requires an enterprise to determine whether its variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the enterprise that has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The amendment requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE as well as expanded disclosure requirements for enterprises with an interest in a VIE. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009, with early adoption prohibited. The Company does not expect the adoption of this amendment to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued amendments to the accounting and disclosure for revenue recognition. These amendments, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 (early adoption is permitted), modify the criteria for recognizing revenue in multiple element arrangements and the scope of what constitutes a non-software deliverable. The Company does not expect the adoption of these amendments to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that requires new disclosures related to fair value measurements and clarifies existing disclosure requirements about the level of disaggregation, inputs and valuation techniques. Specifically, reporting entities now must disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. In addition, in the reconciliation for Level 3 fair value measurements, a reporting entity should present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements. The guidance clarifies that a reporting entity needs to use judgment in determining the appropriate classes of assets and liabilities for disclosure of fair value measurement, considering the level of disaggregated information required by other applicable U.S. GAAP guidance and should also provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for each class of assets and liabilities. This guidance will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2010, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the reconciliation for Level 3 fair value measurements, which will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2011. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

NOTE 2: INVENTORIES

 

The composition of inventories is as follows:

 

As of December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

Raw materials

 

$

9,205

 

$

9,515

 

Work in process

 

675

 

766

 

Finished goods

 

30,743

 

29,277

 

 

 

$

40,623

 

$

39,558

 

 

NOTE 3: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

The composition of property, plant and equipment is as follows:

 

As of December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

Land and improvements

 

$

3,784

 

$

3,784

 

Buildings and improvements

 

32,168

 

32,036

 

Machinery and equipment

 

17,238

 

16,906

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

24,103

 

24,959

 

 

 

77,293

 

77,685

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(48,536

)

(47,461

)

 

 

$

28,757

 

$

30,224

 

 

Depreciation expense was $4,384, $5,319, and $6,310 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

 

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NOTE 4: INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The Company acquired certain product formulations during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the product formulations had a gross carrying amount of $1,763 and $1,763, accumulated amortization of $342 and $225, and a net amount of $1,421 and $1,538, respectively. The useful life of the product formulations is estimated to be 15 years.

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $117, $118 and $99, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31:

 

Estimated
Amortization
Expense

 

2010

 

$

118

 

2011

 

118

 

2012

 

118

 

2013

 

118

 

2014

 

118

 

Thereafter

 

831

 

Total

 

$

1,421

 

 

NOTE 5: INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of available-for-sale securities by balance sheet classification are as follows:

 

As of December 31, 2009

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Municipal obligations

 

$

2,030

 

$

107

 

$

 

$

2,137

 

U.S. Government Securities Funds

 

698

 

13

 

 

711

 

Equity securities

 

233

 

90

 

(4

)

319

 

Total short-term investment securities

 

$

2,961

 

$

210

 

$

(4

)

$

3,167

 

 

As of December 31, 2008

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Municipal obligations

 

$

2,858

 

$

66

 

$

(1

)

$

2,923

 

U.S. Government Securities Funds

 

691

 

19

 

 

710

 

Equity securities

 

233

 

 

(8

225

 

Total short-term investment securities

 

$

3,782

 

$

85

 

$

(9

)

$

3,858

 

 

The fair values of contractual maturities of municipal obligations at December 31, 2009, are as follows:

 

Mature after one year through five years

 

$

2,029

 

Mature after five years

 

108

 

Total

 

$

2,137

 

 

During 2009, 2008, and 2007, the proceeds from the sales of available-for-sale securities were $794, $640, and $1,432, respectively. There were no gross realized gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale securities (net of tax) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

 

The Company’s trading securities portfolio totaled $1,752 and $1,394 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and generated gains of $182, losses of $345, and gains of $171 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had unrealized losses of $4 and $9, respectively, in its municipal obligations and equity securities investments. These losses are due to the interest rate sensitivity of the municipal obligations and the performance of the overall stock market for the equity securities.

 

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NOTE 6: ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

The composition of accrued liabilities is as follows:

 

As of December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

Foreign non-income tax contingencies (See Note 11)

 

$

6,949

 

$

8,141

 

Sales, use, and property tax (See Note 11)

 

8,902

 

11,447

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

8,807

 

9,590

 

Convention and meeting costs

 

2,903

 

4,499

 

Other

 

6,582

 

11,798

 

Total

 

$

34,143

 

$

45,475

 

 

NOTE 7: ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows:

 

 

 

Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustments

 

Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses) On
Available-For-Sale
Securities

 

Total
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss

 

Balance as of January 1, 2007

 

$

(17,154

)

$

94

 

$

(17,060

)

Activity, net of tax

 

1,625

 

96

 

1,721

 

Balance as of December 31, 2007

 

(15,529

)

190

 

(15,339

)

Activity, net of tax

 

(1,757

(104

)

(1,861

)

Balance as of December 31, 2008

 

(17,286

)

86

 

(17,200

)

Activity, net of tax

 

(2,463

)

64

 

(2,399

)

Balance as of December 31, 2009

 

$

(19,749

)

$

150

 

$

(19,599

)

 

NOTE 8: INCOME TAXES

 

Income from operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes are taxed under the following jurisdictions:

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Domestic

 

$

7,476

 

$

1,067

 

$

265

 

Foreign

 

6,849

 

5,401

 

4,200

 

Total

 

$

14,325

 

$

6,468

 

$

4,465

 

 

Components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

6,812

 

$

3,437

 

$

5,161

 

State

 

599

 

454

 

1,196

 

Foreign

 

4,767

 

7,506

 

7,795

 

Subtotal

 

12,178

 

11,397

 

14,152

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

(4,593

)

(1,904

)

(1,324

)

State

 

277

 

(463

)

(527

)

Foreign

 

348

 

(724

)

401

 

Subtotal

 

(3,968

)

(3,091

)

(1,450

)

Total provision for income taxes

 

$

8,210

 

$

8,306

 

$

12,702

 

 

The income tax benefits associated with employee exercises of options under the nonqualified stock option plan decreased the income taxes payable by $0, $0, and $246 in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. These benefits were recorded as an increase to common stock.

 

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The provision for income taxes, as a percentage of income before provision for income taxes, differs from the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate due to the following:

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate

 

35.0

%

35.0

%

35.0

%

State income taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit

 

4.0

 

(0.1

)

10.6

 

U.S. tax impact of foreign operations

 

(13.7

)

(33.6

)

17.1

 

Valuation allowance change

 

8.8

 

68.2

 

61.1

 

Tax contingencies

 

(4.5

)

(1.0

)

16.0

 

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

 

2.0

 

(16.8

)

17.4

 

Gain on sale of intercompany assets

 

9.8

 

17.4

 

25.2

 

Charitable contributions

 

(0.1

)

(0.5

)

(0.9

)

Foreign tax rate differential

 

14.0

 

1.7

 

5.6

 

Unrecognized tax benefits

 

(1.4

59.7

 

104.4

 

Meals and entertainment

 

0.5

 

1.3

 

2.4

 

Tax adjustment for inflation

 

(0.1

)

(1.1

)

(7.1

)

Domestic manufacturing deduction

 

(1.2

)

(2.3

)

(3.7

)

Nondeductible foreign expenses

 

6.4

 

2.7

 

6.2

 

Other

 

(2.2

)

(2.2

)

(4.8

)

Effective income tax rate

 

57.3

%

128.4

%

284.5

%

 

Pretax earnings of a foreign subsidiary or affiliate are subject to U.S. taxation when effectively repatriated. The Company does not intend to reinvest undistributed earnings indefinitely in the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.

 

The significant components of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:

 

As of December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

Inventory

 

$

1,862

 

$

2,314

 

Accrued liabilities

 

3,928

 

4,086

 

Impaired investments

 

783

 

549

 

Deferred compensation

 

1,071

 

786

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

7,078

 

1,384

 

Bad debts

 

480

 

510

 

Net operating losses

 

9,765

 

6,813

 

Capital losses

 

708

 

708

 

Foreign tax and withholding credits

 

4,447

 

3,909

 

Non-income tax accruals

 

2,493

 

3,791

 

Health insurance accruals

 

339

 

1,182

 

APB 23— outside basis

 

2,695

 

2,073

 

Accelerated depreciation

 

 

131

 

Other deferred tax assets

 

1,887

 

2,061

 

Valuation allowance

 

(18,662

)

(13,986

)

Total deferred tax assets

 

18,874

 

16,311

 

Other deferred tax liabilities

 

(578

)

(1,438

)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(578

)

(1,438

)

Total deferred taxes, net

 

$

18,296

 

$

14,873

 

 

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The components of deferred tax assets (liabilities), net are as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

Net current deferred tax assets

 

$

6,646

 

$

9,080

 

Net non-current deferred tax assets

 

12,228

 

6,412

 

Total net deferred tax assets

 

18,874

 

15,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net current deferred tax liabilities

 

(62

)

(286

)

Net non-current deferred tax liabilities

 

(516

)

(333

)

Total net deferred tax liabilities

 

(578

)

(619

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets, net

 

$

18,296

 

$

14,873

 

 

Net current deferred tax liabilities are included in accrued liabilities and net non-current deferred tax liabilities are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Management has provided a valuation allowance of $18,662 and $13,986 as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for certain deferred tax assets, including foreign net operating losses and foreign tax credits, for which management cannot conclude it is more likely than not that they will be realized. The Company reviewed its tax positions and increased its valuation allowance by approximately $4,676, $2,696 and $3,468 for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2009, foreign subsidiaries had unused operating loss carryovers of approximately $9,765. The net operating losses will expire at various dates from 2010 through 2012. For financial reporting purposes, the release of these valuation allowances would reduce income tax expenses. At December 31, 2009, the Company had approximately $4,427 of foreign tax credits which begin to expire at various times starting in 2012.

 

The Company is subject to regular audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. These audits may result in additional tax liabilities. The Company believes it has appropriately provided for income taxes for all years. Several factors drive the calculation of its tax reserves. Some of these factors include: (i) the expiration of various statutes of limitations; (ii) changes in tax law and regulations; (iii) the issuance of tax rulings; and (iv) settlements with tax authorities. Changes in any of these factors may result in adjustments to the Company’s reserves, which would impact its reported financial results.

 

The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for 2003 through 2009 are open to examination for federal tax purposes. The Company has several foreign tax jurisdictions which have open tax years from 2000 through 2009. The Internal Revenue Service “IRS” is currently conducting an audit of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the 2003 through 2008 tax years.

 

In October 2009, the IRS issued an examination report formally proposing adjustments with respect to the 2003 through 2005 taxable years, which primarily relate to the prices that were charged in intragroup transfers of property and the disallowance of related deductions. The Company has challenged the IRS proposals and the matter is currently before the Office of Appeals of the Internal Revenue Service.  Management believes that the Company has appropriately reserved for these matters at an amount which it believes will ultimately be due upon resolution of the administrative proceedings. The Company is currently unable to determine the outcome of these discussions and their related impact, if any, on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

The Brazilian tax authorities are currently auditing the 2001 income tax return of the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary.  The tax authorities in Venezuela are currently auditing the 2005 through 2007 income tax returns of the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary. The Company is currently unable to estimate the impact, if any, of these income tax examinations in Brazil and Venezuela.

 

The total outstanding balance for liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $19,643 and $19,675, respectively, all of which would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized.  Included in these amounts is approximately $6,624 and $5,558, respectively, of interest and penalties.  The Company recorded approximately $1,066 and $1,284 in interest and penalties for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The Company accounts for interest expense and penalties for unrecognized tax benefits as part of its income tax provision.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company added approximately $12,769, $6,892 and $4,728, respectively, to its liability for unrecognized tax benefits. Included in these amounts are approximately $2,047, $2,690 and $1,773 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, related to interest expense and penalties. In addition, the Company recorded a benefit related to the lapse of applicable statute of limitations of approximately $2,261, $3,030 and $64, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, all of which favorably impacted the Company’s effective tax rate, as well as settlements with taxing authorities of $5,817, $0 and $0, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Of our total liability for unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $19,643 would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized.

 

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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of liabilities associated with uncertain tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows for the years:

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits, opening balance

 

$

25,394

 

$

21,614

 

$

13,030

 

Tax positions taken in a prior period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross increases

 

5,649

 

937

 

 

Gross decreases

 

(775

)

(238

)

 

Tax positions taken in the current period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross increases

 

5,073

 

4,712

 

8,592

 

Gross decreases

 

 

 

 

Settlements with taxing authorities

 

$

(5,817

 

 

Lapse of applicable statute of limitations

 

$

(1,273

)

(1,631

)

(8

)

Currency translation adjustments

 

153

 

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance

 

$

28,404

 

$

25,394

 

$

21,614

 

 

The tabular roll forward ending balances do not include interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits and the impact of competent authority and royalty benefit positions. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, other assets included $15,385 and $11,277, respectively, of amounts related to competent authority and royalty benefit positions where the unrecognized tax liability and other assets are presented on a gross basis in the consolidated balance sheets as there is no right of offset between the Company and other tax jurisdictions.

 

The Company anticipates that unrecognized tax benefits will increase approximately $2,000 to $3,000 within the next twelve months due to additional transactions related to commissions and transfer pricing.

 

The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits will decrease approximately $3,500 to $4,500 within the next twelve months due to the close of audits or the expiration of statutes of limitations in various foreign jurisdictions.

 

Although the Company believes its estimates are reasonable, the Company can make no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which it has reflected in its historical income tax provisions and accruals. Such difference could have a material impact on the Company’s income tax provision and operating results in the period in which the Company makes such determination.

 

NOTE 9:  CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS

 

Dividends

 

The Company paid cash dividends totaling $776, $3,102 and $3,102, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.  During the second quarter of 2009, the Company suspended payment of its quarterly cash dividend.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company’s shareholders adopted and approved the Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2009 Incentive Plan”).  The 2009 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights, performance awards, stock awards and other stock-based awards (collectively “Awards”).  The Company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has authority and discretion to determine the type of Award as well as the amount, terms and conditions of each Award under the 2009 Incentive Plan, subject to the limitations of the 2009 Incentive Plan. A total of 750 shares of the Company’s common stock were authorized for the granting of awards under the 2009 Incentive Plan. The numbers of shares available for Awards, as well as the terms of outstanding Awards, are subject to adjustment as provided in the 2009 Incentive Plan for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and other similar events.

 

The Company also maintained a stock option plan, which was approved by shareholders in 1995 and expired in 2005 (“the 1995 Stock Plan”). The 1995 Stock Plan provided for the granting or awarding of certain nonqualified stock options to officers, directors and other employees. The term, not to exceed 10 years, and the vesting and exercise period of each stock option awarded under the 1995 Stock Plan were determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. All grants under the 1995 Stock Plan were made at

 

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the quoted fair market value of the stock at the date of grant.

 

Stock option activity for 2009, 2008, and 2007 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted Average Exercise
Price Per Share

 

Options outstanding at January 1, 2007

 

432

 

$

10.13

 

Granted

 

140

 

11.85

 

Forfeited or canceled

 

(102

)

10.74

 

Exercised

 

(163

)

7.69

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2007

 

307

 

12.01

 

Granted

 

 

 

Forfeited or canceled

 

(44

)

13.44

 

Exercised

 

 

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2008

 

263

 

11.77

 

Granted

 

250

 

5.35

 

Forfeited or canceled

 

(58

)

11.77

 

Exercised

 

 

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2009

 

455

 

$

8.25

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic values on the dates of exercise of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2007 was $623. Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value of the underlying common stock and the grant price for options with exercise prices less than the market values on such dates.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company issued options to purchase 250 shares of common stock under the 2009 Incentive Plan, of which 125 were awarded to the new directors on the Board of Directors, while the remaining options were issued to the Company’s executive officers and other employees.  These options were issued with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $3.68 per share.  The options issued to the new members of the Board of Directors vested upon issuance and have an option termination date of ten years from the option grant date, while the remaining options granted have a vesting period of three years from the option grant date, and an option termination date of ten years from the option grant date.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company issued nonqualified stock options to purchase 140 shares of common stock outside any stock option plan with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $3.85 per share, a vesting period of one year from the option grant date, and an option termination date of six years from the option grant date.

 

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2007:

 

 

 

2009

 

2007

 

Weighted average grant date fair value of grants

 

$

3.68

 

$

3.85

 

Expected life (in years)

 

3.5

 

3.5

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

1.4

 

4.5

 

Expected volatility

 

40.50

 

42.88

 

Dividend yield

 

0.0

 

1.76

 

 

Expected option lives and volatilities are based on historical data of the Company. The risk free interest rate is calculated as the average U.S. Treasury bill rate that corresponds with the option life.

 

Share-based compensation expense from qualified stock options for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $478, and the related tax benefit was approximately $191. Share-based compensation expense from nonqualified stock options for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $86 and $326, and the related tax benefit was approximately $33 and $124, respectively. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to grants described above was $441 and $0, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2009.

 

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

Range of Option
Prices Per Share

 

Options
Outstanding

 

Weighted-Avg.
Remaining
Contractual Life

 

Weighted-Avg.
Exercise Price
Per Share

 

Options
Exercisable

 

Weighted-
Avg. Exercise
Price Per
Share

 

$5.35 to $9.99

 

276

 

9.1

 

$

5.64

 

151

 

$

5.88

 

$10.00 to $11.99

 

155

 

3.1

 

11.74

 

155

 

11.74

 

$12.00 to $19.71

 

24

 

0.8

 

15.53

 

24

 

15.53

 

 

 

455

 

6.6

 

$

8.25

 

330

 

$

9.34

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding options to purchase 455 shares of common stock, the exercisable options to purchase 330 shares of common stock and the options to purchase 106 shares of common stock expected to vest at December 31, 2009 was $804, $406 and $338, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value of the options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2008 had no value as all options outstanding and exercisable had an exercise price greater than the fair value of the underlying common stock.  As of December 31, 2008, there were no unvested options outstanding. As of December 31, 2009, there were 500 shares available for the issuance of Awards under the 2009 Incentive Plan.

 

NOTE 10:  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

Deferred Compensation Plans

 

The Company sponsors a qualified deferred compensation plan which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company makes matching contributions of 100 percent of employee contributions up to a maximum of five percent of the employee’s compensation. The Company’s contributions to the plan vest after a period of three years. During 2009, 2008, and 2007, the Company contributed to the plan approximately $1,318, $1,142, and $1,087, respectively.

 

The Company provides a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for its officers and certain key employees. Under this plan, participants may defer up to 100 percent of their annual salary and bonus. Although participants direct the investment of these funds, they are classified as trading securities and are included in long-term investment securities on the consolidated balance sheets because they remain assets of the Company until they are actually paid out to the participants. The Company has established a trust to finance obligations under the plan. At the end of each year and at other times provided under the plan, the Company adjusts its obligation to a participant by the investment return or loss on the funds selected by the participant under rules established in the plan. Upon separation of employment of the participant with the Company, the obligation owed to the participant under the plan will be paid as a lump sum or over a period of either three or five years (and will continue to be adjusted by the applicable investment return or loss during the period of pay-out). The Company had deferred compensation plan assets of approximately $1,752 and $1,394 as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The change in the liability associated with the deferred compensation plan is recorded in the deferred compensation payable.

 

Management and Employee Bonus Plan

 

The Company has a discretionary bonus plan that provides for participants to receive payments based upon the achievement of specified annual increases in net sales revenue and operating income, as well as individual objectives. The expense related to the bonus plan was approximately $2,774, $3,487, and $3,580 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. These amounts were accrued as liabilities in the respective year-end consolidated balance sheets. All United States employees as well as key international employees participate in the bonus plan.

 

NOTE 11:  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The Company leases certain facilities and equipment used in its operations and accounts for leases with escalating payments using the straight-line method. The Company incurred expenses of approximately $5,948, $6,103, and $5,358 in connection with operating leases during 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. The approximate aggregate commitments under non-cancelable operating leases in effect at December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

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Table of Contents

 

Year Ending December 31

 

 

 

2010

 

$

4,756

 

2011

 

3,611

 

2012

 

1,725

 

2013

 

814

 

2014

 

560

 

Thereafter

 

281

 

 

 

$

11,747

 

 

The Company enters into contracts with suppliers to ensure the availability of both botanical and non-botanical raw materials, as well as packing materials, in advance of its annual requirements. As of December 31, 2009, the Company has entered into non-cancelable purchase agreements for $14,061 related to fiscal year 2010 production needs.

 

As of December 31, 2009, the Company has entered into non-cancelable capital purchase commitments for $216 related to upgrades to the Company’s information systems.

 

The Company has entered into long-term agreements with third-parties in the ordinary course of business, in which it has agreed to pay a percentage of net sales in certain regions in which it operates, or royalties on certain products. In 2009, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate amounts of these payments were $3,963, $7,748 and $5,373, respectively.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various legal proceedings, including those noted below. Management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, or their resulting effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows as litigation and related matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings could occur. Were an unfavorable outcome to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows for the period in which the ruling occurs and/or future periods. The Company maintains directors’ and officers’ liability, product liability, general liability and excess liability insurance coverage. However, no assurances can be given that such insurance will continue to be available at an acceptable cost to the Company, that such coverage will be sufficient to cover one or more large claims, or that the insurers will not successfully disclaim coverage as to a pending or future claim.

 

Class-Action Litigation

 

Between April 3, 2006 and June 2, 2006, five separate shareholder class-action lawsuits were filed against the Company and certain of its present and former officers and directors in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. These matters were consolidated and on November 3, 2006, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”) against the Company, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and a director, Douglas Faggioli, the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer, Craig D. Huff, and a former director and former Chair of the Company’s Audit Committee, Franz L. Cristiani. The Consolidated Complaint asserts three separate claims on behalf of purchasers of the Company’s common stock: (1) a claim against Mr. Faggioli and the Company for violation of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, alleging that Mr. Faggioli made a series of alleged material misrepresentations to the investing public; (2) a claim against Mr. Faggioli and the Company for violation of Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5, alleging that Mr. Faggioli made a series of misrepresentations to the Company’s then independent auditor, KPMG, LLP (“KPMG”), for the purpose of obtaining unqualified or “clean” audit opinions and review opinions from KPMG concerning certain of the Company’s annual and quarterly financial statements; and (3) a claim against Messrs. Faggioli, Huff and Cristiani for violation of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, alleging that the individual defendants have “control person” liability for the previously-alleged violations by the Company. The Consolidated Complaint seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory damages, together with interest thereon, litigation costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees, and any such other and further relief as may be allowed by law.

 

On January 5, 2007, the Company and Messrs. Faggioli, Huff and Cristiani moved to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint in its entirety. On May 21, 2007, the Court issued its decision denying the motion in large part, but shortening the proposed class period on one of the plaintiffs’ claims. On June 6, 2007, the Company and the other defendants answered the Consolidated Complaint, wherein they denied all allegations of wrongdoing and raised a number of affirmative defenses. On November 1, 2007, the plaintiffs filed their motion for class certification, which the Company opposed. On September 25, 2008, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification in part, establishing the class as all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s common stock, and were damaged thereby, from March 16, 2005 to March 20, 2006. On May 9, 2008, at the invitation of the Court based upon recent case law developments, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ second cause of action (a Rule 10b-5 claim based on non-public representations to KPMG).  The plaintiffs opposed this motion.  On September 23, 2008, the Court granted the Company’s

 

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motion and dismissed the plaintiffs’ second cause of action.

 

On September 14, 2009, the parties and the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurer signed a Stipulation of Settlement (“Stipulation”), which was filed with the Court on September 14, 2009.  The Stipulation set forth the complete terms of the parties’ proposed settlement.  The basic terms of the settlement were that the Company’s insurer would pay the settlement class, which is defined as all persons (except for defendants and specified related persons and entities) who purchased the Company’s common stock during the period from April 23, 2002 through April 5, 2006, $6,000 in exchange for a dismissal with prejudice of the lawsuit and a release of all claims held by members of the settlement class.  As set forth in the Stipulation, the proposed settlement would not become final until a number of conditions were satisfied, including the Stipulation receiving both preliminary and final approval from the Court.  On October 8, 2009, the Court entered an order (i) granting preliminary approval of the Stipulation, (ii) requiring that notice of the proposed settlement and the proposed plan of allocation of the settlement proceeds be mailed to members of the settlement class by October 26, 2009, and (iii) setting a February 9, 2010 hearing.  At this hearing the Court considered, among other issues, (i) whether the Stipulation should receive final approval, (ii) whether the proposed plan of allocation for the settlement proceeds should be approved, (iii) whether the settlement class counsel’s application for an award of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of costs and expenses should be approved, and (iv) whether the settlement class counsel’s application for incentive awards to the settlement class representatives should be approved.  The Court’s October 8, 2009 order also set January 19, 2010 as the deadline by which settlement class members must submit a valid proof of claim, if they wanted to share in the settlement proceeds, or a proper opt-out request, if they wanted to be excluded from the settlement class and thereby not be bound by the terms of the Stipulation.

 

On February 10, 2010, the day after it held the final approval hearing, the Court formally entered an Order and Final Judgment dated February 9, 2010 (“Final Judgment”), which gave final approval to the Stipulation and approved the proposed plan of allocation of the settlement proceeds, the application for an award of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of costs and expenses by the settlement class counsel, and the application for incentive awards to the settlement class representatives.  Among other things, the Final Judgment also included findings by the Court that notice of the action and of the proposed settlement had been properly given to the class members and that no one had opted out of the class or objected to any of the terms of the Stipulation.  Furthermore, the Final Judgment provides that the Company and the individual defendants are released from all of the Released Claims, as defined by the Stipulation, and that the Consolidated Complaint is dismissed with prejudice.

 

Unless a party appeals the Final Judgment within 30 days following the entry of the Final Judgment, which the Company does not anticipate happening given the lack of any objection being filed to the Stipulation, the case will then be formally concluded and the Claims Administrator will proceed to distribute the settlement proceeds in accordance with the Stipulation.

 

Threatened Derivative Lawsuits

 

By letter dated October 4, 2007, a shareholder of the Company alleged that a number of the current and former officers and directors of the Company breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by supposedly engaging in the same alleged wrongdoing that is the subject of the class-action lawsuit. The shareholder demanded that the Company take action to recover from the specified officers and directors all damages sustained by the Company as a result of the alleged misconduct, and threatened to commence a derivative action if the Company failed to act on the shareholder’s demand within a reasonable period of time.

 

On December 26, 2007, before the expiration of the Company’s allotted 90-day period for responding to the demand, the shareholder presented a second but substantively identical demand on the Company, thereby triggering a new 90-day response period. The Company’s Board of Directors responded to this demand on March 20, 2008, rejecting the shareholder’s demands.

 

On May 21, 2008, the same shareholder filed a summons and complaint in the Fourth Judicial District Court for the State of Utah seeking an order compelling the Company to produce certain books and records to the shareholder. The Company filed its answer to the complaint on June 12, 2008, and the shareholder has taken no action since then to prosecute the case or otherwise pursue any derivative claim.

 

Although the Company and the other defendants are vigorously defending against the allegations in the threatened derivative lawsuit above, management believes that it is not possible at this time to predict the outcome of this litigation or whether the Company will incur any liability associated with the litigation, or to estimate the effect such outcome would have on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.

 

SEC and DOJ Investigations

 

On July 31, 2009, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filed a settled enforcement action against the Company, Douglas Faggioli, and Craig Huff, the Company’s former chief financial officer, relating to alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt

 

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Practices Act (“FCPA”) by one of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries in 2000 and 2001. This settlement resolved an SEC investigation previously disclosed by the Company related to an independent investigation conducted by the Company’s Audit Committee.

 

Under the terms of the settlement with the SEC, without admitting or denying the allegations in the Commission’s complaint, the Company agreed to pay a civil penalty of $600 and to consent to the entry of an injunction against future violations of the FCPA as well as the antifraud, issuer reporting, books and records, and internal controls provisions of the federal securities laws. No additional undertakings are required of the Company under the terms of the settlement.

 

In addition, Messrs. Faggioli and Huff, without admitting or denying the allegations in the Commission’s complaint, each agreed to pay a civil penalty of $25 and to consent to the entry of injunctions against future violations relating only to the books and records and internal control provisions of the federal securities laws.

 

The SEC’s complaint alleged that, in 2000 and 2001, former employees in the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary made undocumented cash payments to customs brokers, some of which were later paid to Brazilian customs officials in order to allow unregistered products to be imported and sold in Brazil.  The complaint further alleged that, in doing so, NSP’s subsidiary falsified its books, records and accounts to hide the nature of the payments and failed to disclose those payments to Brazilian customs agents in its filings with the Commission.  The complaint also alleged that the Company, during the time period in question, failed to implement an adequate system of internal controls to ensure proper reporting of the alleged payments.  No current officers, directors, or employees of the Company are alleged to have participated in or had knowledge of these actions.

 

The complaint further alleged that, in 2000 and 2001, Mr. Faggioli, the Company’s then chief operating officer (and current chief executive officer), and Mr. Huff, the Company’s then chief financial officer, as control persons, failed to adequately supervise the Company’s management and other personnel who were directly responsible for the Company’s books and records and internal controls related to the registration of product in one foreign subsidiary. As part of the settlement, the Company and the individual parties agreed to neither admit nor deny the allegations in the complaint.

 

The Company believes that all government investigations relating to potential FCPA violations by the Company or related persons have been resolved. The Company anticipates no additional action by the Department of Justice in relation to these events.

 

SEC Section 12(j) Proceeding

 

On July 12, 2007, the Company announced that the SEC had instituted administrative proceedings pursuant to Section 12 (j) of the Exchange Act to suspend or revoke the registration of its common stock under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. On November 8, 2007, an Administrative Law Judge in the administrative proceeding issued an Initial Decision to revoke the registration of the Company’s common stock because of its failure to file required periodic reports. Shortly thereafter, the Company filed a petition for review with the SEC. On December 5, 2007, the SEC granted the Company’s petition for review. The SEC heard oral argument from both the Company and the SEC staff on January 7, 2009. On January 21, 2009, the SEC issued a final order revoking the registration of the Company’s common stock. On February 12, 2009, the Company filed a registration statement on Form 10 to reregister its common stock under the Exchange Act. The Company’s registration statement became effective as a result of the passage of time on April 13, 2009. On May 26, 2009, the Company cleared all comments from the SEC related to its registration statement on Form 10. On October 12, 2009, the Company began trading its common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “NATR.”

 

Prescott Matter

 

In April 2009, Prescott Group Aggressive Small Cap Master Fund, G.P. (“Prescott”) filed, but did not serve, a complaint in the Fourth Judicial District Court for Utah County, Utah, (Prescott Group Aggressive Small Cap Master Fund, G.P. v. Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc, Civil No. 090401518).  Prescott’s filed complaint requested that the court compel the Company to hold an annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders.  The complaint did not request that the court award monetary damages other than the payment of attorneys’ fees.  On May 22, 2009, the Company and Kristine F. Hughes, Eugene L. Hughes and Pauline Hughes Francis in their capacity as shareholders of the Company (collectively, the “Hughes Parties”) entered into a settlement and voting agreement (the “Prescott Agreement”) with Prescott.  Contemporaneously with the Prescott Agreement, the Company and the Hughes Parties entered into voting agreements (collectively with the Prescott Agreement, the “Voting Agreements”) with each of the following shareholders of the Company:  Red Mountain Capital Partners II, L.P., Red Mountain Capital Partners III, L.P. and Paradigm Capital Management, Inc. (collectively with Prescott, the “Shareholder Parties”). As a result of the Prescott Agreement, the filed complaint was withdrawn.

 

Pursuant to the Voting Agreements, effective as of June 7, 2009, (i) the authorized number of directors of the Board was increased from six to eight directors in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Bylaws of the Company, creating two additional vacancies

 

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in addition to one previously unfilled vacancy on the Board, (ii) with the exception of Kristine F. Hughes, all of the current members of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) resigned as members of the Board, resulting in a total of seven vacancies on the Board and (iii) Michael D. Dean, Albert R. Dowden, Douglas Faggioli, Pauline Hughes Francis, Willem Mesdag, Jeffrey D. Watkins and Candace K. Weir were appointed, without any specific Board class designation, to fill such vacancies on the Board to serve as directors until the next annual meeting of shareholders at which directors are elected and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, unless they resign, are removed or are otherwise disqualified from serving as a director of the Company.

 

The Voting Agreements also provide that, at the next annual meeting of shareholders, which was held on November 6, 2009, the Company would nominate, and the Shareholder Parties and the Hughes Parties will vote all of the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them in favor of, each of the following individuals, with such nominees serving in the Board class set forth opposite his or her name:

 

Name

 

Class

Jeffrey D. Watkins

 

Class I

Willem Mesdag

 

Class I

Michael D. Dean

 

Class II

Douglas Faggioli

 

Class II

Candace K. Weir

 

Class II

Kristine F. Hughes

 

Class III

Pauline Hughes Francis

 

Class III

Albert R. Dowden

 

Class III

 

The voting arrangement set forth in the Voting Agreements terminated on November 6, 2009, immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company and the election of the new Board of Directors as slated above.

 

Other Litigation

 

The Company is party to various other legal proceedings in several foreign jurisdictions related to VAT assessments and other civil litigation.  While there is a reasonable possibility that a material loss may be incurred, the Company cannot at this time estimate the loss, if any, therefore, no provision for losses has been provided.  The Company believes future payments related to these matters could range from $0 to approximately $1,400.

 

One of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is a defendant in litigation regarding primarily employee-related matters. The Company has recorded accruals of approximately $222 and $113 related to this litigation at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which is included in accrued liabilities.

 

Non-Income Tax Contingencies

 

The Company has reserved for certain state sales and use tax and foreign non-income tax contingencies based on the likelihood of an obligation in accordance with accounting guidance for probable loss contingencies. Loss contingency provisions are recorded for probable losses at management’s best estimate of a loss, or when a best estimate cannot be made, a minimum loss contingency amount is recorded. The Company provides provisions for potential payments of tax to various tax authorities for contingencies related to non-income tax matters. The Company also provides provisions for state sales taxes in each of the states where the Company has potential nexus. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, accrued liabilities include $13,174 and $17,359, respectively, related to non-income tax contingencies. While management believes that the assumptions and estimates used to determine this liability are reasonable, the ultimate outcome of those matters cannot presently be determined. The Company is not able at this time to predict the ultimate outcomes of those matters or to estimate the effect the ultimate outcomes, if greater than the amounts accrued, would have on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.

 

Self-Insurance Liabilities

 

Similar to other manufacturers and distributors of products that are ingested, the Company faces an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that, among other things, the use of its products results in injury. The Company carries insurance in the types and amounts it considers reasonably adequate to cover the risks associated with its business. The Company has a wholly owned captive insurance company to provide it with product liability insurance coverage. The Company has accrued an amount that it believes is sufficient to cover probable and reasonably estimable liabilities related to product liability claims based on the Company’s history of such claims. However, there can be no assurance that these estimates will prove to be sufficient nor can there be any assurance that the ultimate outcome of any litigation for product liability will not have a material negative impact on the Company’s business prospects, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

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The Company self-insures for certain employee medical benefits. The recorded liabilities for self-insured risks are calculated using actuarial methods and are not discounted. The liabilities include amounts for actual claims and claims incurred but not reported. Actual experience, including claim frequency and severity as well as health care inflation, could result in actual liabilities being more or less than the amounts currently recorded.

 

The Company reviews its self-insurance accruals on a quarterly basis and determines, based upon a review of its recent claims history and other factors, that portions of its self-insurance accruals be considered short-term and long-term. The Company has accrued $2,942 and $2,873 for product liability and employee medical claims at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, of which $457 and $2,873 was classified as short-term. Such amounts are included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

Government Regulations

 

The Company is subject to governmental regulations pertaining to product formulation, labeling and packaging, product claims and advertising, and to the Company’s direct selling system. The Company is also subject to the jurisdiction of numerous foreign tax and customs authorities. Any assertions or determinations that either the Company or the Company’s Distributors are not in compliance with existing statutes, laws, rules or regulations could potentially have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations. In addition, in any country or jurisdiction, the adoption of new statutes, laws, rules or regulations, or changes in the interpretation of existing statutes, laws, rules or regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Company and its operations. Although management believes that the Company is in compliance, in all material respects, with the statutes, laws, rules and regulations of every jurisdiction in which it operates, no assurance can be given that the Company’s compliance with applicable statutes, laws, rules and regulations will not be challenged by foreign authorities or that such challenges will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations or cash flows.

 

NOTE 12:  OPERATING BUSINESS SEGMENT AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATION INFORMATION

 

The Company has three reportable business segments. These reportable segments are components of the Company for which separate information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

 

The Company has two reportable business segments based on geographic operations that include a United States segment and an international segment that operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products name. The Company’s third reportable business segment is Synergy Worldwide, which offers products with formulations different from those of the Nature’s Sunshine Products offerings. In addition, Synergy Worldwide’s marketing and Distributor compensation plans are sufficiently different from those of Nature’s Sunshine Products. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1. Net sales revenues for each segment have been reduced by any intercompany sales as they are not included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income (loss) by segment before consideration of certain inter-segment transfers and expenses.

 

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Reportable business segment information for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 is as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net Sales Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

151,789

 

$

150,101

 

$

148,254

 

International

 

135,350

 

166,032

 

144,049

 

 

 

287,139

 

316,133

 

292,303

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

55,884

 

57,101

 

68,571

 

Total net sales revenue

 

343,023

 

373,234

 

360,874

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

145,191

 

155,988

 

153,522

 

International

 

132,759

 

149,147

 

131,350

 

 

 

277,950

 

305,135

 

284,872

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

54,306

 

62,501

 

72,941

 

Total operating expenses

 

332,256

 

367,636

 

357,813

 

Operating Income (Loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

6,598

 

(5,887

)

(5,268

)

International

 

2,591

 

16,885

 

12,699

 

 

 

9,189

 

10,998

 

7,431

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

1,578

 

(5,400

)

(4,370

)

Total operating income

 

10,767

 

5,598

 

3,061

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income, net

 

3,558

 

870

 

1,404

 

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

 

$

14,325

 

$

6,468

 

$

4,465

 

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Capital Expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

2,074

 

$

2,467

 

$

3,000

 

International

 

468

 

4,872

 

422

 

 

 

2,542

 

7,339

 

3,422

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

296

 

574

 

974

 

Total capital expenditures

 

$

2,838

 

$

7,913

 

$

4,396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

2,934

 

$

3,419

 

$

3,729

 

International

 

666

 

756

 

1,161

 

 

 

3,600

 

4,175

 

4,890

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

901

 

1,262

 

1,519

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

$

4,501

 

$

5,437

 

$

6,409

 

 

As of December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

93,743

 

$

95,131

 

International

 

45,728

 

45,995

 

 

 

139,471

 

141,126

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

25,385

 

23,150

 

Total Assets

 

$

164,856

 

$

164,276

 

 

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From an individual country perspective, only the United States, Japan, and Russia comprise approximately 10 percent or more of consolidated net sales revenue for any of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net Sales Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

154,217

 

$

151,332

 

$

152,943

 

Russia

 

30,097

 

40,419

 

31,023

 

Japan

 

28,125

 

38,972

 

45,554

 

Other

 

130,584

 

142,511

 

131,354

 

Total Net Sales Revenue

 

$

343,023

 

$

373,234

 

$

360,874

 

 

Net sales revenue by product group has not been disclosed as management has determined that it is impracticable to accumulate such information.

 

From an individual country perspective, only the United States and Venezuela comprise 10 percent or more of consolidated long-lived assets, consisting of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, as follows:

 

As of December 31

 

2009

 

2008

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

22,629

 

$

23,723

 

Venezuela

 

4,620

 

4,646

 

Other

 

2,929

 

3,393

 

Total Long-Lived Assets

 

$

30,178

 

$

31,762

 

 

NOTE 13:  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company maintains split-dollar life insurance policies on certain executives. The cash surrender value of $63 and $206 related to such policies is recorded in other assets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Mr. Eugene Hughes, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and a shareholder, retired as an employee of the Company effective as of December 22, 2008. Prior to his retirement, the Company and Mr. Hughes entered into a Retirement and Consulting Agreement, dated as of December 9, 2008, pursuant to which Mr. Hughes provides consulting services to the Company for an initial term of eight years following his retirement. In exchange for such consulting services, Mr. Hughes will receive (i) annual compensation of $215 for the first two years of service, (ii) annual compensation of $100 for the remainder of the initial term, (iii) annual compensation of $50 after the initial term, and (iv) certain medical and life insurance benefits.

 

NOTE 14:  FAIR VALUE

 

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that could be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Financial assets are marked to bid prices and financial liabilities are marked to offer prices. Fair value measurements do not include transaction costs. A fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values of each financial instrument. Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:

 

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data

 

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its asset measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009:

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

 

Total

 

Investments available for sale

 

$

1,030

 

$

2,137

 

$

 

$

3,167

 

Investment securities

 

1,752

 

 

 

1,752

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

2,782

 

$

2,137

 

$

 

$

4,919

 

 

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The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its asset measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008:

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

 

Total

 

Investments available for sale

 

$

933

 

$

2,925

 

$

 

$

3,858

 

Investment securities

 

1,394

 

 

 

1,394

 

Restricted investments

 

 

 

2,050

 

2,050

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

2,327

 

$

2,925

 

$

2,050

 

$

7,302

 

 

Investments available for sale — The majority of the Company’s investment portfolio consist of various fixed income securities such as U.S government funds, state and municipal bonds, mutual funds, and equity securities.  The Level 1 securities are valued using quoted prices for identical assets in active markets including equity securities, U.S. government treasuries, and various mutual funds.  The Level 2 securities include investments in state and municipal bonds whereby all significant inputs are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset.

 

Investment securities — The majority of the Company’s trading portfolio consists of various mutual funds that are using quoted prices in active markets.

 

Restricted investments — The Company’s restricted investments included auction rate preferred investments that failed at auction during 2008. Despite the underlying long-term contractual maturity of auction-rate securities (“ARS”), there was historically a ready liquid market for these securities based on the interest reset mechanism. However, as a result of negative liquidity and uncertainty in financial credit markets, the Company experienced “failed” auctions associated with its ARS. In the case of a failed auction, the ARS become illiquid investments (until a future auction is successful or the security is called prior to the contractual maturity date by the issuer) and the rates are reset in accordance with terms in the prospectus/offering circular.

 

The ARS consisted primarily of AAA securities. In determining the fair value of the Company’s restricted investments at December 31, 2008, the Company took into consideration fair values determined by the financial institutions, current credit rating of the underlying securities, insurance provisions, discounted cash flow analysis, as deemed appropriate, and its current liquidity position. These securities were sold in January 2009 at their estimated fair value.

 

The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Balance at January 1,

 

$

2,050

 

$

2,075

 

Net unrealized gains included in earnings

 

 

 

Sales of restricted investments

 

(2,050

)

(25

)

Purchases

 

 

 

Balance at December 31,

 

$

 

$

2,050

 

 

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NOTE 15:  SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY OPERATIONS — UNAUDITED

 

The following tables presents the Company’s unaudited summary of quarterly operations during 2009 and 2008 for each of  three month periods ended March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 (amounts in thousands).

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended

 

 

 

March 31,
2009

 

June 30,
2009

 

September
30, 2009

 

December
31, 2009

 

Net sales revenue

 

$

83,176

 

$

84,149

 

$

85,777

 

$

89,921

 

Cost of goods sold

 

17,547

 

15,787

 

17,299

 

18,170

 

Gross profit

 

65,629

 

68,362

 

68,478

 

71,751

 

Volume incentives

 

30,996

 

31,217

 

31,068

 

32,884

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

37,477

 

35,089

 

31,203

 

33,519

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(2,844

)

2,056

 

6,207

 

5,348

 

Other income (expense)

 

1,204

 

544

 

1,300

 

510

 

Income before income taxes

 

(1,640

)

2,600

 

7,507

 

5,858

 

Taxes (benefit)

 

(178

)

1,066

 

5,427

 

1,895

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(1,462

)

$

1,534

 

$

2,080

 

$

3,963

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per share

 

(0.09

)

0.10

 

0.13

 

0.26

 

Diluted net income (loss) per share

 

(0.09

)

0.10

 

0.13

 

0.26

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended

 

 

 

March 31,
2008

 

June 30,
2008

 

September
30, 2008

 

December
31, 2008

 

Net sales revenue

 

$

96,451

 

$

95,911

 

$

92,661

 

$

88,211

 

Cost of goods sold

 

19,217

 

16,796

 

17,146

 

18,715

 

Gross profit

 

77,234

 

79,115

 

75,515

 

69,496

 

Volume incentives

 

36,597

 

36,457

 

34,580

 

32,440

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

39,738

 

39,280

 

38,864

 

37,806

 

Operating income (loss)

 

899

 

3,378

 

2,071

 

(750

)

Other income (expense)

 

(359

)

312

 

(448

)

1,365

 

Income before income taxes

 

540

 

3,690

 

1,623

 

615

 

Taxes

 

983

 

4,391

 

1,789

 

1,143

 

Net loss

 

$

(443

)

$

(701

)

$

(166

)

$

(528

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net loss per share

 

(0.03

)

(0.05

)

(0.01

)

(0.03

)

Diluted net loss per share

 

(0.03

)

(0.05

)

(0.01

)

(0.03

)

 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly net loss per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

 

The results for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, includes approximately $2,000 of favorable settlements related to VAT contingencies.

 

NOTE 16:  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On March 12, 2010, Mr. Douglas Faggioli informed the Board of Directors of his intent to step-down as President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, effective June 30, 2010.  In addition, Mr. Faggioli has entered into a consulting agreement with the Company to begin on July 1, 2010.  Mr. Michael Dean, who is currently a member of the Board of Directors, will become the next President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective June 30, 2010, and as a result, has been awarded 200 options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

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Item 9. Change In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

This report includes the certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). See Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2. This Item 9A includes information concerning the controls and control evaluations referred to in those certifications.

 

Overview

 

Management identified certain material weaknesses which are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2008. During 2009 and through the date of this filing, management has been focused on remediating these material weaknesses. This overview discusses management’s evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2009. In addition, this item provides a summary of the status of each of the previously identified material weaknesses, followed by a discussion of management’s evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures, and management’s efforts to remediate the material weaknesses, as set forth in the table below.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company completed the remediation related to the financial reporting process and information technology material weaknesses. As shown below, the accounting for taxes material weakness reported as of December 31, 2008 remains a material weakness as of December 31, 2009, for which remediation efforts are in process.

 

Material Weakness Reported

 

Status as of

 

Status as of the Date

as of December 31, 2008

 

December 31, 2009

 

of this Filing

1. Accounting for Taxes

 

Remediation in process

 

Remediation in process

2. Financial Reporting Process

 

Remediated

 

Remediated

3. Information Technology:

 

 

 

 

Access Control

 

Remediated

 

Remediated

Change Management

 

Remediated

 

Remediated

Spreadsheets

 

Remediated

 

Remediated

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in rules and forms adopted by the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

In connection with the preparation of its annual report as of December 31, 2008, the Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2008. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2008, as a result of the existence of material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Since December 31, 2008, we have made significant progress in improving our disclosure controls and procedures. We have taken, and are taking, the actions described below under “Remediation Actions Relating to Remaining Material Weaknesses” to remediate the remaining material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting that existed at that date.

 

We continue to strive to improve our processes to enable us to provide complete and accurate public disclosure. Management believes that we will not be able to conclude that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective until the material weaknesses have been fully remediated.

 

To address the material weaknesses reported in our 2008 Form 10-K/A, management performed additional analyses and other post-closing procedures designed to ensure that our consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These procedures included documentation and testing of processes, data validation procedures from the systems into the general ledger, testing of systems, validation of results, disclosure review, and other analytics. As a result, management believes that

 

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the consolidated financial statements included in this report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates, and for the periods presented.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Overview

 

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has assessed whether any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on management’s assessment, significant changes were implemented and tested during the period from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 to continue the remediation of our material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management believes the measures that we have implemented during 2009 to remediate the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting have had a favorable impact on our internal control over financial reporting since December 31, 2008. Changes in our internal control over financial reporting from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting are described below.

 

Remediation Actions Relating to Remaining Material Weaknesses

 

The discussion below describes the actions that management took during 2009 and is currently in the process of taking in 2010 to remediate our remaining material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.

 

Accounting for Taxes

 

Description of Material Weakness as of December 31, 2008

 

The Company’s processes, procedures and controls related to the preparation and review of the annual tax provision and the accrual of other non-income tax contingencies were not effective to ensure that amounts related to the tax provision, related current or deferred income tax asset and liability accounts, and non-income tax contingencies were accurate, recorded in the proper period, and determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Specifically, we did not (i) analyze and reconcile certain deferred income and tax payable accounts, (ii) appropriately consider the need to record or disclose contingencies for certain income tax positions in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and (iii) file tax returns in certain foreign jurisdictions. Additionally, we had insufficient personnel with appropriate qualifications and training in accounting for taxes.

 

Description of 2009 Remediation Actions

 

In late 2008, we hired an Executive Director of Corporate Tax and during 2009, we have utilized outsourced service providers for tax consulting services to assist in our accounting for income taxes and the recording of non-income tax contingencies. In October 2009, the Company engaged tax consultants with specific expertise related to the remediation of accounting for taxes to assist the Company in completing the remediation of its material weakness in this area. We continue to evaluate our tax process and tax resource requirements. We continue to work towards the completion of delinquent foreign statutory filings identified during the prior years as result of management’s analysis, as well as refining our process to help ensure timely completion of future filings. In addition, in 2008 our management performed an analysis with the assistance of outside consultants to assess, estimate, and record the exposure related to our uncertain tax positions and non-income tax contingencies in accordance with U.S. GAAP. During 2009 we continued to monitor and assess the uncertain tax positions and non-income tax contingencies and are now evaluating and implementing plans to reduce these contingencies. We continue to evaluate the adequacy of our tax resources. This material weakness still exists, and the Company is in the process of remediating this material weakness.

 

Financial Reporting Process

 

Description of Material Weakness as of December 31, 2008

 

The Company did not maintain an effective financial reporting process to prepare financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Specifically, our process lacked timely and complete financial statement reviews, appropriate account closing procedures, and appropriate reconciliation processes. Further, we were unable to complete regulatory filings as required by the rules of the SEC.

 

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Description of 2009 Remediation Actions

 

During 2008, we redesigned and implemented improved procedures and controls related to our monthly and quarterly close processes including account reconciliations, enhancement of the formal monthly close and reporting checklists, variance analysis of financial statement fluctuations, and budget to actual reviews. As a result of the remediation efforts, the Company has completed its regulatory filings during 2009 as required by the rules of the SEC. Our remediation efforts during the second and third quarters of 2009 included the enhancement and testing of the processes and controls instituted in the prior year. We believe that these remediation efforts have improved our financial reporting process and that the material weakness was effectively remediated at September 30, 2009.

 

Information Technology Systems

 

Description of Material Weakness as of December 31, 2008

 

The Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting related to certain information technology applications and general computer controls that are considered to have an impact on financial reporting and that resulted in a more than reasonable possibility that material misstatements in our financial statements would not be prevented or detected.

 

Specifically, we lacked effective controls in the following areas:

 

·                  Access Control — The Company did not maintain effectively designed controls to prevent unauthorized access to certain programs and data, and provide for periodic review and monitoring of access including reviews of security logs and analysis of segregation of duties conflicts.

 

·                  Change Management — The Company did not maintain effectively designed controls to ensure that all information technology program and data changes were authorized, developer access to the production environment was limited, and that all program and data changes were adequately tested for accuracy and appropriate implementation.

 

·                  Spreadsheets — The Company did not maintain effectively designed controls to ensure that critical spreadsheets were identified, access to these spreadsheets was restricted to appropriate personnel, changes to data or formulas were authorized and appropriate, or that the spreadsheets were adequately reviewed by someone other than the preparer.

 

Description of 2009 Remediation Actions

 

Access Control — During 2008, management performed a broad and detailed analysis of user access to the applications we have determined to have a material impact on our financial reporting for our domestic locations and implemented formal training of managers and others who grant and approve access to these data programs, as well as providing managers and employees with better data program descriptions and other tools to assist in their understanding if the access of their subordinates violates segregation of duties or access controls. In addition, detailed quarterly security reviews have been instituted. During 2009, the Company continued to refine the processes and procedures put in place. During 2009, the Company also purchased and implemented a software package to automate the monitoring of user access controls and segregation of duties which has greatly enhanced the Company’s ability to identify and/or prevent access and segregation of duty issues from arising. We believe that these remediation efforts have improved our user access controls and that the material weakness was effectively remediated at December 31, 2009.

 

Change Management — During 2008, management continued implementation of enhanced procedures to control changes to the production environment, the retention of adequate documentation, as well as redesigning job descriptions, assigned roles, and segregation of duties within the change control process of certain of the Company’s application systems. During 2009, the Company is continuing to refine the processes and procedures put in place. In addition, the Company has implemented additional measures to ensure that adequate documentation is retained. During 2009, the Company also purchased and implemented a software package to assist in the monitoring of change management of the Company’s critical application systems, which has greatly enhanced the Company’s ability to prevent unauthorized changes, as well as indentify where additional documentation is required. The Company is currently implementing this software package at its subsidiary Synergy Worldwide. Additionally, limiting developer access to production systems has been addressed. We believe that these remediation efforts have improved our change management controls and that the material weakness was effectively remediated at December 31, 2009.

 

Spreadsheets — During 2008, management designed and implemented procedures to inventory, assess the risk of, and rank our critical financial reporting spreadsheets that have a material impact on our financial reporting, including the implementation of enhanced review procedures. During 2009, management continued to perform detailed testing at locations that have a material impact on our financial reporting around security and change management for spreadsheets. Management has further enhanced the design of our controls over spreadsheets by establishing procedures for benchmarking critical spreadsheets to ensure that formulas are appropriate and protected, and that the logic and design of the spreadsheets is appropriate and consistent. During the third quarter of

 

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2009, management implemented a software application package that allows the Company to audit and track changes to its critical spreadsheets. The Company has completed the audits on its critical spreadsheets. Management continues the process of implementing an application package that will facilitate a worldwide consolidation and reduce our reliance on spreadsheets. In addition, our information technology management has selected an application to provide for a world-wide standardization of the general ledger system, which has been deployed in several markets. Management has developed a timeline for completing the implementation of this application globally. We believe that these remediation efforts have improved our controls around our critical spreadsheets and that the material weakness was effectively remediated at December 31, 2009.

 

We believe that these remediation efforts have improved our information technology systems and that the material weaknesses related to access control, change management, and spreadsheets has been effectively remediated at December 31, 2009.

 

Conclusion

 

We believe weaknesses other than accounting for taxes have been remediated and that the process is in place to facilitate the remediation of the one remaining material weakness. We believe the measures described above will facilitate remediation of the material weakness related to accounting for taxes and will continue to strengthen our internal control over financial reporting. We are committed to continually improving our internal control processes and will diligently and vigorously review our financial reporting controls and procedures. As we continue to evaluate and work to improve our internal control over financial reporting, we may determine that additional measures are necessary to address control deficiencies. Moreover, we may decide to modify, or in appropriate circumstances not to complete, certain of the remediation measures described above.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.:

 

We have audited Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on that risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management’s assessment:

 

·                  Accounting for Taxes — The Company’s processes, procedures and controls related to the preparation and review of the annual tax provision and the accrual of other non-income tax contingencies were not effective to ensure that amounts related to the tax provision, related current or deferred income tax asset and liability accounts, and non-income tax contingencies were accurate, recorded in the proper period, and determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Specifically, the Company did not (i) analyze and reconcile certain deferred income and tax payable accounts, (ii) appropriately consider the need to record or disclose contingencies for certain income tax and non income tax positions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and (iii) file tax returns in certain foreign jurisdictions. Additionally, the Company had insufficient qualifications and training in accounting for taxes.

 

This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009, of the Company and this report does not affect our report on such financial statements and financial statement schedule.

 

In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness identified above on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

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We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009, of the Company and our report dated March 16, 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Salt Lake City, Utah

March 16, 2010

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, except that the information required with respect to our executive officers is set forth under Item 1. “Business”, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)(1)

List of Financial Statements

 

 

 

The following are filed as part of this report:

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007

 

 

 

Notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

(a)(2)

List of Financial Statement Schedules

 

 

 

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.

 

 

 

Financial statement schedules other than the one listed are omitted for the reason that they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto, or contained elsewhere in this report.

 

 

(a)(3)

List of Exhibits

 

 

 

Exhibit Index as seen below

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.

 

Date: March 16, 2010

By:

/s/ Douglas Faggioli

 

 

 

 

 

Douglas Faggioli,

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/

Kristine F. Hughes

 

Chair of the Board and Director

 

March 16, 2010

 

Kristine F. Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/

Douglas Faggioli

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

March 16, 2010

 

Douglas Faggioli

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/

Stephen M. Bunker

 

Executive Vice President,

 

March 16, 2010

 

Stephen M. Bunker

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/

Willem Mesdag

 

Director

 

March 16, 2010

 

Willem Mesdag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/

Jeffrey D. Watkins

 

Director

 

March 16, 2010

 

Jeffrey D. Watkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/

Michael D. Dean

 

Director

 

March 16, 2010

 

Michael D. Dean

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/

Candice K. Weir

 

Director

 

March 16, 2010

 

Candice K. Weir

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/

Albert R. Dowden

 

Director

 

March 16, 2010

 

Albert R. Dowden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/

Pauline Hughes Francis

 

Director

 

March 16, 2010

 

Pauline Hughes Francis

 

 

 

 

 

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NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008, AND 2007

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Description

 

Balance at
Beginning
of Year

 

Provisions

 

Amounts
Written Off

 

Amounts
Recovered

 

Effect of
Currency
Translation

 

Balance at
End of Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

$

1,472

 

$

219

 

$

(69

)

$

 

$

218

 

$

1,840

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for sales returns

 

55

 

145

 

(145

 

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for obsolete inventory

 

3,286

 

1,062

 

(1,524

)

 

9

 

2,833

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax valuation allowance

 

13,986

 

5,870

 

(1,234

)

 

 

18,662

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

$

739

 

$

990

 

$

(90

)

$

18

 

$

(185

)

$

1,472

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for sales returns

 

55

 

113

 

(113

 

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for obsolete inventory

 

2,815

 

1,945

 

(1,499

)

 

25

 

3,286

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax valuation allowance

 

11,290

 

3,002

 

(306

)

 

 

13,986

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

$

1,129

 

$

(208

)

$

(508

)

$

259

 

$

67

 

$

739

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for sales returns

 

74

 

93

 

(112

)

 

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for obsolete inventory

 

3,325

 

964

 

(1,563

)

89

 

 

2,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax valuation allowance

 

7,822

 

3,468

 

 

 

 

11,290

 

 

79



Table of Contents

 

LIST OF EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

 

Located At

 

 

 

 

Sequentially

Item No.

 

Exhibit

 

Numbered Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1(1)

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.

 

 

 

3.2(1)

 

Amended and Restated By-laws.

 

 

 

10.1(1)*

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. Tax Deferred Retirement Plan, as restated as of March 1, 2008.

 

 

 

10.2(1)*

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. Supplemental Elective Deferral Plan, as restated effective as of January 1, 2008.

 

 

 

10.3(1)*

 

1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended.

 

 

 

10.4(1)*

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement (1995 Stock Option Plan).

 

 

 

10.5(1)*

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2001, by and between Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and William J. Keller.

 

 

 

10.6(2)*

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2008, by and between Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and Greg Halliday.

 

 

 

10.7(2)*

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2008, by and between Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and Douglas Faggioli.

 

 

 

10.8(3)*

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2007, between Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and Stephen M. Bunker.

 

 

 

10.9(2)*

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2008, by and between Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and Stephen M. Bunker.

 

 

 

10.10(3)*

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2007, by and between Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and Bryant J. Yates.

 

 

 

10.11(2)*

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2008, by and between Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and Bryant J. Yates.

 

 

 

10.12(2)*

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2008, by and between Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and John DeWyze.

 

 

 

10.13(4)*

 

Retirement and Consulting Agreement, dated as of December 9, 2008, by and between Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and Eugene Hughes.

 

 

 

10.14(5)*

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2007, by and between Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and Jamon Jarvis.

 

 

 

10.15(5)*

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2008, by and between Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and Jamon Jarvis.

 

 

 

10.16(6)

 

2009 Stock Incentive Plan

 

 

 

10.17(7)

 

Form of Award Agreement (2009 Stock Incentive Plan)

 

 

 

10.18(8)

 

First Amendment to Employment Agreement and Form of Consulting Agreement, dated March 12, 2010, by and between the Company and Douglas Faggioli

 

 

 

10.19(8)

 

Employment Agreement, dated March 12, 2010, by and between the Company and Michael Dean

 

 

 

10.20(8)

 

Stock Option Agreement, dated March 12, 2010, by and between the Company and Michael Dean

 

 

 

14(1)

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. Code of Conduct.

 

 

 

21(9)

 

List of Subsidiaries of Registrant.

 

81

 

23.1(9)

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

82

 

31.1(9)

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

83

 

31.2(9)

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

84

 

32.1(10)

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.

 

85

 

32.2(10)

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.

 

86

 


(1)

Previously filed with the SEC on November 9, 2009 as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 and is incorporated herein by reference.

(2)

Previously filed with the SEC on January 12, 2009 as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

(3)

Previously filed with the SEC on December 31, 2007 as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

(4)

Previously filed with the SEC on February 12, 2009 as an exhibit to the registration statement on Form 10 and is incorporated herein by reference.

(5)

Previously filed with the SEC on March 20, 2009 as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference.

(6)

Previously filed with the SEC on October 19, 2009 as Appendix C, an exhibit to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

(7)

Previously filed with the SEC on November 12, 2009 as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

(8)

Filed with the SEC on March 16, 2010 as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

(9)

Filed herewith.

(10)

Furnished herewith.

 

 

*

Management contract or compensatory plan.

 

80