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, 2012

 

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.)

 

2500 West Executive Parkway, Suite 100

Lehi, Utah 84043

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

(801) 341-7900

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Common Stock, no par value.

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 


 

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  x  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

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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, 2012 was approximately $235,696,000 based on the closing price of $15.10 as quoted by Nasdaq Capital Market on June 30, 2012.

 

The number of shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding on February 28, 2013 is 15,812,859 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, 2012, 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, 2012

 

Table of Contents

 

Part I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Business

3

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

10

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

15

 

Item 2.

Properties

15

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

16

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

16

 

 

 

 

Part II.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

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

16

 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

18

 

Item 7.

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

19

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

35

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

39

 

Item 9.

Change in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

66

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

66

 

Item 9B.

Other Information

69

 

 

 

 

Part III.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

69

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

69

 

Item 12.

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

69

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

69

 

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

69

 

 

 

 

Part IV.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

69

 

 

 

 

Signatures

70

 

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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 a natural health and wellness company primarily engaged in the manufacturing and direct selling of nutritional and personal care products. We sell our products worldwide to a sales force of independent Managers and Distributors (as described below) who use the products themselves or resell them to other Managers, Distributors or customers.

 

Our Company markets its products in Australia, Austria, Belarus, Canada, the Czech Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, the Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, Venezuela and Vietnam. We export our products to several other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, Israel, New Zealand and Norway.

 

Business Segments

 

The Company has three business segments. These business segments are components of the Company for which separate information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief executive officer in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing relative performance. They are divided based on the different characteristics of their Distributor bases, marketing and Distributor compensation plans and product formulations, as well as the internal organization of our officers and their responsibilities and business operations. Two business segments operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products (“NSP”) brand (NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe; and NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe) and one business segment operates under the Synergy WorldWide brand.

 

Product Categories

 

Our line of over 700 products includes herbal products, vitamins, mineral and other nutritional supplements, personal care products and other complementary products such as homeopathic products and sales aids. We purchase herbs and other raw materials in bulk and, after quality control testing, we formulate, encapsulate, tablet 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 vitamins, mineral and other nutritional supplements, personal care products and certain other miscellaneous products 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.

 

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Presented below are the U.S. dollar amounts and associated revenue percentages from the sale of herbal products, vitamins, mineral and other nutritional supplements, personal care products, and other complementary products for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, by business segment. This table should be read in conjunction with the information presented in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which discusses the factors impacting revenue trends and the costs associated with generating the aggregate revenue presented (in thousands).

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

118,211

 

56.6

%

$

121,907

 

56.2

%

$

118,531

 

52.6

%

Vitamins and Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

80,567

 

38.6

 

81,974

 

37.8

 

91,852

 

40.8

 

Personal Care Products

 

6,150

 

2.9

 

7,503

 

3.5

 

7,924

 

3.5

 

Other Products

 

4,017

 

1.9

 

5,528

 

2.5

 

6,906

 

3.1

 

Total NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe

 

208,945

 

100.0

%

216,912

 

100.0

%

225,213

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

25,311

 

43.9

%

$

25,120

 

44.3

%

$

26,867

 

47.9

%

Vitamins and Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

26,147

 

45.3

 

24,202

 

42.5

 

24,416

 

43.7

 

Personal Care Products

 

6,203

 

10.8

 

7,479

 

13.2

 

4,638

 

8.4

 

Other Products

 

192

 

0.0

 

185

 

0.0

 

220

 

0.0

 

Total NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

57,853

 

100.0

%

56,986

 

100.0

%

56,141

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synergy WorldWide:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

39,607

 

39.3

%

$

33,563

 

35.7

%

$

28,045

 

40.9

%

Vitamins and Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

54,128

 

53.8

 

50,936

 

54.3

 

32,296

 

47.1

 

Personal Care Products

 

5,350

 

5.3

 

7,526

 

8.0

 

6,542

 

9.5

 

Other Products

 

1,585

 

1.6

 

1,890

 

2.0

 

1,681

 

2.5

 

Total Synergy WorldWide

 

100,670

 

100.0

%

93,915

 

100.0

%

68,564

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

183,129

 

49.8

%

$

180,590

 

49.1

%

$

173,443

 

49.6

%

Vitamins and Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

160,842

 

43.8

 

157,112

 

42.7

 

148,564

 

42.4

 

Personal Care Products

 

17,703

 

4.8

 

22,508

 

6.1

 

19,104

 

5.5

 

Other Products

 

5,794

 

1.6

 

7,603

 

2.1

 

8,807

 

2.5

 

Total Consolidated

 

$

367,468

 

100.0

%

$

367,813

 

100.0

%

$

349,918

 

100.0

%

 

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The following table summarizes our product lines by category:

 

Category

 

Description

 

Selected Representative Products

Herbal Products

 

We manufacture or contract with independent manufacturers to supply a wide selection of herbal products, some of 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.

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe; and NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe: ALJ®, Blood Pressurex, Cardio Assurance®, LBS II®, CleanStart®

 

 

Synergy WorldWide:

Core Greens®, Liquid Chlorophyll, Mistica®, Noni Plus

 

 

 

 

 

Vitamins and Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

We manufacture or contract with independent manufacturers to supply a wide variety of single vitamins, some of which are sold in the form of chewable or non-chewable tablets. We manufacture several multiple vitamins and mineral supplements, including a line containing natural antioxidants, as well as energy and weight management products. Generally, mineral supplements are sold in the form of tablets; however, certain minerals are offered only in liquid form. We also manufacture several other products containing enzymes and pro-biotics which are sold in the form of capsules, as well as amino-acid based products that are sold in the form of capsules or powders.

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe; and NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe: EverFlex®, Food Enzymes, Probiotic Eleven®, SmartMeal®, Solstic Energy®, Super Supplemental, Vitamin B Complex

 

 

Synergy WorldWide:

ProArgi-9 Plus®, SyneMax®, Vitazone®

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe; and NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe: EverFlex® Cream , Pau-D Arco Lotion, Pro G Yam® Cream, Tei-Fu® Lotion

 

Synergy WorldWide:

Bright Renewal Serum, Hydrating Toner, 5 in 1 Shampoo, Repair Complex

 

 

 

 

 

Other Products

 

We manufacture or contract with independent manufacturers to supply a variety of other products, including sales aids and other miscellaneous products.

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe; and NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe: Flower Essences, Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil, Tei-Fu® Oil

 

Synergy WorldWide:

Lavender Oil, Massage Oil

 

Distribution and Marketing

 

Our independent Managers and Distributors market our products to customers through direct selling techniques, as well as sponsoring other Managers and Distributors. We seek to motivate and provide incentives to our independent Managers and Distributors by offering high quality products and providing our Managers and 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 Georgia, Ohio and Texas. Many of our international operations maintain warehouse facilities with inventory to supply their Managers, Distributors and customers.

 

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As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately 333,400 active Distributors and customers worldwide who purchase our products directly from the Company. In addition, our products can be purchased directly from our Distributors. 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. Many Distributors sell our products on a part-time basis to friends or associates or use the products themselves. A Distributor interested in earning additional income by committing more time and effort to selling our products may earn Manager status, which is contingent upon attaining certain purchase volume levels, recruiting additional Distributors, and demonstrating leadership abilities. Managers resell our products to Distributors within their sales group or directly to customers, or use the products themselves. As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately 16,600 active independent Managers worldwide. In many of our markets, our Managers and Distributors are primarily retailers of our products, including practitioner and nutritional supplement therapists, retail stores and other health and wellness specialists.

 

In the United States, we generally sell our products on a cash or credit card basis. From time to time, our U.S. operations extend 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, or “volume incentives” to our independent Managers and Distributors based upon the amount of their sales group product purchases. Generally, a portion of these volume incentives are paid to the applicable Manager as a rebate for product purchases made and Distributors and customers as a rebate on their personal purchases and are recorded as a reduction to net sales revenue. The remaining portion of these volume incentives is paid in the form of commissions for purchases made by Distributors in a Manager’s sales group. These volume incentives are recorded as an expense in the year earned. The amounts of volume incentives that we accrued during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 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 attain certain levels of monthly product purchases are eligible for additional incentive programs including automobile allowances, sales convention privileges and travel awards.

 

Distributor Information

 

Our revenue is highly dependent upon the number and productivity of our Managers, Distributors and customers.  Growth in sales volume requires an increase in the productivity and/or growth in the total number of Managers, Distributors and customers.

 

The following table provides information concerning the number of total Managers, Distributors and customers by segment, as of the dates indicated.

 

Total Managers, Distributors and Customers by Segment as of December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Distributors
& Customers

 

Managers

 

Distributors
& Customers

 

Managers

 

Distributors
& Customers

 

Managers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific & Europe 

 

350,400

 

8,100

 

388,400

 

8,700

 

431,300

 

9,300

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

252,700

 

5,600

 

266,200

 

5,400

 

236,600

 

5,400

 

Synergy WorldWide

 

118,200

 

2,900

 

112,300

 

2,700

 

95,600

 

2,300

 

Total

 

721,300

 

16,600

 

766,900

 

16,800

 

763,500

 

17,000

 

 

“Total Managers” includes independent Managers under our various compensation plans that have achieved and maintained specified and personal groups sale volumes as of the date indicated. To maintain Manager status, an individual must continue to meet certain purchase volume levels. As such, all Managers are considered to be active Managers.

 

“Total Distributors and customers” includes our independent Distributors and customers who have purchased products directly from the Company for resale and/or personal consumption during the previous twelve months ended as of the date indicated. This includes Manager, Distributor and customer accounts that may have become inactive since such respective dates.

 

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The following table provides information concerning the number of active Distributors and customers by segment, as of the dates indicated.

 

Active Distributors and Customers by Segment as of December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Distributors
& Customers

 

Distributors
& Customers

 

Distributors
& Customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific & Europe 

 

153,000

 

165,600

 

181,600

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

125,800

 

122,800

 

123,400

 

Synergy WorldWide

 

54,600

 

51,700

 

45,100

 

Total

 

333,400

 

340,100

 

350,100

 

 

“Active Customers and Distributors” includes our independent Distributors and customers who have purchased products directly from the Company for resale and/or personal consumption during the previous three months ended as of the date indicated. All of our Managers are active.

 

The following table provides information concerning the number of new Managers, Distributors and customers by segment, as of the dates indicated.

 

New Managers, Distributors and Customers by Segment for the year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

Distributors
& Customers

 

Managers

 

Distributors
& Customers

 

Managers

 

Distributors
& Customers

 

Managers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific & Europe 

 

166,400

 

4,200

 

185,600

 

4,800

 

218,100

 

6,900

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

78,000

 

1,500

 

74,700

 

1,700

 

74,800

 

2,000

 

Synergy WorldWide

 

73,700

 

1,700

 

72,000

 

1,600

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

Total

 

318,100

 

7,400

 

332,300

 

8,100

 

292,900

 

8,900

 

 

“New Managers” includes independent Managers under our various compensation plans that first achieved the rank of Manager during the previous twelve months ended as of the date indicated.

 

“New Distributors and customers” include our independent Distributors and customers who have made their initial product purchase directly from us for resale and/or personal consumption during the previous twelve months ended as of the date indicated.

 

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 and maintaining adequate sources of raw materials 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 been able to find alternative sources of raw materials when needed. Although there can be no assurance that we will be successful in locating such sources of supply in the future, we believe that we will be able to do so.

 

Trademarks and Trade Names

 

We have obtained trademark registrations for 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

 

We operate in many regions around the world and, as a result, are affected by seasonal factors and trends such as holidays and cultural traditions and vacation patterns throughout the world.  For instance, in North America and Europe we typically see a decrease in the activity during the third quarter due to the summer vacation season, while we see a decrease in activity in many of our Asia Pacific markets during the first quarter due to cultural events such as the Chinese New Year. As a result, there is some seasonality to our revenues and expense reflected in our reported quarterly results. Generally, reductions in

 

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one region of the world due to seasonality are offset by increases in another, minimizing the impact on our reported consolidated revenues. Changes in the relative size of our revenues in one region of the world compared to another could cause seasonality to more significantly affect our reported quarterly results.

 

Inventories

 

In order to provide a high level of product availability to our independent Managers, Distributors and customers, 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 have product labels and sometimes product formulations specific for each country. Our inventories are subject to obsolescence due to finite shelf lives.

 

Dependence upon Customers

 

As a result of our business model, we are not dependent upon a single Manager, Distributor or customer, the loss of which would not have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Backlog

 

We typically ship orders for our products within 24 hours after receipt of payment. As a result, we have not historically experienced significant backlogs due to our high level of product availability as discussed above.

 

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 network marketing 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, vitamin outlets and discount stores including GNC, Whole Foods Market, and mass market retailers, among others. We compete for product sales and independent Managers and Distributors with many other direct marketing companies, including Amway, Herbalife, Pharmanex (NuSkin), Shaklee and USANA, among others. We believe that the principal components of competition in the direct marketing of nutritional and personal care products are distributor expertise and service, product quality, price and brand recognition. In addition, we rely on our independent Managers and Distributors to compete effectively in the direct selling markets, and our ability to attract and retain independent Managers and Distributors depends on various factors, including the recruitment, training, travel and financial incentives for the independent Managers and Distributors.

 

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 $1.5 million in 2012, $1.6 million in 2011 and $2.0 million in 2010.

 

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 capital 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 thereunder. 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 adjusted 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.

 

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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 business practices and 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 direct selling 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.

 

International Operations

 

A significant portion of our net sales are generated within the United States, which represented 42.1percent, 43.4 percent and 44.8 percent of net sales in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Outside of the United States, no one country accounted for 10.0 percent or more of net sales revenue in any year in the last three years. As we continue to grow our international business, 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 2012, 2011 and 2010 is set forth below.

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net Sales Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

182,138

 

49.5

%

$

188,922

 

51.4

%

$

188,643

 

53.9

%

Europe

 

88,465

 

24.1

 

83,312

 

22.7

 

72,176

 

20.6

 

Asia Pacific

 

61,595

 

16.8

 

57,857

 

15.7

 

50,544

 

14.4

 

Central & South America

 

35,270

 

9.6

 

37,722

 

10.2

 

38,555

 

11.1

 

 

 

$

367,468

 

100.0

%

$

367,813

 

100.0

%

$

349,918

 

100.0

%

 

Our sales of nutritional and personal care products are established in Australia, Austria, Belarus, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, the Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, Venezuela and Vietnam. We export our products to several other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, Israel, New Zealand and Norway.

 

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

 

Our international operations are subject to many of the same risks faced by our U.S. operations, including competition and the strength of the local economy. In addition, our international operations are subject to certain risks inherent in doing 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 will increase as we grow our international operations.

 

Approximately 2 percent of our total assets are located in Venezuela.  Information regarding our long-lived assets by region for each of our last two fiscal years is set forth in Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

 

Executive Officers

 

On March 6, 2013, we announced that Michael D. Dean has resigned his positions as the Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, effective March 31, 2013, and our Board of Directors has appointed Gregory L. Probert as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective April 1, 2013. In 2012, D. Wynne Roberts joined the Company as President and Chief Operating Officer. The Company’s executive officers, as of the date of this report, are as follows:

 

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Name

 

Age

 

Position

 

Served in
Position
Since

Michael D. Dean

 

49

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2010

Gregory L. Probert

 

56

 

Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

2013

D. Wynne Roberts

 

58

 

President and Chief Operating Officer

 

2012

Stephen M. Bunker

 

54

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

2006

Jamon Jarvis

 

46

 

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

 

2007

 

As of April 1, 2013, Mr. Probert will be the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company in addition to the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

 

Michael D. Dean.  Mr. Dean is the Chief Executive Officer of our Company and serves as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.  He has served as a member of our Board since May 2009.  Prior to his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2010, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Mediaur Technologies from 2003.  Previously, he was Executive Vice President of ABC Cable Networks from 2001, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Planning and Development at the Walt Disney Company from 1997 and a strategy consultant with Bain & Company from 1992. Mr. Dean received his B.A. in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley in 1986 and his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1992.  As a result of these and other professional experiences, Mr. Dean brings to our Board of Directors significant leadership and operational management skills combined with significant experience in global, consumer-oriented businesses.

 

Gregory L. Probert.  Mr. Probert has served as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors since January 2013. On March 6, 2013, he was appointed to serve as our Interim Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2013. He served as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors from June 2011 to December 2012 and as an independent consultant to the Company from September 2010 to June 2011. Previously, he was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Penta Water Company from 2008, President and Chief Operating Officer of Herbalife International of America from 2003 to 2008, Chief Executive Officer of DMX Music from 2001 to 2003. Prior to that, he held various senior positions at the Walt Disney Company from 1988. Mr. Probert received his B.A. from the University of Southern California in 1979.  Mr. Probert brings to our Board significant direct selling experience as well as extensive leadership and operational management skills in global consumer-oriented businesses, which strengthens the Board’s aptitude in these key areas.

 

D. Wynne Roberts.  Mr. Roberts is the President and Chief Operating Officer of our Company. Prior to his appointment in February 2012, he served as Chairman of the Board for LifeCare Corporation, a Romanian direct selling company from May 2010. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) at Herbalife International Inc. from 2005, President, International of DMX Music Corporation from 2002, and held senior international executive positions at XE Systems Incorporated (a subsidiary of Xerox Corp.) from 1998 and NCR Corporation from 1984. He is a citizen of the U.K., and received his L.L.B., with honors, from the University of Manchester in 1975.

 

Stephen M. Bunker.  Mr. Bunker is the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of our Company. Prior to his appointment in March 2006, he served as Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of Geneva Steel Holdings Corporation from 2001. Previously, he was Corporate Controller of Geneva Steel Corporation from 1990. Mr. Bunker is a Certified Public Accountant, and worked for Arthur Andersen for six years. Mr. Bunker received his B.A. in Accounting from Brigham Young University in 1983 and his Masters of Accountancy from Brigham Young University in 1984.

 

Jamon Jarvis.  Mr. Jarvis is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary of our Company. Prior to his appointment in March 2007, he served as General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer of InterNetwork, Inc. from 2004. Previously, he was Executive Vice President Finance, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Spontaneous Technology, Inc. from 2001. Mr. Jarvis received his B.A. in History from Brigham Young University in 1990 and his J.D. from Cornell Law School in 1993.

 

Employees

 

We employed 995 individuals as of December 31, 2012. We believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory.

 

Available Information

 

Our principal executive office is located at 2500 West Executive Parkway, Suite 100, Lehi, Utah 84043. Our telephone number is (801) 341-7900 and our Internet website address is 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 Code of Conduct Policy and the charters of our Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Compensation Committee.

 

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

 

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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 market 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 to 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 products. 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. In addition, changes in existing laws or additional regulations could make it difficult to register or sell our products in the countries in which we operate. For example, in Peru, changes in local regulations have restricted our ability to sell a majority of our key products in this market through our traditional direct selling business model. In response to this change in regulations, we are currently selling our products through a wholesale channel.

 

Our products, business practices 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 EPA, the USDA and state regulatory agencies as well as regulatory agencies in the foreign markets in which we operate. These markets 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 increase our costs of operating the business and have a material negative impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”), which generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, and the anti-bribery laws of other jurisdictions. The Company expends significant resources to monitor FCPA compliance by its employees and representatives.  Nevertheless, a finding of FCPA noncompliance could subject the Company to, among other things, penalties and legal expenses, as well as reputational harm, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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 marketing companies, we experience high turnover among Distributors from year to year. 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;

 

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

 

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

 

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·                  general and economic business conditions;

 

·                  government regulations;

 

·                  changes to our compensation arrangements, training and support for 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 sales levels.

 

Changes in the economies of the markets in which we do business may affect 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. Economic slowdowns in the markets in which we do business and an uncertain economic outlook may adversely affect consumer spending habits and customer traffic, which may result in lower net sales of our products in future periods.  A prolonged global or regional economic downturn could have a material negative impact on our financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

 

Currency exchange rate fluctuations affect our net revenue and net income.

 

In 2012, we recognized approximately 57.9 percent of our revenue in markets outside the United States, the majority of which was recognized in each market’s respective local currency. 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 majority of our sales are in foreign countries, exchange rate fluctuations may have a significant effect on our sales and earnings. Our reported net earnings have in the past been and are likely to continue to be significantly affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, with net sales revenue and 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 2012, compared to 2011 and 2010, when we experienced an increase in our global net sales as a result of the U.S. dollar weakening against most major currencies.  As our operations grow in countries where foreign currency transactions are 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 of these changes 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, in 2010 and 2012, Venezuela and Belarus were designated as highly inflationary economies under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Accordingly, the U.S. dollar became the functional currency for our subsidiaries in Venezuela and Belarus. All gains and losses resulting from the re-measurement of its financial statements and other transactional foreign exchange gains and losses are reflected in its earnings, which could result in volatility within the Company’s 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 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, 2012, we had approximately $1.7 million in cash denominated in Venezuelan bolivar fuertes (“bolivar”). 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. On February 12, 2013, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of the bolivar, which resulted in an official exchange rate of 6.3.  However, we had been able to receive approval from the government of Venezuela to obtain U.S. dollars at the previous official exchange rate of 5.3. No assurances can be given that we will continue to receive such approval, or that other markets in which we operate will not 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 with the raw materials in the quantities and at the

 

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appropriate level of quality that we request or at a price that 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 in 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 with regard 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 that 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 expense 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.

 

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 efforts to be aware of and to 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 interpretational 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 that 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, to pay royalties or to terminate 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

 

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products. We have established a wholly-owned captive insurance company to provide us with product liability insurance coverage, and have accrued a reserve 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 customers, 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 of 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 (websites, accounting and manufacturing applications, and product and customer information databases) to manage effectively and efficiently 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, security breaches 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 such 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. Independent Distributors are not employees and operate their own business separate and apart from the Company, and we may not be able to control aspects of their activities that may impact our business. In addition, if 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 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. To date, the Company has had no such occurrences.  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 management 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 attain our strategic objectives. However, we cannot guarantee the continued service of 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 to attract and retain 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’ product and other competing products that enter 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.

 

Our share price has been and may continue to be volatile.

 

The market price of our common shares is subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in our quarterly operating results.  Factors other than our financial results that may affect our share price include, but are not limited to, market

 

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expectations of our performance, market perception or our industry, the activities of our Managers, Distributors and customers, and the level of perceived growth in the industry in which we participate, general trends in the markets for our products, general economic, business and political conditions in the countries and regions in which we conduct our business, currency exchange issues in our foreign markets, changes in government regulation affecting our business, many of which are not within our control.

 

Unintended negative effects of Distributor promotions or compensation plans.

 

The payment of volume incentives is our most significant expense. These incentives include commissions, bonuses, and certain awards and prizes based on promotions and incentives. From time to time, we adjust our compensation plan to better manage these incentives as a percentage of net sales. We closely monitor the amount of volume incentives that are paid as a percentage of net sales, and may periodically adjust our compensation plan to prevent volume incentives from having a significant adverse effect on our earnings. In addition to the compensation plan, we frequently design and implement economic and non-economic incentives and promotions to motivate and reward our Distributors. There can be no assurance that changes to the compensation plan, product pricing, or promotions and incentives will be successful in achieving target levels of volume incentives as a percentage of net sales. Furthermore, such programs, promotions or incentives could result in unintended or unforeseen negative economic and non-economic consequences to our business, such as higher than anticipated costs.

 

Our manufacturing activity is subject to certain risks.

 

We manufacture approximately 80% of the products sold to our customers at our Spanish Fork, Utah location. As a result, we are dependent upon the uninterrupted and efficient operation of our manufacturing facility in Spanish Fork and our distribution facilities throughout the country. Our manufacturing facilities and distribution facilities are subject to the risk of catastrophic loss due to, among other things, fire, flood, terrorism or other natural or man-made disasters, as well as occurrence of significant equipment failures. If any of these facilities were to experience a catastrophic loss, it would be expected to disrupt our operations and could result in personal injury or property damage, damage relationships with our customers or result in large expenses to repair or replace the facilities or systems, as well as result in other liabilities and adverse impacts.

 

In addition, we contract with third-party manufacturers to produce some of our vitamins, mineral and other nutritional supplements, personal care products and certain other miscellaneous products in accordance with our specifications and standards. These contract manufacturers are subject to the same risks as our manufacturing facility as noted above. In addition, while we have implemented stringent quality control procedures to verify that our contract manufacturers comply with our specifications and standards, we do not have full control over their manufacturing activities.  Any difficulties, delays and defects in our products resulting from the activities of our contract manufacturers may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

Our corporate offices are located in Lehi, Utah, and consist of approximately 56,000 square feet. These facilities are leased from an unaffiliated third party through a lease agreement which expires in 2017.

 

Our principal warehousing and manufacturing facilities are housed in a building consisting of approximately 270,000 square feet and located on approximately 10 acres in Spanish Fork, Utah. These facilities are owned by us and support all of our business segments.

 

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.

 

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 Georgia, Ohio, Texas and Utah, as well as offices and distribution warehouses in the majority of the countries in which we do business. We believe these facilities are suitable for their respective uses and are, in general, adequate for our present and near-term future needs. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, we incurred approximately $6.1 million, $6.2 million and $6.2 million, respectively, for all of our leased facilities in lease expense.

 

We believe that our current facilities are adequate for our business operation and that additional space, if required, will be available on commercially reasonable terms for the foreseeable future.

 

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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 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.

 

Other Litigation

 

The Company is party to various other legal proceedings in several foreign jurisdictions related to value-added tax 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, and therefore no provision for losses has been provided.  The Company believes that future payments related to these matters could range from $0 to approximately $1.1 million.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

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 is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market (symbol “NATR”).

 

The following table summarizes the quarterly high and low market prices of our common stock for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

Market Prices

 

2012

 

High

 

Low

 

First Quarter

 

$

18.00

 

$

13.61

 

Second Quarter

 

$

16.36

 

$

12.66

 

Third Quarter

 

$

17.19

 

$

13.63

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

18.39

 

$

12.91

 

 

 

 

Market Prices

 

2011

 

High

 

Low

 

First Quarter

 

$

9.25

 

$

7.72

 

Second Quarter

 

$

19.88

 

$

8.17

 

Third Quarter

 

$

21.16

 

$

13.80

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

18.51

 

$

12.40

 

 

The approximate number of shareholders of record of our common shares as of February 28, 2013, was 876. 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

 

None.

 

Dividends

 

There were 903 shareholders of record as of December 31, 2012. On May 7, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.05 per common share in an aggregate amount of $0.8 million, which was paid on May 29, 2012 to shareholders of record on May 18, 2012.  On August 1, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.05 per common share in an aggregate amount of $0.8 million, which was paid on August 23, 2012 to shareholders of record on August 13, 2012.  On November 2, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.05 per common share in an aggregate amount of $0.8 million, which was paid on November 26, 2012 to shareholders of record on November 15, 2012.

 

The declaration of future dividends is subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend upon various factors, including the Company’s earnings, financial condition, restrictions imposed by any indebtedness that may be outstanding, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by its Board of Directors.

 

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Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table contains information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2012:

 

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)

 

1,781,184

 

$

11.81

 

1,069,144

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2)

 

2,500

 

11.85

 

 

Total

 

1,783,684

 

$

11.81

 

1,069,144

 

 


(1)         Consists of three plans:  The Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Incentive Plan”), 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 2012 Incentive Plan was approved by shareholders on August 1, 2012. The 2009 Incentive Plan was approved by shareholders on November 6, 2009. The terms of these plans are summarized in Note 12, “Capital Transactions”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in 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 12, “Capital Transactions”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, in Item 8, Part 2 of this report.

 

Performance Graph

 

The graph below depicts our common stock as an index, assuming $100.00 was invested on December 31, 2007, along with the composite prices of companies listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market 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 Herbalife International, Inc., NuSkin Enterprises, Inc. and USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

 

 

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12/31/2007

 

12/31/2008

 

12/31/2009

 

12/31/2010

 

12/31/2011

 

12/31/2012

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.

 

$

100.00

 

$

65.95

 

$

92.33

 

$

97.09

 

$

167.80

 

$

158.10

 

NASDAQ Index

 

100.00

 

59.03

 

82.25

 

97.32

 

98.63

 

110.78

 

Peer Group

 

100.00

 

62.72

 

120.22

 

176.92

 

260.52

 

185.68

 

 

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, 2012, as well as selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company changed its method of accounting to present shipping and handling costs related to the sale of the Company’s products together with the cost of sales in the consolidated statement of operations. These shipping and handling costs have previously been presented by the Company as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has been made retrospectively to all periods presented in the Company’s financial statements. In connection with the change in presentation, the Company also changed its definition of shipping and handling costs to include expenses of the Company’s distribution facilities to prepare products for shipment. Previously, the Company defined shipping and handling costs as costs incurred for a third-party shipper to transport products to the customer. This presentation is preferable as it better matches all the costs directly associated with generating revenue and therefore better presents gross margin, and this financial statement presentation will be more comparable to the Company’s peer group.  The only impact on the Company’s financial statements was to increase cost of sales and decrease selling, general, and administrative in the consolidated statement of operations.  The impact of this change in accounting principle was to increase cost of sales and decrease selling, general and administrative expenses by $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The impact of this change in accounting principle on cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses for the four years ended December 31, 2011 was $20.0 million, $20.2 million, $19.6 million and $20.3 million, respectively.

 

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

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales revenue

 

$

367,468

 

$

367,813

 

$

349,918

 

$

342,111

 

$

372,065

 

Cost of sales

 

(93,324

)

(89,409

)

(89,264

)

(88,093

)

(91,915

)

Gross profit

 

274,144

 

278,404

 

260,654

 

254,018

 

280,150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volume incentives

 

133,267

 

133,883

 

130,367

 

126,105

 

139,689

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

106,861

 

109,606

 

119,024

 

115,480

 

133,638

 

Contract termination costs

 

 

14,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

240,128

 

258,239

 

249,391

 

241,585

 

273,327

 

Operating income

 

34,016

 

20,165

 

11,263

 

12,433

 

6,823

 

Other income, net

 

1,480

 

1,847

 

2,727

 

2,331

 

2,692

 

Income before income taxes

 

35,496

 

22,012

 

13,990

 

14,764

 

9,515

 

Provision for income taxes

 

10,116

 

4,411

 

5,521

 

8,210

 

8,306

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

25,380

 

17,601

 

8,469

 

6,554

 

1,209

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

(9,702

)

(439

)

(3,047

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

25,380

 

$

17,601

 

$

(1,233

)

$

6,115

 

$

(1,838

)

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

79,241

 

$

58,969

 

$

47,604

 

$

35,538

 

$

34,853

 

Working capital

 

83,943

 

57,305

 

41,370

 

33,523

 

30,200

 

Current ratio

 

2.37

 

1.85

 

1.63

 

1.49

 

1.39

 

Inventories

 

43,280

 

41,611

 

36,235

 

40,623

 

39,558

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

27,950

 

25,137

 

27,391

 

28,757

 

30,224

 

Total assets

 

193,919

 

175,811

 

159,415

 

156,139

 

164,276

 

Long-term liabilities

 

16,893

 

20,575

 

25,865

 

31,175

 

32,679

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

115,636

 

87,438

 

68,382

 

57,095

 

53,677

 

 

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Summary Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

26,651

 

$

3,908

 

$

16,150

 

$

927

 

$

772

 

Investing activities

 

(2,989

)

(1,679

)

(5,909

)

(297

)

(6,759

)

Financing activities

 

(3,133

)

9,588

 

132

 

(776

)

(3,102

)

 

Common Share Summary

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividend per share

 

$

0.15

 

$

 

$

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.20

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average number of shares

 

15,648

 

15,550

 

15,515

 

15,510

 

15,510

 

Diluted weighted average number of shares

 

15,987

 

15,695

 

15,605

 

15,512

 

15,510

 

Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

$

1.62

 

$

1.13

 

$

0.55

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.08

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

(0.63

)

$

(0.03

)

$

(0.20

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

1.62

 

$

1.13

 

$

(0.08

)

$

0.39

 

$

(0.12

)

Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

$

1.59

 

$

1.12

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.42

 

$

0.08

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

(0.62

)

$

(0.03

)

$

(0.20

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

1.59

 

$

1.12

 

$

(0.08

)

$

0.39

 

$

(0.12

)

 

Other Information

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Square footage of property in use

 

768,513

 

763,389

 

750,390

 

750,610

 

731,277

 

Number of employees

 

995

 

1,003

 

1,073

 

1,191

 

1,183

 

 

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.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company changed its method of accounting to present shipping and handling costs related to the sale of the Company’s products together with the cost of sales in the consolidated statement of operations. These shipping and handling costs have previously been presented by the Company as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has been made retrospectively to all periods presented in the Company’s financial statements. In connection with the change in presentation, the Company also changed its definition of shipping and handling costs to include expenses of the Company’s distribution facilities to prepare products for shipment. Previously, the Company defined shipping and handling costs as costs incurred for a third-party shipper to transport products to the customer. This presentation is preferable as it better matches all the costs directly associated with generating revenue and therefore better presents gross margin, and this financial statement presentation will be more comparable to the Company’s peer group.  The only impact on the Company’s financial statements was to increase cost of sales and decrease selling, general, and administrative in the consolidated statement of operations.  The impact of this change in accounting principle was to increase cost of sales and decrease selling, general and administrative expenses by $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The impact of this change in accounting principle on cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses for the four years ended December 31, 2011 was $20.0 million, $20.2 million, $19.6 million and $20.3 million, respectively. The following discussion, including statements relating to the results of operations in fiscal years 2011 and 2010, reflect the change in accounting principle of our consolidated financial statement for prior years as noted above.

 

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OVERVIEW

 

Our Business, Industry and Target Market

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is a natural health and wellness company primarily engaged in the manufacturing and direct selling of nutritional and personal care products. The Company is a Utah corporation with its principal place of business in Lehi, Utah, and sells its products to a sales force of independent Managers and Distributors who use the products themselves or resell them to other Distributors or customers. 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 Company has three business segments that are divided based on the different characteristics of their Distributor bases, marketing and Distributor compensation plans and product formulations, as well as the internal organization of our officers and their responsibilities and business operations.  Two business segments operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products brand (NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe and NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe), and one operates under the Synergy WorldWide brand.

 

We market our products in Australia, Austria, Belarus, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, the Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, Venezuela and Vietnam. We export our products to several other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, Israel, New Zealand and Norway.

 

In 2012, we experienced a decrease in our consolidated net sales of 0.1 percent. Synergy WorldWide net sales increased approximately 7.2 percent compared to the same period in 2011 (or 10.6 percent in local currencies excluding the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations). NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe net sales decreased approximately 3.7 percent compared to the same period in 2011 (or a decrease in local currency net sales of 3.3 percent excluding the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations). NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe net sales increased approximately 1.5 percent compared to the same period in 2011. Our most significant sales revenue growth was from our Synergy businesses in Europe and Korea during 2012. Gains in these markets were partially offset, principally by decreases in our NSP Mexico, NSP and Synergy Japan, NSP Peru and Synergy North American markets.

 

Selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of net sales revenue for 2012 decreased to 29.1 percent from 29.8 percent in the prior year. primarily as a result of the reduction of our royalty costs related to our Russian business as described below, and our successful efforts to reduce operating costs in all of our operating segments.

 

Primarily as a result of reductions of our royalty costs related to our Russian business and onetime contract termination costs of $14.7 million related to the NutriPlus settlement in 2011, our consolidated operating income for 2012 increased to 9.3 percent of net sales revenue from 5.5 percent in the prior year.

 

We distribute our products to consumers through an independent sales force comprised of independent Managers and Distributors. Typically a person who joins our independent sales force begins as a Distributor. A Distributor interested in earning additional income by committing more time and effort to selling our products may earn Manager status, which is contingent upon attaining certain purchase levels, recruiting additional Distributors and demonstrating leadership abilities. On a worldwide basis, active Managers were approximately 16,600 and 16,800 and active Distributors and customers were approximately 333,400 and 340,100 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We anticipate that the number of Distributors and customers will increase if our existing business grows and we enter new international markets, and if current Managers and Distributors expand their networks and grow their businesses.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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.

 

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

 

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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 us to make estimates about the timing of when merchandise has been delivered. These estimates are based upon our 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, our U.S. operations extend short-term credit associated with product promotions. In addition, for certain of our international operations, we offer credit terms consistent with industry standards within the country of operation. Payments to Managers and Distributors for sales incentives or rebates related to individual purchases 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, 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.  We allow Managers or Distributors to return the unused portion of products within 90 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 2012, 2011 and 2010, were approximately $2.2 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million, 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.

 

Investments

 

Our available-for-sale investment portfolio is recorded at fair value and consists of various securities such as state and municipal obligations, U.S. government security funds, short-term deposits and various 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. Our trading portfolio is recorded at fair value and consists of various marketable securities that are valued using quoted prices in active markets.

 

For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, we perform 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 we intend 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, we record a loss, net of any tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The credit loss is recorded within earnings as an impairment loss when sold. Management judgment is involved in evaluating whether a decline in an investment’s fair value is other-than-temporary.

 

Regardless of our intent to sell a security, we perform 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, we consider 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 we have determined that we lack 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 obsolescence or lower-of-cost-or-market adjustments,

 

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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

 

Similar to other manufacturers and Distributors 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 a reserve 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 cash flows.

 

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.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

We review our 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. We use 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. We did not consider any of our long-lived assets to be impaired during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010.

 

Incentive Trip Accrual

 

We accrue for expenses associated with our direct sales marketing program, which rewards independent Managers and Distributors with paid attendance for incentive trips, including Company 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 generate liabilities more or less than the amounts recorded. We have accrued incentive trip costs of approximately $4.6 million and $5.0 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which are included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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 such 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 affect our results of operations in the period of adjustment. Our contingencies are discussed in further detail in Note 14, “Commitment and Contingencies”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, in 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 Company’s 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 that 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

 

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realized in the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had recorded valuation allowances of $8.1 million and $9.8 million, respectively, as offsets to our net deferred tax assets.

 

As of December 31, 2012, we had foreign income tax net operating loss carryforwards of $4.2 million, which will expire at various dates from 2013 through 2022. The Company had approximately $4.4 million of foreign tax credits, most of which expire in 2020.

 

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

 

We recognize all share-based payments to Directors and employees, including grants of stock options and restricted stock units, to be recognized in the statement of operations based on their grant-date fair values. We record 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. We estimated forfeiture rate is based upon historical experience.

 

PRESENTATION

 

Net sales revenue represents net sales including shipping and handling revenues offset by volume rebates given to Managers, Distributors and customers. Volume rebates as a percentage of retail sales may vary by country depending upon regulatory restrictions that limit or otherwise restrict rebates. We also offer reduced volume rebates with respect to certain products and promotions worldwide.

 

Our international operations have provided and will continue to provide a significant portion of our total net sales. As a result, total net sales will continue to be affected by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies. In order to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, in addition to comparing the percent change in net sales from one period to another in U.S. dollars, we also compare the percent change in net sales from one period to another period by excluding the effects of foreign currency exchange as shown below. Net sales excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations is not a U.S. GAAP financial measure. Net sales in local currency removes from net sales in U.S. dollars the impact of changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries, by translating the current period net sales into U.S. dollars using the same foreign currency exchange rates that were used to translate the net sales for the previous comparable period. We believe presenting the impact of foreign currency fluctuations is useful to investors because it allows a more meaningful comparison of net sales of our foreign operations from period to period. However, net sales excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net sales in U.S. dollar measures that reflect current period exchange rates, or to other financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

Our gross profit consists of net sales less cost of sales, which represents our manufacturing costs, the price we pay to our raw material suppliers and manufacturers of our products and duties and tariffs as well as shipping and handling costs related to product shipments.

 

Volume incentives are a significant part of our direct sales marketing program, and represent commission payments made to our independent Managers and Distributors. 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 various operations.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses represent our operating expenses, components of which include labor and benefits, sales events, professional fees, travel and entertainment, Distributor marketing, occupancy costs, communication costs, bank fees, depreciation and amortization, and other miscellaneous operating expenses.

 

Most of our sales to Distributors outside the United States are made in the respective local currencies. In preparing our financial statements, we translate revenues into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates. Additionally, the majority of our purchases from our suppliers generally are made in U.S. dollars. Consequently, a strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus a foreign currency can have a negative impact on our reported sales and contribution margins and can generate transaction losses on intercompany transactions. Throughout the last five years, foreign currency exchange rates have fluctuated significantly. See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net sales revenue

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

(25.4

)

(24.3

)

(25.5

)

Gross profit

 

74.6

 

75.7

 

74.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volume incentives

 

36.2

 

36.4

 

37.3

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

29.1

 

29.8

 

34.0

 

Contract termination costs

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

 

65.3

 

70.2

 

71.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

9.3

 

5.5

 

3.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income, net

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

0.1

 

Interest expense

 

(0.1

)

 

 

Foreign exchange gains, net

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.4

 

0.5

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

9.7

 

6.0

 

4.0

 

Provision for income taxes

 

2.8

 

1.2

 

1.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

6.9

 

4.8

 

2.4

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

 

(2.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

6.9

%

4.8

%

(0.4

)%

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012, as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

Net Sales Revenue

 

The following table summarizes the changes in our net sales revenue by operating segment for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

 

 

Net Sales Revenue by Operating Segment

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Percent
Change

 

Impact of
Currency
Exchange

 

Percent
Change
Excluding
Impact of
Currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP North America

 

$

153,108

 

$

155,847

 

(1.8

)%

$

(162

)

(1.7

)%

NSP Latin America

 

45,756

 

49,563

 

(7.7

)

(586

)

(6.5

)

NSP Other

 

10,081

 

11,502

 

(12.4

)

(55

)

(11.9

)

 

 

208,945

 

216,912

 

(3.7

)

(803

)

(3.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

$

57,853

 

$

56,986

 

1.5

%

$

(60

)

1.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synergy WorldWide:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synergy North America

 

$

18,544

 

$

21,234

 

(12.7

)%

$

 

$

(12.7

)%

Synergy Asia Pacific

 

55,548

 

50,396

 

10.2

 

(1,000

)

12.2

 

Synergy Europe

 

26,578

 

22,285

 

19.3

 

(2,197

)

29.1

 

 

 

100,670

 

93,915

 

7.2

 

(3,197

)

10.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

367,468

 

$

367,813

 

(0.1

)%

$

(4,060

)

$

1.0

%

 

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Table of Contents

 

Consolidated net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $367.5 million compared to $367.8 million in 2011, a decrease of approximately 0.1 percent. We experienced a $4.1 million unfavorable impact in foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation in 2012, and our consolidated net sales revenue would have increased slightly from 2011 but for such negative impact. The decrease in net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 is primarily due to a decline of net sales in our NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe segment and was partially offset by improvements of net sales in our NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe and Synergy WorldWide segments.

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe

 

Net sales revenue related to NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $208.9 million compared to $216.9 million for the same period in 2011, a decrease of 3.7 percent. Fluctuation in foreign exchange rates had a $0.8 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012. Active Managers within NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe totaled approximately 8,100 and 8,700 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Active Distributors and customers within NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe totaled approximately 153,000 and 165,600 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Managers and Distributors within NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe are predominantly practitioners of nutritional supplement therapies and retailers and consumers of our products. Segment net sales revenue and the number of Managers, Distributors and customers decreased primarily due to lower recruiting in the NSP United States and Mexico markets and a change in operating model in the NSP Peru market in response to changing local regulations.

 

Notable activity in the following markets contributed to the results of NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe:

 

The United States market includes both English and Spanish language sales divisions, of which the English language division is approximately 80 percent of segment net sales revenue. Our English language division net sales revenue decreased $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, or 1.8 percent, compared to the same period in 2011. Our Spanish language division net sales revenue decreased $0.1 million, or 0.3 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. We continue to be adversely affected by lower sales to Managers and lower recruiting in both divisions. We are continuing our efforts to return to growth through training, new products and incentive programs, while at the same time ensuring stability in sales to existing Distributors and customers.

 

In Mexico, net sales revenues decreased approximately $1.4 million, or 11.4 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. In local currency, net sales decreased 6.0 percent, compared to the same period in 2011. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.6 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in sales is due to lower Manager and Distributor activity. As a result, the local management team is currently being strengthened and a new business model is being developed.

 

In Peru, net sales revenues decreased approximately $2.4 million, or 63.0 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. In local currency, net sales decreased 64.5 percent, respectively, compared to the same period in 2011. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.1 million favorable impact on net sales for the periods. The decrease in net sales is due to a change in local regulations that has restricted our ability to sell a majority of our key products in this market through our traditional direct selling business model. In response to this change in regulations, we are currently selling our products through a wholesale channel and continue to evaluate our product mix and selling model for Peru.

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

Net sales revenue related to NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe markets (Russia, the Ukraine, Belarus and several other Eastern European nations) for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $57.9 million compared to $57.0 million for the same period in 2011, an increase of 1.5 percent. In local currency, net sales increased 1.6 percent, respectively, compared to the same period in 2011. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.1 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the periods. The Russian markets continue to build on the momentum as a result of improved Manager and Distributor recruiting efforts and Distributor engagement. Active Managers within NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe totaled approximately 5,600 and 5,400 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Active Distributors and customers within NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe totaled approximately 125,800 and 122,800 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe’s business model is more oriented to a network marketing approach.

 

Synergy WorldWide

 

Synergy WorldWide reported net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012 of $100.7 million, compared to $93.9 million for the same period in 2011, an increase of 7.2 percent. In local currencies, net sales increased 10.6 percent for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $3.2 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012. Active Managers within Synergy WorldWide totaled approximately 2,900 and 2,700 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Active Distributors and customers within Synergy WorldWide totaled approximately 54,600 and 51,700 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Synergy WorldWide’s business model is operating under a traditional network marketing approach.

 

Notable activity in the following markets contributed to the results of Synergy WorldWide:

 

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Table of Contents

 

In Europe, net sales revenues increased approximately $4.3 million, or 19.3 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. In local currency, net sales increased 29.1 percent for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.  Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $2.2 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012. Strong Distributor leadership in recruiting and training efforts continues to effectively build our Distributor base thereby driving increased market penetration. The sales increase was offset due to restrictions by the Norwegian food authority on the shipment of goods to Norwegian Distributors for a period beginning in late November 2012 and ending in late December 2012, when all issues were resolved with the Norwegian authorities. Shipments recommenced at the beginning of January 2013.

 

In Korea, net sales revenues increased approximately $7.7 million, or 38.2 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. In local currency, net sales increased 40.8 percent for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.  Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.5 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012. Net sales growth is due to continued collaboration between the Company and key Distributor leadership in developing sales groups with a strong selling system and a broad product line that is well accepted in Korea.

 

In Japan, net sales revenues decreased approximately $4.9 million, or 31.6 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.  Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a nominally unfavorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in net sales is partially due to the challenging Japanese direct selling market. In addition, unusually high product returns during the first quarter of 2012 related to a specific promotion that contributed significantly to reduced net sales revenue for the year. Product returns were not related to product quality and have since returned to normal low return rates. Net sales have stabilized and maintained a consistent level since May 2012.

 

In North America, net sales revenues decreased approximately $2.7 million, or 12.7 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. The lack of recruiting, retention and training efforts has been the primary driver for this decrease. Upcoming growth initiatives are being modeled to effectively spark further recruiting, retention and training activity.

 

Further information related to our business segments is set forth in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales as a percent of net sales revenue increased to 25.4 percent in 2012, compared to 24.3 percent in 2011.   These increases are primarily due to increased raw material costs, product and material write-offs, changes in product mix between markets and increased importation fees related to higher transfer prices within some of our markets. While the Company intends to seek continued cost reductions where possible, pricing pressure on raw materials, fuel costs and other factors could adversely affect our ability to reduce or maintain our current cost of sales rate in the future.

 

Volume Incentives

 

Volume incentives are a significant part of our direct sales marketing program, and represent commission payments made to our independent Managers and Distributors. These payments are designed to provide incentives for reaching higher product 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 and the sales mix in our various markets.  Volume incentives as a percent of net sales revenue decreased to 36.2 percent in 2012, compared to 36.4 percent in 2011.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 29.1 percent of net sales revenue in 2012, compared to 29.8 percent in 2011, or by approximately $2.7 million to $106.9 million in 2012.

 

Significant increases to selling, general and administrative expenses during 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 included:

 

·                  $3.0 million of increased compensation related costs to the United States;

·                  $1.9 million of increased variable costs related to the sales growth of Synergy WorldWide in Europe and Korea; and

·                  $0.5 million of increased non-income tax reserves.

 

Significant decreases to selling, general and administrative expenses during 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 included:

 

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·                  $2.9 million of decreased royalty costs related to NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe as a result of the NutriPlus LLC settlement;

·                  $2.0 million decrease in variable costs related to lower sales in our NSP U.S. and Japan markets and Synergy Japan markets;

·                  $1.4 million of decreased professional fees related to our Russian business that were incurred in 2011 as a result of the NutriPlus LLC settlement;

·                  $0.9 million of decreased administrative costs due to U.S. convention, incentrive trips and promotion costs;

·                  $0.6 million of decreased professional fees related to the United States; and

·                  $0.6 million of favorable currency fluctuations.

 

Contract Termination Costs

 

In 1999 and 2000, the Company and NutriPlus LLC (“NutriPlus”) entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement and subsequent Settlement Agreement (together the “Purchase Agreement”) under which the Company acquired certain assets in order to establish its Russian business, and NutriPlus acquired rights to receive certain royalty payments from the Company expressed as a percentage of the Company’s net sales in its Russian business.

 

On July 8, 2011, the Company and NutriPlus entered into a settlement agreement, in which the Company agreed to pay NutriPlus $21.7 million for the release of all past and future royalty obligations.  Of the $21.7 million, the Company applied $7.0 million toward previously accrued and expensed but unpaid royalties, and $14.7 million in exchange for the contract termination and extinguishment of future royalty obligations. Due to the NutriPlus settlement in 2011, we eliminated an estimated $5.7 million in annual royalty costs in 2012.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate was 28.5 percent for 2012, compared to 20.0 percent for 2011. The effective rate for 2012 differed from the federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent primarily due to the following:

 

(i)

 

Adjustments to valuation allowances decreased the effective rate by 3.9 percent in 2012. Included were adjustments for the removal of domestic valuation allowances on foreign tax credits, as well as the effect of valuation allowances of foreign deferred tax assets.

 

 

 

(ii)

 

The impact of a decrease in the blended state rate between 2011 and 2012 led to a 2.7 percent increase to the effective rate in 2012. A decrease in the blended state rate causes a permanent difference relating to the state deferred tax assets.

 

 

 

(iii)

 

Foreign tax rate differentials that incrementally affect the federal statutory rate decreased the effective tax rate by approximately 2.3 percent in 2012. This is primarily due to differences between the lower statutory rates in foreign entities compared to the U.S. statutory rate of 35 percent.

 

As a net result of these and other differences, the effective tax rate for 2012 was less than the statutory rate of 35.0 percent for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Adjustments relating to the U.S. impact of foreign operations increased the effective tax rate by 0.2 percentage points in 2012 and decreased the effective tax rate by 15.1 percentage points in 2011. Included were adjustments for dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, adjustments for foreign tax credits and adjustments relating to the unremitted earnings calculations under applicable U.S. GAAP. The components of this calculation were:

 

Components of U.S. tax impact of foreign operations

 

2012

 

2011

 

Dividends received from foreign subsidiaries

 

4.5

%

26.2

%

Foreign tax credits

 

(4.0

)

(33.1

)

Unremitted earnings

 

(0.3

)

(8.2

)

Total

 

0.2

%

(15.1

)%

 

From 2011 to 2012, the changes in components of the U.S. tax impact of foreign operations were significant. The primary reason the dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, the foreign tax credits and the unremitted earnings decreased were due to a reduction in repatriation of foreign earnings to the U.S. from 2011 to 2012.

 

Changes to the effective rate due to dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, impact of foreign tax credits and unremitted earnings calculation are expected to be recurring; however, depending on various factors, the changes may be favorable or unfavorable for a particular period. Given the large number of jurisdictions in which the Company does business and the number of factors that can impact effective tax rates in any given year, this rate is likely to reflect significant fluctuations from year-to-year.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011, as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010

 

Net Sales Revenue

 

The following table summarizes the changes in our net sales revenue by operating segment for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

 

 

Net Sales Revenue by Operating Segment

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Percent
Change

 

Impact of
Currency
Exchange

 

Percent
Change
Excluding
Impact of
Currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP North America

 

$

155,847

 

$

159,195

 

(2.1

)%

$

599

 

(2.5

)%

NSP Latin America

 

49,563

 

52,716

 

(6.0

)

(615

)

(4.8

)

NSP Other

 

11,502

 

13,302

 

(13.5

)

814

 

(19.7

)

 

 

216,912

 

225,213

 

(3.7

)

798

 

(4.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

$

56,986

 

$

56,141

 

1.5

%

$

12

 

1.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synergy WorldWide:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synergy North America

 

$

21,234

 

$

15,225

 

39.5

%

$

 

39.5

%

Synergy Asia Pacific

 

50,396

 

41,090

 

22.6

 

2,916

 

15.6

 

Synergy Europe

 

22,285

 

12,249

 

81.9

 

1,038

 

73.5

 

 

 

93,915

 

68,564

 

37.0

 

3,954

 

31.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

367,813

 

$

349,918

 

5.1

%

$

4,764

 

3.8

%

 

Consolidated net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $367.8 million compared to $349.9 million in 2010, an increase of approximately 5.1 percent. Fluctuation in foreign exchange rates had a $4.8 million favorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, is primarily due to improvements in our NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe and Synergy WorldWide segments, and was partially offset by a decline in our NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe segment.

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe

 

Net sales revenue related to NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $216.9 million compared to $225.2 million for the same period in 2010, or a decrease of 3.7 percent.  In local currencies, net sales decreased 4.0 percent, compared to the same period in 2010. Fluctuation in foreign exchange rates had a $0.8 million favorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011. Active Managers within NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe totaled approximately 8,700 and 9,300 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Active Distributors and customers within NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe totaled approximately 165,600 and 181,600 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe Managers and Distributors are predominantly practitioners of nutritional supplement therapies, as well as retailers and consumers of our products, a segment that continued to be adversely affected by the economic downturn. Net sales revenue also decreased compared to the same period in the prior year due to the cancellation of some less profitable promotional programs.

 

Notable activity in the following markets contributed to the results of NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe:

 

The United States market includes both English and Spanish language sales divisions, of which the English language division is approximately 80 percent of segment net sales revenue. Our English language division net sales revenue decreased $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, or 1.5 percent, compared to the same period in 2010. Our Spanish language division net sales revenue decreased $0.5 million, or 1.7 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010. While both the English and Spanish Divisions have been adversely affected by the poor economic environment, the cancellation of some less profitable promotional programs had a more significant impact on our Spanish Division.

 

In Japan, net sales revenues decreased approximately $0.7 million, or 8.9 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively, compared to the same period in 2010. In local currency, net sales decreased 17.7 percent, respectively, compared to the same period in 2010. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.7 million favorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in local currency sales was partially due to the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear disasters in the spring of 2011, which suppressed consumer confidence and spending and made it difficult to ship ordered products, as well as to retain active Distributors.

 

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Table of Contents

 

In Mexico, net sales revenues decreased approximately $2.4 million, or 16.9 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same periods in 2010. In local currency, net sales decreased 18.3 percent, compared to the same period in 2010. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.2 million favorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in local currency net sales was principally due to the continuing effects of a tax law interpretation by the Mexican taxing authority requiring the collection of value-added tax on all of our products sold in Mexico and our compliance with this interpretation.

 

In the Dominican Republic, net sales revenues decreased approximately $1.4 million, or 35.9 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively, compared to the same period in 2010. The decrease in sales was due in part to the elimination of promotional programs and events which historically had promoted sales growth, but did not produce profitable results.

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

Net sales revenue related to NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe markets (Russia, the Ukraine, Belarus and several other Eastern European nations), for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $57.0 million compared to $56.1 million for the same period in 2010, an increase of 1.5 percent. Excluding Belarus, net sales revenues increased approximately $3.1 million or 6.4 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2011. The Russian markets (excluding Belarus) continued to build on the momentum gained in the prior year as a result of improved Manager and Distributor recruiting efforts and strengthening economies in the region. However, this growth had been slowed by a growing debt crisis in Belarus, which had adversely affected NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe’s Belarusian Distributors’ ability to obtain foreign currency to purchase our products. Active Managers within NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe totaled approximately 5,400 and 5,400 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Active Distributors and customers within NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe totaled approximately 122,800 and 123,400 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Synergy WorldWide

 

Synergy WorldWide reported net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $93.9 million, compared to $68.6 million for the same period in 2010, an increase of 37.0 percent. In local currencies, net sales increased 31.2 percent for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $3.9 million favorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in net sales was primarily due to growth in Synergy WorldWide’s United States, Korean and European markets, offset by sales declines in its Japan and Indonesia markets. Active Managers within Synergy WorldWide totaled approximately 2,700 and 2,300 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Active Distributors and customers within Synergy WorldWide totaled approximately 51,700 and 45,100 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Synergy WorldWide’s business model is a traditional network marketing approach.

 

Notable activity in the following markets contributed to the results of Synergy WorldWide:

 

In North America, net sales revenues increased approximately $6.0 million, or 39.5 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010. Synergy WorldWide’s growth within the United States was due to effective Company and Manager sales and marketing efforts of a well-accepted product offering, which has resulted in the growth of its U.S. Distributor base through recruiting and retention.

 

In Europe, net sales revenues increased approximately $10.0 million, or 81.9 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010. In local currency, net sales increased 73.5 percent for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010.  Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $1.0 million favorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011. Strong Distributor leadership and Distributor-driven marketing and development continued to drive increased market penetration primarily within the relatively new markets of Austria, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

 

In Korea, net sales revenues increased approximately $9.0 million, or 79.6 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010. In local currency, net sales increased 71.7 percent for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010.  Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.9 million favorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011. Synergy WorldWide’s growth in Korea was due to productive joint Company and Manager efforts to develop sales groups as well as a broader product line that is well accepted in the market.

 

In Japan, net sales revenues decreased approximately $0.6 million, or 3.7 percent, for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010.  In local currency, net sales decreased 12.4 percent for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $1.4 million favorable impact on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in local currency sales was partially due to the recent earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear disasters in the spring of 2011, which suppressed consumer confidence and spending and made it difficult to ship ordered products, as well as to recruit and retain active Distributors.

 

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Further information related to our business segments is set forth in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales as a percent of net sales revenue decreased to 24.3 percent in 2011, compared to 25.5 percent in 2010.   These decreases were primarily due to reductions in product and material write-offs, changes in product mix between markets and lower raw material costs, partially offset by increased importation fees related to higher transfer prices within some of our foreign markets.

 

Volume Incentives

 

Volume incentives are a significant part of our direct sales marketing program, and represent commission payments made to our independent Managers and Distributors. 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 and the sales mix in our various operations.  Volume incentives as a percent of net sales revenue decreased to 36.4 percent in 2011, compared to 37.3 percent in 2010.  The decreases were primarily due to reductions in volume incentive rates due to our lower Manager and Distributor base within NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe and an increase in product purchases that pay a lower sales commission rate in Synergy WorldWide.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 29.8 percent of net sales revenue in 2011, compared to 34.0 percent in 2010, or by approximately $9.4 million to $109.6 million in 2011.

 

Significant increases to selling, general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 included:

 

·                  $3.7 million of increased variable costs related to the sales growth of Synergy WorldWide in Europe, Korea and the United States as well as the NSP Russia, Central and Eastern European markets;

·                  $2.9 million of performance-based stock compensation costs; and

·                  $1.5 million of unfavorable currency fluctuations.

 

Significant decreases to selling, general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 included:

 

·                  $6.7 million of cost reductions in many of our foreign markets related to changes in leases and compensation costs;

·                  $2.6 million of decreased royalty costs related to our the NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe markets as a result of the NutriPlus settlement;

·                  $2.4 million related to our U.S. healthcare costs;

·                  $1.7 million of decreased U.S. compensation and other benefit related costs;

·                  $1.9 million of non-recurring severance costs related to changes in management and overall personnel reductions worldwide in the prior year;

·                  $1.1 million of decreased administrative costs in U.S. convention and promotion related costs due to the differences in event qualification periods between years; and

·                  $0.8 million of decreased non-income tax reserves between years.

 

Contract Termination Costs

 

On July 8, 2011, we entered into a settlement agreement with NutriPlus, from whom we acquired certain assets in 1999 in order to establish our Russian business, and to whom we agreed to pay a percentage of net sales in our Russian business in the form of a royalty payment, wherein both parties settled all claims in the arbitration, and bore their own costs associated with the arbitration. As a result of the settlement, the Company agreed to pay NutriPlus $21.7 million for the release of all past and future obligations. Of the $21.7 million, the Company applied $7.0 million toward previously accrued but unpaid royalties (which had been previously expensed), and $14.7 million in exchange for the contract termination and extinguishment of future royalty obligations in 2011.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded and expensed royalty payments to NutriPlus of approximately $5.6 million (included in selling, general and administrative expenses), which was approximately 10.0 percent of NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe’s revenue and 1.6 percent of the Company’s consolidated revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded and expensed royalty payments to NutriPlus of approximately $2.9 million, which was approximately 5.1 percent of NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe’s revenue and 0.8 percent of the Company’s consolidated revenue.

 

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As a result of the settlement, our operating costs were reduced and our consolidated operating income was increased by $2.6 million based on current sales volumes from our Russian business. This reduction in operating costs and corresponding increase in consolidated operating income will fluctuate based on future increases or decreases in sales from our Russian business.

 

Other Income, net

 

Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2011, decreased $0.9 million, compared to the same period in 2010.  The decrease was primarily due to prior year foreign exchange gains of $3.7 million in Venezuela as a result of the devaluation of the bolivar and the change to a highly inflationary economy that were non-recurring and recognized in 2010, offset by net foreign exchange gains and losses in certain of our other markets based on changes in exchange rates.  The decrease in other net income in 2011 had been offset by an increase in interest and other income, net of $1.2 million due to the receipt of $0.7 in restricted cash in Venezuela that had been previously written-down.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate was 20.0 percent for 2011, compared to 39.5 percent for 2010. The effective rate for 2011 differed from the federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent primarily due to the following:

 

(i)

Adjustments relating to the U.S. tax impact of foreign operations decreased the effective tax rate by 15.1 percentage points in 2011. 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.

 

 

(ii)

Changes in the unrecognized tax benefits increased the effective tax rate by 8.2 percent in 2011. These net gains and losses were recorded for financial reporting purposes, but were excluded from the calculation of taxable income.

 

 

(iii)

Foreign tax rate differentials that incrementally affect the federal statutory rate decreased the effective tax rate by approximately 5.2 percent in 2011. This is primarily due to differences between the lower statutory rates in foreign entities compared to the U.S. statutory rate of 35 percent.

 

As a net result of these and other differences, the effective tax rate for 2011 was less than the statutory rate of 35.0 percent for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Adjustments relating to the U.S. tax impact of foreign operations decreased the effective tax rate by 15.1 percentage points in 2011 and increased the effective tax rate by 13.5 percentage points in 2010. Included were adjustments for dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, adjustments for foreign tax credits and adjustments relating to the unremitted earnings calculations under applicable U.S. GAAP. The components of this calculation were:

 

Components of U.S. tax impact of foreign operations

 

2011

 

2010

 

Dividends received from foreign subsidiaries

 

26.2

%

25.5

%

Foreign tax credits

 

(33.1

)

(31.7

)

Unremitted earnings

 

(8.2

)

19.7

 

Total

 

(15.1

)%

13.5

%

 

Between the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the changes in the components of the U.S. tax impact of foreign operations were insignificant, except for the Company’s calculation of unremitted foreign earnings, which changed from an increase in the effective tax rate for 2010 to a decrease for 2011. The primary reason that the unremitted earnings caused an increase to the effective rate in 2010 and then a decrease in 2011 is that the company recorded adjustments in 2011 related to the settlement of IRS audits of the Company’s open tax years 2003-2008. As a result of these settlements, the Company’s historic foreign earnings in past years decreased, causing additional benefit in the Company’s unremitted earnings calculation, which in turn increased the net deferred tax asset related to unremitted earnings in 2011.

 

Changes to the effective rate due to dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, impact of foreign tax credits and the unremitted earnings calculation are expected to be recurring; however, depending on various factors, the changes may be favorable or unfavorable in a particular period. Given the large number of jurisdictions in which the Company does business and the number of factors that can impact effective tax rates in any given year, this rate is likely to reflect relatively significant fluctuations from year-to-year.

 

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SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY OPERATIONS — UNAUDITED

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company changed its method of accounting to present shipping and handling costs related to the sale of the Company’s products together with the cost of sales in the consolidated statement of operations. These shipping and handling costs have previously been presented by the Company as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has been made retrospectively to all periods presented in the Company’s financial statements. The impact of the change in accounting principle in the three months ended December 31, 2012 was to increase cost of sales and decrease selling, general and administrative expenses by $5.3 million. The total amount of shipping and handling costs reclassified by the Company from selling, general and administrative expense to cost of sales in its consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012, and March 31, 2012 is $5.4 million, $5.5 million, and $5.4 million, respectively. The total amount of shipping and handling costs reclassified by the Company from selling, general and administrative expense to cost of sales in its consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2011, September 30, 2011, June 30, 2011, and March 31, 2011 is $5.1 million, $5.1 million, $4.9 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

 

The following tables presents the Company’s unaudited summary of quarterly operations during 2012 and 2011 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,
2012

 

June 30,
2012

 

September
30, 2012

 

December
31, 2012

 

Net sales revenue

 

$

92,868

 

$

92,991

 

$

91,232

 

$

90,377

 

Cost of sales

 

(23,729

)

(22,610

)

(23,144

)

(23,841

)

Gross profit

 

69,139

 

70,381

 

68,088

 

66,536

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volume incentives

 

33,581

 

33,540

 

33,155

 

32,991

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

26,384

 

26,530

 

26,228

 

27,719

 

Operating income

 

9,174

 

10,311

 

8,705

 

5,826

 

Other income (expense)

 

(110

)

165

 

(214

)

1,639

 

Income before income taxes

 

9,064

 

10,476

 

8,491

 

7,465

 

Tax provision

 

1,836

 

3,190

 

2,121

 

2,969

 

Net income

 

$

7,228

 

$

7,286

 

$

6,370

 

$

4,496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net income per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.47

 

$

0.41

 

$

0.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.40

 

$

0.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.05

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended

 

 

 

March 31,
2011

 

June 30,
2011

 

September
30, 2011

 

December
31, 2011

 

Net sales revenue

 

$

92,844

 

$

91,811

 

$

91,102

 

$

92,056

 

Cost of sales

 

(23,501

)

(22,040

)

(21,957

)

(21,911

)

Gross profit

 

69,343

 

69,771

 

69,145

 

70,145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volume incentives

 

34,298

 

33,390

 

32,733

 

33,462

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

27,424

 

28,329

 

26,767

 

27,086

 

Contract termination costs

 

 

 

14,750

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

7,621

 

8,052

 

(5,105

)

9,597

 

Other income (expense)

 

265

 

(420

)

1,204

 

798

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

7,886

 

7,632

 

(3,901

)

10,395

 

Tax provision (benefit)

 

1,264

 

2,018

 

(1,645

)

2,774

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

6,622

 

$

5,614

 

$

(2,256

)

$

7,621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.36

 

$

(0.14

)

$

0.49

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.36

 

$

(0.14

)

$

0.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share is 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.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our principal use of cash is to pay for operating expenses, including volume incentives, inventory and raw material purchases, capital assets and funding of international expansion. As of December 31, 2012, working capital was $83.9 million, compared to $56.9 million as of December 31, 2011.  At December 31, 2012, we had $79.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, of which $49.8 million was held in our foreign markets and may be subject to various withholding taxes and other restrictions related to repatriation, and $2.1 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,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Operating activities

 

$

26,651

 

$

3,908

 

$

16,150

 

Investing activities

 

(2,989

)

(1,679

)

(5,909

)

Financing activities

 

(3,133

)

9,588

 

132

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2012, we generated cash from operating activities of $26.7 million compared to $3.9 million in 2011. Operating cash flow increased primarily due to the fact that we made payments of $21.7 million related to the NutriPlus settlement in 2011 that were not made in 2012.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2011, we generated cash from operating activities of $3.9 million compared to $16.2 million in 2010. Operating cash flow decreased primarily due to payments of $21.7 million related to the NutriPlus settlement in 2011 as noted above. Excluding the NutriPlus settlement payments made in 2011, operating cash flows increased $9.5 million primarily due to an increase in net income partially offset by the timing of payments of inventory and income tax liabilities.

 

Capital expenditures related to the purchase of equipment, computer systems and software for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $6.6 million, $2.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The increase in capital expenditures from 2011 to 2012 was related to the relocation of our corporate headquarters, upgrade of our Spanish Fork production facility and the establishment of a new call center and the purchase of manufacturing and computer equipment.

 

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Table of Contents

 

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we used cash to purchase available-for-sale investments of $0.2 million, $7.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively, and had cash proceeds of $3.8 million, $7.7 million and $0.1 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, from the sale of such investments.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we used cash to pay dividends in an aggregate amount of $2.3 million.

 

On August 9, 2011, the Company entered into a Revolving Credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association that permits the Company to borrow up to $15 million through August 9, 2014, bearing interest at LIBOR plus 1.25 percent. The Company must pay an annual commitment fee of 0.25 percent on the unused portion of the commitment. At December 31, 2012, no amount was drawn under the facility.

 

In addition, a term loan of $10.0 million was obtained in conjunction with the Revolving Credit agreement and has a maturity date of August 9, 2014 and a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.25 percent (1.50 percent as of December 31, 2012). The term loan is collateralized by the Company’s assets at the manufacturing facility in Spanish Fork, Utah.  As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding balance under this term loan was $5.6 million.

 

These loans contain restrictions on liquidity, leveraging, minimum net income and consecutive quarterly net losses. In addition, the agreements restrict capital expenditures, lease expenditures, other indebtedness, liens on assets, guaranties, loans and advances, and the merger, consolidation and the transfer of assets except in the ordinary course of business.  As of December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with these debt covenants.

 

We believe that, with this credit facility in place, our working capital requirements can be met for the foreseeable future with cash generated from operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents and draws on the credit facility. However, among other things, a prolonged economic downturn, a decrease in demand for our products, an unfavorable settlement of our unrecognized tax positions or non-income tax contingencies could adversely affect our long-term liquidity.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The following table summarizes information about contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Total

 

Less than 1 year

 

1-3 years

 

3-5 years

 

After 5 years

 

Operating lease obligations

 

$

15,047

 

$

4,688

 

$

6,503

 

$

3,216

 

$

640

 

Purchase obligations(1)

 

8,344

 

8,344

 

 

 

 

Self-insurance reserves(2)

 

2,990

 

532

 

 

 

2,458

 

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the balance sheet(3)

 

1,276

 

 

 

 

1,276

 

Unrecognized tax benefits(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt(5)

 

5,620

 

3,350

 

2,270

 

 

 

Interest on long-term debt(6)

 

74

 

61

 

13

 

 

 

Revolving credit agreement(7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

33,351

 

$

16,975

 

$

8,786

 

$

3,216

 

$

4,374

 

 


(1)                                 Purchase obligations include non-cancelable purchase agreements for both botanical and non-botanical raw materials related to our forecasted 2013 production estimates, as well as related packaging materials.

 

(2)                                 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.

 

(3)                                 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.

 

(4)                                 At December 31, 2012, there were $10.6 million of liabilities. 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.

 

(5)                                 The long-term debt is due in monthly installments of approximately $0.3 million, including interest, and is collateralized by the Company’s manufacturing facility in Spanish Fork, Utah and has a maturity date of August 9, 2014, and a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.25 percent (1.50 percent as of December 31, 2012).

 

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(6)                                 The interest on the long-term debt is based upon LIBOR plus 1.25 percent (1.50 percent as of December 31, 2012).

 

(7)                                 The Company entered into a Revolving Credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association that permits the Company to borrow up to $15 million through August 9, 2014, bearing interest at LIBOR plus 1.25 percent. The Company must pay an annual commitment fee of 0.25 percent on the unused portion of the commitment. At December 31, 2012, the Company had $15 million available under this facility.

 

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 2012, 2011 and 2010, the aggregate amounts of these payments were $1.3 million, $8.4 million and $3.0 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.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

We conduct business in several countries and intend to continue to grow 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 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 U. S. laws and regulations relating to international trade and investment.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 57.9 percent of our net sales revenue and approximately 55.5 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. 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 affected 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 our individual net sales revenue, cost and expense components and our operating income were equally sensitive to increases in the strength of the U.S. dollar against every other fluctuating currency in which we conduct business.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Exchange rate sensitivity for the year ended December 31, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

With Strengthening of U.S. Dollar by:

 

 

 

 

 

10%

 

15%

 

25%

 

 

 

 

 

($)

 

(%)

 

($)

 

(%)

 

($)

 

%)

 

Net sales revenue

 

$

367,468

 

$

(12,821

)

(3.5

)%

$

(18,395

)

(5.0

)%

$

(28,206

)

(7.7

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

93,324

 

(3,333

)

(3.6

)%

(4,782

)

(5.1

)%

(7,333

)

(7.9

)%

Volume incentives

 

133,267

 

(4,751

)

(3.6

)%

(6,817

)

(5.1

)%

(10,453

)

(7.8

)%

Selling, general and administrative

 

106,861

 

(3,315

)

(3.1

)%

(4,757

)

(4.4

)%

(7,293

)

(6.8

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

34,016

 

$

(1,422

)

(4.2

)%

$

(2,039

)

(6.0

)%

$

(3,127

)

(9.2

)%

 

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 ruble 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 affect 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, is 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.

 

Exchange Rate Sensitivity of Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

With Strengthening of U.S. Dollar by:

 

 

 

 

 

10%

 

15%

 

25%

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) ($)

 

(Loss) (%)

 

(Loss) ($)

 

(Loss) (%)

 

(Loss) ($)

 

(Loss) (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Instruments Included in Current Assets Subject to Exchange Rate Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

79,241

 

$

(4,582

)

(5.8

)%

$

(6,575

)

(8.3

)%

$

(10,081

)

(12.7

)%

Accounts receivable, net

 

9,614

 

(407

)

(4.2

)%

(584

)

(6.1

)%

(896

)

(9.3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Instruments Included in Current Liabilities Subject to Exchange Rate Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

6,226

 

(65

)

(1.1

)%

(94

)

(1.5

)%

(143

)

(2.3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Financial Instruments Subject to Exchange Rate Risk

 

$

82,629

 

(4,924

)

(6.0

)%

(7,065

)

(8.6

)%

(10,834

)

(13.2

)%

 

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, 2012, 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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Translation of Balance Sheet Amounts Denominated in Local Currency as of December 31, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

At Spot Exchange Rate per

 

 

 

Translated into

 

One U.S. Dollar as of

 

 

 

U.S. Dollars

 

December 31, 2012

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

Japan (Yen)

 

$

5,089

 

85.9

 

Canada (Dollar)

 

3,787

 

1.0

 

European Markets (Euro)

 

3,747

 

0.8

 

Venezuela (Bolivar)

 

1,748

 

5.3

 

Colombia (Peso)

 

1,729

 

1,770.0

 

Thailand (Baht)

 

1,547

 

30.8

 

Indonesia (Rupiah)

 

1,322

 

9,612.6

 

Mexico (Peso)

 

1,223

 

13.0

 

Taiwan (Dollar)

 

1,198

 

29.1

 

Other

 

7,604

 

Varies

 

Total foreign dominated cash and cash equivalents

 

$

28,994

 

 

 

U.S. dollars held by foreign subsidiaries

 

$

20,801

 

 

 

Total foreign cash and cash equivalents

 

$

49,795

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Receivable

 

 

 

 

 

European Markets (Euro)

 

$

1,900

 

0.8

 

Other

 

2,578

 

Varies

 

Total

 

$

4,478

 

 

 

 

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,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Canada (Dollar)

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

European Markets (Euro)

 

0.8

 

0.7

 

0.8

 

Japan (Yen)

 

79.8

 

79.7

 

87.7

 

Korea (Won)

 

1,129.6

 

1,108.6

 

1,159.1

 

Mexico (Peso)

 

13.2

 

12.4

 

12.6

 

 

The local currency of the foreign subsidiaries is used as the functional currency, except for subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies or where the Company’s operations are served by a U.S. based subsidiary (for example, Russia and the Ukraine). 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 re-measured as if the functional currency were the U.S. dollar. The re-measurement 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.  During 2010, Venezuela was considered to be highly inflationary, as noted above. During 2012, Belarus was also considered to be highly inflationary. During the periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary’s net sales revenue represented approximately 1.8 percent, 1.4 percent and 1.7 percent of consolidated net sales revenue, respectively. During the periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s Belarusian subsidiary’s net sales revenue represented approximately 1.8 percent, 1.6 percent and 2.4 percent of consolidated net sales revenue, respectively. With the exceptions of Venezuela and Belarus, there were no other countries considered to have a highly inflationary economy during the periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

 

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, 2012, we had investments of $2.1 million of which $0.6 million were municipal obligations, which carry an average fixed interest rate of 5.1

 

37



Table of Contents

 

percent and mature over a three-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.

 

38



Table of Contents

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

40

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

41

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

42

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

42

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

43

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010

44

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

46

 

39



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, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. 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, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, 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.

 

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its classification of shipping and handling costs from selling, general and administrative expenses to cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations during the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

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, 2012, 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 6, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

 

 

Salt Lake City, Utah

 

March 6, 2013

 

 

40



Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands)

 

As of December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

79,241

 

$

58,969

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $631 and $647, respectively

 

9,614

 

9,868

 

Investments available for sale

 

2,071

 

5,677

 

Inventories

 

43,280

 

41,611

 

Deferred income tax assets

 

5,307

 

4,395

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

5,820

 

4,583

 

Total current assets

 

145,333

 

125,103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

27,950

 

25,137

 

Investment securities

 

1,276

 

1,429

 

Intangible assets, net

 

1,002

 

1,151

 

Deferred income tax assets

 

11,516

 

16,576

 

Other assets

 

6,842

 

6,415

 

 

 

$

193,919

 

$

175,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

6,226

 

$

5,980

 

Accrued volume incentives

 

18,130

 

19,326

 

Accrued liabilities

 

27,302

 

27,938

 

Deferred revenue

 

4,311

 

2,603

 

Current installments of long-term debt

 

3,350

 

3,296

 

Income taxes payable

 

2,071

 

8,655

 

Total current liabilities

 

61,390

 

67,798

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liability related to unrecognized tax benefits

 

10,571

 

10,426

 

Long-term debt

 

2,270

 

5,894

 

Deferred compensation payable

 

1,276

 

1,429

 

Other liabilities

 

2,776

 

2,826

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

16,893

 

20,575

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, no par value; 50,000 shares authorized, 15,810 and 15,569 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively

 

77,292

 

71,628

 

Retained earnings

 

48,910

 

25,879

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(10,566

)

(10,069

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

115,636

 

87,438

 

 

 

$

193,919

 

$

175,811

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

41



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,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net sales revenue (net of the rebate portion of volume incentives of $43,121, $44,628, and $44,099, respectively)

 

$

367,468

 

$

367,813

 

$

349,918

 

Cost of sales

 

(93,324

)

(89,409

)

(89,264

)

Gross profit

 

274,144

 

278,404

 

260,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volume incentives

 

133,267

 

133,883

 

130,367

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

106,861

 

109,606

 

119,024

 

Contract termination costs

 

 

14,750

 

 

 

 

240,128

 

258,239

 

249,391

 

Operating income

 

34,016

 

20,165

 

11,263

 

Other income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income, net

 

1,368

 

1,470

 

270

 

Interest expense

 

(178

)

(89

)

 

Foreign exchange gains, net

 

290

 

466

 

2,457

 

 

 

1,480

 

1,847

 

2,727

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

35,496

 

22,012

 

13,990

 

Provision for income taxes

 

10,116

 

4,411

 

5,521

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

25,380

 

17,601

 

8,469

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

(9,702

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

25,380

 

$

17,601

 

$

(1,233

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

$

1.62

 

$

1.13

 

$

0.55

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

(0.63

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

1.62

 

$

1.13

 

$

(0.08

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

$

1.59

 

$

1.12

 

$

0.54

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

(0.62

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

1.59

 

$

1.12

 

$

(0.08

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average basic common shares outstanding

 

15,648

 

15,550

 

15,515

 

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

 

15,987

 

15,695

 

15,605

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.15

 

$

 

$

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

25,380

 

$

17,601

 

$

(1,233

)

Foreign currency translation gain (loss) (net of tax)

 

(522

)

(2,397

)

4,591

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities (net of tax)

 

25

 

(24

)

(4

)

Write-off of Brazil cumulative translation adjustments

 

 

 

7,364

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

24,883

 

$

15,180

 

$

10,718

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

42



Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Retained

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Earnings

 

Income (Loss)

 

Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2010

 

15,510

 

$

67,183

 

$

9,511

 

$

(19,599

)

$

57,095

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

437

 

 

 

437

 

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

23

 

132

 

 

 

132

 

Net loss

 

 

 

(1,233

)

 

(1,233

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

11,951

 

11,951

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

 

15,533

 

67,752

 

8,278

 

(7,648

)

68,382

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

3,478

 

 

 

3,478

 

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

36

 

398

 

 

 

398

 

Net income

 

 

 

17,601

 

 

17,601

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

(2,421

)

(2,421

)

Balance at December 31, 2011

 

15,569

 

71,628

 

25,879

 

(10,069

)

87,438

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

2,878

 

 

 

2,878

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

 

378

 

 

 

378

 

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

241

 

2,408

 

 

 

2,408

 

Cash dividends (0.15 per share)

 

 

 

(2,349

)

 

(2,349

)

Net income

 

 

 

25,380

 

 

25,380

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

(497

)

(497

)

Balance at December 31, 2012

 

15,810

 

$

77,292

 

$

48,910

 

$

(10,566

)

$

115,636

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

43



Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts In Thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

25,380

 

$

17,601

 

$

(1,233

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write-off of cumulative translation adjustments

 

 

 

7,364

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

45

 

(133

)

213

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,078

 

4,362

 

4,254

 

Tax benefit from stock option exercise

 

(378

)

 

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

2,878

 

3,478

 

437

 

Loss on sale of property and equipment

 

85

 

224

 

138

 

Deferred income taxes

 

4,270

 

(5,073

)

2,128

 

Loss on restricted cash

 

 

 

747

 

Amortization of bond discount

 

9

 

9

 

22

 

Purchase of trading investment securities

 

(92

)

(102

)

(177

)

Proceeds from sale of trading investment securities

 

354

 

438

 

313

 

Realized and unrealized gains

 

(90

)

(44

)

(165

)

Amortization of prepaid taxes related to gain on intercompany sales

 

 

 

1,353

 

Foreign exchange gains

 

(290

)

(466

)

(3,005

)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

266

 

(3,742

)

2,181

 

Inventories

 

(1,466

)

(5,566

)

4,732

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

(1,155

)

1,032

 

(238

)

Other assets

 

(193

)

2,986

 

(80

)

Accounts payable

 

77

 

1,316

 

588

 

Accrued volume incentives

 

(1,279

)

805

 

1,163

 

Accrued current and other long-term liabilities

 

(1,289

)

(6,152

)

619

 

Deferred revenue

 

1,708

 

(782

)

(1,128

)

Income taxes payable

 

(6,259

)

5,009

 

(3,679

)

Liability related to unrecognized tax positions

 

145

 

(10,943

)

(423

)

Deferred compensation payable

 

(153

)

(349

)

26

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

26,651

 

3,908

 

16,150

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(6,629

)

(2,419

)

(2,595

)

Purchases of investments available for sale

 

(174

)

(6,968

)

(3,439

)

Proceeds from sale/maturities of investments available for sale

 

3,789

 

7,697

 

125

 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

25

 

11

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(2,989

)

(1,679

)

(5,909

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments of cash dividends

 

(2,349

)

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

 

10,000

 

 

Principal payments of long-term debt

 

(3,570

)

(810

)

 

Tax benefit from stock option exercise

 

378

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

2,408

 

398

 

132

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(3,133

)

9,588

 

132

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

 

(257

)

(452

)

1,693

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

20,272

 

11,365

 

12,066

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

 

58,969

 

47,604

 

35,538

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

 

$

79,241

 

$

58,969

 

$

47,604

 

 

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Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

12,960

 

$

6,570

 

$

5,627

 

Cash paid for interest

 

128

 

36

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable

 

$

169

 

$

19

 

$

196

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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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. together with its subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Company”) is a natural health and wellness company primarily engaged in the manufacturing and direct selling of nutritional and personal care products. Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. is a Utah corporation with its principal place of business in Lehi, Utah. The Company sells its products to a sales force of independent Managers and Distributors 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 Australia, Austria, Belarus, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, the Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, Venezuela and Vietnam. The Company also exports its products to several other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, Israel, New Zealand and Norway.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of the Company and its subsidiaries. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries were wholly owned. The Company operates a limited number of markets in jurisdictions where local laws require the formation of a partnership with an entity domiciled in that market. These partners have no rights to participate in the sharing of revenues, profits, losses or distribution of assets upon liquidation of these partnerships.

 

Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

As more fully described in Note 3, “Discontinued Operations,” the Company ceased the operations of its Brazilian subsidiary in the third quarter of 2010, and the results of its operations are classified as discontinued operations in the Company’s statements of operations and accompanying notes for all periods presented.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) 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 Manager and Distributor 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.

 

Classification of Venezuela as a Highly Inflationary Economy and Devaluation of Its Currency

 

Since January 1, 2010, Venezuela has been designated as a highly inflationary economy. Accordingly, the U.S. dollar became the functional currency for the Company’s subsidiary in Venezuela. All gains and losses resulting from the re-measurement of its financial statements are determined using official rates.

 

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Currency restrictions enacted by the government of Venezuela require approval from the government’s currency control agency organization in order 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 government of Venezuela enacted additional currency restrictions, which effectively replaced the market rate with the System for Foreign Currency Denominated Securities (“SITME”), which is administered by the Venezuela Central Bank. Under SITME, entities domiciled in Venezuela can obtain U.S. dollar denominated securities in limited quantities each month through banking institutions approved by the government.

 

At this time, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate the future state of exchange controls in Venezuela and its availability of U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate or at the SITME rate. However, the Company has been successful so far repatriating funds from Venezuela for imported products using the SITME rate. The Company re-measures its results in Venezuela at the SITME rate, which was approximately 5.3 bolivars per U.S. dollar as of December 31, 2011.  On February 12, 2013, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of the bolivar official rate to 6.3.

 

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary’s net sales revenue represented approximately 1.8 percent, 1.4 percent and 1.7 percent of consolidated net sales revenue, respectively.  The Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary held total assets of $8,306 and $8,101 (which includes an intercompany receivables denominated in U.S. dollars of $2,251 and $2,110) and net assets of $5,633 and $5,020 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Due to the rising uncertainty in the Company’s ability to recover certain cash balances in Venezuela, the Company recorded a charge of $747 during the year ended December 31, 2010, to write-off the remaining cash balance, which is included in other expense.  However, this cash balance of $747 was recovered during the year ended December 31, 2011 and a gain was recorded in other income and expense.

 

Classification of Belarus as a Highly Inflationary Economy and Devaluation of Its Currency

 

As of June 30, 2012, Belarus was designated as a highly inflationary economy. Historically, the U.S. dollar has been the Company’s functional currency for this market. As a result, there were no resulting gains or losses from a re-measurement of the financial statements using official rates of the Company’s Belarusian subsidiary.  However, as a result of the weakening of the Belarusian ruble, the purchasing power of our Distributors in this market has become diminished. During the periods ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s Belarusian subsidiary’s net sales revenue represented approximately 1.8 percent, 1.6 percent and 2.4 percent of consolidated net sales revenue, respectively. The Company’s total and net assets related to Belarus as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 were insignificant.

 

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.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable consist principally of receivables from credit card companies, arising from the sale of products to the Company’s Distributors, and receivables from Distributors in foreign markets.  Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future.   However, due to the geographic dispersion of credit card and Distributor receivables, the collection risk is not considered to be significant. Substantially all of the receivables from credit card companies were current as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. Although receivables from Distributors can be significant, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its importers and maintains an allowance for potential credit losses. 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 securities such as state and municipal obligations, U.S. government security funds, short-term deposits, and various 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 marketable securities 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.

 

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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 any tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The credit loss is recorded within earnings as an impairment loss when sold. 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 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 13). 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.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments, accounts payable and long-term debt. Other than investments, which are carried at fair value, and long-term debt, the carrying values of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature. The carrying amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheet for long-term debt approximates fair value due to the interest rate on the debt being variable based on current market rates. During the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not have any write-offs related to the re-measurement of non-financial assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.

 

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.

 

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 9 to 15 years. Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $1,002 and $1,151 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, 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. The Company did not consider any of its long-lived assets to be impaired during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010.

 

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Incentive Trip Accrual

 

The Company accrues expenses for incentive trips associated with its direct sales marketing program, which rewards independent Managers and Distributors 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 $4,624 and $5,047 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which are included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The local currency of the foreign subsidiaries is used as the functional currency, except for subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies or where the Company’s operations are served by a U.S. based subsidiary (for example Russia and the Ukraine). 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 re-measured as if the functional currency were the U.S. dollar. The re-measurement 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.  During 2012 and 2010, Belarus and Venezuela, respectively, were considered to be highly inflationary as noted above. With the exception of Belarus and Venezuela, there were no countries considered to have a highly inflationary economy during 2012, 2011 or 2010.

 

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 U.S. operations extend 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 Managers and Distributors 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, 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 Managers or Distributors 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 2012, 2011 and 2010, were $2,249, $606 and $605, respectively. The increase in sales returns for year ended December 31, 2012 was due to unusally high product returns during the first quarter of 2012 related to a specific promotion in the Synergy Japan market. Product returns were not related to product quality and have since returned to normal low return rates.

 

Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are reported as a component of net sales revenue. Shipping and handling revenues of approximately $11,264, $11,615 and $12,165 were reported as net sales revenue for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

 

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).

 

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Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and classified in selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising expense incurred for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 totaled approximately $1,418, $1,191 and $1,318, 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 $1,464, $1,552 and $2,020 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

Contingencies

 

The Company is involved in certain legal proceedings. When a loss is considered probable in connection with litigation or non-income tax contingencies and when such loss can be reasonably estimated with a range, the Company records its best estimate within the range related to the contingency. If there is no best estimate, the Company records the minimum of the range. As additional information becomes available, it assesses the potential liability related to the contingency and revises the estimates. The Company’s contingencies are discussed in further detail in Note 14.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company’s income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and contingent reserves reflect management’s best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. The Company is 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 the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, management considers 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, the Company develops 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 the Company is 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 the Company’s 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”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. 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.

 

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

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

$

25,380

 

$

17,601

 

$

8,469

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

 

(9,702

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

25,380

 

$

17,601

 

$

(1,233

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

 

15,648

 

15,550

 

15,515

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

$

1.62

 

$

1.13

 

$

0.55

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

(0.63

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

1.62

 

$

1.13

 

$

(0.08

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Shares Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

 

15,648

 

15,550

 

15,515

 

Stock options

 

339

 

145

 

90

 

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

 

15,987

 

15,695

 

15,605

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

$

1.59

 

$

1.12

 

$

0.54

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

(0.62

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

1.59

 

$

1.12

 

$

(0.08

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potentially dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

88

 

219

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potentially anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

254

 

200

 

419

 

 

Potentially dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts include performance based options to purchase shares of common stock for which certain earnings metrics have not been achieved. Potentially anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts include both non-qualified stock options and unearned performance-based options to purchase shares of common stock with exercise prices greater than the weighted-average share price during the period and shares that would be anti-dilutive to the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share for each of the years presented.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

The Company’s outstanding stock options include time-based stock options which vest over differing periods ranging from the date of issuance up to 48 months from the option grant date, performance-based stock options which vest upon achieving operating income margins of six, eight and ten percent as reported in four of five consecutive quarters over the term of the options, and performance-based stock options which vest upon achieving cumulative annual net sales revenue growth targets over a rolling two-year period subject to the Company maintaining at least an eight percent operating income margin during the applicable period.

 

The Company recognizes all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options based on their grant-date fair values. The Company records compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the vesting period of the stock options based on the fair value of the stock options on the date of grant. Management considers several factors when estimating forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class, and 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.

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 for Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its

 

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components in the consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the two separate but consecutive statements.  The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

 

NOTE 2: ACCOUNTING CHANGE FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING COSTS

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company changed its method of accounting to present shipping and handling costs related to the sale of the Company’s products together with the cost of sales in the consolidated statement of operations. These shipping and handling costs have previously been presented by the Company as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has been made retrospectively to all periods presented in the Company’s financial statements. In connection with the change in presentation, the Company also changed its definition of shipping and handling costs to include expenses of our distribution facilities to prepare products for shipment.  Previously, the Company defined shipping and handling costs as costs incurred for a third-party shipper to transport products to the customer.  The amount of shipping and handling costs under the previous definition were $12,231, $11,245, and $10,310 for the three years ended December 31, 2012. The amount of additional costs included in shipping and handling costs under the new definition increased the retrospective adjustment for shipping and handling costs by $9,374, $8,754, and $9,914 for the three years ended December 31, 2012.  This presentation is preferable as it better matches all the costs directly associated with generating revenue and therefore better presents gross margin, and this financial statement presentation will be more comparable to the Company’s peer group.  The only impact on the Company’s financial statements was to increase cost of sales and decrease selling, general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.  The impact of this change in accounting principle was to increase cost of sales and decrease selling, general and administrative expenses by $21,605 for the year ended December 31, 2012. The impact of this change in accounting principle on cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $19,999 and $20,224, respectively.

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

Under Previous
Method

 

As Reported

 

Difference

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

71,719

 

93,324

 

21,605

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

128,466

 

106,861

 

(21,605

)

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

As Previously
Reported

 

As Adjusted

 

Difference

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

$

69,410

 

$

89,409

 

$

19,999

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

129,605

 

109,606

 

(19,999

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

$

69,040

 

$

89,264

 

$

20,224

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

139,248

 

119,024

 

(20,224

)

 

NOTE 3: DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

During 2010, the Company ceased its operations in Brazil as a result of declining sales and increased regulatory restrictions, which made it difficult for the Company to register and sell key products in that market. This market was part of the Company’s NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe segment.

 

The following table summarizes the operating results of the Company’s discontinued operations for the years:

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net sales revenue

 

$

 

$

 

$

682

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income tax provision

 

$

 

$

 

$

(9,702

)

Income tax provision

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

$

 

$

 

$

(9,702

)

 

The loss before income taxes related to the discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2010, includes a charge of $8,236 related to exiting Brazil, of which $7,364 was a non-cash write-off of accumulated translation adjustments that were previously included in shareholders’ equity.

 

The cash flows from our discontinued operations are included in the Company’s 2010 operating cash flow, but were insignificant.

 

NOTE 4: INVENTORIES

 

The composition of inventories is as follows:

 

As of December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

Raw materials

 

$

13,287

 

$

12,992

 

Work in process

 

742

 

1,230

 

Finished goods

 

29,251

 

27,389

 

Total inventory

 

$

43,280

 

$

41,611

 

 

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NOTE 5: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

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

 

As of December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

Land and improvements

 

$

3,800

 

$

3,800

 

Buildings and improvements

 

33,309

 

31,233

 

Machinery and equipment

 

17,919

 

17,395

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

21,182

 

22,197

 

 

 

76,210

 

74,625

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(48,260

)

(49,488

)

Total property, plant and equipment

 

$

27,950

 

$

25,137

 

 

Depreciation expense was $3,929, $4,210 and $4,136 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

NOTE 6: INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, intangibles for product formulations had a gross carrying amount of $1,763 and $1,763, accumulated amortization of $761 and $612, and a net amount of $1,002 and $1,151, respectively. The estimated useful lives of the product formulations range from 9 to 15 years.

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $149, $152 and $118, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31,

 

Estimated
Amortization
Expense

 

2013

 

$

149

 

2014

 

149

 

2015

 

149

 

2016

 

91

 

2017

 

91

 

Thereafter

 

373

 

Total

 

$

1,002

 

 

NOTE 7: 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, 2012

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Municipal obligations

 

$

608

 

$

30

 

$

 

$

638

 

U.S. government securities funds

 

995

 

 

(9

)

986

 

Equity securities

 

227

 

228

 

(8

)

447

 

Total short-term investment securities

 

$

1,830

 

$

258

 

$

(17

)

$

2,071

 

 

As of December 31, 2011

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Municipal obligations

 

$

1,158

 

$

51

 

$

 

$

1,209

 

U.S. government securities funds

 

988

 

 

(5

)

983

 

Short-term deposits

 

3,104

 

 

 

3,104

 

Equity securities

 

227

 

159

 

(5

)

381

 

Total short-term investment securities

 

$

5,477

 

$

210

 

$

(10

)

$

5,677

 

 

The municipal obligations held at fair value of $638 at December 31, 2012, all mature in less than three years.

 

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the proceeds from the sales of available-for-sale securities were $3,789, $7,697 and $125, respectively. There were no gross realized gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale securities (net of tax) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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The Company’s trading securities portfolio totaled $1,276 and $1,429 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and generated gains of $116, $16 and $158, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had unrealized losses of $8 and $5, respectively, in its municipal obligations, short-term deposits 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.

 

NOTE 8: ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

The composition of accrued liabilities is as follows:

 

As of December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

Foreign non-income tax contingencies (See Note 14)

 

$

5,358

 

$

6,801

 

Sales, use and property tax (See Note 14)

 

3,690

 

3,426

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

8,217

 

6,611

 

Convention and meeting costs

 

4,624

 

5,047

 

Other

 

5,413

 

6,053

 

Total

 

$

27,302

 

$

27,938

 

 

NOTE 9: LONG-TERM DEBT

 

On August 9, 2011, the Company entered into a Revolving Credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that permits the Company to borrow up to $15,000 through August 9, 2014, bearing interest at LIBOR plus 1.25 percent. The Company must pay an annual commitment fee of 0.25 percent on the unused portion of the commitment. At December 31, 2012, the Company had $15,000 available under this facility.

 

A term loan of $10,000 was obtained in conjunction with the Revolving Credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and has a maturity date of August 9, 2014 and a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.25 percent (1.50 percent as of December 31, 2012 and 2011). The term loan is collateralized by the Company’s manufacturing facility in Spanish Fork, Utah.

 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

As of December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

Term loan due in monthly installments of approximately $284, including interest, secured by real estate

 

$

5,620

 

$

9,190

 

Less current installments

 

(3,350

)

(3,296

)

Long-term debt less current installments

 

$

2,270

 

$

5,894

 

 

The various debt agreements contain restrictions on liquidity, leveraging, minimum net income and consecutive quarterly net losses. In addition, the agreements restrict capital expenditures, lease expenditures, other indebtedness, liens on assets, guaranties, loans and advances, and the merger, consolidation and the transfer of assets except in the ordinary course of business.  The Company is in compliance with these debt covenants as of December 31, 2012.

 

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows: $3,350 in 2013 and $2,270 in 2014.

 

NOTE 10: 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, 2010

 

$

(19,749

)

$

150

 

$

(19,599

)

Activity, net of tax

 

11,955

 

(4

)

11,951

 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

 

(7,794

)

146

 

(7,648

)

Activity, net of tax

 

(2,397

)

(24

)

(2,421

)

Balance as of December 31, 2011

 

(10,191

)

122

 

(10,069

)

Activity, net of tax

 

(522

)

25

 

(497

)

Balance as of December 31, 2012

 

$

(10,713

)

$

147

 

$

(10,566

)

 

NOTE 11: INCOME TAXES

 

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

 

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Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Domestic

 

$

17,625

 

$

2,338

 

$

4,453

 

Foreign

 

17,871

 

19,674

 

9,537

 

Total

 

$

35,496

 

$

22,012

 

$

13,990

 

 

Components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

1,901

 

$

4,094

 

$

3,330

 

State

 

248

 

961

 

(306

)

Foreign

 

3,835

 

4,429

 

369

 

Subtotal

 

5,984

 

9,484

 

3,393

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

2,303

 

(4,408

)

2,149

 

State

 

1,207

 

(719

)

1,186

 

Foreign

 

622

 

54

 

(1,207

)

Subtotal

 

4,132

 

(5,073

)

2,128

 

Total provision for income taxes

 

$

10,116

 

$

4,411

 

$

5,521

 

 

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations, 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,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate

 

35.0

%

35.0

%

35.0

%

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

 

2.7

 

0.7

 

4.1

 

U.S. tax impact of foreign operations

 

0.2

 

(15.1

)

13.5

 

Valuation allowance change

 

(3.9

)

(0.3

)

20.9

 

Tax contingencies

 

(1.0

)

(1.4

)

1.8

 

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

 

 

 

(10.1

)

Gain on sale of intercompany assets

 

 

 

10.6

 

Charitable contributions

 

 

(0.3

)

(0.2

)

Foreign tax rate differential

 

(2.3

)

(5.2

)

(5.2

)

Unrecognized tax benefits

 

0.4

 

8.2

 

4.1

 

Meals and entertainment

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

0.4

 

Tax adjustment for inflation

 

 

 

(0.3

)

Domestic manufacturing deduction

 

(0.4

)

(1.1

)

 

One-time bad debt and worthless stock deduction

 

 

 

(33.0

)

Nondeductible foreign expenses

 

(0.9

)

(1.3

)

(0.1

)

Other

 

(1.5

)

0.5

 

(2.0

)

Effective income tax rate

 

28.5

%

20.0

%

39.5

%

 

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.

 

Adjustments relating to the U.S. impact of foreign operations increased the effective tax rate by 0.2 percentage points in 2012 and decreased the effective tax rate by 15.1 percentage points in 2011. Included were adjustments for dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, adjustments for foreign tax credits and adjustments relating to the unremitted earnings calculations under applicable U.S. GAAP. Adjustments relating to the U.S. tax impact of foreign operations decreased the effective tax rate by 15.1 percentage points in 2011 and increased the effective tax rate by 13.5 percentage points in 2010. Included were adjustments for dividends received from foreign subsidiaries, adjustments for foreign tax credits and adjustments relating to the unremitted earnings calculations under applicable U.S. GAAP. The components of this calculation were:

 

Components of U.S. tax impact of foreign operations

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Dividends received from foreign subsidiaries

 

4.5

%

26.2

%

25.5

%

Foreign tax credits

 

(4.0

)

(33.1

)

(31.7

)

Unremitted earnings

 

(0.3

)

(8.2

)

19.7

 

Total

 

0.2

%

(15.1

)%

13.5

%

 

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

 

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As of December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

Inventory

 

$

1,718

 

$

1,635

 

Accrued liabilities

 

3,464

 

3,269

 

Impaired investments

 

727

 

765

 

Deferred compensation

 

3,075

 

2,514

 

Intangibles assets

 

2,308

 

8,084

 

Bad debts

 

49

 

59

 

Net operating losses

 

4,152

 

4,547

 

Foreign tax and withholding credits

 

4,406

 

5,675

 

Non-income tax accruals

 

452

 

170

 

Health insurance accruals

 

186

 

171

 

Undistributed foreign earnings

 

2,704

 

2,425

 

Other deferred tax assets

 

2,357

 

2,265

 

Valuation allowance

 

(8,149

)

(9,836

)

Total deferred tax assets

 

17,449

 

21,743

 

Other deferred tax liabilities

 

(720

)

(868

)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(720

)

(868

)

Total deferred taxes, net

 

$

16,729

 

$

20,875

 

 

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

 

As of December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

Net current deferred tax assets

 

$

5,307

 

$

3,945

 

Net non-current deferred tax assets

 

11,516

 

17,026

 

Total net deferred tax assets

 

16,823

 

20,971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net current deferred tax liabilities

 

(1

)

(1

)

Net non-current deferred tax liabilities

 

(93

)

(95

)

Total net deferred tax liabilities

 

(94

)

(96

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total deferred taxes, net

 

$

16,729

 

$

20,875

 

 

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 $8,149 and $9,836 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for certain deferred tax assets, including foreign net operating losses, for which management cannot conclude it is more likely than not that they will be realized. The Company reviewed its tax positions and decreased its valuation allowance by approximately $1,687 in 2012 primarily due to a domestic decrease of $2,079 partially offset by a foreign increase of $392.

 

At December 31, 2012, foreign subsidiaries had unused operating loss carryovers for tax purposes of approximately $4,152. The net operating losses will expire at various dates from 2013 through 2022. For financial reporting purposes, the release of these valuation allowances would reduce income tax expenses. At December 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $4,406 of foreign tax credit, most of which expire in 2020.

 

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 2009 through 2011 are open to examination for federal tax purposes. The Company has several foreign tax jurisdictions that have open tax years from 2004 through 2011. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently conducting an audit of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the 2009 and 2010 tax years. The IRS has also indicated that it intends to include 2011 in the aforementioned audit. The Company is currently unable to determine the precise outcome of these matters and their related impact if any, on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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 intra-group transfers of property and the disallowance of related deductions. The Company challenged the IRS proposals, and took the matter before the Office of Appeals of the Internal Revenue Service.  A settlement was reached with IRS Appeals and a proposed settlement agreement was signed by NSP in January 2012. The Company has made all required payments as of June 30, 2012 related to this matter and the examination period for the 2003 through 2005 taxable years closed on December 31, 2012.

 

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During 2011, the IRS issued an examination report formally proposing adjustments with respect to the 2006 through 2008 taxable years.  As with the previous examination cycle discussed above, the adjustments relate primarily to the prices that were charged in intra-group transfers of property and the disallowance of related deductions.  The Company reached a settlement of the issues with the IRS examination team and an agreement was signed by the Company in January 2012. The Company has made all required payments as of December 31, 2012 related to this matter and the examination period for the 2006 through 2007 taxable years closed on September 15, 2012. The examination period for the 2008 taxable year previously closed on March 15, 2012.

 

The total outstanding balance for liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $10,571 and $10,426, respectively, all of which would favorably impact the effective tax rate if recognized.  Included in these amounts is approximately $1,052 and $1,460, respectively, of interest and penalties.  The Company decreased interest and penalties approximately $408 and $321 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, 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, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company added approximately $3,471, $2,379 and $3,682, respectively, to its liability for unrecognized tax benefits. Included in these amounts are approximately $339, $491 and $1,250 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 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 $2,815, $1,728 and $3,132 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, all of which favorably impacted the Company’s effective tax rate.

 

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,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits, opening balance

 

$

8,966

 

$

15,058

 

$

19,687

 

Settlement of liability reclassified as income tax payable

 

 

(4,479

)

 

Payments on liability

 

(15

)

(2,590

)

 

Tax positions taken in a prior period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross increases

 

1,120

 

541

 

2,432

 

Gross decreases

 

(504

)

 

(980

)

Tax positions taken in the current period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross increases

 

2,011

 

1,347

 

 

Gross decreases

 

 

 

 

Lapse of applicable statute of limitations

 

(2,068

)

(914

)

(1,566

)

Currency translation adjustments

 

9

 

3

 

(4,515

)

Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance

 

$

9,519

 

$

8,966

 

$

15,058

 

 

Based upon the Company’s negotiations with the IRS in prior audit cycles, it is not likely the Company would seek competent authority related to its current unrecognized tax reserves.

 

The Company anticipates that unrecognized tax benefits will increase approximately $1,000 to $1,500 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 $1,500 to $2,000 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 differences 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 12:  CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS

 

Dividends

 

The declaration of future dividends is subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend upon various factors, including the Company’s earnings, financial condition, restrictions imposed by any indebtedness that may be outstanding, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by its Board of Directors.

 

On May 7, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.05 per common share in an aggregate amount of $780 that was paid on May 29, 2012 to shareholders of record on May 18, 2012.  On August 1, 2012,

 

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the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.05 per common share in an aggregate amount of $780 that was paid on August 23, 2012 to shareholders of record on August 13, 2012.  On November 2, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.05 per common share in an aggregate amount of $789 that was paid on November 26, 2012 to shareholders of record on November 15, 2012.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company’s shareholders adopted and approved the Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Incentive Plan”).  The 2012 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.  The 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 2012 Incentive Plan, subject to the limitations of the 2012 Incentive Plan. A total of 1,500 shares of the Company’s common stock were authorized for the granting of awards under the 2012 Incentive Plan. The number of shares available for awards, as well as the terms of outstanding awards, are subject to adjustment as provided in the 2012 Incentive Plan for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and other similar events.

 

The Company also maintains a stock incentive plan, which was approved by shareholders in 2009 (the “2009 Incentive Plan”). The 2009 Incentive Plan also provided 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.  Under the 2012 Incentive Plan, any shares subject to award, or awards forfeited or reacquired by the Company issued under the 2009 Incentive Plan are available for award up to a maximum of 400 shares.

 

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.

 

Stock option activity for 2012, 2011 and 2010 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares (in
thousands)

 

Weighted Average Exercise
Price Per Share

 

Options outstanding at January 1, 2010

 

455

 

$

8.25

 

Granted

 

475

 

10.03

 

Forfeited or canceled

 

(48

)

9.98

 

Exercised

 

(23

)

5.81

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2010

 

859

 

9.20

 

Granted

 

630

 

10.84

 

Forfeited or canceled

 

(79

)

9.64

 

Exercised

 

(36

)

11.08

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2011

 

1,374

 

9.88

 

Granted

 

686

 

15.11

 

Forfeited or canceled

 

(35

)

13.60

 

Exercised

 

(241

)

9.95

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2012

 

1,784

 

$

11.81

 

 

The Company’s outstanding stock options include time-based stock options which vest over differing periods ranging from the date of issuance up to 48 months from the option grant date, performance-based stock options which vest upon achieving operating income margins of six, eight and ten percent as reported in four of five consecutive quarters over the term of the options, and performance-based stock options which vest upon achieving cumulative annual net sales revenue growth targets over a rolling two-year period subject to the Company maintaining at least an eight percent operating income margin during the applicable period.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company issued time-based options to purchase 217 shares of common stock under the 2009 Incentive Plan to the Company’s new senior executives. These options were issued with a weighted average exercise price of $15.65 per share and a weighted average grant date fair value of $7.66 per share. All of the options issued have an option termination date of ten years from the option grant date.

 

Also, during the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company issued options to purchase 469 shares of common stock under the 2012 Incentive Plan to the Company’s executive officers and other employees, which are composed of both time-based stock options and net sales revenue performance-based stock options. These options were issued with a weighted average exercise price of $14.86 per share and a weighted average grant date fair value of $7.00 per share. All of the options issued have an option termination date of ten years from the option grant date.

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company issued options to purchase 630 shares of common stock under the 2009 Incentive Plan to the Company’s executive officers, other employees and to new members of its Board of Directors. These options were issued with a weighted-average exercise price of $10.84 per share, and a weighted-average grant date fair value of $5.13 per share. All of the options issued have an option termination date of ten years from the option grant date.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company issued options to purchase 475 shares of common stock under the 2009 Incentive Plan, issued to the Company’s executive officers and other employees and to a new member of the Board of Directors, of which 300 were subject to achieving certain operating income metrics.  These options were issued with a weighted average exercise price of $10.03 per share, and a weighted-average grant date fair value of $4.27 per share.  All of the 475 options issued have an option termination date of ten years from the option grant date.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company issued 241, 36 and 23 shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options at an average exercise price of $9.95, $11.08 and $5.81 per share, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011and 2010 was $1,427, $211 and $82, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recognized $378 of tax benefits from the exercise of stock options during the period.

 

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, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Weighted average grant date fair value of grants

 

$

7.21

 

$

5.13

 

$

4.27

 

Expected life (in years)

 

4.0 to 6.0

 

3.0 to 4.0

 

4.0

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

0.3 to 0.9

 

0.7 to 1.2

 

0.6 to 1.5

 

Expected volatility

 

58.5 to 66.0

 

49.0 to 67.7

 

51.3 to 65.8

 

Dividend yield

 

0.0 to 1.3

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

 

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 time-based stock options for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $2,101, $557 and $437, respectively; the related tax benefit was approximately $850, $222 and $173, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to grants described above was $2,715, $607 and $451, respectively.  As of December 31, 2012, the remaining compensation cost is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of approximately 1.8 years.

 

Shared-based compensation expense from operating income performance-based stock options for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $653, $2,921 and $0, respectively; the related tax benefit of approximately $255, $1,168 and $0, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, there is no remaining compensation expense to be recognized for the operating income performance-based stock options.

 

The Company has not recognized any share-based compensation expense related to the net sales revenue performance-based stock options for the year ended December 31, 2012.  Should the Company attain all of the net sales revenue metrics related to the net sales revenue performance-based stock option grants, the Company would recognize up to $600 of potential share-based compensation expense.

 

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012.

 

 

 

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.
Remaining
Contractual Life

 

Weighted-Avg.
Exercise Price
Per Share

 

$5.35 to $9.99

 

740

 

7.5

 

$

8.08

 

690

 

7.5

 

$

8.05

 

$10.00 to $11.99

 

188

 

7.3

 

11.38

 

188

 

7.3

 

11.38

 

$12.00 to $16.12

 

856

 

9.0

 

15.12

 

133

 

8.5

 

15.05

 

 

 

1,784

 

8.2

 

$

11.81

 

1,011

 

7.6

 

$

9.59

 

 

At December 31, 2012, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options to purchase 1,784 shares of common stock, the exercisable options to purchase 1,011 shares of common stock, and options to purchase 644 shares of common stock expected to vest was $5,315, $5,016 and $281, respectively. At December 31, 2011, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options to purchase 1,374 shares of common stock, the exercisable options to purchase 772 shares of common stock, and options to purchase 602 shares of common stock expected to vest was $7,757, $4,819 and $2,732, respectively.

 

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During the period ended December 31, 2012, the Company issued 18 restricted stock units (RSUs) of common stock under the 2012 Incentive Plan to the Board of Directors. The RSUs were issued with a weighted average grant date fair value of $12.07 per share and vest in 12 monthly installments over a one year period from the grant date.

 

Restricted stock unit activity for the period ended December 31, 2012 is as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Units outstanding at December 31, 2011

 

 

$

 

Granted

 

18

 

12.07

 

Issued

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

Units outstanding at December 31, 2012

 

18

 

12.07

 

 

RSUs are valued at the market value on the date of grant.  Due to post-vesting restrictions, a Finnerty Model was utilized to calculate a valuation discount from the market value of common shares reflecting the restriction embedded in the RSUs preventing the sale of the underlying shares over a certain period of time. The Finnerty Model proposes to estimate a discount for lack of marketability such as transfer restrictions by using an option pricing theory. This model has gained recognition through its ability to address the magnitude of the discount by considering the volatility of a company’s stock price and the length of restriction. The concept underpinning the Finnerty Model is that restricted stock cannot be sold over a certain period of time.

 

Share-based compensation expense from RSUs for the period ended December 31, 2012 was approximately $124 and the related tax benefit was approximately $49. As of December 31, 2012, the unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to the grants described above was $99. As of December 30, 2012, the remaining compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of approximately 0.4 years.

 

NOTE 13:  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. During 2012, the Company made matching contributions of 50 percent of employee contributions up to a maximum of five percent of the employee’s compensation (the match was increased from 50 percent to 60 percent of employee contributions up to a maximum of five percent beginning in fiscal year 2013). The Company’s contributions to the plan vest after a period of three years. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company contributed to the plan approximately $551, $438 and $1,065, 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 $1,276 and $1,429 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The change in the liability associated with the deferred compensation plan is recorded in the deferred compensation payable.

 

NOTE 14:  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 $6,096, $6,177 and $6,174 in connection with operating leases during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The approximate aggregate commitments under non-cancelable operating leases in effect at December 31, 2012 were as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31,

 

 

 

2013

 

$

4,688

 

2014

 

3,961

 

2015

 

2,542

 

2016

 

1,618

 

2017

 

1,598

 

Thereafter

 

640

 

Total

 

$

15,047

 

 

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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, 2012, the Company has entered into non-cancelable purchase agreements for $8,344 related to fiscal year 2013 production needs.

 

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 2012, 2011 and 2010, the aggregate amounts of these payments were $1,270, $8,360 and $2,987, 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 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.

 

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, either the losses are not considered to be probable or 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 $1,100.

 

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, including value added taxes and sales tax. The Company provides provisions for U.S. state sales taxes in each of the states where the Company has nexus. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, accrued liabilities include $6,207 and $6,921, 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.

 

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, which portions of its self-insurance accruals should be considered short-term and long-term. The Company has accrued $2,990 and $2,892 for product liability and employee medical claims at December 31, 2012 and 2011,

 

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respectively, of which $532 and $489 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, results of operations or cash flows.

 

NOTE 15:  OPERATING BUSINESS SEGMENT AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATION INFORMATION

 

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

 

The Company has two business segments that operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products brand and are divided based on the characteristics of their Distributor base, similarities in compensation plans, as well as the internal organization of NSP’s officers and their responsibilities (NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe; and NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe). The Company’s third business segment operates under the Synergy WorldWide brand, which distributes its products through different marketing and Distributor compensation plans and products with formulations that are sufficiently different from those of the NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe; and NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe to warrant accounting for these operations as a separate business segment. Net sales revenues for each segment have been reduced by intercompany sales as they are not included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief executive officer. The Company evaluates performance based on contribution margin (loss) by segment before consideration of certain inter-segment transfers and expenses.

 

Historically, the Company had reported its two business segments that operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products brand based upon their geographic operations in the United States (NSP United States) and in the countries outside the United States (NSP International).  This was how the Company was regularly evaluated by the chief executive officer and executive team.

 

During 2012, the Company engaged in a reorganization process in which the business segments, the roles of upper management responsible for the operating segments, and the information provided to the chief operating decision maker were reevaluated.  As a result of the reorganization process, the two historical NSP segments (NSP United States and NSP International), which were previously separated based on geographical operations, were divided into two different identifiable segments (NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe; and NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe) based on the nature of the business activities of each segment, the existence of Managers responsible for them, and information presented to the chief operating decision maker. The two new segments distribute products in differing ways in that NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe sells products through a mixture of retailing, practitioners and direct selling while NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe’s business model is more oriented to a network marketing approach.  The chief operating decision maker now reviews the operating results of the two new NSP segments. The new NSP segments also conform to the revised internal management structure. There was no change to the Synergy WorldWide segment.  The presentation of the comparative information has been revised to conform to the 2012 presentation.

 

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Reportable business segment information for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net sales revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe

 

$

208,945

 

$

216,912

 

$

225,213

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

57,853

 

56,986

 

56,141

 

Synergy WorldWide

 

100,670

 

93,915

 

68,564

 

Total net sales revenue

 

367,468

 

367,813

 

349,918

 

Contribution margin (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe

 

82,778

 

86,004

 

86,570

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

21,957

 

22,374

 

20,755

 

Synergy WorldWide

 

36,142

 

36,143

 

22,962

 

Total contribution margin

 

140,877

 

144,521

 

130,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

106,861

 

109,606

 

119,024

 

Contract termination costs

 

 

14,750

 

 

Operating income

 

34,016

 

20,165

 

11,263

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income, net

 

1,480

 

1,847

 

2,727

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

$

35,496

 

$

22,012

 

$

13,990

 

 


(1)         Contribution margin consists of net sales revenue less cost of sales and volume incentives expense.

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Capital expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe

 

$

5,684

 

$

993

 

$

1,898

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

44

 

66

 

 

Synergy WorldWide

 

1,051

 

1,183

 

779

 

Total capital expenditures

 

$

6,779

 

$

2,242

 

$

2,677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe

 

$

3,339

 

$

3,827

 

$

3,721

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

36

 

43

 

23

 

Synergy WorldWide

 

703

 

492

 

510

 

Total depreciation and amortization

 

$

4,078

 

$

4,362

 

$

4,254

 

 

As of December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe

 

$

136,237

 

$

124,483

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe

 

8,558

 

9,030

 

Synergy WorldWide

 

49,124

 

42,298

 

Total assets

 

$

193,919

 

$

175,811

 

 

From an individual country perspective, only the United States comprises approximately 10 percent or more of consolidated net sales revenue for any of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 as follows:

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net sales revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

154,716

 

$

159,471

 

$

156,767

 

Other

 

212,752

 

208,342

 

193,151

 

Total net sales revenue

 

$

367,468

 

$

367,813

 

$

349,918

 

 

Revenue generated by each of the Company’s product lines is set forth below (U.S. dollars in thousands):

 

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Year Ended December 31,

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 

NSP Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

118,211

 

$

121,907

 

$

118,531

 

Vitamins and Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

80,567

 

81,974

 

91,852

 

Personal Care Products

 

6,150

 

7,503

 

7,924

 

Other Products

 

4,017

 

5,528

 

6,906

 

 

 

208,945

 

216,912

 

225,213

 

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

25,311

 

$

25,120

 

$

26,867

 

Vitamins and Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

26,147

 

24,202

 

24,416

 

Personal Care Products

 

6,203

 

7,479

 

4,638

 

Other Products

 

192

 

185

 

220

 

 

 

57,853

 

56,986

 

56,141

 

Synergy WorldWide:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

39,607

 

$

33,563

 

$

28,045

 

Vitamins and Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

54,128

 

50,936

 

32,296

 

Personal Care Products

 

5,350

 

7,526

 

6,542

 

Other Products

 

1,585

 

1,890

 

1,681

 

 

 

100,670

 

93,915

 

68,564

 

Total net sales revenue

 

$

367,468

 

$

367,813

 

$

349,918

 

 

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

 

As of December 31 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

20,923

 

$

18,119

 

Venezuela

 

3,535

 

3,939

 

Other

 

3,492

 

3,079

 

Total property, plant and equipment

 

$

27,950

 

$

25,137

 

 

NOTE 16:  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company maintains split-dollar life insurance policies on certain executives. The cash surrender value of $49 and $51 related to such policies is recorded in other assets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Mr. Eugene Hughes, a former 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 17:  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

 

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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, 2012:

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal obligations

 

$

 

$

638

 

$

 

$

638

 

U.S. government security funds

 

986

 

 

 

986

 

Equity securities

 

447

 

 

 

447

 

Investment securities

 

1,276

 

 

 

1,276

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

2,709

 

$

638

 

$

 

$

3,347

 

 

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011:

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal obligations

 

$

 

$

1,209

 

$

 

$

1,209

 

U.S. government security funds

 

983

 

 

 

983

 

Short-term deposits

 

 

3,104

 

 

3,104

 

Equity securities

 

381

 

 

 

381

 

Investment securities

 

1,429

 

 

 

1,429

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

2,793

 

$

4,313

 

$

 

$

7,106

 

 

Investments available-for-sale — The majority of the Company’s investment portfolio consist of various securities such as state and municipal obligations, U.S. government security funds, short-term deposits and various equity securities.  The Level 1 securities are valued using quoted prices for identical assets in active markets including equity securities and U.S. government treasuries.  The Level 2 securities include investments in state and municipal obligations 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 marketable securities that are valued using quoted prices in active markets.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

 

NOTE 18:  SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY OPERATIONS — UNAUDITED

 

As discussed in Note 2, during the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company changed its method of accounting to present shipping and handling costs related to the sale of the Company’s products together with the cost of sales in the consolidated statement of operations. These shipping and handling costs have previously been presented by the Company as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. This change has been made retrospectively to all periods presented in the Company’s financial statements. The impact of the change in accounting principle in the three months ended December 31, 2012 was to increase cost of sales and decrease selling, general and administrative expenses by $5,281. The total amount of shipping and handling costs reclassified by the Company from selling, general and administrative expense to cost of sales in its consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012, and March 31, 2012 is $5,431, $5,524, and $5,369, respectively. The total amount of shipping and handling costs reclassified by the Company from selling, general and administrative expense to cost of sales in its consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2011, September 30, 2011, June 30, 2011, and March 31, 2011 is $5,061, $5,078, $4,911 and $4,949, respectively.

 

The following tables presents the Company’s unaudited summary of quarterly operations during 2012 and 2011 for each of three month periods ended March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.

 

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For the Quarter Ended

 

 

 

March 31,
2012

 

June 30,
2012

 

September
30, 2012

 

December
31, 2012

 

Net sales revenue

 

$

92,868

 

$

92,991

 

$

91,232

 

$

90,377

 

Cost of sales

 

(23,729

)

(22,610

)

(23,144

)

(23,841

)

Gross profit

 

69,139

 

70,381

 

68,088

 

66,536

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volume incentives

 

33,581

 

33,540

 

33,155

 

32,991

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

26,384

 

26,530

 

26,228

 

27,719

 

Operating income

 

9,174

 

10,311

 

8,705

 

5,826

 

Other income (expense)

 

(110

)

165

 

(214

)

1,639

 

Income before income taxes

 

9,064

 

10,476

 

8,491

 

7,465

 

Tax provision

 

1,836

 

3,190

 

2,121

 

2,969

 

Net income

 

$

7,228

 

$

7,286

 

$

6,370

 

$

4,496

 

Basic and diluted net income per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.47

 

$

0.41

 

$

0.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.40

 

$

0.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.05

 

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended

 

 

 

March 31,
2011

 

June 30,
2011

 

September
30, 2011

 

December
31, 2011

 

Net sales revenue

 

$

92,844

 

$

91,811

 

$

91,102

 

$

92,056

 

Cost of sales

 

(23,501

)

(22,040

)

(21,957

)

(21,911

)

Gross profit

 

69,343

 

69,771

 

69,145

 

70,145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volume incentives

 

34,298

 

33,390

 

32,733

 

33,462

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

27,424

 

28,329

 

26,767

 

27,086

 

Contract termination costs

 

 

 

14,750

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

7,621

 

8,052

 

(5,105

)

9,597

 

Other income (expense)

 

265

 

(420

)

1,204

 

798

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

7,886

 

7,632

 

(3,901

)

10,395

 

Tax provision (benefit)

 

1,264

 

2,018

 

(1,645

)

2,774

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

6,622

 

$

5,614

 

$

(2,256

)

$

7,621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.36

 

$

(0.14

)

$

0.49

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.36

 

$

(0.14

)

$

0.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share is 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.

 

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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Overview

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Company.

 

The following discussion sets forth a summary of management’s evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2012. In addition, this item provides a discussion of management’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting.

 

Our independent registered public accountants have also issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting.  This report appears below.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our 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 our Annual Report as of December 31, 2012, our 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, 2012. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2012.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework set forth in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on management’s assessment under this framework, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.  The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

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

 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, 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 the assessed 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 the 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.

 

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

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, 2012 of the Company and our report dated March 6, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s change in accounting method for presentation of shipping and handling costs.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

 

 

Salt Lake City, Utah

 

March 6, 2013

 

 

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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, 2012, 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, 2012.

 

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, 2012.

 

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, 2012.

 

Item 14.  Principal Accounting 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, 2012.

 

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, 2012 and 2011

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010

 

 

 

 

 

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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Table of Contents

 

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 6, 2013

By:

/s/ Michael D. Dean

 

 

 

 

 

Michael D. Dean,

 

 

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/ Gregory L. Probert

 

Executive Chairman of the Board and Director

 

March 6, 2013

Gregory L. Probert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael D. Dean

 

Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

March 6, 2013

Michael D. Dean

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Kristine F. Hughes

 

Vice Chair of the Board and Director

 

March 6, 2013

Kristine F. Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Stephen M. Bunker

 

Executive Vice President,

 

March 6, 2013

Stephen M. Bunker

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Albert R. Dowden

 

Director

 

March 6, 2013

Albert R. Dowden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/Mark R. Genender

 

Director

 

March 6, 2013

Mark R. Genender

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Robert B. Mercer

 

Director

 

March 6, 2013

Robert B. Mercer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Willem Mesdag

 

Director

 

March 6, 2013

Willem Mesdag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Jeffrey D. Watkins

 

Director

 

March 6, 2013

Jeffrey D. Watkins

 

 

 

 

 

70



Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011, AND 2010

(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, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

$

647

 

$

45

 

$

(86

)

$

(1

)

$

26

 

$

631

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for sales returns

 

109

 

2,296

 

(2,249

)

 

(2

)

154

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for obsolete inventory

 

2,083

 

985

 

(809

)

 

(5

)

2,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax valuation allowance

 

9,836

 

(1,687

)

 

 

 

8,149

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

$

918

 

$

(133

)

$

(174

)

$

12

 

$

24

 

$

647

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for sales returns

 

90

 

625

 

(606

)

 

 

109

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for obsolete inventory

 

2,397

 

732

 

(1,057

)

10

 

1

 

2,083

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax valuation allowance

 

12,282

 

(2,390

)

(56

)

 

 

9,836

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

$

1,840

 

$

213

 

$

(1,148

)

$

 

$

13

 

$

918

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for sales returns

 

55

 

640

 

(605

)

 

 

90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for obsolete inventory

 

2,833

 

1,196

 

(1,605

)

 

(27

)

2,397

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax valuation allowance

 

18,662

 

302

 

(6,706

)

 

24

 

12,282

 

 

71



Table of Contents

 

LIST OF EXHIBITS

 

Item No.

 

Exhibit

 

 

 

3.1(1)

 

Adjusted and Adjusted Articles of Incorporation.

3.2(1)

 

Adjusted and Adjusted By-laws.

10.1(1)*

 

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

10.2(1)*

 

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

10.3(1)*

 

1995 Stock Option Plan, as Adjusted.

10.4(1)*

 

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

10.6(3)*

 

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

10.7(2)*

 

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

10.11(4)*

 

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

10.12(5)*

 

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

10.13(5)*

 

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

10.14(6)

 

2009 Stock Incentive Plan

10.15(9)

 

Form of Award Agreement (2009 Stock Incentive Plan)

10.16(7)

 

First Amendment to Employment Agreement and Form of Consulting Agreement, dated March 12, 2011, by and between the Company and Douglas Faggioli

10.17(7)

 

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

10.18(7)

 

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

10.19(8)

 

Employment Agreement, dated June 17, 2011, by and between the Company and Gregory L. Probert

10.20(8)

 

Stock Option Agreement, dated June 17, 2011, by and between the Company and Gregory L. Probert

10.21(9)

 

Employment Agreement, dated January 25, 2012, by and between the Company and D. Wynne Roberts

10.22(9)

 

Stock Option Agreement, dated February 6, 2012, by and between the Company and D.Wynne Roberts

10.23(12)

 

2012 Stock Incentive Plan

10.24(12)

 

Form of Award Agreement (2012 Stock Incentive Plan)

14(1)

 

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

18(10)

 

Letter from Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm regarding change in accounting pricnciple

21(10)

 

List of Subsidiaries of Registrant.

23.1(10)

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

31.1(10)

 

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

31.2(10)

 

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

32.1(11)

 

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

32.2(11)

 

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

101.INS**

 

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

72



Table of Contents

 


**

 

Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the (iii)Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 and (iv) the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

(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, 2010 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, 200+ as Appendix C, an exhibit to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

(7)

 

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.

(8)

 

Filed with the SEC on June 22, 2011 as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

(9)

 

Filed with the SEC on February 23, 2011 as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

(10)

 

Filed herewith.

(11)

 

Furnished herewith.

(12)

 

Filed with the SEC on August 3, 2012 as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

*

 

Management contract or compensatory plan.

 

73