NATURES SUNSHINE PRODUCTS INC - Quarter Report: 2005 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended		Commission File Number
September 30, 2005		0-8707

 

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Utah		87-0327982
(State or other jurisdiction of		(IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification No.)
75 East 1700 South
Provo, Utah 84606
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(801) 342-4300
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has 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  ý  No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ý  No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    

Yes  o  No  ý

 

The number of shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding on November 18, 2005 was 15,276,029 shares.

 

When we refer in this Form 10-Q to the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us,” we mean Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc., a Utah corporation, together with our subsidiaries.

 

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2005

 

Table of Contents

 

Explanatory Note
Part I. Financial Information
	Item 1.	Financial Statements
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
	Item 4.	Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Part II. Other Information
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
	Item 6.	Exhibits

 

2

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

STATEMENT REGARDING REVIEW OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As we previously disclosed in our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 10, 2005, we are currently reviewing selected financial information with respect to certain of our foreign operations.  Accordingly, our independent auditor has not reviewed the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005 in accordance with Rule 10-01(d) of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  We believe the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position.  Upon the completion of the review by our independent auditor, we intend to file an amendment to this report to reflect the review of our independent auditor and will reflect material changes, if any, resulting from our review of selected financial information with respect to certain of our foreign operations and the review by our independent auditor.  Completion of a review of the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the filing of the amendment will make this report current, although it will not be deemed timely for purposes of the rules governing eligibility to use registration statements on Forms S-2 and S-3.

 

In addition, on November 16, 2005, we received a notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of The NASDAQ Stock Market stating that, due to the delayed filing of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005, we are not currently in compliance with the requirements of Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(14).  The Rule requires us to file with NASDAQ copies of all reports required to be filed with the SEC on or before the date they are required to be filed with the SEC.  The NASDAQ Stock Market notified us that our securities could be delisted from The NASDAQ Stock Market at the opening of business on November 28, 2005, unless we request a hearing appealing the possible delisting with The NASDAQ Stock Market’s Listings Qualifications Panel (the “Panel”) in accordance with the Marketplace Rules 4800 Series.  Such a request for an appeal to the Panel will stay the delisting of our securities pending the Panel’s decision pursuant to Marketplace Rule 4805.  We intend to appeal the possible delisting to the Panel.  We believe we have strong arguments against delisting. 

 

3

 

PART I  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

		September 30, 2005			December 31, 2004
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	41,075		$	36,206
Accounts receivable, net		6,442			6,540
Inventories, net		39,060			36,713
Deferred income tax assets		7,935			4,525
Prepaid expenses and other		10,206			8,522
Total current assets		104,718			92,506
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net		33,666			34,731
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS		6,753			7,746
DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS, net		5,310			5,734
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		1,533			1,757
OTHER ASSETS		2,827			2,602
		$	154,807		$	145,076
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Line of credit		$	9,000		$	7,500
Accounts payable		5,792			4,509
Accrued volume incentives		15,442			14,662
Accrued liabilities		19,873			20,665
Income taxes payable		2,635			4,476
Total current liabilities		52,742			51,812
DEFERRED COMPENSATION		1,920			2,045
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common Stock, no par value; 20,000 shares authorized, 19,446 shares issued		24,580			21,692
Retained earnings		149,144			139,074
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,196 and 4,571 shares, respectively		(54,758		)	(51,324		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(18,821		)	(18,223		)
Total shareholders’ equity		100,145			91,219
		$	154,807		$	145,076

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per-Share Information)

(Unaudited)

 

		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2005			2004
NET SALES REVENUE (net of the rebate portion of volume incentives of $10,563 and $8,823, respectively)		$	87,706		$	84,521
COST AND EXPENSES:
Cost of goods sold		16,521			15,515
Volume incentives		34,572			33,363
Selling, general and administrative		31,972			28,861
OPERATING INCOME		4,641			6,782
OTHER INCOME
Interest income		89			94
Interest expense		(55		)	(59		)
Other income (expense), net		(278		)	140
		(244		)	175
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		4,397			6,957
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		72			2,350
NET INCOME		4,325			4,607
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(217		)	319
Net unrealized holding losses on marketable securities		(2		)	(5		)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains on marketable securities included in net income		(9		)	32
		(228		)	346
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME		$	4,097		$	4,953
BASIC NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE		$	0.28		$	0.31
WEIGHTED AVERAGE BASIC COMMON SHARES		15,415			15,076
DILUTED NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE		$	0.28		$	0.29
WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED COMMON SHARES		15,674			15,654

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5

 

		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2005			2004
NET SALES REVENUE (net of the rebate portion of volume incentives of $29,454 and $27,930, respectively)		$	261,147		$	242,720
COST AND EXPENSES:
Cost of goods sold		46,044			45,343
Volume incentives		103,241			92,986
Selling, general and administrative		96,903			89,232
OPERATING INCOME		14,959			15,159
OTHER INCOME
Interest income		213			280
Interest expense		(212		)	(73		)
Other income (expense), net		(287		)	696
		(286		)	903
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		14,673			16,062
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		2,313			3,645
NET INCOME		12,360			12,417
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(558		)	(1,573		)
Net unrealized holding losses on marketable securities		(23		)	(68		)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains on marketable securities included in net income		(17		)	22
		(598		)	(1,619		)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME		$	11,761		$	10,798
BASIC NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE		$	0.81		$	0.84
WEIGHTED AVERAGE BASIC COMMON SHARES		15,191			14,846
DILUTED NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE		$	0.80		$	0.81
WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED COMMON SHARES		15,543			15,395

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2005			2004
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income		$	12,360		$	12,417
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		4,675			4,229
Tax benefit from stock option exercises		3,361			966
(Loss) gain on sale of property, plant and equipment		(53		)	313
Deferred income taxes		(3,027		)	(1,448		)
Deferred compensation		(220		)	(222		)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net		(133		)	(1,403		)
Inventories, net		(2,558		)	(8,523		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(1,420		)	(2,891		)
Accounts payable		1,291			2,532
Accrued volume incentives		798			2,170
Accrued liabilities		(835		)	6,963
Income taxes payable		(1,850		)	1,681
Net cash provided by operating activities		12,389			16,784
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures		(3,561		)	(6,061		)
Proceeds from sale (purchase) of investments		349			(1,176		)
Payments received on long-term receivables		298			478
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		151			79
Net cash used in investing activities		(2,763		)	(6,680		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds (payments) from line of credit		1,500			(5,000		)
Payment of cash dividends		(2,290		)	(2,235		)
Purchase of treasury stock		(11,305		)	(17		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		7,390			7,205
Net cash used in financing activities		(4,705		)	(47		)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH		(52		)	(1,201		)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS		4,869			8,856
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT
BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD		36,206			30,665
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT
END OF THE PERIOD		$	41,075		$	39,521

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

7

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per-Share Information)

(Unaudited)

 

(1)                                 BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements of Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. and subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally required in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes the following disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

 

These unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which in the opinion of management are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the periods presented.  All of the adjustments which have been made in these condensed consolidated financial statements are of a normal recurring nature.  Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005.

 

Certain reclassifications have been made in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004 consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, we reclassified to Sales Revenue $904 and $2,619, respectively, of membership fees that were previously recorded as a decrease to selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

(2)                                 RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In April 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (SAB No. 107), delaying the required implementation of SFAS No. 123R.  Under SAB No. 107, SFAS No. 123R was to become effective as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period that began after June 15, 2005.

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. SFAS No. 123R requires us to recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for our equity instruments. Currently, in accordance with APB Opinion 25, we record the intrinsic value of stock-based compensation as expense. Accordingly, no compensation expense is currently recognized for fixed

 

8

 

stock option plans as the exercise price equals the stock price on the date of grant. Under SFAS No. 123R, we will be required to measure compensation expense over the stock options’ vesting period based on the stock options’ fair value at the date the options are granted. SFAS No. 123R allows for the use of the Black-Scholes or a lattice option-pricing model to value such options. We have determined that we will use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of our options. As allowed by SFAS No. 123R, we can elect either Modified Prospective Application, which applies SFAS No. 123R to new awards and modified awards after the effective date, and to any unvested awards as service is rendered on or after the effective date, or Modified Retrospective Application, which can apply SFAS No. 123R to either all prior years for which SFAS No. 123 was effective or only to prior interim periods in the year of adoption. We are currently evaluating which method of application will be used. Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements illustrates the effects on net income and earnings per share if we had adopted SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Management does not believe the adoption will have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4,” which requires that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, the statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company will adopt this statement as required, and management does not believe the adoption will have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

 

(3)                                 INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

				September 30,			December 31,
				2005			2004
Raw materials				$	9,662		$	8,705
Work in process				1,546			694
Finished goods				27,852			27,314
				$	39,060		$	36,713

 

(4)                                 DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The composition of the Company’s definite-lived intangible assets is as follows:

 

		As of September 30, 2005									As of December 31, 2004
		Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net			Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net
Acquired Distributor Networks		$	3,213		$	1,680		$	1,533		$	3,213		$	1,456		$	1,757

 

9

 

As of September 30, 2005, the Company determined that none of its intangible assets are impaired. Amortization expense for intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, was $224 and $262, respectively.  Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2005 and the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

 

 

(5)                                 NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

 

Basic net income per common share or “Basic EPS” is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted net income 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 common stock equivalents that would have an anti-dilutive effect on net income per common share.  For periods in which the Company incurs losses, Diluted EPS does not assume the exercise or conversion of common stock equivalents.

 

As of September 30, 2005, the Company had a total of 570 common stock options outstanding.  These options were granted at fair market value and have a weighted-average exercise price of $9.91 per share.

 

10

 

The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of Basic EPS to the numerator and denominator of Diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.

 

		Net Income (Numerator)			Shares (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
Basic EPS		$	4,325		15,415		$	0.28
Effect of stock options		—			259		—
Diluted EPS		$	4,325		15,674		$	0.28
Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
Basic EPS		$	4,607		15,076		$	0.31
Effect of stock options		—			578		(0.02		)
Diluted EPS		$	4,607		15,654		$	0.29
Nine months ended September 30, 2005
Basic EPS		$	12,360		15,191		$	0.81
Effect of stock options		—			352		(0.01		)
Diluted EPS		$	12,360		15,543		$	0.80
Nine months ended September 30, 2004
Basic EPS		$	12,417		14,846		$	0.84
Effect of stock options		—			549		(0.03		)
Diluted EPS		$	12,417		15,395		$	0.81

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, there were outstanding options to purchase 0 and 47 shares of common stock, respectively, that were not included in the computation of Diluted EPS, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, there were options to purchase 15 and 36 shares of common stock, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. 

 

(6)                                 EQUITY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company has declared consecutive quarterly cash dividends since 1988. During the third quarter, the Company paid a dividend of 5 cents per common share payable on August 19, 2005 to shareholders of record on August 10, 2005.  On October 27, 2005, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of 5 cents per common share payable on November 18, 2005 to shareholders of record on November 10, 2005.

 

Common shares held as treasury stock totaled 4,196 at September 30, 2005 compared to 4,571 at December 31, 2004.  Common shares held as treasury stock decreased as a result of common shares issued from treasury stock for the exercise of stock options.

 

11

 

During the third quarter, the Company recorded a $11.3 million increase to treasury stock upon the completion of a Dutch Auction tender offer by repurchasing 513,006 shares of outstanding stock. The Dutch Auction tender was open to all shareholders of the Company including employees.  Employees were required to tender outstanding shares and be at risk consistent with all shareholders; therefore, no compensation cost was recorded for shares repurchased from employees.

 

(7)                                 OPERATING LINE OF CREDIT

 

The Company has an operating line of credit with an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.5 percent, which provides for borrowings of up to $15,000.  Borrowings under this line of credit may be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock under Board-authorized repurchase programs, as well as to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and related costs.  As of September 30, 2005, the Company did not have a common stock repurchase program in place.  The outstanding borrowings under this line of credit at September 30, 2005 totaled $9,000.  The line of credit is unsecured and matures July 1, 2006.  The line of credit contains various terms and conditions, including affirmative and negative financial covenants. As of September 30, 2005, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

 

(8)                                 ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

The composition of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, is as follows:

 

		Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrealized Gains (Loss) On Available-For- Sale Securities			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of December 31, 2004		$	(18,347	)	$	124		$	(18,223	)
Period Change		(557		)	(41		)	(598		)
Balance as of September 30, 2005		$	(18,904	)	$	83		$	(18,821	)

 

(9)                                 STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation plans for employees and directors under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation cost has been recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.  Had compensation cost been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, as amended by SFAS No. 148, the Company’s net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts:

 

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				Three Months Ended September 30,
				2005			2004
Net Income		As reported		$	4,325		$	4,607
		Stock option expense, net of related tax effects		(11		)	(131		)
		Pro forma		$	4,314		$	4,476
Basic Net Income Per Share		As reported		$	0.28		$	0.31
		Stock option expense, net of related tax effects		(0.00		)	(0.01		)
		Pro forma		$	0.28		$	0.30
Diluted Net Income Per Share		As reported		$	0.28		$	0.29
		Stock option expense, net of related tax effects		0.00			(0.00		)
		Pro forma		$	0.28		$	0.29

 

				Nine Months Ended September 30,
				2005			2004
Net Income		As reported		$	12,360		$	12,417
		Stock option expense, net of related tax effects		(151		)	(331		)
		Pro forma		$	12,209		$	12,086
Basic Net Income Per Share		As reported		$	0.81		$	0.84
		Stock option expense, net of related tax effects		(0.01		)	(0.03		)
		Pro forma		$	0.80		$	0.81
Diluted Net Income Per Share		As reported		$	0.80		$	0.81
		Stock option expense, net of related tax effects		(0.01		)	(0.02		)
		Pro forma		$	0.79		$	0.79

 

(10)                          SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company has three operating segments.  These operating segments are components of the Company for which separate information is available that is evaluated regularly by management in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance.  The Company evaluates performance based on operating income, among other things.

 

The Company’s three operating segments include a United States segment and an international segment that operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products name, as well as a third operating segment that operates under the Synergy Worldwide name.  The segments have similar business characteristics and each offers similar products through similar methods of distribution.  Inter-segment sales, eliminated in

 

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consolidation, are not material.  The Company evaluates performance based on operating income (loss) by segment before consideration of certain inter-segment transfers and expenses. This information is used by the chief operating decision maker to assess the segments performance and in allocating the Company’s resources.

 

Operating segment information is as follows:

 

		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2005			2004			2005			2004
Net Sales Revenue:
Nature’s Sunshine Products:
United States		$	37,343		$	33,790		$	111,269		$	105,956
International		29,921			26,383			88,800			76,646
		67,264			60,173			200,069			$	182,602
Synergy Worldwide		20,442			24,348			61,078			60,118
		87,706			84,521			261,147			242,720
Operating Expenses:
Nature’s Sunshine Products:
United States		34,990			31,747			103,569			100,893
International		26,650			23,521			79,875			69,450
		61,640			55,269			183,444			170,343
Synergy Worldwide		21,425			22,471			62,744			57,218
		83,065			77,739			246,188			227,561
Operating Income (Loss):
Nature’s Sunshine Products:
United States		2,353			2,043			7,700			5,063
International		3,271			2,862			8,925			7,196
		5,624			4,905			16,625			12,259
Synergy Worldwide		(983		)	1,877			(1,666		)	2,900
		4,641			6,782			14,959			15,159
Other Income (Expense), net		(244		)	175			(286		)	903
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes		$	4,397		$	6,957		$	14,673		$	16,062

 

Segment assets as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, are as follows:

 

		September 30, 2005			December 31, 2004
Assets:
Nature’s Sunshine Products:
United States		$	84,694		$	79,788
International		45,526			40,929
		130,220			120,717
Synergy Worldwide		24,587			24,359
Total Assets		$	154,807		$	145,076

 

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Item 2.           MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the interim financial information included in this Form 10-Q as well as the consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto, and management’s discussion and analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements.  Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements may relate but not be limited to projections of revenues, income or loss, capital expenditures, plans for growth and future operations, financing needs, product liability claims and availability of insurance, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing.  Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified.  When used in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q the words “estimates”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “projects”, “plans”, “intends” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.  For factors which could affect such results, see the description of our business contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize sales revenue when products are shipped and title passes to our independent distributors. For most product sales, the sales price is received in the form of cash or credit card payment, which accompanies or precedes the shipment of the orders. As products are shipped, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price to the buyer is fixed, and collectibility is reasonably assured. A reserve for product returns, which reduces revenue, is accrued based on historical experience. From time to time, our United States operation extends short-term credit associated with product promotions. For certain of our international operations, we offer credit terms consistent with industry standards within the country of operation. Amounts received for unshipped merchandise are not recognized as revenue but rather they are recorded as customer deposits and are included in accrued liabilities.

 

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Volume Incentives Accrual

 

We accrue for expenses for volume incentives associated with our net sales revenue. Volume incentives are a significant part of our direct sales marketing program and represent payments made to our independent Distributors and Managers.  As required by EITF 01-9, we record rebates as a reduction in revenue.  As a result, volume incentive expense is reduced by the corresponding amounts each year. We specifically analyze volume incentives based on historical and current sales trends when evaluating the adequacy of the accrued volume incentives.

 

Self-Insurance Liabilities

 

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

 

Incentive Trip Accrual

 

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

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table identifies for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and September 30, 2004 (i) the relationship that net income items disclosed in the condensed consolidated financial statements have to total sales, and (ii) the amount and percent of change of such items compared to the corresponding prior period.

 

		(Dollar Amounts in Thousands) (Unaudited)
		(i)				(ii)
		Income and Expense Items as a Percent of Net sales				Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 to 2004
Income and Expense Items		Three Months Ended September 30,				Amount of Increase (Decrease)			Percent of Change
		2005		2004
Net sales		100.0	%	100.0	%	$	3,185		3.8	%
Cost of goods sold		18.8		18.4		1,006			6.5
Volume incentives		39.4		39.5		1,209			3.6
SG&A expenses		36.5		34.1		3,111			10.8
Total operating expenses		94.7		92.0		5,326			6.9
Operating income		5.3		8.0		(2,141		)	(31.6	)
Other income (expense), net		(0.3	)	0.2		(419		)	(239.5	)
Income before provision for income taxes		5.0		8.2		(2,560		)	(36.8	)
Provision for income taxes		0.1		2.7		(2,278		)	(96.9	)
Net income		4.9	%	5.5	%	$	(282	)	(6.1	)%

 

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The following table identifies for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and September 30, 2004 (i) the relationship that net income items disclosed in the condensed consolidated financial statements have to total sales, and (ii) the amount and percent of change of such items compared to the corresponding prior period.

 

		(Dollar Amounts in Thousands) (Unaudited)
		(i)				(ii)
		Income and Expense Items as a Percent of Net Sales				Nine months ended September 30, 2005 to 2004
Income and Expense Items		Nine Months Ended September 30,				Amount of Increase (Decrease)			Percentof Change
		2005		2004
Net sales		100.0	%	100.0	%	$	18,427		7.6	%
Cost of goods sold		17.7		18.7		701			1.5
Volume incentives		39.5		38.3		10,255			11.0
SG&A expenses		37.1		36.8		7,671			8.6
Total operating expenses		94.3		93.8		18,627			8.2
Operating income		5.7		6.2		(200		)	(1.3	)
Other income (expense), net		(0.1	)	0.4		(1,189		)	(131.7	)
Income before provision for income taxes		5.6		6.6		(1,389		)	(8.6	)
Provision for income taxes		0.9		1.5		(1,332		)	(36.5	)
Net income		4.7	%	5.1	%	$	(57	)	(0.5	)%

 

Net Sales Revenue

 

Net sales revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2005 was $87.7 million compared to $84.5 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of approximately 3.8 percent. Net sales revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, was $261.1 million compared to $242.7 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of approximately 7.6 percent. The increase in net sales revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 reflects higher net sales revenue in our International and United States operations due to increased volumes offset in part by a decrease in net sales revenue in our Synergy Worldwide operation.

 

Our independent sales force consists of Managers and Distributors.  A Distributor interested in earning additional income by committing more time and effort to selling our products may attain the rank of “Manager”.  Appointment as a Manager is dependent upon attaining certain volume levels and demonstrating leadership abilities.  The number of Managers as of September 30, 2005 was approximately 21,600, compared to approximately 18,375 as of December 31, 2004.   The number of Distributors at

 

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September 30, 2005, was approximately 665,000 compared to approximately 666,000 as of December 31, 2004. 

 

Net sales revenue in our United States operation for the three months ended September 30, 2005, was $37.3 million, an increase of approximately 10.5 percent, compared to the same period in the prior year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, United States net sales revenue totaled $111.3 million, a 5.0 percent increase over the same period in the prior year.  Net sales revenue in the United States continue to show improvement primarily as the result of increased marketing efforts associated with the Company’s “Habit of Health” Program.  The number of Managers in our United States operation as of September 30, 2005 was approximately 6,830, compared to approximately 5,980 as of December 31, 2004.   The number of Distributors in our United States operation as of September 30, 2005, was approximately 227,000 compared to approximately 223,000 as of December 31, 2004. 

 

Our international operations reported net sales revenue of $29.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, an increase of approximately 13.4 percent compared to the same period in the prior year. For the first nine months, international net sales revenue totaled $88.8 million, a 15.9 percent increase over the same period of the prior year. Third quarter performances were particularly strong in the Russian Federation, Japan and Mexico.  The increase in net sales revenue reflects the continued increase in Distributors and Managers in the Company’s international operations.  The number of Managers in our international operations as of September 30, 2005 was approximately 11,920, compared to approximately 9,730 as of December 31, 2004.   The number of Distributors in our international operations at September 30, 2005 was approximately 326,000 compared to approximately 303,000 as of December 31, 2004. 

 

Net sales revenue in Synergy Worldwide was $20.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, compared to $24.3 million for the same period of the prior year. For the first nine months, Synergy Worldwide net sales revenue totaled $61.1 million, a 1.6 percent increase over the prior year. Synergy Worldwide has international operations in Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore.  Operating losses totaled $1.0 million for the third quarter of 2005 compared to operating income of $1.9 million for the same period of the prior year.  Operating losses totaled $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to operating income of $2.9 million for the same period of the prior year.  The decrease in operating income was primarily the result of costs associated with the launch of “on-the-ground” distribution operations in Japan as well as operating losses of $0.4 million in Thailand due to decreases in net sales revenue.  The Company expects these losses to decrease during the remainder of 2005.  The number of Managers in our Synergy Worldwide operation as of September 30, 2005 was approximately 2,848 compared to approximately 2,666 as of December 31, 2004.   The number of Distributors in our Synergy Worldwide operation at September 30, 2005, was approximately 112,000 compared to approximately 139,000 as of December 31, 2004.

 

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Cost of Goods Sold

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, cost of goods sold, as a percent of net sales revenue, were 18.8 and 17.7 percent, respectively, compared to 18.4 and 18.7 percent, respectively, for the same periods in the prior year.  For the third quarter cost of goods sold increased slightly due to inventory charges of $0.2 million associated with Synergy’s conversion to an “on-the-ground” business in Japan.  Year to date cost of goods sold decreased as a percent of sales as a result of sales in Synergy Worldwide which had slightly lower cost of goods sold than our other segments, as well as from increased efficiencies in our manufacturing operations. We expect cost of goods sold to increase slightly, as a percent of net sales revenue, during the remainder of 2005 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

Volume Incentives

 

Volume incentives are commissions paid to independent sales force members for reaching certain levels of net sales revenue performance and organizational development and are an integral part of our direct sales marketing program.  Volume incentives vary slightly, on a percentage basis, by product due to our pricing policies and commission plans in place in our international operations.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, volume incentives, as a percent of net sales, were 39.4 percent and 39.5 percent, respectively, compared to 39.5 percent and 38.3 percent, respectively, for the same periods in the prior year. We expect volume incentives to remain relatively constant, as a percent of net sales, during the remainder of 2005 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

Selling, General and Administrative

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, increased $3.1 million, or 10.8 percent, and $7.7 million, or 8.6 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods of the prior year primarily as a result of increased selling, general and administrative expenses associated with the expansion of Synergy Worldwide in Japan as well as expenses associated with the expansion of operations in the Russian Federation. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased to 36.5 percent and 37.1 percent, respectively, compared to 34.1 percent and 36.8 percent, respectively, for the same period in the prior year. For the remaining quarters of 2005, we expect selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percent of net sales, to decrease as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 as a result of benefits from cost controls as well as continued growth in net sales revenue.

 

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Income Tax

 

The effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 was approximately 1.6 percent and 15.8 percent, respectively.  During the third quarter, the Company resolved certain income tax contingencies which resulted in an income tax benefit.  For the balance of the year ending 2005, management expects the effective income tax rate to increase.

 

Product Liability

 

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.  As a result of increased regulatory scrutiny of products that contain ephedrine alkaloids and kava, we have not been able to obtain product liability insurance covering such products. Effective April 12, 2004, we complied with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s ban on the ingredient ephedra.  On June 1, 2003, we established a wholly owned captive insurance company to provide us with product liability insurance coverage.  We have accrued an amount that we believe is sufficient to cover probable and reasonably estimable liabilities related to product liability claims based on our 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 our business prospects, financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

We self insure for certain employee medical and product liabilities. 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.

 

Segment Information

 

See information included in Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements under Item 1.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased approximately $4.9 million as of September 30, 2005 compared to December 31, 2004. The increase in cash and cash equivalents is primarily the result of cash provided by operating activities of $12.4 million, proceeds of $7.4 million from the exercise of stock options and advances of $1.5 million from the Company’s operating line of credit.  These cash inflows were offset in part by the decrease in payments of $3.6 million associated with the purchase of property, plant and equipment, payments of $11.3 million for the repurchase of the Company’s stock and payments of cash dividends of $2.3 million.

 

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The Company has an unsecured operating line of credit with an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.5 percent, which provides for borrowings of up to $15.0 million.  Borrowings under this line of credit may be used to repurchase common shares of the Company’s outstanding stock under Board-authorized repurchase programs as well as to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and related costs. Outstanding borrowings under this line of credit at September 30, 2005 totaled $9.0 million.  The line of credit is unsecured and matures July 1, 2006. The line of credit contains various terms and conditions, including affirmative and negative financial covenants. As of September 30, 2005, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

 

On August 5, 2005, the Company commenced a Dutch auction tender offer for up to 500,000 shares of its common stock, at a price not greater than $22.25 nor less than $21.00 per share.  The tender offer expired at midnight on September 1, 2005.  During the third quarter the Company, pursuant to the tender offer, repurchased 513,057 shares at $21.75 per share.  The tender offer was funded with available cash and borrowings under the Company’s $15 million unsecured line of credit.  The Company does not expect the tender offer to affect its capital expenditures.

 

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

 

Item 3.           QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We conduct our business in several countries and intend to continue to expand our foreign 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 foreign operations, including changes in the laws and policies that govern foreign investment in countries where we have operations as well as, to a lesser extent, changes in United States laws and regulations relating to foreign trade and investment.

 

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Foreign Currency Risk

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, approximately 57.4 percent of our revenue and 57.9 percent of our 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 considered its functional currency, and all sales and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the reported periods.  Therefore, our operating results generally will be positively impacted by a weakening of the U.S. dollar and will be negatively impacted by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar.  Given the uncertainty of exchange rate fluctuations, we cannot estimate the effect of these fluctuations on our future business, product pricing, and results of operations or financial condition.  Changes in 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.

 

During the first quarter of 2005 the Dominican Republic became highly inflationary.  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 income and comprehensive income.

 

The following table sets forth average currency exchange rates of one U.S. dollar into local currency for each of the countries in which net sales revenue exceeded $10.0 million during any of the previous two years.

 

Nine months ended September 30,		2005		2004
Japan		107.7		108.9
Mexico		11.0		11.3
South Korea		1,020.4		1,162.8
Venezuela		2,087.7		1,869.2

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We have investments included in cash and cash equivalents and long term investments, which by nature are subject to market risk.  At September 30, 2005, we had investments totaling $6.9 million of which $4.6 million were held as municipal obligations, carry an average fixed interest rate of 4.9 percent and mature over a five-year period. A hypothetical one percent change in interest rates would not have a material affect on our liquidity, financial position, or results of operations. Our remaining investments of $2.3 million are not subject to interest rate risk but by their nature are subject to market risk.

 

The Company’s line of credit carries a variable interest rate. As of September 30, 2005, the Company had $9.0 million in borrowings on this line. The Company does not hedge against changes in

 

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