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NATURES SUNSHINE PRODUCTS INC - Quarter Report: 2012 March (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from                to             .

 

Commission File Number: 0-8707

 

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Utah

 

87-0327982

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(IRS Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

75 East 1700 South

Provo, Utah 84606

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

(801) 342-4300

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

 

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  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 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 (Check one).

 

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 number of shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding on April 30, 2012 was 15,601,676 shares.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

 

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2012

 

Table of Contents

 

Part I. Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

3

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

4

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

4

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

5

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

28

 

 

 

Part II. Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Default Upon Senior Securities

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Removed and Reserved

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

28

 

2



Table of Contents

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

March 31,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

61,342

 

$

58,969

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $630 and $647, respectively

 

13,149

 

9,868

 

Investments available for sale

 

2,392

 

5,677

 

Inventories

 

41,468

 

41,611

 

Deferred income tax assets

 

4,263

 

4,395

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

5,566

 

4,583

 

Total current assets

 

128,180

 

125,103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

25,076

 

25,137

 

Investment securities

 

1,444

 

1,429

 

Intangible assets, net

 

1,114

 

1,151

 

Deferred income tax assets

 

16,259

 

16,576

 

Other assets

 

5,809

 

6,415

 

 

 

$

177,882

 

$

175,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

4,745

 

$

5,980

 

Accrued volume incentives

 

21,470

 

19,326

 

Accrued liabilities

 

25,222

 

27,938

 

Deferred revenue

 

3,535

 

2,603

 

Current installments of long-term debt

 

3,308

 

3,296

 

Income taxes payable

 

5,706

 

8,655

 

Total current liabilities

 

63,986

 

67,798

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liability related to unrecognized tax benefits

 

9,165

 

10,426

 

Long-term debt

 

5,066

 

5,894

 

Deferred compensation payable

 

1,444

 

1,429

 

Other liabilities

 

2,428

 

2,826

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

18,103

 

20,575

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, no par value, 50,000 shares authorized, 15,602 and 15,569 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively

 

72,602

 

71,628

 

Retained earnings

 

33,107

 

25,879

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(9,916

)

(10,069

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

95,793

 

87,438

 

 

 

$

177,882

 

$

175,811

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share information)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales revenue (net of the rebate portion of volume incentives of $11,591 and $11,582, respectively)

 

$

92,868

 

$

92,844

 

Cost and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

18,360

 

18,552

 

Volume incentives

 

33,581

 

34,298

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

31,753

 

32,373

 

 

 

83,694

 

85,223

 

Operating income

 

9,174

 

7,621

 

Other income (loss), net

 

(110

)

265

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

9,064

 

7,886

 

Provision for income taxes

 

1,836

 

1,264

 

Net income

 

$

7,228

 

$

6,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net income per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average basic common shares outstanding

 

15,578

 

15,533

 

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

 

15,846

 

15,561

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in thousands, except per share information)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,228

 

$

6,622

 

Foreign currency translation gain (net of tax)

 

109

 

499

 

Net unrealized gains on investment securities (net of tax)

 

44

 

10

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

7,381

 

$

7,131

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,228

 

$

6,622

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

5

 

(61

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,084

 

1,054

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

636

 

88

 

Loss on sale of property and equipment

 

13

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

449

 

22

 

Amortization of bond discount

 

3

 

5

 

Purchase of trading investment securities

 

(19

)

(20

)

Proceeds from sale of trading investment securities

 

92

 

107

 

Realized and unrealized gains on investments

 

(42

)

(72

)

Foreign exchange losses

 

553

 

589

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(3,279

)

(4,660

)

Inventories

 

281

 

713

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(884

)

(733

)

Other assets

 

578

 

(152

)

Accounts payable

 

(1,250

)

(298

)

Accrued volume incentives

 

2,038

 

3,340

 

Accrued liabilities

 

(3,597

)

530

 

Deferred revenue

 

933

 

(245

)

Income taxes payable

 

(2,988

)

1,231

 

Liability related to unrecognized tax benefits

 

(1,261

)

(799

)

Deferred compensation payable

 

15

 

(8

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

588

 

7,253

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(917

)

(209

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

15

 

 

Proceeds from sale of investments available for sale

 

3,499

 

686

 

Purchase of investments available for sale

 

(217

)

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

2,380

 

477

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments of long-term debt

 

(816

)

 

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

337

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(479

)

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

 

(116

)

84

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

2,373

 

7,814

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

 

58,969

 

47,604

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

 

$

61,342

 

$

55,418

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

6,327

 

$

650

 

Cash paid for interest

 

33

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5



Table of Contents

 

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

 

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. The Company is a Utah corporation with its principal place of business in Provo, Utah, and sells its products to a sales force of independent Distributors and Managers who use the products themselves or resell them to other Distributors or consumers. The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising, distribution and sale of each of the Company’s major product groups are subject to regulation by one or more governmental agencies.

 

The Company markets its products in 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, Spain, South Korea, 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 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial information as of March 31, 2012 and 2011, and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.  The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012.

 

It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements 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, 2011.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 for Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”. This update improves the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted ASU 2011-05 effective January 1, 2012 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and financial condition.

 

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-12 for Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”. This update supersedes certain pending paragraphs in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 for Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) to effectively defer only those changes in Update 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The deferral will be temporary to allow the Board time to redeliberate the presentation requirements for reclassification adjustments out of accumulated comprehensive income for annual and interim financial statements for public, private and non-profit entities. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

(2)                     Inventories

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Raw Materials

 

$

12,529

 

$

12,992

 

Work in Progress

 

1,392

 

1,230

 

Finished Goods

 

27,547

 

27,389

 

 

 

$

41,468

 

$

41,611

 

 

(3)                     Intangible Assets

 

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, intangibles for product formulations had a gross carrying amount of $1,763 and $1,763, accumulated amortization of $649 and $612, and a net amount of $1,114 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $37 and $37, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years thereafter is $149.

 

(4)                     Investments

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Municipal obligations

 

$

904

 

$

45

 

$

 

$

949

 

U.S. government securities funds

 

990

 

 

(8

)

982

 

Equity securities

 

227

 

238

 

(4

)

461

 

Total short-term investment securities

 

$

2,121

 

$

283

 

$

(12

)

$

2,392

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 a fair value of $949 at March 31, 2012 all mature in less than five years.

 

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the proceeds from the sales of available-for-sale securities were $3,499 and $686, respectively. There were no gross realized gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale securities (net of tax) for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

The Company’s trading securities portfolio totaled $1,444 at March 31, 2012 and $1,429 at December 31, 2011, and generated gains of $86 and $81 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had unrealized losses of $8 and $5, respectively, in its U.S. government securities funds. These losses are due to the interest rate sensitivity of the U.S. government securities funds.

 

(5)                     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, 2013, 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 March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 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, a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.25 percent (1.625 percent as of March 31, 2012) and monthly amortization of principal. The term loan is collateralized by the Company’s manufacturing facility in Spanish Fork, Utah.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Long-term debt at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consists of the following:

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Term loan in monthly installments of approximately $285, including interest, secured by real estate

 

$

8,374

 

$

9,190

 

Less current installments

 

(3,308

)

(3,296

)

Long-term debt less current installments

 

$

5,066

 

$

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 currently in compliance with these debt covenants.

 

The aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the next three years are: $2,476 in 2012, $3,346 in 2013 and $2,552 in 2014.

 

(6)                     Net Income Per Share

 

Basic net income per common share (“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 securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on net loss per common share.

 

The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of Basic EPS to the numerator and denominator of Diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

7,228

 

$

6,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

15,578

 

15,533

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

15,578

 

15,533

 

Stock options

 

268

 

28

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

15,846

 

15,561

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potentially dilutive shares excluded from diluted per share amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

251

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

135

 

995

 

 

Potentially dilutive shares excluded from diluted per share amounts include performance-based options to purchase shares of common stock which will not vest until certain earnings metrics have been achieved. Potentially anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted per share amounts include both time-based 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 dilutive net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

 

(7)                     Share-Based Compensation

 

Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2011

 

1,374

 

$

9.88

 

Granted

 

217

 

15.65

 

Expired

 

(4

)

9.16

 

Exercised

 

(33

)

10.26

 

Options outstanding at March 31, 2012

 

1,554

 

10.68

 

 

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, the Company issued options to purchase 217 shares of common stock under the 2009 Incentive Plan to the Company’s new executive officers. 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.

 

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 three-month period ended March 31, 2012:

 

 

 

2012

 

Expected life (in years)

 

4.0

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

0.3 to 0.4

 

Expected volatility

 

63.2 to 66.0

 

Dividend yield

 

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 obligation rate that corresponds with the option life.

 

The Company’s outstanding stock options include both time-based stock options, which vest over differing periods ranging from the date of issuance up to 36 months from the option grant date, and 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.

 

Share-based compensation expense from time-based stock options for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $313 and $88, respectively; the related tax benefit was approximately $125 and $34, respectively. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to the grants described above was $1,856 and $607, respectively. As of March 31, 2012, the remaining compensation cost is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of approximately 2.27 years.

 

The Company recorded shared-based compensation expense of $323 and a related tax benefit of approximately $128 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 for the performance-based stock options. No share-based compensation costs for performance-based stock options were recorded for the same period in 2011. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to these options was approximately $329 and $652, respectively. As of March 31, 2012, the remaining compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.25 years.

 

At March 31, 2012, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding time-based and performance-based stock options to purchase 1,554 shares of common stock, exercisable time-based and performance-based stock options to purchase 786 shares of common stock and time-based and performance-based stock options to purchase 723 shares of common stock that are expected to vest was $8,803, $5,616 and $2,985, 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.

 

(8)                     Segment 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 their geographic operations in the United States (NSP United States) and in countries outside the United States (NSP

 

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International). 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 NSP United States and NSP International to warrant accounting for these operations as a separate business segment. Net sales revenues and operating income 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.

 

Reportable business segment information is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Net sales revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products:

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

34,836

 

$

35,645

 

International

 

34,689

 

36,547

 

 

 

69,525

 

72,192

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

23,343

 

20,652

 

Total net sales revenue

 

92,868

 

92,844

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products:

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

31,908

 

31,887

 

International

 

30,093

 

34,493

 

 

 

62,001

 

66,380

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

21,693

 

18,843

 

Total operating expenses

 

83,694

 

85,223

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products:

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

2,928

 

3,758

 

International

 

4,596

 

2,054

 

 

 

7,524

 

5,812

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

1,650

 

1,809

 

Total operating income

 

9,174

 

7,621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (loss), net

 

(110

)

265

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

$

9,064

 

$

7,886

 

 

From an individual country perspective, only the United States comprises 10 percent or more of consolidated net sales revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Net sales revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

39,737

 

$

40,787

 

Other

 

53,131

 

52,057

 

 

 

$

92,868

 

$

92,844

 

 

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Revenue generated by each of the Company’s product lines is set forth below:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

NSP United States:

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

18,747

 

$

18,593

 

Vitamin, Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

14,363

 

14,608

 

Personal Care Products

 

1,001

 

1,171

 

Other Products

 

725

 

1,273

 

 

 

34,836

 

35,645

 

NSP International:

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

18,677

 

$

20,181

 

Vitamin, Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

13,067

 

13,603

 

Personal Care Products

 

2,514

 

2,306

 

Other Products

 

431

 

457

 

 

 

34,689

 

36,547

 

Synergy WorldWide:

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

8,447

 

$

7,687

 

Vitamin, Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

13,037

 

10,867

 

Personal Care Products

 

1,438

 

1,644

 

Other Products

 

421

 

454

 

 

 

23,343

 

20,652

 

 

 

$

92,868

 

$

92,844

 

 

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

 

 

 

March 31,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

Property, plant and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

18,110

 

$

18,119

 

Venezuela

 

3,839

 

3,939

 

Other

 

3,127

 

3,079

 

Total property, plant and equipment

 

$

25,076

 

$

25,137

 

 

(9)                     Income Taxes

 

Interim income taxes are based on an estimated annualized effective tax rate applied to the respective quarterly periods, pro forma for discrete tax items in the period in which they occur. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s provision for income taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was 20.3 percent and 16.0 percent, respectively, compared with a U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent.

 

The differences between the effective tax rates and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was primarily attributed to foreign deductible items, including a favorable inflation adjustment, and a decrease in tax liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of the statute of limitations on certain liabilities in various foreign jurisdictions, in addition to a valuation allowance release related to the utilization of foreign tax credits.

 

The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was primarily attributed to net decreases in tax liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of the statute of limitations on certain liabilities in various foreign jurisdictions, which resulted in a tax benefit of approximately $1,200.

 

The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for 2003 through 2010 are open to examination for federal tax purposes. The Company has several foreign tax jurisdictions that have open tax years from 2004 through 2010. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently conducting an audit of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the 2009 through 2010 tax years.

 

In October 2009, the IRS issued an examination report formally proposing adjustments with respect to the 2003 through 2005 taxable years, which primarily relate to the prices that were charged in 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 early January 2012. The Company has made all required payments and, as of March 31, 2012, the outstanding accrual was $500 related to this matter.

 

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Also 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.  On March 7, 2012, the Company received a letter from the IRS examination team stating that they accepted the examination report and do not plan to make additional changes. The Company has made all required payments and, as of March 31, 2012, the outstanding accrual was $1,200 related to this matter.

 

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had accrued $9,165 related to unrecognized tax positions compared with $10,426 as of December 31, 2011. This net decrease was primarily attributed to the expiration of the statute of limitations on certain liabilities in various foreign jurisdictions.

 

Although the Company believes its estimates related to its unrecognized tax benefits are reasonable, the Company can provide no assurances 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. Any difference in the final tax outcome of these matters 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.

 

(10)              Commitments and Contingencies

 

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various legal proceedings related to value-added tax assessments and other civil litigation. 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. Therefore, no provision for losses has been provided. The Company believes future payments related to these matters could range from $0 to approximately $1,000. Were an unfavorable outcome to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows for the period in which the ruling occurs and/or future periods. The Company maintains directors’ and officers’ liability, product liability, general liability and excess liability insurance coverage. However, no assurances can be given that such insurance will continue to be available at an acceptable cost to the Company, that such coverage will be sufficient to cover one or more large claims, or that the insurers will not successfully disclaim coverage as to a pending or future claim.

 

Non-Income Tax Contingencies

 

The Company has reserved for certain 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. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, accrued liabilities include $7,117 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.

 

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.

 

(11)              Fair Value Measurements

 

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

 

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hierarchy is used to prioritize the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values of each financial instrument. Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:

 

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

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

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

 

The following table presents the Company’s hierarchy for its assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 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

 

$

 

$

949

 

$

 

$

949

 

U.S. government security funds

 

982

 

 

 

982

 

Equity securities

 

461

 

 

 

461

 

Investment securities

 

1,444

 

 

 

1,444

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 

$

2,887

 

$

949

 

$

 

$

3,836

 

 

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 fixed income securities such as U.S government funds, state and municipal bonds, mutual funds, short-term deposits and equity securities.  The Level 1 securities are valued using quoted prices for identical assets in active markets including equity securities, U.S. government securities, and various mutual funds.  The Level 2 securities include investments in state and municipal bonds whereby all significant inputs are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset.

 

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

 

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

 

The carrying amounts reflected on the consolidated balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value 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 three months ended March 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.

 

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

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report, 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, 2011, and our Reports on Form 8-K, that have been filed with the SEC since then through the date of this report.

 

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

 

OVERVIEW

 

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 Provo, Utah, and sells its products to a sales force of independent Distributors and Managers 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 two reportable business segments that operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products brand and are divided based on their geographic operations in the United States (NSP United States) and in countries outside the United States (NSP International). We also sell our products through a separate division and operating business segment, Synergy Worldwide. Synergy Worldwide offers marketing plans, Distributor compensation plans and product formulations that are sufficiently different from those of NSP United States and NSP International to warrant its treatment as a separately reportable business segment.

 

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.

 

During the first quarter of 2012, our consolidated net sales were substantially the same as the prior year. Synergy Worldwide’s net sales revenue increased approximately 13.0 percent (or 15.5 percent in local currencies excluding the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations). NSP International’s net sales revenues decreased approximately 5.1 percent compared to the same period in 2011 (or 4.2 percent excluding the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations), while NSP United States net sales decreased approximately 2.3 percent compared to the same period in 2011. The significant sales revenue growth was from our Synergy businesses in Europe and Korea during 2012. Gains in these markets were partially offset by decreases in our NSP Belarus (part of our NSP Russian markets), NSP Mexico, Synergy Japan, and NSP Peru markets.

 

As a result of our prior year settlement with NutriPlus LLC, our operating costs for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 were lower by $2.0  million, of which $1.6 million was related to lower royalties and $0.4 million was related to lower professional fees.

 

Over the same period, selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of net sales revenue for the quarter decreased from 34.9 percent in the prior year to 34.2 percent in the current year as a result of revenue growth (primarily in Synergy Worldwide), lower royalty costs related to our Russian business as noted above, reductions in variable costs for NSP Mexico and Synergy Japan, as well as favorable currency rate fluctuations, offset by increases in variable costs for Synergy Europe and Korea, and NSP Russia, stock compensation costs, net changes in sales tax reserves and U.S. healthcare costs.

 

We distribute our products to consumers through an independent sales force comprised of Managers and independent 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. Active Managers worldwide totaled approximately 29,800 and 30,300 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Active Distributors and customers worldwide totaled approximately 675,400 and 696,400 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table summarizes our unaudited consolidated operating results in U.S. dollars and as a percentage of net sales revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (dollar amounts in thousands).

 

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Change from

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

2012 to 2011

 

 

 

Total

 

Percent of

 

Total

 

Percent of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dollars

 

net sales

 

dollars

 

net sales

 

Dollar

 

Percentage

 

Net sales revenue

 

$

92,868

 

100.0

%

$

92,844

 

100.0

%

$

24

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

18,360

 

19.8

 

18,552

 

20.0

 

(192

)

(1.0

)

Volume incentives

 

33,581

 

36.1

 

34,298

 

36.9

 

(717

)

(2.1

)

SG&A expenses

 

31,753

 

34.2

 

32,373

 

34.9

 

(620

)

(1.9

)

Total operating expenses

 

83,694

 

90.1

 

85,223

 

91.8

 

(1,529

)

(1.8

)

Operating income

 

9,174

 

9.9

 

7,621

 

8.2

 

1,553

 

20.4

 

Other income (loss), net

 

(110

)

(0.1

)

265

 

0.3

 

(375

)

(141.5

)

Income before provision for income taxes

 

9,064

 

9.8

 

7,886

 

8.5

 

1,178

 

14.9

 

Provision for income taxes

 

1,836

 

2.0

 

1,264

 

1.4

 

572

 

45.3

 

Net income

 

$

7,228

 

7.8

%

$

6,622

 

7.1

%

$

606

 

9.2

%

 

Net Sales Revenue

 

Consolidated net sales revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $92.9 million compared to $92.8 million for the same period in 2011. Flat net sales revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 is due to growth in Synergy Worldwide, offset by declines in NSP United States and NSP International.

 

NSP United States

 

Net sales revenue for NSP United States for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $34.8 million compared to $35.6 million for the same period in 2011, a decrease of 2.3 percent. Active Managers within NSP United States totaled approximately 6,300 and 6,500 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Active Distributors and customers within NSP United States totaled approximately 195,300 and 205,000 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Managers and Distributors within NSP United States are predominantly practitioners of nutritional supplement therapies and retailers and consumers of our products. The number of active Managers, Distributors and customers decreased due to lower retention, partially offset by a modest improvement in recruiting, in a business environment that continues to be challenging.

 

NSP United States includes both English and Spanish language sales divisions, of which the English language division is approximately 80 percent of segment net sales revenue. The English language division net sales revenue decreased $1.0 million, or 3.5 percent, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. The Spanish language division net sales revenue increased $0.2 million, or 2.7 percent, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.

 

NSP International

 

NSP International reported net sales revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $34.7 million compared to $36.5 million for the same period in 2011, a decrease of approximately 5.1 percent. In local currencies, net sales decreased 4.2 percent. Fluctuation in foreign exchange rates had a $0.3 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the period. Active Managers within NSP International totaled approximately 20,500 and 21,200 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Active Distributors and customers within NSP International totaled approximately 382,900 and 409,800 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Managers and Distributors within NSP International are predominantly practitioners of nutritional supplement therapies and retailers or consumers of our products, with the exception of our Russian markets which are more network marketing oriented. The number of active Managers, Distributors and customers decreased in NSP International (excluding our Russian markets) due to lower retention, partially offset by a modest improvement in recruiting, in a business environment that continues to be challenging. The number of active Managers, Distributors and customers in our Russian markets increased by 2.3%.

 

Notable activity in the following markets contributed to the results of NSP International:

 

In our Russian markets (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and several other Eastern European nations), net sales revenues decreased approximately $0.6 million, or 3.8 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. This decrease was related to the current debt crisis in Belarus, which has adversely affected our Belarusian Distributors’ ability to obtain foreign currency to purchase our products, and may continue to adversely affect sales going forward. Sales in Belarus were $0.6 million lower for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.  Excluding Belarus, net sales were flat for our Russian markets.

 

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In Mexico, net sales revenues decreased approximately $0.4 million, or 12.6 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. In local currency, net sales decreased 5.4 percent. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.2 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the period. In 2010, we applied value-added tax to all our products in compliance with the Mexican taxing authority interpretation, which resulted in a significant reduction of our Distributor and customer base.  We continue to work with our Managers to rebuild our Distributor and customer base in Mexico.

 

In Peru, net sales revenues decreased approximately $0.7 million, or 66.3 percent, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. In local currency, net sales decreased 67.4 percent . Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a nominally favorable impact on net sales for the period. The decrease in net sales is principally due to a change in local regulations that has restricted our ability to sell several of our key products in this market through a direct selling business model. We continue to evaluate our product mix and selling model for Peru.

 

Synergy Worldwide

 

Synergy Worldwide, which is more network marketing oriented, reported net sales revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $23.3 million, compared to $20.7 million in 2011, an increase of 13.0 percent. In local currencies, net sales increased 15.5 percent. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.5 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the period. Active Managers within Synergy Worldwide totaled approximately 3,000 and 2,600 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Active Distributors and customers within Synergy Worldwide totaled approximately 97,200 and 81,600 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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

 

In Europe, net sales revenues increased approximately $2.3 million, or 49.8 percent, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. In local currency, net sales increased 59.9 percent.  Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.5 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the period. Strong Distributor marketing and development continues to drive increased market penetration.

 

In Korea, net sales revenues increased approximately $2.2 million, or 67.0 percent, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. In local currency, net sales increased 68.5 percent. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.1 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the period. Net sales growth is due to productive joint Company and Manager efforts to develop sales groups as well as a broad product line that is well accepted in Korea.

 

In Japan, net sales revenues decreased approximately $1.6 million, or 40.6 percent, for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.  In local currency, net sales decreased 42.4 percent. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.1 million favorable impact on net sales for the period. The decrease in local currency sales is partially due to a decrease in our Distributor base after the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear disasters in the spring of 2011, which suppressed consumer confidence and spending and made it difficult to recruit and retain active Distributors. In addition, unusually high product returns during the quarter related to a specific promotion contributed significantly to reduced net sales revenue. The product returns were not related to product quality.

 

Further information related to NSP United States, NSP International and Synergy Worldwide business segments is set forth in Note 9 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of this report.

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

Cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales revenue decreased to 19.8 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to 20.0 percent for the same period in 2011. These decreases are 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. 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 goods sold 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 Distributors and Managers. These payments are designed to provide incentives for reaching higher sales levels and for recruiting additional Distributors.  Volume incentives vary slightly, on a percentage basis, by product due to our pricing

 

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policies and commission plans in place in our various operations.  Volume incentives as a percent of net sales revenue decreased to 36.1 percent for the three months in 2012, compared to 36.9 percent for the same period in 2011.

 

Selling, General and Administrative

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 34.2 percent of net sales revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to 34.9 percent for the same period in 2011, or by approximately $0.6 million to $31.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Significant increases to selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011 included:

 

·                  $1.4 million of increased variable costs related to the sales growth of Synergy Worldwide in Europe, Korea and the United States as well as NSP International in the Russian markets;

·                  $0.6 million of increased costs for U.S. incentive related trips;

·                  $0.5 million of stock compensation costs based upon the issuance of stock option grants to executives hired in 2012 and the vesting of performance-based option grants;

·                  $0.5 million of increased U.S. related sales tax expense related to prior year favorable adjustments of the reserve; and

·                  $0.3 million of increased healthcare costs for U.S. employees.

 

Significant decreases to selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011 included:

 

·                  $1.6 million of decreased royalty costs related to our Russian business as a result of the NutriPlus settlement;

·                  $1.2 million of favorable currency fluctuations;

·                  $0.8 million decrease in variable costs related lower sales of NSP Mexico and Synergy Japan; and

·                  $0.4 million of decreased professional fees related to our Russian business as a result of the NutriPlus settlement.

 

We continue to exercise stringent management of all costs within all of our operating segments.

 

Operating Income

 

Operating income increased $1.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, from $7.6 million to $9.2 million, an increase of 20.4 percent.

 

Operating income for NSP United States decreased $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, from $3.8 million to $2.9 million. The decrease in operating income is primarily the result of the decrease in net sales revenue and increases in our selling, general and administrative expenses related to promotional incentive trips and stock-based compensation expense described above for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Operating income for NSP International increased $2.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011, from $2.1 million to $4.6 million. The increase in operating income was primarily the result of the elimination of royalty fees in our Russian markets related to the termination of the Company’s contract with NutriPlus LLC, lower professional fees related to our Russian business as a result of the NutriPlus LLC litigation in the prior year, and the impact of current year value-added tax reserve reductions.

 

Operating income for Synergy Worldwide decreased approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, respectively, compared to the same period in 2011, from $1.8 million to $1.7 million. The decrease in operating income is primarily due to the decreased sales in Japan aided by unusually high product returns discussed above, an increase in inventory reserves in Korea and the negative effect of foreign currency fluctuations.

 

Other Income (Expense), Net

 

Other income (expense), net for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased $0.4 million compared to the same period in 2011. The decrease in other net income in 2012 has been due to the receipt of $0.7 million in restricted cash in Venezuela that had been previously written-down that was recovered in 2011.

 

Income Taxes

 

Interim income taxes are based on an estimated annualized effective tax rate applied to the respective quarterly periods, pro forma for discrete tax items in the period in which they occur. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the

 

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Company’s provision for income taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was 20.3 percent and 16.0 percent, respectively, compared with a U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent.

 

The differences between the effective tax rates and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was primarily attributed to foreign deductible items, including a favorable inflation adjustment, and a decrease in tax liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of the statute of limitations on certain liabilities in various foreign jurisdictions, in addition to a valuation allowance release related to the utilization of foreign tax credits.

 

The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for 2003 through 2010 are open to examination for federal tax purposes. The Company has several foreign tax jurisdictions that have open tax years from 2004 through 2010. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently conducting an audit of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the 2009 through 2010 tax years.

 

In October 2009, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued an examination report formally proposing adjustments with respect to the 2003 through 2005 taxable years, which primarily relate to the prices that were charged in 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 the Company in early January 2012.  IRS Appeals sent a letter on January 30, 2012 indicating that the agreement with the Company had been approved and that they would complete the processing of these years. As a result, the Company has made all required payments and, as of March 31, 2012, has accrued a final amount of approximately $0.5 million.

 

Also 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 signed an agreement in January 2012.  On March 7, 2012 the Company received a letter from the IRS examination team stating that they accepted the examination report and do not plan to make additional changes. As a result, the Company has made all required payments and, as of March 31, 2012, has accrued a final amount of approximately $1.2 million.

 

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had accrued $9.2 million related to unrecognized tax positions compared with $10.4 million as of December 31, 2011. This net decrease was primarily attributed to the expiration of the statute of limitations on certain liabilities in various foreign jurisdictions.

 

Although the Company believes its estimates related to its unrecognized tax benefits are reasonable, the Company can provide no assurances 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. Any difference in the final tax outcome of these matters 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.

 

Product Categories

 

Our line of over 700 products includes herbal products, vitamin, mineral and other nutritional supplements, personal care products and other complementary products such as 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 vitamin, 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.

 

Presented below are the U.S. dollar amounts and associated revenue percentages from the sale of herbal products, vitamin, mineral and other nutritional supplements, personal care products, and other complementary products for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, by business segment. The Company has two business segments that operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products brand and are divided based on their geographic operations in the United States (NSP United States) and in countries outside the United States (NSP International). 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 United States and NSP International to warrant accounting for these operations as a separate business segment.

 

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Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

NSP United States:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

18,747

 

53.8

%

$

18,593

 

52.1

%

Vitamin, Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

14,363

 

41.2

 

14,608

 

41.0

 

Personal Care Products

 

1,001

 

2.9

 

1,171

 

3.3

 

Other Products

 

725

 

2.1

 

1,273

 

3.6

 

Total NSP United States

 

34,836

 

100.0

%

35,645

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP International:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

18,677

 

53.8

%

$

20,181

 

55.2

%

Vitamin, Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

13,067

 

37.7

 

13,603

 

37.2

 

Personal Care Products

 

2,514

 

7.3

 

2,306

 

6.3

 

Other Products

 

431

 

1.2

 

457

 

1.3

 

Total NSP United States

 

34,689

 

100.0

%

36,547

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synergy WorldWide:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

8,447

 

36.2

%

$

7,687

 

37.2

%

Vitamin, Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

13,037

 

55.8

 

10,867

 

52.6

 

Personal Care Products

 

1,438

 

6.2

 

1,644

 

8.0

 

Other Products

 

421

 

1.8

 

454

 

2.2

 

Total Synergy WorldWide

 

23,343

 

100.0

%

20,652

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Products

 

$

45,871

 

49.4

%

$

46,461

 

50.0

%

Vitamin, Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

40,467

 

43.6

 

39,078

 

42.1

 

Personal Care Products

 

4,953

 

5.3

 

5,121

 

5.5

 

Other Products

 

1,577

 

1.7

 

2,184

 

2.4

 

Total Consolidated

 

$

92,868

 

100.0

%

$

92,844

 

100.0

%

 

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The following table summarizes our product lines by category:

 

Category

 

Description

 

Selected Representative Products

Herbal Products

 

We manufacture 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.

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products (NSP U.S. and NSP International):

ALJ®, Blood Pressurex, Cardio Assurance®, LBS II®, CleanStart®

 

Synergy Worldwide:

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vitamin, Mineral and Other Nutritional Supplements

 

We manufacture 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 and amino-acid based products that are sold in the form of capsules or powders.

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products (NSP U.S. and NSP International):

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.

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products (NSP U.S. and NSP International):

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 a variety of sales aids and other miscellaneous products.

 

Nature’s Sunshine Products (NSP U.S. and NSP International):

Flower Essences, Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil, Tei-Fu® Oil

 

Synergy Worldwide:

Lavender Oil, Massage Oil

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our principal use of cash is to pay for operating expenses, including volume incentives, employee compensation and benefits, inventory and raw material purchases, capital assets and funding of international expansion. As of March 31, 2012, working capital was $64.2 million, compared to $57.3 million as of December 31, 2011.  At March 31, 2012, we had $61.3 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 $2.4 million in unrestricted short-term investments, which were available to be used along with our normal cash flows from operations.

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Operating activities

 

$

588

 

$

7,253

 

Investing activities

 

2,380

 

477

 

Financing activities

 

(479

)

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, operating activities provided cash in the amount of $0.6 million compared to providing cash in the amount of $7.3 million for the same period in 2011. Operating cash flows decreased due to the timing of payments and receipts for accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, and was partially offset by the growth in our operating income.  The Company also made income tax payments for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $6.3 million.

 

Capital expenditures related to the purchase of equipment, computer systems and software for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $0.9 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we had cash proceeds of $3.5 million from the sale of available-for-sale investments. During the same period, we used cash of $0.2 million to purchase available-for-sale investments.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we used cash to make principal payments of $0.8 million on our term credit facility. The term credit facility is secured by the Company’s manufacturing facility in Spanish Fork, Utah.

 

The Company has a long-term revolving credit facility that allows us to borrow up to $15.0 million. As of March 31, 2012, no amounts were drawn under the credit facility.  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.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

Our unaudited 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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. We believe the critical accounting policies and estimates described below reflect our more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The impact and any associated risks on our business that are related to these policies are also discussed throughout this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” where such policies affect reported and expected financial results.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Net sales revenue and related volume incentive expenses are recorded when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, collectability is reasonably assured, the amount is fixed and determinable, and title and risk of loss have passed, generally when the merchandise has been delivered. The amount of the volume incentive is determined based upon the amount of qualifying purchases in a given month. It is necessary for 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, and 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 Distributors and Managers for sales incentives or rebates are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Payments for sales incentives and rebates are calculated monthly based upon qualifying sales. Membership fees are deferred and amortized as revenue over the life of the membership, primarily one year. Prepaid event registration fees are deferred and recognized as revenues when the related event is held.

 

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A reserve for product returns is recorded based upon historical experience.  We allow Distributors or Managers to return the unused portion of products within ninety days of purchase if they are not satisfied with the product.  In some of our markets, the requirements to return product are more or less restrictive based upon local statutes.

 

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 fixed income securities such as U.S. government and state and municipal bonds, mutual funds, depository certificates and equity securities. These investments are valued using (a) quoted prices for identical assets in active markets or (b) from significant inputs that are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset. 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 lower-of-cost-or-market adjustments, various assumptions are made in regard to excess or slow-moving inventories, non-conforming inventories, expiration dates, current and future product demand, production planning and market conditions.

 

Self-Insurance Liabilities

 

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.

 

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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 expenses for incentive trips associated with our direct sales marketing program, which rewards independent Distributors and Managers with paid attendance at our conventions and meetings. Expenses associated with incentive trips are accrued over qualification periods as they are earned. We specifically analyze incentive trip accruals based on historical and current sales trends as well as contractual obligations when evaluating the adequacy of the incentive trip accrual. Actual results could generate liabilities more or less than the amounts 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. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we did not consider any of our long-lived assets to be impaired.

 

Contingencies

 

We are involved in certain legal proceedings. When a loss is considered probable in connection with litigation or non-income tax contingencies and when 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 10, “Commitments and Contingencies”, to the Notes of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, of Item 1, Part 1 of this report.

 

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.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

Our outstanding stock options include both time-based stock options, which vest over differing periods ranging from the date of issuance up to 36 months from the option grant date and performance-based stock options that 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.

 

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.

 

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RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

Please refer to Note 1 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of this report for information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements.

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this report 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 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act.  All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements.  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 inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.

 

Important factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements includes, among others, the following:

 

·                  our relationship with and our ability to influence the actions of our independent Distributors and Managers;

 

·                  our ability to recruit and retain a sufficient number of independent Distributors and Managers;

 

·                  changes in laws and regulations regarding network marketing that may prohibit or restrict our ability to sell our products in new or existing markets;

 

·                  determinations regarding tax liabilities and required tax obligations in U.S. and foreign jurisdictions;

 

·                  our products and manufacturing activities are subject to extensive government regulations and restrictions;

 

·                  general economic conditions;

 

·                  an economic slowdown in the markets in which we do business could reduce consumer demand for our products;

 

·                  currency and exchange rate fluctuations could lower our revenue and net income;

 

·                  some of the markets in which we operate may become highly inflationary;

 

·                  some of the markets in which we operate have currency controls in place which restrict our ability to repatriate funds to the United States;

 

·                  the availability and integrity of raw materials could be compromised;

 

·                  significant legal disputes and adverse settlements;

 

·                  geopolitical issues and conflicts could adversely affect our business;

 

·                  our business is subject to the effects of adverse publicity and negative public perception;

 

·                  changes in taxation and transfer pricing could affect our operations;

 

·                  our business is subject to intellectual property risks;

 

·                  product and liability claims;

 

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·                  changing consumer preferences and demands;

 

·                  inventory obsolescence due to finite shelf lives and changing product demand;

 

·                  product concentration;

 

·                  system failures;

 

·                  changes in key management personnel; and

 

·                  the competitive nature of our business.

 

Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are set forth in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 under the heading “Risk Factors.”

 

Forward-looking statements in this report speak only as of the date hereof, and forward-looking statements in documents attached that are incorporated by reference speak only as of the date of those documents.  We do not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statement or to report any events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

 

Item 3.           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 three months ended March 31, 2012, approximately 57.2 percent of our net sales revenue and approximately 54.5 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, while certain regions, including Russia and the Ukraine, are served by a U.S. subsidiary through third party entities, for which all business is conducted in U.S. dollars. We conduct business in twenty-three different currencies with exchange rates that are not on a one-to-one relationship with the U.S. dollar. All revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the periods reported. Therefore, our operating results will be positively or negatively 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 I, Item 2 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

With Strengthening of U.S. Dollar by:

 

 

 

 

 

10%

 

15%

 

25%

 

 

 

 

 

($)

 

(%)

 

($)

 

(%)

 

($)

 

(%)

 

Net sales revenue

 

$

92,868

 

$

(3,093

)

(3.3

)%

$

(4,438

)

(4.8

)%

$

(6,804

)

(7.3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

18,360

 

(584

)

(3.2

)%

(839

)

(4.6

)%

(1,286

)

(7.0

)%

Volume incentives

 

33,581

 

(1,137

)

(3.4

)%

(1,632

)

(4.9

)%

(2,502

)

(7.5

)%

Selling, general and administrative

 

31,753

 

(1,027

)

(3.2

)%

(1,473

)

(4.6

)%

(2,259

)

(7.1

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

9,174

 

$

(345

)

(3.8

)%

$

(494

)

(5.4

)%

$

(757

)

(8.3

)%

 

As noted above, certain of our operations, including Russia and the Ukraine, are served by a U.S. subsidiary through third-party entities, for which all business is conducted in U.S. dollars. Although changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Russian 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 currently somewhat greater 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 the Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

With Strengthening of U.S. Dollar by:

 

 

 

 

 

10%

 

15%

 

25%

 

 

 

 

 

($)

 

(%)

 

($)

 

(%)

 

($)

 

(%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Instruments Included in Current Assets Subject to Exchange Rate Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

61,342

 

$

(4,324

)

(7.0

)%

$

(6,204

)

(10.1

)%

$

(9,513

)

(15.5

)%

Accounts receivable, net

 

13,149

 

(424

)

(3.2

)%

(608

)

(4.6

)%

(932

)

(7.1

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Instruments Included in Current Liabilities Subject to Exchange Rate Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

4,745

 

(79

)

(1.7

)%

(114

)

(2.4

)%

(175

)

(3.7

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Financial Instruments Subject to Exchange Rate Risk

 

69,746

 

(4,669

)

(6.7

)%

(6,698

)

(9.6

)%

(10,270

)

(14.7

)%

 

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 March 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 March 31, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

Translated into U.S.
Dollars

 

At Spot Exchange Rate
per One U.S. Dollar as
of March 31, 2012

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

Japan (Yen)

 

$

7,751

 

82.3

 

European Markets (Euro)

 

6,966

 

0.7

 

Canada (Dollar)

 

6,335

 

1.0

 

Korea (Won)

 

4,288

 

1,135.1

 

Mexico (Peso)

 

4,133

 

12.8

 

Colombia (Peso)

 

1,858

 

1,781.6

 

Indonesia (Rupiah)

 

1,408

 

9,182.7

 

Thailand (Baht)

 

1,391

 

30.9

 

Venezuela (Bolivar)

 

1,244

 

5.3

 

Malaysia (Ringgit)

 

1,018

 

3.1

 

Other

 

7,215

 

Varies

 

Total foreign denominated cash and cash equivalents

 

43,607

 

 

 

U.S. dollars held by foreign subsidiaries

 

6,239

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries

 

$

49,846

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Receivable

 

 

 

 

 

Japan (Yen)

 

$

964

 

82.3

 

Other

 

3,695

 

Varies

 

Total

 

$

4,659

 

 

 

 

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 two periods presented.  We use the annual average exchange rate for translating items from the statement of operations from local currencies into our reporting currency.

 

Three months ended March 31, 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Canada (Dollar)

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

Japan (Yen)

 

82.3

 

81.6

 

Korea (Won)

 

1,135.1

 

1,122.3

 

Mexico (Peso)

 

12.8

 

12.0

 

 

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 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 the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, Venezuela was considered to be highly inflationary. During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary’s net sales revenue represented approximately 1.7 percent and 1.4 percent of consolidated net sales revenue, respectively. With the exception of Venezuela, there were no other countries considered to have a highly inflationary economy during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

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 March 31, 2012, we had investments of $2.4 million, of which $0.9 million were municipal obligations, which carry an average fixed interest rate of 5.1 percent and mature within a 5-year period. A hypothetical 1.0 percent change in interest rates would not have had a material effect on our liquidity, financial position or results of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 4.           CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the 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. 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 March 31, 2012. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2012, at the reasonable assurance level.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.                       LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Please refer to Note 10 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of this report, as well as our recent SEC filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, for information regarding the status of certain legal proceedings that have been previously reported.

 

Item 1A.              RISK FACTORS

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which could materially affect our business or our consolidated financial statements, results of operations, and cash flows. Additional risks not currently known to us, or risks that we currently believe are not material, may also impair our business operations. There have been no material changes to our risk factors since the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Item 2.                       UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

Item 3.                       DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

Item 4.                       REMOVED AND RESERVED

 

Item 5.                       OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

Item 6.                       EXHIBITS

 

a)     Index to Exhibits

 

Item No.

 

Exhibit

31.1(1)

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer under SEC Rule 13a—14(a)/15d—14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

 

31.2(1)

 

Certificate of Chief Financial Officer under SEC Rule 13a—14(a)/15d—14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

 

32.1(1)

 

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

 

 

 

32.2(1)

 

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

 

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101*

 

The following financial information from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

 


(1)                                  Filed currently herewith.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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: May 8, 2012

/s/ Michael D. Dean

 

Michael D. Dean, Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Date: May 8, 2012

/s/ Stephen M. Bunker

 

Stephen M. Bunker, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

30