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NATURES SUNSHINE PRODUCTS INC - Quarter Report: 2020 September (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
_________________________________________________________________
 
FORM 10-Q 
(Mark One)
 
     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020
 
OR
 
        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: 001-34483
natr-20200930_g1.jpg 
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.)
 
2901 Bluegrass Boulevard, Suite 100
Lehi, Utah 84043
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
 
(801) 341-7900
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par valueNATRNasdaq Capital Market

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant; (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  ý  No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).  Yes  ý  No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and an “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  o
 
Accelerated filer  x
   
Non-accelerated filer  o
 
Smaller reporting company  ☒
  
Emerging growth company  
 


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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes    No  ý.
 
The number of shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding on October 30, 2020, was 19,658,053 shares.



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NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
 
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2020
 
Table of Contents
 
    
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain information included or incorporated herein by reference in this report may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our objectives, plans and strategies. All statements (other than statements of historical fact) that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are often characterized by terminology such as “believe,” “hope,” “may,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “positioned,” “strategy” and similar expressions, and are based on assumptions and assessments made in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe to be appropriate. For example, information appearing under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from forward-looking statements are more fully described in this report, including the risks set forth under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A, and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, but include the following:

adverse impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic;
changes to the Company's independent consultants' compensation plans:
laws and regulations regarding direct selling may prohibit or restrict our ability to sell our products in some markets or require us to make changes to our business model in some markets;
extensive government regulations to which the Company's products, business practices and manufacturing activities are subject;
legal challenges to the Company's direct selling program or to the classification of its independent consultants;
impact of anti-bribery laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
the Company’s ability to attract and retain independent consultants;
the loss of one or more key independent consultants who have a significant sales network;
the Company’s joint venture for operations in China with Fosun Industrial Co., Ltd.;
registration of products for sale in foreign markets, or difficulty or increased cost of importing products into foreign markets;
cybersecurity threats and exposure to data loss;
the storage, processing, and use of data, some of which contain personal information, are subject to complex and evolving privacy and data protection laws and regulations;
reliance on information technology infrastructure;
the effect of fluctuating foreign exchange rates;
liabilities and obligations arising from improper activity by the Company’s independent consultants;
failure of the Company’s independent consultants to comply with laws;
geopolitical issues and conflicts;
negative consequences resulting from difficult economic conditions, including the availability of liquidity or the willingness of the Company’s customers to purchase products;
risks associated with the manufacturing of the Company's products;
uncertainties relating to the application of transfer pricing, duties, value-added taxes, and other tax regulations, and changes thereto;
changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation;
actions on trade relations by the U.S. and foreign governments;
product liability claims;
the sufficiency of trademarks and other intellectual property rights; and
our cannabidiol (CBD) product line is subject to varying, rapidly changing laws, regulations, and rules.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in or incorporated by reference into this report. Except as is required by law, we expressly disclaims any obligation to publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this report. Throughout this report, we refer to Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc., together with our subsidiaries, as "we," "us," "our," "our Company" or “the Company.”

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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Assets  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$82,260 $53,629 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $494 and $407, respectively
8,977 7,319 
Inventories47,846 46,666 
Prepaid expenses and other5,894 5,091 
Total current assets144,977 112,705 
Property, plant and equipment, net56,164 59,512 
Operating lease right-of-use assets20,632 23,951 
Investment securities - trading1,017 1,150 
Intangible assets, net269 567 
Deferred income tax assets4,087 4,899 
Other assets10,274 10,284 
Total assets$237,420 $213,068 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity  
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$5,909 $4,406 
Accrued volume incentives and service fees17,531 18,893 
Accrued liabilities30,816 25,531 
Deferred revenue1,580 1,266 
Related party notes payable1,303 1,518 
Income taxes payable345 1,392 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities4,957 4,941 
Current portion of note payable3,310 — 
Total current liabilities65,751 57,947 
Liability related to unrecognized tax benefits82 1,499 
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities16,981 20,213 
Long-term note payable2,064 — 
Deferred compensation payable1,017 1,150 
Deferred income tax liabilities2,053 1,655 
Other liabilities1,235 1,168 
Total liabilities89,183 83,632 
Shareholders’ equity:  
Common stock, no par value, 50,000 shares authorized, 19,592 and 19,410 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
137,776 135,741 
Retained earnings20,164 4,693 
Noncontrolling interest1,064 227 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(10,767)(11,225)
Total shareholders’ equity148,237 129,436 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$237,420 $213,068 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in thousands, except per share information)
(Unaudited) 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 20202019
Net sales$100,250 $88,524 
Cost of sales27,175 22,784 
Gross profit73,075 65,740 
Operating expenses:  
Volume incentives34,310 29,862 
Selling, general and administrative33,294 31,177 
Operating income5,471 4,701 
Other income (loss), net671 (1,243)
Income before provision for income taxes6,142 3,458 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes(1,027)2,107 
Net income7,169 1,351 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests414 34 
Net income attributable to common shareholders$6,755 $1,317 
Basic and diluted net income per common share:  
Basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.35 $0.07 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.34 $0.07 
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding19,533 19,313 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding19,859 19,662 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in thousands, except per share information)
(Unaudited) 
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 20202019
Net sales$283,462 $270,520 
Cost of sales74,873 70,078 
Gross profit208,589 200,442 
Operating expenses:  
Volume incentives96,493 92,177 
Selling, general and administrative92,863 96,048 
Operating income19,233 12,217 
Other loss, net(230)(985)
Income before provision for income taxes19,003 11,232 
Provision for income taxes2,695 5,523 
Net income16,308 5,709 
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests837 (54)
Net income attributable to common shareholders$15,471 $5,763 
Basic and diluted net income per common share:  
Basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.79 $0.30 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.78 $0.29 
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding19,493 19,291 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding19,820 19,618 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited) 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 20202019
Net income$7,169 $1,351 
Foreign currency translation income (loss) (net of tax)718 (656)
Write-off of cumulative translation adjustments— 595 
Total comprehensive income$7,887 $1,290 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 20202019
Net income$16,308 $5,709 
Foreign currency translation income (loss) (net of tax)458 (1,502)
Write-off of cumulative translation adjustments— 595 
Total comprehensive income$16,766 $4,802 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
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NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited) 
 Common StockRetained EarningsNoncontrolling
Interest
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
 SharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 201919,410 $135,741 $4,693 $227 $(11,225)$129,436 
Share-based compensation expense— 394 — — — 394 
Shares issued from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares exchanged for withholding tax60 (159)— — — (159)
Net income— — 2,962 44 — 3,006 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — (109)(109)
Balance at March 31, 202019,470 $135,976 $7,655 $271 $(11,334)$132,568 
Share-based compensation expense— 736 — — — 736 
Shares issued from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares exchanged for withholding tax40 (51)— — — (51)
Net income— — 5,754 379 — 6,133 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — (151)(151)
Balance at June 30, 202019,510 $136,661 $13,409 $650 $(11,485)$139,235 
Share-based compensation expense— 1,011 — — — 1,011 
Shares issued from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares exchanged for withholding tax82 104 — — — 104 
Net income— — 6,755 414 — 7,169 
Other comprehensive income— — — — 718 718 
Balance at September 30, 202019,592 $137,776 $20,164 $1,064 $(10,767)$148,237 

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Common StockRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Noncontrolling
Interest
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
SharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 201819,204 $133,684 $(2,072)$63 $(11,107)$120,568 
Share-based compensation expense— 230 — — — 230 
Shares issued from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares exchanged for withholding tax69 (189)— — — (189)
Net income (loss)— — 1,757 (28)— 1,729 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — (316)(316)
Balance at March 31, 201919,273 $133,725 $(315)$35 $(11,423)$122,022 
Share-based compensation expense— 621 — — — 621 
Shares issued from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares exchanged for withholding tax29 (4)— — — (4)
Net income (loss)— — 2,689 (60)— 2,629 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — (530)(530)
Balance at June 30, 201919,302 $134,342 $2,374 $(25)$(11,953)$124,738 
Share-based compensation expense— 678 — — — 678 
Shares issued from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares exchanged for withholding tax29 60 — — — 60 
Net income— — 1,317 34 — 1,351 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — (61)(61)
Balance at September 30, 201919,331 $135,080 $3,691 $$(12,014)$126,766 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited) 
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 20202019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:  
Net income$16,308 $5,709 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:  
Provision for doubtful accounts116 
Depreciation and amortization7,834 7,533 
Non-cash lease expense2,398 3,989 
Share-based compensation expense2,141 1,529 
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment17 
Deferred income taxes1,210 474 
Purchase of trading investment securities(47)(69)
Proceeds from sale of trading investment securities221 392 
Realized and unrealized gains on investments(41)(181)
Foreign exchange losses354 597 
Loss on write-off of cumulative translation adjustment— 595 
Changes in assets and liabilities:  
Accounts receivable(1,692)152 
Inventories(1,361)(4,074)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(798)1,065 
Other assets(30)469 
Accounts payable1,102 (1,073)
Accrued volume incentives and service fees(1,370)(1,096)
Accrued liabilities5,106 (5,277)
Deferred revenue295 127 
Lease liabilities(2,276)(3,619)
Income taxes payable(1,078)(880)
Liability related to unrecognized tax benefits(1,417)(729)
Deferred compensation payable(133)(142)
Net cash provided by operating activities26,849 5,512 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(3,487)(4,474)
Net cash used in investing activities(3,487)(4,474)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
Principal payments of revolving credit facility— (547)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility— 547 
Proceeds from note payable5,374 — 
Principal payments of related party borrowing(243)— 
Proceeds from the exercise of stock awards192 60 
Tax benefit from stock awards(298)(193)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities5,025 (133)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents244 (1,013)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents28,631 (108)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period53,629 50,638 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period$82,260 $50,530 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:  
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds$3,293 $5,212 
Cash paid for interest24 63 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
(1)    Basis of Presentation
 
We are a natural health and wellness company primarily engaged in the manufacturing and direct selling of nutritional and personal care products. We are a Utah corporation with our principal place of business in Lehi, Utah, and sell our products to a sales force of independent consultants who uses the products themselves or resells them to consumers.
 
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 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 our financial information as of September 30, 2020, and for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020.
 
It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates due to the uncertainty around the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other factors and those differences could have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.

The significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements include estimates associated with our determination of liabilities related to independent consultant incentives, the determination of income tax assets and liabilities, certain other non-income tax and value-added tax contingencies, and legal contingencies. In addition, significant estimates form the basis for allowances with respect to inventory valuations. Various assumptions and other factors enter into the determination of these significant estimates. The process of determining significant estimates takes into account historical experience and current and expected economic conditions.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests changed as a result of the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $0.4 million and $0.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests of $34,000 and net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests of $0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, noncontrolling interests were $1.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Restructuring Related Accruals and Expenses

We recorded $0 and $0.1 million of restructuring related expenses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. We recorded $0.4 million and $2.4 million restructuring related expenses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. Accrued severance and restructuring related costs were $0 and $0.4 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820 based on the consideration of costs and benefits to promote the appropriate exercise and discretion by entities when considering fair value measurement disclosures and to clarify that materiality is an appropriate consideration of entities and their auditors when evaluating disclosure requirements. The amendments in this update are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This ASU eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating taxes during the quarters and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The amendments in this update are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. The amendments in this update are elective and subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This could affect balances of right of use assets, lease liabilities, and notes payables. The amendments in this update are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 21, 2022. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)    Inventories
 
The composition of inventories is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Raw materials$13,464 $13,329 
Work in progress1,491 1,426 
Finished goods32,891 31,911 
Total inventories$47,846 $46,666 

(3)    Investment Securities - Trading
 
Our trading securities portfolio totaled $1.0 million at September 30, 2020, and $1.2 million at December 31, 2019, and generated gains of $45,000 and $8,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and gains of $41,000 and $181,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
 
(4)    Revolving Credit Facility and Other Obligations

On July 11, 2017, we entered into a revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., with a borrowing limit of $25.0 million (the “Credit Agreement”). On June 11, 2020 the credit agreement was amended to extend the term to mature on July 1, 2023. The amendment also allows for additional borrowings of $15.0 million or up to three separate increases of no less than $5.0 million each. We pay interest on any borrowings under the Credit Agreement, which through June 10, 2020, was at LIBOR plus 1.25 percent (3.05 percent as of December 31, 2019), and an annual commitment fee of 0.2 percent on the unused portion of the commitment. Interest under the amended Credit Agreement is at LIBOR, or the Index floor of 0.75 percent, plus 2.25 percent (3.00 percent as of September 30, 2020), and an annual commitment fee of 0.25 percent on the unused portion of the commitment. We are required to settle our net borrowings under the Credit Agreement only upon maturity, and as a result, have classified prior outstanding borrowings as non-current on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. At September 30, 2020, there was no outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement.

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The Credit Agreement contains customary financial covenants, including financial covenants relating to our solvency and leverage. In addition, the Credit Agreement restricts certain capital expenditures, lease expenditures, other indebtedness, liens on assets, guarantees, loans and advances, dividends, mergers, consolidations and transfers of assets except as permitted in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement is collateralized by our manufacturing facility, accounts receivable balance, inventory balance and other assets. As of September 30, 2020, we were in compliance with the debt covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement.

On April 21, 2020, we entered into a credit agreement with Banc of America Leasing and Capital, LLC, with a borrowing limit of $6.0 million, that matures sixty months from the Base Date, which must not be later than April 30, 2021 (the "Capital Credit Agreement"). We pay interest on any borrowings under the Capital Credit Agreement at the Indicative Index plus 2.75 percent (3.50 percent as of September 30, 2020). We are required to settle our borrowings under the Capital Credit Agreement in sixty monthly payments, each equal to 1.82 percent of the loan amount. The Capital Credit Agreement is collateralized by any new equipment purchased under the agreement. As of September 30, 2020, there was no outstanding balance under the Capital Credit Agreement.

On April 14, 2020, we obtained a loan (the “Loan”) from Bank of America, B.A. in the amount of $5.4 million under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The PPP is a loan designed to provide an incentive for qualifying businesses to maintain their employees on the payroll despite significant economic uncertainty. We applied to receive the Loan based on, among other considerations, the significant economic uncertainty facing the Company and its supply chain worldwide as a result of COVID-19.

The Loan matures on April 14, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00 percent per annum, payable monthly commencing on November 15, 2020. We may prepay the Loan at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Under the PPP, the principal amount of the Loan and accrued interest are eligible for forgiveness if certain conditions are met. At this time, however, we believe it unlikely we qualify for forgiveness under the guidance provided by the Small Business Administration, who administers the PPP, after we applied for and received the Loan, and we intend to repay the entirety of the principal amount of the Loan, together with accrued interest thereon at the rate set forth above. As of September 30, 2020, there was $5.4 million outstanding under the PPP, $3.3 million of which was classified as current.

(5)    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 income per common share.

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Following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of Basic EPS to the numerator and denominator of Diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (dollar and share amounts in thousands, except for per share information): 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Net income attributable to common shareholders$6,755 $1,317 $15,471 $5,763 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding19,533 19,313 19,493 19,291 
Basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.35 $0.07 $0.79 $0.30 
Diluted shares outstanding:    
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding19,533 19,313 19,493 19,291 
Stock-based awards326 349 327 327 
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding19,859 19,662 19,820 19,618 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.34 $0.07 $0.78 $0.29 
Dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts:    
Stock options791 439 791 439 
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts:    
Stock options199 218 199 243 

Potentially dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts include performance-based options to purchase shares of common stock for which certain earnings metrics have not been achieved. Potentially anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts include both non-qualified stock options and unearned performance-based options to purchase shares of common stock with exercise prices greater than the weighted-average share price during the period and shares that would be anti-dilutive to the computation of diluted net income per share for each of the periods presented.
 
(6)    Capital Transactions
 
Share-Based Compensation
 
During the year ended December 31, 2012, our shareholders adopted and approved the Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Incentive Plan”). The 2012 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights, performance awards, stock awards and other stock-based awards. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has authority and discretion to determine the type of award, as well as the amount, terms and conditions of each award under the 2012 Incentive Plan, subject to the limitations of the 2012 Incentive Plan. A total of 1,500,000 shares of our common stock were originally authorized for the granting of awards under the 2012 Incentive Plan. In 2015, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2012 Incentive Plan, to increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance by 1,500,000 shares. The number of shares available for awards, as well as the terms of outstanding awards, are subject to adjustment as provided in the 2012 Incentive Plan for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and other similar events.
 
We have also maintained a stock incentive plan, which was approved by shareholders in 2009 (the “2009 Incentive Plan"), which provided for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights, performance awards, stock awards and other stock-based awards. As of September 30, 2020, there were no awards under the 2009 Incentive Plan.
 
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Stock Options
 
Our outstanding stock options include time-based stock options, which vest over differing periods of time ranging from the date of issuance to up to 48 months from the option grant date, and performance-based stock options, which have already vested 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.
 
Stock option activity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share information):
 Number of
Shares
Weighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
Options outstanding at December 31, 2019290 $11.49 
Granted— — 
Forfeited or canceled— — 
Exercised(41)7.92 
Options outstanding at September 30, 2020249 12.08 

There was no share-based compensation expense for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020. Share-based compensation expense for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019, was $0.1 million. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there was no unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to the grants described above.
 
At September 30, 2020, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable stock options to purchase 249,000 shares of common stock was $0.1 million. At December 31, 2019, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable options to purchase 290,000 shares of common stock was $0.1 million.

For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we issued 41,000 and 27,000 shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options at an average exercise price of $7.92 and $2.35 per share, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $0.1 million and $0.1 million of tax benefits from the exercise of stock options, respectively.

As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we did not have any unvested performance-based stock options outstanding.
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
Our outstanding restricted stock units (“RSUs”), include time-based RSUs, which vest over differing periods of time ranging from 12 months to up to 36 months from the RSU grant date, as well as performance-based RSUs, which vest upon achieving targets relating to revenue and earnings growth, earnings-per-share, and/or stock price levels. RSUs granted to members of the Board of Directors contain a restriction period in which the shares are not issued until two years after vesting. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were 83,000 and 95,000 vested RSUs, respectively, granted to the Board of Directors with a restriction period.

 Restricted stock unit activity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share information):
 Number of
Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Restricted Stock Units outstanding at December 31, 2019821 $7.43 
Granted691 5.79 
Forfeited(26)12.99 
Issued(196)8.99 
Restricted Stock Units outstanding at September 30, 20201,290 6.20 
 
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During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, we granted 691,000 RSUs under the 2012 Incentive Plan to the Board of Directors, executive officers and other employees, which were comprised of both time-based RSUs and share-priced performance-based RSUs. The time-based RSUs were issued with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $7.67 per share and vest in annual installments over a three-year period from the grant date or according to the restrictions for the Board of Directors noted above. The share-priced performance-based RSUs were issued with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $4.51 per share and vest upon achieving share-priced targets over a three-year period from the grant date.
 
Except for share-priced performance RSUs, RSUs are valued at market value on the date of grant, which is the grant date share price discounted for expected dividend payments during the vesting period. For RSUs with post-vesting restrictions, a Finnerty Model was utilized to calculate a valuation discount from the market value of common shares reflecting the restriction embedded in the RSUs preventing the sale of the underlying shares over a certain period of time. Using assumptions previously determined for the application of the option pricing model at the valuation date, the Finnerty Model discount for lack of marketability is approximately 12.7 percent for a common share.

Share-price performance-based RSUs were estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation model. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to estimate the probability that market conditions will be achieved. Our assumptions include a performance period of three years, expected volatility of 50 percent, and a range of risk-free rates between 2.1 percent and 2.9 percent.

Share-based compensation expense for RSUs for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was approximately $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Share-based compensation expense from RSUs for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was approximately $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to the grants described above, excluding incentive awards discussed below, was $1.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The remaining compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of approximately 0.9 years.
 
Share-based compensation expense related to performance-based RSUs for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Share-based compensation expense related to performance-based RSUs for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Should we attain all of the metrics related to performance-based RSU grants, we would recognize up to $3.0 million of potential share-based compensation expense. We currently expect to recognize an additional $0.8 million of that potential share-based compensation expense.
 
The number of shares issued upon vesting of RSUs granted pursuant to our share-based compensation plans is net of the minimum statutory withholding requirements that we pay on behalf of our employees, which was 41,000 and 23,000 shares for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Although shares withheld are not issued, they are treated as common share repurchases for accounting purposes, as they reduce the number of shares that would have been issued upon vesting. These shares do not count against the authorized capacity under the repurchase program described above. 

(7)    Segment Information
 
We have four business segments (Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America and Other) based primarily upon the geographic region where each segment operates, as well as the internal organization of our officers and their responsibilities. Each of the geographic segments operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products and Synergy® WorldWide brands. The Latin America and Other segment includes our wholesale business in which we sell products to various locally-managed entities independent of the Company that we have granted distribution rights for the relevant market.

Net sales 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. We evaluate performance based on contribution margin by segment before consideration of certain inter-segment transfers and expenses.


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Reportable business segment information is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Net sales:    
Asia$38,099 $33,717 $101,814 $102,475 
Europe18,006 14,640 54,098 45,312 
North America37,557 34,161 110,785 105,304 
Latin America and Other6,588 6,006 16,765 17,429 
Total net sales100,250 88,524 283,462 270,520 
Contribution margin (1):    
Asia17,981 16,236 48,560 48,638 
Europe5,954 4,865 17,987 14,692 
North America12,065 12,169 38,388 37,587 
Latin America and Other2,765 2,608 7,161 7,348 
Total contribution margin38,765 35,878 112,096 108,265 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (2)33,294 31,177 92,863 96,048 
Operating income5,471 4,701 19,233 12,217 
Other income (loss), net671 (1,243)(230)(985)
Income before provision for income taxes$6,142 $3,458 $19,003 $11,232 
_________________________________________

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

(2)  Service fees in China totaled $3.2 million and $8.0 million for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to $2.8 million and $7.3 million for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019. These service fees are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

From an individual country perspective, the United States and South Korea comprise 10 percent or more of consolidated net sales for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Net sales:    
United States$35,062 $31,579 $103,048 $97,734 
South Korea16,592 15,226 47,447 52,677 
Other48,596 41,719 132,967 120,109 
 $100,250 $88,524 $283,462 $270,520 

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Net sales generated by each of our product lines is set forth below (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
Asia    
General health$10,055 $9,450 $27,364 $28,287 
Immune85 105 465 462 
Cardiovascular10,622 9,997 29,284 33,390 
Digestive9,935 6,309 24,482 18,417 
Personal care2,575 3,472 7,457 9,559 
Weight management4,827 4,384 12,762 12,360 
 38,099 33,717 101,814 102,475 
Europe    
General health$7,725 $5,232 $22,501 $16,352 
Immune1,510 1,176 5,324 3,539 
Cardiovascular2,581 2,433 7,693 8,050 
Digestive4,541 3,374 13,254 10,555 
Personal care1,023 1,905 3,492 5,065 
Weight management626 520 1,834 1,751 
 18,006 14,640 54,098 45,312 
North America    
General health$15,839 $14,823 $46,190 $45,505 
Immune5,790 3,731 18,637 11,289 
Cardiovascular4,138 4,780 11,984 14,791 
Digestive8,635 7,946 24,734 25,190 
Personal care1,963 1,617 5,867 4,563 
Weight management1,192 1,264 3,373 3,966 
 37,557 34,161 110,785 105,304 
Latin America and Other    
General health$2,038 $1,929 $5,002 $5,324 
Immune837 664 2,326 1,874 
Cardiovascular429 378 1,070 1,078 
Digestive2,682 2,499 7,008 7,680 
Personal care384 267 848 784 
Weight management218 269 511 689 
 6,588 6,006 16,765 17,429 
 $100,250 $88,524 $283,462 $270,520 

From an individual country perspective, only the United States comprised 10 percent or more of consolidated property, plant and equipment as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Property, plant and equipment:  
United States$52,129 $54,470 
Other4,035 5,042 
Total property, plant and equipment, net$56,164 $59,512 

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Total assets per segment is set forth below (dollar amounts in thousands):

September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
Assets:  
Asia$80,613 $65,959 
Europe18,476 15,187 
North America129,573 124,337 
Latin America and Other8,758 7,585 
Total assets$237,420 $213,068 

(8)    Income Taxes
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, our provision (benefit) for income taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was (16.7) percent and 60.9 percent, respectively, compared with a U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0 percent. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, our provision for income taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was 14.2 percent and 49.2 percent, respectively, compared with a U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0 percent.
 
The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily attributed to a decrease in tax liability associated with uncertain tax positions and release of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets expected to be utilized in the current year. The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily attributed to a decrease in tax liability associated with uncertain tax positions and release of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets expected to be utilized in the current year, partially offset by transfer pricing adjustments and current year foreign losses that presently do not provide future tax benefit, as well as net unfavorable foreign tax related items.

The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, was primarily attributed to stock option expenses not deductible for tax purposes, foreign losses during those periods that were not expected to provide future tax benefit, as well as net unfavorable foreign tax related items, partially offset by a decrease in tax liability associated with uncertain tax positions.

The difference between the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to September 30, 2019 is primarily caused by a decrease in tax liability associated with uncertain tax positions, stock option expenses not deductible for tax in the prior period which did not repeat in the current period, and release of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets expected to be utilized in the current year.

As the U.S. Department of the Treasury is working on finalizing Treasury Regulations with respect to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform Act), future changes could likewise affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in later periods. Management is not aware of any such additional changes that would have a material effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Our U.S. federal income tax returns for 2017 through 2019 are open to examination for federal tax purposes. We have several foreign tax jurisdictions that have open tax years from 2014 through 2019.
 
As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had accrued $0.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively, related to unrecognized tax positions.
 
Interim income taxes are based on an estimated annualized effective tax rate applied to the respective quarterly periods, adjusted for discrete tax items in the period in which they occur. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, we can make no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which we have reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material impact on our income tax provision and operating results in the period in which we make such determination.
 
(9)    Commitments and Contingencies
 
Legal Proceedings
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We are party to various legal proceedings and disputes. Management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, or their resulting effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows as litigation and related matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings could occur. Were an unfavorable outcome to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows for the period in which the ruling occurs and/or future periods. We maintain product liability, general liability and excess liability insurance coverage. However, insurance may not continue to be available at an acceptable cost to us, such coverage may not be sufficient to cover one or more large claims, or the insurers may successfully disclaim coverage as to a pending or future claim.
 
Non-Income Tax Contingencies
 
We have reserved for certain state sales and use tax and foreign non-income tax contingencies based on the likelihood of an obligation in accordance with accounting guidance for probable loss contingencies. Loss contingency provisions are recorded for probable losses at management’s best estimate of a loss, or when a best estimate cannot be made, a minimum loss contingency amount is recorded. We provide provisions for potential payments of tax to various tax authorities for contingencies related to non-income tax matters, including value-added taxes and sales tax. We provide provisions for U.S. state sales taxes in each of the states where we have nexus. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, accrued liabilities were $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to non-income tax contingencies. While we believe that the assumptions and estimates used to determine contingent liabilities are reasonable, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot presently be determined. We believe future payments related to these matters could range from $0 to approximately $2.4 million.
 
Other Litigation
 
We are a party to various other legal proceedings and disputes in the United States and foreign jurisdictions. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, accrued liabilities were $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to the estimated outcome of these proceedings. In addition, we are a party to other litigation where there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred, either the losses are not considered to be probable or we cannot at this time estimate the loss, if any; therefore, no provision for losses has been provided. We believe future payments related to these matters could range from $0 to approximately $0.3 million.
 
(10)     Related Party Transactions

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, NSP China did not borrow any amounts from the Company or our joint venture partner. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 outstanding borrowings by NSP China from the Company were $5.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 outstanding borrowings by NSP China from our joint venture partner were $1.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively. These notes are payable in less than one year and bear interest of 3.0 percent. The notes between NSP China and the Company eliminate in consolidation.

(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 hierarchy is used to prioritize the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values of each financial instrument. Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:
 
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
 
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
 
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The following table presents our hierarchy for our assets, measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of September 30, 2020 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 Level 1Level 2Level 3 
 Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Total
Investment securities - trading$1,017 $— $— $1,017 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,017 $— $— $1,017 
 
The following table presents our hierarchy for our assets, measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2019 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 Level 1Level 2Level 3 
 Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Total
Investment securities - trading$1,150 $— $— $1,150 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,150 $— $— $1,150 
 
Investment securities - trading — Our trading portfolio consists of various marketable securities that are valued using quoted prices in active markets.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and for the year ended December 31, 2019, there were no fair value measurements using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) or significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
 
The carrying amounts reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying amount reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the revolving credit facility approximates fair value due to it being variable-rate debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we did not have any re-measurements of non-financial assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.

(12)    Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Net sales include products and shipping and handling charges, net of estimates for product returns and any related sales incentives or rebates based upon historical information and current trends. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring products. All revenue is recognized when the Company satisfies its performance obligations under the contract. We recognize revenue by transferring the promised products to the customer, with revenue recognized at shipping point, the point in time the customer obtains control of the products. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation and are short term in nature. Contracts with multiple performance obligations are insignificant. Sales taxes and value-added taxes in the United States and foreign jurisdictions that are collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from net sales. Amounts received for unshipped merchandise are recorded as deferred revenue.

A reserve for product returns is recorded based upon historical experience and current trends. We allow independent consultants to return the unused portion of products within ninety days of purchase if they are not satisfied with the product. In some of our markets, the requirements to return product are more restrictive.

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.

Volume incentives and other sales incentives or rebates are a significant part of our direct sales marketing program and represent commission payments made to independent consultants. These payments are designed to provide incentives for reaching higher sales levels. The amount of volume incentive expense recognized is determined based upon the amount of
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qualifying purchases in a given month and recorded as volume incentive expense. Payments to independent consultants for sales incentives or rebates related to their own purchases are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Some payments for sales incentives are processed daily; while others, including rebates, are calculated monthly based upon qualifying sales.

Contract Liabilities - Customer Loyalty Programs

We record contract liabilities for loyalty point programs in deferred revenue. These programs are accounted for as a reduction in the transaction price and are generally recognized as points that are redeemed for additional products.

The following table presents changes in these contract liability balances for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 (U.S. dollars in thousands):
Outstanding at December 31, 2019$955 
Increase (decrease) attributed to: 
Customer loyalty net deferrals 5,634 
Customer loyalty redemptions (5,788)
Outstanding at September 30, 2020$801 
The table above excludes liability for sales returns, as they are insignificant.

Disaggregation of Revenue

Our products are grouped into six principal categories: general health, immune, cardiovascular, digestive, personal care and weight management. We have four business segments that are based primarily upon the geographic region where each segment operates. Each of the geographic segments operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products and Synergy® WorldWide brands. See Note 7, Segment Information, for further information on our reportable segments and presentation of disaggregated revenue by reportable segment and product category.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

We have made the accounting policy election to treat shipping and handling as a fulfillment activity rather than a promised service under Topic 606.

We generally expense volume incentives when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less.

All of our contracts with customers have a duration of less than one year. The value of any unsatisfied performance obligations is insignificant.
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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 condensed 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, 2019, and our other reports filed since the date of such Form 10-K.
 
OVERVIEW
 
We are a natural health and wellness company primarily engaged in the manufacture and sale of nutritional and personal care products. We are a Utah corporation with our principal place of business in Lehi, Utah, and sell our products to a sales force of independent consultants who use the products themselves or resell them to consumers.

Our independent consultants market and sell our products to customers and sponsor other independent consultants who also market our products to customers. Our sales are highly dependent upon the number and productivity of our independent consultants. Growth in sales volume generally requires an increase in the productivity of our independent consultants and/or growth in the total number of independent consultants. We seek to motivate and provide incentives to our independent consultants by offering high quality products and providing independent consultants with product support, training seminars, sales conventions, travel programs and financial incentives.

In or about December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 "COVID-19", began aggressively spreading throughout the world, including all the primary markets where we conduct business. As COVID-19 has spread throughout the world, it has impacted our markets differently. Throughout our markets, governments issued orders to shelter in place and other restrictions that have limited the ability of our consultants to meet with consumers, which put downward pressure on our sales in many of our markets and added substantial uncertainties to our global supply chain. However, despite such restrictions, we experienced an increase in sales during the third quarter due primarily to increased demand for nutritional supplements. Although we are taking appropriate actions to mitigate the effects COVID-19 may have on our business, such actions may ultimately be insufficient to avoid substantial impact on the consolidated financial statement or material health of the Company. At this time, the duration of any business disruption and related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated.

In the third quarter of 2020, we furthered our transformation in our North America and Latin America operating segments with the rollout of our new branding, launch of our new website and introduction of our new compensation plan for independent consultants. This transformation was designed to improve the Nature's Sunshine Experience for our independent consultants and customers, while providing new opportunities for growth.
In the third quarter of 2020, we experienced an increase in our consolidated net sales of 13.2 percent (or 13.1 percent in local currencies) compared to the same period in 2019. Asia net sales increased approximately 13.0 percent (or 12.5 percent in local currencies) compared to the same period in 2019. Europe net sales increased approximately 23.0 percent (or 21.4 percent in local currencies) compared to the same period in 2019. North America net sales increased approximately 9.9 percent (or 10.0 percent in local currencies) compared to the same period in 2019. Latin America and Other net sales increased approximately 9.7 percent (or 14.0 percent in local currencies) compared to the same period in 2019. The weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the local currencies, primarily in our Asian and European markets, resulted in an approximate 0.1 percent, or $0.1 million, increase of our net sales during the quarter.

Selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2020, increased $2.1 million compared to the same period in 2019, and decreased as a percentage of net sales to 33.2 percent from 35.2 percent in 2019. The increase was primarily related to increased selling costs intended to drive growth, including the rollout of a new compensation plan for independent consultants, introduction of virtual events, as well as growth in markets with higher variable costs.

As an international business, we have significant sales and costs denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Sales in international markets denominated in foreign currencies are expected to continue to represent a substantial portion of our sales. Likewise, we expect foreign markets with functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar will continue to represent a substantial portion of our overall sales and related operating expenses. Accordingly, changes in foreign currency exchange rates could materially affect sales and costs or the comparability of sales and costs from period to period as a result of translating foreign markets financial statements into our reporting currency.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following table summarizes our unaudited consolidated operating results from continuing operations in U.S. dollars and as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
Change
 Total
dollars
Percent of
net sales
Total
dollars
Percent of
net sales
Total
dollars
Percentage 
Net sales$100,250 100.0 %$88,524 100.0 %$11,726 13.2 %
Cost of sales27,175 27.1 22,784 25.7 4,391 19.3 
Gross profit73,075 72.9 65,740 74.3 7,335 11.2 
Volume incentives34,310 34.2 29,862 33.7 4,448 14.9 
SG&A expenses33,294 33.2 31,177 35.2 2,117 6.8 
Operating income5,471 5.5 4,701 5.3 770 16.4 
Other income (loss), net671 0.7 (1,243)(1.4)1,914 154.0 
Income before income taxes
6,142 6.1 3,458 3.9 2,684 77.6 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes(1,027)(1.0)2,107 2.4 (3,134)(148.7)
Net income$7,169 7.2 %$1,351 1.5 %$5,818 430.6 %

The following table summarizes our unaudited consolidated operating results from continuing operations in U.S. dollars and as a percentage of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
Change
 Total
dollars
Percent of
net sales
Total
dollars
Percent of
net sales
Total
dollars
Percentage 
Net sales$283,462 100.0 %$270,520 100.0 %$12,942 4.8 %
Cost of sales74,873 26.4 70,078 25.9 4,795 6.8 
Gross profit208,589 73.6 200,442 74.1 8,147 4.1 
Volume incentives96,493 34.0 92,177 34.1 4,316 4.7 
SG&A expenses92,863 32.8 96,048 35.5 (3,185)(3.3)
Operating income19,233 6.8 12,217 4.5 7,016 57.4 
Other loss, net(230)(0.1)(985)(0.4)755 76.6 
Income before income taxes
19,003 6.7 11,232 4.2 7,771 69.2 
Provision for income taxes2,695 1.0 5,523 2.0 (2,828)(51.2)
Net income$16,308 5.8 %$5,709 2.1 %$10,599 185.7 %

 Net Sales
 
International operations have provided, and are expected to continue to provide, a significant portion of our total net sales. As a result, total net sales will continue to be affected by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies. In order to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, in addition to comparing the percent change in net sales from one period to another in U.S. dollars, we present net sales excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. We compare the percentage change in net sales from one period to another period by excluding the effects of foreign currency exchange as shown below. Net sales excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations is not a U.S. GAAP financial measure and removes from net sales in U.S. dollars the impact of changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries, by translating the current period net sales into U.S. dollars using the same foreign currency exchange rates that were used to translate the net sales for the previous comparable period. We believe presenting the impact of foreign currency fluctuations is useful to investors because it allows a more meaningful comparison of net sales of our foreign operations from period to period. However, net sales excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net sales in U.S. dollar measures that reflect current period exchange rates, or to other financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Throughout the last five years, foreign currency exchange rates have fluctuated significantly. See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
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The following table summarizes the changes in net sales by operating segment with a reconciliation to net sales excluding the impact of currency fluctuations for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 Net Sales by Operating Segment
 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
Percent
Change
Impact of
Currency
Exchange
Percent
Change
Excluding
Impact of
Currency
Asia$38,099 $33,717 13.0 %$184 12.5 %
Europe18,006 14,640 23.0 236 21.4 
North America37,557 34,161 9.9 (22)10.0 
Latin America and Other6,588 6,006 9.7 (258)14.0 
 $100,250 $88,524 13.2 %$140 13.1 %

The following table summarizes the changes in net sales by operating segment with a reconciliation to net sales excluding the impact of currency fluctuations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 Net Sales by Operating Segment
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
Percent
Change
Impact of
Currency
Exchange
Percent
Change
Excluding
Impact of
Currency
Asia$101,814 $102,475 (0.6)%$(1,770)1.1 %
Europe54,098 45,312 19.4 (193)19.8 
North America110,785 105,304 5.2 (137)5.3 
Latin America and Other16,765 17,429 (3.8)(672)— 
 $283,462 $270,520 4.8 %$(2,772)5.8 %
 
Consolidated net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, were $100.3 million and $283.5 million, respectively, compared to $88.5 million and $270.5 million for the same period in 2019, which represents increases of 13.2 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively. The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily related to notable product sales growth in all of our operating segments. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily related to product sales growth in the Europe and North America markets, offset by declines in the Asia and Latin America and Other markets. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, consolidated net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, increased 13.1 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively, from the same periods in 2019.

Asia

Net sales related to Asia for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, were $38.1 million and $101.8 million, respectively, compared to $33.7 million and $102.5 million for the same periods in 2019, or an increase of 13.0 percent and a decrease of 0.6 percent, respectively. In local currency, net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, increased 12.5 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019.

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Notable activity in the following markets contributed to the results of Asia:

In our South Korea market, net sales increased $1.4 million and decreased $5.2 million, or increased 9.0 percent and decreased 9.9 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. In local currency, net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, increased 8.7 percent and decreased 6.9 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily the result of new product launches and extended promotions. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily the result of government restrictions in the market intended to slow the spread of COVID-19, that limited consultant meetings.

In our Japan market, net sales increased $1.4 million and $1.7 million, or 22.9 percent and 9.7 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. In local currencies, net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, increased 21.5 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. We attribute the growth in net sales primarily to product promotions intended to stimulate activity which had a positive impact on market sales volume.

In our China market, net sales increased $2.2 million and $3.7 million, or 27.8 percent and 17.9 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. In local currencies, net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, increased 27.3 percent and 20.0 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. Although growth has been impacted by current market conditions, China continues to show growth primarily due to initiatives designed to increase independent service providers’ engagement levels and gain market share.

Europe

Net sales related to Europe for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, were $18.0 million and $54.1 million, respectively, compared to $14.6 million and $45.3 million for the same periods in 2019, or increases of 23.0 percent and 19.4 percent. In local currency, net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, increased 21.4 percent and 19.8 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. The functional currency for many of these markets is the U.S. Dollar which reduces the effect from foreign currency fluctuations. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.2 million favorable and $0.2 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. Net sales increased primarily as a result of the relative stabilization of the Russian ruble against the U.S. dollar and product promotions that have improved consultant engagement.

North America

Net sales related to North America for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, were $37.6 million and $110.8 million, respectively, compared to $34.2 million and $105.3 million for the same periods in 2019, or increases of 9.9 percent and 5.2 percent. In local currency, net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, increased 10.0 percent and 5.3 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019.

In the United States, net sales increased $3.5 million and $5.3 million, or 11.0 percent and 5.4 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. The year-to-date increase in the market is due to several factors including, among others, rebranding and rebuilding efforts of the Nature's Sunshine brand and consultant tools in the U.S. and an increase in demand for nutritional supplements in the U.S. as a result of the continued spread of COVID-19.

Latin America and Other

Net sales related to Latin America and Other markets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, were $6.6 million and $16.8 million, respectively, compared to $6.0 million and $17.4 million for the same periods in 2019, or an increase of 9.7 percent and a decrease of 3.8 percent. In local currency, net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, increased 14.0 percent and remained constant, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. Currency devaluation had a $0.3 million and $0.7 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily the result of changes in the independent consultant compensation plan as well as an increase in demand for nutritional supplements as a result of continued spread of COVID-19. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily due to decreases in consultant retention and average purchase size as well as restrictions in the market due to COVID-19, that limited consultant meetings, especially in the first half of 2020.

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Further information related to our Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America and Other business segments is set forth in Note 7 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of this report.

 Cost of Sales
 
Cost of sales as a percent of net sales was 27.1 percent and 26.4 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to 25.7 percent and 25.9 percent for the same periods in 2019. The increase in cost of sales percentage is due primarily to unfavorable changes in market mix.
 
Volume Incentives

Volume incentives expense as a percent of net sales was 34.2 percent and 34.0 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to 33.7 percent and 34.1 percent for the same periods in 2019. These payments are designed to provide incentives for reaching certain sales levels. Volume incentives vary slightly, on a percentage basis, by product due to pricing policies and commission plans in place in our various operations. We do not pay volume incentives in China, instead we pay independent service fees, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Volume incentives as a percentage of net sales can fluctuate based on promotional activity and mix of sales by market. The decrease in volume incentives as a percent of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is primarily due to changes in market mix, reflecting growth in markets where volume incentives as a percentage of net sales are lower than the consolidated average, and the growth in NSP China.
 
Selling, General and Administrative
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses represent operating expenses, components of which include labor and benefits, sales events, professional fees, travel and entertainment, marketing, occupancy costs, communications costs, bank fees, depreciation and amortization, independent services fees paid in China, and other miscellaneous operating expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $2.1 million and decreased $3.2 million, respectively, to $33.3 million and $92.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 33.2 percent and 32.8 percent of net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, compared to 35.2 percent and 35.5 percent for the same periods in 2019. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily related to increased selling costs intended to drive growth, including the rollout of a new compensation plan for independent consultants, introduction of virtual events, as well as growth in markets with higher variable costs. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily related to a reduction of headcount in the U.S. and Latin America as a result of restructuring, decrease in travel and event related costs and other cost reductions, net of any incremental costs associated with COVID-19.

Other Income (Loss), Net
 
Other income (loss), net, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, were gains of $0.7 million and losses of $0.2 million, respectively, compared to losses of $1.2 million and $1.0 million during the same periods in 2019, respectively. Other income (loss), for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 primarily consisted of foreign exchange gains and losses as a result of net changes in foreign currencies primarily in Asia, Europe and Latin America.
 
Income Taxes

For the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, our provision (benefit) for income taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was (16.7) percent and 60.9 percent, respectively, compared with a U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0 percent. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, our provision for income taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was 14.2 percent and 49.2 percent, respectively, compared with a U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0 percent.
 
The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily attributed to a decrease in tax liability associated with uncertain tax positions and release of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets expected to be utilized in the current year, partially offset by transfer pricing adjustments and current year foreign losses that presently do not provide future tax benefit.

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The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, was primarily attributed to stock option expenses not deductible for tax purposes, foreign losses during those periods that were not expected to provide future tax benefit, partially offset by a decrease in tax liability associated with uncertain tax positions.

The difference between the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to September 30, 2019 is primarily caused by a decrease in tax liability associated with uncertain tax positions, stock option expenses not deductible for tax in the prior period which did not repeat in the current period, and release of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets expected to be utilized in the current year.

Our U.S. federal income tax returns for 2017 through 2019 are open to examination for federal tax purposes. We have several foreign tax jurisdictions that have open tax years from 2014 through 2019.
 
As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had had accrued $0.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively, related to unrecognized tax positions.

Product Categories
 
Our line of over 700 products includes several different product classifications, such as immune, cardiovascular, digestive, personal care, weight management and other general health products. We purchase herbs and other raw materials in bulk and, after quality control testing, we formulate, encapsulate, tablet or concentrate them, label and package them for shipment. Most of our products are manufactured at our facility in Spanish Fork, Utah. Contract manufacturers produce some of our products in accordance with our specifications and standards. We have implemented quality control procedures to verify that our contract manufacturers have complied with our specifications and standards.

See Note 7, Segment Information, for a summary of the U.S. dollar amounts from the sale of general health, immune, cardiovascular, digestive, personal care and weight management products for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, by business segment.
 
Distribution and Marketing
 
We market our products primarily through our network of independent consultants, who market our products to customers through direct selling techniques and sponsor other independent consultants who also market our products to customers. We seek to motivate and provide incentives to our independent consultants by offering high quality products and providing independent consultants with product support, training seminars, sales conventions, travel programs and financial incentives.

Our products sold in the United States are shipped directly from our manufacturing and warehouse facilities located in Spanish Fork, Utah, as well as from our regional warehouses located in Georgia, Ohio and Texas. Many of our international operations maintain warehouse facilities and inventory to supply their independent consultants. However, in foreign markets where we do not maintain warehouse facilities, we have contracted with third-parties to distribute our products and provide support services to our force of independent consultants.

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

We pay sales commissions, or “volume incentives” to our independent consultants based upon their own product sales and the product sales of their sales organization. As an exception, in NSP China, we do not pay volume incentives; rather, we pay independent service fees, which are included in selling, general and administrative expense. These volume incentives are recorded as an expense in the year earned. The amounts of volume incentives that we expensed during the quarters ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, are set forth in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this report. In addition to the opportunity to receive volume incentives, independent Managers who attain certain levels of monthly product sales are eligible for additional incentive programs including automobile allowances, sales convention privileges and travel awards.
 
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Our principal use of cash is to pay for operating expenses, including volume incentives, inventory and raw material purchases, capital assets and funding of international expansion. As of September 30, 2020, working capital was $79.2 million, compared to $54.8 million as of December 31, 2019. At September 30, 2020, we had $82.3 million in cash, of which $29.1 million was held in the U.S. and $53.2 million was held in foreign markets and may be subject to various withholding taxes and other restrictions related to repatriation before becoming available to be used along with the normal cash flows from operations to fund any unanticipated shortfalls in future cash flows.
 
Our net consolidated cash inflows (outflows) are as follows (in thousands):
 
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 20202019
Operating activities$26,849 $5,512 
Investing activities(3,487)(4,474)
Financing activities5,025 (133)
 
Operating Activities
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, operating activities provided cash of $26.8 million, compared to $5.5 million in the same period in 2019. Operating cash flows increased primarily due to increased sales and continued efforts to reduce operating costs and increase profitability and working capital.

Investing Activities
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, investing activities used $3.5 million, compared to $4.5 million for the same period in 2019. Capital expenditures related to the purchase of equipment, computer systems and software for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were $3.5 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

Financing Activities
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, financing activities provided $5.0 million, compared to using $0.1 million in cash for the same period in 2019. Financing cash flows increased primarily due proceeds from a loan, noted below.
 
On July 11, 2017, we entered into a revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., with a borrowing limit of $25.0 million (the “Credit Agreement”). On June 11, 2020 the credit agreement was amended to extend the term to mature on July 1, 2023. The amendment also allows for additional borrowings of $15.0 million or up to three separate increases of no less than $5.0 million each. We pay interest on any borrowings under the Credit Agreement, which through June 10, 2020, was at LIBOR plus 1.25 percent (3.05 percent as of December 31, 2019), and an annual commitment fee of 0.2 percent on the unused portion of the commitment. Interest under the amended Credit Agreement is at LIBOR, or the Index floor of 0.75 percent, plus 2.25 percent (3.00 percent as of September 30, 2020), and an annual commitment fee of 0.25 percent on the unused portion of the commitment. We are required to settle our net borrowings under the Credit Agreement only upon maturity, and as a result, have classified prior outstanding borrowings as non-current on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. At September 30, 2020, there was no outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary financial covenants, including financial covenants relating to our solvency and leverage. In addition, the Credit Agreement restricts certain capital expenditures, lease expenditures, other indebtedness, liens on assets, guarantees, loans and advances, dividends, and merger, consolidation and the transfer of assets except as permitted in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement is collateralized by our manufacturing facility, accounts receivable balance, inventory balance and other assets. As of September 30, 2020, we were in compliance with the debt covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement.

On April 21, 2020, we entered into a credit agreement with Banc of America Leasing and Capital, LLC, with a borrowing limit of $6.0 million, that matures sixty months from the Base Date, which must not be later than April 30, 2021 (the "Capital Credit Agreement"). We pay interest on any borrowings under the Capital Credit Agreement at the Indicative Index plus 2.8 percent (3.5 percent as of September 30, 2020). We are required to settle our borrowings under the Capital Credit Agreement in sixty monthly payments, each equal to 1.8 percent of the loan amount. The Capital Credit Agreement is
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collateralized by any new equipment purchased under the agreement. After inception and as of September 30, 2020, there was no outstanding balance under the Capital Credit Agreement.

On April 14, 2020, we obtained a loan (the “Loan”) from Bank of America, B.A. in the amount of $5.4 million under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The PPP is a loan designed to provide an incentive for qualifying businesses to maintain their employees on the payroll despite significant economic uncertainty. We applied to receive the Loan based on, among other considerations the significant economic uncertainty facing the Company and its supply chain worldwide as a result of COVID-19.

The Loan matures on April 14, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00 percent per annum, payable monthly commencing on November 15, 2020. We may prepay the Loan at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Under the PPP, the principal amount of the Loan and accrued interest are eligible for forgiveness if certain conditions are met. At this time, however, we believe it unlikely we qualify for forgiveness under the guidance provided by the Small Business Administration, who administers the PPP, after we applied for and received the Loan, and we intend to repay the entirety of the principal amount of the Loan, together with accrued interest thereon at the rate set forth above. As of September 30, 2020, there was $5.4 million outstanding under the PPP, $3.3 million of which was classified as current.

We believe that cash generated from operations, along with available cash and cash equivalents, will be sufficient to fund our normal operating needs, including capital expenditures, on both a short- and long-term basis.

In addition, other things such as 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.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
 
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and form the basis for the following discussion and analysis on critical accounting policies and estimates. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On a regular basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates and those differences could have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. We have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Board of Directors and our 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 the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. We believe the critical accounting policies and estimates described below reflect our more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the 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
 
Our revenue recognition practices are discussed in Note 12, Revenue Recognition, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, Part 1 of this report.
 
Inventories
 
Inventories are adjusted to lower of cost and net realizable value, using the first-in, first-out method. The components of inventory cost include raw materials, labor and overhead. To estimate any necessary 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. If future demand and market conditions are less favorable than our assumptions, additional inventory adjustments could be required.

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Incentive Trip Accrual
 
We accrue for expenses associated with our direct sales program, which rewards independent consultants with paid attendance for incentive trips, including 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.

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

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, 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, we develop assumptions including the amount of future state, federal and foreign pretax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income, and are consistent with the plans and estimates that we are using to manage the underlying businesses. Valuation allowances are recorded as reserves against net deferred tax assets by us when it is determined that net deferred tax assets are not likely to be realized in the foreseeable future.

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 our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

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

Item 3            QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
We conduct business in several countries and intend to grow our international operations. Net sales, 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. For further information, see Part II, Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
 
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
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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 September 30, 2020. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2020, at the reasonable assurance level.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.                     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
None.
 
Item 1A.            RISK FACTORS
 
In addition to the 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, 2019, which could have a material adverse effect on our business or consolidated financial statements, results of operations, and cash flows. Additional risks not currently known, or risks that are currently believed to be not material, may also impair business operations. Except as set forth below, 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, 2019.

The ongoing outbreak of coronavirus and the responses thereto around the world could adversely impact our business and operating results.

In or about December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, began aggressively spreading throughout the world, including all the primary markets where we conduct business. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency. Governments around the world have issued, and others in the future may issue, orders for their citizens to shelter-in-place to slow the spread of COVID-19. Such orders, restrictions and recommendations, and the anticipation that additional orders, restrictions or recommendations could occur, have resulted in widespread closures of businesses not deemed “essential,” work stoppages, limitations on the number of people allowed to gather in one location, slowdowns and delays in world-wide supply chains, work-from-home policies, travel restrictions and cancellation of events, among other effects.

The duration and extent of COVID-19's impact on our business are difficult to assess or predict. The widespread pandemic has resulted and may continue to result for an extended period, in significant disruption of global financial markets, reducing our ability to access capital, repatriate funds from foreign markets, which would negatively affect our liquidity. Further, quarantines or government reaction or shutdowns for COVID-19 could disrupt or halt our operations and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our manufacturing personnel and other employees could also be affected by COVID-19, potentially reducing their availability, and a widespread outbreak of COVID-19 among our manufacturing or supply-chain employees could disrupt or halt our operations. Further, restrictions on gatherings of individuals may limit the ability of our independent consultants to sell our products. Additionally, the procedures we take to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 on our workforce, including but not limited to, social distancing and additional sanitizing measures, could reduce the efficiency of our operations, increase our operating costs or prove insufficient.

Cybersecurity risks and the failure to maintain the integrity of data could expose us to data loss, litigation and liability, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We collect and retain large volumes of data from employees and independent consultants, including credit card numbers and other personally identifiable information, for business purposes, including transactional and promotional purposes. Our various information technology systems enter, process, summarize and report such data. The integrity and protection of this data are critical to our business. We are subject to significant security and privacy regulations, as well as requirements imposed by the credit card industry.

Similarly, a failure to adhere to the payment card industry’s data security standards could cause us to incur penalties from payment card associations, termination of our ability to accept credit or debit card payments, litigation and adverse publicity, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Maintaining compliance with these evolving regulations and requirements could be difficult and may increase costs. In addition, a penetrated or compromised data system or the intentional, inadvertent or negligent release or disclosure of data could result in theft, loss or fraudulent or unlawful use of company, employee, consultant or guest data which could adversely affect our reputation, disrupt our operations, or result in remedial and other costs, fines or lawsuits, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Although we take measures to protect the security, integrity and confidentiality of our data systems, we experience cyber-attacks of varying degrees and types on a regular basis. Our infrastructure may be vulnerable to these attacks, and in some cases, it could take time to discover them. Our security measures may also be breached due to employee error or malfeasance, system errors or otherwise. For various reasons or circumstances,
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our employees may work remotely from time to time. For example, many of our employees have worked remotely in response to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. During such times, remote access heightens the risk of a cyber-attack. Additionally, outside parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees, users, or customers to disclose sensitive information to gain access to our data or our users’ or customers’ data. Any such breach or unauthorized access could result in the unauthorized disclosure, misuse or loss of sensitive information and lead to significant legal and financial exposure, regulatory inquiries or investigations, loss of confidence by our sales force, disruption of our operations and damage to our reputation. These risks are heightened as we work with third-party partners and as our sales force uses social media, as the partners and social media platforms could be vulnerable to the same types of breaches.

Our manufacturing activity is subject to certain risks.

We manufacture a significant portion of the products sold at our manufacturing facility located in Spanish Fork, Utah. As a result, we are dependent upon the uninterrupted and efficient operation of our manufacturing facility in Spanish Fork and our distribution facilities throughout the country. Our manufacturing facilities and distribution facilities are subject to the risk of catastrophic loss due to, among other things, earthquake, fire, flood, epidemic, terrorism or other natural or man-made disasters, as well as the occurrence of significant equipment failures. If any of these facilities were to experience a catastrophic loss, it would be expected to disrupt our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We source many of our ingredients and some of our finished products through third-party suppliers. If any of our third-party suppliers were to suffer a catastrophic loss, it would cause delays in our manufacturing and could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

As the primary manufacturer of our own products, we are subject to FDA regulations on GMPs, which require us to maintain good manufacturing processes, including ingredient identification, manufacturing controls and record keeping. Compliance with these regulations has increased and may further increase our cost of manufacturing products. Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected if regulatory authorities make determinations that we are not in compliance with FDA regulations on GMPs. A finding of noncompliance may result in administrative warnings, penalties or actions impacting our ability to continue selling certain products, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

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

We may be adversely affected by changes to our independent consultant compensation plans.

We modify components of our compensation plans from time to time to keep them competitive and attractive to existing and potential independent consultants, to address changing market dynamics, to provide incentives to our independent consultants that we believe will help grow our business, to conform to local regulations and to address other business related considerations. In September 2020, we implemented significant changes to our compensation plan for independent consultants in our North America and Latin America operating segments. It is difficult to predict how such changes will be viewed by our independent consultants and whether such changes will achieve their desired results. Such changes could result in unintended or unforeseen negative economic and non-economic consequences to our business, such as higher than anticipated costs or difficulty in attracting and retaining independent consultants, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We may not be entitled to forgiveness of our recently received PPP Loan, and our application for the PPP Loan could in the future be determined to have been impermissible or could result in damage to our reputation.

On April 14, 2020 we received proceeds of $5.4 million from a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act, a portion of which may be forgiven, which we intend to use to retain current employees, maintain payroll and make lease and utility payments. The PPP Loan matures on April 14, 2022 and bears annual interest at a rate of 1.0%. Commencing on the date that is the later of (i) the date that is the 10th month after the end of the Company’s PPP Loan covered period (as described below) and (ii) assuming the Company has applied for PPP Loan forgiveness within the period described in clause (i), the date on which SBA remits the loan forgiveness amount on the Company’s PPP Loan to the PPP lender (or notifies such lender that no loan forgiveness is allowed), we are required to pay the lender equal monthly payments of principal
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and interest as required to fully amortize by April 21, 2022 any principal amount outstanding on the PPP Loan as of October 14, 2020. In addition, on June 5, 2020, the President of the United States signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (the “PPPFA”) into law. The PPPFA gives borrowers of a PPP loan more flexibility and time to spend the loan proceeds and allows the funds to be used on broader categories of expenses while still qualifying for loan forgiveness. We are evaluating forgiveness requirements pursuant to the PPP and PPPFA but can provide no guarantee that we will meet any of the requirements of forgiveness. A portion of the PPP Loan may be forgiven by the SBA upon our application and upon documentation of expenditures in accordance with the SBA requirements. Under the CARES Act and the PPPFA, loan forgiveness is available for the sum of documented payroll costs, covered rent payments, covered mortgage interest and covered utilities during the twenty-four week period or, if elected by the Company, the eight week period beginning on the date of the loan is advanced. Not more than 40% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs. The amount of the PPP Loan eligible to be forgiven may be limited due to declines in headcount, whether voluntary or involuntary, or if salaries and wages for employees with salaries of $100,000 or less annually are reduced by more than 25% as compared to the period of January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020. We will be required to repay any portion of the outstanding principal that is not forgiven, along with accrued interest, in accordance with the amortization schedule described above, and we cannot provide any assurance that we will be eligible for loan forgiveness, that we will ultimately apply for forgiveness, or that any amount of the PPP Loan will ultimately be forgiven by the SBA. Furthermore, on April 28, 2020, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury stated that the SBA will perform a full review of any PPP loan over $2.0 million.

In order to apply for the PPP Loan, we were required to certify, among other things, that the current economic uncertainty made the PPP Loan request necessary to support our ongoing operations. We made this certification in good faith after analyzing, among other things, our financial situation and access to alternative forms of capital, and believe that we satisfied all eligibility criteria for the PPP Loan, and that our receipt of the PPP Loan is consistent with the broad objectives of the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act. The certification described above does not contain any objective criteria and is subject to interpretation. On April 23, 2020, the SBA issued guidance stating that it is unlikely that a public company with substantial market value and access to capital markets will be able to make the required certification in good faith. The lack of clarity regarding loan eligibility under the Paycheck Protection Program has resulted in significant media coverage and controversy with respect to public companies applying for and receiving loans. If, despite our good-faith belief that given our Company's circumstances we satisfied all eligible requirements for the PPP Loan, we are later determined to have violated any of the laws or governmental regulations that apply to us in connection with the PPP Loan, such as the False Claims Act, or it is otherwise determined that we were ineligible to receive the PPP Loan, we may be subject to penalties, including significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties and could be required to repay the PPP Loan in its entirety. In addition, receipt of a PPP Loan may result in adverse publicity and damage to reputation, and a review or audit by the SBA or other government entity or claims under the False Claims Act could consume significant financial and management resources. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Item 2.                     UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
None
 
Item 3.                     DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
Item 4.                     MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.
 
Item 5.                     OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
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Item 6.                     EXHIBITS
 
a)             Index to Exhibits
 
Item No. Exhibit
31.1(1) 
31.2(1) 
32.1(1) 
32.2(1) 
101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
104Cover page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language) document)
_________________________________________

(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.
 
Natures Sunshine Products, Inc.
  
Date:November 9, 2020/s/ Terrence O. Moorehead
 Terrence O. Moorehead,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date:November 9, 2020/s/ Joseph W. Baty
 Joseph W. Baty,
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


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