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NATR.PK > SEC Filings for NATR.PK > Form 10-K/A on 31-Dec-2008All Recent SEC Filings

Show all filings for NATURES SUNSHINE PRODUCTS INC | Request a Trial to NEW EDGAR Online Pro

Form 10-K/A for NATURES SUNSHINE PRODUCTS INC


31-Dec-2008

Annual Report


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

The following discussion highlights the principal factors that have affected our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources for the periods described. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements. Please see "Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" for the risks, uncertainties and assumptions associated with these forward-looking statements.

OVERVIEW

Our Business, Industry and Target Market

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

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

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

In 2007, we experienced healthy net sales revenue growth overseas in our Nature's Sunshine Products International business segment of approximately 15%, while our domestic business segment sales remained flat and our Synergy Worldwide business segment experienced a decline in net sales revenue of approximately 18% due primarily to the loss of several key distributor networks. Over the same period, our cost of goods sold remained constant as a percentage of net sales revenue, but our selling, general and administrative expenses increased somewhat primarily as a result of costs associated with increases in audit fees, the implementation of new internal control procedures, and increase in our reserve for foreign tax contingencies, resulting in a decrease in operating net income for 2007. On our consolidated balance sheet, we maintained a fairly consistent profile from 2006 to 2007, with the exception of a liability related to unrecognized tax positions of $25.9 million in accordance with FASB Financial Interpretation ("FIN") 48, "Accounting for Uncertainly in Income Taxes," and a corresponding decrease in accrued liabilities of $15.8 million and an increase in other assets of $10.1 million.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and form the basis for the following discussion and analysis on critical accounting policies and


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

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

Revenue Recognition

Net sales revenue and related volume incentive expenses are recorded when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, collectability is reasonably assured, the amount is fixed and determinable, and title and risk of loss have passed, generally when the merchandise has been delivered. Amounts received for undelivered merchandise are recorded as deferred revenue. Sales revenue is recorded net of the rebate portion of volume incentives, and a reserve for product returns, which reduces revenue, is accrued based on historical experience. From time to time, the Company's United States operation extends short-term credit associated with product promotions. In addition for certain of the Company's international operations, the Company offers credit terms consistent with industry standards within the country of operation. Payments to Distributors and Managers for sales incentives or rebates are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Membership fees are recorded as revenue over the life of the membership, primarily one year. Prepaid event registration fees are deferred and recognized as revenues when the related event is held.

Inventories

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

Self-insurance Liabilities

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

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

Incentive Trip Accrual

We accrue for expenses for incentive trips associated with our direct sales marketing program, which rewards independent Distributors and Managers with paid attendance at our conventions and meetings. Expenses associated with incentive trips are accrued over qualification periods as they are earned. We specifically analyze incentive trip accruals based on historical and current sales trends as well as contractual obligations when evaluating the adequacy of the incentive trip accrual. Actual results could result in liabilities being more or less than the amounts recorded. We have accrued convention and meeting costs of approximately $5.5 million


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and $3.8 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company uses an estimate of future undiscounted net cash flows of the related assets or groups of assets over their remaining lives in measuring whether the assets are recoverable. An impairment loss is calculated by determining the difference between the carrying values and the fair values of these assets. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company did not consider any of its long-lived assets to be impaired.

Contingencies

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

Income Taxes

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

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

As of December 31, 2007, we have foreign income tax net operating loss carryforwards of $7.7 million that will expire at various dates from 2008 through 2012. The Company has approximately $3.3 million of foreign tax credits, which begin to expire at various times starting in 2012.

We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain deferred tax assets, including foreign net operating loss carryforwards and foreign tax credits, will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, we have provided a valuation allowance of $11.3 million for certain deferred tax assets, including foreign net operating loss carryforwards and foreign tax credits. If our assumptions change and we determine we will be able to realize these deferred tax assets, the tax benefits relating to any reversal of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets at December 31, 2007 will be accounted for as a reduction of income tax expense.

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

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions across our global operations.

In July 2006, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation ("FIN") 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes," which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." FIN 48 provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits.

Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized upon the adoption of FIN 48 and in subsequent periods. This interpretation also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. We adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.


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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

                                             Year Ended December 31,
                                            2007        2006      2005
Net sales revenue                            100.0 %     100.0 %  100.0 %

Costs and Expenses:
Cost of goods sold                            19.4        19.0     19.2
Volume incentives                             39.2        40.3     41.0
Selling, general and administrative           40.6        38.5     36.5
                                              99.2        97.8     96.7

Operating Income                               0.8         2.2      3.3

Other Income (Expense):
Interest and other income, net                 0.4         0.4      0.2
Interest expense                                 -        (0.2 )   (0.2 )
Foreign exchange (losses) gains, net             -           -     (0.1 )
                                               0.4         0.2     (0.1 )

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes       1.2         2.4      3.2
Provision for Income Taxes                     3.5         3.4      2.2

Net (Loss) Income                             (2.3 )%     (1.0 )%   1.0 %

Year Ended December 31, 2007 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2006

With this Annual Report, we have presented our financial statements for our fiscal years 2007 and 2006, incorporating to the extent appropriate all information available to us as of the date hereof. We have not previously filed our financial statements for fiscal year 2007.

Net Sales Revenue

Consolidated net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007, was $366.6 million compared to $362.2 million in 2006, an increase of approximately 1.2 percent. During 2007, the increase in net sales revenue is primarily due to continued growth in the Company's international business segment.

We distribute our products to consumers through an independent sales force comprised of Managers and Distributors. Active Managers totaled approximately 24,100 and 24,300 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Active Distributors totaled approximately 698,700 and 668,600 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We anticipate the number of active Distributors to increase as we expand our existing operations, enter new international markets, and as current Distributors grow their businesses.

Net sales revenue related to the NSP United States business segment operations were $148.3 million and $148.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

NSP International net sales revenue increased to $149.8 million in 2007 compared to $130.6 million in 2006, an increase of approximately 14.7 percent. The increase in international net sales revenue in 2007 compared to 2006 is primarily the result of continued growth in our operations in Russia, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Japan. Price increases are planned in various international markets to compensate for foreign currency devaluations and increases in the cost of finished products. Management believes the price increases will be acceptable to its sales force and will result in increased net sales revenue.

Synergy Worldwide net sales revenue decreased to $68.6 million in 2007 compared to $83.2 million in 2006, a decrease of approximately 17.6 percent. The decrease in Synergy Worldwide net sales is primarily due to the loss of key distributor networks as a result of increased competition in the United States and Japanese markets with growth remaining flat in the other markets in which


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

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales revenue increased slightly in 2007 compared to 2006 primarily as a result of increased provisions for obsolete inventory.

Volume Incentives

Volume incentives are a significant part of our direct sales marketing program and represent commission payments made to our independent Distributors and Managers. These payments are designed to provide incentives for reaching higher sales levels and for recruiting additional Distributors. Volume incentives as a percent of net sales revenue decreased slightly during 2007 as compared to 2006, primarily as a result of the decreased sales revenue in our Synergy Worldwide business segment where volume incentives are slightly higher than in the United States and our other international operations, and as a result of sales in new markets where lower levels of volume incentives were paid.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $9.1 million in 2007 compared to 2006, from $139.6 million to $148.7 million. Approximately $3.4 million is the result of expenses related to the continued growth of the Company's international segments, as well as $1.1 of expenses related to new Synergy Worldwide markets. Professional fees increased $3.0 million as a result of continued work on becoming current in our SEC filings. In addition, bonuses to participants in the Company's discretionary bonus plan increased approximately $1.3 million in 2007 compared to 2006. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales revenue increased to 40.6 percent in 2007 compared to 38.5 percent in 2006. Selling, general and administrative expenses includes general marketing and sales expenses, but not commissions, which are included under Volume Incentives, and also includes research and development expenses and general administrative expenses. The amount, excluding capital expenditures, spent on research and development activities remained constant at $1.9 million for 2007 and 2006.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was 285 percent for 2007, compared to 141 percent for 2006. The effective rate for 2007 differed from the federal statutory rate of 35 percent primarily related to (i) additional liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions which increased the effective rate by 104 percent,
(ii) additional tax contingencies which increased the effective rate by approximately 16 percent, (iii) change in deferred tax asset valuation allowances which increased the effective rate by approximately 61 percent,
(iv) a taxable gain on the sale of intercompany assets eliminated for book purposes which increased the effective rate by approximately 25 percent, (v) an intercompany loan translation and instrument which increased the effective rate by 18 percent, and (vi) foreign and state tax rate differentials, as well as permanent nondeductible or deductible items accounting for the remaining increase.

The effective rate for 2006 differed from the federal statutory rate of 35 percent primarily related to additional non-income tax contingencies which increased the effective rate by approximately 54 percent, a change in deferred tax asset valuation allowances which increased the effective rate by approximately 29 percent, a taxable gain on the sale of intercompany assets eliminated for book purposes which increased the effective rate by approximately 13 percent, a foreign exchange tax gain on an intercompany payable which increased the effective rate by 10 percent, and foreign and state tax rate differentials, as well as permanent nondeductible or deductible items account for the remaining increase.

Year Ended December 31, 2006 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2005

With this Annual Report, we have presented our financial statements for our fiscal years 2006 and 2005, incorporating to the extent appropriate all information available to us as of the date hereof.

Net Sales Revenue

Consolidated net sales revenue for the year ended December 31, 2006, was $362.2 million compared to $351.7 million in 2005, an increase of approximately 3.0 percent. During 2006, the increase in net sales revenue is primarily due to continued growth in the Company's international business segment.


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We distribute our products to consumers through an independent sales force comprised of Managers and Distributors. Active Managers totaled approximately 24,300 and 21,300 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Active Distributors totaled approximately 668,600 and 588,100 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. We anticipate the number of active Distributors to increase as we expand our existing operations, enter new international markets, and as current Distributors grow their businesses.

Net sales revenue related to the NSP United States business segment operations increased approximately 0.1 percent in 2006 to $148.4 million compared to $148.3 million in 2005. This slight increase was the result of both our price increases in our United States market of 1.9 percent in 2006 (due to higher material costs) and a slight decrease in sales volumes of 1.8 percent.

NSP International net sales revenue increased to $130.6 million in 2006 compared to $120.0 million in 2005, an increase of approximately 8.8 percent. The increase in international net sales revenue in 2006 compared to 2005 is primarily the result of continued growth in our operations in Russia, Venezuela, Canada, and Mexico. We implement price increases annually to compensate for foreign currency devaluations and increases in the cost of finished products. Management believes the price increases will be acceptable to its sales force and will result in increased net sales revenue.

Synergy Worldwide net sales revenue decreased to $83.2 million in 2006 compared to $83.4 million in 2005, a decrease of approximately 0.2 percent. The slight decrease in Synergy Worldwide net sales is primarily due to increased competition in the United States and Japanese markets, which have been offset by continued growth in the Korean and South Asian markets. Further information related to the NSP United States, NSP International and Synergy Worldwide business segments is set forth in Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Report.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales revenue decreased slightly in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily as a result of (1) decreased importation costs in several of our international operations, and (2) increased efficiency gained from our expanded manufacturing facility.

Volume Incentives

Volume incentives are a significant part of our direct sales marketing program and represent commission payments made to our independent Distributors and Managers. These payments are designed to provide incentives for reaching higher sales levels and for recruiting additional Distributors. Volume incentives as a percent of net sales revenue decreased slightly during 2006 as compared to 2005, primarily as a result of the decreased sales revenue in our Synergy Worldwide business segment where volume incentives are slightly higher than in the United States and our other international operations, and as a result of sales in new markets where lower levels of volume incentives were paid.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $11.2 million in 2006 compared to 2005, from $128.4 million to $139.6 million, as a result of expenses related to the continued growth of the Company's international segment as well as costs related to the internal investigation previously mentioned of $6.9 million and $5.1 million related to non-income tax contingencies. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales revenue increased to 38.5 percent in 2006 compared to 36.5 percent in 2005. Selling, general and administrative expenses includes general marketing and sales expenses, but not commissions, which are included under Volume Incentives, and also includes research and development expenses and general administrative expenses. The amount, excluding capital expenditures, spent on research and development activities increased slightly, from $1.8 million in 2005 to $1.9 million in 2006.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was 141 percent for 2006, compared to 69 percent for 2005. The effective rate for 2006 differed from the federal statutory rate of 35 percent primarily related to (i) additional tax contingencies, which increased the effective rate by approximately 54 percent, (ii) a change in deferred tax asset valuation allowances which increased the effective rate by approximately 29 percent, (iii) a taxable gain on the sale of intercompany assets eliminated for book purposes which increased the effective rate by approximately 13 percent, (iv) a foreign exchange tax gain on an intercompany payable which increased the effective rate by 10 percent, and (v) foreign and state tax rate differentials, as well as permanent nondeductible or deductible items accounting for the remaining increase.

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