UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Mark One)
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) |
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20142015
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) |
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 1-32381
HERBALIFE LTD.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Cayman Islands | 98-0377871 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
P.O. Box 309GT Ugland House, South Church Street Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands | (Zip Code) | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
(213) 745-0500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | |
Common Shares, par value $0.001 per share | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þx No ¨o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨o No þx
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 þx No ¨o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þx No ¨o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229,405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer | x | Accelerated filer | o | |||
Non-accelerated filer | o | (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | o |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨o No þx
There were 92,127,12892,673,603 common shares outstanding as of February 18, 2015.2016. The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s common shares held by non-affiliates was approximately $2,585$1,167 million as of June 30, 2014,2015, based upon the last reported sales price on the New York Stock Exchange on that date of $64.54.$55.09.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2014,2015, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
This document contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements may include the words “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect” or “anticipate” and any other similar words. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed or incorporated by reference in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Important factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under the heading “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes. Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K speak only as of the date hereof, and forward-looking statements in documents attached that are incorporated by reference speak only as of the date of those documents. We do not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statement or to report any events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. The Company “We,” “our,” “us,” “Company” and “Herbalife” refer to Herbalife Ltd. and its subsidiaries. Herbalife Ltd. is a holding company, with substantially all of its assets consisting of the capital stock of its direct and indirectly-owned subsidiaries.
GENERAL We are a global nutrition company founded in 1980 that develops and sells weight management, healthy meals and snacks, sports and fitness, energy and targeted nutritional products as well as personal care products. As of December 31, We believe that direct-selling is ideally suited to marketing our products because sales of weight management, targeted nutrition, energy, sports & fitness, and outer nutrition products are strengthened by ongoing personal contact and support, coaching and education between Members and their PRODUCT OVERVIEW For For 2015, 2014 The following table summarizes our products by product category.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY We are committed to providing the highest-quality, science-based products to help our consumers achieve what we refer to as a “healthy, active lifestyle” in the areas of weight management; targeted nutrition (including everyday wellness and healthy aging); energy, sports & fitness; and outer nutrition. We rely on the scientific suppliers to review, evaluate and formulate new product ideas. Once a particular market opportunity has been identified, our scientists along with our marketing and sales teams work closely with Member leadership to successfully develop and launch the product. We aim to have at least one major product launch each year, timed around our major regional Member education and training events. These launches generally target specific product categories and markets we deem strategic to our business. Marketing foods on the basis of sound science means using ingredients that have been well studied and discussed in background scientific literature. Use of these ingredients for their well-established purposes is by definition not novel, and for that reason, most food uses of these ingredients are not subject to patent protection. Notwithstanding the absence of patent protection, we do own proprietary formulations for substantially all of our weight management products and dietary and nutritional supplements. We take care in protecting the intellectual property rights of our proprietary formulas by restricting access to our formulas within the Company to those persons or departments that require access to them to perform their functions, and by requiring our finished goods-suppliers and consultants to execute supply and non-disclosure agreements that seek to contractually protect our intellectual property rights. Disclosure of these formulas, in redacted form, is also necessary to obtain sanitary registrations in many countries. We also make efforts to protect some unique formulations under patent law. We strive to protect all new product developments as the confidential trade secrets of the Company and its inventor employees. We use the umbrella trademarks Herbalife® and the Tri-Leaf design worldwide, and protect several other trademarks and trade names related to our products and operations, such asNiteworks® andLiftoff®. Our trademark registrations are issued through the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, and comparable agencies in the foreign countries. As of December 31, GEOGRAPHIC PRESENCE As of December 31, Our operating segments are based on geographical operations in six regions: North America, Mexico, South & Central America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Asia Pacific and China. The following table shows net sales by geographic region.
For financial data by segment see Note 10,Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements. MANUFACTURING, WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION Our objective is to provide the highest quality products to our Members and their customers. We seek to accomplish this goal through execution of our “seed to feed” strategy that includes significant investments in quality assurance, scientific personnel, product testing, and increasing the amount of self-manufacturing of our top products. Our seed to feed strategy is rooted in using quality ingredients from traceable sources coupled with the vertical manufacturing of our most popular products. For our botanical products, our seed to feed strategy also includes self-manufacturing of our teas and herbal ingredients. Our procurement activities now stretch back to the farms and will include the complete self-processing of teas and botanicals into finished raw materials. The foundation for high quality products is the quality of the ingredients. Ingredients are sourced from companies that are large and reputable suppliers in their respective field. For example, soy, our number one ingredient, is sourced from DuPont (formerly Solae) and ADM. Our vitamins, minerals and other key ingredients come from companies such as DSM (formerly Roche Vitamins) and BASF. Other key suppliers include Tate & Lyle, The next key component of our seed to feed strategy involves the high quality manufacturing of these ingredients into finished products, including vertical manufacturing. In addition to self-manufacturing, we purchase products from third-party manufacturers which account for a substantial amount of our product purchases. During In addition to ensuring the highest quality ingredients and building the quality into the finished products, we test our incoming raw materials for compliance to potency, identity and adherence to strict specifications, and our finished products are analyzed for label claim and microbiological purity thereby verifying product safety and shelf life in the market. For our self-manufactured products, we do substantially all of our testing in-house at our modern quality control laboratories in the The final part of our seed to feed strategy is delivering the high-quality product to our Members and their customers. As the shift in consumption patterns continues to reflect an increasing daily consumption focus, our strategy is to provide more product access points closer to our Members and their customers. We operate COMPETITION The categories of weight management, targeted nutrition, energy, sports & fitness, and outer nutrition products are very competitive in many channels including those of direct selling, the internet, in specialty retailers and the discounted channels of food, drug and mass merchandise. Herbalife has differentiated itself from the peer group through our Member focus on the consultative We are subject to competition for the recruitment of Members from other network marketing organizations, including those that market weight management, targeted nutrition, energy, sports & fitness, and outer nutrition products, as well as other types of As a global nutrition company, we believe that the direct selling channel is the most effective way to sell our products given the need for consumer education Our business model enables us to grow our business with moderate investment in our infrastructure and fixed costs. We incur no direct incremental cost to add a new Member in our existing markets, and our Member compensation varies directly with product sales. In addition, our Members bear the majority of our consumer marketing expenses, and sales leaders sponsor and coordinate a large share of Member recruiting, meeting and training initiatives. Furthermore, we can readily increase production and distribution of our products as a result of having Our objective is sustainable growth in the sales of our products to our Members and their customers by increasing the retailing productivity, Member Base As of December 31, People become Herbalife Members for a number of reasons. Many first start out as product consumers who want to lose weight and improve their nutrition. Some later join simply to receive a wholesale price on products they and their families can consume and enjoy. Some join to earn part-time We are party to an agreement with our Members that prohibits us from selling our products through any distribution channel other than our network of independent Members, unless otherwise required by law. Members may sponsor other Members in an attempt to build a sales organization, whether or not they have attained any particular level in our Marketing Plan. A significant majority of our Members have not sponsored another Member. These “single level” Members are generally considered discount buyers or small retailers. A small number of these single-level Members have attained the sales leader level. Currently, approximately 655,000, or 16% of our 4.0 million Members, have attained the level of “sales leader”, of which approximately 603,000 have attained the level of “supervisor” in the 92 countries where we use our worldwide Marketing Plan and 52,000 sales officers and independent service providers operating under our China Marketing Plan. Collectively, we refer to this group as “sales leaders.” In China, while direct selling is permitted, multi-level marketing is not. As a result, our business model in China differs from that used in other countries. In China, where permitted by law, we sell our products through our Members who are independent contractors. However, Members in China are categorized differently than those in other countries. Chinese citizens who apply and become Members are referred to as “Sales Representatives.” Sales Representatives receive scaled rebates based on the volume of products they purchase. Sales Representatives who reach certain volume thresholds and meet certain performance criteria are eligible to apply to provide marketing services. Once their application is accepted, they are referred to as “Service Providers.” Service Providers are independent business entities that are eligible to receive compensation from Herbalife for the marketing services they provide so long as they satisfy certain conditions, including procuring the requisite business licenses and having a physical business location. Sales Representatives who are in the process of applying to become Service Providers hold the title of “Sales Officers.”
We have expanded our network marketing organization into Our Science and our Products We are committed to providing our Members with high-quality, science-based products to help them increase consumption and the retailing of our products. We believe this can be best accomplished in part by introducing new products and by upgrading, reformulating and repackaging existing product lines. Our internal team of scientists and product developers collaborate with both our Nutrition Advisory Board and key ingredient suppliers to formulate, review and evaluate new product ideas. Once a particular market opportunity has been identified, our scientists along with our marketing and sales teams work closely with Member leadership to successfully develop and launch the product. We believe our focus on nutrition and botanical science and our efforts at combining our internal efforts with the scientific expertise of outside resources that include our ingredient suppliers, major universities, as well as our Nutrition Advisory Board have resulted in product differentiation that has given our Members and consumers increased confidence in our products. The Company continues to increase its investments in the areas of science and other technical functions including: research and development associated with creating new product formulations, clinical studies of existing products or products in development, technical operations to improve current product formulations, quality assurance and quality control to establish the appropriate quality systems, controls and standards as well as rigorous ingredient and product testing to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, as well as in the areas of regulatory and scientific affairs. Globally we spent approximately In 2010, we launched the Herbalife Nutrition Institute. The Institute is an informational resource dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of nutrition. The Institute’s website is our primary communication vehicle, and an educational resource for the general public, government agencies, the scientific community, and our Members, about good nutrition and basic health. Its mission is to encourage and support research and education on the relationship between good health, balanced nutrition and a healthy active lifestyle. In addition to providing research and education on the website and through sponsored conferences and symposia, the Institute will have associations with major nutrition science organizations. Part of the Herbalife Nutrition Institute is the Company’s Nutrition Advisory Board. The Nutrition Advisory Board is comprised of leading experts around the world in the fields of nutrition and health who educate our Members on the principles of nutrition, physical activity and healthy lifestyle. Members of our Nutrition Advisory Board and the editorial board of the Herbalife Nutrition Institute are affiliated with Herbalife as individuals and not as representatives of their respective universities. OUR STRATEGIES Herbalife works closely with its Members to improve the sustainability of the business they have created to market our products to consumers. These relationships allow us to identify and test successful marketing efforts and programs developed by one or more Members and disseminate those techniques to other Members. As an example of the effectiveness of our management of Member relationship, in or before 2004, Members in Mexico developed marketing techniques that improved both the affordability and effectiveness of our weight loss products through the creation of businesses that became known as “Nutrition Clubs”. Rather than buying several retail products, these businesses allow consumers to purchase and consume our products each day (a Member marketing technique we refer to as “daily consumption”), while continuing to benefit from the support and interaction with a Member as well as socializing with other customers. Other programs to drive daily consumption, whether for weight management or for improved physical fitness, include Member conducted weight loss contests, or Weight Loss Challenges, and Member led fitness programs, or Fit Camps. We refer to successful Member marketing techniques that we disseminate throughout our Member network, such as Nutrition Clubs, Weight Loss Challenges and Fit Camps as Distributor Methods of Operations, or DMOs. Our strategies to grow our business center on our relationships with our Members and their relationships with consumers. These strategies include: Deliver Effective Products that are Scientifically Validated Our product strategy is focused on providing high-quality, science-based products that can support a healthy active lifestyle for Members and their customers in the areas of weight management; targeted nutrition (including everyday wellness and healthy aging); energy, sports & fitness; and outer nutrition. We rely on the scientific Improve the Sustainability of Members’ Businesses Combined with our efforts to improve the effectiveness of our Members’ marketing strategies is our strategy to improve the sustainability of our Members’ businesses through the evolution of our Marketing Plan. Historically, qualifying for commissions and/or bonuses in our Marketing Plan required the purchase by the qualifying Member and As a leading direct seller, we also endeavor to foster our Members to fairly and honestly market both our products and the business opportunity as part of being an Herbalife Member. Improve Members’ Skills through Training We believe that personal and professional development are key to our Members’ success and therefore we and our Increase Brand Awareness To increase our brand awareness, we and our Members have entered into numerous marketing alliances around the world. Herbalife sponsorships of and partnerships with featured athletes, teams and events promote brand awareness, the use of Herbalife products, and “Better living through nutrition.” We continue to build brand awareness and work towards becoming the most trusted brand in nutrition. We also work to leverage the power of our Member base as a marketing and brand-building tool. We maintain a brand style guide and brand asset library so that our Members have access to the Herbalife brand logo and marketing materials for use in their marketing efforts. As adoption of daily consumption methods Leverage Our Infrastructure We continue to invest in our technology infrastructure in order to maintain, protect, and enhance existing systems and develop new systems to keep pace with continuing changes in technology, evolving industry and regulatory standards, emerging data security risks, and changing user patterns and preferences. We leverage an Oracle business suite platform to support our business operations, improve productivity and support our strategic initiatives. In addition, we also employ information technology systems to support Members OUR NETWORK MARKETING PROGRAM General Our products are distributed through a global network marketing organization comprised of approximately 4.0 million Members, most of whom are discount customers, operating in In addition to helping our Members and their customers achieve their goals of health and wellness through consumption of our products, we offer our Members a potential income opportunity as independent contractors. First, Members may earn profits by purchasing our products at wholesale prices, discounted depending on the Member’s level within our Member network, and reselling those products to persons at prices they set for themselves. Second, Members who sponsor other Members and establish and maintain their own sales organizations may earn compensation (including commissions, royalty overrides and production bonuses) based on the activity of their sales organizations, as well as the annual “Mark Hughes Bonus” which is based on several additional factors. Our sales are generated primarily from Member purchases that are for reasons other than earning network marketing compensation under the Company’s On July 18, 2002, we entered into an agreement with our Members that To become a Member in most markets, a person must be sponsored by an existing Member and must purchase an Volume Points are point values assigned to each of our products for use by the Company to determine a Member’s sales achievement level. We assign a Volume Point value to a product when it is first introduced into a market and the value is unaffected by subsequent exchange rate and price changes. The specific number of Volume Points assigned to a product, generally consistent across all markets, is based on a Volume Point to suggested retail price ratio for similar products in the market. To become a sales leader, or qualify for a higher level, Members must achieve specified Volume Point thresholds of product sales or earn certain amounts of royalty overrides during specified time periods and generally must re-qualify once each year. To attain sales leader status, a Member generally must be responsible for sales of products representing an accumulation of at least 4,000 The method for calculating Members, with the exception of those in China, earn the right to receive Our business model in China includes unique features as compared to our traditional business model in order to ensure compliance with Chinese government regulations. These include Company operated retail stores and certification procedures for sales personnel. These and other features of our business model in China have resulted in, and will continue to result in, substantial ongoing costs.
PRODUCT RETURN AND BUYBACK POLICIES In substantially all markets, our products include a customer satisfaction guarantee. Under this guarantee, any customer who is not satisfied with a Herbalife product for any reason may return it or any unused portion of it within 30 days to the Member from whom it was purchased for a full refund from the Member or credit toward the exchange of another Herbalife product. If they return the products to us on a timely basis, the Member may obtain replacement product from us for such returned products. In addition, in substantially all jurisdictions, we maintain a buyback program pursuant to which we will repurchase products sold to a Member who has decided to leave the business. The buyback program has certain terms and conditions that may vary by market, but generally permits the return of unopened and marketable condition products or sales materials purchased within the prior twelve month period, in exchange for a refund of the net price paid for the product, exclusive of the cost of shipment to the Member. We pay the cost to return the product to us. Together, product returns and buybacks were approximately General In both our United States and foreign markets, we are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations and guidance, court decisions and similar constraints. Such laws, regulations and other constraints exist at the federal, state or local levels in the United States and at all levels of government in foreign jurisdictions, including regulations pertaining to: (1) the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, importation, sale and storage of our products; (2) product claims and advertising, including direct claims and advertising by us, as well as claims and advertising by Members, for which we may be held responsible; (3) our network marketing program; (4) transfer pricing and similar regulations that affect the level of U.S. and foreign taxable income and customs duties; (5) taxation of our Members (which in some instances may impose an obligation on us to collect the taxes and maintain appropriate records); and (6) currency exchange and repatriation. Products In the United States, the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, holding, labeling, promotion, advertising, distribution and sale of our products are subject to regulation by various governmental agencies, including (1) the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, (2) the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, (3) the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, (4) the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, (5) the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, (6) the United States Postal Service, (7) United States Customs and Border Patrol, and (8) the Drug Enforcement Administration. Our activities also are regulated by various agencies of the states, localities and foreign countries in which our products are manufactured, distributed or sold. The FDA, in particular, regulates the formulation, manufacture and labeling of over-the-counter, or OTC, drugs, conventional foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics such as those distributed by us. The majority of the products marketed by us in the United States are classified as conventional foods or dietary supplements under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, or FFDCA. Internationally, the majority of products marketed by us are classified as foods, health supplements or food supplements. FDA regulations govern the preparation, packaging, holding and distribution of foods, OTC drugs and dietary supplements. Among other obligations, they require us and our contract manufacturers to meet relevant current good manufacturing practice, or cGMP, regulations for the preparation, packaging, holding, and distribution of The U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, or DSHEA, revised the provisions of FFDCA concerning the composition and labeling of dietary supplements. Under DSHEA, dietary supplement labeling may U.S. law also requires that all serious adverse events occurring within the United States involving dietary supplements or OTC drugs be reported. We believe that we are in full compliance with this law having implemented a worldwide procedure governing adverse event identification, investigation and reporting. As a result of Some of the products marketed by us are considered conventional foods and are currently labeled as such. Within the United States, this category of products is subject to the federal Nutrition, Labeling and Education Act, or NLEA, and regulations promulgated under the NLEA. The NLEA regulates health claims, ingredient labeling and nutrient content claims characterizing the level of a nutrient in the product. The ingredients The federal Food Safety Modernization Act is also applicable to some of Herbalife’s business and will require the development of a food safety plan and the implementation of preventative measures to protect against food contamination. Dietary supplements manufactured in accordance with GMPs and foods manufactured in accordance with the low acid food regulations are exempt. In foreign markets, prior to commencing operations and prior to making or permitting sales of our products in the market, we may be required to obtain an approval, license or certification from the relevant country’s ministry of health or comparable agency. Where a formal approval, license or certification is not required, we nonetheless seek the advice of counsel regarding our compliance with applicable laws. Prior to entering a new market in which a formal approval, license or certificate is required, we work extensively with local authorities in order to obtain the requisite approvals. The approval process generally requires us to present each product and product ingredient to appropriate regulators and, in some instances, arrange for testing of products by local technicians for ingredient analysis. The approvals may be conditioned on reformulation of our products, or may be unavailable with respect to some products or some ingredients. The FTC, which exercises jurisdiction over the advertising of all of our products in the United States, has in the past several years instituted enforcement actions against several dietary supplement and food companies and against manufacturers of weight loss products generally for false and misleading advertising of some of their products. In addition, the FTC has increased its scrutiny of the use of testimonials, which we also utilize, as well as the role of expert endorsers and product clinical studies. Although we have not been the target of FTC enforcement action for the advertising of our products, we cannot be sure that the FTC, or comparable foreign agencies, will not question our advertising or other operations in the future. In Europe, where an EU Health Claim regulation is in effect, the European Food Safety Authority, or EFSA, issued opinions following its review of a number of proposed claims dossiers. ESFA’s opinions, which have been accepted by the European Commission, are having a limiting effect on the use of certain nutrition-specific claims made for our products. Herbalife We are subject to a permanent injunction issued in October 1986 pursuant to the settlement of an action instituted by the California Attorney General, the State Health Director and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney. We consented to the entry of this injunction without in any way admitting the allegations of the complaint. The injunction prevents us from making specified claims in advertising of our products, but does not prevent us from continuing to make specified claims concerning our products, provided that we have a reasonable basis for making the claims. The injunction also prohibits certain recruiting-related investments from Members and mandates that payments to Members be premised on retail sales (as defined); the injunction provides that the Company may establish a system to verify or document such compliance. Network Marketing Program Our network marketing program is subject to a number of federal and state regulations administered by the FTC and various state agencies as well as regulations in foreign markets administered by foreign agencies. Regulations applicable to network marketing organizations generally are directed at ensuring that product sales ultimately are made to consumers and that advancement within our organization is based on sales of the organization’s products rather than investments in the organization or other non-retail sales related criteria. For instance, in some markets, there are limits on the extent to which Members may earn royalty overrides on sales generated by Members that were not directly sponsored by the Member. When required by law, we obtain regulatory approval of our network marketing program or, when this approval is not required, the favorable opinion of local counsel as to regulatory compliance. The FTC has promulgated nonbinding Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, or Guides, that explain how the FTC interprets Section 5 of the FTC Act’s prohibition on unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Consequently, the FTC could bring a Section 5 enforcement action based on practices that are inconsistent with the Guides. Under the Guides, advertisements that feature a consumer and convey his or her atypical experience with a product or service are required to clearly disclose the results that consumers can generally expect. Herbalife has adapted its practices and rules regarding the practices of its Members to comply with the revised Guides. We also are subject to the risk of private party challenges to the legality of our network marketing program both in the United States and internationally. For example, inWebster v. Omnitrition International, Inc., 79 F.3d 776 (9th Cir. 1996), the network marketing program of Omnitrition International, Inc., or Omnitrition, was challenged in a class action by Omnitrition distributors who alleged that it was operating an illegal “pyramid scheme” in violation of federal and state laws. We believe that our network marketing program satisfies federal and other applicable statutes and case law. In some countries, regulations applicable to the activities of our Members also may affect our business because in some countries we are, or regulators may assert that we are, responsible for our Members’ conduct. In these countries, regulators may request or require that we take steps to ensure that our Members comply with local regulations. The types of regulated conduct include: (1) representations concerning our products; (2) income representations made by us and/or Members; (3) public media advertisements, which in foreign markets may require prior approval by regulators; (4) sales of products in markets in which the products have not been approved, licensed or certified for sale; and (5) classification by government agencies of our Members as employees of the Company. In some markets, it is possible that improper product claims by Members could result in our products being reviewed by regulatory authorities and, as a result, being classified or placed into another category as to which stricter regulations are applicable. In addition, we might be required to make labeling changes. We also are subject to regulations in various foreign markets pertaining to social security assessments, employment and severance pay requirements, import/export regulations and antitrust issues. As an example, in many markets, we are substantially restricted in the amount and types of rules and termination criteria that we can impose on Members without having to pay social security assessments on behalf of the Members and without incurring severance obligations to terminated Members. In some countries, we may be subject to these obligations in any event. It is an ongoing part of our business to monitor and respond to regulatory and legal developments, including those that may affect our network marketing program. However, the regulatory requirements concerning network marketing programs do not include bright line rules and are inherently fact-based. An adverse judicial determination with respect to our network marketing program could have a material adverse effect to our financial condition and operating results. An adverse determination could: (1) require us to make modifications to our network marketing program, (2) result in negative publicity, or (3) have a negative impact on Member morale. In addition, adverse rulings by courts in any proceedings challenging the legality of network marketing systems, even in those not involving us directly, could have a material adverse effect on our operations. As has been reported in the national media, a hedge fund manager publicly raised allegations regarding the legality of our network marketing program. We believe, based in part upon prior guidance to the general public from the FTC, that our network marketing program is compliant with applicable law. Transfer Pricing and Similar Regulations In many countries, including the United States, we are subject to transfer pricing and other tax regulations designed to ensure that appropriate levels of income are reported as earned by our U.S. or local entities and are taxed accordingly. In addition, our operations are subject to regulations designed to ensure that appropriate levels of customs duties are assessed on the importation of our products. Although we believe that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable regulations and restrictions, we are subject to the risk that governmental authorities could audit our transfer pricing and related practices and assert that additional taxes are owed. For example, we are currently subject to pending or proposed audits that are at various levels of review, assessment or appeal in a number of jurisdictions involving transfer pricing issues, income taxes, duties, value added taxes, withholding taxes and related interest and penalties in material amounts. In some circumstances, additional taxes, interest and penalties have been assessed, and we will be required to appeal or litigate to reverse the assessments. We have taken advice from our tax advisors and believe that there are substantial defenses to the allegations that additional taxes are owed, and we are vigorously defending against the imposition of additional proposed taxes. The ultimate resolution of these matters may take several years, and the outcome is uncertain. In the event that the audits or assessments are concluded adversely to us, we may or may not be able to offset or mitigate the consolidated effect of foreign income tax assessments through the use of U.S. foreign tax credits. Because the laws and regulations governing U.S. foreign tax credits are complex and subject to periodic legislative amendment, we cannot be sure that we would in fact be able to take advantage of any foreign tax credits in the future. Compliance Procedures As indicated above, Herbalife, our products and our network marketing program are subject, both directly and indirectly through Members’ conduct, to numerous federal, state and local regulations, both in the United States and foreign markets. Beginning in 1985, we began to institute formal regulatory compliance measures by developing a system to identify specific complaints against Members and to remedy any violations of Herbalife’s rules by Members through appropriate sanctions, including warnings, suspensions and, when necessary, terminations. In our manuals, seminars and other training programs and materials, we emphasize that Members are prohibited from making therapeutic claims for our products. Our general policy regarding acceptance of Member applications from individuals who do not reside in one of our markets is to refuse to accept the individual’s Member application. In order to comply with regulations that apply to both us and our Members, we conduct considerable research into the applicable regulatory framework prior to entering any new market to identify all necessary licenses and approvals and applicable limitations on our operations in that market. Typically, we conduct this research with the assistance of local legal counsel and other representatives. We devote substantial resources to obtaining the necessary licenses and approvals and bringing our operations into compliance with the applicable limitations. We also research laws applicable to Member operations and revise or alter our Member manuals and other training materials and programs to provide Members with guidelines for operating a business, marketing and distributing our products and similar matters, as required by applicable regulations in each market. We are, however, unable to monitor our Members effectively to ensure that they refrain from distributing our products in countries where we have not commenced operations, and we do not devote significant resources to this type of monitoring. In addition, regulations in existing and new markets often are ambiguous and subject to considerable interpretive and enforcement discretion by the responsible regulators. Moreover, even when we believe that we and our Members are initially in compliance with all applicable regulations, new regulations regularly are being added and the interpretation of existing regulations is subject to change. Further, the content and impact of regulations to which we are subject may be influenced by public attention directed at us, our products or our network marketing program, so that extensive adverse publicity about us, our products or our network marketing program may result in increased regulatory scrutiny. Employees As of December 31, Available Information Our Internet website address iswww.Herbalife.com.We make available free of charge on our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practical after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. This information is also available in print to any shareholder who requests it, with any such requests addressed to Investor Relations, 800 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 406, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Certain of these documents may also be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC atwww.sec.gov.We also make available free of charge on our website our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and the Charters of our Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Risks Related to Us and Our Business Our failure to establish and maintain Member and sales leader relationships for any reason could negatively impact sales of our products and harm our financial condition and operating results. We distribute our products exclusively to and through approximately 4.0 million independent Members, and we depend upon them directly for substantially all of our sales. Our Members, including our sales leaders, may voluntarily terminate their Member agreements with us at any time. To increase our revenue, we must increase the number of, or the productivity of, our Members. Accordingly, our success depends in significant part upon our ability to recruit, retain and motivate a large base of Members. The loss of a significant number of Members for any reason could negatively impact sales of our products and could impair our ability to attract new Members. In our efforts to attract and retain Members, we compete with other network marketing organizations, including those in the weight management, dietary and nutritional supplement and personal care and cosmetic product industries. Our operating results could be harmed if our existing and new business opportunities and products do not generate sufficient interest to retain existing Members and attract new Members. Our Member organization has a high turnover rate, which is a common characteristic found in the direct selling industry. Because we cannot exert the same level of influence or control over our independent Members as we could were they our own employees, our Members could fail to comply with applicable law or our Member policies and procedures, which could result in claims against us that could harm our financial condition and operating results. Our Members are independent contractors and, accordingly, we are not in a position to directly provide the same direction, motivation and oversight as we would if Members were our own employees. As a result, there can be no assurance that our Members will participate in our marketing strategies or plans, accept our introduction of new products, or comply with our Members policies and procedures. Extensive federal, state and local laws regulate our business, products and network marketing program. Because we have expanded into foreign countries, our policies and procedures for our independent Members differ due to the different legal requirements of each country in which we do business. While we have implemented Member policies and procedures designed to govern Member conduct and to protect the goodwill associated with Herbalife trademarks and tradenames, it can be difficult to enforce these policies and procedures because of the large number of Members and their independent status. Violations by our independent Members of applicable law or of our policies and procedures in dealing with customers could reflect negatively on our products and operations and harm our business reputation. In addition, it is possible that a court could hold us civilly or criminally accountable based on vicarious liability because of the actions of our independent Members. Adverse publicity associated with our products, ingredients or network marketing program, or those of similar companies, could harm our financial condition and operating results. The size of our distribution force and the results of our operations may be significantly affected by the public’s perception of the Company and similar companies. This perception is dependent upon opinions concerning:
Adverse publicity concerning any actual or purported failure of our Company or our Members to comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding product claims and advertising, good manufacturing practices, the regulation of our network marketing program, the registration of our products for sale in our target markets or other aspects of our business, whether or not resulting in enforcement actions or the imposition of penalties, could have an adverse effect on the goodwill of our Company and could negatively affect our ability to attract, motivate and retain Members, which would negatively impact our ability to generate revenue. We cannot ensure that all of our Members will comply with applicable legal requirements relating to the advertising, labeling, licensing or distribution of our products. In addition, our Members’ and consumers’ perception of the safety and quality of our products and ingredients as well as similar products and ingredients distributed by other companies can be significantly influenced by media attention, publicized scientific research or findings, widespread product liability claims and other publicity concerning our products or ingredients or similar products and ingredients distributed by other companies. Adverse publicity, whether or not accurate or resulting from consumers’ use or misuse of our products, that associates consumption of our products or ingredients or any similar products or ingredients with illness or other adverse effects, questions the benefits of our or similar products or claims that any such products are ineffective, inappropriately labeled or have inaccurate instructions as to their use, could lead to lawsuits or other legal challenges and could negatively impact our reputation, the market demand for our products, or our general business. From time to time we receive inquiries from government agencies and third parties requesting information concerning our products. We fully cooperate with these inquiries including, when requested, by the submission of detailed technical dossiers addressing product composition, manufacturing, process control, quality assurance, and contaminant testing. Further, we periodically respond to requests from regulators for additional information regarding product-specific adverse events. We are confident in the safety of our products when used as directed. However, there can be no assurance that regulators in these or other markets will not take actions that might delay or prevent the introduction of new products, or require the reformulation or the temporary or permanent withdrawal of certain of our existing products from their markets. Adverse publicity relating to us, our products or our operations, including our network marketing program or the attractiveness or viability of the financial opportunities provided thereby, has had, and could again have, a negative effect on our ability to attract, motivate and retain Members, and it could also affect our share price. In the mid-1980’s, our products and marketing program became the subject of regulatory scrutiny in the United States, resulting in large part from claims and representations made about our products by our Members, including impermissible therapeutic claims. The resulting adverse publicity caused a rapid, substantial loss of Members in the United States and a corresponding reduction in sales beginning in 1985. In addition, in late 2012, a hedge fund manager publicly raised allegations regarding the legality of our network marketing program and announced that his fund had taken a significant short position regarding our common shares, leading to intense public scrutiny and governmental inquiries, and significant stock price volatility. We expect that negative publicity will, from time to time, continue to negatively impact our business in particular markets and may adversely affect our share price. Our failure to appropriately respond to changing consumer preferences and demand for new products or product enhancements could significantly harm our Member and customer relationships and product sales and harm our financial condition and operating results. Our business is subject to changing consumer trends and preferences, especially with respect to weight management products. Our continued success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and respond to these changes, and we may not respond in a timely or commercially appropriate manner to such changes. Furthermore, the nutritional supplement industry is characterized by rapid and frequent changes in demand for products and new product introductions and enhancements. Our failure to accurately predict these trends could negatively impact consumer opinion of our products, which in turn could harm our customer and Member relationships and cause the loss of sales. The success of our new product offerings and enhancements depends upon a number of factors, including our ability to:
If we do not introduce new products or make enhancements to meet the changing needs of our customers in a timely manner, some of our products could be rendered obsolete, which could negatively impact our revenues, financial condition and operating results. Due to the high level of competition in our industry, we might fail to retain our customers and Members, which would harm our financial condition and operating results. The business of marketing weight management and nutrition products is highly competitive and sensitive to the introduction of new products or weight management plans, including various prescription drugs, which may rapidly capture a significant share of the market. These market segments include numerous manufacturers, distributors, marketers, retailers and physicians that actively compete for the business of consumers both in the United States and abroad. In addition, we anticipate that we will be subject to increasing competition in the future from sellers that utilize electronic commerce. Some of these competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater financial, technical, product development, marketing and sales resources, greater name recognition, larger established customer bases and better-developed distribution channels than we do. Our present or future competitors may be able to develop products that are comparable or superior to those we offer, adapt more quickly than we do to new technologies, evolving industry trends and standards or customer requirements, or devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than we do. For example, if our competitors develop other diet or weight management products that prove to be more effective than our products, demand for our products could be reduced. Accordingly, we may not be able to compete effectively in our markets and competition may intensify. We are also subject to significant competition for the recruitment of Members from other network marketing organizations, including those that market weight management products, dietary and nutritional supplements and personal care products as well as other types of products. We compete for global customers and Members with regard to weight management, nutritional supplement and personal care products. Our competitors include both direct selling companies such as NuSkin Enterprises, Nature’s Sunshine, Alticor/Amway, Melaleuca, Avon Products, Oriflame, Omnilife, Tupperware and Mary Kay, as well as retail establishments such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, General Nutrition Centers, Wal-Mart and retail pharmacies. In addition, because the industry in which we operate is not particularly capital intensive or otherwise subject to high barriers to entry, it is relatively easy for new competitors to emerge who will compete with us for our Members and customers. In addition, the fact that our Members may easily enter and exit our network marketing program contributes to the level of competition that we face. For example, a Member can enter or exit our network marketing system with relative ease at any time without facing a significant investment or loss of capital because (1) we have a low upfront financial cost to become a Herbalife Member, (2) we do not require any specific amount of time to work as a Member, (3) we do not charge Members for any training that we might require and (4) we do not prohibit a new Member from working with another company. Our ability to remain competitive therefore depends, in significant part, on our success in recruiting and retaining Members through an attractive compensation plan, the maintenance of an attractive product portfolio and other incentives. We cannot ensure that our programs for recruitment and retention of Members will be successful and if they are not, our financial condition and operating results would be harmed. We are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints both domestically and abroad, and our failure or our Members’ failure to comply with these constraints could lead to the imposition of significant penalties or claims, which could harm our financial condition and operating results. In both domestic and foreign markets, the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, advertising, importation, exportation, licensing, sale and storage of our products are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and other similar constraints. Such laws, regulations and other constraints may exist at the federal, state or local levels in the United States and at all levels of government in foreign jurisdictions. There can be no assurance that we or our Members are in compliance with all of these regulations. Our failure or our Members’ failure to comply with these regulations or new regulations could disrupt our Members’ sale of our products, or lead to the imposition of significant penalties or claims and could negatively impact our business. In addition, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations may result in significant compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales and may negatively impact the marketing of our products, resulting in significant loss of sales revenues. The FTC revised its Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, or Guides, which became effective on December 1, 2009. Although the Guides are not binding, they explain how the FTC interprets Section 5 of the FTC Act’s prohibition on unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Consequently, the FTC could bring a Section 5 enforcement action based on practices that are inconsistent with the Guides. Under the revised Guides, advertisements that feature a consumer and convey his or her atypical experience with a product or service are required to clearly disclose the results that consumers can generally expect. In contrast to the 1980 version of the Guides, which allowed advertisers to describe atypical results in a testimonial as long as they included a disclaimer such as “results not typical”, the revised Guides no longer contain such a safe harbor. The revised Guides also add new examples to illustrate the long-standing principle that “material connections” between advertisers and endorsers (such as payments or free products), connections that consumers might not expect, must be disclosed. Herbalife has revised its marketing materials to be compliant with the revised Guides. However, it is possible that our use, and that of our Members, of testimonials in the advertising and promotion of our products, including but not limited to our weight management products and our income opportunity, will be significantly impacted and therefore might negatively impact our sales. Governmental regulations in countries where we plan to commence or expand operations may prevent or delay entry into those markets. In addition, our ability to sustain satisfactory levels of sales in our markets is dependent in significant part on our ability to introduce additional products into such markets. However, governmental regulations in our markets, both domestic and international, can delay or prevent the introduction, or require the reformulation or withdrawal, of certain of our products. Any such regulatory action, whether or not it results in a final determination adverse to us, could create negative publicity, with detrimental effects on the motivation and recruitment of Members and, consequently, on sales. We are subject to rules of the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA,
Since late 2012, a Our network marketing program could be found to be not in compliance with current or newly adopted laws or regulations in one or more markets, which could prevent us from conducting our business in these markets and harm our financial condition and operating results. Our network marketing program is subject to a number of federal and state regulations administered by the FTC and various federal and state agencies in the United States as well as regulations on direct selling in foreign markets administered by foreign agencies. We are subject to the risk that, in one or more markets, our network marketing program could be found by federal, state or foreign regulators not to be in compliance with applicable law or Regulations applicable to network marketing organizations generally are directed at preventing fraudulent or deceptive schemes, often referred to as “pyramid” or “chain sales” schemes, by ensuring that product sales ultimately are made to consumers and that advancement within an organization is based on sales of the organization’s products rather than investments in the organization or other non-retail sales-related criteria. The regulatory requirements concerning network marketing programs do not include “bright line” rules and are inherently fact-based and, thus, we are subject to the risk that these laws or regulations or the enforcement or interpretation of these laws and regulations by governmental agencies or courts can change. The ambiguity surrounding these laws can also affect the public perception of We are also subject to the risk of private party challenges to the legality of our network marketing program. Some network marketing programs of other companies have been successfully challenged in the past, while other challenges to network marketing programs of other companies have been defeated. Adverse judicial determinations with respect to our network marketing program, or in proceedings not involving us directly but which challenge the legality of network marketing systems, in any other market in which we operate, could negatively impact our business. A substantial portion of our business is conducted in foreign markets, exposing us to the risks of trade or foreign exchange restrictions, increased tariffs, foreign currency fluctuations, disruptions or conflicts with our third party importers and similar risks associated with foreign operations. Approximately to risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations. For instance, purchases from suppliers are generally made in U.S. dollars while sales to Members are generally made in local currencies. Accordingly, strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus a foreign currency could have a negative impact on us. Although we engage in transactions to protect against risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations, we cannot be certain any hedging activity will effectively reduce our exchange rate exposure. Additionally we may be negatively impacted by conflicts with or disruptions caused or faced by our third party importers, as well as conflicts between such importers and local governments or regulating agencies. Our operations in some markets also may be adversely affected by political, economic and social instability in foreign countries. As we continue to focus on expanding our existing international operations, these and other risks associated with international operations may increase, which could harm our financial condition and operating results. Currency restrictions enacted by the Venezuelan government have become more restrictive and have impacted the ability of our subsidiary in Venezuela, or Herbalife Venezuela, to obtain U.S. dollars in exchange for Venezuelan Bolivars, or Bolivars, at the official foreign exchange rate. If the foreign currency restrictions in Venezuela intensify or do not improve, we may be required to deconsolidate Herbalife Venezuela for U.S. GAAP purposes and would be subject to the risk of Our expansion in China is subject to general, as well as industry-specific, economic, political and legal developments and risks in China and requires that we utilize a different business model from that which we use elsewhere in the world. Our expansion of operations into China is subject to risks and uncertainties related to general economic, political and legal developments in China, among other things. The Chinese government exercises significant control over the Chinese economy, including but not limited to controlling capital investments, allocating resources, setting monetary policy, controlling foreign exchange and monitoring foreign exchange rates, implementing and overseeing tax regulations, providing preferential treatment to certain industry segments or companies and issuing necessary licenses to conduct business. Accordingly, any adverse change in the Chinese economy, the Chinese legal system or Chinese governmental, economic or other policies could have a material adverse effect on our business in China and our prospects generally. China has published regulations governing direct selling and prohibiting pyramid promotional schemes, and a number of administrative methods and proclamations have been issued. These regulations require us to use a business model different from that which we offer in other markets. To allow us to operate under these regulations, we have created and introduced a model specifically for China. In China, we have Company-operated retail stores that can directly serve customers and preferred customers. We also have sales representatives who are permitted by the terms of our direct selling licenses to sell away from fixed retail locations in the provinces of Jiangsu, Guangdong, Shandong, Zhejiang, Guizhou, Beijing, Fujian, Sichuan, Hubei, Shanxi, Shanghai, Jiangxi, Liaoning, Jilin, Henan, Chongqing, We have also engaged independent service providers employ elsewhere in the world, and based on the direct selling licenses we have received and the terms of those which we hope to receive in the future to conduct a direct selling enterprise in China, our business model in China will continue to incorporate some or all of these features. The direct selling regulations require us to apply for various approvals to conduct a direct selling enterprise in China. The process for obtaining the necessary licenses to conduct a direct selling business is protracted and cumbersome and involves multiple layers of Chinese governmental authorities and numerous governmental employees at each layer. While direct selling licenses are centrally issued, such licenses are generally valid only in the jurisdictions within which related approvals have been obtained. Such approvals are generally awarded on local and provincial bases, and the approval process requires involvement with multiple ministries at each level. Our participation and conduct during the approval process is guided not only by distinct Chinese practices and customs, but is also subject to applicable laws of China and the other jurisdictions in which we operate our business, including the U.S., as well as our internal code of ethics. There is always a risk that in attempting to comply with local customs and practices in China during the application process or otherwise, we will fail to comply with requirements applicable to us in China itself or in other jurisdictions, and any such failure to comply with applicable requirements could prevent us from obtaining the direct selling licenses or related local or provincial approvals. Furthermore, we rely on certain key personnel in China to assist us during the approval process, and the loss of any such key personnel could delay or hinder our ability to obtain licenses or related approvals. For all of the above reasons, there can be no assurance that we will obtain additional Additionally, although certain regulations have been published with respect to obtaining and operating under such approvals and otherwise conducting business in China, other regulations are pending and there continues to be uncertainty regarding the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese regulations. The regulatory environment in China is evolving, and officials in the Chinese government exercise broad discretion in deciding how to interpret and apply regulations. We cannot be certain that our business model will continue to be deemed by national or local Chinese regulatory authorities to be compliant with any such regulations. The Chinese government rigorously monitors the direct selling market in China, and in the past has taken serious action against companies that the government believed were engaging in activities they regarded to be in violation of applicable law, including shutting down their businesses and imposing substantial fines. As a result, there can be no guarantee that the Chinese government’s current or future interpretation and application of the existing and new regulations will not negatively impact our business in China, result in regulatory investigations or lead to fines or penalties against us or our Chinese Members. Chinese regulations prevent persons who are not Chinese nationals from engaging in direct selling in China. We cannot guarantee that any of our Members living outside of China or any of our sales representatives or independent service providers in China have not engaged or will not engage in activities that violate our policies in this market, or that violate Chinese law or other applicable law, and therefore result in regulatory action and adverse publicity. China has also enacted labor contract and social insurance legislation. We have reviewed our employment contracts and contractual relations with employees in China, which include certain of our employed sales personnel, and have transferred those employed sales personnel to independent service providers and have made such other changes as we believe to be necessary or appropriate to bring these contracts and contractual relations into compliance with these laws and their implementing regulations. In addition, we continue to monitor the situation to determine how these laws and regulations will be implemented in practice. There is no guarantee that these laws will not adversely impact us, cause us to change our operating plan for China or otherwise have an adverse impact on our business operations in China. We may continue to experience rapid growth in China, and there can be no assurances that we will be able to successfully manage rapid expansion of manufacturing operations and a rapidly growing and dynamic sales force. If we are unable to effectively manage such growth and expansion of our retail stores and manufacturing operations, our government relations may be compromised and our operations in China may be harmed. If we fail to further penetrate existing markets, then the growth in sales of our products, along with our operating results, could be negatively impacted. The success of our business is to a large extent contingent on our ability to further penetrate existing markets which is subject to numerous factors, many of which are out of our control. Government regulations in both our domestic and international markets can delay or prevent the introduction, or require the reformulation or withdrawal, of some of our products, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, our ability to increase market penetration in certain countries may be limited by the finite number of persons in a given country inclined to pursue a direct selling business opportunity or consumers willing to purchase Herbalife products. Moreover, our growth will depend upon improved training and other activities that enhance Member retention in our markets. While we have recently experienced significant growth in certain of our markets, we cannot assure you that such growth levels will continue in the immediate or long term future. Furthermore, our efforts to support growth in such international markets could be hampered to the extent that our infrastructure in such markets is deficient when compared to our infrastructure in our more developed markets, such as the U.S. Therefore, we cannot assure you that our general efforts to increase our market penetration and Member retention in existing markets will be successful. If we are unable to further penetrate existing markets, our operating results could suffer. Our contractual obligation to sell our products only through our Herbalife Member network and to refrain from changing certain aspects of our We are a party to an agreement with our Members that provides assurances, to the extent legally permitted, we will not sell Herbalife products worldwide through any distribution channel other than our network of independent Herbalife Members. Thus, we are contractually prohibited from expanding our business by selling Herbalife products through other distribution channels that may be available to our competitors, such as over the In addition, this agreement with our Members provides that we will not Although we reserved the right to make these changes to our We depend on the integrity and reliability of our information technology infrastructure, and any related inadequacies may result in substantial interruptions to our business. Our ability to provide products and services to our Members depends on the performance and availability of our core transactional systems. We upgraded our back office systems globally to the Oracle Enterprise Suite which is supported by a robust hardware and network infrastructure. The Oracle Enterprise Suite is a scalable and stable solution that provides a solid foundation upon which we are building our next generation Member facing Internet toolset. While we continue to invest in our information technology infrastructure, there can be no assurance that there will not be any significant interruptions to such systems or that the systems will be adequate to meet all of our future business needs. The most important aspect of our information technology infrastructure is the system through which we record and track Member sales, Our ability to effectively manage our network of Members, and to ship products, and track royalty and bonus payments on a timely basis, depends significantly on our information systems. The failure of our information systems to operate effectively, or a breach in security of these systems, could adversely impact the promptness and accuracy of our product distribution and transaction processing. We could be required to make significant additional expenditures to remediate any such failure, problem or breach. Anyone who is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate confidential or proprietary information, including that of third parties such as our Members, cause interruption in our operations, damage our computers or otherwise damage our reputation and business. We may need to expend significant resources to protect against security breaches or to address problems caused by such breaches. Any actual security breaches could damage our reputation and expose us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability under various laws and regulations. In addition, employee error or malfeasance or other errors in the storage, use or transmission of any such information could result in a disclosure to third parties. If this should occur we could incur significant expenses addressing such problems. Since we collect and store Member and vendor information, including credit card information, these risks are heightened. Since we rely on independent third parties for the manufacture and supply of certain of our products, if these third parties fail to reliably supply products to us at required levels of quality and which are manufactured in compliance with applicable laws, including the dietary supplement and OTC drug cGMPs, then our financial condition and operating results would be harmed. A substantial portion of our products are manufactured at third party contract manufacturers. We cannot assure you that our outside contract manufacturers will continue to reliably supply products to us at the levels of quality, or the quantities, we require, and in compliance with applicable laws, including under the FDA’s cGMP regulations, and while efforts are being made to ensure a smooth transition, we cannot assure you that the transition from our third party contract manufacturers to this new Herbalife facility will not result in possible inventory shortages. Additionally, while we are not presently aware of any current liquidity issues with our suppliers, we cannot assure you that they will not experience financial hardship as a result of the current global financial crisis. For the portion of our product supply that is self-manufactured, we believe we have significantly lowered the product supply risk, as the risk factors of financial health, liquidity, capacity expansion, reliability and product quality are all within our control. However, a significant delay in the full operationalization of the Winston-Salem Facility, while unlikely, could hamper our ability to support the continued growth in net sales. Our product supply contracts generally have a three-year term. Except for force majeure events such as natural disasters and other acts of God, and non-performance by Herbalife, our manufacturers generally cannot unilaterally terminate these contracts. These contracts can generally be extended by us at the end of the relevant time period and we have exercised this right in the past. Globally, we have If we fail to protect our trademarks and tradenames, then our ability to compete could be negatively affected, which would harm our financial condition and operating results. The market for our products depends to a significant extent upon the goodwill associated with our trademark and tradenames. We own, or have licenses to use, the material trademark and trade name rights used in connection with the packaging, marketing and distribution of our products in the markets where those products are sold. Therefore, trademark and trade name protection is important to our business. Although most of our trademarks are registered in the United States and in certain foreign countries in which we operate, we may not be successful in asserting trademark or trade name protection. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. The loss or infringement of our trademarks or tradenames could impair the goodwill associated with our brands and harm our reputation, which would harm our financial condition and operating results. Unlike in most of the other markets in which we operate, limited protection of intellectual property is available under Chinese law. Accordingly, we face an increased risk in China that unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain or use our trademarks, copyrights, product formulations or other intellectual property. Further, because Chinese commercial law is relatively undeveloped, we may have limited legal recourse in the event we encounter significant difficulties with intellectual property theft or infringement. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to adequately protect our product formulations or other intellectual property. We permit the limited use of our trademarks by our Members to assist them in marketing our products. It is possible that doing so may increase the risk of unauthorized use or misuse of our trademarks in markets where their registration status differs from that asserted by our Members, or they may be used in association with claims or products in a manner not permitted under applicable laws and regulations. Were If our Members fail to comply with labeling laws, then our financial condition and operating results would be harmed. Although the physical labeling of our products is not within the control of our Members, our Members must nevertheless advertise our products in compliance with the extensive regulations that exist in certain jurisdictions, such as the United States, which considers product advertising to be labeling for regulatory purposes. Our products are sold principally as foods, dietary supplements and cosmetics and are subject to rigorous FDA and related legal regimens limiting the types of therapeutic claims that can be made for our products. The treatment or cure of disease, for example, is not a permitted claim for these products. While we train our Members and attempt to monitor our Members’ marketing materials, we cannot ensure that all such materials comply with applicable regulations, including bans on therapeutic claims. If our Members fail to comply with these restrictions, then we and our Members could be subjected to claims, financial penalties, mandatory product recalls or relabeling requirements, which could harm our financial condition and operating results. Although we expect that our responsibility for the actions of our Members in such an instance would be dependent on a determination that we either controlled or condoned a noncompliant advertising practice, there can be no assurance that we could not be held vicariously liable for the actions of our Members. If our intellectual property is not adequate to provide us with a competitive advantage or to prevent competitors from replicating our products, or if we infringe the intellectual property rights of others, then our financial condition and operating results would be harmed. Our future success and ability to compete depend upon our ability to timely produce innovative products and product enhancements that motivate our Members and customers, which we attempt to protect under a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions. However, our products are generally not patented domestically or abroad, and the legal protections afforded by common law and contractual proprietary rights in our products provide only limited protection and may be time-consuming and expensive to enforce and/or maintain. Further, despite our efforts, we may be unable to prevent third parties from infringing upon or misappropriating our proprietary rights or from independently developing non-infringing products that are competitive with, equivalent to and/or superior to our products. Monitoring infringement and/or misappropriation of intellectual property can be difficult and expensive, and we may not be able to detect every infringement or misappropriation of our proprietary rights. Even if we do detect infringement or misappropriation of our proprietary rights, litigation to enforce these rights could cause us to divert financial and other resources away from our business operations. Further, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. Additionally, third parties may claim that products or marks that we have independently developed or which bear certain of our trademarks infringe upon their intellectual property rights and there can be no assurance that one or more of our products or marks will not be found to infringe upon third party intellectual property rights in the future. Since one of our products constitutes a significant portion of our net sales, significant decreases in consumer demand for this product or our failure to produce a suitable replacement should we cease offering it would harm our financial condition and operating results. For 2015, 2014 If we lose the services of members of our senior management team, then our financial condition and operating results could be harmed. We depend on the continued services of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael O. Johnson, and our current senior management team as they work closely with the senior Member leadership to create an environment of inspiration, motivation and entrepreneurial business success. Although we have entered into employment agreements with certain members of our senior management team, and do not believe that any of them are planning to leave or retire in the near term, we cannot assure you that our senior managers will remain with us. The loss or departure of any member of our senior management team could adversely impact our Member relations and operating results. If any of these executives do not remain with us, our business could suffer. Also, the loss of key personnel, including our regional and country managers, could negatively impact our ability to implement our business strategy, and our continued success will also be dependent on our ability to retain existing, and attract additional, qualified personnel to meet our needs. We currently do not maintain “key person” life insurance with respect to our senior management team. Our international operations are subject to the laws and regulations of the United States and many foreign countries, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, and other similar laws in a number of countries. We are subject to a variety of laws regarding our international operations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, or the UK Bribery Act, and regulations issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, and various foreign governmental agencies. The FCPA, the UK Bribery Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business as well as requiring companies to maintain accurate books and records. In recent years there has been a substantial increase in anti-bribery law enforcement activity with more frequent and aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings by both the Department of Justice and the SEC, increased enforcement activity by non-U.S. regulators and increases in criminal and civil proceedings brought against companies and individuals. Our policies mandate compliance with these anti-bribery laws, including the requirements to maintain accurate information and internal controls. We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree and in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices. Notwithstanding our compliance programs, which include annual training and certification requirements, there is no assurance that our internal control policies and procedures will protect us from acts committed by our employees or agents. Additionally, we cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our international operations might be subject or the manner in which existing or new laws might be administered or interpreted. Alleged or actual violations of any such existing or future laws (either due to our own acts or our inadvertence, or due to the acts or inadvertence of others) may result in criminal or civil sanctions, including contract cancellations or debarment, and loss of reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The covenants in our existing indebtedness limit our discretion with respect to certain business matters, which could limit our ability to pursue certain strategic objectives and in turn harm our financial condition and operating results. Our credit facility contains financial and operating covenants that restrict our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:
In addition, our credit facility requires us to meet certain financial ratios and financial conditions. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default causing all amounts to become due and payable under our credit facility, which is secured by substantially all of our domestic assets, against which the lenders thereunder could proceed to foreclose. We may use from time to time a certain amount of cash in order to satisfy the obligations relating to our convertible notes. The maturity or conversion of any of our convertible notes may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results, which could adversely affect the amount or timing of future potential share repurchases or the payment of dividends to our shareholders. In February 2014, we issued convertible senior notes due on August 15, 2019, or the Convertible Notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $1.15 billion. At maturity, we will have to pay the holders of the Convertible Notes the full aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes then outstanding. Holders of our Convertible Notes may convert their notes at their option under the following circumstances: (i) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending March 31, 2014, if the last reported sale price of our common shares for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) in a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter exceeds 130% of the conversion price for the Convertible Notes on each applicable trading day; (ii) during the five business-day period immediately after any five consecutive trading day period, or the measurement period, in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes for each trading day of that measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common shares and the conversion rate for the Convertible Notes for each such day; or (iii) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On and after May 15, 2019, holders may convert their Convertible Notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances. The Convertible Notes are net-share settled. If one or more holders elect to convert their Convertible Notes when conversion is permitted, we could be required to make cash payments equal to the par amount of each Convertible Note, which could adversely affect our liquidity. In addition, even if holders do not elect to convert their Convertible Notes, because our Convertible Notes are net-share settled, we could be required under applicable accounting rules to reclassify all or a portion of the outstanding principal of our Convertible Notes as a current rather than long-term liability, which could result in a material reduction of our net working capital. The requirement to pay cash upon conversion of the Convertible Notes or any adverse accounting treatment of the Convertible Notes may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results, each of which could in turn adversely impact the amount or timing of future potential share repurchases or the payment of dividends to our shareholders. The conversion of any of the Convertible Notes into common shares could have a dilutive effect that could cause our share price to go down. The Convertible Notes, until May 15, 2019, are convertible into common shares only if specified conditions are met and thereafter convertible at any time, at the option of the holder. We have reserved common shares for issuance upon conversion of the Convertible Notes. Upon conversion, the principal amount is due in cash, and to the extent that the conversion value exceeds the principal amount, the difference is due in common shares. While we have entered into capped call transactions to effectively increase the conversion of the Convertible Notes and lessen the risk of dilution to shareholders upon conversion, if the market price of our common shares, as measured under the terms of the capped call transactions, exceeds the cap price of the capped call transactions, the number of our common shares we receive upon exercise of the capped call transactions will be capped. In that case, there would be dilution in respect of our common shares, because the number of our common shares or amounts of cash that we would owe upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in excess of the principal amount of converted Convertible Notes would exceed the number of common shares that we would be entitled to receive upon exercise of the capped call transactions, which would cause a dilutive effect that could cause our share price to go down. If any or all of the Convertible Notes are converted into common shares, our existing The conversion rate for the Convertible Notes as of February 7, 2014, the date of issuance thereof, was 11.5908 common shares per $1,000 principal amount or a conversion price of approximately $86.28 per common share. Because the conversion rate of the Convertible Notes adjusts upward upon the occurrence of certain events, such as a dividend payment, our existing shareholders may experience more dilution if any or all of the Convertible Notes are converted into common shares after the adjusted conversion rates became effective. If we do not comply with transfer pricing, customs duties, VAT, and similar regulations, then we may be subjected to additional taxes, duties, interest and penalties in material amounts, which could harm our financial condition and operating results. As a multinational corporation, operating in many countries including the United States, we are subject to transfer pricing and other tax regulations designed to ensure that our intercompany transactions are consummated at prices that have not been manipulated to produce a desired tax result, that appropriate levels of income are reported as earned by our United States or local entities, and that we are taxed appropriately on such transactions. In addition, our operations are subject to regulations designed to ensure that appropriate levels of customs duties are assessed on the importation of our products. We are currently subject to pending or proposed audits that are at various levels of review, assessment or appeal in a number of jurisdictions involving transfer pricing issues, income taxes, customs duties, value added taxes, withholding taxes, sales and use and other taxes and related interest and penalties in material amounts. In some circumstances, additional taxes, interest and penalties have been assessed and we will be required to pay the assessments or post surety, in order to challenge the assessments. The imposition of new taxes, even pass-through taxes such as VAT, could have an impact on our perceived product pricing and will likely require that we increase prices in certain jurisdictions and therefore could have a potential negative impact on our See Note 7,Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15 of We could become a “controlled foreign corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We believe that we are currently not a “controlled foreign corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, this conclusion depends upon whether United States persons or entities who own 10% or more of the total combined voting power (10% shareholders”) own in the aggregate more than 50% of (i) the total combined voting power, or (ii) the total value of all our stock. In determining voting power, in addition to voting stock any special voting rights to appoint directors, whether by law, agreement or other arrangement, may also be taken into account. For purposes of applying the voting and value tests, certain constructive ownership rules apply, which attribute ownership among certain family members and certain entities and their owners. These rules may also attribute ownership of our stock to a person or entity that is entitled to acquire our stock pursuant to an option, such as the holders of our Convertible If we were to be or become a “controlled foreign corporation,” our 10% shareholders would be subject to special tax treatment. Any shareholders who contemplate owning 10% or more of our outstanding shares (taking into account the impact of any share repurchases we may undertake pursuant to share repurchase programs) are urged to consult with their tax advisors with respect to the special rules applicable to 10% shareholders of controlled foreign corporations. Changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation could adversely affect us. A change in applicable tax laws, treaties or regulations or their interpretation could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could be significant to our financial results. We may be held responsible for certain taxes or assessments relating to the activities of our Members, which could harm our financial condition and operating results. Our Members are subject to taxation, and in some instances, legislation or governmental agencies impose an obligation on us to collect taxes, such as value added taxes and social contributions, and to maintain appropriate records. In addition, we are subject to the risk in some jurisdictions of being responsible for social security, withholding or other taxes with respect to payments to our Members. For example, as described further in Note 7,Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in Brazil We may incur material product liability claims, which could increase our costs and harm our financial condition and operating results. Our ingestible products include vitamins, minerals and botanicals and other ingredients and are classified as foods or dietary supplements and are not subject to pre-market regulatory approval in the United States. Our products could contain contaminated substances, and some of our products contain some ingredients that do not have long histories of human consumption. We rely upon published and unpublished safety information including clinical studies on ingredients used in our products and conduct limited clinical studies on some key products but not all products. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of these ingredients could occur. As a marketer of dietary and nutritional supplements and other products that are ingested by consumers or applied to their bodies, we have been, and may again be, subjected to various product liability claims, including that the products contain contaminants, the products include inadequate instructions as to their uses, or the products include inadequate warnings concerning side effects and interactions with other substances. It is possible that widespread product liability claims could increase our costs, and adversely affect our revenues and operating income. Moreover, liability claims arising from a serious adverse event may increase our costs through higher insurance premiums and deductibles, and may make it more difficult to secure adequate insurance coverage in the future. In addition, our product liability insurance may fail to cover future product liability claims, thereby requiring us to pay substantial monetary damages and adversely affecting our business. Finally, given the higher level of self-insured retentions that we have accepted under our current product liability insurance policies, which are as high as approximately $15 million, in certain cases we may be subject to the full amount of liability associated with any injuries, which could be substantial. Several years ago, a number of states restricted the sale of dietary supplements containing botanical sources of ephedrine alkaloids and on February 6, 2004, the FDA banned the use of such ephedrine alkaloids. Until late 2002, we had soldThermojetics® original green herbal tablets,Thermojetics® green herbal tablets andThermojetics® gold herbal tablets, all of which contained ephedrine alkaloids. Accordingly, we run the risk of product liability claims related to the ingestion of ephedrine alkaloids contained in those products. Holders of our common shares may face difficulties in protecting their interests because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law. Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, by the Companies Law (2013 Revision) (the “Companies Law”), and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in jurisdictions in the United States. Therefore, shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by our management or board of directors than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States due to the comparatively less developed nature of Cayman Islands law in this area. Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies such as Herbalife have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records and accounts or to obtain copies of lists of our shareholders. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest. A shareholder can bring a suit personally where its individual rights have been, or are about to be, infringed. Where an action is brought to redress any loss or damage suffered by us, we would be the proper plaintiff, and a shareholder could not ordinarily maintain an action on our behalf, except where it was permitted by the courts of the Cayman Islands to proceed with a derivative action. Our Cayman Islands counsel, Maples and Calder, is not aware of any reported decisions in relation to a derivative action brought in a Cayman Islands court. However, based on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority in the Cayman Islands, a shareholder may be permitted to bring a claim derivatively on a company's behalf, where:
Provisions of our articles of association and Cayman Islands corporate law may impede a takeover or make it more difficult for shareholders to change the direction or management of the Company, which could reduce shareholders’ opportunity to influence management of the Company. Our articles of association permit our board of directors to issue preference shares from time to time, with such rights and preferences as they consider appropriate. Our board of directors could authorize the issuance of preference shares with terms and conditions and under circumstances that could have an effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction. In addition, our articles of association contain certain other provisions which could have an effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction or preventing or making it more difficult for shareholders to change the direction or management of our Company, including the inability of shareholders to act by written consent, a limitation on the ability of shareholders to call special meetings of shareholders and advance notice provisions. As a result, our shareholders may have less input into the management of our Company than they might otherwise have if these provisions were not included in our articles of association. The Cayman Islands have provisions under the Companies Law There are however a number of important differences that could impede a takeover. First, the threshold for approval of the merger plan by shareholders is higher. The threshold is a special resolution of the shareholders (being 66 2/3% of those present in person or by proxy and voting) together with such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in the articles of association. Additionally, the consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest (in essence a documented security interest as opposed to one arising by operation of law) is required to be obtained unless the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands waives such requirement. The merger provisions contained within Part XVI of the Companies Law do contain shareholder appraisal rights similar to those provided for under Delaware law. Such rights are limited to a merger under Part XVI and do not apply to schemes of arrangement as discussed below. The Companies Law also contains separate statutory provisions that provide for the merger, reconstruction and amalgamation of companies. These are commonly referred to in the Cayman Islands as “schemes of arrangement.” The procedural and legal requirements necessary to consummate these transactions are more rigorous and take longer to complete than the procedures typically required to consummate a merger in the United States. Under Cayman Islands law and practice, a scheme of arrangement in relation to a solvent Cayman Islands company must be approved at a shareholders’ meeting by a majority of each class of the company’s shareholders who are present and voting (either in person or by proxy) at such meeting. The shares voted in favor of the scheme of arrangement must also represent at least 75% of the value of each relevant class of the company’s shareholders present and voting at the meeting. The convening of these meetings and the terms of the amalgamation must also be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. Although there is no requirement to seek the consent of the creditors of the parties involved in the scheme of arrangement, the Grand Court typically seeks to ensure that the creditors have consented to the transfer of their liabilities to the surviving entity or that the scheme of arrangement does not otherwise materially adversely affect creditors’ interests. Furthermore, the court will only approve a scheme of arrangement if it is satisfied that:
If the scheme of arrangement is approved, the dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of U.S. corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares. In addition, if an offer by a third party to purchase shares in us has been approved by the holders of at least 90% of our outstanding shares (not including such a third party) pursuant to an offer within a four-month period of making such an offer, the purchaser may, during the two months following expiration of the four-month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer their shares on the same terms on which the purchaser acquired the first 90% of our outstanding shares. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, but this is unlikely to succeed unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith, collusion or inequitable treatment of the shareholders. There is uncertainty as to shareholders’ ability to enforce certain foreign civil liabilities in the Cayman Islands. We are incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands. A material portion of our assets are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for our shareholders to enforce judgments against us or judgments obtained in U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state of the United States. We have been advised by our Cayman Islands counsel, Maples and Calder, that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will — based on the principle that a judgment by a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given — recognize and enforce a foreign judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction if such judgment is final, for a liquidated sum, not in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, is not inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matters, and was not obtained in a manner, and is not of a kind, the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. There is doubt, however, as to whether the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands will (1) recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state of the United States, or (2) in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, impose liabilities predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or any state of the United States, on the grounds that such provisions are penal in nature. The Grand Court of the Cayman Islands may stay proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere. Our stock price may be adversely affected by third parties who raise allegations about our Company. Short sellers and others who raise allegations regarding the legality of our business activities, some of whom are positioned to profit if our stock declines, can negatively affect our stock price. In late 2012, a hedge fund manager publicly raised allegations regarding the legality of our network marketing program and announced that his fund had taken a significant short position regarding our common shares, leading to intense public scrutiny and significant stock price volatility. Following this public announcement in December 2012, our stock price dropped significantly. This hedge fund manager continues to make allegations regarding the legality of our network marketing program, our product safety, our accounting practices and other matters. Additionally, from time to time the Company is subject to governmental and regulatory inquiries and inquiries from legislators that may adversely affect our stock price. Our stock price has continued to exhibit heightened volatility and the short interest in our common shares continues to remain high. Short sellers expect to make a profit if our common shares decline in value, and their actions and their public statements may cause further volatility in our share price. While a number of traders have publicly announced that they have taken long positions contrary to the hedge fund shorting our shares, the existence of such a significant short interest position and the related publicity may lead to continued volatility. The volatility of our stock may cause the value of a shareholder’s investment to decline rapidly.
None. As of December 31, We also own a manufacturing facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The manufacturing facility contains approximately 800,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space. See Item 1 —Business for further discussion of the manufacturing facility purchased in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In addition to the properties noted above, we also lease other warehouse, manufacturing and office buildings in a majority of our other geographic areas of operation. We believe that our existing facilities are adequate to meet our current requirements and that comparable space is readily available at each of these locations. The information set forth under Note 7,Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference. Not applicable.
Information with Respect to our Common Shares Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, and trade under the symbol “HLF.” The following table sets forth the range of the high and low sales prices for our common shares in each of the fiscal quarters presented, based upon quotations on the NYSE consolidated transaction reporting system.
The market price of our common shares is subject to fluctuations in response to variations in our quarterly operating results, general trends in the market for our products and product candidates, economic and currency exchange issues in the foreign markets in which we operate as well as other factors, many of which are not within our control. In addition, broad market fluctuations, as well as general economic, business and political conditions may adversely affect the market for our common shares, regardless of our actual or projected performance. The closing price of our common shares on February 18, Set forth below is information comparing the cumulative total shareholder return and share price appreciation plus dividends on our common shares with the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index and a market weighted index of publicly traded peers over the five year period ended December 31,
Information with Respect to Dividends During the second quarter of 2007, our board of directors adopted a regular quarterly cash dividend program. Our board of directors authorized a $0.10 per common share dividend each quarter from the adoption of the program through the second quarter of 2010. On August 2, 2010, our board of directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.13 per common share, an increase of $0.03 per common share from prior quarters. On May 2, 2011, we announced that our board of directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.20 per common share, an increase of $0.07 per common share from prior quarters. On February 21, 2012, we announced that our board of directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.30 per common share, an increase of $0.10 per common share from prior quarters. On April 28, 2014, we announced that our board of directors approved terminating our quarterly cash dividend and instead utilizing the cash to repurchase additional common shares. The declaration of future dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon various factors, including our earnings, financial condition, Herbalife Ltd.’s available distributable reserves under Cayman Islands law, restrictions imposed by our credit facility entered into on March 9, 2011, as amended, or the Credit Facility and the terms of any other indebtedness that may be outstanding, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. The Credit Facility permits payments of dividends up to a specified cap and as long as no default or event of default exists and the consolidated leverage ratio specified in the Credit Facility is not exceeded. See Note 4, Long-Term Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion on dividend restrictions. Information with Respect to Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans The following table sets forth as of December 31,
Information with Respect to Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer On July 30, 2012, we announced that our board of directors authorized a new $1 billion share repurchase program that will expire on June 30, 2017. On February 3, 2014, we announced that our board of directors authorized an increase in the existing share repurchase authorization to an available balance of $1.5 billion. This repurchase program allows us to repurchase our common shares, at such times and prices as determined by our management as market conditions warrant, and to the extent Herbalife Ltd.’s distributable reserves are available under Cayman Islands law. The Credit Facility permits us to repurchase our common shares up to a specified cap andas long as no default or event of default exists and the consolidated leverage ratio specified in the Credit Facility is not exceeded. See Note 4, Long-Term Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion on share repurchase restrictions. We did not repurchase any common shares in the open market during the three months or the year ended December 31,
The following table sets forth certain of our historical financial data. We have derived the selected historical consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012,
Retail sales data as a Non-GAAP measure is discussed in greater detail in Item 7 —Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We discuss retail sales because of its fundamental role in our systems, internal controls and operations, and its correlation to Member discounts and Royalty Overrides. In addition, retail sales is a component of the financial reports we use to analyze our financial results. The following represents the reconciliation of retail sales to net sales for each of the periods set forth above:
You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with Item 6 — Selected Financial Data and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, each included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are a global nutrition company that sells weight management, targeted nutrition, energy, sports & fitness, and outer nutrition products. As of December 31, We pursue our mission of “changing people’s lives” by providing high quality, science-based products to Members and their customers who seek a healthy lifestyle and we also offer a financially rewarding business opportunity to those Members who seek part time or full time income. We believe the global obesity epidemic has made our quality products more relevant and the effectiveness of our distribution network, coupled with geographic expansion, have been the primary reasons for our success throughout our Our products are grouped in four principal categories: weight management; targeted nutrition; energy, sports & fitness; and outer nutrition, along with literature and promotional items. Our products are often sold through a series of related products and literature designed to simplify weight management and nutrition for consumers and maximize our Members’ cross-selling opportunities. Industry-wide factors that affect us and our competitors include the global obesity epidemic and the aging of the worldwide population, which are driving demand for weight management, nutrition and wellness-related products along with the global increase in under employment and unemployment which can affect the recruitment and retention of Members seeking part time or full time income opportunities. While we continue to monitor the current global financial environment, we remain focused on the opportunities and challenges in retailing of our products, recruiting and retaining Members, improving Member productivity, opening new markets, further penetrating existing markets, globalizing successful Distributor Methods of Operation, or DMOs, such as Nutrition Clubs and Weight Loss Challenges, introducing new products and globalizing existing products, developing niche market segments and further investing in our infrastructure. Management also continues to monitor the Venezuelan market and especially the limited ability to repatriate cash. We report revenue from our six regions:
Volume Points by Geographic Region A key non-financial measure we focus on is Volume Points on a Royalty Basis, or Volume Points, which is essentially our weighted average measure of product sales volume. Volume Points, which are unaffected by exchange rates or price changes, are used by management as a proxy for sales trends because in general, excluding the impact of price changes, an increase in Volume Points in a particular geographic region or country indicates an increase in our local currency net sales while a decrease in Volume Points in a particular geographic region or country indicates a decrease in our local currency net sales. We assign a Volume Point value to a product when it is first introduced into a market and the value is unaffected by subsequent exchange rate and price changes. The specific number of Volume Points assigned to a product, and generally consistent across all markets, is based on a Volume Point to suggested retail price ratio for similar products. If a product is available in different quantities, the various sizes will have different Volume Point values. In general, once assigned, a Volume Point value is consistent in each region and country and does not change from year to year. The reason Volume Points are used in the manner described above is that we use Volume Points for Member qualification and recognition purposes and therefore we attempt to keep Volume Points for a similar or like product consistent on a global basis. However, because Volume Points are a function of value rather than product type or size, they are not a reliable measure for product mix. As an example, an increase in Volume Points in a specific country or region could mean a significant increase in sales of less expensive products or a marginal increase in sales of more expensive products.
Average Active Sales Leaders by Geographic Region With the continued expansion of daily consumption DMOs in our different markets and our objective to improve Member retention, we believe the Average Active Sales Leader is a useful metric. It represents the monthly average number of sales leaders that place an order, including orders of non-sales leader Members in their downline sales organization, during a given period. We rely on this metric as an indication of the
We believe the trend of increasing worldwide Average Active Sales Leaders over the periods reflected in the table is attributable to the Company’s success in making the Herbalife business opportunity more appealing and in facilitating Number of Sales Leaders and Retention Rates by Geographic Region as of Re-qualification Period Our compensation system requires each sales leader to re-qualify for such status each year, prior to February, in order to maintain their 50% discount on products and be eligible to receive royalty payments. In February of each year, we demote from the rank of sales leader those Members who did not satisfy the re-qualification requirements during the preceding twelve months. The re-qualification requirement does not apply to new sales leaders (i.e. those who became sales leaders subsequent to the January re-qualification of the prior year). For the latest twelve month re-qualification period ending January 2016, approximately 54.2% of our sales leaders, excluding China, Venezuela, and Argentina, re-qualified. For the twelve month re-qualification period ended January 2015, approximately 54.2% of our sales leaders, excluding China, Venezuela and Argentina, re-qualified. We did not require our Venezuelan sales leaders to re-qualify temporarily for the period ended January 2014, and therefore excluded them from the retention calculation for that year, due to product supply limitation resulting from currency
The Member statistics below further highlight the calculation for retention.
The table below reflects the number of sales leaders as of the end of February of the year indicated (subsequent to the annual re-qualification date) and sales leader retention rate by year and by region.
Sales leaders generally purchase our products for resale to other Members and retail consumers. The number of sales leaders by geographic region as of the quarterly reporting dates will normally be higher than the number of sales leaders by geographic region as of the re-qualification period because sales leaders who do not re-qualify during the relevant twelve-month period will be removed from the rank of sales leader the following February. Comparisons of sales leader totals on a year-to-year basis are indicators of our recruitment and retention efforts in different geographic regions. We provide Members with products, support materials, training, special events and a competitive compensation program. If a Member wants to pursue the Herbalife business opportunity, the Member is responsible for growing his or her business and personally pays for the sales activities related to attracting new customers and recruiting Members. Activities may include hosting events such as Herbalife Opportunity Meetings or Success Training Seminars; advertising Herbalife’s products; purchasing and using promotional materials such as t-shirts, buttons and caps; utilizing and paying for direct mail and print material such as brochures, flyers, catalogs, business cards, posters and banners and telephone book listings; purchasing inventory for sale or use as samples; and training and mentoring customers and recruits on how to use Herbalife products and/or pursue the Herbalife business opportunity. Retention Rate for the requalification period ended January 2016 remained Presentation “Retail sales”represent the suggested retail price of products we sell to our Members and is the gross sales amount reflected on our invoices. Retail Total distributor allowances for 2015, 2014, and 2013 “Net
We do not have visibility into all of the sales from our Members to their customers, but such a figure would differ from our reported “retail sales” by factors including (a) the amount of product purchased by our Members for their own personal consumption and (b) prices charged by our Members to their customers other than our suggested retail prices. We discuss retail sales because of its fundamental role in our systems, internal controls and operations, and its correlation to Member discounts and Royalty Overrides. In addition, retail sales is a component of the financial reports we use to analyze our financial results. However, such a measure is not in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP. Retail sales should not be considered in isolation from, nor as a substitute for, net sales and other consolidated income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. A reconciliation of retail sales to net sales is presented below underResults of Operations. Our international operations have provided and will continue to provide a significant portion of our total net sales. As a result, total net sales will continue to be affected by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies. In order to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, in addition to comparing the percent change in net sales from one period to another in U.S. dollars, we also compare the percent change in net sales from one period to another period using “net sales in local currency”. Net sales in local currency is not a U.S. GAAP financial measure. Net sales in local currency removes from net sales in U.S. dollars the impact of changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries, by translating the current period net sales into U.S. dollars using the same foreign currency exchange rates that were used to translate the net sales for the previous comparable period. We believe presenting net sales in local currency is useful to investors because it allows a meaningful comparison of net sales of our foreign operations from period to period. However, net sales in local currency measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net sales in U.S. dollar measures that reflect current period exchange rates, or to other financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our While all Members can potentially profit from their activities by reselling our products for amounts greater than the prices they pay us, Members that develop, retain, and manage other Members can earn additional compensation for those activities, which we refer to as“Royalty overrides.” Royalty overrides are our most significant operating expense and consist of:
During 2015, 2014, Due to restrictions on direct selling in China, our independent service providers in China are compensated with service fees instead of the distributor allowances and royalty overrides utilized in our Because of local country regulatory constraints, we may be required to modify our Member incentive plans as described above. We also pay reduced royalty overrides with respect to certain products worldwide. Consequently, the total royalty override percentage may vary over time and from the percentages noted above. Our “Selling, general and administrative expenses”represent our operating expenses, which include labor and benefits, service fees to China service providers, sales events, professional fees, travel and entertainment, Member promotions, occupancy costs, communication costs, bank fees, depreciation and amortization, foreign exchange gains and losses and other miscellaneous operating expenses. Our Most of our sales to Members outside the United States are made in the respective local currencies. In preparing our financial statements, we translate revenues into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates. Additionally, the majority of our purchases from our suppliers generally are made in U.S. dollars. Consequently, a strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus a foreign currency can have a negative impact on our reported sales and contribution margins and can generate foreign currency losses on intercompany transactions. Foreign currency exchange rates can fluctuate significantly. From time to time, we enter into foreign currency derivatives to partially mitigate our foreign currency exchange risk as discussed in further detail in Item 7A —Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. Results of Operations Our results of operations for the periods below are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for future periods, which depend upon numerous factors, including our ability to recruit new Members and retain sales leaders, further penetrate existing markets, introduce new products and programs that will help our Members increase their retail efforts and develop niche market segments. The following table sets forth selected results of our operations expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:
Changes in net sales are directly associated with the retailing of our products, recruitment of Members, and retention of sales leaders. Our strategies include providing quality products, improved DMOs, including daily consumption approaches such as Nutrition Clubs, easier access to product, systemized training of Members on our products and methods, and continued promotion and branding of Herbalife products. Management’s role, both in-country and at the region and corporate level, is to provide Members with a competitive and broad product line, encourage strong teamwork and Member leadership and offer leading edge business tools and technology services to make doing business with Herbalife simple. Management uses the Member marketing program coupled with educational and motivational tools and promotions to encourage Members to increase retailing, retention, and recruiting, which in turn affect net sales. Such tools include Company sponsored sales events such as Extravaganzas, Leadership Development Weekends and World Team Schools where large groups of Members gather, thus allowing them to network with other Members, learn retailing, retention, and recruiting techniques from our leading Members and become more familiar with how to market and sell our products and business opportunities. Accordingly, management believes that these development and motivation programs increase the productivity of the sales leader network. The expenses for such programs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. We also use event and non-event product promotions to motivate Members to increase retailing, retention, and recruiting activities. These promotions have prizes ranging from qualifying for events to product prizes and vacations. The costs of these promotions are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. DMOs are being generated in many of our markets and are globalized where applicable through the combined efforts of Members and country, regional and corporate management. While we support a number of different DMOs, one of the most popular DMOs is the daily consumption DMO. Under our traditional DMO, a Member typically sells to its customers on a somewhat infrequent basis (e.g., monthly) which provides fewer opportunities for interaction with their customers. Under a daily consumption DMO, a Member interacts with its customers on a more frequent basis which enables the Member to better educate and advise customers about nutrition and the proper use of the products and helps promote daily usage as well, thereby helping the Member grow his or her business. Specific examples of DMOs include the Club concept in Mexico, Premium Herbalife Opportunity Meetings in Korea, the Healthy Breakfast concept in Russia, and the Internet/Sampling and Weight Loss Challenge in the U.S. Management’s strategy is to review the applicability of expanding successful country initiatives throughout a region, and where appropriate, financially support the globalization of these initiatives. The factors described above have helped Members increase their business, which in turn helps drive Volume Point growth in our business, and thus, net sales growth. The discussion below of net sales details some of the specific drivers of growth of our business and causes of sales fluctuations during the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 and during the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013, We believe declines in net sales in recent years are a result of Members adapting to certain revisions to our operations and Marketing Plan designed to improve the training and retention of sales leaders. While most Members are not sales leaders, those wishing to become sales leaders have three qualification methods to do so. Prior to global rollout in 2009, there was only the one-month sales leader qualification method or the two-month sales leader qualification method. However, in 2009 we revised our Marketing Plan to enable Members to also qualify for sales leader status over a 12-month period. Since implementation in 2009, sales leaders who utilized the 12-month sales leader qualification method have performed better in terms of activity and retention rates. To further promote the 12-month sales leader qualification method, during 2014 we announced the implementation, effective globally in February 2015, of a first-order limit for new Members and in November 2014 we reduced the number of Volume Points required to be accumulated over the 12-month period from 5,000 to 4,000. See Item 1, “Business — Our Strategies — Improve the Sustainability of Members’ Businesses” for additional information. We believe that the changes, while good for our business in the long-term, take time to incorporate into Members’ individual business practices, and in the near term have created distractions which have slowed our sales in certain markets. Additionally, the changes also lead to a temporary slowdown in sales because some sales that previously would have taken place over a shorter 1-2 month period are deferred up to 12 months or longer as a Member works towards possible sales leader qualification. Financial Results for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased 9.9% to $4,469.0 million as compared to $4,958.6 million in 2014. In local currency, including the remeasurement impact of Venezuela’s Bolivar denominated net sales, net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased 4.7% as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in net sales of 9.9% for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily the result of the effect of the strong U.S. dollar and the resulting fluctuation in foreign currency rates and a decline in sales volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, which reduced net sales by approximately 14.6% and 2.0%, respectively. These reductions were partially offset by the impact of price increases and a favorable change in country sales mix resulting from a greater percentage of our sales volume coming from markets with higher prices, which contributed approximately 5.2% and 2.0% to net sales growth, respectively. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased 9.8% to $339.1 million, or $3.97 per diluted share, compared to $308.7 million, or $3.40 per diluted share, for the same period in 2014. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily due to the lower selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding China service fees), which includes lower foreign exchange losses related to the remeasurement of our Venezuela Bolivar-denominated assets and liabilities, and lower impairment loss on Venezuela bonds described below; partially offset by lower contribution margin driven by lower sales discussed above, higher service fees to China service providers due to sales growth in China, and higher income taxes. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 included a $36.9 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($23.9 million post-tax), comprised of $32.9 million foreign exchange losses related to the remeasurement of Venezuela Bolivar-denominated assets and liabilities at the SICAD II and SIMADI rates, $1.7 million of inventory write downs, and a $2.3 million impairment loss on Venezuela bonds (See Liquidity and Capital Resources — Venezuela below for further discussion of currency exchange rate issues in Venezuela and Other Expense, net below for further discussion of Venezuela bonds); $5.6 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($3.8 million post-tax) of financing costs from transactions to convert Bolivars to U.S. dollars in 2015; $7.5 million pre-tax favorable impact from foreign exchange gain ($8.3 million post-tax) resulting from Euro/U.S. dollar exposure primarily related to intercompany balances; a $18.7 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($13.8 million post-tax) related to legal, advisory services and other expenses for our response to allegations and other negative information put forward in the marketplace by a hedge fund manager which started in late 2012 (See Selling, General and Administrative Expenses below for further discussion); a $21.4 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($14.2 million post-tax) from expenses related to regulatory inquiries; a $1.9 million pre-tax favorable impact ($1.2 million post-tax) related to a reduction in the legal reserve for the Bostick case (See Note 7, Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion); a $3.1 million pre-tax favorable impact ($2.0 million post-tax) related to the recovery of a previously impaired defective manufacturing equipment from the vendor; a $42.2 million unfavorable impact of non-cash interest expense related to the Convertible Notes and the Forward Transactions (See Note 4, Long-Term Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Liquidity and Capital Resources — Share Repurchases below for further discussion); and a $2.0 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($1.3 million post-tax) related to expenses incurred for the recovery of costs associated with the re-audit of our 2010 to 2012 financial statements after the resignation of KPMG as our independent registered public accounting firm. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 included a $229.0 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($152.4 million post-tax), comprised of a $103.4 million and a $98.0 million foreign exchange losses related to the remeasurement of Venezuela Bolivar-denominated assets and liabilities at the SICAD I and SICAD II rates, respectively, $7.6 million of inventory write downs, a $7.0 million impairment loss on long lived assets, and a $13.0 million impairment loss on Venezuela bonds (See Liquidity and Capital Resources — Venezuela below for further discussion of currency exchange rate issues in Venezuela and Other Expense, net below for further discussion of Venezuela bonds); a $25.1 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($16.6 million post-tax) related to legal, advisory services and other expenses for our response to allegations and other negative information put forward in the marketplace by a hedge fund manager which started in late 2012 (See Selling, General and Administrative Expenses below for further discussion); a $15.0 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($9.4 million post-tax) from expenses related to regulatory inquiries; a $17.5 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($10.9 million post-tax) related to a reduction in the legal reserve for the Bostick case (See Note 7, Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion); a $2.6 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($1.6 million post-tax) related to impairment of newly acquired defective manufacturing equipment; a $36.7 million unfavorable impact of non-cash interest expense related to the Convertible Notes and the Forward Transactions (See Note 4, Long-Term Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Liquidity and Capital Resources — Share Repurchases below for further discussion); and a $0.6 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($0.4 million post-tax) related to expenses incurred for the recovery of costs associated with the re-audit of our 2010 to 2012 financial statements after the resignation of KPMG as our independent registered public accounting firm. Reporting Segment Results We aggregate our operating segments, excluding China, into one reporting segment, or the Primary Reporting Segment. The Primary Reporting Segment includes the North America, Mexico, South & Central America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific regions. China has been identified as a separate reporting segment primarily due to the regulatory environment in China. See Note 10, Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our reporting segments. See below for discussions of net sales and contribution margin by our reporting segments. Net Sales by Reporting Segment The Primary Reporting Segment reported net sales of $3,622.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net sales for the Primary Reporting Segment decreased $671.5 million, or 15.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, including the impact of Venezuela’s Bolivar denominated net sales, net sales increased 0.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 for the Primary Reporting Segment; excluding the impact of Venezuela’s Bolivar denominated net sales, local currency net sales decreased 1.3% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 for the Primary Reporting Segment. The 15.6% decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily the result of the effect of the strong U.S. dollar and the resulting impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates and a decline in sales volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, which reduced net sales by approximately 16.5% and 4.8%, respectively. These reductions to net sales were partially offset by price increases which contributed approximately 6.0% to net sales. China reported net sales of $846.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net sales for China increased $181.9 million, or 27.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales increased 29.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 for China. The 27.4% increase in China net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily due to an increase in sales volume, as measured by an increase in Volume Points, which increased net sales by approximately 29.7%, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates, which reduced net sales by approximately 2.4%. See the discussion of net sales by geographic region below of the applicable region(s) comprising each segment for the underlying explanations of the changes in net sales for each reporting segment for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Contribution Margin by Reporting Segment As discussed above under “Presentation,” contribution margin consists of net sales less cost of sales and royalty overrides. The Primary Reporting Segment reported contribution margin of $1,598.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Contribution margin for the Primary Reporting Segment decreased $309.2 million, or 16.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The 16.2% decrease for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily the result of fluctuations in the foreign currency rates and declines in volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, which reduced contribution margin by approximately 21.2% and 4.7%, respectively, partially offset by the favorable impact of price increases, which increased contribution margin by approximately 9.3%. China reported contribution margin of $762.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Contribution margin for China increased $166.2 million, or 27.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily the result of a volume increase, as measured by an increase in Volume Points, which increased contribution margin by approximately 29.7%, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates, which reduced net sales by approximately 2.0%. Sales by Geographic Region The following chart reconciles retail sales to net sales: Sales by Geographic Region
North America The North America region reported net sales of $879.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net sales decreased $47.3 million, or 5.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales decreased 4.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014, was a result of a net sales decrease in the U.S. of $45.1 million or 5.0%. The 5.1% decrease in net sales for the North America region for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily the result of a decline in sales volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, which reduced net sales by approximately 7.1%, partially offset by price increases which contributed approximately 1.8% to net sales. We believe the net sales decline for 2015, after decreasing rates of net sales increase for recent years, is a result of Members adapting to certain revisions to our operations and Marketing Plan, described above, designed to improve the training and retention of sales leaders. Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2015 showed a reduced year-over-year rate of decline compared to the other quarters of 2015 reflecting, we believe, Member adaption to the changes. Mexico The Mexico region reported net sales of $479.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased $88.0 million, or 15.5%, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased 0.6%, as compared to the same period in 2014. The 15.5% decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily the result of the effect of the strong U.S. dollar and the resulting impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates and a decline in sales volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, which reduced net sales by approximately 16.1% and 3.7%, respectively. These reductions to net sales were partially offset by price increases which contributed approximately 3.5% to net sales. Mexico net sales have decreased, after lowering rates of increase over the prior several years, reflecting volume declines and unfavorable foreign exchange impact that more than offset the impact of price increases. Volumes declined primarily as a result of Members adjusting to certain revisions to our operations and Marketing Plan designed to improve the training and retention of sales leaders, such as a shift in emphasis to the longer-term qualification method described above, which was also implemented in Mexico in 2009, and which we believe has had a similar effect on the long-term net sales trend in Mexico. We also implemented rules in February 2015 that require Members attempting to qualify for sales leader status to purchase directly from Herbalife rather than from their sponsor Member (these transactions with the sponsor Member are known as “field sales”). With our investment in product access points in Mexico over the past few years, field sales are no longer necessary for geographic reach within the region. Field sales were particularly common in Mexico and this change has had a significant and adverse impact on sales in Mexico as Members revise their operations and purchasing habits accordingly. The Government of Mexico issued a decree on March 26, 2015 that confirmed the imposition of value added tax (VAT) on the sale of nutritional supplements. Thereafter, certain Herbalife products were restricted from importation under their current customs classification code which did not subject them to VAT at the border. Since it is important that we have an ample supply of these products available for sale in Mexico, we have reformulated most of these products to fit into a different customs code that will subject them to VAT and thereby facilitate their importation into Mexico. We believe our net sales for 2015 were negatively impacted due to recent importation delays and the imposition of VAT on these products commencing during the third quarter of the year. We expect some continuing year over year unfavorable sales trends in the first half of 2016 resulting from the imposition of VAT on these products. South and Central America The South and Central America region reported net sales of $569.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net sales decreased $256.7 million, or 31.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, including the re-measurement impact of Venezuela’s Bolivar denominated net sales, net sales increased 11.3% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The 31.1% decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency rates, inclusive of Venezuela foreign exchange devaluations, and a decline in sales volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, which reduced net sales by approximately 42.4% and 9.6%, respectively. These reductions to net sales were partially offset by price increases, most significantly in Venezuela which contributed approximately 22.3% to net sales. Although the region has continued to see the adoption and expansion of daily consumption DMOs, we believe the decline in net sales for 2015, continuing a trend of declines begun in 2014 after growth in prior years, was a result of Members adjusting to certain revisions to our operations and Marketing Plan designed to improve the training and retention of sales leaders, such as the shift in focus to our longer-term sales leader qualification method described above, which was also implemented in the South and Central American region in 2009, and which we believe has had a similar effect on the long-term net sales trend in the region. Results for the region were also significantly impacted by conditions in Venezuela, as described below. In Brazil, the region’s largest market, net sales decreased $102.1 million, or 28.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales decreased 0.2% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $101.5 million on net sales in Brazil for the year ended December 31, 2015. Brazil had a 5% price increase in March 2014 and price increases of 6% and 4% in March and October 2015, respectively. Brazil’s net sales decrease was attributable largely to the foreign currency erosion, as well as sales volume decreases, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, as sales leaders continue to adapt to Marketing Plan changes to encourage Members to take advantage of the longer-term sales leader qualification methods. This volume decrease was largely offset by the price increases mentioned above. The Company is analyzing changes in ICMS tax legislation effective for 2016 that may increase the cost of our products for our Members and/or increase tax filing requirements, potentially having an adverse impact on our sales in the market. Net sales in Venezuela decreased $123.1 million, or 87.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. Significant Bolivar-to-dollar exchange rate deterioration and significant sales volume declines, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, were partially offset by the impact of price increases in the market. In July 2014, Herbalife Venezuela increased its prices on certain products in response to an announcement by the Venezuelan government with respect to the calculation of Bolivar-denominated duties on U.S. dollar shipments using a default SICAD II rate if shipments are not settled using the SICAD I or CENCOEX exchange rates. These price increases, other subsequent price increases on certain products over the remainder of 2014, 100% price increases in each of March and April 2015, and approximately 40% cumulative price increases in the second half of 2015 were implemented to better align product prices with the economic conditions of the market. During the second and third quarters of 2014, we remeasured our net sales in Venezuela using the SICAD I rate instead of the previous CADIVI rate of 6.3 Venezuelan Bolivars per U.S. dollar. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we remeasured our net sales in Venezuela using the SICAD II rate. During February 2015, we began remeasuring our net sales in Venezuela using the SIMADI rate. The economic environment in Venezuela has been difficult. We have reduced the product offering portfolio as we begin transition to local production for a few key products in response to market conditions. We continue to monitor our product pricing in Venezuela as increases in product pricing can adversely affect the demand for our products. See Liquidity and Capital Resources — Venezuela below for further discussion of currency exchange rate issues in Venezuela. EMEA The EMEA region reported net sales of $755.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net sales decreased $88.0 million, or 10.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales increased 12.2% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The 10.4% decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily the result of the effect of the strong U.S. dollar and the resulting impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates, which reduced net sales by approximately 22.7%. This reduction to net sales was partially offset by an increase in sales volume, as measured by an increase in Volume Points, and price increases which contributed approximately 10.4% and 3.1%, respectively, to net sales. The decrease in net sales for 2015, after increases for the prior several years, was greatest in Russia, the United Kingdom, and Italy but was also widespread across countries in the region due to the adverse impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Local currency sales growth was achieved in a number of countries across the region. Net sales in Russia decreased $38.3 million, or 27.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales increased 15.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $60.2 million on net sales in Russia for the year ended December 31, 2015. Product prices in Russia were increased 14% in March 2015 and 7% in June 2014; sales volume, as measured by changes in Volume Points, increased only slightly for the year. Russia’s success in recent years was primarily a result of the early adoption of many of the concepts captured in our recent Marketing Plan changes; mainly the more gradual development of certain new members to sales leader. We also invested in infrastructure and branding to help develop the market including the opening of sales pick-up centers and athletic sponsorships and endorsements. Growth slowed for 2015 as the country saw a weakening of the economy. Net sales in Italy decreased $12.4 million, or 8.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales increased 9.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $25.1 million on net sales in Italy for the year ended December 31, 2015. We believe Italy’s local currency net sales growth reflects the effectiveness of longer-term sales leader qualification methods augmented with the use of a regular organized training approach and events such as city-by-city tours. Net sales in Spain decreased $2.0 million, or 2.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales in Spain increased 16.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $17.0 million on net sales in Spain for the year ended December 31, 2015. Spain has continued to increase the number of access points as well as focus on strategies including the daily consumption DMO and regionalization. Net sales in the United Kingdom decreased $15.2 million, or 21.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales in the United Kingdom decreased 15.7% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $4.3 million on net sales in the United Kingdom for the year ended December 31, 2015. Following significant growth the United Kingdom market in 2013 and 2014, we have seen a decline in 2015. This decline is attributed to the impact of recent changes to the Marketing Plan, including the shift in focus to our longer-term sales leader qualification method to which Members continue to adapt. The underlying business metrics remain solid and Volume Points increased during the fourth quarter of 2015 as compared to the prior year period. Asia Pacific The Asia Pacific region, which excludes China, reported net sales of $938.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net sales decreased $191.5 million, or 16.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales decreased 10.6% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The 16.9% decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily the result of a decline in sales volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, and the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates, which reduced net sales by approximately 10.5% and 6.4%, respectively. The decrease in net sales for the year 2015 as compared to 2014, continuing a declining net sales growth trend of several years, was led by a decline in South Korea. We believe sales declines in South Korea and elsewhere were the result of Members adjusting to certain revisions to our operations and Marketing Plan designed to improve the training and retention of sales leaders, such as the shift in focus to our longer-term sales leader qualification method described above, which was also implemented in the Asia Pacific region in 2009, and which we believe has had a similar effect on the long-term net sales trend in the region. Net sales in South Korea decreased $149.1 million, or 35.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales decreased 31.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $19.5 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015. Since the second half of 2014 South Korea has been negatively impacted by the shift in focus to our longer-term sales leader qualification method, as well as sales leader acclimation to other South Korea-specific Marketing Plan enhancements. The Company is implementing strategies that have been successful in other markets such as a Trial Pack product and customer loyalty programs. Net sales in India increased $12.6 million, or 8.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales increased 13.6% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $8.6 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015. India had a price increase of 12% in October 2015; Member purchases ahead of the price increase strengthened sales for the fourth quarter and potentially brought some sales forward from the first quarter of 2016. We have increased product access within the India market and supported the adoption of daily consumption DMOs, especially the Nutrition Club. Net sales in Taiwan decreased $10.1 million, or 7.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales decreased 3.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $5.9 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015. Taiwan was negatively impacted by the shift in focus to our longer-term sales leader qualification method. Net sales in Indonesia decreased $21.7 million, or 20.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales decreased 10.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $10.8 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015. Indonesia has been negatively impacted by the shift in focus to our longer-term sales leader qualification method. Indonesia had a price increase of 6% in October 2015; Member purchases ahead of the price increase contributed to sales for the fourth quarter and potentially brought some sales forward from the first quarter of 2016. Net sales in Malaysia decreased $20.8 million, or 33.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales decreased 21.5% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $7.5 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015. Malaysia was negatively impacted by first order limitations implemented during 2015. The market has also seen consumer spending dampened by the implementation of a goods and services tax during 2015. Net sales in China were $846.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net sales increased $181.9 million, or 27.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In local currency, net sales increased 29.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. The net sales increases for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily the result of an increases in sales volume, as measured by an increase in Volume Points, of approximately 29.7%, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates, which reduced net sales by approximately 2.4%. We have seen continued adoption and acculturation of daily consumption DMOs in the China market, including Nutrition Clubs, aided by a Customer Loyalty program, a Healthy Active Lifestyle program and supported by ongoing investments in advertising, corporate social responsibility and brand awareness. We continue to enhance product access in China through online and mobile platforms, supported by an expanding product access and distribution network. Sales by Product Category
Net sales for all product categories decreased for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The trend and business factors described in the above discussions of the individual geographic regions apply generally to all product categories. Gross Profit Gross profit was $3,613.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $3,975.7 million for the same period in 2014. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2015 was 80.9% as compared to 80.2% for the same period in 2014, or a favorable net increase of 70 basis points. The 70 basis point net increase for the year ended December 31, 2015 included the favorable impact of retail price increases of 100 basis points primarily related to Venezuela, country mix of 28 basis points, cost savings through sourcing optimization and self-manufacturing of 24 basis points, favorable impact of lower inventory write-downs of 9 basis points, and other cost changes of 4 basis points, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations of 95 basis points primarily related to the currency devaluation in Venezuela. Generally, the gross profit as percentage of net sales may vary from period to period due to the impact from foreign currency fluctuations, changes in country mix as volume changes among countries with varying margins, retail price increases, cost savings through sourcing optimization and self-manufacturing, and inventory write-downs. Royalty Overrides Royalty Overrides were $1,251.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $1,471.1 million for the same period in 2014. Royalty Overrides as a percentage of net sales were 28.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 29.7% for the same period in 2014. The decrease of royalty overrides as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to the higher growth of our China business relative to that of our worldwide business. Compensation to our independent service providers in China is included in selling, general and administrative expenses as opposed to royalty overrides where it is included for all other Members. Generally, royalty overrides as a percentage of net sales may vary from period to period due to changes in the mix of products and countries because full royalty overrides are not paid on certain products and in certain countries. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1,778.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $1,991.1 million for the same period in 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 39.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to 40.2% for the same period in 2014. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily due to $184.3 million in lower net foreign exchange losses which included $168.5 million from the remeasurement of our Venezuelan Bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities (See Liquidity and Capital Resources — Venezuela, for further discussion of currency exchange rate issues in Venezuela) and $10.2 million from Euro/U.S. dollar exposure primarily related to intercompany balances; lower variable expenses including $23.6 million from Member promotion and event costs, $7.7 million from bank fees, and $7.3 million from non-income tax expenses; $7.0 million in impairment losses related to Herbalife Venezuela’s long-lived assets in 2014; $17.5 million legal reserve for the Bostick case in 2014 (See Note 7, Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion); $7.0 million higher government grants income primarily related to the establishment of the regional headquarters and distribution centers within China, which could potentially continue to provide grant income in future periods; and $17.4 million in lower professional fees and $14.9 million in lower travel expenses due to cost control initiatives; partially offset by $90.8 million in higher service fees to China independent service providers related to sales growth in China; and $22.8 million in higher salaries, bonuses and benefits. In late 2012, a hedge fund manager publicly raised allegations regarding the legality of our network marketing program and announced that the hedge fund manager had taken a significant short position regarding our common shares, leading to intense public scrutiny and significant stock price volatility. We have engaged legal and advisory services firms to assist with responding to the allegations and to perform other related services in connection to these events. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded approximately $18.7 million of expenses related to this matter, of which approximately $16.8 million was related to legal, advisory and other professional service fees. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded approximately $25.1 million of expenses related to this matter, of which approximately $20.4 million was related to legal, advisory and other professional service fees. We expect to continue to incur expenses related to this matter over the next several periods and the expenses are expected to vary from period to period. Net Interest Expense Net interest expense is as follows:
The increase in net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014, was primarily due to the issuance of our $1.15 billion Convertible Notes in February 2014, including both cash and non-cash interest expense, discussed in Liquidity and Capital Resources below, as well as transactions to convert our Bolivars to U.S. dollars in 2015 that were financing in nature, in addition to lower interest income by using unfavorable official exchange rates to remeasure Herbalife Venezuela’s financial statements. These increases were partially offset by lower interest expense on our Credit Facility due to a lower principal balance in 2015 as compared to prior year. Other Expense, net The $10.7 million decrease in the other expense, net, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014, was due to lower other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized on our investments in Bolivar-denominated bonds during the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. Income taxes were $147.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $112.6 million for the same period in 2014. As a percentage of pre-tax income, the effective income tax rate was 30.3% for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to 26.7% for the same period in 2014. The increase to the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014, is primarily due to the decrease in net benefits in the geographic mix of our income, and related to the decrease in Herbalife Venezuela’s foreign exchange losses, partially offset by an increase in net benefits from discrete events. See Note 12, Income Taxes, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion. Financial Results for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased 2.8% to $4,958.6 million as compared to $4,825.3 million in 2013. In local currency, including the remeasurement impact of Venezuela’s Bolivar denominated net sales, net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased 8.3% as compared to the same period in 2013. The increase in net sales of 2.8% for the year ended December 31, 2014 was due to an increase in sales volume as measured by Volume Points, the impact of price increases, and a favorable change in country sales mix resulting from a greater percentage of our sales volume coming from markets with higher prices, which contributed approximately 2.0%, 3.8%, and 1.3% to net sales growth, respectively. These increases were partially offset by the effect of the strong U.S. dollar and the resulting fluctuation in foreign currency rates which reduced net sales by approximately 5.5%. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased 41.5% to $308.7 million, or $3.40 per diluted share, compared to $527.5 million, or $4.91 per diluted share, for the same period in 2013. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily due to the higher selling, general and administrative expenses, including higher service fees to China service providers and the foreign exchange losses related to the remeasurement of our Venezuela Bolivar-denominated assets and liabilities described below and higher interest expense, partially offset by higher contribution margin and lower income taxes. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 included a $229.0 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($152.4 million post-tax), comprised of a $103.4 million and a $98.0 million foreign exchange losses related to the remeasurement of Venezuela Bolivar-denominated assets and liabilities at the SICAD I and SICAD II rates, respectively, $7.6 million of inventory write downs, a $7.0 million impairment loss on long lived assets, and a $13.0 million impairment loss on Venezuela bonds (SeeLiquidity and Capital Resources — Venezuelabelow for further discussion of currency exchange rate issues in Venezuela andOther Expense, netbelow for further discussion of Venezuela bonds); an $25.1 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($16.6 million post-tax) related to legal, advisory services and other expenses for our response to allegations and other negative information put forward in the marketplace by a hedge fund manager which started in late 2012 (SeeSelling, General and Administrative Expenses below for further discussion); a $15.0 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($9.4 million post-tax) from expenses related to Net income for the year ended December 31, 2013 included approximately $29.1 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($24.5 million post-tax) related to legal and advisory services and other expenses for the Company’s response to allegations and other negative information put forward in the marketplace by a hedge fund manager which started in late 2012 and approximately $20.4 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($15.6 million post-tax) related to expenses for the re-audit of the Company’s 2010 to 2012 financial statements. Net income for year ended December 31, 2013 also included a $15.1 million pre-tax unfavorable impact ($9.8 million post-tax) related to the Venezuela Bolivar devaluation.
Net Sales by Reporting Segment The Primary Reporting Segment reported net sales of $4,294.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net sales for the Primary Reporting Segment decreased $59.4 million, or 1.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, including the impact of Venezuela’s Bolivar denominated net sales, net sales increased 4.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 for the Primary Reporting Segment; excluding the impact of Venezuela’s Bolivar denominated net sales, local currency net sales increased 5.1% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 for the Primary Reporting Segment. The 1.4% decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily the result of the effect of the strong U.S. dollar and the resulting impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates which reduced net sales by approximately 6.1%, as well as a decline in sales volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, which reduced net sales by approximately 0.2%. These reductions to net sales were partially offset by price increases which contributed approximately 4.3% to net sales. China reported net sales of $664.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net sales for China increased $192.7 million, or 40.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales increased 41.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 for China. The 40.9% increase in China net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily due to an increase in sales volume, as measured by an increase in Volume Points, which increased net sales by approximately 34.4%. See the discussion of net sales by geographic region below of the applicable region(s) comprising each segment for the underlying explanations of the changes in net sales for each reporting segment for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. Contribution Margin by Reporting Segment As discussed above under “Presentation,” contribution margin consists of net sales less cost of sales and royalty overrides. The Primary Reporting Segment reported contribution margin of $1,908.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Contribution margin for the Primary Reporting Segment decreased $33.7 million, or 1.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The 1.7% decrease for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily the result of fluctuations in the foreign currency rates and declines in volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, which reduced contribution margin by approximately 8.7% and 0.2%, respectively, partially offset by the favorable impact of price increases and country mix, which increased contribution margin by approximately 6.5% and 0.8%, respectively. China reported contribution margin of $596.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Contribution margin for China increased $173.9 million, or 41.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The Sales by Geographic Region The following chart reconciles retail sales to net sales: Sales by Geographic Region
North America The North America region reported net sales of $926.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net sales increased $18.8 million, or 2.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales increased $19.9 million, or 2.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013, was a result of a net sales increase in the U.S. of $18.2 million or 2.1%. The 2.1% increase in net sales for the North America region for the year ended December 31, 2014 was driven by price increases, which contributed approximately 2.5% to net sales, partially offset by a decline in sales volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, which reduced net sales by approximately 0.5%. Product prices in the US were increased 3% in March 2014. In the U.S., while net sales for the year increased, the trend weakened during the year with a decline in sales during the fourth quarter as compared to prior year fourth quarter. For the full year, the North America region saw a decline in the rate of net sales growth in 2014 as compared to 2013, following a similar decline in 2013 as compared to 2012. We believe the change in trend Mexico The Mexico region reported net sales of $567.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased $5.5 million, or 1.0%, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased 5.3%, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $24.0 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014.The 1.0% increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 was the result of an increase in sales volume, as measured by an increase in Volume Points, and price increases which increased net sales by approximately 1.3% and 4.9%, respectively. The net sales growth was partially offset by the effect of the strong U.S. dollar and the resulting impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates which reduced sales by approximately 4.3%. Mexico net sales trends softened during the course of the year with a sales decline in local currency for fourth quarter versus the prior year period and the rate of full year net sales growth declined compared to the rate of increase for 2013. The region saw slowing in its net sales growth as a result of Members adjusting to certain revisions to our operations and South and Central America The South and Central America region reported net sales of $826.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net sales decreased $147.1 million, or 15.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, including the re-measurement impact of Venezuela’s Bolivar denominated net sales, net sales increased 3.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $184.9 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. The 15.1% decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency rates, inclusive of Venezuela foreign exchange devaluations, and a decline in sales volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, which reduced net sales by approximately 19.0% and 12.0%, respectively. These reductions to net sales were partially offset by price increases which contributed approximately 11.2% to net sales.The decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013, was primarily driven by decreases in Venezuela and Brazil, including the impact of significant adverse foreign exchange rate movements. The region has continued to see the adoption and expansion of daily consumption DMOs. The South & Central America region’s In Brazil, the region’s largest market, net sales decreased $22.8 million, or 6.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales increased 3.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $35.8 million on net sales in Brazil for the year ended December 31, 2014. Brazil had a 5% price increase in March 2014. Brazil’s growth rate declined from the prior year and net sales declined for the fourth quarter as Net sales in Venezuela decreased $126.1 million, or 47.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The challenging economic conditions and very limited currency exchange ability resulted in lower demand for our products and limited importation of product. We implemented cumulative price increases over July and December 2013 of 123%. In July 2014, Herbalife Venezuela further increased its prices on certain products in response to a recent announcement by the Venezuelan government regarding calculating Bolivar denominated duties on U.S. dollar shipments using a default SICAD II rate if shipments are not settled using the SICAD I or CENCOEX exchange rates. These price increases, and other subsequent price increases on certain products over the remainder of the year, were implemented to better align product prices with the economic conditions of the market. During the second and third quarters of 2014, we remeasured our net sales in Venezuela using the SICAD I rate instead of the previous CADIVI rate of 6.3 Venezuelan Bolivars per U.S. dollar. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we remeasured our net sales in Venezuela using the SICAD II rate. Use of the SICAD II, SICAD I and previous CADIVI rates instead of the more favorable official rates in 2013 had an unfavorable impact of $123.2 million on net sales in Venezuela for the year ended December 31, 2014. We continue to monitor and assess our product pricing in Venezuela. SeeLiquidity and Capital Resources — EMEA The EMEA region reported net sales of $843.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net sales increased $107.9 million, or 14.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales increased 19.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $38.1 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. The 14.7% increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily the result of an increase in sales volume, as measured by an increase in Volume Points, and to a lesser extent price increases which contributed approximately 19.7% and 1.5%, respectively, to net sales. This increase to net sales was partially offset by the effect of the strong U.S. dollar and the resulting impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates, which reduced net sales by approximately 5.2%. The increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily driven by increases in Russia, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Net sales in Russia increased $12.2 million, or 9.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales increased 31.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $27.4 million on net sales in Russia for the year ended December 31, 2014. Product prices in Russia were increased 7% in June 2014. Russia’s success was primarily a result of the early adoption of many of the concepts captured in our recent Marketing Plan changes; mainly the more gradual development of certain new members to Sales Net sales in Italy increased $28.0 million, or 25.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales increased 25.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates did not have a significant impact on net sales in Italy for the year ended December 31, 2014. Italy has seen early Member adoption of cumulative qualification to Net sales in Spain increased $20.6 million, or 30.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales in Spain increased 30.0% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a favorable impact of $0.1 million on net sales in Spain for the year ended December 31, 2014. Spain increased Member engagement and retention in the market through a series of strategies including a focus on regionalization, continued adoption of the daily consumption DMO, city by city promotions, and Nutrition Advisory Board educations and training tours. Net sales in the United Kingdom increased $12.6 million, or 22.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales in the United Kingdom increased 15.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a favorable impact of $3.9 million on net sales in the United Kingdom for the year ended December 31, 2014. The UK had a price increase of 3% in June 2014. The United Kingdom Asia Pacific The Asia Pacific region, which excludes China, reported net sales of $1,130.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net sales decreased $44.5 million, or 3.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales decreased 2.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $16.3 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. The 3.8% decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily the result of a decline in sales volume, as measured by a decrease in Volume Points, and the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates, which reduced net sales by approximately 2.9% and 1.4%, respectively. These reductions to net sales were partially offset by price increases which contributed approximately 1.3% to net sales. The decrease in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 was driven primarily by declines in Malaysia, South Korea, and Indonesia, partially offset by increases in the Philippines, India, and Australia. The Asia Pacific region saw a decline in the rate of net sales growth in 2014 as compared to 2013, continuing a declining net sales growth trend observed in 2013 as compared to 2012. The region saw continued slowing in its net sales growth as a result of Members adjusting to certain revisions to our operations and Net sales in South Korea decreased $17.7 million, or 4.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales decreased 8.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had a favorable impact of $19.2 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. In the second half of 2014 South Korea was negatively impacted by a shift in emphasis toward cumulative Net sales in India increased $11.9 million, or 8.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales increased 13.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $7.5 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. We Net sales in Taiwan decreased $10.5 million, or 7.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales decreased 5.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $2.7 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. Taiwan was negatively impacted by a shift in emphasis toward Net sales in Indonesia decreased $17.4 million, or 13.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales decreased 1.1% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $16.1 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. Indonesia Net sales in Malaysia decreased $44.7 million, or 41.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales decreased 39.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $2.7 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. Areas of insufficient training during a period of strong growth in Nutrition Home Clubs contributed to a decline in the number and productivity of clubs. China Net sales in China were $664.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net sales increased $192.7 million, or 40.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. In local currency, net sales increased 41.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013. The fluctuation of foreign currency rates had an unfavorable impact of $2.2 million on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014.The net sales increases for the year ended December 31, 2014 were primarily the result of increases in sales volume, as measured by an increase in Volume Points, which increased net sales by approximately 34.4%. We have seen continued adoption and acculturation of daily consumption DMOs in the China market, aided by continued acceptance of a Preferred Customer program which was launched during 2013. We As of December 31, 2014, we had direct selling licenses for 25 of the 29 provinces in which we were operating. Sales by Product Category
Net sales for our product categories, except for Targeted Nutrition and Literature, Promotional and Other, increased for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013. The trend and business factors described in the above discussions of the individual geographic regions apply generally to all product categories. Gross Profit Gross profit was $3,975.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to $3,861.9 million for the same period in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2014 was 80.2%, comparable to 80.0% for the same period in 2013. The 20 basis point net increase included the favorable impact in country mix and retail price increases and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations and inventory write down in Venezuela. Generally, the gross profit percentage may vary from period to period due to the impact from foreign currency fluctuations, changes in country mix as volume changes among countries with varying margins, retail price increases, cost savings through sourcing optimization and self-manufacturing, and inventory write-downs. Royalty Overrides Royalty Overrides were $1,471.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to $1,497.5 million for the same period in 2013. Royalty Overrides as a percentage of net sales were 29.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to 31.0% for the same period in 2013. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1,991.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to $1,629.1 million for the same period in 2013. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 40.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to 33.8% for the same period in 2013. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $181.1 million in higher net foreign exchange losses primarily related to the remeasurement of our Bolivar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities at the SICAD I and SICAD II rates in 2014 amounting to $103.4 million and $98.0 million, respectively, as compared to the $15.1 million net foreign exchange loss during the same period in 2013 related to the Venezuela Bolivar devaluation (SeeLiquidity and Capital Resources — In late 2012, a hedge fund manager publicly raised allegations regarding the legality of our network marketing program and announced that the hedge fund manager had taken a significant short position regarding our common shares, leading to intense public scrutiny and significant stock price volatility. We have engaged legal and advisory services firms to assist with responding to the allegations and to perform other related services in connection to these events. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded approximately $25.1 million of expenses related to this matter, of which approximately $20.4 million was related to legal, advisory and other professional service fees. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded approximately $29.1 million of expenses related to this matter, of which approximately $25.7 million was related to legal, advisory and other professional service fees. As previously disclosed, on April 8, 2013, our former independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, resigned and withdrew their audit opinions for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. The Company engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, or PwC, as its new independent registered public accounting firm and performed a re-audit of its prior years’ financial statements. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded approximately $20.4 million in re-audit fees and other related expenses. Net interest expense is as follows:
The increase in net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013, was primarily due to higher weighted average interest rates on our senior secured credit facility and our issuance of $1.15 billion senior convertible notes in February 2014, including both cash and non-cash interest expense, discussed inLiquidity and Capital Resources below. Other Expense, net The $13.0 million increase in the other expense, net, for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013, was due to the other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized on our investments in Bolivar-denominated bonds. The impairment losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily due to using the less favorable SICAD I rate to remeasure our Bolivar-denominated investments at March 31, 2014 as opposed to the previous CADIVI rate, and using the less favorable SICAD II rate to remeasure our Bolivar-denominated investments at September 30, 2014 as opposed to the previous SICAD I rate. Income Taxes Income taxes were $112.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to $189.2 million for the same period in 2013. As a percentage of pre-tax income, the effective income tax rate was 26.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to 26.4% for the same period in 2013. The increase to the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013, is primarily due to the decrease in net benefits from discrete events, principally related to favorable tax audit settlements in the comparative 2013 period, and the inability to realize a tax benefit from Herbalife Ltd.’s interest expense, partially offset by the ability to fully realize a tax benefit resulting from Herbalife Venezuela’s foreign exchange loss and the impact of changes in the geographic mix of our income. See Note 12,Income Taxes,to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion.
We have historically met our working capital and capital expenditure requirements, including funding for expansion of operations, through net cash flows provided by operating activities. Variations in sales of our products directly affect the availability of funds. There are no material contractual restrictions on our ability to
Our existing debt has not resulted from the need to fund our normal operations, but instead has resulted primarily from our We have a cash pooling arrangement with a financial institution for cash management purposes. This cash pooling arrangement allows certain of our participating subsidiaries to withdraw cash from this financial institution based upon our aggregate cash deposits held by subsidiaries who participate in the cash pooling arrangement. We did not owe any amounts to this financial institution under the pooling arrangement as of December 31, For the year ended December 31, 2015, we generated $628.7 million of operating cash flow, as compared to $511.4 million for the same period in 2014. The increase in cash generated from operations was due to changes in operating assets and liabilities and higher net income, partially offset by lower non-cash items, which includes foreign exchange losses and other asset write-downs related to Venezuela. The change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily the result of changes in inventory; changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets which included lower prepayments resulting from financing an annual system support contract, lower payments to renew an annual insurance policy, lower prepaid non-income taxes; and changes in accrued expenses and accrued compensation which primarily related to timing differences of payments and higher employee bonus accrual. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we generated $511.4 million of operating cash flow, as compared to $772.9 million for the same period in 2013. The decrease in cash generated from operations was due to changes in operating assets and liabilities and lower net income, offset by the higher non-cash items, which included the foreign exchange losses, impairment losses and other asset write-downs related to Venezuela. The change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily the result of increases in inventory due to self-manufacturing and lower than expected sales volume, changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets which included higher prepaid non-income taxes and higher other prepayments such as the renewal of an annual insurance policy, changes in royalty overrides related to sales and higher payment of Mark Hughes bonus, and changes in accrued expenses and accrued compensation which primarily related to timing differences of payments and lower employee bonus accrual. Capital expenditures, including accrued capital expenditures, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 Senior Secured Credit Facility
The Credit Facility requires us to comply with a leverage ratio and a coverage ratio. In addition, the Credit Facility contains customary covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict our ability to incur liens, incur indebtedness, make investments, dispose of assets, make certain restricted payments, During the year ended December 31, 2015, we did not make any borrowings and paid a total amount of $210.3 million under the Credit Facility. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we borrowed an aggregate amount of $50.0 million and paid a total amount of $131.3 million under the Credit Facility. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we borrowed an aggregate amount of $763.0 million and paid a total of $319.2 million under the Credit Facility. See Note 4, Long-Term Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion on our Credit Facility.
Convertible Senior Notes During February 2014, we issued $1.15 billion aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes, or the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank effectively Contractual Obligations The following summarizes our contractual obligations including interest at December 31,
Cash and Cash Equivalents At December 31, 2015 and December 31, Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements At December 31, The declaration of future dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon various factors, including During the second quarter of 2007, our board of directors adopted a regular quarterly cash dividend program. Our board of directors authorized a $0.10 per common share cash dividend each quarter from the adoption of the program through the second quarter of 2010. On August 2, 2010, we announced that our board of directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.13 per common share, an increase of $0.03 per common share from prior quarters. On May 2, 2011, we announced that our board of directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.20 per common share, an increase of $0.07 per common share from prior quarters. On February 21, 2012, we announced that our board of directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.30 per common share, an increase of $0.10 per common share from prior quarters. On April 28, 2014, we announced that our board of directors approved terminating our quarterly cash dividend and instead utilizing the cash to repurchase additional common shares. There were no dividends declared and paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The aggregate amount of dividends paid and declared during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, During the year ended December 31, 2014, we received $3.4 million of dividends primarily relating to the Forward Transactions described below which was recorded directly to our (accumulated deficit) retained earnings.
On July 30, 2012, we announced that our board of directors authorized a new $1 billion share repurchase program that will expire on June 30, 2017. On February 3, 2014, we announced that our board of directors authorized an increase in the existing share repurchase authorization to an available balance of $1.5 billion. This share repurchase program allows us to repurchase our common shares, at such times and prices as determined by our management as market conditions warrant, and to the extent Herbalife Ltd.’s distributable reserves are available under Cayman Islands law. The Credit Facility permits In conjunction with the issuance of the Convertible Notes during February 2014, On May 6, 2014, The Company did not repurchase any of its common shares in the open market during the year ended December 31, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2014,
The Company reflects the aggregate purchase price of its common shares repurchased as a reduction to shareholders’ (deficit) equity. The Company allocated the purchase price of the repurchased shares to (accumulated deficit) retained earnings, common shares and additional paid-in-capital. The number of shares issued upon vesting or exercise for certain restricted stock units and SARs granted pursuant to Capped Call Transactions In connection with the issuance of Convertible Notes, we paid approximately $123.8 million to enter into capped call transactions with respect to our common shares, or the Capped Call Transactions, with certain financial institutions. The Capped Call Transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in the event that the market price of the common shares is greater than the strike price of the Capped Call Transactions, initially set at $86.28 per common share, with such reduction of potential dilution subject to a cap based on the cap price initially set at $120.79 per common share. The strike price and cap price are subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the Capped Call Transactions. Therefore, as a result of executing the Capped Call Transactions, we in effect will only be exposed to potential net dilution once the market price of our common shares exceeds the adjusted cap price. As a result of the Capped Call Transactions, our total shareholders’ (deficit) equity within our consolidated balance sheet was reduced by $123.8 million during the first quarter of 2014. Working Capital and Operating Activities As of December 31, We expect that cash and funds provided from operations, available borrowings under the Credit Facility, and access to capital markets will provide sufficient working capital to operate our business, to make expected capital expenditures and to meet foreseeable liquidity requirements, including payment of amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility, for the next twelve months and thereafter. The majority of our purchases from suppliers are generally made in U.S. dollars, while sales to our Members generally are made in local currencies. Consequently, strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus a foreign currency can have a negative impact on net sales and contribution margins and can generate transaction losses on intercompany transactions. For discussion of our foreign exchange contracts and other hedging arrangements, see Item 7A —Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Currency and Other Restrictions Herbalife Venezuela, to be challenging for our Venezuela business, with high inflation, We plan to utilize the official rates to the extent allowable under Venezuelan government restrictions in order to exchange Bolivars for U.S. dollars. We also plan to access government, PDVSA bond offerings, and alternative legal exchange mechanisms when they are made available. As discussed in Note 2,Basis of Presentation, to the Consolidated Financial Statements, these alternative legal exchange mechanisms or less favorable official exchange mechanisms could cause us to recognize Consolidation of Herbalife Venezuela We continue to operate in Venezuela and the increasing foreign currency constraints continue to create significant challenges for Herbalife Venezuela. In October 2014, Herbalife Venezuela executed a contract with a Venezuelan contract manufacturer to locally manufacture products to be sold to Herbalife Venezuela in Bolivars. We expect the local contract Herbalife Venezuela’s net sales represented less than 1% and approximately 3% In February 2016, the government announced it will reduce its three-tier system of exchange rates to two tiers by eliminating the SICAD exchange mechanism. The CENCOEX and SIMADI exchange mechanisms will continue. The government also announced the SIMADI exchange mechanism will be an improved floating system. We are closely monitoring these exchange mechanisms as they continue to evolve. If there is a devaluation in the SIMADI exchange rate in future periods, then we could incur foreign exchange losses and other related charges during our 2016 fiscal year. Quarterly Results of Operations
Contingencies See Note 7,Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on our contingencies as of December 31,
Critical Accounting Policies U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the year. We regularly evaluate our estimates and assumptions related to revenue recognition, allowance for product returns, inventory, goodwill and purchased intangible asset valuations, deferred income tax asset valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, tax contingencies, and other loss contingencies. We base our estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the recording of revenue, costs and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We consider the following policies to be most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing the financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact our operating results, financial condition and cash flows. We are a nutrition company that sells a wide range of weight management, targeted nutrition, energy, sports & fitness, and outer nutrition products. Our products are manufactured by third party providers and by us in our Changsha, Hunan, China extraction facility, Suzhou, China facility, Lake Forest, California facility, and in our Winston-Salem, North Carolina facility, and then are sold to Members who consume and sell Herbalife products to retail consumers or other Members. As of December 31, We generally recognize revenue upon delivery and when both the title and risk and rewards pass to the Member or importer, or as products are sold in our retail stores in China or through our independent service providers in China. Net sales include product sales and shipping and handling revenues. Product sales are recognized net of product returns, and discounts referred to as “distributor allowances.” We generally receive the net sales price in cash or through credit card payments at the point of sale. Related royalty overrides are recorded when revenue is recognized. Allowances for product returns, primarily in connection with our buyback program, are provided at the time the sale is recorded. This accrual is based upon historical return rates for each country and the relevant return pattern, which reflects anticipated returns to be received over a period of up to 12 months following the original sale. Historically, product returns and buybacks have not been significant. Product returns and buybacks were approximately We adjust our inventories to lower of cost or market. Additionally we adjust the carrying value of our inventory based on assumptions regarding future demand for our products and market conditions. If future demand and market conditions are less favorable than management’s assumptions, additional inventory write-downs could be required. Likewise, favorable future demand and market conditions could positively impact future operating results if previously written down inventories are sold. We have obsolete and slow moving inventories which have been adjusted downward Goodwill and marketing related intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested annually for impairment, and are tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. As discussed below, for goodwill impairment testing, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If we conclude it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then there is no need to perform the two-step impairment test. Currently, we do not use this qualitative assessment option but we could in the future elect to use this option. For our marketing related intangible assets a similar qualitative option is also currently available. However, we currently use a discounted cash flow model, or the income approach, under the relief-from-royalty method to determine the fair value of our marketing related intangible assets in order to confirm there is no impairment required. For our marketing related intangible assets, if we do not use this qualitative assessment option, we could still in the future elect to use this option. In order to estimate the fair value of goodwill, we also primarily use an income approach. The determination of impairment is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, we determine the fair value of a reporting unit and compare it to its carrying amount. The determination of the fair value of the reporting units requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include estimates of future revenues and expense growth rates, capital expenditures and the depreciation and amortization related to these capital expenditures, discount rates, and other inputs. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual future results could differ. Changes in assumptions regarding future results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on the fair value of the reporting unit. Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill and other intangibles over the implied fair value as determined in Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Also, if during Step 1 of a goodwill impairment test we determine we have reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts, then we perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. During Step 2 of a goodwill impairment test, the implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a similar manner as how the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined, in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 805,Business Combinations. We would assign the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. As of December 31, Contingencies are accounted for in accordance with
We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under ASC 740, we must recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. We account for foreign currency transactions in accordance with
We are exposed to market risks, which arise during the normal course of business from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. On a selected basis, we use derivative financial instruments to manage or hedge these risks. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to written guidelines and procedures. We apply A discussion of our primary market risk exposures and derivatives is presented below. We transact business globally and are subject to risks associated with changes in foreign exchange rates. Our objective is to minimize the impact to earnings and cash flow associated with foreign exchange rate fluctuations. We enter into foreign exchange derivatives in the ordinary course of business primarily to reduce exposure to currency fluctuations attributable to intercompany transactions, translation of local currency revenue, inventory purchases subject to foreign currency exposure, and to partially mitigate the impact of foreign currency rate fluctuations. Due to volatility in foreign exchange markets, our current strategy, in general, is to hedge some of the significant exposures on a short-term basis. We will continue to monitor the foreign exchange markets and evaluate our hedging strategy accordingly. With the exception of our foreign exchange forward contracts relating to forecasted inventory purchases and intercompany management fees discussed below, all of our foreign exchange contracts are designated as free standing derivatives for which hedge accounting does not apply. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives not qualifying as cash flow hedges are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income. The foreign exchange forward contracts designated as free standing derivatives are used to hedge advances between subsidiaries and to partially mitigate the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The fair value of
We also purchase foreign currency forward contracts in order to hedge forecasted inventory transactions and intercompany management fees that are designated as cash-flow hedges and are subject to foreign currency exposures. We applied the hedge accounting rules as required by ASC 815 for these hedges. These contracts allow us to buy and sell certain currencies at specified contract rates. As of December 31, As of December 31, See Note 11,Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, for a description of foreign currency forward contracts that were outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, The majority of our foreign subsidiaries designate their local currencies as their functional currencies. At December 31, Currency restrictions enacted by the Venezuelan government have become more restrictive and have impacted the ability of our subsidiary in Venezuela, or Herbalife Venezuela, to obtain U.S. dollars in exchange for Venezuelan Bolivars, or Bolivars, at the official foreign exchange rates from the Venezuelan government. See Note 2, Basis of Presentation, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion on how the currency restrictions in Venezuela have impacted Herbalife Venezuela’s operations. As of December 31, of the liability component of our $1.15 billion Convertible Notes was approximately $802.8 million and the carrying value was
Our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, are set forth in the Index to Financial Statements under Item 15 — Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedulesof this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and are incorporated herein by reference. None. Disclosure Controls and Procedures The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Based on an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting The SEC, as directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, adopted rules which require the Company to include in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, an assessment by management of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. In addition, the Company’s independent auditors must attest to and report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate. The Company’s management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act that occurred during the fourth quarter ended December 31, None. The information required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, The information required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31,
The information required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31,
The information required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31,
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or incorporated herein by reference: 1. Financial Statements. The following financial statements of Herbalife Ltd. are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K on the pages indicated:
2. Financial Statement Schedules. Schedules are omitted because the required information is inapplicable, not material, or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes. 3. Exhibits. The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index immediately below are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or are incorporated by reference herein.
(b)
*
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Herbalife Ltd. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ (deficit) equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Herbalife Ltd. and its subsidiaries at December 31, A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Los Angeles, California February HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Organization Herbalife Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempt limited liability company, or Herbalife, was incorporated on April 4, 2002. Herbalife Ltd. (and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a global nutrition company that sells weight management, targeted nutrition, energy, sports & fitness, and outer nutrition products. As of December 31, 2. Basis of Presentation The Company’s consolidated financial statements refer to Herbalife and its subsidiaries. New Accounting Pronouncements In 2014-09, In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12,Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). This ASU clarifies that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. This ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. This ASU may be applied either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are
outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15,Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). The purpose of this ASU is to incorporate into U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable), and to provide related footnote disclosures. This update is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 81 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01,Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. This ASU is part of the FASB’s initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. This ASU eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items, which were previously required to be segregated from the results of ordinary operations and shown separately in the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. Entities were also required to disclose applicable income taxes for the extraordinary item and either present or disclose earnings-per-share data applicable to the extraordinary item. Items which are considered both unusual and infrequent will now be presented separately within income from continuing operations in the income statement or disclosed in notes to the financial statements. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Companies may apply the ASU prospectively, or may also apply the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02,
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability now be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Under current U.S. GAAP, debt issuance costs are recognized as a deferred charge asset. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. This ASU clarifies the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with lines of credit. These costs may be presented as an asset and amortized ratably over the term of the line of credit arrangement. These updates are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other— Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. This ASU adds explicit guidance into U.S. GAAP regarding a customer’s accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. The ASU provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. A reporting entity should apply the amendments either (1) prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the effective date or (2) retrospectively. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 82 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) In May, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820):Disclosures for Investment in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). This ASU applies to reporting entities that elect to measure the fair value of an investment using the net asset value, or NAV, per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. The ASU removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share practical expedient. The amendments also remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The amendments in this ASU are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Entities should apply the amendments in this update retrospectively to all periods presented. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. This ASU does not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. This ASU eliminates from U.S. GAAP the requirement to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market under the previous requirement could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. Entities within scope of this update will now be required to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory using LIFO or the retail inventory method. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This ASU simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes by requiring that deferred tax assets and liabilities be presented as noncurrent on the balance In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Significant Accounting Policies Consolidation Policy The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Herbalife Ltd. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions In the majority of the countries that the Company operates, the functional currency is the local currency. The Company’s foreign subsidiaries’ asset and liability accounts are translated for consolidated financial reporting purposes into U.S. dollar amounts at year-end exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated at the average rates during the year. Foreign exchange translation adjustments are included in accumulated other
83 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) Forward Exchange Contracts and Interest Rate Swaps The Company enters into foreign currency derivatives, primarily comprised of foreign currency forward contracts, in managing its foreign exchange risk on sales to Members, inventory purchases denominated in foreign currencies, and intercompany transactions and bank loans. The Company also previously entered into interest rate swaps in managing its interest rate risk on its variable rate credit facility. The Company does not use the contracts for trading purposes. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 815,Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC 815, the Company designates certain of its derivative instruments as cash flow hedges and formally documents its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction, at the time the derivative contract is executed. The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedge both at inception and on an ongoing basis and determines whether the hedge is highly or perfectly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item. The Company records the effective portion of changes in the estimated fair value in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassifies the related amount of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings when the hedged item and underlying transaction impacts earnings. If it is determined that a derivative has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting for such transaction. For derivatives that are not designated as hedges, all changes in estimated fair value are recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are comprised primarily of foreign and domestic bank accounts, and money market funds. These cash and cash equivalents are valued based on level 1 inputs which consist of quoted prices in active markets. To reduce its credit risk, the Company monitors the credit standing of the financial institutions that hold the Company’s cash and cash equivalents. The Company has a cash pooling arrangement with a financial institution for cash management purposes. This cash pooling arrangement allows certain of the Company’s participating subsidiaries to withdraw cash from this financial institution based upon the Company’s aggregate cash deposits held by subsidiaries who participate in the cash pooling arrangement. To the extent any participating location on an individual basis is in an overdraft position, these overdrafts will be recorded as liabilities and reflected as financing activities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of cash flows, respectively. As of December 31, As of December 31,
Remeasurement of Herbalife Venezuela’s Monetary Assets and Liabilities below for a further description of Herbalife Venezuela’s cash and cash equivalents balances. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable consist principally of receivables from credit card companies, arising from the sale of products to the Company’s Members, and receivables from importers, who are utilized in a limited number of countries to sell products to Members. The Company believes the concentration of its collection risk related to its credit card receivables is diminished due to the geographic dispersion of its receivables. The receivables from credit card companies were 84 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company applies the provisions of FASB authoritative guidance as it applies to its financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. The FASB authoritative guidance clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The Company has estimated the fair value of its financial instruments using the following methods and assumptions:
Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (primarily on the first-in, first-out basis) or market.
Long-Lived Assets At December 31,
85 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) In December 2012, the Company purchased an approximate 800,000 square foot facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for approximately $22.2 million. As of December 31, Depreciation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (includes computer hardware and software) is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from three to ten years. The Company capitalizes eligible costs to acquire or develop internal-use software that are incurred subsequent to the preliminary project stage. Computer hardware and software, the majority of which is comprised of capitalized internal-use software costs, was
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment, based on undiscounted cash flows, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the estimated fair value of the asset. Goodwill and marketing related intangible assets with indefinite lives are evaluated on an annual basis for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. For goodwill, the Company uses a discounted cash flow approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value then the implied fair value of the goodwill must be determined. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying value then a goodwill impairment amount is recorded for the difference. For the marketing related intangible assets, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model under the relief-from-royalty method in order to determine the fair value. If the fair value is less than its carrying value then an impairment amount is recorded for the difference. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,
Income Taxes Income tax expense includes income taxes payable for the current year and the change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or income tax returns. A valuation allowance is recognized to reduce the carrying value of deferred income tax assets if it is believed to be more likely than not that a component of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with FASB authoritative guidance which clarifies the accounting and reporting for uncertainties in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. This guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. See Note 12,Income Taxes,for a further description on income taxes. 86 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) A Member may earn commissions, called royalty overrides which include production bonuses, based on retail sales volume. Royalty overrides are based on the retail sales volume of certain other Members who are sponsored directly or indirectly by the Member. Royalty overrides are recorded when the products are delivered and revenue is recognized. The royalty overrides are compensation to Members for services rendered including the development, retention and the improved productivity of their sales organizations. As such royalty overrides are classified as an operating expense. Non-U.S. royalty override checks that have aged, for a variety of reasons, beyond a certainty of being paid, are taken back into income. Management has estimated this period of certainty to be three years worldwide.
Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, the effective portion of the unrealized gains or losses on derivatives, and unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments. Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following (in
Operating Leases The Company leases most of its physical properties under operating leases. Certain lease agreements generally include rent holidays and tenant improvement allowances. The Company recognizes rent holiday periods on a straight-line basis over the lease term beginning when the Company has the right to the leased space. The Company also records tenant improvement allowances and rent holidays as deferred rent liabilities and amortizes the deferred rent over the terms of the lease to rent expense. Research and Development The Company’s research and development is performed by in-house staff and outside consultants. For all periods presented, research and development costs were expensed as incurred and were not material. Government Grants Government grants are recorded into income when a legal right to the grant exists, there is reasonable assurance that the grant proceeds will be received and all the conditions under which the government grants were provided have been Professional Fees The Company expenses professional fees, including legal fees, as incurred. These professional fees are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Advertising Advertising costs, including Company sponsorships, are expensed as incurred and amounted to approximately $66.1 million, $69.7 million, 87 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) Basic earnings per share represents net income for the period common shares were outstanding, divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share represents
net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, inclusive of the effect of dilutive securities such as outstanding stock options, SARs and stock units. The following are the common share amounts used to compute the basic and diluted earnings per share for each period (in millions):
There were an aggregate of 5.4 million, 2.7 million, Since the Company will settle the principal amount of its Convertible Notes in cash and settle the conversion feature for the amount above the conversion price in common shares, or the conversion spread, the Company uses the treasury stock method for calculating any potential dilutive effect of the conversion spread on diluted earnings per share, if applicable. The conversion spread will have a dilutive impact on diluted earnings per share when the average market price of the Company’s common shares for a given period exceeds the initial conversion price of $86.28 per share. For the The Capped Call Transactions executed in connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their impact is always anti-dilutive. Revenue Recognition The Company generally recognizes revenue upon delivery and when both the title and risk and rewards pass to the Member or importer, or as products are sold in retail stores in China or through the Company’s independent service providers in China. Product sales are recognized net of product returns and discounts referred to as “distributor allowances.” Net sales include product sales and shipping and handling revenues. Shipping and handling costs paid by the Company are included in cost of sales. The Company generally receives the net sales price in cash or through credit card payments at the point of sale. The Company currently presents sales taxes collected from customers on a net basis. Allowances for product returns, primarily in connection with the Company’s buyback program, are provided at the time the sale is recorded. This accrual is based upon historical return rates for each country and the relevant return pattern, which reflects anticipated returns to be received over a period of up to 12 months following the original sale. Allowances for product returns were $3.9 million, $4.3 million, Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded $12.3 million, $12.3 million, and $29.6 million, respectively, of non-cash capital expenditures. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded $15.0 million of a non-cash release of deposits in escrow that were used to reduce the Company’s accrued expense liability. 88 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded $17.3 million of non-cash borrowings that were used to finance software maintenance. See Note 8, Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity for information on the Company’s non-cash financing activities related to the prepaid forward share repurchases transaction. Share-Based Payments The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with FASB authoritative guidance which requires the measurement of share-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made
to employees. The Company measures share-based compensation cost at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense for service condition awards on a straight-line basis over the employee’s requisite service period. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense for performance condition awards over the vesting term using the graded vesting method. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity, and foreign currency have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. Currency and Other Restrictions in Venezuela Herbalife Venezuela, the Company’s Venezuelan subsidiary, In June 2010, the Venezuelan government introduced additional regulations under a new regulated system, SITME, which was controlled by the Central Bank of Venezuela. SITME provided a mechanism to exchange Bolivars into U.S. dollars through the purchase and sale of U.S. dollar denominated bonds issued in Venezuela. However, SITME was only available in certain limited circumstances. Specifically, SITME could only be used for product purchases and was not available for other matters such as the payment of dividends. Also, SITME could only be used for amounts of up to $50,000 per day and $350,000 per month and was generally only available to the extent the applicant had not exchanged and received U.S. dollars via the CADIVI process within the previous 90 days. Effective January 1, 2012, additional laws were enacted that required companies to register with the Registry of Users of the System of Transactions with Securities in Foreign Currency, or RUSITME, prior to transacting with the SITME, the regulated system, which was controlled by the Central Bank of Venezuela. In February 2013, the Venezuela government announced that it devalued its Bolivar currency and would eliminate the SITME regulated system. The SITME 5.3 Bolivars per U.S. dollar rate was eliminated and the CADIVI rate was devalued from 4.3 Bolivars to 6.3 Bolivars per U.S. dollar. 89 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) In March 2013, the Venezuelan government also announced the introduction of an additional exchange mechanism, or SICAD I. During the first quarter of 2014, the Venezuelan government announced the establishment of CENCOEX, which replaced the previous foreign exchange commission, CADIVI. Also, during the first quarter of 2014, the government announced that additional activities, such as the processing of dividend payments, which were previously administered by CADIVI, were now required to be processed at the SICAD I rate. During March 2014, the government introduced an additional exchange mechanism known as SICAD II.
As an alternative exchange mechanism, the Company has also participated in certain bond offerings from the Venezuelan government and from Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. or PDVSA, a Venezuelan state-owned petroleum company, where the Company effectively purchased bonds with its Bolivars and then sold the bonds for U.S. dollars. In other instances, the Company has also used other alternative legal exchange mechanisms for currency exchanges. Highly Inflationary Economy and Accounting in Venezuela Venezuela’s inflation rate as measured using the blended National Consumer Price Index and Consumer Price Index rate exceeded a three-year cumulative inflation rate of 100% as of December 31, 2009. Accordingly, effective January 1, 2010, Venezuela was considered a highly inflationary economy. Pursuant to the highly inflationary basis of accounting under U.S. GAAP, Herbalife Venezuela changed its functional currency from the Bolivar to the U.S. dollar. Subsequent movements in the Bolivar to U.S. dollar exchange rate will impact the Company’s consolidated earnings. Prior to January 1, 2010 when the Bolivar was the functional currency, movements in the Bolivar to U.S. dollar were recorded as a component of equity through other comprehensive income. Pursuant to highly inflationary accounting rules, the Company no longer translates Herbalife Venezuela’s financial statements as its functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Remeasurement of Herbalife Venezuela’s Monetary Assets and Liabilities Prior to February 2013, the Company used the SITME rate of 5.3 Bolivars per U.S. dollar to remeasure its Bolivar denominated transactions. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company accessed the SITME market in order to exchange its Bolivars to U.S. dollars, although daily and monthly restrictions existed. In other instances, the Company recognized an aggregate of $4.8 million of foreign exchange losses as a result of exchanging Bolivars for U.S. dollars using alternative legal exchange mechanisms that were approximately 43% less favorable than the 5.3 Bolivars per U.S. dollar published SITME rate. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company exchanged 59.2 million Bolivars for $6.4 million U.S. dollars using these alternative legal exchange mechanisms. Following the Venezuelan government’s devaluation of the Bolivar against the U.S. dollar and elimination of the SITME regulated system in February 2013, the Company used the new CADIVI rate of 6.3 Bolivars per U.S. dollar to remeasure its Bolivar denominated transactions. This new CADIVI rate was approximately 16% less favorable than the previously published 5.3 SITME rate. The Company recognized approximately $15.1 million of net foreign exchange losses within its consolidated statement of income during the first quarter of 2013, as a result of remeasuring the Company’s Bolivar denominated monetary assets and liabilities at this new CADIVI rate of 6.3 Bolivars per U.S. dollar. The majority of these foreign exchange losses related to the approximately $16.9 million devaluation of Herbalife Venezuela’s Bolivar denominated cash and cash equivalents. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company also recognized $0.7 million of foreign exchange losses as a result of exchanging Bolivars for U.S. dollars using alternative legal exchange mechanisms that were approximately 75% less favorable than the new CADIVI rate. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company exchanged 5.6 million Bolivars for $0.2 million U.S. dollars using these alternative legal exchange mechanisms. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company received an approval through the SICAD I mechanism to exchange approximately 6.8 million Bolivars, or approximately $1.1 million U.S. dollars remeasured using the CADIVI rate, for a distribution of approximately $0.6 million in U.S. dollars, resulting in a foreign exchange loss of approximately $0.5 million, or an effective exchange rate of 11.3 Bolivars per U.S. dollar. During March 2014, the Company submitted a SICAD II bid to exchange 5.3 million Bolivars for $0.1 million U.S. dollars which was approved and resulted in the Company recognizing a $0.7 million U.S. dollar
foreign exchange loss at an effective exchange rate of approximately 56.2 Bolivars per U.S. dollar. As of March 31, 2014, there was limited information published around the SICAD II mechanism, and it was difficult to determine how the mechanism functioned and if the mechanism had any volume constraints. 90 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) Based on the events above and the Company’s facts and circumstances at that time, the Company remeasured its financial statements at the SICAD I rate of 10.7 Bolivars per U.S. dollar at March 31, 2014. As a result of using the less favorable SICAD I rate for remeasurement, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were reduced by approximately $96.0 million, and the Company recognized $86.1 million of foreign exchange losses in selling, general During the second and third quarters of 2014, the Company did not receive any approvals to exchange Bolivars for U.S. dollars using the SICAD I and SICAD II mechanisms. The Company recognized $0.2 million and $17.1 million in foreign exchange losses relating to unfavorable changes in the SICAD I rate during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and the three months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. In October 2014, the Company exchanged Bolivars for a small amount of U.S. dollars at the SICAD II rate, and the Company continued applying for U.S. dollars using the SICAD II mechanism on a regular basis through December 31, 2014. Conversely, the Company’s ability to convert its Bolivars to U.S. dollars at the SICAD I rate At March 31, 2015, the Company used the SIMADI exchange rate to remeasure its Venezuelan subsidiary’s financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company recognized $32.9 million in foreign exchange losses in selling, general and administrative expenses and $2.0 million of inventory write downs in cost of sales within its consolidated statement of income. The Company continues to use the SIMADI exchange rate for remeasurement which was 198.7 Bolivars per U.S. dollar at December 31, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company also entered into transactions to effectively convert 1.5 billion of its Bolivars to $1.8 million U.S. dollars. Due to the financing nature of these transactions, the Company recognized a loss of $5.6 million in interest expense within its statement of income. Due to the evolving foreign exchange control environment in Venezuela, it is possible that the Company’s ability to access certain foreign exchange mechanisms, including the As of December 31,
approximately In February 2016, the government announced it will reduce its three-tier system of exchange rates to two tiers by eliminating the SICAD exchange mechanism. The CENCOEX and SIMADI exchange mechanisms will continue. The government also announced the SIMADI exchange mechanism will be an improved floating system. The Company is closely monitoring these exchange mechanisms as they continue to evolve. If there is a devaluation in the SIMADI exchange rate in future periods, then the Company could incur foreign exchange losses and other related charges during its 2016 fiscal year. 91 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) Consolidation of Herbalife Venezuela The Company continues to operate in Venezuela and the increasing foreign currency constraints continue to create significant challenges for Herbalife Venezuela. In October 2014, Herbalife Venezuela executed a contract with a Venezuelan contract manufacturer to locally manufacture products to be sold to Herbalife Venezuela in Bolivars. The Company expects the local contract manufacturer to begin manufacturing products for Herbalife Venezuela during the first half of 2016. The ongoing transition to local manufacturing of products is an attempt to create a self-sustaining and economically viable business model to operate in Venezuela. However, the Company’s local contract manufacturing effort will be dependent on the ability to convert Bolivars to U.S. dollars to pay for the raw materials not sourced in Venezuela. Other strategies the Company has implemented to limit its financial exposure from currency restrictions and devaluations in its Venezuela operation while it continues to support its Members and their consumers include operating hour limitations, order size limitations, limiting Member promotions and events to local Bolivar-denominated expenses, and further limiting the importation of products into Venezuela. Herbalife Venezuela will continue to apply for legal exchange mechanisms to convert its Bolivars to U.S. dollars. Despite the currency exchange restrictions in Venezuela, the Company continues to control Herbalife Venezuela and its operations. Therefore, the Company continues to consolidate Herbalife Venezuela in its consolidated financial statements. Herbalife Venezuela’s net sales represented less than 1% and approximately 3% and 6% of the Company’s consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, and its total assets represented less than 1% and approximately 2% of the Company’s consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Investments in Bolivar-Denominated Bonds During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company
The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis.
3. Inventories Inventories consist primarily of finished goods available for resale and can be categorized as follows (in millions):
92 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following are the major classes of inventory (in millions):
4. Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following (in millions):
Senior Secured Credit Facility On March 9, 2011, the Company entered into a $700.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, or the Credit Facility, with a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders and terminated its prior senior secured credit facility, or the Prior Credit Facility. In March 2011, the Company used $196.0 million in U.S. dollar borrowings under the Credit Facility to repay all amounts outstanding under the Prior Credit Facility. The Company incurred approximately $5.7 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the Credit Facility. These debt issuance costs were recorded On July 26, 2012, the Company amended the Credit Facility to include a $500.0 million term loan with a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders, or the Term Loan. The Term Loan is a part of the Credit Facility and is in addition to the Company’s current revolving credit facility. The Term Loan matures on March 9, 2016. The Company will make regular scheduled payments for the Term Loan consisting of both principal and interest components.
In July 2012, the Company used all $500.0 million of the borrowings under the Term Loan to pay down amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility. The Company incurred approximately $4.5 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the Term Loan. The debt issuance costs are recorded 93 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) In February 2014, in connection with issuing the $1.15 billion Convertible Notes described below, the Company amended the Credit Facility. Pursuant to this amendment, the Company amended the terms of the Credit Facility to provide for technical amendments to the indebtedness, asset sale and dividend covenants and the cross-default event of default to accommodate the issuance of the Convertible Notes and the capped call and prepaid forward share repurchase transactions described in greater detail in Note 8,Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity. The amendment also increased by 0.50% the highest applicable margin payable by Herbalife in the event that Herbalife’s consolidated total leverage ratio is equal to or exceeds 2.50 to 1.00 and increased the permitted consolidated total leverage ratio of Herbalife under the Credit Facility. The Company incurred approximately $2.3 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the amendment. The debt issuance costs are recorded On May 4, 2015, the Company amended its Credit Facility to extend the maturity date of its revolving credit facility by one year to March 9, 2017. The Term Loan will mature on March 9, 2016. Pursuant to this amendment and upon execution, the Company made prepayments of approximately $20.3 million and $50.9 million on the Term Loan and revolving credit facility, respectively. Additionally, the Company’s $700 million borrowing capacity on its revolving credit facility was reduced by approximately $235.9 million upon execution of this amendment, and was further reduced by approximately $39.1 million on September 30, 2015, bringing the total available borrowing capacity on its revolving credit facility to $425.0 million as of December 31, After March 9, 2016, the applicable interest rates on the Company’s borrowings under the Credit Facility will increase by 2.00% such that borrowings under the Credit Facility will bear interest at either LIBOR plus the applicable margin between 4.00% and 5.00% or the base rate plus the applicable margin between 3.00% and 4.00%. The Company incurred approximately $6.2 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the amendment. The debt issuance costs are recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and will be amortized over the life of the revolving credit facility. The Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with a leverage ratio and a coverage ratio. In addition, the Credit Facility contains customary covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict the Company’s ability to incur liens, incur indebtedness, make investments, dispose of assets, make certain restricted payments, pay dividends, repurchase its common shares, merge or consolidate and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The Credit Facility restricts the Company’s ability to pay dividends or repurchase its common shares to a maximum of $233.0 million until maturity and for every one dollar of share repurchase or dividend paid, the revolving credit facility’s borrowing capacity is permanently decreased by two dollars. The Credit Facility also provides for the grant of security interest on certain additional assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company is also required to maintain a minimum balance of $200.0 million of consolidated cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, On December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the weighted average interest rate for borrowings under the Credit Facility, including borrowings under the Term Loan, was 2.78% and 3.04%, respectively. During 2015, the Company did not make any borrowings and paid a total amount of $210.3 million under the Credit Facility. During 2014, the Company borrowed an aggregate amount of $50.0 million and paid a total amount of $131.3 million under the Credit Facility. During 2013, the Company borrowed an aggregate amount of $763.0 million and paid a total amount of $319.2 million under the Credit Facility. 94 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) The fair value of the outstanding borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility and Term Loan approximated their carrying values as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, due to their variable interest rates which reprice frequently and represent floating market rates. The fair value of the outstanding borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility and Term Loan are determined by utilizing Level 2 inputs as defined in Note 13,Fair Value Measurements, such as observable market interest rates and yield curves. Convertible Senior Notes During February 2014, the Company initially issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes, or Convertible Notes, in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers, pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company granted an option to the initial purchasers to purchase up to an additional $150 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes which was subsequently exercised in full during February 2014, resulting in a total issuance of $1.15 billion aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank effectively subordinated to any of our existing and future secured indebtedness, including amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The Convertible Notes pay interest at a rate of 2.00% per annum payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning on August 15, 2014. The Convertible Notes mature on August 15, 2019, unless earlier repurchased or converted. The Company may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to their stated maturity date. Holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their notes at their option under the following circumstances: (i) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending March 31, 2014, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common shares for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) in a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter exceeds 130% of the conversion price for the Convertible Notes on each applicable trading day; (ii) during the five business-day period immediately after any five consecutive trading day period, or the measurement period, in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes for each trading day of that measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common shares and the conversion rate for the Convertible Notes for each such day; or (iii) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On and after May 15, 2019, holders may convert their Convertible Notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances. Upon conversion, the Convertible Notes will be settled in cash and, if applicable, the Company’s common shares, based on the applicable conversion rate at such time. The Convertible Notes had an initial conversion rate of 11.5908 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes (which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $86.28 per common share). The Company incurred approximately $26.6 million of issuance costs during the first quarter of 2014 relating to the issuance of the Convertible Notes. Of the $26.6 million issuance costs incurred, $21.5 million and $5.1 million were recorded During February 2014, the $1.15 billion proceeds received from the issuance of the Convertible Notes were initially allocated between long-term debt, or liability component, and additional paid-in-capital, or equity component, within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at $930.9 million and $219.1 million, respectively. The liability component was measured using the nonconvertible debt interest rate. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the face value of the Convertible Notes as a whole. Since the Company must still settle these Convertible Notes at face value at or prior to maturity, this liability component will be accreted up to its face value resulting in additional non-cash interest expense being recognized within the Company’s consolidated statements of income while the Convertible Notes remain outstanding. The effective interest rate on the Convertible Notes is approximately 6.2% per annum. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. 95 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) As of December 31, 2015, the outstanding principal on the Convertible Notes was $1.15 billion, the unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs was $167.6 million, and the carrying amount of the liability component was $982.5 million, which was recorded to long-term debt within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as reflected in the table above within this Note. As of December 31, 2015, the fair value of the liability component relating to the Convertible Notes was approximately $795.9 million. As of December 31, 2014, the outstanding principal on the Convertible Notes was $1.15 billion, the unamortized debt discount and debt issuance costs was
fair value of the liability component of the Convertible Notes using two valuation methods. The Company reviewed market data that was available for publicly traded, senior, unsecured nonconvertible corporate bonds issued by companies with similar credit ratings. Assumptions used in the estimate represent what market participants would use in pricing the liability component, including market yields and credit standing to develop the straight debt yield estimate. The Company also used a lattice model, which included inputs such as stock price, the Convertible Note trading price, volatility and dividend yield In conjunction with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, during February 2014, the Company paid approximately $685.8 million to enter into prepaid forward share repurchase transactions, or the Forward Transactions, with certain financial institutions, and paid approximately $123.8 million to enter into capped call transactions with respect to its common shares, or the Capped Call Transactions, with certain financial institutions. See Note 8,Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity, for additional discussion on the Forward Transactions and Capped Call Transactions entered into in conjunction with the issuance of these Convertible Notes. During the year ended December 31, As of December 31, Certain vendors and government agencies may require letters of credit or similar guaranteeing arrangements to be issued or executed. As of December 31, 5. Lease obligations The Company has warehouse, office, furniture, fixtures and equipment leases, which expire at various dates through 2025. Under the lease agreements, the Company is also obligated to pay property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Certain leases contain renewal options. Future minimum rental commitments for non-cancelable operating leases at December 31,
96 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company recognizes rental expense on a straight-line basis. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, There was no material property, plant and equipment under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 6. Employee Compensation Plans
The Company has employees in international countries that are covered by various deferred compensation plans. These plans are administered based upon the legal requirements in the countries in which they are established. The Company’s compensation expenses relating to these plans were $5.5 million, $7.5 million, and The Company has non-qualified deferred compensation plans for select groups of management: the Herbalife Management Deferred Compensation Plan and the Herbalife Senior Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. Each participant in either of the non-qualified deferred compensation plans discussed above has, at all times, a fully vested and non-forfeitable interest in each year’s contribution, including interest credited thereto, and in any Company matching contributions, if applicable. In connection with a participant’s election to defer an Annual Deferral Amount, the participant may also elect to receive a short-term payout, equal to the Annual Deferral Amount plus interest. Such amount is payable in five or more years from the first day of the year in which the Annual Deferral Amount is actually deferred. The total expense for the two non-qualified deferred compensation plans, excluding participant contributions, was $0.1 million, $1.7 million, The deferred compensation plans are unfunded and their benefits are paid from the general assets of the Company, except that the Company has contributed to a “rabbi trust” whose assets will be used to pay the benefits if the Company remains solvent, but can be reached by the Company’s creditors if the Company becomes insolvent. The value of the assets in the “rabbi trust” was
7. Contingencies The Company is from time to time engaged in routine litigation. The Company regularly reviews all pending litigation matters in which it is involved and establishes reserves deemed appropriate by management for these litigation matters when a probable loss estimate can be made. As a marketer of foods, dietary and nutritional supplements, and other products that are ingested by consumers or applied to their bodies, the Company has been and is currently subjected to various product liability claims. The effects of these claims to date have not been material to the Company, and the reasonably possible range of exposure on currently existing claims is not material to the Company. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to the allegations contained in the lawsuits. The Company currently maintains product liability insurance with an annual deductible of $15 million. 97 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have been subject to tax audits by governmental authorities in their respective countries. In certain of these tax audits, governmental authorities are proposing that significant amounts of additional taxes and related interest and penalties are due. The Company and its tax advisors believe that there are substantial defenses to governmental allegations that significant additional taxes are owed, and the Company is vigorously contesting the additional proposed taxes and related charges. On May 7, 2010, the Company received an assessment from the Mexican Tax Administration Service in an amount equivalent to approximately
The Mexican Tax Administration Service commenced audits of the Company’s Mexican subsidiaries for the period from January to September 2007 and on May 10, 2013, the Company received an assessment of approximately The Mexican Tax Administration Service audited the Company’s Mexican subsidiaries for the 2011 year. The audit focused on importation and VAT issues. On June 25, 2013, the Mexican Tax Administration Service closed the audit of the 2011 year without any assessment. The Mexican Customs Service has challenged the customs classification codes used by the Company for certain importations. A change in the customs classification codes would require the payment of additional VAT and other taxes for those importations. The Company believes that the customs classification codes used for the importation of these products were correct. The Company has received draft assessments of approximately $14 million, translated at the December 31, 2015 spot rate, and is discussing the draft assessments with the Mexican Tax Administration. The Company expects to challenge assessments as they are received. Most of the products that were the subject of the dispute have since been reformulated to avoid potential additional assessments related to future importations of product. The Company has not recognized a loss as the Company does not believe a loss is probable. The Mexican Tax Administration Service has delayed processing VAT refunds for companies operating in Mexico and the Company believes that the process for its Mexico subsidiary to receive VAT refunds may be delayed. In March 2015, the Company commenced litigation in the Tax Court of Mexico to reclaim the VAT refund pertaining specifically to the July 2013 period. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $57.1 million of Mexico VAT related assets of which $48.4 million was within non-current other assets and $8.7 million was within prepaid expenses and other current assets on its consolidated balance sheet. This amount relates to VAT payments made over various periods and the Company believes these amounts are recoverable by refund or they may be applied against certain future tax liabilities. The Company has not recognized any losses related to these VAT related assets as the Company does not believe a loss is probable. On March 26, 2015, the Office of the President of Mexico issued a decree relating to the application of VAT to Nutritional Supplements. The Company continues to believe its application of the VAT law in Mexico is correct. At December 31, 2015, the Company has not recognized any losses as the Company, based on its current analysis and guidance from its advisors, does not believe a loss is probable. The Company continues to evaluate and monitor its situation as it develops, including whether it will make any changes to its operations in Mexico. 98 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company has not recognized a loss with respect to any of these Mexican matters as the Company, based on its analysis and guidance from its advisors, does not believe a loss is probable. Further, the Company is currently unable to reasonably estimate a possible loss or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome if The Mexican Tax Administration Service has requested information related to the Company’s 2010 year. This information has been provided. In addition, the Mexican Tax Administration Service requested information related to the Company’s 2012 year. This information has been provided. The Mexican Tax Administration Service may request additional information or audit additional periods. The
The Company’s Brazilian subsidiary pays ICMS-ST taxes on its product purchases, similar to VAT. The Company believes it will be able to utilize or recover these ICMS-ST credits in the future. The Company
The Company has received The Korea Customs Service is currently auditing the importation activities of Herbalife Korea for the 99 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) Bostick, et al., v. Herbalife Int’l of Am., Inc., et al. On April 8, 2013, Herbalife Ltd. and certain of its subsidiaries were named as defendants in a suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, challenging Herbalife’s marketing practices and business structure under California laws prohibiting “endless chain schemes,” unfair and deceptive business practices, and false advertising, as well as federal RICO statutes. On July 7, 2014, the complaint was amended to add additional plaintiffs. The plaintiffs In re Herbalife, Ltd. Securities Litigation (formerly captionedAwad v. Herbalife Ltd., et al.). On April 14, 2014, Herbalife Ltd. and certain of its officers were named as defendants in a purported stockholder class action, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and asserting claims under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The complaint alleged that the Company and certain officers made material misstatements concerning the Company’s finances and business practices, and contended that the Company is operating a pyramid scheme. The initial complaint sought to represent a class of investors that had purchased shares of the Company’s common stock between May 4, 2010 and April 11, 2014. On July 30, 2014, the Court approved the appointment of different shareholders as lead plaintiffs and approved their selection of counsel. On September 18, 2014, these lead plaintiffs filed an Amended Class Action Complaint for Violation of the Federal Securities Laws against the Company, and certain of its officers. The Amended Complaint brings claims for unspecified damages under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, alleges that the defendants made material misstatements that “fundamentally misrepresented the nature, scope and legality of the Company’s business and operations to consumers and investors alike,” and further alleges that the Company is one of “the most sophisticated pyramid schemes in history.” The lead plaintiffs seek to represent a class of all persons or entities that purchased shares of the Company’s common stock between February 23, 2011 and July 29, 2014. On March 16, 2015, the Court granted Defendants’ motion to dismiss all claims in the Amended Complaint with leave to file an amended complaint and dismissed one of the shareholders as lead plaintiff. On May 8, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a Second Amended Complaint for Violation of the Federal Securities Laws against the Company and one of its officers. On July 28, 2015, the Court granted Defendants’ motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint with leave to file an amended complaint by August 27, 2015. On August 27, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a Third Amended Complaint for Violation of the Federal Securities Laws against the Company and one of its officers. On November 23, 2015, the Court granted Defendants’ motion to dismiss the Third Amended Complaint with prejudice. No appeal was filed U.S. Federal Trade Commission Civil Investigative Demand. As previously disclosed, the Company received from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, or the FTC, a Civil Investigative Demand, or a CID, relating to the FTC’s
confidential investigation of whether the Company has complied with federal law in the advertising, marketing, or sale of business opportunities. Pursuant to the CID, as supplemented, the FTC has requested from the Company documents and other information for the time period commencing January 1, 2009 to the present. The Company is currently in discussions with the FTC regarding a potential resolution of these matters. The possible range of outcomes include the filing by the FTC of a contested civil complaint, further discussions leading to a settlement which could include a monetary payment and other relief or the closure of these matters without action. The Company is cooperating with the investigation and 100 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) Since late 2012, a short seller has made and continues to make allegations regarding the Company and its network marketing program. The Company believes these allegations are without merit and is vigorously defending itself against such claims, including proactively reaching out to These matters may take several years to resolve. While the Company believes it has meritorious defenses, it cannot be sure of their ultimate resolution. Although the Company may reserve amounts for certain matters that the Company believes represent the most likely outcome of the resolution of these related disputes, if the Company is incorrect in its assessment, the Company may have to record additional expenses, when it becomes probable that an increased potential liability is warranted. 8. Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity The Company had 92.7 million, 92.2 million, Dividends The declaration of future dividends is subject to the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and will depend upon various factors, including its earnings, financial condition, Herbalife Ltd.’s available distributable reserves under Cayman Islands law, restrictions imposed by the Credit Facility and the terms of any other indebtedness that may be outstanding, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by its board of directors. The Credit Facility permits payments of dividends up to a specified cap as long as no default or event of default exists and the consolidated leverage ratio specified in the Credit Facility is not exceeded. See Note 4, Long-Term Debt, for further information on restrictions concerning the Company’s ability to declare dividends. During the second quarter of 2007, the Company’s board of directors adopted a regular quarterly cash dividend program. The Company’s board of directors authorized a $0.10 per common share cash dividend each quarter from the adoption of the program through the second quarter of 2010. On August 2, 2010, the Company announced that its board of directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.13 per common share, an increase of $0.03 per common share from prior quarters. On May 2, 2011, the Company announced that its board of directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.20 per common share, an increase of $0.07 per common share from prior quarters. On February 21, 2012, the Company announced that its board of directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.30 per common share, an increase of $0.10 per common share from prior quarters. On April 28, 2014, the Company announced that its board of
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company received $3.4 million of dividends primarily relating to the Forward Transactions described below which was recorded directly to its (accumulated deficit) retained earnings.
On July 30, 2012, the Company announced that its board of directors authorized a new $1 billion share repurchase program that will expire on June 30, 2017. On February 3, 2014, the Company announced that its board of directors authorized an increase in the existing share repurchase authorization to an available balance of $1.5 billion. This share repurchase program allows the Company to 101 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) repurchase its common shares, at such times and prices as determined by the Company’s management as market conditions warrant, and to the extent Herbalife Ltd.’s distributable reserves are available under Cayman Islands law. The Credit Facility permits the Company to repurchase its common shares up to a specified cap as long as no default or event of default exists and the consolidated leverage ratio specified in the Credit Facility is not exceeded. See Note 4, Long-Term Debt, for further information on restrictions concerning the Company’s ability to repurchase its common shares. In conjunction with the issuance of the Convertible Notes during February 2014, the Company paid approximately $685.8 million to enter into prepaid forward share repurchase transactions, or the Forward Transactions, with certain financial institutions, or the Forward Counterparties, pursuant to which the Company purchased approximately 9.9 million common shares for settlement on or around the August 15, 2019 maturity date for the Convertible Notes, subject to the ability of each Forward Counterparty to elect to settle all or a portion of its Forward Transactions early. The Forward Transactions were generally expected to facilitate privately negotiated derivative transactions between the Forward Counterparties and holders of the Convertible Notes, including swaps, relating to the common shares by which holders of the Convertible Notes establish short positions relating to the common shares and otherwise hedge their investments in the Convertible Notes concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the Convertible Notes. As a result of the Forward Transactions, the Company’s total shareholders’ (deficit) equity within its consolidated balance sheet was reduced by approximately $685.8 million during the first quarter of 2014, with amounts of $653.9 million and $31.9 million being allocated between (accumulated deficit) retained earnings and additional paid-in-capital, respectively, within total shareholders’
(deficit) equity. Also, upon executing the Forward Transactions, the Company recorded, at fair value, $35.8 million in non-cash issuance costs to other assets and a corresponding amount to additional paid-in-capital within its consolidated balance On May 6, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with Merrill Lynch International to repurchase $266.0 million of its common shares, or the Repurchase Agreement, which expired on June 30, 2014. Under the terms of the Repurchase Agreement, the Company paid $266.0 million on May 7, 2014, and received an aggregate 4.3 million of its common shares under the Repurchase Agreement during May and June 2014. The total number of common shares repurchased under the Repurchase Agreement was determined generally upon a discounted volume-weighted average share price of the Company’s common shares over the course of the Repurchase Agreement. The Company did not repurchase any of its common shares in the open market during the year ended December 31, 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 19.7 million of its common shares through open market purchases, the Repurchase Agreement, and the Forward Transactions at an aggregate cost of approximately $1,267.1 million, or an average cost of $64.25 per share. The approximate 9.9 million common shares effectively repurchased through the Forward Transactions are treated as retired shares for basic and diluted EPS purposes although they remain legally outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 6.1 million of its common shares through open market purchases at an aggregate cost of approximately $297.4 million, or an average cost of $49.08 per share. The Company reflects the aggregate purchase price of its common shares repurchased as a reduction to (increase in) shareholders’ (deficit) equity. The Company allocated the purchase price of the repurchased shares to (accumulated deficit) retained earnings, common shares and additional paid-in-capital. The number of shares issued upon vesting or exercise for certain restricted stock units and SARs granted pursuant to the Company’s share-based compensation plans is net of the minimum statutory withholding requirements that the Company pays on behalf of its employees. Although shares withheld are not issued, they are treated as common share repurchases in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, 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 Company’s share repurchase program described above. Capped Call Transactions In connection with the issuance of Convertible Notes, the Company paid approximately $123.8 million to enter into capped call transactions with respect to its common shares, or the Capped Call Transactions, with certain financial institutions. The Capped Call Transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in the event that the market price of the common shares is greater than the strike price of the Capped Call Transactions, initially set at $86.28 per common share, with such reduction of potential dilution subject to a cap based on the cap price initially set at $120.79 per common share. The 102 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) strike price and cap price are subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the Capped Call Transactions. Therefore, as a result of executing the Capped Call Transactions, the Company in effect will only be exposed to potential net dilution once the market price of its common shares exceeds the adjusted cap price. As a result of the Capped Call Transactions, the Company’s additional paid-in capital within shareholders’ (deficit) equity on its consolidated balance sheet was reduced by $123.8 million during the first quarter of 2014.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following table summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications was net of tax benefits of $7.2 million, $0.6 million, and $0.9 million for foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, and unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015. Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to income was net of tax expense of $0.8 million for unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments for the year ended December 31, 2015. Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications was net of tax benefits of $7.3 million, tax expense of $0.6 million, and tax expense of $4.6 million for foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, and unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014. Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to income was net of tax benefits of $4.5 million for unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments for the year ended December 31, 2014. 103 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications was net of tax benefits of $4.3 million, tax expense of $1.0 million, and tax expense of $0.1 million for foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, and unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2013. Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to income was net of tax expense of $0.7 million for unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2013. 9. Share-Based Compensation The Company has
Incentive Plan, the Herbalife Ltd. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, The Company’s share-based compensation plans provide for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, or SARs, and stock units, which are collectively referred to herein as awards. Previously, stock options generally vested quarterly over a five-year period or less, beginning on the grant date. Certain SARs vest quarterly over a five-year period beginning on the grant date. Other SARs vest annually over a three-year period. The contractual term of service condition stock options and SARs is generally ten years. Stock unit awards under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, or Incentive Plan Stock Units, vest annually over a three year Awards can be subject to the following: market and service conditions, or market condition awards; performance and service conditions, or performance condition awards; market, service and performance conditions, or market and performance condition awards; or be subject only to continued service with the Company, or service condition awards. All awards granted by the Company are market condition awards, performance condition awards, market and performance condition awards, or service condition awards. Unless otherwise determined at the time of grant, the value of each stock unit shall be equal to one common share of Herbalife. The Company’s stock compensation awards outstanding as of December 31,
In August 2011, the Company granted SARs with market and performance conditions to its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. These awards were to vest on December 31, 2014, subject to his continued employment through that date, the Company’s stock price appreciating and exceeding a targeted price, and the Company’s achievement of certain Volume Point performance targets. The fair value of these SARs was determined on the date of the grant using the Monte Carlo lattice model. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company granted SARs with performance conditions to certain During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company granted SARs with service conditions to certain employees. The fair value of these SARs was determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The compensation expense for these grants is recognized over the vesting term using the straight line method. 104 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) Stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, As of December 31,
Stock units are valued at the market value on the date of grant. The fair value of service condition SARs and performance condition SARs are estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The fair value of SARs with market conditions or with market and performance conditions are estimated
on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo lattice model. The Company calculates the expected term of its SARs based on historical data as more historical information was available. All groups of employees have been determined to have similar historical exercise patterns for valuation purposes. The expected volatility of the SARs are based upon the historical volatility of the Company’s common shares and it is also validated against the volatility rates of a peer group of companies. The risk free interest rate is based on the implied yield on a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term equal to the expected term of the SARs. The expected dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s historical and expected amount of dividend payouts. There were no stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,
105 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following tables summarize the activity under all share-based compensation plans, which includes all stock awards, for the year ended December 31,
The weighted-average grant date fair value of service condition SARs granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $12.57, $25.24, and
106 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) The following table summarizes the activities for stock units, primarily relating to directors of the Company, for the year endedDecember 31, 2015:
The total vesting date fair value of stock units which vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013
Employee Stock Purchase Plan During 2007, the Company adopted a qualified employee stock purchase plan, or ESPP, which was implemented during the first quarter of 2008. In connection with the adoption of the ESPP, the Company has reserved for issuance a total of 2 million common shares. At December 31, 10. Segment Information The Company is a nutrition company that sells a wide range of weight management, targeted nutrition, energy, sports & fitness, and outer nutrition products. The Company’s products are manufactured by third party providers and by the Company in its Changsha, Hunan, China extraction facility, Suzhou, China facility, Lake Forest, California facility, and 107 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) As of December 31,
108 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
As of December 31,
The majority of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries designate their local currencies as their functional currency. As of December 31, 11. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Interest Rate Risk Management The Company previously engaged in an interest rate hedging strategy for which the hedged transactions were the forecasted interest payments on the Credit Facility. The hedged risk was the variability of forecasted interest rate cash flows, where the hedging strategy involved the purchase of interest rate swaps. These interest rate swaps expired in July 2013 and the Company has not entered into new interest swap arrangements as of December 31, Foreign Currency Instruments The Company also designates certain foreign currency derivatives, primarily comprised of foreign currency forward contracts, as freestanding derivatives for which hedge accounting does not apply. The changes in the fair
market value of these freestanding derivatives are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The Company uses freestanding foreign currency derivatives to hedge foreign-currency-denominated intercompany transactions and to partially mitigate the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The fair value of the freestanding foreign currency derivatives is based on third-party quotes. The Company’s foreign currency derivative contracts are generally executed on a monthly basis. 109 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) The Company designates as cash-flow hedges those foreign currency forward contracts it enters into to hedge forecasted inventory purchases and intercompany management fees that are subject to foreign currency exposures. Forward contracts are used to hedge forecasted inventory purchases over specific months. Changes in the fair value of these forward contracts, excluding forward points, designated as cash-flow hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ (deficit) equity, and are recognized in cost of sales in the consolidated statement of income during the period which approximates the time the hedged inventory is sold. The Company also hedges forecasted intercompany management fees over specific months. These contracts allow the Company to sell Euros in exchange for U.S. dollars at specified contract rates. Changes in the fair value of these forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ (deficit) equity, and are recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income during the period when the hedged item and underlying transaction affect earnings. As of December 31, As of December 31, 110 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The table below describes all foreign currency forward contracts that were outstanding as of December 31,
111 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following tables summarize the derivative activity during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments The following table summarizes gains (losses) relating to derivative instruments recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,
As of December 31, 112 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) The following table summarizes gains (losses) relating to derivative instruments recorded to income during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,
The following table summarizes gains (losses) relating to derivative instruments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,
The Company reports its derivatives at fair value as either assets or liabilities within its consolidated balance sheet. See Note 13,Fair Value Measurements, for information on derivative fair values and their consolidated balance sheet location as of December 31, 113 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) The components of income before income taxes are as follows (in millions):
Income taxes are as follows (in millions):
114 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company recognizes excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation to shareholders’ (deficit) equity only when realized. When assessing whether excess tax benefits relating to share-based compensation have been realized, the Company follows the with-and-without approach. Under this approach, excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation are not deemed to be realized until after the utilization of all other tax benefits available to the Company, which are also subject to applicable limitations. As of December 31, The significant categories of temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (tax effected in millions):
Tax loss and credit carryforwards of certain foreign subsidiaries for 2015 and 2014 115 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) The Company recognizes valuation allowances on deferred tax assets reported if, based on the weight of the evidence it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of December 31,
subsidiaries, primarily related to At December 31, The applicable statutory income tax rate in the Cayman Islands was zero for Herbalife Ltd. for the years being reported. For purposes of the reconciliation between the provision for income taxes at the statutory rate and the provision for income taxes at the effective tax rate, a notional 35% tax rate is applied as
As of December 31, rate. As of December 31, 2014, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including related interest and penalties was 116 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company accounts for the interest and penalties generated by tax contingencies as a component of income tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded an increase in interest and penalty expense related to uncertain tax positions of $2.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded an increase in interest and penalty expense related to uncertain tax positions of $1.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a reversal in interest and penalty expense related to uncertain tax positions of $1.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The following changes occurred in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,
The amount of income taxes the Company pays is subject to ongoing audits by taxing jurisdictions around the world. The Company’s estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax position is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts, and circumstances existing at that time. The Company believes that it has adequately provided for these matters. However, the Company’s future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to its estimates in the period the audits are resolved, which may impact the Company’s effective tax rate. As of December 31, The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by up to approximately
remaining possible decrease of 13. Fair Value Measurements The Company applies the provisions of Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. 117 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value as discussed throughout the notes to its consolidated financial statements. Foreign exchange currency contracts are valued using standard calculations and models primarily based on inputs such as observable forward rates, spot rates and foreign currency exchange rates at the reporting period ended date. The Company’s derivative assets and liabilities are measured at fair value and consisted of Level 2 inputs and their amounts are shown below at their gross values at December 31, Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
The Company’s deferred compensation plan assets consist of Company owned life insurance policies. As these policies are recorded at their cash surrender value, they are not required to be included in the fair value table above. See Note 6,Employee Compensation Plans, for a further description of its deferred compensation plan assets. 118 HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) The following tables summarize the offsetting of the fair values of the Company’s derivative assets and derivative liabilities for presentation in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31,
The Company offsets all of its derivative assets and derivative liabilities in its consolidated balance sheet to the extent it maintains master netting arrangements with related financial institutions. As of December 31, 14. Professional Fees and Other Expenses In late 2012, a hedge fund manager publicly raised allegations regarding the legality of the Company’s network marketing program and announced that the hedge fund manager had taken a significant short position regarding the Company’s common shares, leading to intense public scrutiny and significant stock price volatility. The Company believes that the hedge fund manager’s allegations are inaccurate and misleading. The Company has engaged legal and advisory firms to assist with responding to the allegations and to perform other related services in connection to these recent events. The Company recognizes the related expenses as a part of selling, general
HERBALIFE LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
Dated: February Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
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