Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 

 
FORM 10-Q 
(Mark One)
 
ý      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 20182019
 
OR
 
o         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the transition period from            to            .
 
Commission File Number: 001-34483
logoa06.jpg 
 
NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 
Utah 87-0327982
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
 
2901 Bluegrass Boulevard, Suite 100
Lehi, Utah 84043
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
 
(801) 341-7900
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

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

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  ý  No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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  ý  No  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and an "emerging“emerging growth company"company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one).Act.
Large accelerated filer  o
 
Accelerated filer  x
   
Non-accelerated filer  o
 
Smaller reporting company  ox
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  
  
Emerging growth company  o
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes  o  No  ý.
 
The number of shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding on July 27, 2018,August 2, 2019, was 19,130,00919,302,281 shares.
 

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
 
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 20182019
 
Table of Contents
 
    
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain information included or incorporated herein by reference in this report may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Company'sour objectives, plans and strategies. All statements (other than statements of historical fact) that address activities, events or developments that the Company intends, expects, projects, believeswe intend, expect, project, believe or anticipatesanticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are often characterized by terminology such as “believe,” “hope,” “may,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “positioned,” “strategy” and similar expressions, and are based on assumptions and assessments made by management in light of theirour experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors theywe believe to be appropriate. For example, information appearing under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially.uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from forward-looking statements are more fully described in this report, including the risks set forth under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A, and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017,2018, but include the following:

changes in laws and regulations or their interpretation, applicable toregarding direct selling or the nutritional supplement industry may prohibit or restrict the Company'sour ability to sell itsour products in some markets or require the Companyus to make changes to itsour business model in some markets;markets.
extensive government regulations to which the Company's products, business practices and manufacturing activities are subject;
legal challenges to the Company's direct selling program or to the classification of its independent distributors;
effect of complex legal and regulatory requirements, particularly in China and South Korea;
impact of anti-bribery laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
itsthe Company’s ability to attract and retain independent distributors;
the loss of one or more key independent distributors who have a significant sales network;
the full implementation of itsthe Company’s joint venture for operations in China with Fosun Industrial Co., Ltd.;
registration of products for sale in foreign markets, or difficulty or increased cost of importing products into foreign markets;
cyber securitycybersecurity threats and exposure to data loss;
the storage, processing, and use of data, some of which contain personal information, are subject to complex and evolving privacy and data protection laws and regulations
reliance on information technology infrastructure;
the effect of fluctuating foreign exchange rates;
liabilities and obligations arising from improper activity by itsthe Company’s independent distributors;
failuresfailure of the Company'sCompany’s independent distributors to comply with advertising laws;
changes to itsthe Company’s independent distributor compensation plans;
geopolitical issues and conflicts;
negative consequences resulting from difficult economic conditions, including the availability of liquidity or the willingness of itsthe Company’s customers to purchase products;
risks associated with the manufacturing of the Company's products;
uncertainties relating to the application of transfer pricing, duties, value-added taxes, and other tax regulations, and changes thereto;
changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation, includinginterpretation;
actions on trade relations by the impact of the Tax CutsU.S. and Jobs Act;
availability and integrity of raw materials;
the competitive nature of its business and the nutritional supplement industry;
negative publicity related to its products, ingredients, or direct selling organization and the nutritional supplement industry;foreign governments.
product liability claims; and
the sufficiency of trademarks and other intellectual property rights;
reliance on third-parties to distribute its products and provide support services to independent distributors; and
actions on trade relations by the U.S and foreign governments.rights.

 It is not possible to predict or identify all potential risks and uncertainties and the above list is not a complete list of all potential risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in or incorporated by reference into this report. Except as is required by law, the Companywe expressly disclaims any obligation to publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this report. Throughout this report, we refer to Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc., together with itsour subsidiaries, are referred to as "we," "us," "our," "our Company" or “the Company.”


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Assets 
  
Current assets: 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$46,898
 $42,910
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $631 and $395, respectively8,158
 8,888
Assets held for sale998
 998
Inventories41,281
 44,047
Prepaid expenses and other7,061
 5,666
Total current assets104,396
 102,509
    
Property, plant and equipment, net66,480
 69,106
Investment securities - trading1,545
 1,980
Intangible assets, net663
 709
Deferred income tax assets8,997
 8,283
Other assets12,382
 12,608
Total assets$194,463
 $195,195
    
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
Accounts payable$4,224
 $4,215
Accrued volume incentives and service fees19,145
 18,774
Accrued liabilities29,818
 24,980
Deferred revenue1,553
 3,348
Income taxes payable2,071
 1,834
Related party note payable1,025
 506
Total current liabilities57,836
 53,657
    
Liability related to unrecognized tax benefits4,761
 4,633
Long-term debt and revolving credit facility7,210
 13,181
Deferred compensation payable1,545
 1,980
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities714
 770
Other liabilities737
 1,242
Total liabilities72,803
 75,463
    
Commitments and contingencies

 

    
Shareholders’ equity: 
  
Common stock, no par value, 50,000 shares authorized, 19,130 and 18,919 shares issued and outstanding, respectively132,594
 131,525
Accumulated deficit(653) (2,072)
Noncontrolling interests117
 411
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(10,398) (10,132)
Total shareholders’ equity121,660
 119,732
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$194,463
 $195,195
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share information)
(Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 2018 2017
Net sales$91,266
 $81,344
Cost of sales24,278
 21,197
Gross profit66,988
 60,147
    
Operating expenses: 
  
Volume incentives31,492
 28,288
Selling, general and administrative33,310
 31,836
Operating income2,186
 23
Other income (loss), net(1,807) 441
Income before provision for income taxes379
 464
Provision for income taxes441
 884
Net loss(62) (420)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(129) (233)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders$67
 $(187)
    
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share: 
  
    
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders$
 $(0.01)
    
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders$
 $(0.01)
    
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding19,105
 18,876
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding19,402
 18,876
    
Dividends declared per common share$
 $
 June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Assets 
  
Current assets: 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$46,341
 $50,638
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $454 and $460, respectively8,727
 7,751
Inventories43,928
 42,048
Prepaid expenses and other6,593
 6,388
Total current assets105,589
 106,825
    
Property, plant and equipment, net61,911
 64,061
Operating lease right-of-use assets26,361
 
Investment securities - trading1,432
 1,308
Intangible assets, net616
 618
Deferred income tax assets8,724
 9,056
Other assets11,618
 11,148
Total assets$216,251
 $193,016
    
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
Accounts payable$3,998
 $5,219
Accrued volume incentives and service fees20,296
 20,562
Accrued liabilities28,077
 34,801
Deferred revenue2,235
 1,197
Related party note payable1,585
 1,530
Income taxes payable2,173
 3,378
Current portion of operating lease liabilities5,241
 
Total current liabilities63,605
 66,687
    
Liability related to unrecognized tax benefits2,157
 2,192
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities22,418
 
Deferred compensation payable1,432
 1,308
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities1,556
 1,556
Other liabilities345
 705
Total liabilities91,513
 72,448
    
Shareholders’ equity: 
  
Common stock, no par value, 50,000 shares authorized, 19,302 and 19,204 shares issued and outstanding, respectively134,342
 133,684
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)2,374
 (2,072)
Noncontrolling interest (deficit)(25) 63
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(11,953) (11,107)
Total shareholders’ equity124,738
 120,568
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$216,251
 $193,016
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSINCOME
(Amounts in thousands, except per share information)
(Unaudited) 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172019 2018
Net sales$178,608
 $164,442
$90,724
 $91,266
Cost of sales46,991
 42,925
23,865
 24,278
Gross profit131,617
 121,517
66,859
 66,988
      
Operating expenses: 
  
 
  
Volume incentives62,854
 57,271
31,302
 31,492
Selling, general and administrative65,696
 62,172
31,019
 33,310
Operating income3,067
 2,074
4,538
 2,186
Other income (loss), net(1,067) 1,716
306
 (1,807)
Income before provision for income taxes2,000
 3,790
4,844
 379
Provision for income taxes1,729
 2,347
2,215
 441
Net income271
 1,443
Net income (loss)2,629
 (62)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(294) (530)(60) (129)
Net income attributable to common shareholders$565
 $1,973
$2,689
 $67
      
Basic and diluted net income per common share: 
  
 
  
      
Basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.03
 $0.10
$0.14
 $
      
Diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.03
 $0.10
$0.14
 $
      
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding19,058
 18,861
19,291
 19,105
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding19,408
 19,251
19,602
 19,402
   
Dividends declared per common share$
 $0.10
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in thousands, except per share information)
(Unaudited)
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2019 2018
Net sales$181,996
 $178,608
Cost of sales47,294
 46,991
Gross profit134,702
 131,617
    
Operating expenses: 
  
Volume incentives62,315
 62,854
Selling, general and administrative64,871
 65,696
Operating income7,516
 3,067
Other income (loss), net258
 (1,067)
Income before provision for income taxes7,774
 2,000
Provision for income taxes3,416
 1,729
Net income4,358
 271
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(88) (294)
Net income attributable to common shareholders$4,446
 $565
    
Basic and diluted net income per common share: 
  
    
Basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.23
 $0.03
    
Diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.23
 $0.03
    
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding19,280
 19,058
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding19,596
 19,408

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited) 
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 2018 2017
Net loss$(62) $(420)
Foreign currency translation loss, net of tax(53) (552)
Net unrealized gains on investment securities (net of tax)
 15
Total comprehensive loss$(115) $(957)
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 2019 2018
Net income (loss)$2,629
 $(62)
Foreign currency translation loss, net of tax(530) (53)
Total comprehensive income (loss)$2,099
 $(115)
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172019 2018
Net income$271
 $1,443
$4,358
 $271
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) (net of tax)(266) 360
Net unrealized gains on investment securities (net of tax)
 15
Foreign currency translation loss (net of tax)(846) (266)
Total comprehensive income$5
 $1,818
$3,512
 $5
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited) 
Common Stock 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 TotalCommon Stock Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) 
Noncontrolling
Interest (Deficit)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Total
Shares Amount Shares Amount 
Balance at December 31, 2017 (as reported)18,919
 $131,525
 $(2,072) $411
 $(10,132) $119,732
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 
 854
 
 
 854
Balance at January 1, 2018 (as adjusted)18,919
 131,525
 (1,218) 411
 (10,132) 120,586
Balance at December 31, 201819,204
 $133,684
 $(2,072) $63
 $(11,107) $120,568
Share-based compensation expense
 1,124
 
 
 
 1,124

 851
 
 
 
 851
Shares issued from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares exchanged for withholding tax211
 (55) 
 
 
 (55)98
 (193) 
 
 
 (193)
Net income (loss)
 
 565
 (294) 
 271

 
 4,446
 (88) 
 4,358
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 (266) (266)
 
 
 
 (846) (846)
Balance at June 30, 201819,130
 $132,594
 $(653) $117
 $(10,398) $121,660
Balance at June 30, 201919,302
 $134,342
 $2,374
 $(25) $(11,953) $124,738
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited) 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 20172019 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 
  
 
  
Net income$271
 $1,443
$4,358
 $271
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: 
  
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts255
 (22)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: 
  
Provision for doubtful accounts30
 255
Depreciation and amortization5,012
 3,585
4,987
 5,012
Non-cash lease expense2,792
 
Share-based compensation expense1,124
 1,762
851
 1,124
Gain on sale of property and equipment(2,267) (10)
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment3
 (2,267)
Deferred income taxes(744) 263
365
 (744)
Purchase of trading investment securities(96) (367)(57) (96)
Proceeds from sale of trading investment securities566
 73
105
 566
Realized and unrealized gains on investments(11) (79)(173) (11)
Foreign exchange (gains) losses834
 (1,882)(205) 834
Changes in assets and liabilities: 
  
 
  
Accounts receivable369
 (1,429)(1,035) 369
Inventories2,317
 (2,359)(2,052) 2,317
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(1,471) (1,221)(259) (1,471)
Other assets(164) 358
(767) (164)
Accounts payable(28) 109
(1,226) (28)
Accrued volume incentives and service fees673
 1,082
(235) 673
Accrued liabilities4,762
 (3,542)(6,203) 4,762
Deferred revenue(1,795) 1,586
1,039
 (1,795)
Lease liabilities(2,340) 
Income taxes payable197
 (636)(1,207) 197
Liability related to unrecognized tax benefits68
 207
(40) 68
Deferred compensation payable(435) 395
125
 (435)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities9,437
 (684)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities(1,144) 9,437
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 
  
 
  
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(2,671) (3,134)(2,774) (2,671)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment2,558
 522

 2,558
Proceeds from sale/maturities of investments available for sale
 1,776
Net cash used in investing activities(113) (836)(2,774) (113)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 
  
 
  
Payments of cash dividends
 (1,886)
Principal payments of new revolving credit facility(33,483) 
Borrowings on new revolving credit facility27,512
 
Net borrowings on previous revolving credit facility
 2,035
Principal payments of revolving credit facility(547) (33,483)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility547
 27,512
Proceeds from related party borrowing500
 

 500
Net proceeds from the exercise of stock options410
 104
Payment of withholding taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock units(465) (512)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock awards
 410
Tax benefit from stock awards(193) (465)
Net cash used in financing activities(5,526) (259)(193) (5,526)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents190
 1,316
(186) 190
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents3,988
 (463)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(4,297) 3,988
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period42,910
 32,284
50,638
 42,910
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period$46,898
 $31,821
$46,341
 $46,898
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: 
  
 
  
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds$2,272
 $2,418
$3,895
 $2,272
Cash paid for interest160
 108
63
 160
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
(1)    Basis of Presentation
 
Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Company”), isWe are a natural health and wellness company primarily engaged in the manufacturing and direct selling of nutritional and personal care products. The Company sells itsWe are a Utah corporation with our principal place of business in Lehi, Utah, and sell our products to a sales force of independent distributors who useuses the products themselves or resellresells them to consumers.
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The Company consolidates the joint ventures in Hong Kong and China in its consolidated financial statements, with another party's interest presented as noncontrolling interest. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals), considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’sour financial information as of June 30, 2018,2019, and for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017.2018. The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018.2019.
 
It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’sour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests decreased as a result of the net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests by $0.3$0.1 million and $0.5$0.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. As of June 30, 2018,2019 and December 31, 2017,2018, noncontrolling deficits were $25,000 and noncontrolling interests were $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Restructuring Related Accruals and Expenses

Accrued severance and rent costs wereWe recorded $0.4 million and $0.8$2.0 million as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company did not record any additional restructuring related expenses during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. We recorded no restructuring related expenses during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. Accrued severance and restructuring related costs were $1.0 million and $0.3 million as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Chief Executive Officer Related Transition Costs

During the second quarter of 2018, the Companywe announced the pending retirement of itsour Chief Executive Officer. As a result, the Companywe recorded $1.5 million of transition relatedtransition-related expenses during the three-three and six-month periodssix months ended June 30, 2018. As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, accrued transitionstransition costs were $1.4 million.$0.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
The CompanyWe adopted the requirements of revenue recognition from Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”)No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842): Accounting for Leases effective January 1, 2018 under2019. This update requires that lessees recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities that are measured at the modified retrospective approach. The cumulative effectpresent value of adopting Topic 606 on January 1, 2018 was a decrease to accumulated deficit of $0.9 million (net of tax).the future lease payments at lease commencement date. See Note 138 - Revenue RecognitionLeases for additional disclosure of the adoption of Topic 606.842.

In January 2016,February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This update amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. Although the ASU retains many

current requirements, it significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The ASU also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842): Accounting for Leases. This update specifies that lessees should recognize assets and liabilities arising from all leases, except for leases with a lease term of 12 months or less. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee will largely remain unchanged and shall continue to depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. The ASU will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU will impact the classification of expenses on the statement of operations, primarily the classification between rent expense and interest expense, but is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s net results of operations; however, it is also expected to gross-up the consolidated balance sheet as a result of recognizing a lease asset along with a similar lease liability.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. This update amends the scope of modification accounting surrounding share-based payment arrangements as issued in ASU 2016-09 by providing guidance on the various types of changes which would trigger modification accounting for share-based payment awards. ASU 2017-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This update allows a reclassification of stranded tax effects, resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017, from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. This ASU will beis effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Companyadoption of ASU 2018-02 did not have a material effect on our results of operations, consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU modifies the disclosure requirements on fair

value measurements in Topic 820 based on the consideration of costs and benefits to promote the appropriate exercise and discretion by entities when considering fair value measurement disclosures and to clarify that materiality is currentlyan appropriate consideration of entities and their auditors when evaluating disclosure requirements. The amendments in this update are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the potential impact of this standardadoption on itsour consolidated financial statements.

(2)    Inventories
 
The composition of inventories is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Raw materials$10,384
 $9,522
$11,605
 $10,410
Work in progress1,960
 2,153
1,286
 1,524
Finished goods28,937
 32,372
31,037
 30,114
Total inventories$41,281
 $44,047
$43,928
 $42,048

(3)    Property, Plant and Equipment

As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company presented an eight-acre property in Provo, Utah, as an asset held for sale. The Company originally acquired the property with the intent to erect a building for the corporate headquarters. As there is no intention to move the corporate headquarters to this location, Company management decided to sell the property. The property is currently under contract to sell. The Company anticipates the sale of the property to be completed during 2018. As the fair value of the property exceeds the carrying value, no loss was recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In June of 2018, the Company sold a 29,300 square foot building in Mexico City, Mexico for $2.6 million. The Company previously utilized the building for offices as well as warehouse space and has since relocated to a more advantageous location. As the fair value of the property exceeded the carrying value, a net gain of $2.3 million was recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.


(4)    Investment Securities - Trading
 
The Company’sOur trading securities portfolio totaled $1.5$1.4 million at June 30, 2018,2019, and $2.0$1.3 million at December 31, 2017,2018, and generated gains of $34,000$40,000 and $51,000$34,000 for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, and $34,000$173,000 and $102,000$11,000 for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.
 
(5)(4)    Revolving Credit Facility

On July 11, 2017, the Companywe entered into a revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., with a borrowing limit of $25.0 million, that matures on July 11, 2020 (the “Credit Agreement”). The Company paysWe pay interest on any borrowings under the Credit Agreement at LIBOR plus 1.25 percent (3.34(3.65 percent and 2.823.73 percent as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017)2018), and an annual commitment fee of 0.2 percent on the unused portion of the commitment. The Company isWe are required to settle itsour net borrowings under the Credit Agreement only upon maturity, and as a result, hashave classified itsour outstanding borrowings as non-current on itsour condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2018.2019. At June 30, 2018, the2019, there was no outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was $7.2 million.Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary financial covenants, including financial covenants relating to the Company’sour solvency, leverage, and minimum EBITDA. In addition, the Credit Agreement restricts certain capital expenditures, lease expenditures, other indebtedness, liens on assets, guarantees, loans and advances, dividends, and merger, consolidation and the transfer of assets except as permitted in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement is collateralized by the Company'sour manufacturing facility, accounts receivable balance, inventory balance and other assets. Effective June 30, 2018, the Company and Bank of America amended the Credit Agreement to modify certain financial covenants. As of June 30, 2018, the Company was2019, we were in compliance with the debt covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement.

(6)(5)    Net Income (Loss) Per Share
 
Basic net income (loss) per common share (“Basic EPS”), is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share (“Diluted EPS”) reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The computation of Diluted EPS does not assume exercise or conversion of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on net income (loss) per common share.


Following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of Basic EPS to the numerator and denominator of Diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 (dollar and share amounts in thousands, except for per share information): 
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders$67
 $(187) $565
 $1,973
        
Basic weighted average shares outstanding19,105
 18,876
 19,058
 18,861
        
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders$
 $(0.01) $0.03
 $0.10
        
Diluted shares outstanding: 
  
  
  
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding19,105
 18,876
 19,058
 18,861
Stock-based awards297
 
 350
 390
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding19,402
 18,876
 19,408
 19,251
        
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders$
 $(0.01) $0.03
 $0.10
        
Dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts: 
  
  
  
Stock options330
 
(1)330
 371
        
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts: 
  
  
  
Stock options1,160
 2,444
(1)1,160
 1,363

(1)As a result of the net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2017, no potentially dilutive securities are included in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because such effect would be anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities include 1,540 outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock and 904 restricted stock units.
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income attributable to common shareholders$2,689
 $67
 $4,446
 $565
        
Basic weighted average shares outstanding19,291
 19,105
 19,280
 19,058
        
Basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.14
 $
 $0.23
 $0.03
        
Diluted shares outstanding: 
  
  
  
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding19,291
 19,105
 19,280
 19,058
Stock-based awards311
 297
 316
 350
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding19,602
 19,402
 19,596
 19,408
        
Diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders$0.14
 $
 $0.23
 $0.03
        
Dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts: 
  
  
  
Stock options445
 330
 445
 330
        
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts: 
  
  
  
Stock options838
 1,160
 862
 1,160

Potentially dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts include performance-based options to purchase shares of common stock for which certain earnings metrics have not been achieved. Potentially anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted-per-share amounts include both non-qualified stock options and unearned performance-based options to purchase shares of common stock with exercise prices greater than the weighted-average share price during the period and shares that would be anti-dilutive to the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share for each of the periods presented.
 
(7)(6)    Capital Transactions
 
Share-Based Compensation
 
During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company’sour shareholders adopted and approved the Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Incentive Plan”).  The 2012 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights, performance awards, stock awards and other stock-based awards.  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has authority and discretion to determine the type of award, as well as the amount, terms and conditions of each award under the 2012 Incentive Plan, subject to the limitations of the 2012 Incentive Plan. A total of 1,500,000 shares of the Company’sour common stock were originally authorized for the granting of awards under the 2012 Incentive Plan. In 2015, the Company’sour shareholders approved an amendment to the 2012 Incentive Plan, to increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance by 1,500,000 shares. The number of shares available for awards, as well as the terms of outstanding awards, are subject to adjustment as provided in the 2012 Incentive Plan for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and other similar events.
 
The CompanyWe also maintainsmaintain a stock incentive plan, which was approved by shareholders in 2009 (the “2009 Incentive Plan”). The 2009 Incentive Plan also provided for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalent rights, performance awards, stock awards and

other stock-based awards.  Under the 2012 Incentive Plan, any shares subject to award, or awards forfeited or reacquired by the Company issued under the 2009 Incentive Plan are available for award up to a maximum of 400,000 shares.
 

Stock Options
 
The Company’sOur outstanding stock options include time-based stock options, which vest over differing periods of time ranging from the date of issuance to up to 48 months from the option grant date, and performance-based stock options, which have already vested upon achieving operating income margins of six, eight and ten percent as reported in four of five consecutive quarters over the term of the options.
 
Stock option activity for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018,2019, is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share information):
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
Options outstanding at December 31, 20171,390
 $12.20
Granted25
 9.05
Forfeited or canceled(78) 16.31
Exercised(69) 5.11
Options outstanding at June 30, 20181,268
 12.27
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company granted options to purchase 25,000 share of common stock under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan to a new member of the Company's Board of Directors. These options were issued with an exercise price of $9.05 per share and a grant date fair value of $3.64 per share, with an expected life of five years, risk-free interest rate of 2.8 percent, and expected volatility of 38.8 percent.
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
Options outstanding at December 31, 20181,114
 $12.23
Granted
 
Forfeited or canceled(173) 12.76
Exercised(1) 2.35
Options outstanding at June 30, 2019940
 12.15

Share-based compensation expense from time-based stock options for the three-month periods ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, was approximately $0.1 million$0 and $0.3$0.1 million, respectively. Share-based compensation expense from time-based stock options for the six-month periods ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, was approximately $0.1 million$0 and $0.4$0.1 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there was no unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to the grants described above as all outstanding options were vested. As of December 31, 2017, the unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to the grants described above was $13,000.above.
 
At June 30, 2018,2019, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and vestedexercisable stock options to purchase 1,268,000940,000 shares of common stock was $0.3 million. At December 31, 2017,2018, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable options to purchase 1,390,0001,114,000 shares of common stock the exercisable options to purchase 1,293,000 shares of common stock, and options to purchase 92,000 shares of common stock expected to vest was $0.9 million, $0.9 million and $0.0 million, respectively.$0.2 million.

For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, we issued 1,000 and 2017, the Company issued 69,000 and 9,000 shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options at an average exercise price of $5.11$2.35 and $11.98$5.11 per share, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic valuesvalue of options exercised during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, was $10,000 and 2017, was $0.4 million, and $7,000, respectively. For the six-month periods ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, the Company recognized $0.1 million$3,000 and $0.0$0.1 million of tax benefits from the exercise of stock options, respectively.

As of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017, the Company2018, we did not have any unvested performance-based stock options outstanding.
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
The Company’sOur outstanding restricted stock units ("RSUs"(“RSUs”), include time-based RSUs, which vest over differing periods of time ranging from 12 months to up to 4836 months from the RSU grant date, as well as performance-based RSUs, which vest either upon achieving cumulative annual net salestargets relating to growth, targets over a rolling one-year period earnings-per-share, and/or upon achieving earnings-per-share targets over a rolling one-year period.stock price levels. RSUs granted to members of the Company's Board of Directors contain a restriction period in which the shares are not issued until the expiration of a two-year restriction period followingtwo years after vesting. There were 56,000 and 96,000 vested RSUs as ofAt June 30, 2018,2019 and December 31, 2017,2018, there were 78,000 and 80,000 vested RSUs, respectively, that have been grantedgiven to members of the Company's Board of Directors but remain subject to the two-yearthat had a restriction period.

RSU Restricted stock unit activity for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018,2019, is as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share information):
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Restricted Stock Units outstanding at December 31, 2017728
 $11.56
Restricted Stock Units outstanding at December 31, 20181,058
 $8.87
Granted237
 11.02
333
 7.23
Forfeited(29) 11.61
(371) 9.92
Issued(182) 11.75
(109) 10.69
Restricted Stock Units outstanding at June 30, 2018754
 11.34
Restricted Stock Units outstanding at June 30, 2019911
 7.62

 
During the six-month period ended June 30, 2018, the Company2019, we granted 237,000333,000 RSUs under the 2012 Incentive Plan to the Company’s Board of Directors, executive officers and other employees, which were comprised of both time-based RSUs and net sales and adjusted EBITDAshare-priced performance-based RSUs. The time-based RSUs were issued with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $10.93$8.59 per share and vest in annual installments over a three-year period from the grant date or according to the restrictions for the Board of Directors noted above. The net sales and adjusted EBITDA earnings-per-shareshare-priced performance-based RSUs were issued with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $11.20$4.38 per share and vest upon achieving share-priced targets over a three-year period from the grant date.
 
Except for share-priced performance RSUs, RSUs are valued at market value on the date of grant, which is the grant date share price discounted for expected dividend payments during the vesting period. For RSUs with post-vesting restrictions, a Finnerty Model was utilized to calculate a valuation discount from the market value of common shares reflecting the restriction embedded in the RSUs preventing the sale of the underlying shares over a certain period of time. The Finnerty Model proposes to estimate a discount for lack of marketability such as transfer restrictions by using an option pricing theory. The concept underpinning the Finnerty Model is that restricted stock cannot be sold over a certain period of time. Using assumptions previously determined for the application of the option pricing model at the valuation date, the Finnerty Model discount for lack of marketability is approximately 11.913.4 percent for a common share.

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

Share-based compensation expense for RSUs for the three-month periods ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, was approximately $0.5 million and $0.7$0.5 million, respectively. Share-based compensation expense from RSUs for the six-month periods ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, was approximately $1.0$0.6 million and $1.3$1.0 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2018,2019 and December 31, 2017,2018, the unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to the grants described above, excluding incentive awards discussed below, was $1.9$2.1 million and $2.0$1.8 million, respectively. The remaining compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of approximately 1.30.9 years.
 
The Company has not recognized any share-basedShare-based compensation expense related to performance-based RSUs for the net salesthree-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and earnings-per-share2018, was $0.1 million and $0, respectively. Share-based compensation expense related to performance-based RSUs for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, was $0.2 million and 2017.$0, respectively. Should the Companywe attain all of the net sales metrics related to the net sales performance-based stock optionRSU grants, the Companywe would recognize up to $4.0$2.1 million of potential share-based compensation expense. We currently expect to recognize an additional $1.1 million of that potential share-based compensation expense.
 
The number of shares issued upon vesting of RSUs granted pursuant to the Company'sour share-based compensation plans is net of the minimum statutory withholding requirements that the Company payswe pay on behalf of itsour employees, which was 23,000 and 40,000 shares for the six-month periodperiods ended June 30, 2018.2019 and 2018, respectively. Although shares withheld are not issued, they are treated as common share repurchases for accounting purposes, as they reduce the number of shares that would have been issued upon vesting. These shares do not count against the authorized capacity under the repurchase program described above. 

(8)(7)    Segment Information
 
The Company has four business segments. These business segments are components of the Company for which separate information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief executive officer in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing relative performance.
The Company'sWe have four business segments are divided(Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America and Other) based onprimarily upon the different characteristics of their distributor and customer bases, distributor compensation plans and product formulations,geographic region where each segment operates, as well as the internal organization of itsour officers and their responsibilitiesresponsibilities. Each of the geographic segments operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products and Synergy® WorldWide brands. The Latin America and Other segment includes our wholesale business operations. Threein which we sell products to various locally-managed entities independent of the Company that we have granted distribution rights for the relevant market.

Historically, our operating segments were based on brand, customer base, geographical operations with three operating business segments operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products brand (NSP Americas; NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe; and NSP China), and one operating business segment operates under the Synergy® WorldWide brand.

During the second quarter of 2019, we realigned into geographic focused operating business segments across brands to further align regional strategies and drive synergies in product, organizational and go-to-market strategies in local markets. Our internal reporting structure was reorganized to support the new reporting segments and the chief operating decision maker now reviews the operating results of the four segments utilizing a geographic focused format. The presentation of the comparative information has been recast to conform to the 2019 presentation.


Net sales for each segment have been reduced by intercompany sales as they are not included in

the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief executive officer. The Company evaluatesWe evaluate performance based on contribution margin (loss) by segment before consideration of certain inter-segment transfers and expenses.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company moved the reporting of its wholesale business, in which the Company sells its products to a locally managed entity independent of the Company that has distribution rights for the market, from the NSP China segment to the NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe segment. The net sales and contribution margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 were recast to reflect that change.

Reportable business segment information is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
Net sales: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
NSP Americas$38,386
 $39,421
 $80,257
 $84,066
NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe9,407
 7,160
 18,958
 15,606
Synergy WorldWide36,719
 30,363
 68,537
 57,676
NSP China6,754
 4,400
 10,856
 7,094
Asia$35,162
 $35,767
 $68,758
 $63,530
Europe15,075
 13,922
 30,672
 28,525
North America34,620
 35,518
 71,143
 73,623
Latin America and Other5,867
 6,059
 11,423
 12,930
Total net sales91,266
 81,344
 178,608
 164,442
90,724
 91,266
 181,996
 178,608
              
Contribution margin (1): 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
NSP Americas15,189
 16,495
 32,524
 35,690
NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe3,135
 2,508
 6,339
 5,432
Synergy WorldWide11,755
 9,410
 21,263
 17,609
NSP China5,417
 3,446
 8,637
 5,515
Asia16,291
 17,275
 32,402
 29,641
Europe4,822
 4,648
 9,827
 9,709
North America12,026
 11,180
 25,418
 24,592
Latin America and Other2,418
 2,393
 4,740
 4,821
Total contribution margin35,496
 31,859
 68,763
 64,246
35,557
 35,496
 72,387
 68,763
              
Selling, general and administrative expenses (2)33,310
 31,836
 65,696
 62,172
31,019
 33,310
 64,871
 65,696
Operating income2,186
 23
 3,067
 2,074
4,538
 2,186
 7,516
 3,067
              
Other income (loss), net(1,807) 441
 (1,067) 1,716
306
 (1,807) 258
 (1,067)
Income before provision for income taxes$379
 $464
 $2,000
 $3,790
$4,844
 $379
 $7,774
 $2,000


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

(2)  Service fees in China totaled $2.3 million and $4.5 million for the NSP China segment relatedthree and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to sales in China, occurring after the Company's receipt of its direct selling license and pre-opening product sales through Hong Kong, totaled $2.5 million and $4.0 million for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $1.7 million and $2.6 million for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2017.2018. These service fees are included in the Company's selling, general and administrative expenses.

From an individual country perspective, the United States and South Korea comprise 10 percent or more of consolidated net sales for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
Net sales: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
United States$32,913
 $33,805
 $68,140
 $71,540
$32,194
 $32,914
 $66,155
 $68,140
South Korea19,608
 12,486
 34,192
 23,832
18,923
 19,608
 37,451
 34,192
Other38,745
 35,053
 76,276
 69,070
39,607
 38,744
 78,390
 76,276
$91,266
 $81,344
 $178,608
 $164,442
$90,724
 $91,266
 $181,996
 $178,608


Net sales generated by each of the Company’sour product lines is set forth below (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
NSP Americas: 
  
  
  
Asia 
  
  
  
General health$17,058
 $18,181
 $34,800
 $38,047
$10,752
 $8,519
 $18,836
 $14,753
Immune3,845
 3,169
 9,389
 8,242
199
 133
 357
 434
Cardiovascular2,874
 2,820
 5,974
 6,136
11,561
 13,496
 23,394
 23,398
Digestive11,242
 11,660
 22,954
 23,808
7,333
 6,274
 12,108
 11,698
Personal care1,510
 1,487
 3,335
 3,373
1,820
 3,086
 6,087
 5,268
Weight management1,857
 2,104
 3,805
 4,460
3,497
 4,259
 7,976
 7,979
38,386
 39,421
 80,257
 84,066
35,162
 35,767
 68,758
 63,530
NSP Russia, Eastern and Central Europe: 
  
  
  
Europe 
  
  
  
General health$4,120
 $3,203
 $8,251
 $7,146
$5,372
 $5,424
 $11,120
 $10,928
Immune893
 674
 1,922
 1,536
1,090
 832
 2,363
 1,776
Cardiovascular672
 512
 1,367
 1,107
2,766
 2,806
 5,617
 5,863
Digestive2,510
 2,150
 4,941
 4,238
3,550
 3,134
 7,181
 6,362
Personal care902
 442
 1,862
 1,084
1,661
 1,048
 3,160
 2,211
Weight management310
 179
 615
 495
636
 678
 1,231
 1,385
9,407
 7,160
 18,958
 15,606
15,075
 13,922
 30,672
 28,525
Synergy WorldWide: 
  
  
  
North America 
  
  
  
General health$10,562
 $7,624
 $19,203
 $14,311
$14,934
 $15,731
 $30,682
 $31,830
Immune140
 117
 289
 238
3,340
 3,344
 7,558
 8,279
Cardiovascular15,383
 12,603
 28,713
 23,706
4,935
 4,870
 10,011
 9,671
Digestive4,037
 4,154
 7,862
 7,619
8,523
 8,521
 17,244
 17,497
Personal care2,308
 1,926
 4,448
 3,993
1,598
 1,268
 2,946
 2,843
Weight management4,289
 3,939
 8,022
 7,809
1,290
 1,784
 2,702
 3,503
36,719
 30,363
 68,537
 57,676
34,620
 35,518
 71,143
 73,623
NSP China: 
  
  
  
Latin America and Other 
  
  
  
General health$795
 $824
 $1,138
 $1,318
$1,783
 $1,794
 $3,395
 $3,878
Immune10
 84
 156
 131
602
 567
 1,210
 1,267
Cardiovascular1,848
 940
 2,409
 1,457
361
 288
 700
 766
Digestive2,868
 1,692
 5,324
 3,124
2,645
 2,931
 5,181
 5,883
Personal care1,007
 27
 1,260
 69
260
 302
 517
 613
Weight management226
 833
 569
 995
216
 177
 420
 523
6,754
 4,400
 10,856
 7,094
5,867
 6,059
 11,423
 12,930
$91,266
 $81,344
 $178,608
 $164,442
$90,724
 $91,266
 $181,996
 $178,608

From an individual country perspective, only the United States comprised 10 percent or more of consolidated property, plant and equipment as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Property, plant and equipment: 
  
 
  
United States$63,721
 $65,928
$57,608
 $60,606
Other2,759
 3,178
4,303
 3,455
Total property, plant and equipment$66,480
 $69,106
$61,911
 $64,061


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

 June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Assets: 
  
Asia$72,752
 $59,983
Europe17,683
 16,414
North America117,182
 109,091
Latin America and Other8,634
 7,528
Total assets$216,251
 $193,016

8) Leases

Adoption of ASU Topic 842

We adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842): Accounting for Leases, as of January 1, 2019. This update requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities arising from leases. We elected certain practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance. We elected the optional transition method that allows for a cumulative-effect adjustment and will not restate prior periods. Under the new guidance, all leases will continue to be classified as operating.

Adoption of the new standard resulted in recording of additional net operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $23.1 million and $24.0 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The difference between the operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities reflects deferred rent balances at the time of adoption. The standard did not materially impact consolidated net earnings and cash flows.

We lease certain retail stores, warehouses, distribution centers, and office spaces. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For leases beginning in 2019 and later, we account for lease components including rent, real estate taxes and insurance costs separately from non-lease components like common-area maintenance fees. Most of our leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for one or more years. The exercise of the lease option to renew is solely at our discretion.

Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 June 30,
2019
 January 1,
2019
Assets:   
Operating lease right-of-use assets$26,361
 $23,143
    
Liabilities:   
Current$5,241
 $4,426
Long-term22,418
 19,566
Total operating lease liabilities$27,659
 $23,992

Operating lease costs were approximately $1.7 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2019. Short-term lease costs were approximately $45,000 for the three-months ended June 30, 2019. Operating lease costs were approximately $3.4 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2019. Short-term lease costs were approximately $0.1 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2019. Short-term lease costs represent our costs with respect to leases with a duration of 12 months or less and are not reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases for the six-months ended June 30, 2019 was as follows:

Payments of $2.9 million against amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities.

Lease assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities totaled $29.6 million, offset by cancellation of leases that resulted in the reduction of lease assets obtained in exchange for leases liabilities which totaled $0.4 million.

The weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases was 7.2 years. The weight-average discount rate for operating leases was 4.22 percent as of June 30, 2019.

There were no material operating leases that we have entered into and that were yet to commence as of June 30, 2019.

The approximate aggregate commitments under non-cancelable operating leases in effect at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, were as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
2019$3,232
 $5,646
20205,888
 4,692
20214,954
 3,864
20223,527
 2,367
20233,038
 2,162
Thereafter11,668
 10,296
Total lease payments$32,307
 $29,027
Less: Imputed interest (1)4,648
  
Present value of lease liabilities$27,659
  

(1) Calculated using our corporate borrowing rate based on the term of each lease ranging from 4.09 percent to 4.29 percent.

(9)    Income Taxes
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, the Company’sour provision for income taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was 116.445.7 percent and 190.5116.4 percent, respectively, compared with a U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0 percent and 35.0 percent. For the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, the Company’sour provision for income taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was 86.543.9 percent and 61.986.5 percent, respectively, compared with a U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0 percent and 35.0 percent.
 
The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, was primarily attributed to current year foreign losses largely related to China, that presently do not provide future tax benefit, as well as net unfavorable foreign tax related items.

The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, was primarily attributed to current year foreign losses during those periods, largely related to China, that presently dowere not expected to provide future tax benefit, partially offset byas well as net unfavorable foreign tax credit benefits.related items.

In December 2017,As the U.S. Department of the Treasury is working on finalizing Treasury Regulations with respect to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform Act) was signed into law. The provisions, future changes could likewise affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in later periods. Management is not aware of the Tax Reform Act and related guidance provided by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 allow for adjustments throughout 2018 to account for the impactsany such additional changes that would have a material effect on our results of the 2017 tax law changes. As of June 30, 2018, no additional adjustments related to these items have been made; however, adjustments may be necessary in future periods due to the significant complexity of the Tax Reform Act and anticipated additional regulatory guidanceoperations, cash flows or technical corrections that may be forthcoming as well as actions the Company may take as a result of tax reform.financial position.

Because of the complexity of the new Global Intangible Low-taxed Income (GILTI) rules and the Foreign Derived Intangible Income (FDII) rules, the Company is continuing to evaluate these provisions of the Tax Reform Act and the application of ASC 740. The Company is also continuing to gather additional information and expect to complete its accounting within one year of enactment.
The Company’sOur U.S. federal income tax returns for 20142015 through 20162017 are open to examination for federal tax purposes. The Company hasWe have several foreign tax jurisdictions that have open tax years from 20102012 through 2017.2018. The Internal Revenue Service has notified us they will be conducting an audit of our U.S. federal income tax return for the 2017 tax year.
 
As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Companywe had accrued $4.8$2.2 million and $2.2 million, respectively, related to unrecognized tax positions, compared with $4.6 million as of December 31, 2017. This net increase was primarily attributed to transfer pricing contingencies.positions.
 
Interim income taxes are based on an estimated annualized effective tax rate applied to the respective quarterly periods, adjusted for discrete tax items in the period in which they occur. Although the Company believes itswe believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the Companywe can make no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which it haswe have reflected in its our

historical income tax provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material impact on the Company’sour income tax provision and operating results in the period in which the Company makeswe make such determination.
 
(10)    Commitments and Contingencies
 
Legal Proceedings
 
The Company isWe are party to various legal proceedings. Management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, or their resulting effect on the Company’sour business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows as litigation and related matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings could occur. Were an unfavorable outcome to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on theour business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows for the period in which the ruling occurs and/or future periods. The Company maintainsWe maintain product liability, general liability and excess liability insurance coverage. However, no assurances can be given that such insurance will continue to be available at an acceptable cost to the Company,us, that such coverage will be sufficient to cover one or more large claims, or that the insurers will not successfully disclaim coverage as to a pending or future claim.
 
Non-Income Tax Contingencies
 
The Company hasWe have reserved for certain state sales and use tax and foreign non-income tax contingencies based on the likelihood of an obligation in accordance with accounting guidance for probable loss contingencies. Loss contingency provisions are recorded for probable losses at management’s best estimate of a loss, or when a best estimate cannot be made, a minimum loss contingency amount is recorded. The Company providesWe provide provisions for potential payments of tax to various tax

authorities for contingencies related to non-income tax matters, including value-added taxes and sales tax. The Company providesWe provide provisions for U.S. state sales taxes in each of the states where the Company haswe have nexus. At June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, accrued liabilities were $0.2$0.3 million and $0.4$0.3 million, respectively, related to non-income tax contingencies. While management believeswe believe that the assumptions and estimates used to determine this liabilitycontingent liabilities are reasonable, the ultimate outcome of thosethese matters cannot presently be determined. The Company believesWe believe future payments related to these matters could range from $0 to approximately $3.4$3.5 million.
 
Other Litigation
 
The Company isWe are a party to various other legal proceedings in the United States and several foreign jurisdictions related to value-added tax assessments and other civil litigation. As of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, accrued liabilities were $1.4$2.0 million and $1.5$1.7 million, respectively, related to the estimated outcome of these proceedings. In addition, the Company iswe are a party to other litigation where there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred, either the losses are not considered to be probable or the Companywe cannot at this time estimate the loss, if any; therefore, no provision for losses has been provided. The Company believesWe believe future payments related to these matters could range from $0 to approximately $1.9$0.4 million.
 
(11)     Related Party Transactions

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, NSP China did not borrow any amounts from the Company or our joint venture partner. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, NSP China borrowed $0 and $2.0 million from the Company and $0 and $0.5 million the Company'sfrom our joint venture partner, respectively. These notes are payable in one year and bear interest of 3.0 percent. As of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 outstanding borrowings by NSP China from the Company were $4.1$6.2 million and $2.0$6.0 million, respectively. As of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 outstanding borrowings by NSP China from the Company'sour joint venture partner were $1.0$1.5 million and $0.5$1.5 million, respectively. The notes between NSP China and the Company eliminate in consolidation.

(12)    Fair Value Measurements
 
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that could be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Financial assets are marked to bid prices and financial liabilities are marked to offer prices. Fair value measurements do not include transaction costs. A fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values of each financial instrument. Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:
 
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

 
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
 
The following table presents the Company’sour hierarchy for itsour assets, measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of June 30, 20182019 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 Total
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 Total
Investment securities - trading$1,545
 $
 $
 $1,545
$1,432
 $
 $
 $1,432
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,545
 $
 $
 $1,545
$1,432
 $
 $
 $1,432
 

The following table presents the Company’sour hierarchy for itsour assets, measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 20172018 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 Total
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 Total
Investment securities - trading$1,980
 $
 $
 $1,980
$1,308
 $
 $
 $1,308
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$1,980
 $
 $
 $1,980
$1,308
 $
 $
 $1,308
 
Investment securities - tradingThe Company’sOur trading portfolio consists of various marketable securities that are valued using quoted prices in active markets.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, and for the year ended December 31, 2017,2018, there were no fair value measurements using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) or significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
 
The carrying amounts reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying amount reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the revolving credit facility approximates fair value due to it being variable-rate debt. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, the Companywe did not have any re-measurements of non-financial assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.

(13)    Revenue Recognition

Adoption of ASU Topic 606

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company's historic accounting under Topic 605.

The Company recorded a net reduction to opening accumulated deficit of $0.9 million, net of tax, as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606, with the impact primarily related to deferred revenue on shipments that had not been delivered being recognized upon shipment and deferrals for annual membership fees that are no longer deferred. The impact to revenues and operating income as a result of applying Topic 606 was a decrease of $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Revenue Recognition

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

A reserve for product returns is recorded based upon historical experience and current trends. The Company allowsWe allow independent Managers or Distributors to return the unused portion of products within ninety days of purchase if they are not satisfied with the product. In some of the Company’sour markets, the requirements to return product are more restrictive.

From time to time, the Company’sour U.S. operations extend short-term credit associated with product promotions. In addition, for certain of the Company’sour international operations, the Companywe offers credit terms consistent with industry standards within the country of operation.

Volume incentives, and other sales incentives or rebates are a significant part of the Company'sour direct sales marketing program, and represent commission payments made to independent distributors. These payments are designed to provide incentives for reaching higher sales levels. The amount of volume incentive expense recognized is determined based upon the amount of qualifying purchases in a given month and recorded as volume incentive expense. Payments to independent Managers and Distributors for sales incentives or rebates related to their own purchases are recorded as a reduction of revenue. Payments for sales incentives and rebates are calculated monthly based upon qualifying sales.

Contract Liabilities - Customer Loyalty Programs

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


The following table presents changes in these contract liability balances for the six-month period ended June 30, 20182019 (U.S. dollars in thousands):
June 30,
2018
Outstanding at December 31, 2017$1,126
Outstanding at December 31, 2018$1,079
Increase (decrease) attributed to: 
 
Customer loyalty net deferrals 2,692
3,041
Customer loyalty redemptions (2,392)(3,011)
Outstanding at June 30, 2018$1,426
Outstanding at June 30, 2019$1,109
The table above excludes liability for sales returns, as they are insignificant.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The Company’sOur products are grouped into six principal categories: general health, immune, cardiovascular, digestive, personal care and weight management. The Company hasWe have four business segments that are divided based onprimarily upon the different characteristicsgeographic region where each segment operates. Each of their distributor and customer bases, distributor compensation plans and product formulations. three businessthe geographic segments operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products brand and one business segment operates under the Synergy® WorldWide brand.brands. See Note 8,7, Segment Information, for further information on the Company’sour reportable segments and the Company’s presentation of disaggregated revenue by reportable segment and product category.


Practical Expedients and Exemptions

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

The CompanyWe generally expensesexpense volume incentives when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less.

All of the Company’sour contracts with customers have a duration of less than one year, theyear. The value of any unsatisfied performance obligations is insignificant.

Item 2.                           MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report, as well as the consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto, and management’s discussion and analysis included in the Company'sour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017,2018, and itsour other reports filed since the date of such Form 10-K. During the second quarter of 2019, we realigned into geographic focused operating business segments across brands. The presentation of the comparative information has been recast to conform to the 2019 presentation.
 
OVERVIEW
 
The Company isWe are a natural health and wellness company primarily engaged in the manufacturingmanufacture and direct sellingsale of nutritional and personal care products. The Company has four business segments thatWe are divided based on the different characteristicsa Utah corporation with our principal place of their distributor and customer bases, distributor compensation plans and product formulations, as well as the internal organization of its officers and their responsibilities and business operations. Three business segments operate under the Nature’s Sunshine Products brand (NSP Americas; NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe; and NSP China), and one business segment operates under the Synergy® WorldWide brand.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company moved the reporting of its wholesale business in which the Company sells itsLehi, Utah, and sell our products to a locally managed entitysales force of independent ofdistributors who uses the Company that has distribution rights for the market, from the NSP China segmentproducts themselves or resells them to NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe segment. The net sales and contribution margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 were recast to reflect that change.consumers.


The Company’sOur independent distributors market and sell the Company'sour products to customers and sponsor other independent distributors who also market the Company'sour products to customers. The Company's revenue isOur sales are highly dependent upon the number and productivity of itsour independent distributors. Growth in sales volume generally requires an increase in the productivity of the Company'sour independent distributors and/or growth in the total number of its independent distributors. The Company seeksWe seek to motivate and provide incentives to itsour independent distributors by offering high quality products and providing its independent distributors with product support, training seminars, sales conventions, travel programs and financial incentives.

In the second quarter of 2018, the Company2019, we experienced an increasea decrease in itsour consolidated net sales of 12.20.6 percent (or 9.62.3 percent increase in local currencies) compared to the same period in 2018. Asia net sales decreased approximately 1.7 percent (or 4.1 percent increase in local currencies) compared to the same period in 2018. Europe net sales increased approximately 8.3 percent (or 11.1 percent in local currencies) compared to the same period in 2017. NSP China2018. North America net sales increaseddecreased approximately 53.52.5 percent (or 2.3 percent in local currencies) compared to the same period in 2017. NSP Russia, Central2018. Latin America and Eastern EuropeOther net sales increaseddecreased approximately 31.43.2 percent (or 1.6 percent in local currencies) compared to the same period in 2017. Synergy WorldWide net sales increased approximately 20.9 percent compared to the same period in 2017 (or 15.9 percent in local currencies). NSP Americas net sales decreased approximately 2.6 percent compared to the same period in 2017 (or 2.8 percent in local currencies).2018. The weakening of the U.S. dollar versus the local currencies, primarily in the Company'sour Asian and European markets, resulted in an approximate 2.62.3 percent, or $2.1$2.6 million, increasedecrease of itsour net sales during the quarter.

Although selling,Selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2018 increased $1.52019 decreased $2.3 million compared to the same period in 2017, selling, general2018, and administrative expensesdecreased as a percentage of net sales decreased to 34.2 percent from 36.5 percent from 39.1 percent in 2017.2018. The increasedecrease in dollarsexpenses was primarily the result of transition expense relatedrestructuring efforts implemented in prior periods in order to the announced retirement of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, the recognition of employee related benefits, and increased service fees in China, partially offset by the sale of an office building in one of the Company's foreign markets.improve operating results.

The Company distributes itsWe distribute our products to consumers through an independent sales force comprised of independent Managers and Distributors, many of whom also consume the Company'sour products. Typically a person who joins the Company’sour independent sales force begins as a Distributor. An independent Distributor may earn Manager status by attaining certain product sales levels. On a worldwide basis, active independent Managers were approximately 13,10012,900 and 13,20013,100 and active independent Distributors and customers were approximately 217,200232,000 and 214,500217,200 at June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.

As an international business, the Company haswe have significant sales and costs denominated in currencies other than the U. S.U.S. Dollar. Sales in international markets denominated in foreign currencies are expected to continue to represent a substantial portion of the Company'sour sales. Likewise, the Company expects itswe expect foreign markets with functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar will continue to represent a substantial portion of itsour overall sales and related operating expenses. Accordingly, changes in foreign currency exchange rates

could materially affect sales and costs or the comparability of sales and costs from period to period as a result of translating the market'sforeign markets financial statements into itsour reporting currency.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following table summarizes the Company'sour unaudited consolidated operating results from continuing operations in U.S. dollars and as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 Three Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 ChangeThree Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 Change
Total
dollars
 Percent of
net sales
 Total
dollars
 Percent of
net sales
 Total
dollars
 Percentage Total
dollars
 Percent of
net sales
 Total
dollars
 Percent of
net sales
 Total
dollars
 Percentage 
Net sales$91,266
 100.0 % $81,344
 100.0 % $9,922
 12.2 %$90,724
 100.0% $91,266
 100.0 % $(542) (0.6)%
Cost of sales24,278
 26.6
 21,197
 26.1
 3,081
 14.5
23,865
 26.3
 24,278
 26.6
 (413) (1.7)
66,988
 73.4
 60,147
 73.9
 6,841
 11.4
66,859
 73.7
 66,988
 73.4
 (129) (0.2)
Volume incentives31,492
 34.5
 28,288
 34.8
 3,204
 11.3
31,302
 34.5
 31,492
 34.5
 (190) (0.6)
SG&A expenses33,310
 36.5
 31,836
 39.1
 1,474
 4.6
31,019
 34.2
 33,310
 36.5
 (2,291) (6.9)
Operating income2,186
 2.4
 23
 
 2,163
 9,404.3
4,538
 5.0
 2,186
 2.4
 2,352
 107.6
Other income (loss), net(1,807) (2.0) 441
 0.5
 (2,248) (509.8)306
 0.3
 (1,807) (2.0) 2,113
 116.9
Income before income taxes379
 0.4
 464
 0.6
 (85) (18.3)4,844
 5.3
 379
 0.4
 4,465
 1,178.1
Provision for income taxes441
 0.5
 884
 1.1
 (443) (50.1)2,215
 2.4
 441
 0.5
 1,774
 402.3
Net loss$(62) (0.1)% $(420) (0.5)% $358
 85.2 %
Net income (loss)$2,629
 2.9% $(62) (0.1)% $2,691
 4,340.3 %

The following table summarizes the Company'sour unaudited consolidated operating results from continuing operations in U.S. dollars and as a percentage of net sales for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 ChangeSix Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 Change
Total
dollars
 Percent of
net sales
 Total
dollars
 Percent of
net sales
 Total
dollars
 Percentage Total
dollars
 Percent of
net sales
 Total
dollars
 Percent of
net sales
 Total
dollars
 Percentage 
Net sales$178,608
 100.0 % $164,442
 100.0% $14,166
 8.6 %$181,996
 100.0% $178,608
 100.0 % $3,388
 1.9 %
Cost of sales46,991
 26.3
 42,925
 26.1
 4,066
 9.5
47,294
 26.0
 46,991
 26.3
 303
 0.6
131,617
 73.7
 121,517
 73.9
 10,100
 8.3
134,702
 74.0
 131,617
 73.7
 3,085
 2.3
Volume incentives62,854
 35.2
 57,271
 34.8
 5,583
 9.7
62,315
 34.2
 62,854
 35.2
 (539) (0.9)
SG&A expenses65,696
 36.8
 62,172
 37.8
 3,524
 5.7
64,871
 35.6
 65,696
 36.8
 (825) (1.3)
Operating income3,067
 1.7
 2,074
 1.3
 993
 47.9
7,516
 4.1
 3,067
 1.7
 4,449
 145.1
Other income (loss), net(1,067) (0.6) 1,716
 1.0
 (2,783) (162.2)258
 0.1
 (1,067) (0.6) 1,325
 124.2
Income before income taxes2,000
 1.1
 3,790
 2.3
 (1,790) (47.2)7,774
 4.3
 2,000
 1.1
 5,774
 288.7
Provision for income taxes1,729
 1.0
 2,347
 1.4
 (618) (26.3)3,416
 1.9
 1,729
 1.0
 1,687
 97.6
Net income$271
 0.2 % $1,443
 0.9% $(1,172) (81.2)%$4,358
 2.4% $271
 0.2 % $4,087
 1,508.1 %

 Net Sales
 
The Company’s internationalInternational operations have provided, and are expected to continue to provide, a significant portion of itsour 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 itsour underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, in addition to comparing the percent change in net sales from one period to another in U.S. dollars, we present net sales excluding the Company comparesimpact of foreign exchange fluctuations. We compare the percentage change in net sales from one period to another period by excluding the effects of foreign currency exchange as shown below. Net sales excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations is not a U.S. GAAP financial measure. Net sales in local currencymeasure and removes from net sales in U.S. dollars the impact of changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the functional currencies of itsour 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. The Company believesWe believe presenting the impact of foreign currency fluctuations is useful to investors because it allows a more meaningful comparison of net sales of itsour foreign operations from period to period. However, net sales

excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net sales in U.S. dollar measures that reflect current period exchange rates, or to other financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Throughout the last five years, foreign currency exchange rates have fluctuated significantly. See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

During the second quarter of 2019, we realigned into geographic focused operating business segments across brands to further align regional strategies and drive synergies in product, organizational and go-to-market strategies in local markets. Our internal reporting structure was reorganized to support the new reporting segments and the chief operating decision maker now reviews the operating results of the four segments utilizing a geographic focused format. The presentation of the comparative information has been recast to conform to the 2019 presentation.

The following table summarizes the changes in net sales by operating segment with a reconciliation to net sales excluding the impact of currency fluctuations for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 Net Sales by Operating Segment
 Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 Three Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 Percent
Change
 Impact of
Currency
Exchange
 Percent
Change
Excluding
Impact of
Currency
NSP Americas: 
  
  
  
  
NSP North America$32,919
 $33,190
 (0.8)% $112
 (1.2)%
NSP Latin America5,467
 6,231
 (12.3) (54) (11.4)
 38,386
 39,421
 (2.6) 58
 (2.8)
NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe9,407
 7,160
 31.4
 82
 30.2
Synergy WorldWide: 
  
  
  
  
Synergy Asia Pacific28,966
 21,271
 36.2
 1,139
 30.8
Synergy Europe5,107
 6,097
 (16.2) 397
 (22.7)
Synergy North America2,646
 2,995
 (11.7) 
 (11.7)
 36,719
 30,363
 20.9
 1,536
 15.9
NSP China6,754
 4,400
 53.5
 435
 43.6
 $91,266
 $81,344
 12.2 % $2,111
 9.6 %
 Net Sales by Operating Segment
 Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 Three Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 Percent
Change
 Impact of
Currency
Exchange
 Percent
Change
Excluding
Impact of
Currency
Asia$35,162
 $35,767
 (1.7)% $(2,061) 4.1 %
Europe15,075
 13,922
 8.3
 (388) 11.1
North America34,620
 35,518
 (2.5) (88) (2.3)
Latin America and Other5,867
 6,059
 (3.2) (95) (1.6)
 $90,724
 $91,266
 (0.6)% $(2,632) 2.3 %

The following table summarizes the changes in net sales by operating segment with a reconciliation to net sales excluding the impact of currency fluctuations for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 Net Sales by Operating Segment
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 Percent
Change
 Impact of
Currency
Exchange
 Percent
Change
Excluding
Impact of
Currency
NSP Americas: 
  
  
  
  
NSP North America$68,523
 $71,236
 (3.8)% $237
 (4.1)%
NSP Latin America11,734
 12,830
 (8.5) 42
 (8.9)
 80,257
 84,066
 (4.5) 279
 (4.9)
NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe18,958
 15,606
 21.5
 318
 19.4
Synergy WorldWide: 
  
  
  
  
Synergy Asia Pacific52,674
 40,052
 31.5
 2,700
 24.8
Synergy Europe10,763
 12,022
 (10.5) 1,146
 (20.0)
Synergy North America5,100
 5,602
 (9.0) 
 (9.0)
 68,537
 57,676
 18.8
 3,846
 12.2
NSP China10,856
 7,094
 53.0
 698
 43.2
 $178,608
 $164,442
 8.6 % $5,141
 5.5 %
 Net Sales by Operating Segment
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
 Percent
Change
 Impact of
Currency
Exchange
 Percent
Change
Excluding
Impact of
Currency
Asia$68,758
 $63,530
 8.2 % $(3,531) 13.8 %
Europe30,672
 28,525
 7.5
 (955) 10.9
North America71,143
 73,623
 (3.4) (222) (3.1)
Latin America and Other11,423
 12,930
 (11.7) (219) (10.0)
 $181,996
 $178,608
 1.9 % $(4,927) 4.7 %
 
Consolidated net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, were $90.7 million and $182.0 million, respectively, compared to $91.3 million and $178.6 million respectively, compared to $81.3 million and $164.4 million for the same periodsperiod in 2017,2018, which represents increasesa decrease of 12.20.6 percent and 8.6an increase of 1.9 percent, respectively. Net sales in the Company's NSP Americas segment decreased $1.0 million and $3.8 millionThe decrease for the three months ended June 30, 2019, was primarily related to declines in the Asia, North America and Latin America and Other markets. Declines in these markets were partially offset by product sales growth in the Europe market. The increase for the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared2019, was primarily related to the same periods in 2017. Netproduct sales growth in the Company's Synergy WorldWide segment increased $6.4 millionAsia and $10.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periodsEurope markets. Growth in 2017. Net salesthese markets was offset by declines in the Company's NSP China segment increased $2.4 millionNorth America and $3.8 million forLatin America and Other markets. Excluding the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. The Company's NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe segmentunfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, consolidated net sales increased $2.2 million and $3.4 million for the three

and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, from the same periods in 2017. Net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, were favorably impacted by $2.1 million and $5.1 million of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, respectively. Excluding the impacts of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, consolidated net sales2019, increased by 9.62.3 percent and 5.54.7 percent, respectively, from the same periods in 2017.2018.

NSP AmericasAsia

Net sales from the Company's NSP Americas segment for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, were $38.4 million and $39.4 million, respectively, or a decrease of 2.6 percent. Net sales from the Company's NSP Americas segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, were $80.3 million and $84.1 million, respectively, or a decrease of 4.5 percent. The declines for the NSP Americas business are further discussed in United States and Latin America commentary below. Active Managers within NSP Americas totaled approximately 5,800 and 6,400 at June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Active Distributors and customers within NSP Americas totaled approximately 101,700 and 105,500 at June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company's exit from Costa Rica and Nicaragua, as well as, issues surrounding the Company's implementation of Oracle resulted in a significant decrease in the Company's independent Managers, Distributors and customers. Independent Managers were down 9.4 percent, and active independent Distributors and customers were down 3.6 percent comparedrelated to the prior year.
Notable activity in the following markets contributed to the results of NSP Americas:
In the United States, net sales decreased approximately $0.5 million and $2.9 million, or 1.8 percent and 4.4 percent,Asia for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, were $35.2 million and $68.8 million, respectively, compared to $35.8 million and $63.5 million for the same periods in 2017. Net sales for the three months ended declined primarily due to the shift2018, or a decrease of U.S. national convention and related promotions to the second half of 2018. Net sales for the six months were also impacted by the timing change in the U.S. convention previously noted. In addition, the six-month period was unfavorable impacted from issues associated with the implementation of the Oracle ERP system in the Company's NSP Americas segment at the beginning the second quarter of 2017.

In Latin America, net sales decreased approximately $0.8 million and $1.1 million, or 12.31.7 percent and 8.5 percent, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017.an increase of 8.2 percent. In local currency, net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, decreased 11.42019, increased 4.1 percent and 8.9

13.8 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. Currency devaluation2018. The growth for the Asia business is further discussed in the South Korea, Japan and China commentary below. Active independent Managers within Asia totaled approximately 3,000 and 3,200 at June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Active independent Distributors and customers within Asia totaled approximately 38,300 and 35,800 at June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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

In our South Korea market, net sales decreased $0.7 million and increased $3.3 million, or decreased 3.5 percent and increased 9.5 percent, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2018. In local currency, net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, increased 4.2 percent and 16.6 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2018. The increase in local currency net sales was the result of increased distributor involvement and a renewed focus on core products for the market.

In our Japan market, net sales increased $0.3 million and $0.8 million, or 6.1 percent and 7.1 percent, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2018. In local currencies, net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, increased 7.0 percent and 8.4 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2018. We attribute the growth in net sales primarily to the introduction of new products and the implementation of programs intended to stimulate activity which had a $0.1positive impact on market sales volume.

In our China market, net sales decreased $0.3 million unfavorable and $42,000 favorableincreased $1.9 million, or decreased 4.3 percent and increased 17.1 percent, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2018. In local currencies, net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, increased 1.9 percent and 24.4 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2018. Although growth has been impacted current market conditions, China continues to show local currency growth primarily due to initiatives designed to increase independent service providers’ engagement levels and gain market share.

Europe

Net sales related to Europe for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, were $15.1 million and $30.7 million, respectively, compared to $13.9 million and $28.5 million for the same periods in 2018, or increases of 8.3 percent and 7.5 percent. In local currency, net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, increased 11.1 percent and 10.9 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2018. The functional currency for many of these markets is the U.S. Dollar which reduces the effect from foreign currency fluctuations. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates had a $0.4 million and $1.0 million unfavorable impact on net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. The decline in net sales is primarily due to continued challenges from changing regulations for product registration that affect the Company’s ability to sell some of its products in Latin America, as well as the impact of exiting Costa Rica and Nicaragua markets during the fourth quarter of 2017. additionally, the six-month period was unfavorably impacted by issues associated with the implementation of the Oracle ERP system in the Company's NSP Americas segment at the beginning the second quarter of 2017.

NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe
Net sales related to NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe markets (primarily Russia, the Ukraine, Poland, and Belarus), for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, were $9.4 million and $19.0 million, respectively, compared to $7.2 million and $15.6 million for the same periods in 2017, or an increase of 31.4 percent and 21.5 percent, respectively. Active independent Managers within the Company's NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe segment totaled approximately 3,100 and 2,700 at June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Active independent Distributors and customers within NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe totaled approximately 65,500 and 60,000 at June 30, 2018 and 2017,2019, respectively. Net sales increased primarily as a result of the relative stabilization of the Russian ruble against the U.S. dollar and product promotions that have improved distributor engagement. Active independent Managers within Europe totaled approximately 4,000 and 3,700 at June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Active independent Distributors and customers within Europe totaled approximately 85,200 and 74,600 at June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Synergy WorldWideNorth America

The Company's Synergy WorldWide segment reported netNet sales related to North America for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, of $36.72019, were $34.6 million and $68.5$71.1 million, respectively, compared to $30.4$35.5 million and $57.7$73.6 million for the same periods in 2017,2018, or an increasea decreases of 20.92.5 percent and 18.8 percent, respectively. The increase was primarily due to increases in the Company's Korean and Japanese markets, and the favorable fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, which had a $1.5 million and $3.8 million favorable impact on net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. Excluding the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, local currency net sales in Synergy WorldWide would have increased 15.9 percent and 12.2 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. Active independent Managers within the Company's Synergy WorldWide segment totaled approximately 4,200 and 4,100 at June 30,

2018 and 2017, respectively. Active independent Distributors and customers within the Company's Synergy WorldWide segment totaled approximately 50,000 and 49,000 at June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Notable activity in the following markets contributed to the results of Synergy WorldWide:
In South Korea, net sales increased $7.1 million and $10.4 million, or an increase of 57.0 percent and 43.5 percent, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017.3.4 percent. In local currency, net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, increased 49.82019, decreased 2.3 percent and 35.13.1 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017.2018. The increase in local currency net sales was the result of an increased focus on core productsdeclines for the market as well as an easingNorth America business are further discussed in United States commentary below. Active independent Managers within North America totaled approximately 4,700 and 5,000 at June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Active independent Distributors and customers within North America totaled approximately 78,400 and 78,200 at June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. A decrease in our Distributor recruiting and retention in the U.S. resulted in a decline in the number of geopolitical tension and an improvement in economic conditions that unfavorably impactedindependent Managers by 6.0 percent compared to the prior year.

Notable activity in the following markets contributed to the results of North America:

In Japan,the United States, net sales increased $0.3decreased $1.0 million and $1.6$2.7 million, or 6.43.3 percent and 17.24.3 percent, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017.2018. The decline in the market is mainly due to a decrease in Distributor recruiting and retention. We continue to work with leaders in the U.S. to improve recruiting and retention results.


Latin America and Other

Net sales related to Latin America and Other for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, were $5.9 million and $11.4 million, respectively, compared to $6.1 million and $12.9 million for the same periods in 2018, or decreases of 3.2 percent and 11.7 percent. In local currency, net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, increased 4.12019, decreased 1.6 percent and 13.310.0 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. The Company attributes the increase in net sales in Japan primarily to the introduction of new products and the implementation of programs intended to stimulate activity, including the adoption of Korea's distributor recognition program last year, which continued to drive sales improvements in the second quarter of 2018.
In Europe, net sales decreased $1.0 Currency devaluation had a $0.1 million and $1.3$0.2 million or 16.2 percent and 10.5 percent, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. In local currency,unfavorable impact on net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, decreased 22.7 percent and 20.0 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017. The decrease in local currency net sales is primarily due to market saturation in certain European countries and a reduction in sales activity in the market's Scandinavian countries.

In North America, net sales decreased approximately $0.3 million and $0.5 million, or 11.7 percent and 9.0 percent, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017.2019, respectively. The decline in salesthe market is primarily driven by lowermainly due to decreases in Distributor recruiting. Growth initiatives have been developedretention and implemented to more effectively support recruitingaverage purchase size. Active independent Managers totaled approximately 1,200 and Distributor training and motivation.
NSP China
NSP China had net sales for the three and six months ended1,200 at June 30, 2019 and 2018, of $6.8 millionrespectively. Active independent Distributors and $10.9 million, respectively, compared to $4.4 millioncustomers totaled approximately 30,100 and $7.1 million for the same periods in 2017, or increases of 53.5 percent28,600 at June 30, 2019 and 53.0 percent,2018, respectively. Net sales were positively impacted by the Company receiving its direct selling license in May 2017, which allows the Company to expand its business scope to include direct selling activities within China. NSP China continues to show growth primarily due to initiatives designed to increase distributor engagement levels and gain market share.

Further information related to NSP Americas, NSP Russia, Centralour Asia, Europe, North America and Eastern Europe, Synergy WorldWide,Latin America and NSP ChinaOther business segments is set forth in Note 87 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part 1, Item 1 of this report.

Cost of Sales
 
Cost of sales as a percent of net sales was 26.626.3 percent and 26.326.0 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, compared to 26.126.6 percent and 26.126.3 percent for the same periods in 2017.2018. The increasedecrease in cost of sales percentage is driven by unfavorablefavorable changes in market mix provisions forand decreases in inventory obsolescence and recognition of employee related benefits.write-offs.
 
Volume Incentives

Volume incentives areexpense as a significant partpercent of net sales was 34.5 percent and 34.2 percent for the Company's direct sales marketing program,three and represent commission paymentssix months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, compared to independent distributors.34.5 percent and 35.2 percent for the same periods in 2018. These payments are designed to provide incentives for reaching higher sales levels. Volume incentives vary slightly, on a percentage basis, by product due to pricing policies and commission plans in place in the various operations. The Company doesWe do not pay volume incentives in China, instead the Company payswe pay independent service fees, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.


Volume incentives as a percent of net sales was 34.5 percent and 35.2 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, compared to 34.8 percent and 34.8 percent for the same periods in 2017. The change in volume incentives as a percentage of net sales is due primarily to increased rates in certain markets resulting from increased promotional activity during the period. The Company has also noted an increase in sales in markets where volume incentives are a higher percentage of net sales. Volume incentives as a percentage of net sales can fluctuate based on promotional activity and mix of sales by market. The decrease in volume incentives as a percent of net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2019 is primarily due to changes in market mix, reflecting growth in markets where volume incentives as a percentage of net sales are lower than the consolidated average, and the growth in NSP China.
 
Selling, General and Administrative
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses represent operating expenses, components of which include labor and benefits, sales events, professional fees, travel and entertainment, marketing, occupancy costs, communications costs, bank fees, depreciation and amortization, independent services fees paid in China, and other miscellaneous operating expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increaseddecreased by approximately $1.5$2.3 million and $3.5$0.8 million, respectively, to $33.3$31.0 million and $65.7$64.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2017.2018. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 36.534.2 percent and 36.835.6 percent of net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, respectively, compared to 39.136.5 percent and 37.836.8 percent for the same periods in 2017.2018. The increasedecrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to the same periods in 2017, was primarily related to:

$1.5 million of transition costs related to the announced retirement of the Company's Chief Executive Officer for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018;
$0.8 million and $1.4 million of increased independent service fees in China for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively;
$0.0 million and $1.2 million of increased depreciation related to the Oracle ERP implementation project incurred for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively;
$1.9 million and $1.6 million due to the timing of accrued employee benefits, respectively;
$0.6 milliona reduction of reserves for product liability forheadcount in the threeU.S. and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.

Offset by:
$2.3 million gain on the sale of an office building in one of the Company's foreign markets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.Latin America, as well as other cost reductions.

Other Income (Loss), Net
 
Other income (loss) net, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, were gains of $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, compared to losses of $1.8 million and $1.1 million respectively, compared to gains of $0.4 million and $1.7 million during the same periods in 2017,2018, respectively. Other income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 primarily consisted of foreign exchange losses. The changegains in other income (loss) was primarily due to increases in foreign exchange losses2019 as a result of changes in foreign currencies.
 
Income Taxes

For the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, the Company’sour provision for income taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was 116.445.7 percent and 190.5116.4 percent, respectively, compared with a U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0 percent and 35.0 percent. For the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, the Company’sour provision for income taxes, as a percentage of income before income taxes was 86.543.9 percent and 61.986.5 percent, respectively, compared with a U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0 percent and 35.0 percent.
 

The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, was primarily attributed to current year foreign losses that presently do not provide future tax benefit, as well as net unfavorable foreign tax related items.

The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, was primarily attributed to current year foreign losses during these periods, largely related to China, that presently dowere not projected to provide future tax benefit, as well as net unfavorable foreign tax related items.

The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, was primarily attributed to current year foreign losses, largely related to China, that presently do not provide future tax benefit, partially offset by foreign tax credit benefits.

The Company’sOur U.S. federal income tax returns for 20142015 through 20162017 are open to examination for federal tax purposes. The Company hasWe have several foreign tax jurisdictions that have open tax years from 20112012 through 2017.

2018. The Internal Revenue Service has notified us that they will be conducting an audit of our U.S. federal income tax return for the 2017 tax year.
 
As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Companywe had had accrued $4.8$2.2 million and $2.2 million, respectively, related to unrecognized tax positions, compared with $4.6 million as of December 31, 2017. This net increase was primarily attributed to changes in contingencies related to international tax.positions.

Product Categories
 
The Company’sOur line of over 700 products includes several different product classifications, such as immune, cardiovascular, digestive, personal care, weight management and other general health products. The Company purchasesWe purchase herbs and other raw materials in bulk and, after rigorous quality control testing, it formulates, encapsulates, tabletswe formulate, encapsulate, tablet or concentratesconcentrate them, labelslabel and packagespackage them for shipment. Most of our products are manufactured at the Company'sour facility in Spanish Fork, Utah. Contract manufacturers produce some of itsour products in accordance with its exactingour specifications and standards. The Company hasWe have implemented stringent quality control procedures to verify that itsour contract manufacturers complyhave complied with itsour specifications and standards.

Presented below areSee Note 7, Segment Information, for a summary of the U.S. dollar amounts and associated revenue percentages from the sale of general health, immune, cardiovascular, digestive, personal care and weight management products for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, by business segment.
 

Three Months Ended June 30,2018 2017
NSP Americas: 
  
  
  
General health$17,058
 44.4% $18,181
 46.1%
Immune3,845
 10.0
 3,169
 8.0
Cardiovascular2,874
 7.5
 2,820
 7.2
Digestive11,242
 29.3
 11,660
 29.6
Personal care1,510
 3.9
 1,487
 3.8
Weight management1,857
 4.8
 2,104
 5.3
Total NSP Americas38,386
 100.0
 39,421
 100.0
        
NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe: 
  
  
  
General health$4,120
 43.8% $3,203
 44.7%
Immune893
 9.5
 674
 9.4
Cardiovascular672
 7.1
 512
 7.2
Digestive2,510
 26.7
 2,150
 30.0
Personal care902
 9.6
 442
 6.2
Weight management310
 3.3
 179
 2.5
Total NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe9,407
 100.0
 7,160
 100.0
        
Synergy WorldWide: 
  
  
  
General health$10,562
 28.8% $7,624
 25.1%
Immune140
 0.4
 117
 0.4
Cardiovascular15,383
 41.9
 12,603
 41.5
Digestive4,037
 11.0
 4,154
 13.7
Personal care2,308
 6.3
 1,926
 6.3
Weight management4,289
 11.7
 3,939
 13.0
Total Synergy WorldWide36,719
 100.0
 30,363
 100.0
        
NSP China: 
  
  
  
General health$795
 11.8% $824
 18.7%
Immune10
 0.1
 84
 1.9
Cardiovascular1,848
 27.4
 940
 21.4
Digestive2,868
 42.5
 1,692
 38.5
Personal care1,007
 14.9
 27
 0.6
Weight management226
 3.3
 833
 18.9
Total NSP China6,754
 100.0
 4,400
 100.0
        
Consolidated: 
  
  
  
General health$32,535
 35.6% $29,832
 36.7%
Immune4,888
 5.4
 4,044
 5.0
Cardiovascular20,777
 22.8
 16,875
 20.7
Digestive20,657
 22.6
 19,656
 24.2
Personal care5,727
 6.3
 3,882
 4.8
Weight management6,682
 7.3
 7,055
 8.7
Total Consolidated$91,266
 100.0% $81,344
 100.0%

Six Months Ended June 30,2018 2017
NSP Americas: 
  
  
  
General health$34,800
 43.4% $38,047
 45.3%
Immune9,389
 11.7
 8,242
 9.8
Cardiovascular5,974
 7.4
 6,136
 7.3
Digestive22,954
 28.6
 23,808
 28.3
Personal care3,335
 4.2
 3,373
 4.0
Weight management3,805
 4.7
 4,460
 5.3
Total NSP Americas80,257
 100.0
 84,066
 100.0
        
NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe: 
  
  
  
General health$8,251
 43.5% $7,146
 45.8%
Immune1,922
 10.1
 1,536
 9.8
Cardiovascular1,367
 7.2
 1,107
 7.1
Digestive4,941
 26.1
 4,238
 27.2
Personal care1,862
 9.8
 1,084
 6.9
Weight management615
 3.2
 495
 3.2
Total NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe18,958
 100.0
 15,606
 100.0
        
Synergy WorldWide: 
  
  
  
General health$19,203
 28.0% $14,311
 24.8%
Immune289
 0.4
 238
 0.4
Cardiovascular28,713
 41.9
 23,706
 41.1
Digestive7,862
 11.5
 7,619
 13.2
Personal care4,448
 6.5
 3,993
 6.9
Weight management8,022
 11.7
 7,809
 13.5
Total Synergy WorldWide68,537
 100.0
 57,676
 100.0
        
NSP China: 
  
  
  
General health$1,138
 10.5% $1,318
 18.6%
Immune156
 1.4
 131
 1.8
Cardiovascular2,409
 22.2
 1,457
 20.5
Digestive5,324
 49.0
 3,124
 44.0
Personal care1,260
 11.6
 69
 1.0
Weight management569
 5.2
 995
 14.0
Total NSP China10,856
 100.0
 7,094
 100.0
        
Consolidated: 
  
  
  
General health$63,392
 35.5% $60,822
 37.0%
Immune11,756
 6.6
 10,147
 6.2
Cardiovascular38,463
 21.5
 32,406
 19.7
Digestive41,081
 23.0
 38,789
 23.6
Personal care10,905
 6.1
 8,519
 5.2
Weight management13,011
 7.3
 13,759
 8.4
Total Consolidated$178,608
 100.0% $164,442
 100.0%


Distribution and Marketing
 
The Company’sOur independent distributors, also known as Managers and Distributors, market itsour products to customers through direct selling techniques and sponsor other independent distributors who also market the Company'sour products to customers. The Company seeksWe seek to motivate and provide incentives to itsour independent distributors by offering high quality products and providing its independent distributors with product support, training seminars, sales conventions, travel programs and financial incentives.

The Company’sOur products sold in the United States are shipped directly from itsour manufacturing and warehouse facilities located in Spanish Fork, Utah, as well as from itsour regional warehouses located in Georgia, Ohio and Texas. Many of the Company'sour international operations maintain warehouse facilities withand inventory to supply their independent distributorsManagers, Distributors and customers. However, in foreign markets where the Company doeswe do not maintain warehouse facilities, it haswe have contracted with third-parties to distribute itsour products and provide support services to itsour independent sales force of independent distributors.Managers and Distributors.

As of June 30, 2018, the Company2019, we had approximately 217,200 "active232,000 active independent Distributors and customers"customers (as defined below). A person who joins the Company’sour independent sales force begins as an independent distributor. Many independent distributors sell the Company’sour products on a part-time basis to friends or associates or use the products themselves. An independent distributor may earn Manager status by attaining certain product sales levels. As of June 30, 2018, the Company2019, we had approximately 13,100 "active12,900 active independent Managers"Managers (as defined below) worldwide. In many of the Company'sour markets, itsour independent Managers and Distributors are primarily retailers of the Company'sour products, including practitioners, proprietors of retail stores and other health and wellness specialists.

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

Other than in its NSP China segment, the Company paysWe pay sales commissions, or “volume incentives” to itsour independent Managers and Distributors based upon their own product sales and the amountproduct sales of their sales group product purchases.organization. As an exception, in NSP China, we do not pay volume incentives; rather, we pay independent service fees, which are included in selling, general and administrative expense. These volume incentives are recorded as an expense in the year earned. The amounts of volume incentives that the Companywe expensed during the quarters ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, are set forth in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this report. In addition to the opportunity to receive volume incentives, independent Managers who attain certain levels of monthly

product sales are eligible for additional incentive programs including automobile allowances, sales convention privileges and travel awards. In China, the Company sells its product through independent service providers, who the Company compensates for marketing, sales support and other services. Such expenses are accounted for as selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
Distributor Information
 
The Company'sOur revenue is highly dependent upon the number and productivity of itsour independent Managers and Distributors. Growth in sales volume requires an increase in the productivity and/or growth in the total number of independent Managers and Distributors.

Within the Company, there are a number of different distributor compensation plans and qualifications, which generate active independent Managers and Distributors with different sales values in theour different business segments. Within Synergy WorldWide, the sales qualifications required for active independent Managers and Distributors varies by market according to local economic factors. As sales grow in markets with higher qualification values, and decline in those with lower qualification values, the resultant mix change influences the active counts for independent ManagerManagers and Distributor counts.Distributors. As a result, from time-to-time, changes in overall active counts for independent ManagerManagers and Distributor countsDistributors may not be indicative of actual sales trends for the segment.

In China, the Company doeswe do not sell itsour products through Managers and Distributors, but rather through independent service providers who are compensated for marketing, sales support, and other services.

The following table provides information concerning the number of total independent Managers, Distributors and customers by segment, as of the dates indicated:
 

Total Managers, Distributors and Customers by Segment as of June 30,
 
 2018 2017
 Distributors
& Customers
 Managers Distributors
& Customers
 Managers
NSP Americas225,000
 5,800
 253,300
 6,400
NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe143,400
 3,100
 138,700
 2,700
Synergy WorldWide129,600
 4,200
 111,100
 4,100
 498,000
 13,100
 503,100
 13,200
 2019 2018
 Distributors
& Customers
 Managers Distributors
& Customers
 Managers
Asia87,500
 3,000
 95,100
 3,200
Europe174,800
 4,000
 164,700
 3,700
North America162,800
 4,700
 172,800
 5,000
Latin America and Other64,100
 1,200
 65,400
 1,200
 489,200
 12,900
 498,000
 13,100
 
“Total Managers” includes independent Managers under the Company'sour various compensation plans that have achieved and maintained specified and personal groups sale volumes as of the date indicated. To maintain Manager status, an individual must continue to meet certain product sales volume levels. As such, all Managers are considered to be “Active Managers”.
 
“Total Distributors and customers” includes the Company'sour independent Distributors and customers who have purchased products directly from the Company for resale and/or personal consumption during the previous twelve months ended as of the date indicated. This includes independent Manager, Distributor and customer accounts that may have become inactive since such respective dates.
 

The following table provides information concerning the number of active Distributors and customers by segment, as of the dates indicated:
 
Active Distributors and Customers by Segment as of June 30,
 
 2018 2017
 Distributors
& Customers
 Managers Distributors
& Customers
 Managers
NSP Americas101,700
 5,800
 105,500
 6,400
NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe65,500
 3,100
 60,000
 2,700
Synergy WorldWide50,000
 4,200
 49,000
 4,100
 217,200
 13,100
 214,500
 13,200
 2019 2018
 Distributors
& Customers
 Managers Distributors
& Customers
 Managers
Asia38,300
 3,000
 35,800
 3,200
Europe85,200
 4,000
 74,600
 3,700
North America78,400
 4,700
 78,200
 5,000
Latin America and Other30,100
 1,200
 28,600
 1,200
 232,000
 12,900
 217,200
 13,100
 
“Active Distributors and customers” includes the Company'sinclude our independent Distributors and customers who have purchased products directly from the Company for resale and/or personal consumption during the previous three months ended as of the date indicated.
 
The following tables providetable provides information concerning the number of new independent Managers, Distributors and customers by segment, for the periods indicated:
 
New Managers, Distributors and Customers by Segment for the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 2018 2017
 New Distributors
& Customers
 New Managers New Distributors
& Customers
 New Managers
NSP Americas19,700
 700
 19,200
 500
NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe13,000
 200
 11,100
 200
Synergy WorldWide17,500
 1,100
 15,900
 600
 50,200
 2,000
 46,200
 1,300
 2019 2018
 New Distributors
& Customers
 New Managers New Distributors
& Customers
 New Managers
Asia16,400
 700
 15,000
 1,100
Europe17,500
 300
 14,500
 200
North America17,200
 400
 14,700
 400
Latin America and Other7,900
 100
 6,000
 100
 59,000
 1,500
 50,200
 1,800
 
“New Managers” includes independent Managers under the Company'sour various compensation plans that first achieved the rank of Manager during the previous three months ended as of the date indicated.


“New Distributors and Customers” include the Company'sour independent Distributors and customers who have made their initial product purchase directly from the Company for resale and/or personal consumption during the previous three months ended as of the date indicated.
 
The following tables providetable provides information concerning the number of new Managers, Distributors and customers by segment, for the periods indicated:
 
New Managers, Distributors and Customers by Segment for the TwelveSix Months Ended June 30,
 
 2018 2017
 New Distributors
& Customers
 New Managers New Distributors
& Customers
 New Managers
NSP Americas78,600
 2,000
 103,100
 2,400
NSP Russia, Central and Eastern Europe40,100
 800
 46,800
 600
Synergy WorldWide69,500
 3,400
 63,000
 3,000
 188,200
 6,200
 212,900
 6,000
 2019 2018
 New Distributors
& Customers
 New Managers New Distributors
& Customers
 New Managers
Asia61,600
 2,600
 57,300
 3,100
Europe69,200
 1,200
 47,400
 1,000
North America63,500
 1,600
 61,100
 1,600
Latin America and Other27,700
 500
 22,400
 400
 222,000
 5,900
 188,200
 6,100
 

“New Managers” includes independent Managers under the Company'sour various compensation plans that first achieved the rank of Manager during the previous twelve months ended as of the date indicated.
 
“New Distributors and Customers” include the Company'sour independent Distributors and customers who have made their initial product purchase directly from the Company for resale and/or personal consumption during the previous twelve months ended as of the date indicated.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
The Company'sOur principal use of cash is to pay for operating expenses, including volume incentives, inventory and raw material purchases, capital assets and funding of international expansion. As of June 30, 2018,2019, working capital was $46.6$42.0 million, compared to $48.9$40.1 million as of December 31, 2017.2018.  At June 30, 2018, the Company2019, we had $46.9$46.3 million in cash, of which $15.7$7.8 million was held in the U.S. and $31.2$38.5 million was held in foreign markets and may be subject to various withholding taxes and other restrictions related to repatriation before becoming available to be used along with the normal cash flows from operations to fund any unanticipated shortfalls in future cash flows.
 
The Company'sOur net consolidated cash inflows (outflows) are as follows (in thousands):
 
Six Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 20172019 2018
Operating activities$9,437
 $(684)$(1,144) $9,437
Investing activities(113) (836)(2,774) (113)
Financing activities(5,526) (259)(193) (5,526)
 
Operating Activities
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, operating activities providedused cash in the amount of $9.4$1.1 million, compared to using $0.7providing $9.4 million in the same period in 2017.2018. Operating cash flows increaseddecreased primarily due to the timing of payments for inventory,inventories, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, lease liabilities, income taxes payable and receipts in accounts receivable, partially offset by the timing of payments for accrued volume incentives and service fees, other assets, deferred compensation payable and changes in deferred revenue.

Investing Activities
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, investing activities used $0.1$2.8 million, compared to $0.8using $0.1 million for the same period in 2017.2018. Capital expenditures related to the purchase of equipment, computer systems and software for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, were $2.7$2.8 million and $3.1$2.7 million, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Companywe had proceeds of $2.6 million relating to the sale of an office building in one of itsour foreign markets.

Financing Activities
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, financing activities used $5.5$0.2 million in cash, compared to $0.3$5.5 million in cash used for the same period in 2017.2018. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, we had $0 net borrowings due to improvements in our overall cash position compared to the same period in 2018. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company used cash to pay dividends in the aggregate amount2018, we made principal payments of $1.9$6.0 million. The increase in cash paid for financing activities during 2018 was the result of paying down the outstanding balance under the credit facility partially offset by a decrease that was the result of Board of Directors' first-quarter of 2017 election to suspend the payment of quarterly dividends.
  
On July 11, 2017, the Companywe entered into a revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., with a borrowing limit of $25.0 million, that matures on July 11, 2020 (the “Credit Agreement”). The Company paysWe pay interest on any borrowings under the Credit Agreement at LIBOR plus 1.25 percent (3.34(3.65 percent and 2.823.73 percent as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017)2018), and an annual commitment fee of 0.2 percent on the unused portion of the commitment. The Company isWe are required to settle itsour net borrowings under the Credit Agreement only upon maturity, and as a result, hashave classified itsour outstanding borrowings as non-current on itsour condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2018.2019. At June 30, 2018, the2019, there was no outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was $7.2 million.Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary financial covenants, including financial covenants relating to the Company’sour solvency, leverage, and minimum EBITDA. In addition, the Credit Agreement restricts certain capital expenditures, lease expenditures, other indebtedness, liens on assets, guarantees, loans and advances, dividends, and merger, consolidation and the transfer of assets except as permitted in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement is collateralized by the Company'sour manufacturing facility,

accounts receivable balance, inventory balance and other assets. Effective June 30, 2018, the Company and Bank of America amended the Credit Agreement to modify certain financial covenants. As of June 30, 2018, the Company was2019, we were in compliance with the debt covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement.

The Company believesWe believe that cash generated from operations, along with available cash and cash equivalents, will be sufficient to fund itsour normal operating needs;needs, including capital expenditures.expenditures, on both a short- and long-term basis. However, among other things, a prolonged economic downturn, a decrease ofin demand for the Company'sour products, an unfavorable settlement of itsour unrecognized tax positions or non-income tax contingencies could adversely affect the Company'sour long-term liquidity.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company hasWe have no off-balance sheet arrangements other than operating leases. The Company does not believe that these operating leases are material to its current or future financial position, results of operations, revenues or expenses, cash flows, capital expenditures or capital resources.arrangements.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
 
The Company's unauditedOur consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and form the basis for the following discussion and analysis on critical accounting policies and estimates. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Companyus to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On a regular basis, the Company evaluates itswe evaluate our estimates and assumptions. It bases itsWe base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates and those differences could have a material effect on the Company'sour financial position and results of operations. Management hasWe have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Board of Directors and itsour Audit Committee.

A summary of the Company'sour significant accounting policies is provided in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company believes2018. We believe the critical accounting policies and estimates described below reflect theour more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of itsthe consolidated financial statements. The impact and any associated risks on itsour business that are related to these policies are also discussed throughout this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” where such policies affect reported and expected financial results.
 

Revenue Recognition
 
The Company'sOur revenue recognition practices are discussed in Note 13, "RevenueRevenue Recognition," to its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, Part 1 of this report.
 
Accounts Receivable Allowances
 
Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future. This estimated allowance is based primarily on the aging category, historical trends and management’s evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. This reserve is adjusted periodically as information about specific accounts becomes available.
 
Inventories
 
Inventories are stated at the lower-of-cost-or-market,adjusted to lower of cost and net realizable value, using the first-in, first-out method. The components of inventory cost include raw materials, labor and overhead. To estimate any necessary obsolescence or lower-of-cost-or-market adjustments, various assumptions are made in regard to excess or slow-moving inventories, non-conforming inventories, expiration dates, current and future product demand, production planning and market conditions. If future demand and market conditions are less favorable than our assumptions, additional inventory adjustments could be required.

Self-Insurance Liabilities
 
The Company self-insuresWe self-insure for certain employee medical benefits. The recorded liabilities for self-insured risks are calculated using actuarial methods and are not discounted. The liabilities include amounts for actual claims and claims incurred but not reported. Actual experience, including claim frequency and severity as well as health care inflation, could result in actual liabilities being more or less than the amounts currently recorded. The Company hasWe have secured commercial insurance for product liability related claims.


Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Estimated useful lives for buildings range from 20 to 50 years; building improvements range from 7 to 10 years; machinery and equipment range from 2 to 10 years; computer software and hardware range from 3 to 10 years; and furniture and fixtures range from 2 to 5 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and major improvements are capitalized.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
The Company reviews itsWe review our long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. It may use an estimate of future undiscounted net cash flows of the related assets or groups of assets over their remaining lives in measuring whether the assets are recoverable. An impairment loss is calculated by determining the difference between the carrying values and the fair values of these assets.

Incentive Trip Accrual
 
The Company accruesWe accrue for expenses associated with itsour direct sales program, which rewards independent Managers and Distributors with paid attendance for incentive trips, including Companyour conventions and meetings. Expenses associated with incentive trips are accrued over qualification periods as they are earned. ItWe specifically analyzesanalyze incentive trip accruals based on historical and current sales trends as well as contractual obligations when evaluating the adequacy of the incentive trip accrual. Actual results could generate liabilities more or less than the amounts recorded.
  
Contingencies
 
The Company isWe are involved in certain legal proceedings. When a loss is considered probable in connection with litigation or non-income tax contingencies and when such loss can be reasonably estimated withinwith a range, it records itswe record our best estimate within the range related to the contingency. If there is no best estimate, it recordswe record the minimum of the range. As additional information becomes available, the Company assesseswe assess the potential liability related to the contingency and revisesrevise the estimates. Revision in estimates of the potential liabilities could materially affect the Company'sour results of operations in the

period of adjustment. The Company'sOur contingencies are discussed in further detail in Note 9,10, “Commitments and Contingencies”, to itsthe Notes of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, of Item 1, Part 1 of this report.
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company’s incomeIncome tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and contingent reserves reflect management’s best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. It isWe are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the Company’sour consolidated income tax expense.

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. In evaluating the Company’sour ability to recover its deferred tax assets, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In projecting future taxable income, the Company developswe develop assumptions including the amount of future state, federal and foreign pretax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income, and are consistent with the plans and estimates that the Company iswe are using to manage the underlying businesses. Valuation allowances are recorded as reserves against net deferred tax assets by the Companyus when it is determined that net deferred tax assets are not likely to be realized in the foreseeable future.

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

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


Share-Based Compensation
 
The Company recognizesWe recognize all share-based payments to the Board of Directors and employees, including grants of stock options and restricted stock units, to be recognized in the statement of operations based on their grant-date fair values. It recordsWe record compensation expense over the vesting period of the stock options based on the fair value of the stock options on the date of grant.

Item 3           QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
The Company conductsWe conduct business in several countries and intends to continueintend to grow itsour international operations. Net sales, operating income and net income are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and other uncertainties inherent in doing business and selling product in more than one currency. In addition, itsour operations are exposed to risks associated with changes in social, political and economic conditions inherent in international operations, including changes in the laws and policies that govern international investment in countries where it haswe have operations, as well as, to a lesser extent, changes in U.S. laws and regulations relating to international trade and investment. For further information, see Part II, Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
 
Foreign Currency Risk
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, approximately 61.8 percent of the Company's net sales and approximately 56.5 percent of its operating expenses were realized outside of the United States. Inventory purchases are transacted primarily in U.S. dollars from vendors located in the United States. The local currency of each international subsidiary is generally the functional currency. The Company conducts business in multiple currencies with exchange rates that are not on a one-to-one relationship with the U.S. dollar. All revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the periods reported. Therefore, the Company's operating results will be positively or negatively affected by a weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to another fluctuating currency. Given the uncertainty and diversity of exchange rate fluctuations, the Company cannot estimate the effect of these fluctuations on its future business, product pricing, results of operations or financial condition, but it has provided consolidated sensitivity analyses below of functional currency/reporting currency exchange rate risks. Changes in various currency exchange rates affect the relative prices at which it sells its products. The Company regularly monitors its foreign currency risks and periodically takes measures to reduce the risk of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on its operating results. The Company does not use derivative instruments for hedging, trading or speculating on foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Additional discussion of the impact on the effect of currency fluctuations has been

included in "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in Part I, Item 2 of this report.

The following table sets forth a composite sensitivity analysis of the Company’s net sales, costs and expenses, and operating income (loss) in connection with the strengthening of the U.S. dollar (its reporting currency) by 10%, 15%, and 25% against every other fluctuating functional currency in which it conducts business. The Company notes that its individual net sales, cost and expense components and its operating income were equally sensitive to increases in the strength of the U.S. dollar against every other fluctuating currency in which it conducts business.
Exchange rate sensitivity for the three months ended June 30, 2018 (dollar amounts in thousands) is as follows:
   With Strengthening of U.S. Dollar by:
   10% 15% 25%
   ($) (%) ($) (%) ($) (%)
Net sales$91,266
 $(4,331) (4.7)% $(6,215) (6.8)% $(9,530) (10.4)%
              
Cost and expenses 
  
  
  
  
  
  
Cost of sales24,278
 (1,225) (5.0) (1,757) (7.2) (2,695) (11.1)
Volume incentives31,492
 (1,665) (5.3) (2,388) (7.6) (3,663) (11.6)
Selling, general and administrative33,310
 (769) (2.3) (1,105) (3.3) (1,693) (5.1)
              
Operating income$2,186
 $(672) (30.7)% $(965) (44.1)% $(1,479) (67.7)%

Exchange rate sensitivity for the six months ended June 30, 2018 (dollar amounts in thousands) is as follows:
   With Strengthening of U.S. Dollar by:
   10% 15% 25%
   ($) (%) ($) (%) ($) (%)
Net sales$178,608
 $(8,097) (4.5)% $(11,618) (6.5)% $(17,814) (10.0)%
              
Cost and expenses 
  
  
  
  
  
  
Cost of sales46,991
 (2,372) (5.0) (3,403) (7.2) (5,218) (11.1)
Volume incentives62,854
 (3,162) (5.0) (4,537) (7.2) (6,957) (11.1)
Selling, general and administrative65,696
 (1,746) (2.7) (2,506) (3.8) (3,842) (5.8)
              
Operating income$3,067
 $(817) (26.6)% $(1,172) (38.2)% $(1,797) (58.6)%

 Certain of the Company’s operations, including its operations in Russia and Ukraine, are served by a U.S. subsidiary through third-party entities, for which all business is conducted in U.S. dollars. Although changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Russian ruble or the Ukrainian hryvnia do not result in currency fluctuations within its financial statements, a weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to these other currencies can significantly affect the prices of its products and the purchasing power of its independent Managers, Distributors and customers within these markets.

The following table sets forth a composite sensitivity analysis of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities by those balance sheet line items that are subject to exchange rate risk, together with the total gain or loss from the strengthening of the U.S. dollar in relation to its various fluctuating functional currencies. The sensitivity of its financial assets and liabilities, taken by balance sheet line items, is somewhat less than the sensitivity of its operating income to increases in the strength of the U.S. dollar in relation to other fluctuating currencies in which it conducts business.

Exchange rate sensitivity of the Balance Sheet financial instruments as of June 30, 2018 (dollar amounts in thousands) is as follows:
   With Strengthening of U.S. Dollar by:
   10% 15% 25%
   ($) (%) ($) (%) ($) (%)
Financial Instruments Included in Current Assets Subject to Exchange Rate Risk 
  
  
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$46,898
 $(3,222) (6.9)% $(4,622) (9.9)% $(7,087) (15.1)%
Accounts receivable, net8,158
 (387) (4.7) (555) (6.8) (850) (10.4)
              
Financial Instruments Included in Current Liabilities Subject to Exchange Rate Risk 
  
  
  
  
  
  
Accounts payable4,224
 (82) (1.9) (118) (2.8) (181) (4.3)
              
Net Financial Instruments Subject to Exchange Rate Risk$50,832
 $(3,527) (6.9)% $(5,059) (10.0)% $(7,756) (15.3)%
The following table sets forth the local currencies other than the U.S. dollar in which the Company’s assets that are subject to exchange rate risk were denominated as of June 30, 2018, and exceeded $1.0 million upon translation into U.S. dollars. None of its liabilities that are denominated in a local currency other than the U.S. dollar and that are subject to exchange rate risk exceeded $1.0 million upon translation into U.S. dollars. The Company uses the spot exchange rate for translating balance sheet items from local currencies into its reporting currency. The respective spot exchange rate for each such local currency meeting the foregoing thresholds is provided in the table as well.
Translation of Balance Sheet Amounts Denominated in Local Currency as of June 30, 2018 (dollar amounts in thousands) is as follows:
  Translated into U.S.
Dollars
 At Spot Exchange Rate
per One U.S. Dollar as
of June 30, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents  
  
South Korea (Won) $11,425
 1,114.6
European Markets (Euro) 3,723
 0.9
Japan (Yen) 3,039
 110.7
Hong Kong (Dollar) 2,956
 7.8
China (Yuan Renminbi) 2,730
 6.6
Malaysia (Ringgit) 1,776
 4.0
Poland (Zloty) 1,492
 3.7
Canada (Dollar) 1,290
 1.3
Guatemala (Quetzal) 1,015
 7.5
Other 592
 Varies
Total foreign denominated cash and cash equivalents 30,038
  
U.S. dollars held by foreign subsidiaries 1,134
  
Total cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries $31,172
  
Finally, the following table sets forth the annual weighted average of fluctuating currency exchange rates of each of the local currencies per one U.S. dollar for each of the local currencies in which annualized net sales would exceed $10.0 million during any of the two periods presented. The Company uses the annual average exchange rate for translating items from the statement of operations from local currencies into the Company’s reporting currency.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 2017
Canada (Dollar) 1.3
 1.3
China (Yuan Renminbi) 6.4
 6.6
European Markets (Euro) 0.8
 0.9
Japan (Yen) 108.7
 108.3
South Korea (Won) 1,075.5
 1,162.6
The local currency of the foreign subsidiaries is used as the functional currency, except for subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies or where the Company’s operations are served by a U.S. based subsidiary (for example, Russia and Ukraine). The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at year-end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during each year for the results of operations. Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other income (expense) in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

The functional currency in highly inflationary economies is the U.S. dollar and transactions denominated in the local currency are re-measured as if the functional currency were the U.S. dollar. The re-measurement of local currencies into U.S. dollars creates translation adjustments, which are included in the consolidated statements of operations. A country is considered to have a highly inflationary economy if it has a cumulative inflation rate of approximately 100 percent or more over a three-year period as well as other qualitative factors including historical inflation rate trends (increasing and decreasing), the capital intensiveness of the operation and other pertinent economic factors. As of June 30, 2018, the Company did not operate in any markets considered to have highly inflationary economies.

Item 4.        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company’sOur disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in rules and forms adopted by the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The Company’sOur management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’sour disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2018.2019. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that itsour disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2018,2019, at the reasonable assurance level.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There were no other changes in the Company’sour internal controlcontrols over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended June 30, 2018,2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’sour internal control over financial reporting.


PART II OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.                    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
None.
 
Item 1A.           RISK FACTORS
 
The following description of risk factors includes any material changesIn addition to and, if applicable, supersedes the description of, risk factors associated withinformation set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the Company's business previously disclosed in “Part I. Item 1A - Riskrisks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company'sour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017,2018, which could have a material adverse effect on our business or consolidated financial statements, results of operations, and shouldcash flows. Additional risks not currently known, or risks that are currently believed to be read in conjunction with the detailed discussion of risks associated with the Company'snot material, may also impair business in its recent SEC filings, including theoperations. There have been no material changes to our risk factors discussed in “Part I. Item 1A - Risk Factors” insince the Company'sfiling of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Risks related to actions on trade by the U.S. and foreign governments could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

In 2018, there has been increasing rhetoric, in some cases coupled with legislative or executive action, from several U.S. and foreign leaders regarding the possibility of instituting tariffs against foreign imports of certain materials. U.S. and foreign leaders have also indicated an intent to renegotiate, modify or terminate international trade agreements or policies with foreign countries. It remains unclear what U.S. or foreign governments will or will not do with respect to tariffs, international trade agreements and policies. A trade war or other governmental action related to tariffs, international trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for the Company's products, the Company's costs, customers, suppliers and/or the U.S. and global economy or certain sectors thereof and, thus, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.2018.

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

Not applicable.
 
Item 5.                    OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.

Item 6.                    EXHIBITS
 
a)            Index to Exhibits
 
Item No. Exhibit
3.1(1) 
3.2(2) 
31.1(3) 
31.2(3) 
32.1(3) 
32.2(3) 
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document


(1)Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company'sCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 14, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.
(2)Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company'sCompany’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 1, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference.
(3)Filed currently herewith.


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
Nature's
Natures Sunshine Products, Inc.
   
Date:August 8, 20182019/s/ Gregory L. ProbertTerrence O. Moorehead
  Gregory L. Probert,Terrence O. Moorehead,
  President and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
   
   
Date:August 8, 20182019/s/ Joseph W. Baty
  Joseph W. Baty,
  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


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